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! ❌⭕️
Hello from a snowy Michigan! I love your blog! Thank you for writing it and sharing so many stories and beautiful photos. Keep up the good work. God bless you and Joe.
Just love your pretty valentines cups!
Love! Thank you for another wonderful post, Susan. My mom is wondering if you might have forgotten to mention the pineapple in the ingredients list for the spareribs. Woops! But Yum!
Such a sweet story. Thank you both for sharing. I always look forward to your blog. Happy February!
Thank you for a burst of sunshine on a gray winter day.
I can hardly wait to reading “Enchanted.”
This blog entry is just what I needed today. It’s wonderful knowing that there are people out there with love and hope in their hearts 💕
Thank you for a beautiful blog, Susan. I’m on my third Kleenex. What a wonderful new beginning for two special people. We’ve had such stressful doings in our world lately and I’m doing my best to deal with my dear husband’s Alzheimers and his rapid changes. He and my daughter just finished making my Mom’s short cut fudge, an effort to keep him involved. I’ve decided not to save any favorite recipes for special occasions. We’ve had our third pumpkin pie since Thanksgiving and this is our fourth fudge. He’ll have them eaten by tomorrow but it’s a treat he won’t enjoy much longer. Show the love now while we can!!!❤️
Rabbit, Rabbit!-first things first. 🙂
Doreen’s note to you is such a beautiful and touching story. I love when something great comes out of something sad. Interaction and relationships are so important in this life. I don’t know Doreen, but I am so happy for her and Gregory. What a blessing for them for something this great to manifest out of their grief. And I’m so glad she shared this with you. It’s an incredible validation that shows what you (Susan Branch) are doing can and is life changing; this story illustrates that. I look forward to these blogs, they are such a respite from what’s going in in this world and they help center me, even if it’s just for awhile.
Oh! I have to make Duxbury in May, a reality! Fingers crossed.
Happy Valentines Day to you, Joe and Jack! Would love the cup with the birdies!
Love from California
Maureen 🙂
As always I love reading your blog! What a bittersweet story about Greg and Doreen, with a wonderful happy ending. That’s the best way, isn’t it?
What a lovely story Yay for Love sneaking in!!
Love to be lucky enough to win a cup!
Happy Valentine’s Day Happy February to you and Joe and Jack!
Darlene
The Word “Gloriosity” comes to mind when I read your blogs….thank you!
Linda
( In Wisconsin )
I, too, love The Detectorists. Such a charming show with brilliant writing. The characters really grow on you over the series. I was so pleasantly surprised to find this series on Acorn.
What a sweet story of Doreen and Karen! Thanks for sharing and congratulations and best wishes to Doreen and Greg! Love is such a wonderful thing and that’s why I love your blog so much! It always brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day! I wish I lived in MA so I could come to the book signing! 😀
Thank you from TN! ❤️
This post is SO full of wonderful things and reminders! Some old and some new. It brings joy in this month of LOVE! Hope Phil doesn’t see his shadow tomorrow so we can have Spring soon!! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! ❤️
Love that it’s February! I just woke up from a nap and saw your post first thing! You see, tomorrow 2/2 is my birthday. I’ve always thought it a privilege to share it with Punxsutawney Phil ever since I heard about him as a child. So here’s to an early Spring and happy birthday for me! I had a lady in a shop yesterday ask me how young I was going to be. This year is 74 and still kicking! Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your beautiful mugs. Maybe put in a good word with Vanna? I have the one with Jack on it- being a kitty lover myself. Happy Valentines Day to you and your true love.
Happy Birthday Jeannette!
Happy Birthday to you Jeannette. I lived south of Carmel in the 90’s so I could have used your “handle.”
And as far as birthdays go…I am not very far behind you.
best birthday wishes,
Jeannette from a little further north
I thought you might enjoy the photos of the Central coast on my blog..but I must have done my own address wrong. I will try again
Thank you Jeannette from a little further north! We just got in from a family celebration . Looking forwrd to celebrating more all month long 😊
I always love your blog. So much wonderful stuff in it.
