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! ❌⭕️
Dear Susan,
Happy happy tears for the newly engaged Doreen and Greg!♥️🌷♥️
May they have years and years of happiness together💗
Rabbit, Rabbit. My hubby just brought me a mug of hot chocolate to enjoy while reading your lovely blog post of finding friendship, love, and self-care. Isn’t he just the best! As always I enjoyed your thoughts and art. Blessings!
Oh that lovely story of friendship and love! I think Karen knew exactly what she was doing! Love the mugs…hope I win
Oh another wonderful blog post. Loved hearing the story from sorrow to joy! All because of friendship. Fantastic! Happy February. PS. The mug is the perfect size for my morning tea!!
Reading Doreen’s story, I actually did tear up. 😢 My husband died unexpectedly in December and I can’t imagine ever being happy again. I go through the motions of life, but my heart is not in it. It’s broken. How does one find “normal” after living a wonderful life with a man who loved unconditionally for over 40 years? It’s nice to know Doreen found happiness.
This is my first time commenting. Your blog brings to light all that is important. Xoxo
I feel your pain Trudy, I hesitate to offer advice, sometimes we just have to take it a day at a time ~ losing your dearest loved one is beyond words. You have crossed a line into a new country. Sending all my love that you can find some joy there. xoxoxoxo
Hugs to you, Trudy. I am so glad you are here. How brave you are to state your truth ❤️❤️Your loss is so new and I can absolutely understand your feelings. I lost my daughter 30 years ago in January. I urge you, when you are ready, to get grief support. It helps to learn about it and have others who understand what you are going thru to support you. It is ok to b broken. It is ok to not be ok. I am so happy you have Susan. I can’t imagine your your pain, but i am sending my heart to yours to put an arm around it and just sit with it for a while. No words necessary ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Love you Charissa…. love you both. xoxoxo
Trudy, my heart breaks for you, I have been where you are now. I lost my husband very suddenly 20 years ago. Be very gentle with yourself. Grieving is hard work. This is a loss that you will never get over but one day at a time, you will get through it. I know that it doesn’t feel like it right now but life will go on and things will get better. I never thought it would be possible, but I fell in love again and we have been married for 16 years. You are in my heart and in my prayers.
What a great Valentines Day read. Such a treat to read your blog.
I want to thank you for fostering such a positive, uplifting and downright nourishing community. You are a shining star. Hello from Houston!
I always feel happy when I see a blog from you! You can turn sadness into a sweet moment. Love, Love, Love the way you write, as if you are talking to just me!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Joe and Jack! Such a beautiful story of love, comfort and finding happiness in grief. We’re loving our Valentine’s and Moon mugs, but would love to add two more to our collection of Susan Branch mugs that we use each day. Please, Vanna, please, pick me!
Hugs and Rabbit, Rabbit!
Nancye T., Wells, Maine
I love sitting down to read your letter while I eat dinner. It is always so delightful and very interesting too. Thank you for a chance to win the cup!
wow- what a remarkable story- wonderful and awful at the same time- I think Awesome- in the deep sense of the word would be an accurate description!
I read through this quickly during a little break from visits from our children and (best of all) our only granddaughter. Now I’m preparing a little tea party for when she returns from her great-grandma and granpa’s house in a few minutes. Love is such a wondrous thing! Thank you for sharing your stories, quotes, travels, and drawings. They are enjoyed so much.
Susan – I love your blog. I wait anxiously for a new “post” to come out. You have a special way with words and also with your art. Thanks for being you.
Always a wonderful gift when we get a new blog! Happy Valentine’s Day to all.
I always make a cup of tea in my Susan Branch mug to sip as I read your blogs. Today’s was just wonderful…
A new series to watch! (The Detectorists) And a wonderful TRUE love story! How sweet, and truly amazing. thank you for sharing this. Keep shining your light, Susan. The world needs you.💚
Such a lovely story of friendship that later blossomed into love when the circumstances were right.Lovely flowers from Joe to cheer up your winter day.Your post has brightened my day.
Oh I pounced on your email first off. Always such a gift. I often see something in a shop or a picture and think that’s Susan Branch’s style for sure. She’d love it. I will get my cup of tea and read again and savor your post. And the sun just came out to visit too. Been a long gray, seige we’ve had. Wish IL was closer for your book signing. (sigh)
Yay Susan! I’ve watched the Detectorists a while back and loved it! Wished there would have been more! That always happens to me when I find a show that I really like.
