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!
Another delightful post! Yes, we are living in a “new world” again. You definitely express the reality and appreciation of that! It is as if we have pressed the reset button! Enjoying reading about the England trip. Always wanted to go, but not yet. My Mother’s ancestors were from England. Thank you again for your blog and so happy YOU are happy again🌺
Feeling giddy about being vaccinated and all things taken for granted now feels so refreshing! Loved having my coffee this morning reading about all that’s happening with you and Joe! Can’t wait to see the dahlias grow!
I am crushed that I won’t be at your yard sale! Yard sales are my addiction (for those who know me well!) and I could seriously do a road trip there and leave Thursday, grab a hotel, shop at your house, sleep one more night and BOOM, home Sunday nite! ❤️ (if only…)
Happy summer everybody!
Susan you sound so happy. Isnt wonderful to feel like we have our lives as we used to know them back. I was finally able to see my best friend in may. Like everyone else it had been well over a year her being in chicago and me in orlando. I missed her birthday the first time in over 20 years but if all goes well. I will be heading back to see her again for thr 4th of july so excited! Hope you enjoy your summer keep designing those beautiful mugs
Hi Susan, What a great and inspiring post . Thanks for the opportunity to win a cute cup . Happy Summer!
Beautiful flowers. Beautiful Jack on the ironing board. Made me smile. Great post. Thank you Susan, Joe and Jack and all the fairies in the garden who talk to your flowers and tell them how beautiful they are.
Susan you sound so happy. Isnt wonderful to feel like we have our lives as we used to know them back. I was finally able to see my best friend in may. Like everyone else it had been well over a year her being in chicago and me in orlando. I missed her birthday the first time in over 20 years but if all goes well. I will be heading back to see her again for thr 4th of july so excited! Hope you enjoy your summer keep designing those beautiful mugs
To find my Subaru Forester in the Costco parking lot (and everywhere else for that matter), I put a sticker on each side rear window and on the trunk window. The decals are from my college, my favorite Delaware beach (Bethany Beach), and my local farmers market. I can spot them easily!
Good morning, Susan.
Grew up a stones throw away from Stratford-Upon-Avon, in the small village of Stoneleigh. If you ever get a chance, visit Stoneleigh Abbey. Jane Austen stayed there. They have a tea room, and the most beautiful gardens. Also Kenilworth Castle (ruin) and Warwick Castle are in the most idyllic small towns. Also Black Country Living Museum, it’s as if you’re stepping back in time.
My Mum and sister still live over the pond, and hopefully we’ll see them soon. They have yet to meet my one-year-old baby boy who was born during the stay-at-home orders last year. Their flights have been cancelled several times.
Best of luck with the yard sale, Kiki.
What a wonderful reunion you are going to have!
I love everything you create…but am especially struck by the 4th of July mug.
Brings such lovely memories to mind….”back in the day”family celebrations on the 4th….remembering how much my
Mother enjoyed the fireworks display. Thank you for prompting the memories to spring forth.
Much Love to you & yours,
Rosemary~
Wishing you all the best! Love the blog!
So love experiencing all the joys of your adventures.
Counting down the days till I’m back on island so your photos are especially appreciated today.
Linens are my favorite things to shop for when I go to yard sales! I imagine the women working out their delicate stitches and wonder what their tables look like graced with their creations. If I lived closer I would love to go to your yard sale. I can’t go but you have inspired me to go through my collection and pull out some old friends. Thank you!
Hi Susan! Definitely feeling the urge to travel 🌎 We have had the best roses here this season. The rhodies liked the weather and the hydrangeas are on the way. Grateful. Diane S.
I saved your newsletter for just the “right” time.
I am so glad I did as it brought me the joy I needed at a sad time in my life.
My husband has dementia and I am having to make some hard decisions .
Loved the ” musica” as it lifted my soul.
The photo’s of God’s creation brought tears of joy!
He used YOU today to brighten my day! Thank you!
My heart goes out to you as I am also my loved one’s caregiver. Alzheimer’s/dementia is known as the long good-bye. It is heartbreaking and know one knows how hard the task of caring for them really is or the toll it takes on the caregiver. If you are on Facebook there are some support groups on there you might find helpful. And be sure to contact your local” area on aging” usually set up through your county. They will let you know what help is available in your area. Good luck!❤️
Sweet of you Chris… so helpful! 💞 Such a rough thing to go through. Sending love to you both. xoxoxo
Take one day at a time….it helps!