Such a sweet story!! Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️❤️❤️
Today was an inside day for me, very gray Cape Cod color. Just started getting your blogs and look forward to reading every word ! I started thinking about you while I was checking my emails and voila’ February Blog !! Love the vintage Valentine cards ! Loving seems to come when people least expect it. So happy for Doreen and Gregory! Thank you for making this gray day COLORFUL !
Susan, thank you so very much to you and Doreen for sharing such a beautiful story of hope and love. Happy February from Cheryl in Buffalo!
Rabbit Rabbit! Loved the story of Doreen and Greg, and for the memories of Karen and Richard. You really do meet the nicest people here. I had a wonderful pen pal that I met here. Francine and I would write letters — real letters to each other. Send little gifts every now and then. She passed away a few years ago and I miss her. I think of here often. I’m an owl collector and every time I see an owl she sent to me I think of her and feel honored that I knew her for a short time. Thank you for being you and giving us the opportunity to meet each other.
Love hearing this Sharon. Connections!
Hi Sharon…Karen and I were also friends with Francine…as a matter of fact I sent a picture of Rosie, Karen and Francine to Susan this morning. Fran was also wonderful to me when Richard was on his cancer journey. She sent us this wonderful box of goodies for Easter that year. It was such a moving moment when I opened the card and saw that this beautiful box of goodies was from her. Missing her too! As with Karen…I ‘m sad that they are gone but so love that I had the chance to have them as friends in my life. ~Doreen ~
You know, I just realized I have a story too of how I met you through first a book and then the blog. In my second retirement, I was working part-time as an activities assistant in a rehab facility. Chatting with the director one day, I was telling her about my living in England (Isle of Wight and Bournemouth as well as Cornwall)—and she told me about your book A Fine Romance, about visiting in England. She insisted I look you up! I did and loved your book. Then several years later I followed another “call” and moved to Morro Bay, California, where my daughter had just given birth to my latest grandson, Eli, and I went to help care for him. Somehow I learned that you were actually from San Luis Obispo, near Morro Bay, but that your books were sold in Cayucos. One day little Eli and I ventured out to find that special store. It’s been fun following these leads and I just wanted you to know.
Kindred spirits!
Did you mean to include a can of pineapple in your rib recipe?
Happy Valentines Day. Meg
Not the can, just the pineapple!🤣 Trust me, delicious!
I’m always so happy to see your name pop up in my email . It makes the day so much sunnier . Thank you for the joy you bring. Happy February.
Happy Love Month Susan.
I have a calendar for this year 2020. You do watercolor the best calendars. I have been given a calendar every year for the past 4 years by my darling daughter. I wait to turn to the next month, a surprise every month. Never looking ahead because each month is special.
The story of Doreen and Greg is very touching. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Have a wonderful Love Month.
Hearts to you.
Always so uplifting and fun to read your blogs. I love your pictures of your home and surrounding areas. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Just started on your Blog after reading all three of your books, I knew we were kindred spirits. I am enjoying the looking back because I have so much more behind me than before. I am 85, but whose counting. As a first generation American with English background, I really enjoyed your book about the English Country side. Russ and I went on that adventure in 1961. We were both teachers so we decided to venture to England for the summer and visit the relatives I had never met. So, I sold my MGTF ’53 and we book passage on the Homeric, drove to Toronto, left our VW bus with my great uncle, took the train to Montreal where we bordered our ship for an exciting adventure on the North Sea route.. We had a wonderful summer and it was the perfect time to see it, because when I returned in 2014 it had changed a lot. But I love the English countryside. Today, February 1st is the 13th anniversary of my husband’s second birth day into a new life. Make good memories, because they never leave you.
It makes me so happy to see a blogpost from you in my inbox. It sit with winter white tea and read your post as if I was flipping through a beautiful magazine. Happy February!
Your blogs always come with love and I can’t help but smile when they arrive! It’s a treat to know someone who shares my interests , tastes and values! It was a beautiful, inspiring story you shared! Thank You from New Jersey!
Love, Judy
I just knew where that story was headed 💕. Best wishes to Doreen and Gregory 🥂
My sister and I visited Martha’s Vineyard last October. Had such a fun time on your isle of dreams. Hope to return soon (we had to leave a day early because they were going to shut down the Seastreak ferry from New Bedford to Oak Bluffs due to an incoming storm. Had to quickly pack our bags and caught the last ferry out of Vineyard Haven. It was a sad farewell! Hmm, tea in New England, my mind is turning 🤔
Do you think you’ll ever bring back your Jack in the Books mug? I really need it 😻 Love my Isle of Dreams one.
