So much news, and all-all-ALL of it is good! Isn’t that wonderful? Do you find yourself smiling more these days? I do! Everything seems more beautiful than ever before. I am almost giddy sometimes! I think it’s pure unadulterated appreciation for this start-over time we are having, being with friends again, making wonderful plans! Let me share some of that with you! 🚢🥂🚂 MUSICA!
🎵🎶 Tweet, tweet-tweet, tweet-tweet! 🎵
Such a springtime it’s been! Has it ever been prettier? I don’t think so. Each bloom has been like a marker, part of a seasonal parade, I’ll catch you up ~ the wisteria and the clematis has come and gone . . .
. . . the sun rises with an exclamation point and the garden sings out “Yes!” And I go get the camera. The peonies were gorgeous this year! Utterly utterly…
And this one, given to me by my girlfriends last spring when my mom died ~ just the perfect thing ~ a living tribute that will 
come up every year with a surprise of beauty and sweet reminder of my mother. Just like her, clean, sweet, and simple on the outside, complicated, and one of nature’s wonders inside! Never stops with the giving. Joe and I just made reservations for the TRAIN … we’re going to California in September, in our room with a view, to hug and kiss my family (squeal), and have a family reunion and celebrate our mom/grandma’s life and all she was and is to us. 💞
The rhododendrons and the dogwoods bloomed beautifully ~ and as usual, I thank Mrs. Bowditch, the woman who moved into this house with her husband and four children in 1949 and planted so much of our romantic garden (we’re the caretakers now) .. they’ve come and gone ~ as all things do, and so has the mock orange, the wedding bouquet of our garden! I am in the garden often these tender spring mornings…🌱
Now it’s time for the foxgloves . . .
The roses are blooming too . . .
. . . best roses I’ve had in years! Even the beautiful, fragrant, peach-colored “Just Joey’s” which bloom like mad in California, but until this year, not so much here! They’re doing great!
And the parade marches inside, into my little vases that line…
…the little shelf above my kitchen sink. Joe laughed the other day when I told him this shelf is the very best thing they put in this house! Pure genius! My wand, my Beatrix Potter people, little vases and flowers! Birdfeeders on the other side of the windows with view of the garden! Everything I need!
I’ve been drying laundry outside and airing the quilts on breezy days ~ with wide blue skies, sunshine, sea breezes, and birdsong! It’s truly the best musica anywhere . . . 🎵 🎶🎵 🎶
I go out with my scissors to cut flowers and look back through the screen door to see Jack on his ironing board perch, watching me like a hawk! He stops me in my tracks. Everything is Him!
When he sees me looking at him, he starts flirting immediately, rolling over and squirming and almost falling off the ironing board!
He can’t help it if he’s adorable!
We pulled the tiny fountain out of the barn, filled it with water, and surrounded it with porch flowers . . .
And Joe planted our new Dahlia garden. It’s our first one ~ it’s SO exciting… the tubers arrived, we got 23 different varieties . . . and I went out and made a schematic on paper to “decorate” with the different colors, so Joe would know where to plant them. 
He did a gorgeous job … Everywhere you see a green stake is a different dahlia, all sizes, shapes, and colors ~ can’t wait until they bloom. Like a little gift under the tree that we can’t unwrap for weeks!
Doesn’t it look organized? And you know what else we did in this brand new world where we’re allowed to leave the house sometimes? We bought a new car! There it is! It’s actually a 2020, but new to us, we have 
joined the Subaru Forester club … isn’t it cute? I love it but, it looks like every other car on the road! We’re never going to find it in the Costco parking lot! I’m still not quite used to the push-button start. We’ve only had one car ever since my old 1982 Volvo finally said bye-bye (after 40 years of perfect service ~ I’m of the “if it ain’t broke” school of thought)! All we’ve had is the van for the last year … we’ve been joined at the hip. Now I can go somewhere, and Joe can go somewhere else, and all at the same time! How novel! Note: Rhododendrons and the wisteria . . . see how fluffy?
But I digress, we’re talking dahlias . . . and LOOK! Our first milestone, they ARE coming up! (One worries. Actually, two worries.)
Every morning, after checking on the dahlias, out to the woods we go . . . to walk the sun-dappled dirt road through the shady green to where the pond opens to the sea . . .
The wonderful thing about walking on dirt instead of asphalt, is how kind it is to your knees! Also, less breathing of car fumes… years and years of doing this adds up!
These days (except when we get to the sea where we take them out), we walk with AirPods in our ears … Joe has one, I have the other, and we listen to the same book (from my iPhone) … it’s Hamnet now, a not-THAT fictional story of Shakespeare’s son … who’s name was actually Hamnet … it’s finely woven and beautifully written with the few Shakespeare facts we do know. . . so it’s fact-based . . . we’re only a few pages into it, but so far, I’m loving it. We love historical novels. If any of you, hint-hint, think you might be visiting Shakespeare’s home in the future, this would be a fun read!