Everything looks so wonderful! And the convenience of having the tours all arranged, and no worries from the ship sounds fantastic. I’ll be delving into the options, though I’m not always the best at making decisions, I guess I’ll just have to. Thank you for arranging all this!
I always look forward to yr posts! Yr yard sale goodies will certainly take flight by other kindred spirits. Thank you for being you. Always a joy to read.
The trip sounds heavenly.
I can feel your joy from here in Maryland! And, I’ve never bought a cup so fast. hahaha. Blessings to you and everyone. 🙂
I really enjoy your blog and pictures. It’s uplifting. Thank you. It was the perfect start to my day with a cup of coffee. Arizona is so hot already. It’s wonderful to see all the pictures of flowers. I love reading your blog posts.
Again, thanks.
Just read your email and like so many comments it is uplifting and beautiful. Your outlook on life, your beautiful gardens, your daily walks (love to be able to do that every morning) and your inspiring sayings are welcoming each time. Your TRAIN reservations to go to CA in September caught my attention because I don’t fly and I need to get to Austin, TX where my two sons and grandchildren live. How is that train ride? it is between that or driving. Can’t wait to go there!!! Good luck with you yard sale!
Yes, Summer is lovely and so is getting together!. We just visited family in Texas and had a wonderful time. Enjoy!
pretty cups, i love them!
Your blog picks up my spirits on a cloudy day, Susan! I love the bunny mugs! So sweet! Your flowers are phenomenal! So enjoy your blog!
Oh, how I would love to come to the yard sale. You have so many treasures you are willing to share. I look forward to seeing Susan Branch in my email. I savor each word and share it with friends.
Your blog is like a letter in the mail…a gift from a friend, a pure delight to read and a sharing to warm hearts. Thank you for bringing love into our lives.
Spring is beautiful in your neighborhood! And now it is summer already…
Time flys…we must make the most out of it as there are no do overs and we only get this one chance.
Would love to win one of the mugs! I think I must have the Rabbit Rabbit mug for my Grandson. He has a bunny named Jeffrey and likes Rabbit things. He is 12
Thank you for the fun update on your life !
My husband & I love England! I hope any girlfriend who is thinking about joining but is nervous will just SIGN UP and GO! The memories will be ones to treasure.
I know it is hard to got thru old beloved things and get ready for a yard sale. All hold precious memories in our hearts. However, at our age, it is a necessary thing to do! Blessings as your clean out!
You and your work are amazing treasures to me. I had the marvelous opportunity to meet you so many years ago in Braintree, MA.
May you always carry love in your heart and a pencil in hand to sketch💜
That’s my prayer too! XOXOXO
Hello Susan,
I look forward to your blog so much. Love your garden and flowers. Jack is so cute and adorable, and so is Joe. I Love your home and way of living. Have a wonderful and magical summer.
Maryann
Pure joy! Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Susan. Your candor, humor, artistry and generosity to the girlfriends has kept us afloat! Happy spring and a glorious summer to you.
How wonderful to celebrate beauty and yes this spring it’s been beautiful…so much colour and so many new things to do …yes shop …buy plants ..talk and have tea with friends …perfect.
I know your dahlias will be gorgeous..the colours perfect for Autumn..
Thank you for sharing so much..it all makes you smile ,,,! 😊
Next year the trip sounds amazing…and the date in May …a date for the diary already.
So wonderful to hear your news and read the blog too.
Bless you all
Sandra in BIrmingham Uk
Always love a good garage sale! Recycle, reuse, repurpose! It is such a good feeling, and so much fun! What treasures there are out there to be found! With your good taste and artistic nature, all of your things have a certain desirability! Have fun getting ready, and be sure to bring home just a little something from someone else’s treasure pile 🤗
I’m so happy to hear all is sunshine, roses and dahlias in your world!
Inspiring blog as always! Happy Summer All!