Always so lovely to read your posts! Wish I could make it to Duxbury, but alas, not this time!
Such a beautiful story! Thank you and thank her for sharing it!
Such a beautiful story brought tears and your blog just makes me smile thank you
Thank you, Susan, for giving us Karen’s and Doreen’s stories. Yes, it brings tears, but a bit of a smile at a Happy Ending. Also it brings a reminder to live every day to the fullest, and full can be right in your own home, on your own turf.
I promise to do better putting a muzzle on my fingers……I’m so embarrassed. I have battled with manic depression for…I guess all Me Bloomin’ Life. I must remember to stay away from phones and email when the M part hits.
Happy February, Dear Lady,
Debbie in Tampa
Don’t be too hard on yourself Debbie. January is a tough month for everyone (especially with the lack of sun). Good things are just around the corner.
This was just for my BFF & me today – we have just moved away from each other after 25 years of doing life together – each of us moving back home with aging parents. I must admit there were a few tears as I read the blog, but I am so very thankful for the time we had close by, knowing we will always be close in heart. Also thankful for new friends and old ones that we are now spending time with & making new memories. Blessings to you Susan!
What a love-ly February post to read!…..always makes my heart smile 🙂
I wish I could share a hug with both Doreen and Greg. Loved the story. Thank you.
I felt that hug Susan Hebert! Thank you! I’ll pass it on to Greg!!!
Love the Doreen story – you just never know….
Thank you, Susan! Always look forward to your new posts, with your colorful pictures, touching stories😥, fun adventures…such a refreshing diversion from the cares of this life.
Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts.
From another cat and tea party lover 💗🐱☕
Loved the love story. It’s so nice to see something good after the grief.
My father died this week and I’m feeling empty, lost, I don’t know exactly how to describe it. But he was 90 (would have been 91 on February 3rd) and had a good life. He is at peace now, which is good.
I’m so sorry. Losing your dad.😪 So hard. Sending love to you Suzanne.
Oh, how I would love to win those beautiful cups! I can’t afford to buy them but I still think they are precious. Thank you for having a giveaway! Love your blog and all your stuff! ❤️
My heart was heavy and voila! Your blog appeared and my heart is light! I will share with my dear friend of over 40 years – we worked together 21 years and I moved and now she is here in my new “home” town with me because her son lives here and so does my daughter! Thank you Susan for blessing us.
I’d love to win a cup! I’m the kind of person who stands before their cupboard and thinks about what cup/mug I’m in the mood for each morning.
I love the blog! Thanks so much for sharing all of your lovely insights.
Such a beautiful love story! Perfect for February😍
So glad you are feeling better and back to spreading joy across the land.
What a lovely story – love’s reward: Love! I liked your reminder about stress relieving self-care. In the winter I have to be much more intentional about doing those good-for-me things or I fall into a funk and stress really overwhelms me. Thankfully, spring is coming and all those activities come so much more naturally when it’s warm outside and the days are longer. They’re getting longer already!
I look forward to each and every blog from you because they lift my heart and make me realize how much good there is in the world. Thank you for doing what you do.
Thank you Susan for writing this lovely blog entry for us. I so enjoy reading them.
What a lovely love story! Thank you, Susan. I got little tears in my eyes. Feeling pretty emotional because I just spent two days in the hospital after having a stroke. Lucky me. Nooo, I really mean it! I am beyond lucky—it was very minor and left no after effects. But holy cow, what a wake call! Tell the people you love that you love them today. I love you Susan.
SOOO Lucky, warnings are scary but blessings in disguise. Yay for you Donna, and I love you too!
Donna Jones – I had a stroke a year ago, on Feb. 9th – so I am coming up to the 1-yr. mark. My heart goes out to you because, yes, it truly is a very scary thing to experience. No warning signs for me – came out of the blue (I’m 66). I am so very thankful that your stroke was minor & you have no affects. I have some residual affects that I have to deal with – but oh, I am sooo thankful, because it could have been so much worse. I consider each day a “bonus” for sure! After experiencing a health scare like this, it changes your whole perspective on life, doesn’t it? But here again, we can take what has happened to us & turn it into something good. We can love our family, our friends & each other even more! And I agree with you – tell the people you love that you love them each & every day!