This is the actual house of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne (Agnes) Hathaway. Joe has to watch his head! Look how crooked it is! And still standing! It’s wonderful! Can you imagine how she would feel if she knew? But again, I digress . . . we’re supposed to be walking now! Here we go… MUSICA
These days there’s lots of action around the water’s edge . . . and when you’re on foot, you don’t miss seeing the little things . . .
Me, too . . .
Lots of new babies amid the sparkles, guarded by their watchful parents . . .
Festive, happy, grateful people out digging for clams and canoeing, communing with nature! It smells wonderful out there!
The waves roll in toward “Stonehenge” of Martha’s Vineyard ~ but this stone circle is much more transient, like the seasons on the island ~ it goes away every winter, but it’s back, a little changed, every summer. But just like Stonehenge, you see it, you like it, you take pictures of it, and you wonder, “why?” . . . People being people, because we can.💞
And one more celebratory thing before I get down to business . . . this:⬆️ Speaking of yes we can: Girlfriends, off-island, TOGETHER, having LUNCH in a FRENCH restaurant, WITH wine, in the middle of the day, AND shopping. Okay? See what I mean? It’s because we’re free, and so happy to celebrate! We’ve only done this once, but once is so many more times than we’ve done it in the last year and a half!
Soft spring nights having dinner next to the water with dear old friends . . . I turned back to look as we were leaving our table … and had to take this photo for you . . . isn’t it insane? How can this BE? Just a little moment in time. Our beautiful earth. These vaccines have set us free! I pray everyone gets them so we can live like this forever!
Speaking of beautiful … wasn’t it wonderful to see the Queen, all dressed in flowers, out and about, so chipper, joking, and full of smiles? She truly set the tone with that smile ~ an inspiration for everyone . . . she seemed as overjoyed as I’ve been feeling . . .🌸
…despite the losses. But like her, we won’t forget. We are still honoring what happened to us all… our common grief . . . I saw this memorial, each flag representing a lost soul during the pandemic, while driving through Falmouth ~ every small town and big city in America has one… But despite it all, Queen Elizabeth showed us, with her action, despite profound loss, life is for the living. At age 95, she gave hope. A profound gift to everyone.🇬🇧
So, off to work we go! What have I been doing, you may ask? 
This. Spring cleaning to the nth degree! I’ve been getting ready for our neighborhood yard sale ~ happening next Saturday the 26th! And I have to say, instead of bemoaning the never-ending work that goes into doing this after twenty years🤪, I feel lucky to be lightening our load in a recycling kind of way! For all the joy I found in finding and using these charming old treasures all these years, it makes me happy to think soon it will be someone else’s turn!
Even a yard sale has it’s pretty moments! I can’t help myself. I tie things in ribbons.
I washed, and dried the linens on the line, thanking them for the memories as I say goodbye. I chose to believe that red embroidered monogram said S B … but I do believe it will be just as easy for a G B to think it was made for them!
I love these old things, I’m amazed at the kind of work that went into making them and wonder about the world they were born into … wishing they could talk! I think the initials here are D C, but it’s very hard to tell ….there might be an I in there. I never cared to know for sure, it was the beauty of the work I could not say no to!
Love all the little embroidery and lace trim . . . the heaviness of the old cottons, the sheerness of some of the fine linens…the colors in the old quilts.
This tablecloth has tiny appliqués of flowers and butterflies all over it, sewn with the tiniest of stitches. As I fold these linens, I 
remember the parties where I used them, and think about the good ju-ju they will bring to the lucky person who gets them next. Letting go, while reveling in the memories.♥️ Joe brings in a box from the barn marked “Yard Sale” ~ I open it and say, “OMG, I forgot all about this!!”
These wonderful old books have decorated our tables at lots of dinner parties!
Vintage tea pots, pin cushions, sewing baskets with their strange vintage contents from a bygone era (irresistible, I have four, three for the yard sale, one for me!), books, dishes, throw pillows, cups, rugs, baskets, 
kitchenware, dish towels, furniture, garden things ~ Joe’s in charge of tools and man stuff . . . Like native Americans I believe everything has a soul and a destiny and that these things deserve to escape the cardboard box, the dark cupboard, the messy barn, to run free and be useful. My girlfriend Margot likes to anthropomorphize her things, she says it makes it easier to say goodbye ~ I laughed so hard with her on the phone when she said, “Run little pie plate, run!” And FYI: I did try to do a yard sale in my webstore, but it 
takes so long to measure everything (laying tablecloths and linen towels out on the dining room floor to measure them ~ Jack positions himself in the middle!), take pictures, front, back, sides, and bottom, write a description for each item, upload and send pics to Kellee so she can put them up on the website ~ and time is the one thing I’m running out of … although we did get a few things up, and I am saving others, things that are so good, they should go to you . . . which I’ll get to after this imminent looming event is over!
