Good Morning . . . We have it all today! Love, Groundhogs, and Memories, on this first day of February. But first off I need to tell you about our new favorite TV series, the Detectorists. Have you seen it? It’s a comedy about the little things in life and the extremely eccentric members of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club as they search for ancient treasure in the English countryside. What’s not to love? You can see it on Amazon or Acorn. So funny! Rachel told me about it, and she was right. It’s adorable. I’ve fallen in love with the theme MUSICA. The lead players remind me of the guys in the Full Monty, only they keep their clothes on. Watch if you can! Let me know what you think!
Okay, get something hot to drink, grab a Kleenex (just in case you cry) and come back. I’m about to jump around, subject-wise!
Hello! ‘Tis Moi! Rabbit Rabbit! 
Happy February! So much to tell you! Starting with Groundhog Day because it’s happening TOMORROW! 
Treat yourself to a cozy evening and this delicious comfort-food winter dinner . . . 
If you click on the link, you’ll see I wrote that the recipe for Onion “Punxsutawney” Pudding “wasn’t in a cookbook yet” ~ at that time it wasn’t, but it is now! If you have the 30th Anniversary of Heart of the Home, it’s on page 76. The Pineapple Spareribs are on p. 105.❤️ (Ooops, just noticed I left the 2 cups of pineapple juice out of the recipe above!😜 It’s in the book though!) This dinner does double duty ~ it’s perfect for Groundhog Day; light a few candles and it’s a romantic Valentine Dinner. I am hoping Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow tomorrow! Although, I’m enjoying this lovely quiet winter now that I’m finally over that flu or whatever it was that attacked us in January!
I’ve been painting like crazy. Back to my normal ways of up early, dialing up the heat, filling my water dish, getting my tea, feeding Jack, turning on lamps as I walk through the house to the studio, quiet, just me and my kitty. Joe’s asleep and wants nothing to do with us! I’ve been painting for the 2021 calendars. I laugh because I signed the contract to do the 2021 calendars in 2019, they will arrive at our studio in 2020. This is why I never know what year it is!
I don’t know what I’m going to do with this, maybe put him in a calendar, but I decided I couldn’t live any longer without a Jack finger puppet, so I painted him. That was a few hours of joy!
He ignores me. Although he just walked across my lap to curl up here . . .
. . . in my open desk drawer. Next life I’m coming back as one of my cats.
Hope you’re enjoying your calendars this year! For all of you with the English Countryside Calendar on your wall, I thought you might like to see February in the 12 x 12 wall calendar ⬆️!
And for you with the Wall Calendar, here’s February in the English Countryside! Don’t want you to miss anything! Hooray for February!
No matter which calendar, time-wise, they have everything in common! At the end of the month, we’re getting something we’re always wishing for, MORE TIME …it’s Leap Year! Make a plan for the 29th because you won’t see it again until 2024! If you haven’t seen the the movie, Leap Year , this would be an excellent time to do so. Such a fun movie, filmed all over Ireland, Amy Adams and Mathew Goode (Mary’s husband), put it on your calendar, you’ll love it.
Mas MUSICA? . . . Speaking of putting things on your calendar . . . I promised to tell you about
the Mother’s Day Tea/Twine booksigning events in Duxbury, Massachussets as soon as the dates were firm ~ And they are! It’s going to be amazing. Picture a room filled with spring flowers, teapots and garden clippings, with grandmothers, mothers, daughters and sisters (Husbands, grandfathers, dads, and brothers are welcome too!), a room filled with friendship, community, connection, books, hats, 
England, joy, kindred spirits, and a catered meal (they’re making recipes from my books!) that has both a Julia Child, AND a Prince Harry and Meghan connection ~ all in celebration of Mother’s Day!!! YES! YES! YES! We want everyone who would like to come, to join us … so we decided to do not one, but two events to make sure everyone gets a ticket.