Happy Spring to you!
I always enjoy your blog ! It is a grey day here in OH …..but won’t the sun be appreciated when it shines ?! Mornings before day break are serene as I walk out to the barn to care for my 4 pet goats ; they always lift my spirits. I have been hearing the owls calling in these quiet beginnings of a winter day. I am so Blessed !
Oh my, that was such a sweet story. Definite kismet. I’m so glad you are both feeling better and enjoying the rest of winter. I can’t wait for Spring. That lovely bouquet has inspired me to make a quick trip to my local florist. Thank you for being such a comfort and inspiration to us all! Stay warm!!
Hi Susan
What a wonderful but tearful story* How amazing though* I always look so forward to reading your blog posts, they make me smile.
Enjoy the rest of your winter*
love deezie
Jambuttons sound really good right now with a cup of tea. I love the Valentine cups too. I love that Doreen and Gregory’s hearts have found happiness again.
And Patricia should come to the Duxbury event. She would be in good company with all of the Girlfriends. We met new Girlfriends a plenty at your book signing in Springfield, Ohio. She will have a fun time.
Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday! Many years ago, you had the most charming screensaver… covered with hearts. I’m sorry I didn’t save it. Is there any way you could return it to the “free stuff” portion of your store? The hearts looked just like the hearts on the Valentine bookmark. Thank you for this uplifting post!
Watch for it Kathie!
Thoroughly enjoyed the newsletter this month!
Enjoyed it with a cup of tea on a grey, cold day.
The floral arrangement was so uplifting
Plan on printing the bookmarks for each of my six precious grandchildren ❤️
Thank you!
Sharon
Dear Susan, I just LOVE your blog, books, art, sweet friendship, & bubbly, fun personality! Thank you! Every new blog is my new favorite! Texas girl
Thank for your blog, wonderful pictures, ideas, stories and all the sweet things you post! I just completed, last evening’s quilt using Susan Branch fabrics that I had saved over the years. I was even able to keep a quote that was on a salvage. Thanks again for you!
Love this story! Such a sweet reminder of love’s healing grace.
Hope Vanna picks me for the beautiful mugs as we’d love adding them to our SB collection that we use each day!
Happy Valentine’s Day and Rabbit Rabbit!
Nancye, Wells, Maine
Hi Susan –
I’m always thrilled when I open my email & your newest
post is there. Thank you for the movie & tv recommendations
and the recipes. I think you left out the pineapple amount
in your pineapple ribs!
Happy sweet Valentines Day!
Thank you for your uplifting blog Susan. I have seen the Detectorists and just loved it. Hopefully they make another season.
What a lovely story- life is full of glorious surprises!
Holly SCHELIN
Hi Susan, it is such a speacial treat to receive your blog on our winters day in eastern Washington. Thank You so much ! Xo
Thanks for the uplifting post on this blah and dreary day!! I needed it. Such a beautiful love 💕story from Doreen. I wish them many many years of happiness. Hopefully I get lucky and will be the winner of a beautiful cup. Keep up the good work of cheering us all up!!!!
What a surprise to see a shout out to my hometown’s famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil! I’m sorta hoping that he does see his shadow as here in Western Pa we have had hardly no snow, just cold rainy days. Our little town is bustling this weekend with people from all over the country, some even from other countries. It is amazing and fun for the whole family. Thank you for the recipes!
Aaaaa, the Detectorists. I’ve been watching that show on PBS. I just love all the Brit-coms only I have to listen real hard to understand some of this things they are saying. Hearing aids help and so does the volume setting on the TV. The Punxsutaney Pudding sounds delicious but being lactose intolerant I don’t know what I could substitute to make it just as delicious. Please add my name to the fish bowl so Vanna might find it.
Whenever a Susan Branch Blog appears, I feel my home is filled with family, friends, your blog followers and wonderful conversations. I love having everyone over. Thank you for visiting.
Hi Sue,
Just came in from our library’s Valentine Tea fundraiser. One hundred tea lovers, kids, ladies and dolls enjoyed a lovely, cozy tea lunch . Great food and delicious tea from Harney’s . I made myself one more cup, sat down and found your your new blog post with that lovely story. An absolutely perfect day.
