Queen Mary 2 Alert … 🚢 I heard from Susan Gannon today, our reservation person for the crossing next May 1, 2022 ~
She asked me to write this quick blog post and say how sorry she is that she hasn’t been able to get back to some of you. She knows she’s been missing you, and wanted me to tell you that for faster service, making sure you get your spot reserved, you can call Cunard Reservations at 800-728-6273 and say you’re with the “Susan Branch Girlfriends Group, Voyage M211, TNM” 
(if you’re American) or “TN3” if you’re Canadian ~ that way they can keep us all together. And she will follow up with you later! Our girlfriends have now taken 75 staterooms on this ship! Can you believe that? Me either! And I’ve been helping to figure out the Most Wonderful Tours I promise you are going to LOVE! Three parts of the country, gardens, tea rooms, castles, cathedrals, British film locations (the good ones), history, charm, lambs, cottages, I can’t WAIT to tell you about them ~ Can’t WAIT meet everyone on the back of the ship to raise a glass of bubbly in a bon voyage toast as we sail by Lady Liberty and out of New York Harbor together ~ both in real time, and in arm-chair-travel time! On our way to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with the Queen! Only one year from now! Much more to come!
What else? I bought a new computer! I thought I should get it now so it will be nicely broken-in for our trip! It’s now updating my photo library, a very long update considering the number of photos I have! Soon I’ll be updating the blog with all the new news! Until then, Alo-Ha-Ha, arrivederci, and adios! See you soon! Your Girlfriend, Susan XOXO
There’s nothing more I can say than I’m completely jealous! A perfectly, perfect shade of GREEN!
Oh…have a wonderful time planning and as the trip begins, keep us posted with pictures and stories of your adventures.
Sigh…
Come with us virtually, you’ll feel like you were there, but instead you’ll be safe and sound in your own comfy house!
🥰😎🚢 so so excited!!
I’m Sooo Excited about this trip with Susan and the Girlfriends….and I’m just going via my computer!!! You are The Best!!!
Yesterday, I completed our bookings for Tom and my trip this Fall. It was decided that we’ll stay in the 3 areas and hire drivers/private tour guides out from London (Greenwich), Oxford (Kelmscott or course, which I’ve never seen), Winchester and 2 nights in Windsor. The hotel in Windsor is right across from the castle. Hope it will be open for tours by then. I’d love to see the chapel where Prince Philip was memorialized and where Harry and Megan were married.
My old fashioned bearded iris are just about to bloom for the first time in years! Even the plants are excited about all this new Hope. Looking forward to seeing your dahlias in bloom….and thank you for the lovely pictures of your wisteria.
Sending Mucho love and gratitude to all,
Debbie on a Beautiful day in Coastal Maine
See Mompesson House in Winchester…❤️ I’ve noticed the same with my garden, it’s happier than ever!
Thank you! I’ve not seen Mompesson House. We’re booked at the Old Vine, in a room with a view of the Cathedral. Had it booked for last year, but you know what 2020 did. I’m finding that some of the tour companies offer single days out with just 6 people and a guide. While I’ve been to Stone Henge 3 times, the new museum was not complete last trip. First time was sleeting sideways, I had an abscessed tooth, but we were the only 2 people there, and you could walk right inside the inner circle. Pictures of me with my swollen chipmunk cheek are hilarious. Even those painful memories are wonderful.
It lifts my spirits to read about the Brave Girlfriends launching out solo for this great adventure on the QMll. The “ripple effect” of this great Joy will go on forever. That will be your immortality. 🙂
Thank you, thank your for just Being You!!
Debbie in misty, rainy Memorial Day in Maine
My immortality! Love that Debbie 🤣… check out tours of Stonehenge because I heard they’ve changed access to the stones…and yes, it makes me SO happy to think of us all doing this together ~ and I agree with you, it IS brave! But after covid, all I can say, if not now, then when? Is “never” satisfactory? I think not!😘
Dear Debbie,
I always look forward to your posts, as you, like Susan, have the “happy gene”. Would it be possible to find out the source for your hired drivers? When I am in York, I would also like to visit the Yorkshire Moors and Dales, and I understand that they are best seen by car. Most of my traveling will be via train. I will be visiting the Winchester area as well. The May 2020 issue of Britain magazine has an article about walking in the footsteps of Jane Austen in that area. If you are unable to access the article, I could copy it and send it to you. I hope you have a wonderful trip this Fall. How could you not? You approach travel as the adventure it is supposed to be. Take care, Dianne in Upstate New York
Good morning from Northern CA.
Wow, this is turning into a great adventure. The crossing is going to be so much fun! I can’t wait but know that it will be fun planning what to pack. I also asked on the facebook blog…..is there a way to ship all those neat dressy clothes home after the crossing? I’m sure I won’t need a gown once we start on the tour…lol. I would love to downsize the luggage to haul around.
I’m so glad the small tour company is working out. I have loved going on their adventures so much and can’t wait to go on another one…..it will be hard to decide which one to take…..looking forward to seeing what is planned. I know it will be hard to choose. Thanks so much for that note at the beginning of all this so that we could change our crossing date. Who would have thought we’d have so many of us on the same ship! Yea! Well….lots of time to plan. So excited.
Cheers
Jan from Northern CA
I’m looking for that answer… mostly I just keep my dressy clothes to a minimum, no ball gowns! But perhaps we will see if the tours can take everyone to a place they can ship their clothes home! We’ll figure it out!
Dear Janice,
I have the same concerns as you, since I want to travel light once in England. If I am not mistaken Cunard uses a luggage service which will post our bags home once the ship docks. I am trying to check further. Dianne in Upstate New York
Thanks Dianne, I have been asking that question of some folks also. I’ll post what I find out. I’ll check the Cunard website as well. Hopefully not too expensive.
I’m so happy for all of you going on this wonderful girlfriends crossing! Sadly I cannot join you – but joyfully I have other plans in beautiful, magical England. My precious, wonderful daughter and I are going on our own magical trip on October 30, 2022, to Scotland, Wales, and England. We’ll be back home on November 1y1. We’ll be with a tour group until the last darday when we’re taking the train, on our own, to decorate our own treasure at the pottery studio of Emma Bridgewater. We are looking forward to this trip so much! And I will follow your progress avidly. Everyone have a great trip. Have too much fun! Stay safe and happy! I’ll be with you in spirit.
How absolutely wonderful! Be sure to write and share everything with us! Fun we have such a nice long time to plan!
Susan, I will be gladly share my trip with everyone. I will try to be as enchanting as your memoirs are – I can only try. Travel is, indeed, the spice of life. It takes us out of our everyday surroundings into a kaleidoscope of wonder outside ourselves into beautiful new experiences that transform our horizons to enrich our very souls and make our lives forever enriched with the fresh outlook that now colors our world. Drink it all in, friends. Absorb every new thing and let it make you a different, better person!
Could not agree more Carolyn. I like to be humbled and amazed at the same time, and travel does that for me!
Typo -back November 11.
Dear Susan,
I get so excited every time my thoughts wander to my trip of a lifetime. Although I’ve been to England, I’ve never made a crossing. I can’t wait! I made my reservation early, and I may have chosen the wrong room (Princess class). With reservations mounting up, I’m going to leave things as they are. I don’t want to risk missing out. I think dining areas are assigned according to rooms, so I’m hoping that I’ll still be able to meet people from the group at dinner. Since I will more than likely be traveling alone, I can always invite people back to my room for a nice cup of tea or a knitting session (I will even be bringing a project that I will be knitting on circular needles, even though straight would suffice. I want to show you how easy it is, especially when traveling). I haven’t been able to get back in touch with Susan, but I think my luggage problem may be solved. Since I want to travel light once in England (so much easier when getting on and off the train), I was concerned about the extra bag that would be required for the crossing (evening wear, etc). I think that Cunard uses a service that will ship it home for me. Must check further, but that is such a relief. Now I can focus on the many places I want to go. I will be joining The Royal Oak Society; I think the membership year begins in January. I also plan to visit Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms- both were a miss in the past. I just finished reading The Rose Code, so Bletchley Park has been added to my list as well. For those girlfriends traveling with their husbands (and for Joe), the Imperial War Museum is wonderful. There is a whole room devoted to John Singer Sargeant’s painting “Gassed” from World War I. There are things of interest to women as well, as women played a significant role in the war (and are being recognized for their efforts).