I guess you could say we’re kindred spirits, Helen. Both of us being Susan Branch fans….and being survivors. I hope we’ll be back here for many more anniversaries of making it through this wake up call. Take care…wishing you well…Donna
BTW..I’m (only) 70.
Thank you for the lovely story today…much needed.
What a lovely heartfelt blog Susan! Girlfriends are gifts of love.
Wow! What a lovely story from Doreen. I read it as fast as I could to find out what happened. Then I reread it to enjoy it more. Yay! Love wins! We need more of that these days.
Thank you.
What a sweet love story from Doreen and Greg!
I had been a widow for 8 years when (at 75) I married the widower of a good friend. We recently celebrated 6 wonderful years together.
I wish them many, many years of love and happiness!
I always look forward to your posts like this, especially at Valentine’s Day because I love anything with red hearts. Today I even bought a welcome mat that had red hearts coming out of a bicycle basket. I always love seeing Jack, too. I lost both of my kitties several years ago and can’t have another one right now, so I live vicariously through photos of other kitties on the Internet to get me by. Finally, thanks for yet another cute bookmark that I will use in one of the many books I have going now.
What a wonderful love story! Actually three of them. All my best to the happy couple. Life can always be so surprising. Never give up on life. I am busy making valentine bags for my girlfriends. Today I brought a Valentine mailbox full of little surprises to my Smocking Meeting for the door prize. It was so much fun to put together. I am with you, Valentine’s Day is for the girls. It is always so much fun and it is never a chore like some men think. Happy Valentine’s Day Susan and Joe!
I do so enjoy you and your love of life:)
I am new to this blog/newsletter although I have purchased one of your calendars. 2011. I cut tiny pictures out of it and modge podged them to my walls or furniture. I cut out your little sayings and stuck them on my bathroom mirror or in the windowsill. You’re work is beautiful. I especially enjoy the sweet spirit behind it. It all slows me down in a good way–so necessary The story of Karen,Richard, Doreen and Greg! What a gift.
Happy February Susan 💕💕💕 I too love the Detectorists! Thank you so much for your blog. Always makes me smile. 😊 Wow. I think Karen had a hand in getting Doreen and Gregory together. Have a luverly Valentine’s Day.
Oh, dearest Susan! My goodness…HOW MUCH you are needed today! Heartbreak from yesterday has overtaken me. Your dear “visit” gave me smiles & tears (of a better kind!) & all I can say…thank you…for being you! As always! All the best to dear Doreen & Greg! Love is everything! Blessings & hugs to all.
I’ve watched all the Dectorists episodes. Very cute. It makes me laugh…I’m glad you are enjoying it.
Hi Susan! I love your blog and I love all your china- especially the cups ! I’m so happy that I have a few of them. I love the ones you’re gifting! You are so generous! I’ll never forget your last visit to SLO and getting a picture with you. It was so fun! I hope you are healthy now after getting a little bug! Hugs to you!
What a beautiful post and to hear the lovely story of love made my day. One never knows when the love bug will bite. Now I have hope everlasting.
Oh, my! Had written my reply & then “poof!”…it flew away! Yikes! As always…dear Susan…thank you for being you! All best to Doreen & Greg! Love is everything! Thanks for smiles…yesterday was a true heartbreak! Blessings & hugs to all
Your posts are such day brighteners! I’ve been sick for a few days and feeling sorry for myself today. This was just what I needed! And I LOVE The Detectorists! So sad to come to the end, my friend and I just started watching it all over again.
You made my day! Love reading your blog! Cheery Happy news is just what we need in northern Minnesota! My husband was up on our roof this morning shoveling snow off the roof for over 2 hours. There was over 3 feet covering up 5 vents. What a job! Tomorrow it will be Shoveling Off the Deck Day. Again, we have over 3 feet of snow on a 3 tiered deck. I think there should be at least a pan of brownies as a reward! Would love to be entered in the giveaway. Thanks again for your positive fantastic fun blog! P.S. It’s snowing!