Yard sales . . . we have everything for PLM, People Like Me, people with . . .
But the world does not stop for a Yard Sale! Yes, I’m telling you the truth! It does not!
New things have come in! A new dream charm! Filled with blue skies, fluffy white clouds and rainbows! Perfect timing for our world right now.
It has “Go. Be. Love.” engraved on it . . . Kellee put it up in the webstore a couple of weeks ago!
This too, Janie made us a new Courage banner . . . with the most darling gift envelope.
Can there ever be too much of this? Never! Even the good things require it! Janie also made us beach banners! A Secret Notes are back! All Here.
And LOOK, the samples arrived!!! One of each of the new cups was sent from England, so I can approve the final color! I’ve been drinking out of them! I love them! Here’s “Blessed” (the other two items in this photo are not part of the arrivals!).
And here’s “Rabbit-Rabbit” … I am thrilled with them ~ the only change I requested was to make the dark lines around the bunnies slightly lighter … I also asked them to lighten up a bit around their “toes” … I want them to look pink!
But look how cute “Rabbit-Rabbit” is with the rest of the “collection!” We needed a cup with a pink background!
And the last one is Winter! I did a reprint because so many of you asked . . . one of my prettiest cups, and smaller than the other two as you can see in the photo below.
Here are the “backs” of each cup … which I try to make as pretty as the “fronts” so no matter which hand you drink with, you are happy!💞
And here are the handles . . . the “Blessed” cup is a little hard to read in this photo, it says “My favorite prayer is Thank you.”
And the bottoms . . .
Ta-daaaa! Kellee just put them up for presale … go HERE! They should arrive from England the end of September or the first of October . . . you know they are special order and limited in number . . . I have to tell them soon how many to make … I think I know, but I just want to make sure you all get one if you want one!
But right now, for even more fun . . . how about a give-away?
I have three prizes for you today . . . one Fourth of July cup… (it’s out of stock, this is an extra I found in the cupboard!)
And to celebrate this amazing spring, despite the fact that yesterday was the FIRST day of SUMMER! ~ two “Spring cups.” To be entered, just leave a message in “comments” down at the bottom of this post, you’ll see tiny letters and at the end of the words, click on “comments” and voila! We’ll have a drawing in a little while and announce the winner here, but for now, you are ALL winners, so enjoy!
I told you it was all good news! And now, what many of you have been waiting for ~ NEWS about the England trip!
Joe and I went out to lunch and did our favorite thing … brought our books and talked about our trip to England next year 
. . . I wanted to figure out really special tours for all of you who might wish to take one when you arrive, tours that would make you feel as if you were walking through my book A Fine Romance. And, I wanted you all to be able to come to the PICNIC we planned! You know we found a great travel agency, one that does tours for 15 or less people, and takes care of EVERYTHING, so you don’t have to worry about ANYTHING! Between us we worked out 3 different tours, each of them lasting 8 days, all wonderful places Joe and I have been to … your biggest problem is to choose just one! These tours are a win-win-win! They all end up in London, where you can either go home, stay for a few more days, or join another tour! And, on the last day, before you go to London, all the buses come back to the most beautiful park I’ve ever seen, called Stourhead, where, after our time on the ship together, and then time on each of the tours, we will meet back up with stories to share! Is that good or what?!
So here are the basics: but first, mas MUSICA!
The Queen Mary sails from New York harbor May 1, 2022. We will arrive in Southampton on May 8th. People who choose to go on a tour will be picked up at the ship ~ and off they will go for a week of fun in the English Countryside. I can’t wait until you see the itineraries! They’ve kept me in dreamland for the last few weeks! Different clothes, but nothing else has changed!
So far, 98 staterooms, filled with US! Kindred spirits! have been booked!👏 Isn’t that wild? The ship is almost sold out! If you try to make reservations and are thwarted in any way, ask to be put on the wait list. I’m told that many people will cancel at the end of the year (everyone has up until Dec. 31 to cancel for a full 
refund), so there’s a good chance you’ll get a reservation.
To sign up for the ship crossing, contact Susan Gannon at 800-468-7752 x41663 or Cunard reservations 800-728-6273 ~ tell them you’re with Group #TNM (USA) or, #TN3 (Canada), Voyage M211, with the “Susan Branch Girlfriend Group.” They handle the ship questions, but have nothing to do with the tours… fyi.
To see photos of the ship, go HERE.
I have lots of on-board fun planned … but it’s a little early for full confirmations for some things, I’m waiting until closer to the time to make sure! I’ll be talking about this for the next year! The best part, is that we will all have each other, kindred spirits!