Susan, If I’m reading the labels correctly, the dahlias came from the Swan Island dahlia farm which I have visited many times and is not far from my home. I was especially enamored with the new cups but really held my breath when I saw the 4th of July cup. We were married on the 4th in 1990. My husband passed away On January 4th, 1999. Exactly 8 1/2 years. I still celebrate the 4th with gusto and try to keep my Lakeland terrier calm!! You inspire so many. Wish I could be at your yard sale. I, too, have way to many quilts and linens but enjoy them all. Thanks for sharing your island, Jack, and all the rest with us.
Nancy B
Nancy,
I live in Northern CA and last year visited over on our coast…..the Mendocino Botanical gardens. They have a huge dahlia garden and I fell in love with all the different colors and types. It would be awsome to do a road trip up north to visit the dahlia farm you mentioned and see all the types. Thanks for the tip!😊 Regarding your 4th of July cup and lovely linens, you like me, love the things we have that remind us of wonderful memories.🌹 I guess I’m a visual soul….but they make me smile and happy. I hope you get that 4th of July cup and it helps you remember the 8 1/2 years you had your husband to love in your life. 💕
Cheers
Jan from Northern CA
I so enjoy your blogs, photos, and illustrations. They brighten my day! I look forward to hearing more about the plans for the trip to England as well.
Susan,
Loved reading your blog as I always do! Your garden is so beautiful! I think you are right everything is fresher and flowers smell sweeter since we have come out from under the last year.
You are a big ray of sunshine. Loved the post as usual. My sister and I had a trip to England planned, but covid happened, so we are looking into it again. So excited. Many thanks.
A wonderful way to start the day! Thank you, Susan!
Pretty pretty blog as always! Enjoy your trip to California! Stay safe the two of you and many thanks to what you do! Love and prayers to all! salve
Susan, I love reading your blog- you make even everyday things exciting (yard sales)!
If you are doing reprints on your mugs I sure would love to see the summer cup come back! I missed getting it the first time around!
Wish I could go with to England, but I’m no longer able to travel. I have been to Sissinghurst garden; it is so beautiful I didn’t want to leave. Have fun.
Don’t worry, we can take you along via the Internet while you’re sitting at home in your MOST comfortable spot! It’s a win-win! xoxo
How lovely! Your garden, home, and spirit are just a delight. Blessings to you and Joe as you enjoy Freedom!! (You have me decidedly hooked on music from the 1930s-1950s, thanks! LOL)
I look forward to your lovely posts. Every one is delightful! Thank you for sharing your art and thoughts.
I love, love, love, Jack! Thank you for always including him! I look forward to your comings and goings!
I don’t have a website only an email address.
Cute cup! And I dearly wish I could go on the ship, but my husband has a plan to “take it with him.” 😏. I would like to request, though, that you consider reproducing your bluebird cup again. I have one, gave another to my SIL, and her daughter-in-law spotted it and covets it.
Hi Susan, You are the source of such good cheer. I love reading your post.
I live in Southern California on the coast and my roses have been gorgeous this year. They have provided smiles for everyone who walks by my little garden.
What a wonderful, packed-full-of news, back-to-normal posting! So envious of your plans for the crossing this summer. I hope everyone enjoys the trip and you return with another book to write.
Oh and a drawing, too!
The flowers, the sunshine, the happiness, the wine…thanks for sharing it all with us Susan.
Good luck with the yard sale!
Another fun filled blog, Thanks Susan! Did you see the Queen cut her birthday cake? That was priceless! Loved it and I will watch it again and again. Have a marvelous day!
Thanks for the chance to win a mug!
The flowers are gorgeous 🌸🌺🌼
Enough the longer days of summer
I can tell from your pictures and tone that you are feeling much better. Love it
Love reading these, wish I could go to england!
Sailing to England with you and all other friends sounds like so much fun!
I love the new rabbit cup!
Another dreamy trip to England….lucky you! Each cup is so special and would be a wonderful treat! Thank you, Susan.
Ordered my new cups!! (First ones) Love, love, love, the 4th of July cup!!!
What a wonderful Letter with All Good News today! We appreciate everything just a little bit more. Thanks for starting our Summer out with the freshness of your laundry, your fences & flowers and of course, Jack! 🦋
I am so looking forward to the May trip with you and your girlfriends and absolutely love England! But whenever and wherever I go out of the country, I’m always reminded of how blessed we are to live here in the States!