I can’t wait to see the trips you are helping to plan, as we have a lot of interests in common. I’m hoping that my first week in England will be taken care of by one of those, and then I’ll wander on my own. A return to the Lake District and Hill Top is a must, as is a return visit to Cornwall. Right now I’m investigating tea rooms, and I’m afraid that I may be zigzagging through the countryside in order to visit a few that I don’t want to miss. I’m hoping to have a little more success than in the past, where yarn shops are concerned. LOOP in London requires a return visit. If any of your British girlfriends know of some shops, I’d love to year about them. Stay safe and enjoy the Spring. Today is beautiful in the Hudson Valley following last night’s rain
Oh goodie, I will love to have a knitting lesson! You can also knit all over the ship…don’t have to be in your room! I learned to wind the yarn over my little finger from a woman who was knitting in a lounge chair on deck. I think they do have that send-home service, but I’m not sure. Keep the dress-up clothes simple, is my motto. Bring 4 scarves and a black suit and voila! Ha ha, someone is going to want to go on your zig-zag tea room tour! I’ve never done well finding yarn shops either, oddly. I always figure I just don’t go to the right places! Check out the yarn festivals in England THIS year… Happy planning Dianne!
Dear Susan,
If you are going to be in Cornwall, I did find a shop in Truro called Truro Wool. It looks nice, and I hope to visit it while in Mousehole. It looks as if a lot of the festivals have either been cancelled or will be virtual. A few may take place but have yet to be confirmed. LOOP in London has a nice selection. It is a very small shop, easily reached via the Tube. You can view their yarns on their website. I bought a really nice sock yarn there when last in London. Yarn doesn’t weigh a lot, so it’s a nice souvenir- weight restrictions being so stringent. Since you’ll be returning by ship, you don’t have to worry about that. But other travelers may have concerns. I’ve also found dishtowels to be a nice momento. Jams and chutneys are nice, but their weight adds up quickly. I learned the hard way!! I actually posted a few things home prior to leaving in order to avoid a penalty on my last visit. It was suggested by a person I met while traveling. Depending on the airline, the fees can be quite costly. Take care
Good advice Dianne! Because shipping these days costs exactly One arm and One leg. 🤣
Oh, Dianne! Mousehole! (“Mowz-ul) On my first trip to England, I stayed 2 nights in The Lobster Pot Inn which is right on the little harbor. Had my first bowl of strawberries and clotted cream there. On that 1977 trip, I dragged my poor husband through just about every stone age, bronze age, iron age pile or stone circle in Cornwall. It involved slogging through muddy, poopie cow pastures, but with the most astounding views of both coasts!! He was Ok if we found a good pub to dry ourselves out.
Taking an empty suitcase for those things you buy and paying the excess baggage fees is lots cheaper than mailing….
This will be a wonderful trip for you all. I can’t be with you, but I will so enjoy pictures and stories along the way.
You will be with us in your own way! Promise to make this inclusive! xoxo
Hello Susan….I have already made a QM2 reservation for next May (our trip has been rescheduled due to COVID both in 2020 and again in 2021). I am hoping that the third time is a charm! My friends and I will be BOARDING the trip on the day that your group ARRIVES in Southampton! So sorry to miss your exciting, special cruise. I know you are putting together fabulous land tour suggestions.
May I suggest one for consideration? I am a knitter and a quilter so I have a keen interest in textiles. I am also Scottish and love all plaids. My land tour is going to begin in Edinburgh and I am going to travel 40 miles south down to the Scottish borders to a little town called Selkirk to visit Lochcarron. When I visited Edinburgh about 8 years ago, most of the tartans I saw had been manufactured in Asia, which disappointed me. I look forward to touring this mill and hopefully ordering something!
With a heritage dating back to 1892, Lochcarron of Scotland is the world’s leading manufacturer of tartan. Proudly Made in Scotland by skilled craftsmen and women who design, dye, warp, weave, mend and tailor our Scottish tartans and textiles. From kilt to catwalk, Lochcarron of Scotland champions traditional tartan fabric manufacturing whilst continuing to innovate, designing bespoke creations for major international fashion houses.
I hope this suggestion will appeal to one or more folks on your trip.
Oh so close! We’ll leave the ship filled with happy ju-ju … you’ll feel the music the minute you set foot on board! Thank you for the suggestion, love hearing it! xoxo
Linda…Gordon, of course you are Scottish! I went to the Selkirk mills back in 1977, I bought a number of yards of that beautiful Royal Stewart Black that is predominately blue and green. Also visited a woolen mill in Ireland with hand woven tweeds in 1982. Brought back some for a dear friend to make her daughter a skirt and vest. The daughter has passed it on to her daughter, who is now at Cambridge! Well traveled woolens! Those things are timeless.
Happy travels! Debbie in Maine
Sounds like a trip of a lifetime! I hope I can make it happen, but if not, then I know you’ll update us at every turn!
I definitely will, and I’m sure I won’t be the only one! xoxo
I’ll be a suitcase stowaway awaiting your very descriptive blogs! Can’t wait! Sure sounds like a fantastic time!
Very Exciting! Almost as wonderful as the picnic at the Cottage! Just called Cunard and got in! You had me at bubbly🤗🥂
Lindy, Holland, Michigan
YAYAYAY. Picnic on a ship! And lots of surprises coming Lindy!
Just think of how many more girlfriends you will have when the ship arrives in England. Once the other passengers get wind of the Susan Branch group you will be joined by many more kindred spirits! Sounds like a wonderful adventure.
I think the same thing! Going to be very special!
Can’t wait for the updates !!!
Hope all your photos are backed up separately from your computer and stored in a safe location or cloud service.
They are, in a separate hard drive I plug in every day. It was a very good thing for you to hope, I appreciate your care! xoxo
So jealous of all of you lucky people who get to go on the trip! I hope you all have a wonderful time filled with laughter, good weather, yummy food, and beautiful scenery. Can’t wait to see the pictures and hear about this once in a lifetime trip. Enjoy!
Generous heart! Promise to bring you along from perfect comfort of your favorite chair! 👍😘
At the risk of sounding like the biggest Grouch of the year, this just became a Very Rich Girls Club. I hope you all have the time of your lives. I’m out of my league and will continue to enjoy the simple things in life.
Well, it is doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think when you relate it to a vacation at a good hotel or spa ~ you can pay less than $2,000 which includes all the food you can eat and all the entertainment, music, dancing, movies, knitting club, workouts in a huge gym, soft pillows and comfy bed and fabulous views for 8 days … only this hotel/spa is moving and going to England! This all started because Joe and I were going next year and thought maybe some of you might want to come along. The little things in life most definitely includes dreams, and if you can dream it you can make it so. And we have a YEAR to save, to plan, to make it happen if we want. It’s not EVERYONE’S dream, so not everyone’s cup of tea, that’s why we’re taking the rest of you virtually, with lots of pictures and things. Arm-chair travel can also be very wonderful! Nobody around here has a league, we are all just regular, run of the mill, kindred spirits who do adore the little things in life! xoxoxo
I was surprised to see that it can be much less expensive than I’d expected. I can’t afford the Queen’s Grill but it still sounds lovely. Hmmmm…
We’ve stayed in rooms of all levels, and honestly, we had zero more fun in the Queen’s Dining room than we did in the Britannia … All the dining rooms are lovely, but we sometimes skip meals in the dining rooms and just get dinner in the cafeteria! Yes, the ship is affordable!