Thanks,
LillianXOXOXO
Hi Susan! My cousin introduced me to your trilogy 2 Christmases ago along with your blog. We are avid readers and look forward to your blogs. You have opened a whole new world for both of us! I had been ill with that bad chest cold since NewYear’s Eve and still on the mend as far as stamina. Your blogs have enlightened my every days! I am glad you two are back in the swing of life. I am a quilter and collect mugs to hold my sewing tools of sorts. I enjoy looking at all my mugs and adding yours to my collection. My cousin gave me your birthday mug last year for my birthday. I look at it everyday! Btw, I am left-handed but easily adaptable. Thank you for bringing light into my life. Kathy A.
A dear friend introduced me to you through A Fine Romance, as we are both devoted Anglophiles. I love your writing, your art, your heart and soul. Thank you for being you and for allowing us to share our lives with you. I feel as if we have been friends for years.
Love and hugs from Laurie in Maryland.
Enjoyed reading your blog on this dreary February day in Connecticut!!! Your writings are always so inspirational and uplifting. My daughter lives near Duxbury, Massachusetts and I am going to try and attend your luncheon at the senior center.
I have always wanted to meet you in person!!!
peggy
“Have I told you lately….” that I love your blogs?❤️❤️ What better surprise than to see a letter in the email from Susan Branch🥰.
Today is as gray as the bottom of a battleship! I needed something to lift my spirits! Thanks for mentioning the pages to find your recipe for the Punxsutawney Onion pudding! Haven’t made that one yet and it’s sounds delicious.
Just got back my appetite from the long January flu thing myself. Would surely love one of those darling cups for my daily tea times!
Love to you and Joe on Valentines Day❤️
Happy February! I love this month because it is short (even if there’s an extra day for leap year) and that much closer to spring. : )
Oh that love story💕
Thank you both for sharing it.
I am certain those 2 book signing events will be wonderful as I was lucky enough to be at one.
In fact I just keep making the girlfriends cupcakes since then☺️
Duxbury is not all that far away from here, a doable day trip. You might just see me there!
Thank you for sharing the heartwarming story of miraculous connection made via your blog. Love will find a way always! <3
Hi there. This is my first time reading your newsletter and blog. What a beautiful experience. I look forward to reading many more. Thank you for sharing your world.
Jojo
What a beautiful story, so happy they found love again. Thank you for sharing.
Boy did this make me cry! So glad I took your advice and grabbed at tissue before I read. Today, Groundhog Eve, February 1st just happens to be my 46th wedding anniversary! I would love to win one of your beautiful Valentine mugs as a memento. I have one already. The really cute one covered with nothing but hearts. I got it for another anniversary. A gift to myself. I sure would love another one. Then Dan & I can both have coffee or tea in one of your mugs. Happy Love Month to you & Joe!! It’s chilly here in VA. I would love to come to one of your events in May. That’s my birthday month! I’ve got 5 children & I think I’m gonna give them a hint at what I’d really love for Mother’s Day! To spend time with my favorite author (I have all your books! Bought the first one over 30 years ago) & friend, Susan Branch. 🙂
It is always a good day when you come out with a new post, but today the timing was perfect! Thanks so much for being who you are. Love from the bunnies and me! Katy
I have all three of your wall calendars – one in the kitchen, one over my desk in my bedroom and one (mini) over my desk at work. Bring joy and cheer to every day! Thank you, Susan! Beth Barnat
Thank you for sharing Doreen’s special story! The world really is full of love and goodness but we sometimes have to experience sorrow so that we know how to recognize them. And we need to have our hearts tuned and our eyes open to find them. Thank you, Susan, for helping us to remember and recognize love and goodness!
Doreen is right…you never know when something you say or do is going to impact someone else’s life….or your own. We’re all connected to each other and you never know where that connection will come from. I had a best friend and when we met, I would never have believed we would become that. Our friendship lasted for almost 40 years, and I still miss her to this day.
Happy February and Valentines Day. Such a bittersweet story but glad there is a happy ending.
Wishing all the best to the happy couple.
Hello from a friend in Michigan! I look forward to your posts and this one was extra-special! I’m in a terrific group of ladies who met because of a love of a clothing designer. We’ve been through all of life’s ups and downs and several have met in person. We’re from California, Texas, Florida, Midwest, east coast, etc. We hope to have a big meet up one day. My day isn’t complete unless I read their posts and add my own. Of course, I look for you on social media every day too! Take care!