The first event will be a catered “Light Supper with Wine” (Twine!) on Wednesday, May 6, from 4 to 7 pm. The next day, on Thursday, 
May 7, from 1 to 3 pm, we’re having “An English Lunch with Tea.” For both events, I’ll be doing a presentation ~ I’m thrilled to be doing a show and tell with my favorite photos of the English Countryside, a little bit about history, maybe a dab of ancestry, and every wonderful thing I can think of about Beatrix Potter, including our Picnic at Castle Cottage. On top of that, each guest will receive 
their very own copy of the first chapter of ENCHANTED, my new book-in-progress! Andrea, the person in charge of this event, has many other little surprises, but they’re a secret . . . she’s as excited as I am. So, what’s on your calendar for May??? Registration begins 8 am, March 24th … online at www.duxburyseniorcenter.org ~ they’ve put nothing on their website yet, it’s too early. Put “Tickets!” on your calendar for March 24th so you don’t forget! Bring your mom, your sister, your best friend, and come! New England is beautiful in May!
This is where we’ll meet, at 10 Mayflower Street in the charming New England seaside town of Duxbury (settled in 1632), just up the coast from historic Plymouth (where the Mayflower landed), and about 45 minutes south of Boston.
So how about a few more reasons to love February ~ the month that celebrates LOVE! … But, first some flowers, and then a story, and then a surprise.
Joe stopped at the florist on his way home yesterday and brought us this big breath of fresh air. Aren’t they the cheeriest?
You know I’ve always said that Valentine’s Day is for women, because it’s US who’re crazy about it, the idea of it, the romance of it, the hearts, lace, chocolates, musica. But there’s all kinds of Valentine love isn’t there? And for so many of us, best friends, moms and sisters are the best Valentine’s we could ever hope for. We should make sure all of our beloveds gets a Valentine. A card is enough, via snail mail, in a real envelope with a real stamp!💖
We’re lucky, we found so many kindred spirits when we found each other! From EVERYWHERE: the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, England, Wales, Canada, France, and Spain, 
to Texas, Georgia, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Washington, Tennessee, Ohio, California, Minnesota, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kansas ~ from sea to shining sea and across this beautiful world that gets smaller every day. And we found everything in common, kindness, tolerance, acceptance, home, family, petty-pets, cooking, sewing, beauty, England, tea, memories, china dishes, little vases, creativity, table settings, books, yard sales, movies, quilts, the moon, sunrises, and sunsets, to name a few.
We’ve been through all seasons, we’ve fed chickens, celebrated first snows, first daffodils, 4th of July, and fireflies. We’ve gone back to school, and sent our thanks and encouragement to our teacher and nurse girlfriends. We’ve branched out to Twitter, Facebook, and 
Instagram ~ to bookstores, picnics, and even ocean liners … where we’ve connected with even more kindred spirits. We’ve shared our laughter, our parents, our children, our holidays, and our travels, our joys, our silliness, and yes, our losses. Every so often our hearts break when we lose someone; we do it together, say goodbye to a pet, a husband, a dad, a sister, a child, a best friend. But that’s what life is, it’s sunshine and shadow, it’s connection, it’s EVERYTHING, and that’s what we are, Everything. Which brings me to a sweet memory and a kind of miracle. Three years ago, just yesterday, we lost our Girlfriend Karen Peterson. Many of you remember her, those of us that met her saw the lovelight in her eyes. She is gone, but her sweetness is remembered, and she left a legacy of love. Read on, you’ll see.
Got your Kleenex? This is me with Karen. Yesterday our Girlfriend Doreen left a letter in the comment section of the blog. I knew this story would resonate and asked if I could share it with you and she said yes ~ so here we go, to you and me, from Doreen:
Hi Susan, I have a little story I think might bring a smile to your face and a warmness within your heart.
Many years ago….I came to your blog and met some of the nicest women. One of the was Karen Peterson. I’m not sure if you remember her but Rosie had 
you autograph a napkin for her and so did Joe during one of your book signings. Well anyway… Karen and I became good friends after meeting here on your blog. We’d chat on the phone, send messages by snail mail, buy little gifts for each other and became such good friends.