Our Picnic will be in the world famous garden at Stourhead, Sunday, May 15, at approximately 12:30 pm… on a beautiful lawn in front of the grass bridge like you see below . . . it’s one of our 
favorite places in England, pure magic, where we had our very first picnic! You are all invited. And that includes EVERYONE, that means you, Brits, and you over there in Norway, and YOU, out there in Spain! ALL our Girlfriends, everywhere! We’ll be waiting there for you on May 15th, 2022, at 12:30 pm, join us if you can! If you’ve elected to take a tour, the buses will stop so you can get a picnic lunch, and they will bring everyone back that day! The rest of you are on your own, but England makes travel VERY easy, as I’m about to show you.
FYI on the tours, you are all welcome to join any of the tours ~ you don’t have to take the ship … you can fly over if you like, you just have to get to Southampton to meet the bus! Talk to Kelsey, as mentioned below. (FYI, speaking of below, that’s Sissinghurst White Garden!)
To see the different tours: Go to www.discovereuropeltd.com/susan-branch print them out and read through them, you can check out most of the places in my book 
if you like, … and then call Kelsey Matson and her coworker at Discover Europe LTD with your questions ~ they handle everything having to do with tours (but not the ship). Call Kelsey from 9 to 5 EST, M-F, at 866-563-7077. FYI, they have almost the exact same cancellation program as Cunard ~ for a full refund you must cancel by January 1. So that gives everyone time to try this all on for size! For any of you that may want a longer tour, maybe go to Scotland, or go up to the Lake District, just let Kelsey know. She can arrange pretty much anything as long as there are enough of you to warrant the trip. You can work it out between yourselves on my Facebook page! And remember, we are a large group. We have a year to get this done, so in case she doesn’t get back to you immediately, I promise, she is wonderful and she will!
And, for you who you get off the ship but don’t wish to go on a tour? What to do, what to do? The options are basically endless. There are buses and trains to London, you can hire a private car, you can go with a group. Talk to others on my Facebook page, and perhaps put something together there. Everything you want to know is available in the Google machine.
If you feel comfortable driving and wish to do so, you’re fine, you can rent a car in Southampton. And for those of you who’d rather have a driver, there are many choices. There are cabs at 
the ship in Southampton, they can take you to a bus, or train, or you can arrange for a car to pick you up and take you to London (it’s only 1 hr. 42 min) where you won’t need a car, because they have cabs and the Underground! Totally civilized. They even speak a language that’s very much like English! Extremely handy! You can get a city map and do the MUST SEE things like Westminster Abbey. You can get on a red double decker bus and see the city. There are airport transfers from your hotel to the airport for your flight home. And London is where many day-trips originate, which take you everywhere, from Bath, to Sissinghurst, to Oxford! Just Google!
Susan, I always relish your newsy letters. I am so happy to see all the wonderful things popping up in your garden – your garden makes me want to go out and work in my little postage stamp of a garden, however small it is still my happy place! I look forward to enjoying a cup of tea or cocoa in one of your lovely new mugs – can’t wait for them to arrive. My husband makes our coffee every morning and surprises me by choosing a different Susan Branch mug each day. Sometimes he even brings it to me before I get out of bed. In the afternoon he brings me a cup of tea or an espresso in one. Such a nice way to say “I care for you.” Happy Summer!
Happy Summer , so refreshing to read your post today !
Your cruise sounds wonderful! Not good timing for us, unfortunately, but maybe someday! Also, I love, love, love your new cups!
A Wonderful Newsletter – just outstanding in all ways. Loved the photos and the great Spring flowers!
This was such a wonderful post! I’m on my lunch hour here at work and have been totally taken away from work in my mind! Wish I could join you next May, but I absolutely love hearing all the plans! Very exciting!
Lovely blog.
I’m so happy you have some new mugs! I finally scrimped and saved to buy your reprint of the bluebird mug and I can’t believe how wonderful it feels in my hand. It’s so lightweight and amazingly beautiful! It’s for sure my favorite mug. My husband gave me the go ahead to get another one because he knows how much I love the first one (and how much I love you and your work!). I would LOVE to buy the 4th of July mug but since that one is out of print, I’ll just have to try to win it. Thanks for the beauty you bring to this world.
Such a wonderful blogpost Susan which was a joy to read and I am so glad to hear that life across the pond is returning to some semblance of normality. It is slow going here in the north west where infection rates are rising again but the vaccination programme is continuing apace.
We have already put the Stourhead date in our diary and are looking forward to the event enormously. I am hoping that Nicoline and Janette will also be there again because although we keep in touch regularly we haven’t been able to meet up in person since Castle Cottage.
I think of you and Joe often, look after each other dear hearts and carry on staying safe and well.
With love and blessings from Ann in Chester xx
DEEElightful!! Thank you!
England is not in the cards for 2022, but someday! Great blog post, Susan. Your garden is beautiful, Jack is adorable, and your creativity is inspiring, I hope you and Joe and the girlfriends have a wonderful free summer!
Happy Fourth of July and Happy Summer.