Loved the Karen story……Happy Valentine’s day. Hold your loved ones close!!!!
There’s so much love in this post, we almost don’t need a Valentine’s Day! (I’m kidding, I’m kidding! We’ll always need it!) Such touching thoughts about friends loved, all the warm and lovely good things in life. Thanks for the recipes, the drawing entry (of course!), the music, the anticipation for spring and even for Phil’s appearance. After a grueling week of political frustration I needed a lovely, happy safe place to rest my eyes, my heart. Thank you for being here! (And thank you for another lovely month on my England calendar. When I saw a spot I’d been, I smiled extra big!)
What a darling, wonderful story. I first picked up your book from the library shelf when I was 19 because your Summer book spine was the only one that was colorful and pretty-looking. I’m almost 40 now, and still just as enamored with pretty things, but pretty things with substance behind. The story you shared is just that. ❤️
My first comment on here! Thank you for the “feast for the eyes” that you always share with us. Wish I wasn’t so far away from your tea in May. Blessings to you and Joe and Jack.
Loved the story of the meeting of friends through your lovely blog. Wonderful people are everywhere!
What lovely news, Susan! As a recent member of the HRBC, I have heard all about Karen from the other members. I am sure they will be delighted!!:-)
Thanks for a warm and caring post. February is my favorite month because it contains both Valentine’s Day and my birthday!! I would love to win the gorgeous cups as I have been unable to purchase them.
Thank you also for your brave words on Twitter. They give me hope!!!!!😍🌹👍🏻💗
😘😘😘
Absolutely love the two hearts that met through your blog posts. Nothing happens by accident, I firmly believe. It was meant to be, girlfriend! Happy Valentines’s Month, y’all!
Ummm, are the pineapples (in the Pineapple Spareribs recipe) like sort of umm…imaginary?
LOL! For some very strange reason that I don’t quite understand, the two cups of pineapple juice were left out of the recipe I put on the blog, but it’s there if you have the book, and I went back and corrected it on the blog. Sorry!
Rabbit, Rabbit dear kindred spirit Susan,
Glad you are feeling better!
What an amazing story of friendship and love found without even meeting each other in person. The world is full of wonder and joy every day if we are open our hearts to it. Love your Punxsatawney Pudding and Pineapple Spareribs and I have been making it for every Groundhog Day for years. YUMMY! Thanks for the reminder, with all the super bowl craze going on here in Missouri I almost forgot. I hope Phil doesn’t see his shadow I am so ready for spring.
So wished I lived closer and could attend your event. I am sure it will be lovely and can’t wait to hear all about it. Could we have a movie and book update in your next blog. I am sure the other girlfriends are curious too.
Hello to Kitty and Joe 🙂
Like a letter from home, your blogposts always bring a ray of sunshine and a dose of joy to my day. Happy February, Susan — rabbit, rabbit! Greetings from Minnesota!
It’s overcast and a little dreary today and boy did I need a little “Susan” today. And what a wonderful “Karen” story came with it. This blog is truly like a visit with good friends. Do take care, nice people, and Happy February. Life is so good.
Susan ~ your artwork is so very charming and makes me so happy!
Thank you for providing us with words of wisdom, lovely illustrations, friendship and love!
Your blog so joyful and uplifting. Thank you.
Cute cups, always makes my day to get emails from you. The tea and dinner sound amazing. I would be coming from California, is there a place you recommend to stay for a few days?
Fun to read the blog today. Love is in the air in February and always. The Valentine cups are amazing! Thanks for the uplift on a dreary Michigan day! xoxo
So I did have my Kleenex ready! Since I cry easy ..it would be used and was!
Another GREAT blog. I do enjoy my own company ~~ I’ll settle in this afternoon and re enjoy your blog and then grab some liquid refreshment,CHOCOLATE and read another few pages of my latest Library book! Then laters I’ll read ”comments ” from the girlfriends ..love their comments and my day will be wonderFULL !!
Love the waffle maker! Will it work as well on electric stove or gas stove?