If you remember me, you will remember my husband was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor back five years ago.( I shared that on your blog). Karen would get up in the middle of the night and check on me online. (Richard was unable to sleep because of the steroids he was on) . She’d bake 
cookies and mail them to him. (which he loved) Then when he passed, Karen was always just a phone call away. She’d cry with me and provided me with such loving emotional support.
Well, about eight months later, Karen herself was diagnosed with the exact same thing. She passed three years ago today. Karen would share with her husband Gregory that if he need any emotional support or had questions, to call me. Gregory knew who I was because of Karen telling him what was going on. I’d call and talk to Karen while she was on her cancer journey. Gregory would call every so often just to talk, share his grief and we’d cry and share memories together.💔 We did this for several years until around 8 months ago when we started talking more often to each other. Then one day he said something and it caught me by surprise. I said, “Greg…are you flirting with me?” He responded with “Yes…I think I am!” and that is when it all started happening. We are now currently engaged to be married. He proposed to me on Jan. 21st. of this year. We are looking forward to marrying in the near future.
So…needless to say…we have both found happiness again. Something both of 
us thought we’d never find. Especially because I live in Florida
and he lives in Wisconsin!!!! This, my friend, is all because of your blog! If I hadn’t met Karen here…Greg and I wouldn’t have ever met each other. It goes to prove…becoming friends and maintaining that friendship has really nothing to do with physically meeting… it has to do with the connections of hearts… the hearts of kindred spirits. I look forward to continuing my loving friendships with the others I’ve met here like Rosie, Georgie, and Cynthia to name a few. Our ability to share in the joy of finding happiness because of this blog has not gone unnoticed. We’ve formed 
friendships that will last as long as our earthly journeys do. I would share with you the picture of the napkin you and Joe signed for Karen, but I don’t think this page will allow me to upload it. It’s in a frame hanging in the bedroom. It’s a reminder to me how so many different women found and share a wonderful friendship….all because our kindred spirits met here…beginning with you! You tie to altogether for us. One beautiful sisterhood! EMC! ~ Doreen ~
Wasn’t that beautiful? It’s all of us together, really. I’m so happy for them, for Doreen and Greg, and for the memories of Karen and Richard. Somehow I think Karen pulled this whole thing together. Unbelievable, Florida and Wisconsin! You just never know what life has in store for you.💞 
And so, before I go, before the surprise, I have a few little Valentines I thought you might like . . . little things to help make someone’s day.💖
This is Joe’s Valentine breakfast ~ waffles! Kids love them too! We have heart-shaped waffle makers that use no electricity, cook on a burner, and work like a charm ~ they come complete with my waffle recipe and make you look like magic!
For you, a Valentine bookmark to keep or tuck in with your Valentine cards… click HERE, print on card stock, and laminate if you like.
And back, by popular demand, Secret Notes!!! A little box of 32 love notes to put into pockets, backpacks, purses, and gift bags!
And Banners!!! Janie made us lots of darling banners . . . 
And, here’s the SURPRISE . . . my Valentine’s Gift to you . . . a giveaway . . .
. . . two of my favorite cups, good for Valentines, but good for year round! Just leave a message in the comment section and you’ll be entered . . . in a few days we’ll have a drawing and off they will go to the lucky winner!❤️ You will be happy no matter if you’re left-handed or . . .
. . . right-handed . . . big, 16 oz, thin-lipped, fine bone china, limited-edition cups made in luv-lee England.
And this reminder, from me to you with love. Take a deep breath and remember, if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. We need you. xoxox
Heigh-ho heigh-ho, it’s back to work I go . . . don’t forget to leave a word or two if you’d like a chance to win those cups! Look right there ⬇️ for a tiny number and the word “comments” … click there and leave a message. Have fun Girlfriends, Happy February! ❌⭕️
Such a lovely story from Doreen. It reminds me of a recent note from a young woman on FB: Women often refer to their “circle of friends,” but wouldn’t it be even better to make that circle into a horseshoe, open to receiving new and unexpected friends.