The trip sounds marvelous! Your blog is always so uplifting and beautiful. Just wish I lived close enough to go to your yard sale. But I’d likely go broke…lol!
I wish I could come to the neighborhood garage sale! I could tell you to stop cleaning I will take everything as is! Your cups are great, I love the 4th of July mug!
Susan, you are one busy lady, however, you do take time to stop and smell the roses. You and Joe have a beautiful yard. Have a wonderful summer and safe travels to California. Best wishes, Sue Michels
You’re posts always brighten my day! So glad all is well. Good luck with the sale next weekend.
Oh as usual your good news didn’t disappoint. Thank you. You have a way to make me smile. I love doilys, quilts and that beautiful old basket in the article. I never thought 15 months ago that that this would be getting better so quickly. Thank God for the new administration and the vaccines. 💗🍀🌷💐🐈🌻🍒
Life is good. We are all out and about now. Hooray!
Susan, my word, how I look forward to your wonderful blog and artwork! And to think I may actually be the recipient of one of your darling cups! I would love one to remember you by. Keep writing, and I agree that this Spring has been a long time coming this year.
What a wonderful post…so uplifting and spirited. Makes my heart sing. And it needs to sing again, finally. It’s been a challenging year, for sure. LOVE LOVE LOVE the new Zblessed cup and also the sweet “Courage” banner! Gotta head over to your shopping section and order both. Wish I could meet you in England but, alas, I must stay home and care for my beloved husband… perhaps things will improve and we will be able to join you by then. That would be heaven!!
Thank you, thank you for today’s blog. Every sentence made me smile.
I have already ordered the pink rabbit mug using my Mothers Day gift certificate from my daughter.
I am looking forward to joining you in the fall via Twitter on your train ride west.
Spring 2022 will be wonderful for You, Joe, and so many Girlfriends. It was sweet of you to set this up.
But today I am enjoying the rain from the tropical storm that has moved on and the beautiful sunshine now that is making all the flowers bloom.
Happy Summer, Susan. Sending a big hug. Love you.
Hello Peggy, could you please a bit of that rain here???? we could sure use it.
I wish I could. Sorry.
We have been in a drought situation here in coastal North Carolina. We were asked to not burn anything or use fire pits in our subdivision. Woods surround us and we have been very dry. I was thrilled for the rain this week.
Now we are being made aware of possible tropical systems stirring up. I have lived here 6 years and every year we have had 1 or 2 hurricanes. This is more than we had the 18 years I lived in Florida.
I wish I could send you all some rain.
I hope you will be getting some soon.
What an exciting post full of joy and hope! The girlfriends trip sounds absolutely amazing with so many wonderful choices. Truly need to think about talking my sisters into making this happen, so we can experience it together!
I love this post. So much excitement for all the SB Girlfriends. I would love to have the tea mug you designed. Thank You.
Dear Susan,
Giddy is exactly the right word. I met a dear friend for the very first lunch out at a restaurant for both of us on Friday. We both said we were giddy! We talked about what we’d read (lots) and what we’d done away from home (little) and what we want to do now (something new).
You have perfect pitch for writing exactly what we need to hear at just the right moment. Not just today, but always.
Cheers,
Jann
Oh, Susan! Yes, you describe my feelings too that I his is a brand new world that we appreciate even more now! Love reading your blog. I wish you wonderful travels on the train from coast to coast and a lovely time with your family. You and Joe take good care and enjoy every minute!
Oh, Susan, what I would give to be at your yard sale. I rescue old linens everywhere I find them! I have so many I don’t need anymore but I can’t help thinking about all the hours some dear woman spent stitching them and I feel so moved to love them in her honor.
The trip to England sounds dreamy and I look forward to going along from my armchair. Maybe one day I will be there in body as well as spirit! Thanks for a beautiful post filled with such joy. ❤️
Summer on the island! So festive! Love all your beautiful flowers! So jealous of your peonies! Wish I had a garden full! And a good thing your neighborhood yard sale is so far…Imwould buy too much! Love the 4th of July mug! Happy Happy Summer,
I, too, am sorting through clothes getting ready to wear outside clothes again. What fits? Who am I now? What clothes do I need for now? Old flannel shirts and boots for my inner tomboy.
I eagerly await your blogs so I can get away from my day and enjoy the photos of M.V. and your delightful home.
Thank you for the lovely respite from housework, today.
What a lovely post to find after a busy week. Your gardens are wonderful.
Thank you for including DISCOVER EUROPE LTD in your post. I’ll be working next May, but I will browse and plan for the future.
Dear Susan,
I’d been on your site this morning because my twin sister and I are going to be celebrating our 75th birthday in August, and she asked me what I wanted as a gift. After receiving “The Fairy Tale Girl” a few years ago, I asked for “Martha’s Vineyard – Field of Dreams” for this year and can’t wait to receive it and read. I love your cups, and how can I order a 4th of July cup?! I love your words, your drawings, your trips, your flowers, even Jack the Cat. I’m sorry to learn of the passing of your mom, but I’m glad you’re coming to California to see your family. God bless you. You live in Paradise on earth! P.S. I got my two Pfizer vaccines and I got to return to church after so many months! What a joy! Karen from Campbell, CA
Love it all! New cups are wonderful! 🙂 xoxo!!
