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!
Loved hearing from you again, and all the good news. Livfe is getting back to normal here too. Patiently waiting for your next book, any idea when?
I think I am as excited for your trip as you!! I loved your book so much! Regarding cups, I am coveting the winter one as our California heat is overwhelming. Safe and fun travels!
Love your books, love your blog, love your artistry and I love, love, love the mugs!
Wow, I’d love to come to your yard sale! But I’m out here in Indiana, so I’ll have to forgo that fun. The Dahlia garden looks very promising. I love dahlias and hope to grow some eventually (still garden building here). Can’t wait to follow your England adventure!
My day lights up when I see a new blog post from you, Susan. Good luck with your garage sale!
Mary
Susan,
Thank you for bringing joy, peacefulness and hope to so many of us. Blessings for a fabulous year ahead.
Loving the cups! The England trip sounds wonderful. I have been across the pond to the UK twice and there is a no more beautiful place to be.
Love seeing your garden and the flowers in bloom. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful pictures!
The voyage sounds grand and you are making it extra special by adding all the activities. I love that 4th of July cup. Anything red, white and blue is my fave right now.
Oh how lovely! Everything is so green and fresh. We’ve been sweltering in the heat down here in Oklahoma. Yesterday and today are more normal, but headed back into the sauna for Thursday and Friday. Loving all the old linens and the pictures of Jack.
Your garden is beautiful! I love your daily walk. So nice to be free again!
Such a fun blog and I really enjoy the Musica! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your slice of Heaven. That Winter cup is delightful!
Happy first day of summer! What a wonderful post and a peek at your gorgeous garden. You and Joe certainly brighten your little corner of the world.
Cheers, Ellen Botts
Oh how I love to read your words! They inspire me to soak everything in and enjoy! Thank you for being you!
Yippee !!! SUMMER is here and the living is easy… I can’t wait until you take your trip to England, so that I can see all the great & lovee posts you will put up. Oh my, I wish I was local to go to your yard sale! Oh, that Jack is a silly boy, but cuter than a button. Reading your blog is such a joy to me. Oh, the cups are loveeeee. And oh my goodness – wish me luck on the drawing. Hugs to you and Joe!!!
Susan,
Such a great way to begin my day with beautiful pictures, art work and uplifting words.
Thank you for being such a bright beacon!
Kathy
Susan, I enjoy your blog so much. It is a highlight to the month. You will love having dahlias in the garden and in the house. They are my favorite. Did you plant any dinner plate dahlias? Have a bless day.
We didn’t … I wasn’t sure they would work in flower arrangements, and that of course was my main goal. Although I have a friend who thinks we are really MISSING something without dinner plates. So maybe next year!
Susan, reading your blog isIke a vacation for me. I love your photos, comments with such positive perspectives on every day things. I just feel good after reading and looking at the photos. Thank you so Much!
Also, my husband and are going on the Queen Mary adventure and are so excited. I have my husband reading A Fine Romance right Now!
Blessing and joy to you, Victoria Melvin
See you on the ship Victoria! ♥️
Your garden is the best !!!! I lobe this time of year and also reading your blog every month…..so uplifting.
I think you will love what I did with your book marks. I cut them out and took them to Staples to be laminated and then gave one to each of my friends in book club at our last meeting before summer break. They loved them. Thank you for so many beautiful things.
Wish I could go with you to England. I love the Lake District.
Well, just follow along from your armchair, we’ll make sure you see it all. And give a big hello to your book club for me!❌⭕️
Thank you, Susan for your cheery post! Love seeing all your beautiful flowers.
And your mugs are so creative!
Isn’t it nice to be able to look forward to traveling again? Hopefully, me and my husband and my best friend and her husband will be able to go to Scotland next May. We had to cancel last year during the pandemic.
Happy traveling to all!
What a life well lived after arriving from CA all those years ago…
All gifts all the time!♥️
I’ve been to Anne Hathaway’s house and it is beautiful, but the garden is gorgeous! I am planning a trip to England with my BFF Belinda (who is also a SB follower!) and we are planning to come to the picnic! Super duper excited!! xo
Perfect! Read Hamnet… the house will mean a lot more to you. (PS takes a few pages to get into it!)