Here’s hoping I receive the lovely cups. Happy Valentine’s Day to all and especially to you, Susan.
Happy Valentine Time❣️♥️💌❌⭕️ Such a luvly long blog🥰 Thank you💋
Susan, you always brighten my day. No matter what might be going on your blogs bring a smile to my face. Thank you for all that you do for so many of us! You are a shining star!!!!
Susan, the letter from Doreen was so heartwarming…love does have a way of finding the people that need it the most. So happy for her that she has found love again. My friend and I will be up all night the night before we can register for your visit. Very excited. Hope we’ll be seeing you in May. Angela
Thank you Susan; your blogs always leave me with a smile 😊
What a beautiful story, I wonder if there is another romance up in Heaven too…ya never know ! I am enjoying your colour theme posts, I cannot wait for Green !! Have a lovely February whatever year you think it is !! XX
😂
Great blog as always Susan
Another wonderful blog to brighten my day and get February off to a beautiful start. Happiness and blessings to Doreen and Greg! Such a sweet love story for Valentines Day!
Thanks Susan!
Hi Susan, Another beautiful blog! Happy February (a couple of days late). We have a dear friend and her birthday was February 1st! 🙂 I hope you enjoyed the sunshine today since it’s supposed to be cloudy and rainy for the next few days. But the groundhog says we’re getting an early Spring! Have a great week and be well and be happy! Regards to Joe and Jack. Love, Karen xoxo
Thank you so much for sharing such LOVE with all of us. You are amazing!!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you & Joe, and sweet Jack. (Would have been Dad’s 85th birthday. Miss him everyday, but especially 2/14.)
I’ll have to try to make the ribs for my rib-loving hubby. 🙂
Always look forward to finding a note from you in my inbox!
What a delightful Fantabulistic little love story! Thanks for sharing Doreen’s note.
And I think Pineapple Ribs sounds perfect for Love Day! I already have the second edition of that cookbook….Yay Me! LOVE those cups….pick me….pick me oh great random generator!
I love your blog! Happy Valentine’s day♥️
What a lovely story, it made me smile, and made my day! I would love to win the cups!
I love reading your blog and have several of your books that I enjoy also. Hope you continue writing for a long time!
Susan….You have such a beautiful gift of bringing so many wonderful people together. Truly kindred spirits. What a touching story. What kind and thoughtful people. I’m proud to be a part of this community of girlfriends. 💕💓💜
Such a lovely story of sweetness being pressed out of tears…..comfort from pain.
What a beautiful, beautiful story of two people finding each other! Thanks for sharing. I think this world needs more love stories like this.
Susan,
I so look forward to your blogs. And what an incredible love story! It is true– This blog is the heart for kindred spirits, friends, and acquaintances alike. Everyone brought together by your infectious spirit and beautiful talent. Thank you.
I ❤️ this post and all your posts!! Always makes feel inspired and peacefully content!
Thank you,
Kim 😁
Hello there, so lovely to have a blog in amongst my other emails. thank you for the cheery notes that brighten a blustery winter day,
Thanks for sharing the lovely story. So much wonderful in this post. Thanks for the reminder to relax and not stress and the suggestions on how to do so. Would love the mugs to add to my collection.
Love this story. I met my dear friend Bonnie through the penpal notice that you put out years ago. We now live near each other and get together when we can. I love how God networks❤️
Love you, your blogs, and your cups! Keeping my fingers crossed🤞
A very Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe. I found 6 great friends (penpals) around the country because of you. Thank you!
Dear Susan. Your blog always remind me that there is still a lot of good in this old world
A very Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe. I found 6 great friends (penpals) around the country because of you. Thank
you!