One of the great things about travel, remembering anew how much we love home!
Visiting your website is like taking a vacation!
I love getting your emails. I wait to read them when I can get a cup of tea and do not expect any interuptions so I can enjoy everything you sent.
Oh, what a feast of a post! Thanks so much, Susan. And, I love the 4th of July – praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Yes 🙂 Please enter me for the drawing for it. You are so generous xoxox
Marilyn
I so enjoy your letters! They bring a smile each time I receive them. As I look over my rooftop from my office window I see blue sky, white puffs of clouds, and hear cardinals calling from the trees. Happy Summer! Stay safe!
So wish I could attend the neighborhood yard sale. I collect items related to sewing and I see you have several pin cushions and a sewing basket with all its goodies inside would be fantastic! I know your dahlias will be amazing when they bloom. Give the dinner plate dahlias a go next time, you won’t regret it.
Happy Summer!
Love, love, love!!! Thanks so for all the blooming beauty and for the sweetest of sweet kitty pics. So needed that spark of joy!
You are right, everything is looking beautiful! Enjoyed reading such a positive post. Thank you so much, made my day.
I love Just Joey roses. I used to grow them when I lived in Florida
Thanks for the lovely update. On Cape, we have had the best roses in 10 years! The rhodies were also spectacular and the hydrangeas are not far behind. Hydrangea Festival is coming up in July. Be well. Diane
Hi Susan, so nice to hear from you again. I have missed you. I truly wish i could go to England with you and the group next year but that is not possible so i will do it right here from home, be your arm chair traveler. Thank you for another give away, i keep telling myself that one day i may win one but the person that does win is so very lucky. Love your new car-its too cute and the yard sale stuff- oh i wish i lived closer, i would come up and have a pilfer thru everyones “junk”.
Have a wonderful day-week-month…..love your blog and posts. You make me happy.
Dear Susan…Regarding an earlier comment you made about owning lots of sets of dishes and then choosing which to put on a garage sale…that’s a hard call. I too love dishes and have quite a few because I simply can’t not love them all! The only set I don’t have anymore is the one I lent my daughter when she moved out. I told her they were spring dishes. Her comment was “Well can I use them the rest of the year too?” She and her son live with me now and I can see all kinds of appreciation slipping into her everyday life😁🥰
What a wonderful newsletter. Thank you for being so inspiring! Today’s a beautiful first day of summer. Not too hot. Enjoying doing puzzles on my swing, next to my garden with daisies and host as and Asian lilies.
I’ve put in my two cents in the drawing for the cup. I love all the cups so far and need more! I’m so excited to be able to get out and go different places. I only wish more people would get their shots, especially as the latest varient to so prevalent now. All I can do is send up a prayer that they will continue to be well and not catch it.
Totally adore the positive, upbeat attitude reflected in All Good News! Delightful to read and to view the beautiful photos.
Welcome to the Subaru club! I sold my 2005 Honda Accord and bought a (ta-da) 2020 Subaru Forester (in garnet red pearl), which I love due to its great visibility and the heated seats (even in CA).
Also loved Hamnet. The writing was absolutely lyrical. Best summer reading ever.
Hope you all enjoy your travels coming up next year!
One of my new-to-me favorite quotes about travel is by Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Hooray for the vaccine and family/friend reunions!
Love the new cups! The 4th of July cup you’ve got in the give-away is wonderful! My husband and I were both stationed in England while we were both in the service in the late 80s. We loved it there. I hear it’s changed a lot since then, but I still recall the wonderful drives and thatched roof homes we adored!
Love your new post! That rainbow style sunset is the best!! My two fave mugs: July 4 and Winter. So glad there is a remake of Winter. Mine broke. It just made me sick. Glad to have a second chance. You always bring cheer to us. ❤️💜💙💚💛🇺🇸
Dear Susan,
Good luck with your yard sale of treasured things. You and Joe (and Jack) brighten our world. We so look forward to your newsletters and hope you have a wonderful time wandering in the English countryside!
Susan, I just love your blog….so inspiring. And the pictures of your garden take my breath away. How talented you are and thanks for sharing so much of your special moments with us. Wish I could be there on the Vineyard for your magnificent garage sale!! Those lucky browsers are sure to come home with real treasures. Best wishes for a great sale!