This sounds like great news! I’ll be with you in spirit, Dear Susan!
Janet XOXO
Sounds like a great trip! I will be sailing with you via your blog. I so enjoyed your last crossing when I read your book about your trip. I can’t wait until next May to be sailing with and Joe again.
I know it will be fun for all of us!
Can’t wait to hear about the group tours! Thanks so much for doing this! I’ve reserved a stateroom and have been browsing national trust properties for fun 🙂
We’re so close! Hoping we’ll have it nailed down this next week! 👍🚢👏
This is so exciting ! wish you all a wonderful trip in 2022 Susan your the best.
Just a note to wish you all well as you embark on the exciting part of your trip, the anticipation and planning. I can remember how fun it was to plan Cheryl and my trip a couple of years ago. It is such a joy to think you will be sailing again on that magnificent ship and ending up at a most magical place, England.
I’m looking forward to 2023 when we will be visiting England as we celebrate Cheryl’s daughters graduation. She’s so excited as we have talked so much about the beauty and charm of the Cotswolds.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.🇱🇷🇱🇷
How wonderful, Kay, 3 generations! Passing on the magic!!
Queen mary 2 and her sister queen victoria are in torbay England beautiful to see them here
How lucky for you! What a view! I can almost see it from here!
Sorry Susan but this has zero to do with the Queen Mary. I wanted you to know just in case you didn’t know that Barbara Cheatley’s in Claremont CA is closing as of end of June. After 45 years she is retiring! Thousands of fans are sad about losing such a treasure of things, including yours! Please forgive the intrusion on this page.
No intrusion at all! No rules here … and I love hearing about Barbara, she will be SOOOO missed! Thank you for letting me know!
0h so sad, one f my favorite places!
Barbara Cheatley’s is my favorite store of all time. I’m so sad about it. I discovered her store 30 years ago since I moved to Claremont. That is probably where I discovered Susan Branch!!!!!!
Susan, the love of my life, my husband Bob, passed away on Saturday. He had only felt sick for a short time, and everything was very sudden. But he went the way he would have wanted. Diagnosed with liver cancer on Monday, and gone on Saturday with minimal suffering. I know he would want me to do this since it’s something I’ve wanted to do for some time, and everything he did he did for me. So I’m going to sleep on it, and will probably call tomorrow. It is very exciting indeed.
Dear Peggy. I don’t know how to begin except to say how sorry I am. What an awful shock, but how brave and RIGHT you are (since it’s what you want) to put something wonderful on your calendar to look forward to. You know, and so do I without having ever met him, that the love of your life would be rejoicing for you ~ and proud that you go on and make your dreams come true. Blessings on you Peggy … sending love. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Dear Peggy,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My Father (with whom I was very close) died suddenly my freshman year in college. It was the end of my world for awhile. With the passing of time, however, I was able to be thankful that he died as he did- suddenly and without prolonged pain. As a nurse, I have seen so much suffering.
If you decide to fulfill your dream and join us on the Queen Mary, I will look forward to meeting you. I, too, will be traveling alone, as it is the fulfillment of a dream I’ve had for many years. My father and mother returned to the U.S. from England on the Queen Mary following the war. My mother was British, and they met in London when My father was “attached” to the army as a special weapons expert. Perhaps we can meet together for a cup of tea or some quiet reflection. I have a room with a balcony. If you will not, you are welcome to share mine. I find gazing out at the sea to be perfect for reflection. Take care Dianne in Upstate New York
Dearest Peggy this is so beautiful and brave of you and I can feel your Bob smiling down on you. No wonder you shared such a love. I will keep you wrapped in prayers. To read your love and communion with Susan and Dianne, made my heart explode with thankfulness for the radiance, and kindness of human beings. You three are all VERY BEAUTIFUL.
Dianne, Please write more about your mother and father. Wonderful story.
Debbie in Maine
It would be a delight to travel with you next spring to the English Countryside❣️ I just finished rereading your three autobiographies, for the 4th time, finding so much new beauty and inspiration every time. Thank you❣️
It seems as though I’ve been there with you, your writing so engaging❣️ So I’ll have to settle for the armchair visit.
“The reader who is illuminated is, in a real sense, the poem.” ♥️
I recently saw a friend’s tee-shirt: “Nourish Your Happy”
I thought of you Susan❣️
Tea and love,
💕Janice ☕️
Yes, and I can already see you ARE the poem! Thank you, love the t-shirt too! xoxoxo
Hi Susan, I’m just hearing about the trip. So exciting! Can we fly directly and meet the group in England, or is the cruise part of the whole package?
Thanks,
Doris
You can fly directly! I’ll be giving more details and you’ll know just when to be there!
That’s my question too
I don’t have anything clever to say, just want to let you know that your posts are such day brighteners! Love from Oregon
Thank you Anne! You just did the same for me! xoxo
Please say you will be getting more jigsaw puzzles 🙏
I would love to pre-order 2. 🤞
Or can I get them anywhere on vineyard or cape cod?
I still have your original cookbook.
And could kick myself for not grabbing that awesome puzzle earlier!!
🤐
Write Kellee@162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and see if she has any left. ❤️
Dear Susan, what fun to be planning for a crossing, I am so excited! Was looking for your luggage tags!?! I have mine but wanted to get more for a friend. Do you not have them in your store anymore? Looking forward to more news on the QM2 journey 2022. Thank you, ~patty
I think we still have them! I’ll check with Kellee!🚢❌⭕️
Received the Susan Branch luggage tags in the mail today…will be using them for the voyage come May 1, 2022…so excited!
Yay!
Oh I wish I could travel, but can’t, so I am very glad that I can follow along from my arm chair and keep a travel journal sketchbook as if I was along side of you. I can feel the excitement building, like a 5-year-old waiting for next year’s Christmas, because she already asked Santa for a bike! I’m already scheduling dates on the calendar, and have picked out my travel journals. Bon voyage to all girlfriends who are filling with anticipation!
How fun! A travel sketchbook! xoxo
Is Joe going? Or staying home with kitty? This is going to be big. Sooo. Will you see your and stay with friends in England or be in hotel with the group?..i am excited to see how it all goes. Going to be full of good food. Laughter. Tea, fun and adventure. So excited for those going. Us home will def need photos on Willard. I dont tik tok ok r instagram.
Oh yes, Joe is definitely coming! We won’t be on the tours— Joe’s an old hand at driving now and has his own itinerary! Willards will tell all! ❤️
Your quote on travel from the last blog is SO beautiful! …You wrote, “Travel isn’t always easy…” I copied down the WHOLE thing and put it in my car for those tiny trips to work and the grocery store. I also put it in my trip journals, for those wonderful over seas trips. You could make a Bon Voyage card out of it. I am sad I can’t come along as a real person; I will be arm chair traveling with you all. My husband and I are going to Italy in September of 2022!!!!!
How wonderful!!! More time to plan! And you can come with us via armchair! It’s a win-win!😘
Susan, so, so, SO wish I could go with you on this trip! But I’m saving $ for college. Anyway, I heard this music & thought you might enjoy it. I so enjoy that you give us a sound track for most of your posts. They really make it so much more fun. Anyway, this is one of my favorite FUN pieces of music. Hugs to you! Pink Martini’s “No Hay Problema”
youtube.com/watch?v=Ul9Fb3saHxQ
Your faithful friend,
Nancy
Great song! College is the very BEST reason not to go— you can go later! 👨🎓
We definitely want a room with a balcony! Any recommendations which level weshpuld ask for? This is our very first cruise EVER!!! 😬🤗💝🤩
Balconies galore on this ship! Just ask them, they’ll find you the perfect spot!
Although I can’t make the voyage in person, I will be there virtually, and in spirit!
And we’ll feel that spirit and keep in touch! 😘
Sounds wonderfully fun and adventurous. But I’m sure I couldn’t afford the trip.