Thanks and also love the new banners. Georgeann
I so enjoyed your blog this month as I always do, very touching but so uplifting. Am going to make the pudding and the spareribs but Susan why do you call them Pineapple spareribs, don’t see pineapple in the recipe? They look so easy to make and will be delicious. My cat Oreo is sitting by me as I write this to you, I believe she could be Jacks sister. Thank you again for all your wonderful thoughts.
As always, you have made my day!
Ive been enjoying your books for over 30 yrs. I just looked in my well-loved copy of Vineyard Seasons form 1986. (The yr my daughter was born) I have given her several of your books over the yrs. We both love your art & recipes.
I always make a cup of tea to sip while i read your monthly newsletter. Im sitting outside today w my dogs enjoying the sun on this beautiful first day of February in Dallas, TX.❤
What a touching and heart-warming story. Your blog always warms the cockles of my heart (what are “cockles” as used there?!), especially in these times of angst and disruption. I would be honored to have my name entered in your drawing. Thank you, dear Susan.
A lovely love story. So happy and sad for them. February is my Birthday month and I love all the love that surrounds “my” month! 😉
O Susan, your blog really hit home with me. My dearest, oldest sister Connie passed away from brain cancer in 2016. She was the first of my 6 siblings to leave us and we were (and are still) heartbroken. However, the joy she left with us is always there. Little things that make me think of her and bring a smile. As long as those memories survive she will be with me.
As with a lot of families we have lost our parents as well and the survival of memories is just as true for them.
Here’s to the love of family and friends.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
I love the “no day is so bad it can’t be fixed with a nap.” I remember, as a young mom of 5, I would often get headaches from being overtired and learned that taking naps relieved the headaches. My children are grown now but I still take naps because I’ve learned that naps are good for more than just headaches.
What a beautiful story of love ….sweet love! I believe that it was all worked out in heaven above long before. You must be thrilled to know that you had a hand in new found friendships and new love. I’m not surprised as you and Joe are lovely examples of how love should look. I wish you both a wonderful Valentines month!
Lovely to hear from you. It is true, finding friends in unexpected places is wonderful. Kindred spirits always find each other. Sitting here by the fire with my sweetheart and my knitting – a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Just what I needed today after a’ll the debates and trial outcomes, a Susan blog. Thank you!
That was a sweet story that you shared. I have a circle of Twitter girlfriends that I met through you. We mail each other cards, chat on Twitter, send private messages to cheer or console each other, etc.
How I wished I lived closer to Duxsbury. I look forward to seeing all the pictures from that event.
Love you, Susan, for spreading love. 💗 Happy February. 💗
Love The Detectorists too!!!!!!!! Hope they have another season.
Susan,dear, it is always so wonderful to receive your stories!
Good afternoon Susan~~~I always look forward to reading your inspirational ditties to all of us. It serves as a bright sunbeam up here on the NH border of VT, and the paintings……oh the paintings………wonderful. Today’s “love” story is a keeper for sure. One thing that I’ve had my eye on, is a wasps’ paper nest in a swamp near our home. It seemed to be frozen over enough, so my husband ventured over to it the other day, stepping on cat-o-nine-tail clumps, just in case it wasn’t. He managed to get it home for me. I’m going to hang it from eye hooks in the ceiling in my studio. There are times that he is just the sweetest………I took your “wallpaper” and put it on our ‘puter……..”Have I Told You Lately That I Love You”. Thank you. It surprised him. Have a great February and enjoy the extra day. Blessings
One more thing….I know you are working hard and I thank you. Are you planning on making any more mugs??
Thank you, Susan, for sharing and as always an uplifting blog post! Always enjoy hearing from you. I’ve often said that in my next life I want to come back as one of my cats! Spoiled rotten they are! I just want to say, one of my favorite movies is Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. Inspires us to do better each day! mind how you go, Yvonne
Your blog is always special and the one today is especially heartfelt ! ! !
I agree such a lovely heart warming story
Susan, When I read your stories and see your beautiful photos or paintings it never fails to make my day brighter. I can never thank you enough. Our local newspaper keeps publishing the cartoon strip by the late Charles Schultz, Peanuts, even though he passed many years ago. I wish that if you ever retired or for some reason could not continue (I hope you live to be 100) is there any way your blog and Willards could continue on? I often read and then re-read them and enjoy them each and every time.