DearSusan~
Happy February Friend !! Today a man said to me that either way if the Ground Hog sees his shadow we have six weeks of winter,and if his doesnt Spring is six weeks away! haha I wonder how many people, like me never knew this riddle?!
I love my Englishside 2020 Calendar, I have been doing my family tree and so excited, I found that in the 1500s , Lord Richard and Lady ELizabeth of Essex England on my grandmother’s side !! I could just sense I was not a Hoosier from Indiana !! giggle giggle.
I love the painting of Jack , and the love story , well God has our journey all planned out !
Good weekend to you and Joe ,Happy Valentine’s Day and I LOVE THE CUP!!
Kind Regards,
Paula
IN
Here is my word or two! I wouldlove to win your darling little coffee cup!
Your messages ALWAYS bring such feelings of warmth into our worlds. Thank your so much for sharing. I have two friends that say that they want to come back as of one of my dogs. Just like you and Jack. Kindred spirits. Will make the most of the extra day this month to share the love.
I love your newsletters/Blog. The artwork alone is enough to draw me into reading it, but it’s all you share with us that makes it so special! Blessings to you Susan.
What a wonderful story of ❤️ . You always have the right music, photos and message to share, especially in the stressful world of today. Thank you for bringing music and sunshine and love to all of us.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Inspirational story, much needed in today’s world. Love the blog, like getting candy in the mail.
So nice to hear from you and thanks for sharing the lovely story of cherished friends found here. You are a true blessing Susan! Happy Days!
I’m so happy for Doreen and Greg, too! What a sad story with a very happy ending. I wish them all the best in the world. And what a beautiful love story of friendship at this time of year as we celebrate Valentine’s day. You are so right. We never know what is waiting for us around the corner. I hope to come to the tea in May with my Valentine.
I certainly needed a tissue for this blog…such a heartwarming story❣
What a wonderful letter.. it is true, I am si glad I found your blog too. It brightens my day every time I get the email. Thank you! Happy Groundhog Day!
Thank you Susan, so much for this uplifting blog. I needed it!!!😊❤️..I always look forward to your emails. ❤️💕💖
Susan,
Such a welcome surprise in my inbox today…your post! Love the stories, the sharing of yourself, and the encouragement from your heart.
Janice
Thanks for such a lovely newsletter. I look forward to their arrival.
Happy February! Counting down to spring with a little pot of tête-à-tête daffodils on my kitchen window sill! My brother down in Maryland sent me a picture of full-sized daffodils blooming in his garden last week — in January! Hurry spring!
Lovely post Susan. I love the story of two lonely folks getting together. It warms my heart. Your mugs are so cute, and so are you!
What an amazing story about love and friendship and how people are connected via this blog. So sweet! Happy Groundhog Day and “02-02-2020” Palindrome Day tomorrow!
You are a long way from Ontario, Canada, but when I read your blog I don’t feel the miles. Love to see Jack. Doreens’ letter brought a little life experience to mind. Years ago a young woman driving home had car trouble. A kind man stopped to help her. She told her story to the cashier at the grocery store. When the cashiers mom went into a care home she had a wonderful nurses aid. OK here comes. The young woman was the nurses aid. The cashier was the wife of the kind man. I am (was) the cashier. Imagine my surprise when I got home from work and received the phone call thanking my husband for his help. And the wonderful surprise of finding the nurses aid at my mothers side. How many lives one act of kindness touches, and how far it can travel.
What a wonderful post, Susan. I especially loved the story about Karen, Doreen and Glen! It is funny how the little things that we do ripple outward. The light and warmth you’ve created with this blog and community is truly special and has brought about so much good. I went on the trip to the Lake District in 2018 (thanks to your great idea) and was blessed to be at the Castle Cottage picnic. We had such an amazing time on that trip with such kindred friends that many of us are doing it again with Mandy this May! Susan, thank you for creating such a special community and for everything you do!
What an amazing and wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely Valentine story with all of us. (Yes, Kleenex were needed). Love, friendship, and the looking forward to the future. It made my day!
It looks as though the cups are tilty but I bet that’s just the photo that is distorted.