Call and see… and remember we have a year to figure it out!😘
Hi Susan!
Obviously I won’t be joining you snd the girlfriends on the ship as I am already here in the U.K. but wanted to say that I can’t wait to hear what your itinerary will be over here so we can meet up once more! 🌴 🧳 🥂 🍾 ☀️ 🌞 🇬🇧
Love
Karen Williams
Cambridgeshire
🇬🇧
Working on that Karen!❌⭕️
Ooh I think I have missed a post,
Well Susan there is no need to book me a state room as I am already here lol, i’m with the YORKSHIRE (Susan) BRANCH 🙂
Sending love from a warm and sunny Yorkshire xxx
Warm and sunny!👏👏👏👏Hope we see you there!
My husband and I are so excited to be joining the voyage adventure across to sea on the Queen Mary II! It will be a trip of a lifetime for us 🙂
For all of us, really! Thrilled you are able to join!🚢
Thinking if you and your adventures in England as I prepare to leave june1!!!
I will be visiting Hilltop, The Lake District and many more wonderful jaunts as I visit a dear friend. Our friendship came to be because of you and A Fine Romance! It’s been 5 years now and many trips across the pond both ways🥰 I have a kindred spirit in England and in you for which I am so grateful 💕cheers! Be sure and try Crofts Sherry while you’re there and Devon Cider…wonderful!
Who would have thought it! The world opened to us. So blessed. Have fun Karen! Hooked on Magner’s Pear Cider, but will definitely try!
This trip sounds AMAZING…we don’t get out of school until the middle of June…
I can’t wait to see the blog about it when it happens!! 🙂
~Tara from Hull, Mass
I’m so glad we have a year to think about it!
Where do I go to find all the details of the Queen Mary trip?
In the last two posts! More information to come!
I’m with Anne from Oregon. It’s such a treat to open your email that links me to another chapter in your life. I’ll be an armchair travel buddy next year, but you manage to make it real for all of us left at home.
xo,
Karen
That’s my plan! It should be fun no matter where you are!
I can just imagine how thrilling it must be for the GF’s who are planning this trip. I cannot even imagine. But I hope to be there arm chair style which is the only way I can travel now.
I can only imagine how many photos you have. I turn around and have a thousand on my phone in a nano second!😂
I can’t always comment, but I am always here reading. It brings me joy.
XOXO
Love hearing from you Chris . . . I’ll do my best to make you arm-chair girls feel as though you are there with us!
Hello, Susan–my sister Beverly and I are booked, and are SOOOOO excited! It’s been a lifetime goal to take a cruise on a REAL ship, but we didn’t know if it would ever happen. Now it is! You’ve made it possible. When I saw your blog describing the cruise, a light turned on, and we said, “Let’s do it.” Thank you, thank you!!! (My name is Mary C. on the list, but I go by Cathy, my middle name.)
Thrills me to my toes to hear that Cathy! Let’s do it! Lots of us are saying it! Covid, schmovid, we earned it! Remind me of your name when I see you, I’m sure I won’t remember if I see Mary first! I’m making us name tags!
Name tags–that’s GREAT! (I need all the help I can get with remembering names!) And yes, please make mine say Cathy, (not Mary C.)
Yes, name tags. I wish the whole world wore them! I think I should just bring them with me and let everyone put their own name on! No misspellings that way!
And here’s another Anne! I’ll be in my armchair with my bubbly wishing you a bon voyage! Also on a different note, I have been searching and searching for the little Chocolate book and finally it came up on EBay! I grabbed it and when I got it, it was so much more than just the book!! How exciting! It came in the original box with a magnet too! I opened it and read it right away. Thanks for writing it! Chocolate: It’s not just for breakfast anymore. 🙂
Ohhh, I’m so glad! I wish they were still making those, so cute!
Hi Susan,
This isn’t about the trip either but…… thought I had read you were designing new mugs and they would be available late summer but haven’t seen them posted. Was I mistaken or just doing some wishful thinking? Lol!
You’re right! They are in production so I will put them up for presale in the next blog post!
Oh… goodie goodie! I can’t wait!☺️
Whohooooo! So excited. I was lucky enough to reach Susan at Cunard and book our reservations! We’re probably not going to be able to stay an additional 8 days once we arrive, so I’ve been nose deep in books plotting out our mini stay. Your book, ‘Falling in Love with the English Countryside’ has been such a help and inspiration! This is the 4th time I’ve read this book and it never gets old! Cheers Susan and cannot wait to be apart of this once in a lifetime ‘girlfriends’ trip!
Wonderful Sandi! I’m working out a mini tour too… something like an overnight in London with a stop in the English Countryside… a taste of things for NEXT time!
Next time!!!!!!!!
Dear Sandy,
I agree with you. I never tire of rereading Falling in Love with the English Countryside. In fact, I am reading it again, as I plan my trip. I look forward to meeting you on the ship when we Girlfriends gather. We can swap ideas for places to visit.Will you be driving while in England? If not, and if you will be based in London for your additional days, London Walks offers some day trips to surrounding areas. Their guides are absolutely wonderful. Dianne in Upstate New York
Good, thank you! I’ll tell everyone on the blog too… there are also lots of ways to get to London from the ship… it’s all so easy!
Next Time! Yes! That just might be possible! But I will be with you in spirit…this time!
wdo you have age restrictions. many thanks.ould you please add me to mailings.
I never have age restrictions but I honestly don’t know about Cunard or this Travel agency. You’d have to ask. ❤️
Oh dear I did not know about this trip. Can people still sign up and can you give me the info on it? Cost, How long do we stay in England, Where are we staying in England, etc
Read the last two posts … you haven’t missed much, we’re at the very beginning, but it’s all there! Yes, you can still sign up. You can take the ship with us, or you can fly over and meet a tour . . . just go back and read and you’ll see. This all started because Joe and I were going next year and we thought maybe some of you might like to come along.🚢
WHERE do you get all your energy? Please tell me it’s something I can pick up at my local market. And my second totally unrelated question is: what do they do with all the little lambs? Used for wool? I do see an awful lot of sweaters in GB.
Bonnie
It seems like I have energy because I fit a month’s worth of what I do into one blog post and for the most part I leave out the lazy parts!🤣 Yes, we’ve watched them sheer the sheep!
Wanting to book a room with a balcony. As a first time cruiser we have no idea which deck is best. HELP!!
They will tell you . . . you can ask all the questions you want and they will help you… We’ve probably been on every deck and I haven’t found much difference if any!
This sounds like a great adventure for all. Can’t wait to follow all your adventures, not like being there, but almost!🤗
Very close!
❤️
Petey must be so excited too!!!!!
He’s thrilled!!!
Dear Susan, Is there anyone else out there like me, who would prefer a SINGLE room? I do so want to make this trip. My husband and I are veteran travelers, but I don’t think his interest level on this trip is the same as mine. I would like to make contact with other women that are traveling alone and are seeking a single room. Am I unique? A weirdo? A strange one? I don’t think so, but I do value my privacy and my husband is the ONLY person that I feel comfortable sharing a room with. Anyone else out there like me? I hope so!
I’m sure there is. Go to my Facebook page and sign onto the new Queen Mary 2 Group. Talk to others there and see if you find a likeminded other. But PS, tell your husband lots of men are coming too including my Joe!
I know I answered you, Sandy, but I think somehow it didn’t go through… anyways yes, be sure to put your request on the new Facebook page where you’ll be able to talk to like minded others! You should also tell your husband that other husbands are coming along including mine! He wouldn’t be alone if he should decide to come along!