Dear Susan:
I simply cannot stress the enjoyment I receive from your “All Good News”.
Every watercolor of yours is wonderful.
Such a gift to see.
You are the very best.
Best wishes for your train trip to California.
Cannot wait to hear your adventures!
Hi Susan, love your monthly newsy letters. I wish I could go on the cruise but maybe next time! Would love to win one of your mugs. I’m going to order the Winter mug. Love it!
Susan
Thank you Susan for your Blogs!
They have been such a bright spot the past year & beyond. I always look so forward to your musica & stories but I especially love your drawings. I can never throw away your calendars even though I have so many books. I wish you and Joe the best summer ever! Looking forward to your future adventures, as always. Keep shining your light upon us.
You sound so cheerful ~ and I can understand why! Good news all around, indeed. Your photos of the linens drying on the line are just beautiful. I can almost smell the fresh sea air around your gorgeous home as those linens are flying in the breeze. Stay well and safe!
We had the “dream so a lifetime” trip to London cancelled last year by COVID. We were to fly over then cruise home. Heartbreaking, but we hope to be able to reschedule some day. In the meantime I am comforted by your lovely posts and will enjoy reading about your travels. Be well.
Always look forward to your newsletters and delightful photos.
Hi Susan, thank you for such a fun, uplifting post.😊 I am rereading your Summer book and enjoying it so much. I wish I lived closer so I could head over to the garage sale. Visiting the Island someday is on my bucket list. 😉
So nice to “see” you and sounding so well! It is wonderful to see the world in a new light, despite the world forever being changed to us, it’s a wonderful thing we’re getting freer again! Have a wonderful trip to the West Coast!!
I look forward to your updates that land in my email 🥰Hope to visit your island someday! Would love to win one of your lovely cups ♥️Jenny
Susan, reading your blog wa like getting a hug breath of summer! Whil you are a bit ahead of us summer wise ( peonies are still blooming but almost done), here is Wisconsin it has Ben a glorious time! Including the dog days of August weather we’ve had already…at least that got the corn moving! Thanks so much to you and Joe ( and Jack!) for being our rays of sunshine!
Thanks for bringing joy to my morning cup of tea. It has been a tough year. I have not had the desire to journal or put down things in my gratitude book , but you have inspired me to do these again. Blessings and hope you yard sale is a success!
So much joy in one post! Wish I could come to your sale, I am sure I would leave loaded with treasures. Thanks for starting my day with a smile.
Thank you for the lovely blog. I absolutely love reading it and feel like it is a little gift the day has given me when I get to read it. I am going to see if I can order the Winter tea cup – what a perfect Christmas gift that will be. Your work is just so lovely. I wish I was available to go to your yard sale. I will be in Rhode Island at a Family Reunion. I just love summer and also feel blessed to be able to spend time now with extended family and dear friends. I feel like you too are one of my dear friends and I wish you the happiest times during this lovely summer!
You have been busy! I am so thankful that we are now able to move about and visit with friends and family. It seemed to take forever to be able to do that.
Thanks for so much JOY!!!
This was delightful 😊♥️🎈✈️
Loved the garden tours of the magical flowers and plants! Wished I was going to be at your garage sale!! Thank you for your blogs that start the day out cheerful.
Thank you for a fun “get away” this morning!
Thank you for your thankfulness. It’s heart warming and utterly infectious.
Especially thankful for all of YOU!
I broke my sister’s favorite mug, the one I gave her from you.😕 She graciously said she had used it to a year and wouldn’t forget it. I felt so bad. So I ordered her another one, a different pattern sine the “Little Things” is retired. I’m sure she’ll love it. Thank you.
You’re a good sister!
Love reading your blog, Susan. England sounds like an awesome trip. Like the cups. I have been purchasing them for some time now. I have given them as gifts and have also purchased some for myself. I would love to purchase all three plus some for gifts. Thank you for making my day more fun.
Wonderful blog give Jack a pat on the head from me !
Oh how wonderful. Your gorgeous posts are a balm to us ALL. 💜🌸🌊🌊🌊🌸💜
So excited for next May!!
What a lovely newsletter about the beautiful world around us! Thank you!