It’s because they’re sitting on top of dinner plates, kind of holding each other up!
Oh, Susan! Thank you for sharing this loving story with all of us today. I’m certain that Karen is smiling, just knowing that her beloved Greg and Doreen are making one another happy! 💕They have that very special connection that comes from knowing and loving Karen!
I was blessed to share a wonderful friendship with Karen, too. We met at your first book signing Tea Party in Wilmette, IL. While we waited in the long line, we enjoyed getting to know one another. It’s so easy to recognize a kindred spirit when we meet one! Over the years, Karen and I wrote long letters, shared happy mail, and phone calls. When plans were made for your second Tea Party in Wilmette were announced, Karen and I were so happy to get together again, in your honor! During that visit, we exchanged plants from our gardens along with other gifts. In fact, I took the photo of you and Karen that you shared today (and have many more if you would like to see them)! Sadly, that was the last time that Karen and I were together. We remained very close through her illness. The handmade cards that I sent her each week were hanging close to her bedside. Karen touched so many lives with her lovingkindness and was a blessing to all who knew her!💕
Heartfelt thanks, dear Susan for bringing so many kindred spirits together! We gather here to celebrate your incredible talent and gift for storytelling. We also celebrate love, life, home sweet home, self-care, creativity, travel dreams, faraway girlfriends, and so much more!
With my love, gratitude, and warmest hugs,
💗 Dawn (in Illinois)
That was the last time I saw her in person too . . . Twitter kept us together after that, but you know what a difference it makes when you’ve actually had a chance to hug! Nice to hear from you Dawn!
Dear Susan,
I have been a huge fan of all things Susan Branch since finding you in a woman’s magazine in the 1980’s. Now I’d like to thank you for another lovely, heart-warming blog post that’s brightened a drizzly, dreary day. I look forward to these posts each month as much as I enjoy reading and rereading your beautiful, marvelous books, and now the excitement grows as I look forward to your newest book’s arrival! Thrills! I’m excited about the Duxbury events as well. Attending may be a possibility as I’m not far away in northern Rhode Island.
Hugs,
Jackie Bacher-Bartulevicius
Cranston, RI
I love your blog so much❤️
That story was filled with so much sweetness in spite of the sadness. Thank you for sharing.
Oh so very thankful fir your blog blessings to u and all the girlfriends
What a great post; February is a great month not just because I was born in February! Always enjoy seeing an entry from you in my mailbox! Thank you for a chance at your generous give away.
Happy Valentines Day and Groundhog Day! My hubby and I are vacationing in New England this coming Sept. I get to experience all things fall-ish in Massachusetts! So excited. Have a good rest of the winter..
hank you for such a heart filled blog this month! So happy for those two who have connected to start a new life together, such joy!! Jan Trewhitt
you have a kind comment for everyone. Wonderful. I needed a good story to start the month here in the midwest. Thank you. Rose
Thank you for your lovely blog, Susan. My sister in law and I always look forward to reading them. I loved the story of Doreen and Greg. Many happy years to them.
Hello! Love ALL of this! I always love reading your blog..a.nd Wilbur! Love to you Susan! xo
When ever I need to get out of my own head and think about other things your blog shows up. Thank you for the love story, sad and happy all together.
Count me in the contest for a mug.
Loved the sweet story of how something beautiful came out of the deepest of tragedies. Love truly is the tie that binds us all together! I lost my dearest & best friend (who also happened to be my sister-in-law) to cancer 5 years ago. How I miss the hours that we would spend sipping tea & just talking & sharing about everything. True friendships are so important – we all need each other! Also just wanted to say that I always enjoy & look forward to your blogs, along with the pictures & recipes, etc. I read each one several times!
Your blog brought joy to my heart. Thank you.
Oh Susan you realize I HAVE to say ‘rabbit rabbit’ every month since you first wrote about it ages ago! It’s quite fun though. Like a secret only I have. I love your mugs! I think I need to order myself one for my birthday this summer! They are just the right size. Have a lovely weekend:-)
I just love your blog! It always makes me slow down and appreciate all the little things in life!
What a sweet story of compassion, caring, sharing, and then love again!
Thank you for sharing. Maybe they’ll send you a photo of their wedding for us to see!!