Dear Sandy,
I replied earlier, But I think that it may have gotten lost somewhere in cyberspace. I, too, will be traveling alone- unless I find someone to share the adventure with between now and the time of departure. I have traveled previously as a single within a group and felt as if I had the best of both worlds. I had my time with the group and my alone time, which I must say that I savor- especially at the end of the day. Will you be staying in England for awhile after the ship docks? I will be there for several weeks (hopefully), as I want to be there for the Jubilee. I’m busy tossing ideas around in my head, and I must say that, at the present time, my brain is a jumbled mess. There are so many places to see. I’m anxious to see the trips that Susan is helping plan. I’m also looking at walking vacations. If you are a walker, you will be in heaven. England is made for rambling. Also, I will be walking daily on the promenade deck and would love to have a walking buddy. I look forward to meeting you Dianne from Upstate New York
Enjoy every minute of this life that you can…and don’t feel guilty about it! Feel blessed. Have a wonderful time and share pictures!!
We will!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️
Hi Susan,
Does a person who would love to join on this trip need to contact Cunard QE2 direct..?
Thanks
Fran
Yes, i explain that in this post and give you the voyage number, etc, so you can connect with our group when you call.👍
Susan, I am so glad you sound so excited and alive. It is wonderful to have things to look forward to. 🤸
I cannot wait to follow you on your trip across country again by train. I am green with envy that I cannot be on your transatlantic cruise. However, I know you will grab the hands of those of us stateside and share the important bits via blogs and tweets. I look forward to you sharing all your trips. Thank you for always remembering to take us along, even if it is just off island into Falmouth.
I am excited about new mugs, your trips, your tweets, Your blogs, and just about everything Susan Branch!
As always, thank you, love you.❤
Oh yes, it’s very fun we are able these days to share our lives—-share the beauty. It does make for a better world.❤️
Oh Susan! I do wish everyone who wants to go could magically work it out.
When I read the blog to my husband and we were trying to decide what to do for my 60th 😕 His eyes lit up and there was a *” TING”* with us both. It just seemed perfect. A year to save, fully refundable if things go sideways by Dec. 31st.
We’re not rich that’s for sure! We are simple, middle class, small business owners. We just felt that this was a trip of a lifetime and we would save and plan and budget and do whatever needed to make it happen. After the last year, we need something special. ” Something special” is not the same for everyone. It’s both big and small. You are lovely to extend the invitation, when you and Joe could “Sail away to Merry Old England” 😉 all by yourselves. Quietly and sweetly enjoying each others company and the ship, but you’ve extended this beautiful opportunity Idea to all of us. My husband is already fretting that you will feel smothered and get overwhelmed by having to be ” on” the whole time and will regret having so many ” girlfriends” along for the ride. I assured him that you may feel exactly that at times, but that you know how to take care of yourself…oooooommmmm. Girlfriends will hopefully respect your space and the ship is soooooo big that there will be places for all of us to escape if need be 🙂 I’m am so excited that my heart actually starts to thumpity thump when we talk about it.
Looking forward to those Dahlia pictures…mine are at about 18 inches…going to be a good season.
Hugs from North Carolina
Kim
Yes, and I do get overwhelmed sometimes, Joe too, but I think it will work because everyone will be just as happy meeting each OTHER— lovely kindred spirits— while I go to my room and take naps!!! I hope you do it, it’s a big bold amazing thing you will never forget and be proud of for the rest of your life!🚢❤️❤️❤️❤️But if it doesn’t work out, know that a virtual trip can be wonderful too! ❌⭕️
We’ve already booked! can’t wait to sail past Lady Liberty!
🚢👏👏
Just had time to sit and read all the comments here. I’m over the Moon that so many gals and their guys are making this fabulous Voyage!!!! I believe totally that I will as well, if not with the Lovely Tom, with my oldest and dearest girlfriend.
Just some thoughts on some of the comments.
I taught with a gal many years ago, who became friends with me and my first husband. She had such a lovely husband, and they would invite us over to watch movies they shot on their yearly trips all over North America and the World. (We also did some great rough camping canoe trips with them involving roaring alligators 😉 )
I’d been an Anglophile since childhood, and I would say, “Oh, I wish we could afford to do that!” Shirley and Chick, who made less together than we did, said, “If you wait til you can afford to travel, you’ll never go.” They were totally right. Where there is a will, there is a way. So, Bam, we went off to our first trip to England and Scotland in 1977. Shirley told me keep a log of everything, and that was the beginning of my stacks of travel logs, which are great reading out loud on a cold night in front of the fire, or sitting in the local park in Tampa. No price on good memories. Only You can make those. I got a good deal loan from my teacher’s credit union, and easily paid it off over the next teaching term. Did the same in 1982.
As for the Very Rich Girl’s Club, you, Dear Lady are right. A voyage on one of the World’s best cruise lines, which includes everything you could need or want, costs less than Tom and I used to shell out on our twice yearly migrations back and forth to Maine. The last couple of years we drove, our Hampton Inns were up to $150 per night, and we had to buy lunches and dinners…and gasoline.
Tom and I both retired in our mid-40’s and boogied all over the US and Canada, four months at a time, 3 times, and had so many fabulous adventures that are fodder for remembrances. We went to Germany on a shoestring, having just sent 2 kids through college and bought our first home together. We lived very simply, still do, but we put Travel at the top of our list.
Once you do that, your adventures won’t seem so “expensive”.
Even if you don’t post this, Susan, I just wanted you to know how I feel!!!
Mucho Love and Gratitude,
Debbie in very chilly, grey Maine, so time to bake something else with the fresh rhubarb!
So true! And those memories never fade! I know, we aren’t really splurgers either, EXCEPT for this! Waited a long time to do it, too long really, and now, the minute one trip is done, we go home and start saving/planning for the next trip! xoxoxo
Debbie,
Of all the comments, I have to say that I loved yours.
My husband and I have a small business and have a blended family of 5 all college grads! We felt early on that we may not have the best of everything, but we have had the best adventures! Nothing as wild as you and Tom, but Hiking the Cotswold way , Backpacking in the Tetons, VW bus adventures on Hwy 1 in Cali. , Our winter visits to Old Quebec. These are the riches that we have stored in our hearts. Next up, the QM2. I hope , hope, hope you will join us. We would love to meet you! Cheers. I’ll take a rhubarb custard pie please!
Kim
I’m so excited for all of you who can go on this awesome trip! I’ll be there in spirit with you and look forward to all the pictures and trip details!!! Safe travel wishes from Arkansas.
You’ll be right there with us Carolyn!
Susan, I will be with you —-virtually❤️ Looking forward to your photos and posts😊 So glad your having such a great turnout!
Big surprise, but best to make hay when the sunshines!
My lovely Susan,
I am excited beyond belief! I have just made a reservation for your trip on the Queen Mary next year – OMG!!!!!! I have never been outside of the United States and have rarely been outside of my comfort zone and now I am planning to do both. I have so wanted to see England and I think 1 of the 3 tours we might be offered includes the Lake District. I love the countryside and animals of all kinds and I think this might just be the ticket (if not the ticketyboo). Will all the info on these things be on your facebook page? I like my privacy so I booked a whole stateroom for myself with a balcony. If I can talk any of my friends to go, they can share staterooms but, I keep later hours then most people so don’t want to interrupt their sleep or have mine shortened. I’m sure you will have a whole list of places we might want to see and places to eat and shops to visit (no pressure Susan………..right). How about a handy, dandy illustrated, as only you can, booklet? You can see that you (or I) have created a monster. All I can say is thank you so much for allowing us to be a tiny part of your dream.