Thank you for all the positivity and reminders of all we have to be grateful for. Your posts are always uplifting. My sister and I are going on the cruise with you… I’m so excited. This trip has been on my bucket list forever and now it’s going to happen. I really appreciate all your guidance and the work you’ve put into planning for us. We are meeting for lunch today to check out the guided tours. Have a wonderful summer Susan…. can’t wait to see pictures of the Dahlias in bloom. That Joe is a handy guy.
I don’t see my comment from yesterday, which has strangely happened before. I as all the rest of us love this blog with so much art, beauty and Jack! What a ham he is! I am ordering the Winter mug and so hope you bring back the fall/autumn mug so I can complete my collection! Happy Day Susan
I think I saw it Sandi, when you mentioned you were planning a trip on your own after you get off the ship? Is that the one? xoxo
Thank you Susan—-Lovely Blog——Enjoy your mugs for my tea every day!!
Hi, Susan!
This Blog post is so full of info I think I’ll need to go back through it more slowly. Your garden, and mine, is flourishing this year! The roses are spectacular and so fragrant. Thank you for sharing so much. Happy Summer to you and Joe❤️
Love, Linda
Love your flowers. Your hard work has truly paid off. Thanks for your blog. Always lifts my spirits.
A lovely, beautiful & blessed beginning to a day. It is always uplifting – no matter what – to share real life with each other. “Friends multiply our joys and Divide our sorrows”. Grateful for you… from your 1st book to this moment, Susan.
Happy Fourth of July and spring❤️
Always the best email I receive…..reading it is like enjoying a cup of tea and a scone and a good visit with a dear friend. 💕
Please enter me in your sweet cup drawing!
I wish I could come to your yard sale! What a perfect vacation, Martha’s Vineyard, a yard sale and meeting you.
Such a lovely way to start my day – with a new blog post! The new mugs are darling. Do I have room in my cupboard for more?
A refreshing way to start the day. Keep your joyful spirit out there. Good luck with the yard sale!
I love this post, Susan. You’re like a breath of fresh air, a hug, and a smile all wrapped up in one. I would be very honored to win a mug. Have a beautiful day.
I always love reading your blog. It’s such a breath of fresh air. Your England trip and ship adventure sound wonderful.
I’m so excited. Trying to make the decision to do the cruise and a tour. Going to peruse the tours and make the final decision this week. Hoping to make it happen but have to be sure I think I can do it after all the surgeries and such this past year (and one to go). Would be a welcome way to start anew.
Thank you Susan….I needed this today … feeling a bit as you did last year, even though some freedom has returned my heart still feels the struggle ..thank you for sharing what you went through..and the great blog post today .. I’d love to be as brave as you and “leave California for a few months on Martha’s Vineyard “..,,maybe one day …your cups are beautiful and I can’t imagine hot tea or coffee steam
Rushing up from them on a cool
Morning …thank you for bringing dreams back in my heart ♥️….flowers back to my soul ♥️…and the belief that things can change for the better ..if we just believe 💐
Susan: Thank you for the photos of your beautiful garden & linens on the line (one of my favorite things!!). And…for your inspiring words – always encouraging & they do help. Enjoy your day & your summer.
What a happy post! I love your picket fence, and the crocheted and monogrammed linens. How can you bear to part with these lovelies! Thank you for sharing your artful eyes with us.
I would love to be on Martha’s Vineyard enjoying its beauty and visiting your yard sale. I just love cozy old quilts and vintage linens. In Ireland they have “Mind your head” signs over the low doorways which I found so delightful. I would assume the wording is the same in England? My children came back from our Ireland trip, commenting endlessly “mind your head!”
Such a treat to have a cup of tea (in my Little Things mug 🥰) and read your beautiful blog.
❤️Thank you Susan❤️ ❌⭕️❌⭕️
My most favorite activity I’ve been doing post Dam Panic is hosting Afternoon Tea! I’ve had a party for 5 and another for 4 and it has been ever so delightful. I have a couple of fun weekends planned,too, in between all the craziness at work during the week that one has when living in a tourist town! (Estes Park, CO)
It’s a great kind of party to give, perfect for the Doily Mentality!
Yes! Truly this spring seems more grand than any other. The world is opening up with the flowers. Just last night we were happily surprised by friends showing up in town. A spontaneous dinner at a restaurant, hugging friends we haven’t seen in over a year, and actually seeing full faces! All simple pleasures I’m so thankful to have in our lives again.