I hope that your injury has fully healed? I am doing PT w/the hope that my limp will go away. Sometime things take a long time!! Happy Groundhog Day a bit early:) Love, Gail
What a wonderful entre into February. And yes! How fun to have a whole extra day to fill up as you please. Thank you for the winter menu/recipes. I’ve already bought a bright cheery primrose to help stay away the cold air, but it’s to be in the mid-60s here in central Virginia tomorrow, so maybe the primrose brought that joy! How exciting that you’ll be able to distribute the first chapter of your new book; that means maybe we’ll see the entire thing before too long. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Ann in Ruckersville
Oh Susan what a lovely Valentine story! I also loved the poem about friends, my best friend and I have know each other since we were 5…and now we are 73!…the definition of friends fits us to a tee! Keep writing such wonderful blogs…you truly touch so many hearts❤️Tricia
Such a sweet read today. thank you for sharing Doreen’s lovely note. Congrats to her and Greg. Happy February to all!
Your little kitty is so adorable! The pictures of him are always so cute…
But of all of your products available,the mugs are my favorites…(next to your books of course.)
I just finished reading your post with a big lovely sigh of contentment. This year I am going to send off Valentines to all my “beloveds” per your suggestion! I have many old Valentine postcards from my grandmother that I will copy onto cardstock and send off with love. Thank you for your generous giveaway Susan and Happy Groundhogs Day! Wish I lived a little closer so I could join you in Duxbury.
Thanks again for such a heart ❤️ felt blog❤️. We are indeed all kindred spirits and you’re the orchestra leader😉. I am going to visit my kindred spirit in England who I credit you with enabling. I reached out to her after reading A Fine Romance and seeing you in Chicago 4 years ago! We have been friends for almost 4 years and she had spent a month with us for the last three summers 😊. This will be my second journey to the Enchanted England. I look forward to a month of pure bliss and driving 😬on those narrow hedge lined roads🤣😘!
It’s all a little magical!
Susan your posts are pure comfort and joy! Thank you!
Lives can change unexpectedly and we have to hope in the future though it can be difficult at the time. Girlfriends bless us.
Rabbit, rabbit back at you. Always love the first day of a new month of possibilities ahead. The poem/saying about a friend was so perfect. It’s what I try to be for all my dear friends and what so many have done for me as I have waged the battle of my chronic ovarian cancer during the past two years. The gift that keeps on giving, but I have chosen happy, positive and living my life as I always have. And the letter brought tears to my eyes. One never knows what life holds or what plans god has for us, but after rain there is always bright, beautiful sun. For Doreen and Greg may their sun shine bright and they have a long, happy and healthy marriage. Much joy to them. As always love all the Jack pictures. he’s such a good kitty boy. My kitty boy Cinder has just joined me to help out, hah. More likely wants some cuddle time with mommy, so best sign off. Thank you for an amazing post .
Deb and Cinder from Connecticut
OH SUSAN….WHAT A LOVELY POST! I DECIDED THIS MORNING TO TAKE TIME TO JUST ENJOY THE DAY. I HAVE THIS HABIT OF FEELING I ALWAYS NEED TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING. SO TODAY I “ACCOMPLISHED” A NAP!!! HOW WONDERFUL. AND…I TOOK THE TIME TO READ YOUR ENTIRE POST AT ONCE RATHER THAN THROUGHOUT A FEW DAYS. MUCH BETTER THIS WAY, BTW! AFTER A WEEK OR MORE OF CLOUDS THE SUN FINALLY SHOWED HER FACE HERE IN SW WISCONSIN. I FEEL BETTER….A NAP AND SUN AND ALMOND SUGAR COOKIE BLACK TEA (OH, AND LLAMA KISSES FROM MY GUY GANDOLF WHEN I FED HIM THIS MORNING). IT DOESN’T REALLY GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS. I ALSO SAID RABBIT, RABBIT BEFORE MY FEET HIT THE FLOOR THIS MORNING. IT HAS BEEN A GOOD DAY.
What a love story!💕 Thanks for sharing and congratulations to Doreen and Greg. I love Valentine’s Day, all pink and red and flowery, and chocolate kisses😍 I saved Valentines from my grade school days and copy them to resend to old friends. They are always thrilled to have a love note from the past.
So happy to know you, Joe and Jack are doing well. May love find a way to heal our nation and strengthen the resolve of Congress to get back to the business of the people.
Suzi in Spoksne