I’m beyond happy for you Patricia! It’s going to be wonderful! Stay brave, you will be in great hands ~ never a safer or easier way to visit! xoxoxo
Dear Patricia,
I, too, will be traveling on my own and have booked a stateroom with a balcony. I look forward to meeting with the Girlfriends and making new friendships while onboard the ship. I have traveled to England twice now on my own and would be more than willing to swap ideas with you. My first trip was a “learning experience”- as I wished it to be. There were obstacles, but I managed to navigate them all!! The people were so friendly and so helpful. Will you be driving about once there or traveling by train? In London, the Tube is easy to navigate and gets you anywhere you might want to be. On my previous trips, I’ve been to the Lake District, Cornwall, Bath, and Chester and will return to a few of those places in 2022. Although a small country, there is so much to see in England. The countryside varies a great deal from place to place. It’s a bit like our country, but on a much smaller scale. If you are a walker, you will be in heaven. England is made for rambling. Dianne in Upstate New York
Hi Diane,
I will look forward to meeting you on the ship and listening to all of your experiences. I haven’t seen the tours yet but hope to book one. I have a friend in Poway (close to San Diego) and her sister lives in England and she goes to see her often. I will be draining her brain for facts and tips also. If we and some other single travelers get along perhaps we can arrange some trips together. Feel free to email me anytime and we can share stories. I plan to fly into New York a day early as I have over 200,000 free miles on my credit card and now is the time to use them. I am very interested in seeing the Lake District and would love any information you have on it. I am so excited. Thanks for responding to my little blip. Patricia
Just so you know Patricia and Dianne . . . we are ALMOST done designing the tours! I’ve been working with the tour company to design three 8-day dream tours that follow different parts of A Fine Romance, that are more about sight-seeing than driving long distances . . . and that will, in the end, bring us all back together for a picnic! Coming soon to a blog near you!❤️
Fear Susan, if you should be out and about perhaps you could see where they filmed Midsomer Murders. I just love that show! Have a wonerful, safe and joyous time on your adventure!
I’ll keep my eyes open!
I love that show as well and it always seems to be in the Cotswold areas!
Hello, Susan! I’ll be joining you from my comfy chair! I traveled along with you on your last trip to England virtually. It couldn’t have been more fun, although it did get pretty stuffy in that suitcase once in a while!😄 Looking forward to it and thank you for always taking us along! Many blessings of health and wellness in all the things! You’re a great friend.💕🌸💕🌸
I loved my arm-chair travelers last time, so good, so quiet during the stow-away phase, and very sneaky with all the dancing! Happy to have you Sherry!
Thank you!
How do I find out information about this event, re: cost, timing, whether your on your own or planned out. Possibly call that Cunard number?
Just read back over last two posts …. everything we know so far is there. For cost you need to use the Cunard number …
We are booked! My sister, our friend and me. Got a nice Princess Suite. So excited to hear the add on details. Hello England, here we come 🚢🚢🚢
Hooray!!!
Hi Susan,
How wonderful for you to plan this trip. It would definitely be a dream come true to visit England. I have always wanted to but did not think it possible because I am not flying at this time. But I noticed that you said we would be flying home. Also I had thought it out of my price range. Is there a way to come back on the ship instead of flying and would that change the price? I guess I would have to try and call Cunard. It seems so out of reach for me.
You can choose to fly home, or you can take a ship … Yes, call Cunard and just ask. Asking is free, and remember, we have a year to figure something out!
This sounds like a fabulous trip and I wish I could come along. So I guess I’ll have to crawl into someones suitcase and travel along with all the girlfriends who can go. I know everyone will have a wonderful time. *S*
We will take you with us virtually so you won’t miss a thing Cyndi! And you will never stand in line anywhere for anything! Think of the grace of armchair travel! xoxo
Off subject….I just put on the Glen Miller Orchestra with all the War Tunes. I can just see your cute mom and dad kicking up their heels!! My parents were a good bit older, but I think they may have danced as well. I certainly got my love of that music from listening to their records!
Happy Veteran’s Day Memories, even the ones we didn’t actually live through.
Somehow they belong to us too!
Dear Susan. Hi… Hope you & Joe enjoyed a terrific Memorial Day..I too am looking to purchase the luggage tags but see they’re sold out
I have them on my wish list but not sure you received my message. I’m soooo hoping to join the zQM2 GIRLFRIENDS tour in 2022 just trying to get my🦆🦆🦆 in a row. Will someone please advise when the tags are back in stock. Thanks very much..
God Bless America 🇺🇸 Andrea from NJ
I asked Kellee to check on them for me …
For the lady who asked if anyone is going solo – I am very happy to say that I am! Not that I wouldn’t love having my wife with me – she’s the happiest, sunniest person I know and always fun to be with. But she just doesn’t love traveling. And although she likes seeing the occasional old house or garden, this kind of trip is not exactly her ideal. Whereas it’s my dream trip! And if she were with me, if I’m being truly honest (and if you can’t be honest with the Girlfriends, when can you be?), I’d just be wondering the whole time if she was having fun, instead of really enjoying myself. So she is very happy to be staying home, and I can (now completely guilt-free) just dream of England, and old house/garden/knit/walk & wander myself silly! With all the other Girlfriends who love all these same things. It feels like a week-long slumber party! I got one of the interior rooms, because when I saw a photo online of one with the two beds pushed apart into twins, it was the coziest thing I ever saw. I cannot WAIT to be smooshed up into one of them, napping from the pills my doctor will give my seasick-prone self, waking up to know there are all these fabulous Girlfriends out there and thinking of all the fun we’re going to have! I’m going to get my sea legs, and then I’m going to walk them all over that ocean liner. Isn’t it going to be FUN?!
Nope, definitely leave her home! She’ll be happy, and you’ll come home with all new stories and adventures to share! It’s a win-win! It’s going to be SOOOO fun!!!
Dear Melissa,
I, too, will be traveling on my own and look forward to meeting the Girlfriends once on board. It will be nice to be able to put faces to the names on the blog (everyone’s comments are always so lovely, bringing even more sunshine to my day). I am a walker and look forward to daily walks on the promenade deck once onboard. Would love to have a walking buddy- or two. I plan to walk every morning before breakfast and possibly other times as well. P.S. I’m also a knitter! Dianne in Upstate New York
Oh my! What a wonderful trip that will be.
Wish I was going too.
Enjoy!
Well, you’ll FEEL like you were there, and that counts too!
I am so excited to say Andrea and Paul from Rhode Island booked our trip on the QE 2 today!!
Have been a devoted girlfriend since the beginning. After a horrendous year, we so look forward to planning this trip with all of you. We feel beyond blessed.
So happy for you two! All of us! It’s going to be amazing! xoxo
Oops sorry The Queen Mary 2 not QE 2. So excited I don’t even know where I am going!
Hahahahahaha! Don’t worry, the ship will know! xoxo
Thanks for the info, I will be going via from my comfEEE chair here at home. Looking forward to all the blogs/post etc. etc.
We’ll make sure you feel like you’re right there with us!
My comment still says awaiting moderation. Is something wrong with the post?
Thanks Susan.
Just me… and this lunatic of a new computer that is having a few issues!
Debbie,
Of all the comments, I have to say that I loved yours.
My husband and I have a small business and have a blended family of 5 all college grads! We felt early on that we may not have the best of everything, but we have had the best adventures! Nothing as wild as you and Tom, but Hiking the Cotswold way , Backpacking in the Tetons, VW bus adventures on Hwy 1 in Cali. , Our winter visits to Old Quebec. These are the riches that we have stored in our hearts. Next up, the QM2. I hope , hope, hope you will join us. We would love to meet you! Cheers. I’ll take a rhubarb custard pie please!
Kim
Oh, Kim, Thank you loads for the comments. 5 college grads!! Huge pats on your backs. Haven’t hiked the Tetons, but we did a raft trip on the Snake. Have done many shorter hikes, when I was able. We made 4 long trips, 4 to 7 months each, in a tiny camper all over the US and Canada. Off the grid camping (if you call camping with your own water and propane.) can’t be beat. Took us 3 hours to drive 17 miles of the washboard gravel road out to Chaco Canyon to walk into and around the Pueblos. That road popped most of the rivets in the camper!! It happened to be around the full moon, and I swear you could feel those ancient spirits. Having a snowball fight in the Colorado Rockies in July,
Getting stuck inside the camper in one of the Yellowstone campgrounds…a big bull buffalo decided to join us and wallow around in the dust! All the tent campers enjoyed it, too, just poking their noses out. We had a group stampeed though on another trip. Ranger warning us that a mountain lion was coming through the campsites to get down to the shore in Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island, Canada, then ferry hopping up the Straights of Georgia. Oh, with over a year and a half of adventures total, you can just imagine. We sold our little tag along a few years ago, and she’s off on more adventures. Anyone considering this, either go tent (if you are young and healthy enough) or very small camper. The remote, tent sites are The Best! You may not have clean clothes and a shower every day, but you have Sooo much more!