Lori M
Dear Susan. Oh how I wish that I could join you on your trip! I crossed the Atlantic 4 times between 1932 and 1938. I have so many memories of those crossings ,and it has always been my wish to do it again. I am now 92 years of age and know it will not happen but it is so wonderful to read about the trip in your blogs. I have enjoyed your books and always look forward to the blogs. Your blogs are a highlight each time I open my computer. Thank you for the pleasure you bring me..
Dear Mary, How wonderful to have memories of crossing the Atlantic during such an interesting era! My mother would have celebrated her 92nd birthday last month, and I think a favorite event in her life was the one time she took a trip on a cruise ship. How thrilled she would have been to sail across the ocean as you did. If you were my mother I would beg you to write down every one of those memories! Aren’t we lucky that Susan does just that and shares them with us? I’m so over the moon about the coming Queen Mary 2 crossing that I can’t stop thinking about it!
I would do the same… those life-memories are too good to let slip by! xoxo
The trips sound wonderful!!!
Always good to hear your delightful enthusiasm.
Susan,
Lovely post as usual and filled with the “good cheer”so many of us feel now.
Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Linda
I love the Rabbit Rabbit mug, I’ll by checking to see when I can pre order it!!!!
Hi Susan!
I love your new mugs! I’m also so delighted that you are bringing “winter” back! I wish you would do the same for the rest of the three seasons, and the Birthday mug as well. They are all so beautiful and I would love to purchase them!
I would love to win “spring” and am keeping my fingers crossed!!!
Best regards,
Janice
Oh, I’ve not seen the 4th of July cup before, how fun! thanks for the chance to win.
I very much enjoyed this month’s blog, reminiscing spring!
Hello summer!
So many happy things!
Hello Susan,. Feel free to contact me and tell me I’m a winner 🏆. 😁
Patti,
You made me laugh! I love your response 🙂
😂 Hope I get to do that Patti!
I just sat down to enjoy a moment of relaxation after a busy morning of laundry and afternoon of ironing…then I saw your post!
Perfect timing❤️ Makes me smile 😊
Happy first full day of Summer 2021…Looking forward to the 4th of July, when, back in January, we first heard that maybe by then we would be able to gather with family and friends. I’ve held on to that, and we are certainly headed in that direction. Freedom never felt so good, or has been appreciated so much.
Even your wonderful newsletter rings of a return to normalcy, celebration, and hope. Thank you!
p.s. Good Luck with the yard sale!
Your trip to England sounds delightful! Wish we could all view it online.
Susan, you amaze me with your creativity. I am enjoying your blog so much. I also live in an “older” building, a brick apartment built in 1928, with hardwood floors, a view of downtown Seattle and even an ironing board in a closet in the wall! Your ideas and products fit well with my home, thank you for following your Creative Self.
Sue
Dear Susan,
Thank you, as always, for your post.
I always enjoy the content and the photos.
Take good care.💚🦋💚
Your gardens are lovely; thank you for sharing.
Susan, I really needed your blog post today! One of the things I love about you is that you make me stop and see what’s really important in life! Many hugs to you, Joe and Jack kitty, and best of luck with the yard sale! Oh, and I just ordered your Christmas mug, and I can’t wait to see it in person!
I always enjoy your posts! I have enjoyed your books, and recipes for over 30 years!
Hugs and Kisses to you and Joe and Jack,
Love,
Lorraine
I very much want to go on this trip.
It is all so lovely. Looking forward to seeing your efforts rewarded when your dahlias start blooming! The Blessed teacup is my favorite.
These posts make my heart happy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Susan for always making a bright spot in my day.
GO. BE. LOVE. Yes, yes, yes, the world so needs more love right now. I get so excited when I see your email pop up in the inbox. You share such love and beauty, enough to go around for everyone. Thank you Susan for bringing a bit of brightness to our world.
Yes it is wonderful to be getting out these days! I always enjoy your spirit, you are a delight!
Wow! That was a fabulous catch up letter to us all.
Joy and beauty leapt off the tiny phone screen and into my heart! Thank you, dear Susan, for every tiny bit.
How I would love to garden in your neck of the woods! In another California drought I fight to maintain my little flower beds and temps that go from 75 to 105 in three days, it’s madness I tell you!
Cheers, Barbara
I am always so excited to see a new blog post from you!! They always bring such warmth and excitement – thank you!