👏👏👏
Thank you, Susan, for the reminder of the real meaning of Valentine’s Day. Life is so busy now and people seem to rely on texts and emails to send greetings. But I’m from the ‘old school’ that loves to send and receive real cards. I was sad to see recently that many Hallmark stores (am I the only one who looked on the back to see if it was a Hallmark?) and all Papyrus stores are closing. It makes me fear that greeting cards will be a thing of the past some day. But on a happier note, I loved the story of Doreen and Greg and wish them all the happiness they deserve. And a Happy February to you and thank you for being ‘The Heart of the Home’ for all of us girlfriends. xoxox
I use
Leanin’ Tree for an online type “Hallmark” store, something for everyone, good assorted sales coupons, fast delivery-pretty good.
Love your blog and watercolors.
Love having friends all over the USA to send Valentine cards to through snail mail! It’s nice to see I’m not the only one!
Hi Susan,
Loved! loved! loved! your blog today. Happy Valentines Day! Thank you for the drawing. So glad you and Joe are feeling well again.
Love,
Gail K
Florida to Wisconsin. Sniff. Sniff.
What a beautiful community you’ve created here.
Happy February to all of us kindred spirits. That story warmed my heart. Thank you for sharing it with us. My hubby and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary this year and 15 years together (whew). Where has all that time gone? Our bulbs are starting to peep out their first leaves around here in Oregon and its been very exciting looking for a bit of color. Thank you again for the blog, Susan.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Anna Marie!
A beautiful love story and thank you for sharing. This gives me hope that our son
who lost his wife a year ago from a tragic accident will one day find a soul mate again.
Life is very precious and this Valentine’s Day will have more meaning ….
Wishing you and everyone much ❤️ on Valentines Day!
Blessings to Greg and Doreen!
With gratitude to you Susan,
Peggy
I’m sure he will, I’m so sorry Peggy. xoxoxo
Lovely story, true ones are always best, in a lovely post. Thanks for the happiness!
I love that beautiful story. (sniff)
Thanks for sharing a great story just right for Valentine’s Day. I was a bit sad to not see beautiful Utah on your list. We gathered from far and wide to meet and greet with you at The Kings English bookstore. We may be a bit spread out in this large state of ours but are always grateful for a new blog report.
Utah is always on my list. We LOVE it there, that drive coming in to Salt Lake over the mountains from Denver, one of the prettiest ever!
Wonderful blog ready for my nap would love to win a mug!
Happy Valentines Day!
Love this post. Magic happens all the time, the fairies are very busy. Love the cups so very much. Thank you for all that you do, You are a beautiful, magical inspiration so many.
Thank you Kelly! xoxo
Well, Dear Susan, you were right about the Kleenex!!! Oh my, how incredible life can be! Thank you for sharing the story with us and for all the goodies you provide. I’m so glad you are feeling better and able to do what you love. No fun being under the weather. Also, thank you for celebrating February, my birthday month and my youngest son’s birthday month (who was born on my birthday!! LOL)…. it often gets a bad rap because the non-winter people are in a hurry for spring, but being a winter girl, I’m savoring these times.
Your mugs are beautiful and I would LOVE to have either of these two. I don’t currently own them. Trying to get caught back up with your posts. I have been off the grid for a while as we have been transitioning into retirement and grandparenthood….both awesome!!
Wish I could be at your events, but I know the ones that go will be thrilled. I was fortunate enough to attend a book signing you had in the Chicago area a few years ago. Truly a beautiful memory. You and Joe were so kind a gracious. Happy Valentines Day to you both and your special Kitty!!
Love, from the Midwest – Diana H.
Hi Diana, thanks for checking in. Congratulations on lovely transition! xoxo
SO lovely!💕💕💕
Thank you, Susan!🥰💌
Oh, how I love it when you publish a post! 😀 Feels just like a visit with a friend. And speaking of visiting, I’ve set an alert in my phone so that I remember to buy tickets for your event this summer. I’m down here in Sweet Home Alabama, but we’ve been talking about driving up the east coast this year, and getting to attend your event would be the cherry on top!