Oh, and have done the A1A all the way from San Diego to Canada several times, starting in 1966 in a VW Bug!! I’m 76 now, have major arthritis, but am still traveling….however without my Sonny and Cher hair of 55 years ago. 😉
We won’t be on this QM ll cruise, as we had booked a month in the south of England for a month mid Sept. to mid Oct. But that’s where my piggly bank money is headed for our next trip!!!! Where there’s a will, there’s a way, Eh?
Debbie in Maine
Dear Debbie,
I always enjoy your posts SO MUCH!!! What a life you have had. Have you ever considered writing a memoir? I retired recently (at a much older age than you did- I’m 73. Sounds strange, as I don’y feel that old). When I was exiting Dunkin Donuts (I actually enjoy their hot tea) shortly after retiring, I was behind a small camper with a Vespa on the back. As it turned in front of me, I noticed the woman driving. She looked as if she might have been a retiree. My instant thought- “that’s how I want to live”. You inspire me even more. I wish you were going to be on the boat, so we could meet. Do you by chance ever go to any of Susan’s events? I have been to several in the Northeast- the first being on Block Island in the late 90’s. I would love to put a face to the lovely words that you always write. Perhaps we can meet at a signing when her new book is finished and released. That would make my day- seeing Susan and meeting you. Take care Dianne in Upstate New York
❤️
Hi Susan –
Could you attach a photo of your clematis Montana in bloom to your next post? It had some beautiful plump buds in a previous post. Happy Gardening –
Genie
Yes!
Hi Susan and girls! If been away for a long time with some not so nice health issues! We have spoke a few times on this wonderful medium tho!
But I’m reading about this trip and am wondering!! I have to look into it! So awesome to consider going!
Is there a ballpark price you can inform this never been on a big cruise ship girl? And how long is the trip? Fly back only option? Glad to see you are well and still have your joyful blog!
You can go round trip if you want, the price is all over the place depending on accommodations, just ask, they’re happy to help. I think it’s 7 nights. Glad you are feeling better Deborah!
WOW! After reading ALL the comments that is what I’m thinking…I have a WILL so I’m going to find a WAY!!! That has always been my dream to go to England and take TEA in a lot of the TEA rooms!!! NEVER wanted to go on a cruise across the ocean! But now it sounds like a MARVELOUS idea!!!!!!!!! Girlfriends, I can’t wait to meet you! Susan, I met you & Joe in St. Charles, MO on your book tour at Main Street Books!! Can’t wait to see you again!! OK, gotta go make a WAY!!!!!
I love your attitude Brenda! Make that way! xoxo
Diane in Upstate New York,
I found a few companies by looking in London and surrounding area Transportation. The specific ones I no longer have, but try that. Tom says we’re both too “stove in” to schelpp our luggage on and off trains, so car and driver will be the thing on this trip. Your lodgings could probably recommend a local. Thanks for the info on Walking in the Footsteps of Jane Austin. I’ll definately be going out to Chawton, Tom will probably opt for something else, as he loves to ramble. I got the impression the charges for the car and driver include all passengers. If you could share with someone, I can’t see it being over the top. The Dales need a driver, for sure.
York is my favorite city, having visited it 3 times. Last time we stayed in a small hotel built right into one of the ancient gates and wall. Could see and hear the Minster….and they had a good restaurant and pub. Also, it was the annual open house with all the stone masons, etc. working and demonstrating their craft. This goes on continually at all the great cathedrals, and the young artisans are from all over the World. Many of them young ladies.
On our first adventure in 1988, we camped in Letchworth St. Park, and we returned to upstate many times. Loved driving through the rolling farmland along 2 lane Rt. 20 and 20A out of Buffalo. Adirondacks, too. My first experience with Black Flies. You live in a gawjus state.
Debbie in very Hot and Humid Maine until Thursday.
Dear Debbie,
Thank you for the info on hiring a driver. I am actually considering flying my son over to meet me in York. Since he considers himself a Viking, I think that it would fall in love with that city. It may not work out with his work schedule though. York is a must see for me this trip. Do you by any chance remember the name of the small hotel built into the city gates? It sounds like my kind of place! You seem to have planned your time in York perfectly. It must have been fascinating meeting and talking with the stone masons. Since reading and rereading Pillars of the Earth, I will never look at a cathedral in the same way again. (Cathedral by the Sea is another wonderful book. I was unable to visit that cathedral when in Barcelona, but I hope to at some time in the future. It is supposed to be rather austere inside, but the play of light is supposed to be glorious). I wonder if the stone masons might be there when I am there.
Upstate New York is beautiful. I am actually in the Catskills, so I am south of the Adirondacks. Maine is beautiful as well. Dianne
Hot, sultry morning, but the flowers love it.
Question for Susan….Which of the Cunard ships is your favorite? I know the Queen Victoria is a smaller ship. I’m already looking down the sea ways to start planning a voyage, hopefully with my oldest friend. She sailed on the QE back in the late 50’s. Gosh, how the time flies by!! Her middle daughter, with whom I’m very close, has lived in the UK since she was a young undergraduate. Both her kids were born at home in Edinburgh, where she worked. She’s now a prof at Leicester U. So, I’m hoping her mom will go with me across the Pond! We could share costs for drivers while in England. Neither of us are able to schlepp luggage, and drivers can do that. So much giggling would be heard from our stateroom! We could even dance together as we gals did back in the 50’s.
Thank you, Dear Lady!
Debbie in Maine
The QE2 was our favorite. We LOVED our trip on the Queen Victoria . . . but she never sails from NY. We drove to Florida (stopping for our first time in Williamsburg which inspired ANOTHER trip back to see more) ~ the Victoria was on her way home from a 3-month trip from England down to South America and back up, and it was filled with very relaxed and tanned English people. Our trip was an 18-day crossing (much longer than “normal” and I wasn’t sure I would like it … but I LOVED it) . . . there were two ports of call in the US before we made our way to Bermuda, then to the Azores, then up the Channel to “home.” It was balmy, gorgeous, outside-weather almost the whole way (ending precisely when we got to the Channel) ~ the North Atlantic is not what anyone could call balmy and the Victoria was a cozier ship than the QM2. It doesn’t feel like a “small” ship, but I’m sure this is what makes it feel cozy … cozy is a nice thing to feel when you’re at sea! So. Yes is my answer!
Thank you! I loved your pictures from the Azores. My friend lives in Tampa, as do we in the winter, that would be something to explore…future sailing schedules.
We had hail and lightning last night! Unusually hot, even at night. A few years ago we bought a portable AC for our loft bedroom, and it’s fabulous. I can nip up there to cool off. No installation necessary. In the Fall, you can just unhook the vent hose and roll it into a closet. I’m hemming the curtains this morning before it gets uncomfortable downstairs. We’ve had heat emergencies declared this week in Maine, with cooling centers opened.
Thank You, Bill Nye, the Science Guy, and Greta Thunberg for keeping the pressure on regarding our rapidly changing planet. Being ostriches with our heads in the sand won’t help. Like masks this is Not Political…it’s existential.
Debbie in Maine
Last night I went to bed in stifling heat. This morning, humidity has gone and it’s sweet outside. Hope you are getting the same up there!