Delightful post Susan! ❤️ I agree, I have been smiling more now that we are vaccinated and can do a little roaming. Your garden is luscious, and full of blooms. But Jack! He takes the cake with all his flirting! 🥰❤️ Wish I could join the festivities in England, but I will virtually. Will you be spending anytime in SLO in September? Apple Farm get – together for the Girlfriends?.. I would love 💕 Sending love and greetings from CA.
Our Mock Orange has bloomed out too, it has such an amazing scent. Thanks for the inspiration to clean out my totes in the basement. Time for “things” to go to someone else that can use them. All except for the letters my husband sent me while I was in Basic Training for the Army 35 years ago. Those will stay with me until I die.
Glad to see your spirits are back in high gear!
Hi Susan,
So much fun!
I have been planting dahlias here in Santa Barbara for years. Happy to see yours are from Swan Island in Oregon too, they’re a wonderful business. My favorite is “Bodacious”, large, red and yellow, kind of wild and crazy. I always plant one in a gigantic pot near our kitchen (the others are in the ground) and it’s nice to have one close up.
Your England trip looks wonderful. Happy Summer to you!
The “packhorse” bridges are a favorite of mine to sketch. The artist Turner depicted the romantic countryside of England. I purchased 15-20 4″ by 5″ cook booklets with these old Turner-like medieval scenes. Recipes are yummy. My heart yearns to join you but money is a problem on a fixed income. They no longer will allow me to rent a car because I am over 80 so my English wanderlust has been curtailed. Enjoy for the rest of us and write another book.
Hi Susan! Love this post. I wish I had a quaint country road to walk along that led to the beach! I would walk every day too if I had that. 🙂 The 4th of July mug is so festive! And the spring ones are cute too. The only “season” one I have is Summer, which I love and I tend to use it only in summer because it has the perfect summer vibe. Good luck with the yard sale. I hope Vanna picks me this time. LOL Keep on enjoying the summer. -Biz
I’m so happy for your sailing❤️ Keep us posted😎
Love it. Wish I could go to the yard sale! That would be so fun. I love your taste – so cozy and lovely. I have a black and white kitty too. Love the new mugs.
Hello Dear Susan!
I love EVERYTHING about today’s blog: the flowers, the garden, your news about upcoming travel to see family, quilts, linens, yard sale items (why do I have to live so far away? I would go nuts at your yard sale, I’m sure of it), new charms and banner, the NEW CUPS (!), and all the England travel updates! Just all so positive and happy. My husband and I, along with our daughters, were just talking about how we’re “making up” for all the lost moments, memories, holidays, travel opps, date nights in restaurants, and hugs with friends/family. It feels like coming out of a cave and seeing/feeling sunshine for the first time in…AGES.
Keep sending us wonderful news! See you on Twitter!
Samantha Brakefield
I so appreciate how you celebrate the outdoors and the change of seasons! I wish I had room to hang my bedding outside for that fresh smell that I miss from my childhood.
Happy summer
Jacki
Reading your blog today made me
Sooo relaxed , happy and dreaming of England 💐 thank you!!!!!
Oh Susan,
It’s was so refreshing to read your newsletter. It’s hotter than hot here in Phoenix! To read about your garden and to see all your beautiful flowers made my heart sing.
Totally love your blog, so descriptive, I can close my eyes and picture it all! Love your Winter mug too!
I too have a Subaru Forester but mine is a lot older. They are great cars!
Welcome to the Subaru club.
It would be so lovely, and Susan Branch-like, to be able to drink my first cup from one of your English bone China cups!
I am always delighted to get your posts, so full of good cheer, photos of flowers and all things wonderful. Last year for my birthday I purchased your bluebird mug for my morning coffee.
I just love it!
I hope in my next life to find myself living by the sea. Reading your blog and seeing your wonderful photos allows me to do so vicariously in this life! Thank you for sharing somuch of your life with us!
What a joy it always is to open my “mailbox” and find your messages….My dear friend of 40 years passed away last June – a short month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She introduced me to your cookbooks many years ago and I’ve been following you ever since. Our climate here in Nova Scotia is somewhat similar to Martha’s Vineyard and though I’ve never been there, it’s on my Bucket List! I’m sorry you lost your mother recently, but so glad you have Joe and a huge online community to keep you buoyed in spirit. As things ease a bit after all these lockdowns, I wish you and your loved ones all the best.
I’m so sorry for your loss Moira! xoxoxo
Susan, it is always so uplifting to read your blog! Your writing brings such joy to me. Thank you! Sherry Berlin (Another SB)
Thank you Susan for the lovely blog post. Sitting watching a thunderstorm pass by it was perfect to read everything.
Everything you write about is so delightful!!
You seem so much happier. That pleases all of us so much. Love your enthusiasm with your treasures leaving to other homes to be treasured for a while. Your garden, your walks and the pictures of your treasures, all inspiring.
I have been reading your cookbooks and have chosen the Lemon Pasta and will add shrimp and asparagus-as you suggested add in’s.. My Quilt bee will be coming in August. Deviled eggs, Pimento Cheese, all cool and refreshing all inspired by your books. The ladies will be full and happy.