Layla
Perfect timing! May is a lovely time in New England!
Put the kettle on and sit down to read your blog-a tear jerker for sure.
A happy ending as well! I wish I could join the fun in Duxbury-it sounds
like my kind of town.
Love your brandishes and cups! Would love to have valentine cups to add to my collection of winter and Christmas cups! Best of luck to all!
Put the kettle on and sit down to read your blog-a real tear jerker.
A happy ending also. I wish I could join the fun in Duxbury it sounds like
my kind of town.
Susan, Your blog always sparks joy when I see it posted. Thank you for bringing so much inspiration & happiness to your followers. : ) Sue
Hi – so happy to finally have a chance today to read your new blog. And what a delight it is with pictures of kitties and quotations and valentines and recipes and new products and a nice story and a giveaway too ! Hope you and everyone have a happy February. I’m now trying to think of how to celebrate Leap Year Day :-} Thanks for the reminder.
Susan, Your blog always sparks joy when I see it posted. Thank you for being such an inspiration to your followers. : ) Sue
Thanks so much for the cute story of your website playing Cupid. If I ever need that kind of help I’ll know where to go!
Not sure it always works that way, but every little step in the right direction helps! xoxo
Back to Spring cleaning and decor change. This I can control! Daffodils are on in pots outside the sliding glass door and the news is OFF. Enjoying your music.
Thank you dear Susan.
Lani
What you CAN control!😘
Lovely web page today! Love the cups. To
Thank you so much Susan, for your encouraging words! Your blog always leaves me happy. The Duxbury book signing sounds so fun. I looked Duxbury up on Google Maps. It made me want to go out and buy lottery tickets, so I could move there. 🙂 I live in Ohio, but have been to New England many times. (I used to go to Mattapoisett every summer to visit a friend.)The architecture of homes just make my heart sing! “Leap Year” is one of my very favorite movies. I’ve watched it several times.
Thank you again Susan for your positive outlook and encouragement!
Me too, I’ve watched it over and over, and I actually like it better every time!😂
Thank you Susan for once again brightening my day!! Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Susan, thank you again for your wonderfully refreshing blog! I’m hooked on the Emma Bridgewater pottery b/c your books, luv-lee indeed!
Jennifer H.
A whole lot of charm in those cups!
What a lovely story about two friends who helped each other through a rough time. It just goes to show that we never know when a small thing we can do will make a big difference. Your blog proved this point. Although, I know it isn’t a small thing writing it. It is so beautifully written and illustrated. It always provides me with a beautiful spoonful of Hygge.
Love hearing it, Gretchen, thank you for your kind words. xoxo
I loved the beautiful, romantic story about Doreen, Karen & Greg. The power of friendship and love knows no earthly boundaries. Thank you for your inspiring blog – loved all the red!!
Have a magical Valentines Day❤️ Thank you so much for your heartfelt thoughts and talents.
Great story of love and loss and love again.
Thank you for your lovely and beautiful blogs! I enjoy each and every one.
Very sweet story of love ❤️
I must say I am having the winter blues with more snow storms here in Utah. I don’t ski anymore, so it just feels like a really long, boring winter. I just want spring to get here!! Anyway, enough of my rant. Loved the blog as usual. Wanted to get the waffle iron but all sold out. Will you be getting more?
I’m not sure, and it’s too early in California for anyone to be there so I can ask … could you please write to [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/? She’ll be able to tell you if and when!
What a beautiful Valentine story for Doreen & Greg 💕! There are no coincidences 💫
Hope you & Joe have a lovely Valentines Day . I’ll be making my husband his favorite sugar cookies ❤️❤️❤️ With a cinnamon candy as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary 🥂.
Love your inspirational blog – Penny from Mt. Rose 🌹
Love to read your meanderings and thoughts about life and relationships and our connections that bring us all together. Thank you for sharing from your special creative soul, and helping to brighten our days and bring us hope.