Yes, the cool air was wonderful. If it weren’t for the massive amounts of pine pollen in the air, I’d have bedroom windows open. That’s my one allergy, pine pollen. Our black Subaru Forester looks like it’s been coated with guilt! Hate to be so “demanding”, but we could really use some steady rain!!
Peonies a-poppin, French lilac in full bloom. Friend coming over for an adult beverage and pasta supper. Life is so good. We went to a favorite pub last night, and it was wonderful to see so many oldsters hootin’ and hollerin’. Young folks are still wearing masks, as not all have been fully vaccinated.
Mucho love,
Debbie in Maine
Ha ha Debbie, guess what we just bought? A 2020 black. Subaru. Forester. It’s our first real, almost-new car in years (unless you count the van!). Windows you don’t have to roll up! A push button starter! Built in big screen for GPS! SO 21st century! I love it so much I almost washed it the other day… squirted it with water to get the pollen OFF our new baby … dried the front with an old wash cloth. Almost washed it! Black shows the dirt, but there weren’t any white ones so color took last place! Subarus are so popular that Lowely, my girlfriend from next door, has one, and can’t find it in a large parking ~ so we both bought these big-ball-net things people use in their showers that come in day-glo colors, and tied them to the tops of our cars! I’m day-glo-lime, she’s day-glo-yellow! So tricky! xoxoxo
Can you please accept my request to your Facebook Group. I also need more information about the tours so I know what the cost will be. Can you please provide more information about the tours or perhaps a phone number where I can inquire about the cost. I am very excited and plan on going on this trip with my girlfriend to celebrate you and the Queen and to take this once in a lifetime trip of crossing the Atlantic Ocean!
Yes! The tours aren’t quite finished yet… I’ve been working with the tour company to design 3 different itineraries that include our favorite places ~ they’ll be like walking through A Fine Romance … it’s coming along beautifully and almost done! They are putting up web pages just for us, and as soon as that gets done I’ll be able to put a link on my blog where you’ll be able to see the tours, costs, itineraries, and have all your questions answered! Make your ship reservations as soon as possible because the staterooms are selling out … if you call and can’t find what you want, get on a waiting list because everyone is allowed to cancel with a full refund if they do it by December 31st, and I’m sure some will do that. So far we have 95 staterooms full of our kindred spirits going on this wonderful amazing crossing! Warms the cockles of my heart. We do deserve this!
Welcome to the Subaru Lovers Club!!! Our Forester was also a used car. Ray Raisin, was our first, a purplish Outback. He’s now 21 years old and going strong, if a little worn. The Tampa one is a Legacy, a sedan. She’s the “Raylette”, both refer to the singing raisins you used to get in cereal. Ray (as in Charles) was in a box on our first trip out West. He has ridden with us on all the dashboard! My good friend in Tampa gave us a surfing raisin and a horn playing raisin. Not easy to find a good place on the dash…as you have that “eyesight” laser thing that stops you from running into anyone and reminds you to stay in your lane.
Just about every other auto in the grocery store lot is a Subaru!!! Great in snow and rain. Happy new car.
The neighbors are gathering…for the first time since the You-Know-What Saturday night. Having it next door with cocktails from Paul’s bar, snacks and a fire in the fire pit, if the weather cooperates. We’re so dry here, I think we’d all sit out in the rain!!!
Bev is calling the gathering a Juneteenth/Solstice celebration. Yes, Yes, Yes!!
Thank you for all your do and the joy you bring.
Mucho Love from gawjus Maine,
Debbie
To Dianne in Upstate New York,
The place we stayed in York is The Lamb and Lion Inn on High Petergate street. I loved leaving the huge old sash window open and listening to the bells from both the Minster and a Catholic church. It has a very cozy pub, popular with locals after work, a great outdoor drinking area with views of the Minster, and a restaurant next door. I loved being able to look out at folks walking on the Wall. The Guy Fawkes is more posh, but I know folks who love it as well.
If you have a rental car you’ll have to park it outside the gate at Bootham. Many of those streets close to autos at night. Some hotels and inns have inner courts where you can park. Lamb and Lion allowed short stops right outside their door to unload your luggage. We had help getting our huge suitcase up the narrow stairs. Then Tom moved the car, which we didn’t use while inside the city.
Rick Steves England, I think published in 2020, has the most about York. I love all of his books. So many maps. He goes street by street, and lists all the things to see at all the gates. While I did my thing, which mostly involved ancient history, Tom enjoyed the humongous Railway Museum, which I’d visited in 1982. Try to grab a “cuppa” and a scone at Betty’s Tea Rooms. Tom also loved his “rambles in the Shambles.”
Dear Debbie, Thank you so much for responding to my question and for all the info you provided. I am getting so excited!! I will be traveling by train for the most part, but I do hope to hire a driver in order to see the best of the Yorkshire Moors and Dales. I have been using Rick Steves England as one of my sources, and, like you, I find it very helpful. A cuppa at Betty’s Tea Rooms will definitely be in order, as I can’t live without my tea. When I returned from my first trip to Europe (Italy in 2002), someone remarked that I had a “European soul”. I love history, and I love being surrounded by “old”- the buildings, churches and cathedrals, and stone walls. I especially love climbing the towers in the cathedrals to get a view over the rooftops. Hope I’m still able to do so in 2022. And I do look forward to a ramble in the Shambles. Dianne in upstate New York. P.S. I, too, drive a Subaru- ,my fifth Legacy Outback. Every time I trade (which isn’t that often, as I drive them for 250-290,000 miles), I seem to choose the most popular color. I can’t count the times I’ve tried to get into the wrong car. Usually I park in the “same” space, if it is a place I visit frequently . Less chance of “breaking and entering”. The New York Sheep and Wool Festival is a nightmare, as there are so many cars- and so many Subarus.
How fun to read all about the trip, and to just hear about your lovely Spring! It’s been a lovely one as well here in the South. And green! So many shades! I would love to do this trip, but my husband is ill, not bad yet, but knowing that it might occur while overseas, makes me hesitant. So much fun to hear about all the plans though. So you’ll have to do another book, so we can travel through the pages. Loved Isle of Dreams! Loved seeing all your great linens and fun items for the sale! Thanks for always having such fun things to tell us about!
Ginny Gaines
Wow! Action packed post! Love, love Jack’s photos, all the flowers, and travel plans!
Your cups are absolutely adorable! 😊
Oh Susan, I loved this posting! I must have beautiful flowers and dahlias are my favorite. I will anxiously await your photos of your garden. And thank you Joe for putting in so much work to make Susan and us other flower loving ladies happy. Now for your trip. It’s sounds fabulous. I read through the itineraries and I can just imagine myself on any one of them. My sister and I will be in England in May, but mostly up in Yorkshire area and a few days in London. Hopefully, we can work the picnic into our itinerary. I hope so! 🤞🌸🌼
Sooooooo very happy to read that you have your “spirit” back!!!!! The light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter than ever!!!!! Sooooo much to look forward to in the current and near future!!!
😁🤩😘
What a lovely read! We’re so lucky to be alive.
So wonderful and the best is yet to come!
I look forward to your missives (blog) and IG posts, more than ever. Thank you for your appreciation of art, crafts and nature. Your perspective is so uplifting❤️
Such an encouraging blog post as we are all seeing the light of this horrendous tunnel. My flowers on my apartment patio are blooming in Arizona and happy. Have a wonderful summer Susan!
Thank-you so much for this beautiful blog post. I love the flowers! And Jack! And vacation talk! That’s what summers are for! Thanks again, I appreciate all you do.
And a great big THANK-YOU for getting the Winter mugs back on sale. I already pre-ordered mine. My twin sister will be sooooooo happy…
Susan you are truly ONE OF A KIND! I so look forward to getting that email saying New Blog is posted. I was so excited to see new cups as I have 7 of yours that I just cherish. Thank you for being you and sharing yourself with all of us. Smiles and love to you. 🥰