Won’t be on the trip, oh how I wish, however, I am working on a Union Flag quilt designed by Amy Smart. It is so fun that it is growing and growing and will be soon King size. I will think of all of you while admiring the Regent Street Union Flag quilt on my bed.
Thank you dear Susan. I send you love and bunny hugs to give you added strength for your neighborhood garage sale. Best of luck.
Holy Guacamole!! What a Wonderful new Post. I’ll peruse it more carefully a bit later. How I wish I could start filling another house with the things you have chosen to let others have and love. I’m in the “letting go” that seems to be the smart thing to do at this stage of life. I know none of the family will want or need any of my “stuff”, and I don’t want Kristin to have the burden of going though all of it….so, for the past several years, I’ve been kissing my things goodbye and passing them on. The boxes have really backed up, as we haven’t had our sales at the little Library or the Franklin Historical Society because of the You Know What. They are both doing raffles remotely. My lovely Schwinn ladies bike that I rode exactly once, is going in.
Today, I got some new sandals for our England trip in September, and I ordered some Sketchers walking shoes. Eeeeeek! Getting So excited. Also excited about your train trip out to Cali. Tom want’s to do that from Chicago. So do I!!
He does not, however, want to have a sleeping compartment on the top level. We were almost black and blue after the New Orleans to Chicago one a few years ago. Of course those are some of the worst tracks in the country, according to the conductors.
Our Juneteenth neighborhood party was just wonderful….No Masks Required! Lots of catching up, lots of laughter! I do so love this little town!
And I love All that you do and inspire, Dear Lady,
Debbie in beautiful Downeast Maine
Your writing makes me sooo relaxed
Happy Summer Susan,
Such a nice surprise to find your email today! I fully agree, each gathering with vaccinated friends is more special. And oh how a hug from dear friends warms the heart!💕
Love all the pictures, and your words are sunshine for my soul.🌞
Have fun with your yard sale. And plan a day or two or three of nothing-much-ness afterwards to rest.
Xoxo,
Lynn
My plan exactly, Lynn!
The pink peony takes my breath away. So beautiful!
Love reading your blogs ! Wish I could attend the yard sale as I am a nut for linens, also. Have a wonderful 4th of July!
Susan, LOVE the 1940’s Big Band music-wish it had never gone a way (but I love early rock’ n’roll too.) Love your breath of spring pictures. (I too would love to grow that dahlia garden but not sure -CA drought is BAD right now.) When will you have your CA schedule? Would soooo like to meet you some day. Feels like life is getting back to a bit more normal but still waiting to be sure there are not sudden surges of variants. Will we ever feel 100 %safe again? Thank you for being a breath of fresh air during a very stale year:) You always make the day better!! Love, Gail
Love you back Gail … haven’t really had a chance yet to make CA plans ~ if something happens, I’ll be sure to post it!
Love all the good news. Love the new freedom that vaccines have given us.
Such sweet dreams of England🇬🇧 Thank you, Susan, for all the work you’ve put into this exciting trip!
I will see you Susan on the QM2 cruise next May 1st. My friend and I are planning a fabulous trip from Southhampton. A week in Paris and a week in Edinburgh and on to Isle of Man with side trips in between. Thank you for your wonderful and inspiring Blog!!Karen Dodd
Wonderful!
Happy Summer! May everyone enjoy and remain safe in her adventures.
What an exciting blog post seeing all your Spring & Summer news! Also fun to see plans for your England Cruise & Trip! Thank you Susan for sharing so much!
Such a fun newsy blog.
Excited about your new mugs.
Oh my stars! How lovely is the 4th of July cup!? You out did yourself (again!)! Order a higher quantity than previously because you will definitely sell them.
Dear Susan,
I am delighted to see your heart being restored! I always look forward to your blog and today when it popped up in my email it made my heart flutter 🙂
If California wasn’t so far away, I’d come and shop at your yard sale. Oh my, I’d love to have some of those linens and other treasures.
Love the pictures of your yard, it’s been so hot in California, my plants are not happy.
Love to you and Joe!
Debby
Have been following you for years! Love your posts and everything going on with you! Thank you for sharing❣️
Our dahlias are peeking through too!
Happy Summer ❤️
Susan, thank you for your upbeat blog and for the lovely pictures of your gardens. I can’t wait to see your dahlias when they bloom.
Happy summer!
Phyllis
I wish you a wonderful time in England next year! I still relive my travels to England and Ireland in 2016 and 2017. Such memories!
Your excitement with the new found freedom is catching. I agree that as I go about my day everything seems brighter and more beautiful.
What a wonderful blog post! I’d love to visit your yard sale, but I should be having one of my own! Way too many old linens, but they are all so lovely.
Thanks for the sweet and heartfelt reminder about the joys of summer days and nights.