Thank you again for your wonderful words Susan. You always seem to lift my spirts up!
Love, Jean O.
Ooh. Would love these. Starting out on my own after 28 years of marriage would be a lovely Valentine gift for me.
I definitely needed that Kleenex warning! So beautiful!
What a beautiful love story! Thank you for the Kleenex warning! I certainly needed it!
Lovely story. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Blessings to Doreen and Greg! What a beautiful love story. Happy Valentine’s Day. Kim
I’m such a sucker for a love story ❤️
That’s why everyone loves you. 😊
Happy Valentine’s Day, a little early, Susan! thanks for the sweet love story. How special. And thanks for the recipe for Pineapple Ribs! My hubby would LOVE those for Valentine’s dinner. Yum! Sending warm winds from Texas.
PS Can I ask you a painting question? What kind of paper do you use for your water colors?
I use flat Bristol Board because I use it to write my pages in pen and ink as well as paint watercolors. If I was just doing a painting, I would use something with much more texture (bumpy) such as Arches.
Thanks! I use Arches, but noticed yours was smoother. It would be fun to try it, as drawing lettering would be easier. I’m just getting back into painting, after years of textile work. Everything you do inspires me!
Thank you for this blog. Even the sad post, made my heart smile at the outcome.
The lovely love story is a real heart warmer. My husband passed 2 months ago on Dec 3rd after 16 months of being stage 4 from the first diagnosis. It broke my heart, but with the love and prayers of so many other bloggers I am working towards a bit of normalcy.
The blogging world has lost a few of the younger bloggers to Instagram and such, but it seems to me the ones who have stayed are the warmest and most loving group I’ve ever come into contact with. Thank you for sharing that story with us.
I’m so happy you have such dear support 🙏, we’re all in it together. Sending hugs and love. xoxo
Add my hugs to those of the others. I’m from North Mississippi, but left in 1970. I do know that folks down there can be among the kindest. I, too, found the love of my life at 40. Your Wild Bill sounds like a wonderful man, and you will always have his memory and love. Be well, “Grammy”.
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan ❤️
Doreen’s story cheers my heart. Love conquers all.
Your new kitty drawing would be a dandy of a spoon rest. I can picture it in my kitchen.
I have been ‘under the porch’ , as my mom would say ( feeling blue and melancholy. Your post today has brightened a gloomy January. I see light at the end of the winter tunnel . Thank you.
☀️💡🔅☀️💡🔅😘
I really needed this blog. Today was not the best and I needed to recharge.
Thank you Susan for spreading joy!
Susan, I love every single one of your blogs! This one was especially dear – thank you for sharing Doreen’s story.
Happy, Healthy February❤️ I love your blog. Thank you so much. Xo
Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing Doreen’s story. It is beautiful and heartwarming and shows how love really can heal us.
Thank you for sharing your work and your life. I am truly inspired by you.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
Thank you for a luv-lee blog. I always savor each word —it is a treat to have one to read! Your cups are so fabulous. Their design and thin lip make teas taste so much better than in any other mug. It must be all the girlfriend love coming through. Happy Spring!
Cathy
No doubt about that Cathy! xoxo
Loved the blog and I can’t wait for your new book to come out.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Sending hugs & kisses to you this Valentine’s Day from beautiful Maine!
Susan…thank you so much for sharing that wonderful story of friendship & love ❤️
Miracles happen everyday…we just have to take time to notice them.
I’m so excited to have a chance to win your amazingly awesome & whimsical mugs!
Cheers ❤️🌸❤️
Love, Love, Love… It’s ALL about LOVE ❤️
Valentine Greetings!
Now that I’m a widow I love celebrating Galentine’s Day with my friends! Tea, chocolate, laughter and friendship!
I always look forward to your blogs, Susan. Seeing the FB alert for a new post just makes my day that much brighter. This virtual meeting of hearts for all us kindred spirits is so lovely, so soothing, and so very much appreciated.