I’m happy to hear that you are a member of the Subaru Forrester club. My husband and I have been happy members for over 25 years. Great cars that last forever. We retired one with over 383,000 miles on it!
I wish I could make it to your yard sale, it looks to be full of treasures.
Wishing you many happy days of simple pleasures.
What a joy to see your posts in my email! The trip on the Queen Mary and the impending tours are sure to be exciting and brilliant! The new mugs are lovely as well!!! Enjoy your yard sale!
Reading your blog and looking at all your lovely comfy things just relaxes me! Thank you so much! I gotta start collecting those mugs! They are gorgeous!
LeeAnn💖💖
Your post is just so cheerful and full of joy. We just can’t have enough of that! I was wondering…is your home the home of the famous Bowditch…as in Carry On, Mr. Bowditch? It’s so lovely and your garden is beautiful. I could go on and on, but I’ll just stop with Thank You. Thank You for being YOU.
They are likely related, but it’s not the same Bowditch! xoxoxo
Honestly, I really want to win the 4th of July cup for my girlfriend whose birthday it is 🙂 But I would comment anyhow. You make me smile, your enthusiasm infectious and attitude properly delightful!
It is with sadness that I cannot join the fun of the cruise, but God has blessed me well, so I shall just be happy with all of you and await the stories from here.
Best wishes this summer of NO masks….
I always enjoy your posts. So glad we will be able to follow your travels online, at least!
The trip sounds magical!
My husband and I joined a yard sale at a friend’s house in town (we live on a cattle ranch in the country). It took us about 2 months to gather years and years of things we had collected we wanted to pass on to others. It’s so strange to see objects you loved so much-but forgot about them over time. Out of site-out of mind I guess. We sold almost everything. We had towels and some old bedspreads left-we dropped those at the animal shelter-they were so grateful. Then 2 boxes of unsold items to the Mennonite’s-Goodwill. I felt like a ton of extra weight lifted from my shoulders. It was exhilarating-plus my barn looks so much tidier now!
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl
Thank you for your breath of fresh air! Wonderful pics if your gardens and treasures you’re going to share. Love it all !
Susan, I love that your post is so long that it took two cups of tea to finish it! As a flower lover and avid gardener, it is a joy to see what’s coming up in your garden. And no mention of weeds. Must go tackle mine now!
Lovely cheerful newsletter – thank you!
Thanks for another wonderful post. I just lost one of my dogs two weeks after a bout with a brain tumor. We have such a short time with our pets, in this case only 7 1/2 years. The house is so quiet now, with only one dog left, an 8 year old lab mix, Hydrangea Rose. When we live alone, our pets give us so much, just by their loyal presence. I am waiting to get another dog until after I find a house to buy. I know your pets mean so much to you as well Susan, so you know how hard this is. My pets are the kids I never had.
Have fun on your upcoming trips! Lucky you! For medical reasons I am not able to get the COVID vaccine, so freedom is a long way off for me. Alas I am destined to be an armchair traveler for awhile. England and Ireland are on my bucket list, the land of my ancestors. Have a great summer!
Lovely mugs, all. Thanks for the chance to win!
I loved reading your blog!! I just told a dear friend that I haven’t seen in a long while about. I know she will love it too!
A beautiful spring indeed! Things seemed to bloom better and brighter here in the Midwest also, until we got hit with a heatwave and no rain. But growing things go on! Anxious to see your beautiful dahlias! I read and enjoyed Hamnet, joys and sadness in that life. I know all your wonderful things going back out in the world will be cherished!
Dear Susan,
I always loving reading your posts and really do feel like a “girlfriend”! My husband and I went to England and Scotland the Spring of 2019, on a trip we planned ourselves. Your book, A Fine Romance, was one of my resources. Funny anecdote: In the book, you wrote how when getting your rental car, you organized your things while Joe read all the car manuals. We got in the rental car, there was an attendant standing there, I’m sure to answer questions, and my dear husband Phil started up the car and drove away! I was yelling, WAIT! We don’t know how this car works! We barreled onto the M whatever and the adventure began…
My sister planted a Just Joey in her garden here in San Diego and it is blooming like gang busters. We are amazed by it every day. This is only its second season! I am going home in September to see my kids and grandkids for the first time in two years and I cannot wait. Such excitement. It’s so interesting how this experience has changed us all and yes, getting out is such a happy feeling. Thank the heavens for the vaccine. I wish I could be there at your yard sale. Those are the kinds of goodies I love to see and buy. Have a lovely day Susan. So nice to hear from you.