I do look forward to your trip to England. We had the awesome opportunity to live in Marlow (just outside London) fur one whole year. It was a 2nd honeymoon for a couple of 50-somethings.
I agree that all the flowers (I’m in MO) seem to be blooming their absolute best this year! I think they are celebrating the return to normal this year too! Can’t wait to see how your dahlia garden grows. I sure wish I could make it to your yard sale as it sounds like you will have lots of treasures. Thank you for another wonderful blog post that always leaves me happy and smiling.
Thank you, thank you and thank you again for brightening my day!
Love, love love all of the mugs!! Which to choose?? I wish I could get them all… 😉
Thank you for all of your inspirational posts, it always makes my day.
I hope the 4th of July cup is available again sometime in the future – that’s my birthday and I would love to have that cup!
I have loved your art since the beginning. Thank you for this piece of happiness that arrives in my inbox.
Love your art and would love to win a cup! Your flowers are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing them with us!
Love all the flowers and old linens. So beautiful. Thinking I need to investigate the trip to England. We went in 1999 so need to go again. Been too long. I’m sure the tours you are arranging will be amazing.
What a joyful blog! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I’m also happy that the world is opening up again. Better days!
Jack is the Bomb Diggity…cutest kitty ever! 😆
Thanks for all the good news & flowers! 🌻
Totally adore the positive, upbeat attitude reflected in All Good News! Delightful to read and to view the beautiful photos.
Welcome to the Subaru club! I sold my 2005 Honda Accord and bought a (ta-da) 2020 Subaru Forester (in garnet red pearl), which I love due to its great visibility and the heated seats (even in CA).
Also loved Hamnet. The writing was absolutely lyrical. Best summer reading ever.
👏👏👏
Amazing as always❤️❤️❤️
I’m always happy to see your new blog post- brightens up my day for sure!! I have been to the same French restaurant you pictured in the blog!!!! I had macaroni and cheese made with Brie: was a game changer! SO DELISH!!!!!! Couldn’t do much shopping after that.☺️. Our home started out with one of your mugs but my 2 daughters liked mine so much, we now have four! We LOVE them!! Good luck with your yard sale! Cleaning out and giving away makes me feel free and happy! Cheers!
Susan,
We have a bulletin board in our business, that we call ” The Good News Board” We post the kind notes, pictures, etc.. we receive from our customers. Your blog post WAS truly the Good News Board today! Welcome to the Subaru Club. You will NOT be disappointed. The Dahlia patch is going to be AMAZING. I love all flowers, but these sweet things just keep giving and giving all summer and into the fall. So excited that you will be back on the choo, choo and heading to see family. The hugs will be extra special this year.
We are booked for the crossing in May (2022). Making lists and having day dreamy moments thinking about it. The trip of a life time with all those kindred spirits gives me goosebumps and butterflies all at once.
Happy garage sale..many new memories to be had with your ” freed” treasures.
When I read your blog its always as if a good friend, looking at nature/the world through binoculars says..”Hey, come here, look at this”, and hands the binoculars to me to share the beauty they are seeing! So good for the soul!
ugs
Hugs.
Love this Kimberly! xoxo
Your post brings me hope and joy. Thank you, Susan.
Hi Susan,
I love that 4th of July cup! I have transformed most of my house to Americana in preparation of our Independence Day celebration. We will be hosting a backyard cookout with friends and family like we did prior to 2020, So excited!! The England trip sounds wonderful. I am going to check out the tours. I am also going to pre-order the Winter cup. I love when your Blog shows up in my inbox. Always love reading it and hearing all the updates. Thank you and God Bless! Happy Summer and Happy Independence Day!
My sister and I are not able to go along with you, but we are planning a trip in Sept 22. The last time we went to England (2016) we made a cd with your England playlist – I think it is in A Fine Romance!
We do the same thing. I have a playlist on my phone just for driving through the English Countryside!
HI Susan, finally had time to read your blog. . . . .so refreshing to read & see all your beautiful flowers. I toooooooo have a kitchen window sill full of cute items & fresh cut flowers at times. Hugs to you & Joe as well. . . . . .