Receiving real handwritten cards in the mail, I just treasure and adore them. Being on a tight budget, I am glad that Hallmark now sells beautiful, quality, well-designed cards at Dollar Tree. I am able to remember more people on their special day, or drop a note in the post to say hi or thanks or get well soon, or just ‘cuz, to my heart’s content.
My birthday is February 13, and I would love to win your sweet Valentine’s mugs. Fingers crossed! Thanks for all you do, Susan. Chin scratches to Jack! xoxo
Happy Birthday Ronna!
Thank you for your latest blog and the valentine bookmark!!!!
I absolutely LOVE February. The month of love and here in the California foothills…Spring flowers.
Poppies and lupins? A sight to behold, the orange and purple!
Beautiful love story. I married my brother in law almost 2 years ago this month. He was a widower and I was a widow. My husband was his brother. He is 20 years older than I am but we take care of each other. He is very sick now and in the hospital. I am right here by his side. He is 80 and had a horrific wreck in September and in hospital until December 13. This past week we are back in with his health issues of diabetes and congestive heart failure. He is a 30 year retired Navy veteran. He’s a tough man so we are hanging in and praying for better health. 🇺🇸
Good Luck Maria, I hope there are many more years of love story ahead of you. 🙏
Susan … thank you for this beautiful, beautiful blog … Doreen’s story makes my heart sing!! I know that I have posted to you on Twitter about losing my dear husband (it was 6 mos ago yesterday). When you mentioned in this blog about the losses that we may have had … in the last 7 months I have lost my sister, my husband, 2 dogs & then, my sweet cat Chloe just a week ago, your writing sure touched my heart this month. Even in the midst of all of my losses ~ I still feel beyond blessed!! Thank you for this giveaway, I know whoever is the lucky winner will truly cherish the beautiful mug that they receive. Wishing you & Joe a very Happy Valentine’s Day!! Sincerely ~ Michele
You are blessed Michele, there’s no question, for what you’ve been through, to still be counting your blessings, you are amazing. Wishing just more and more and more of same for you. And maybe a new kitty, so soften the blows. Sending a great big mooshy grandma Hug! xoxoxoxo
Oh my what a wonderful story of love, hope and friendship. Thank you for making us all connected.
And the greatest of these is LOVE! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I was actually just thinking that I’d like a recipe to celebrate Groundhog Day. I was thinking of some sort of dessert, but this sounds lovely too!
And what a beautiful love story…
Sending you so much love Susan❤️
Thank you for bringing us so much joy in all your work!❤️
Your blog is still my favorite. You keep me 😊 and I love to know you are there
😘
Tonight I had some quiet time and really enjoyed your blog. It’s so nice to go to bed after reading so many interesting stories. I too love the month of February I love to decorate and enjoy the little red lights at night. I guess it helps too that I was born on George Washington’s Birthday the 22nd of February. When I was in first grade my parents gave me a big panda bear and I named him George. It was a real challenge getting him on and off the bus, for he was as almost my size. He was really a hit for show and tell. Thank you, Susan for a wonderful a wonderful evening.
Darling!
Third time to try to make a comment….loved your blog and the sweet story from Doreen.
I had more to say the first time I tried, so I won’t bore you now. My two cups need some company on their shelf. Here’s hoping!😉💕
Warmest wishes,
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
Third time’s a charm Nancy! Thank you for your patience!
I always enjoy your posts and I also love February. No love in my life at the moment, but there is always tomorrow. Sandr
Oh my, what a truly bittersweet story. Wishing Greg and Doreen much happiness and shared peace as they continue their journey together. By weaving, however briefly, into their lives Susan, you set up a conduit through which love and true friendship flowed between Doreen and Karen, then expanded to their own loved ones, and now continues to all reading their story on your blog…. And some still don’t believe in miracles? Would certainly enjoy making a Valentine toast with your lovely mug!