Love seeing linen on the line, I can just smell the freshness. I always have to have a clothes line set up wherever I am living. My Dad always teases me about my “Italian clothes line” (my Grandfather was from Italy), since he thinks that’s not very modern. I love the fresh smells when I hang my freshly-line-dried clothes in my closet.
I also love embroidered linens, I have a happy bluebird runner on my dresser and pillow cases from my Grandmother.
I always look forward to your get-away blog! It lifts my spirits and encourages me to get up and out. Sure wish I could do the England tour, but unable to leave my husband who is in poor health. I will live vicariously through your pictures and posts. Thank you! Love to you and Joe!
Your doily brigade comment reminded me of a funny story. My sister and I made lots of doily banners for her daughter’s wedding. It was the first time we met the father-in-law and forever after he has called my sister and i “The Doily Sisters”. I love that nickname!
Getting back to normal here too. So good! LOVE the mugs.
Susan,
What a happy, happy blog! I was smiling the entire time I was reading. I think we all feel the same way…free and relieved to be able to get out and about once again. Friends are coming to our house for lunch today for the first time since Covid! Whoo-hoo!
Thank you for keeping the happy thoughts coming!
Barbara Weaver
Reading your blog first thing in the morning is like getting just the best wake-up call. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and all the quotes from all the authors, and for sharing yourself with unabated joy!
Thank you for the All Good News post. You are an inspiration. I especially liked your comment about your ‘old’ car: If it ain’t broke etc. I live by that motto, but my daughter, who is so tech savvy, is sure I need to be updated — often. Oh well. We both get our way eventually.
I look forward to all your info about the England trip. Such fun. And I will give Hamnet a try as well. Keep the book recommendations coming!
With gratitude,
Jeanne of Iowa
Your newsletters always sparkle!
I am enjoying this start-over time as well!
Thank you!! ❤️
The England trip sounds wonderful, but I think I would find a trip from Michigan to your garage sale to be delightful!
LOVE that you have pep-in-your-step and JOY again!
The flowers made my day! 🌷 I am missing New England from here in HOT Texas so thanks for the virtual visit.
Hi Susan, I really do love getting your Blog and so enjoy reading all that you’ve been up to. Can’t wait to see all your dahlias in bloom ! This year our roses were extra big and so pretty. I have a Just Joey rose too and they were so big and beautiful…
Have a great yard sale, looks like you have some really special things to sell.
Happy Summer
Love, love, love the new cups! I have flowers all planted on my deck & have been enjoying them. It’s 64 this morning if you can believe it! We have been having so hot & humid weather that I am so grateful to have door open & can hear the church bells. Cicadas seem to be gone so that is nice too. Everything has it’s place it would seem but they are more than a little strange. Thanks so much for your letter! & have a lovely day!!
Flowers are so beautiful … they inspire happiness & joy. A bunch of us friends went on a little trip to the Lavender Farm. What a wonderful day. There’s something magical about the lush, scented air, good company, wonderful food. I have so enjoyed reading your pages & living by example. Thank goodness for vaccines & the return to smiles! Thank you for sharing & inspiring. Have a joyous summer!
Hoping that all these comments expressing the Joy you send with writing, paintings and Pictures can somehow make up for the 2 posts about the Vaccine being a “Scam” and Killing people. What an awful thing for someone to post on this Beautiful Space……you know who you are….Grrrrrrrr!!!
Correction, our Outback is a 1999 one!!! Still love it.
Debbie in Maine
Thank you for your lovely post full of good and happy news!
Oh how I wish I could be at your yard sale!!!!! Looking at your pictures, I already chose what I would buy. Maybe someday…….
Thank you Susan for the lovely pictures of the Vineyard. I can smell that air! 🥰
Well, I can’t be at your yard sale but guess what I found at a yard sale last week way out here in Ohio? One of your pretty recipe boxes from some years ago!