Oh my! 2022 Happened! This is going to take some getting-used-to! Fingers crossed, prayers made, kisses for luck, wishes on candle, black-eyed peas eaten, even threw salt over my shoulder just in cases . . . we’ve covered our bases to make sure this year is better than last! Let’s see what we get! Definitely things to look forward to! At least we’re together, so that’s one good thing. Here’s to a year filled with good things! MUSICA!
And, would it be too much to ask if we can please start Christmas over? I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a Christmas Covid story. Ours was a dilly ~ don’t worry, it has a happy ending. ish.
For us, it was all about Christmas dinner ~ which we were going to have with SIXTEEN very close friends, despite everything, a true celebration because we couldn’t do it last year, and earlier-on we THOUGHT we could do it 
this year, so everyone planned hard for it starting way back in the summer ~ we even had 3 of our beloveds came over from England! It was going to be the high-point of our Christmas. Being together again! We were loath to give it up despite the bad Covid news … we were all very very aware of what was going on, so we decided that in order to come together everyone had to be extra careful on the days leading up, and feel GREAT with out a touch of sniffle or body ache, and we each promised to take a covid test just before we left home.
All dressed and ready to go, our coats were on, food, drink, Christmas crackers and confetti poppers, light-bulb necklaces, and gifts were in 3 big shopping bags on the kitchen table, so excited as we waited for the results of our tests which we knew would be negative.
And just as expected, first Elaine and then me, were negative. And then it was Joe’s turn… Joe, Father Christmas, most careful Covid guy, cleanest hands, most often seen in a mask, fully vaccinated and boosted, of course . . .
. . . tested positive.😳 That pink line? That’s a big no-no. We just stood there and stared. Took a moment to realize what it all meant. Whaaaaat? Joe, poor baby, put on a mask.😷
Despite zero symptoms for any of us, we could do nothing but cancel. Call Bob and Peggy’s enchanted house under the stars, and tell them we couldn’t come to Christmas dinner. And, because they had been around us recently, they felt they had to cancel the entire party just in cases. At that moment, their cozy house was warm and smelled like heaven ~ the turkey was done, cooked perfectly, the baby onions bathed in cream, Bob’s gravy flavored to a T, the candles were lit, the table sparkled, the roses were in their vases, the wine chilled, the tree gleamed, the fire crackled, everything was ready … but too bad, it all had to be put away ~ and on December 25, 16 people went and got in their jammies and checked to see what they had in the fridge. Joe was totally verklempt, and so were we all. The most anti-climatic thing we could imagine! Wouldn’t have been so bad if we hadn’t set our hearts on it!! Best laid plans . . . struggled to act like grownups and not throw ourselves on the floor and have a fit.
Siobhan (Shi-von, remember?) was here from England, staying at the little house with our friends Bob and Peggy. She was supposed to move in with us the day after Christmas and stay for the rest of her visit. For crying out loud. 😩 Literally. All on hold.
Nothing left to do but go take pictures in front of the tree. Elaine and I told Joe he could take his mask off because whatever he had we had ~ and we might as well enjoy what was left of this abbreviated mini-half-life. But you see in the photo, he didn’t want to breathe on me, and that was the best smile he could muster. And then it was over. Elaine went home to her dog Ripper. We stared at the fire and drank a glass of egg nog, I sang Peggy Lee, “Is that all there is . . .” Pitiful. Wracking my brain doing the Pollyanna thing, trying to find the good in this. Of course, it’s always there. Nobody would be sick.
But to make a long story short and cheer you guys up ~ it had a 
happy, if long, ending! We were the lucky ones. No one went to the emergency room. Joe tested again that night, and he was negative. He tested two more times at home during the next couple of days, and both times he was negative. And then he had a test at the hospital, and once again, yay team, he was negative. Maybe the whole thing was God’s way of saying, “No, people, I don’t think so.” But anyway, three days late, and with the all-clear sounded, everything got better when Siobhan moved in.
We wasted no time doing what we love best . . .
Walks to the sea . . .
Happy picture-taking for the memories . . .
Through the woods . . .
and then, another day, with Peggy and Elaine . . . and Ripper too . . . on Peggy’s walk which is so much like our walks in England, past little farms and across wooden bridges over ponds . . .
. . . lined with winterberry. Hill and dale in the fresh air.
We walked past this wonderful old barn . . .
. . . I had to take pictures of this crunchy old beauty . . .
Abandoned but still welcoming . . . Must be a story to tell in those jagged shingles at the top . . . the handmade walls with little rocks tucked among the big ones . . .
Back home, Jack was our plaything . . .
Siobhan was crazy about him, although you can tell by his expression, he was blaming me for allowing this…. not too many people besides me actually pick him up. Look at those eyes!
Every night before bed I do what Jack has trained me to do, and shoot rubber bands down the stairs to his waiting delight. Why? We don’t know. It’s a Jack thing. Mine is not to wonder why. And I never get to take videos to show you because it requires two hands to shoot rubber bands ~ so Siobhan took the video!
XOXO
If you’ve been getting Willards long enough you remember how Jack got his start. This is him as a kitten. He taught me to throw balls, and he brought them back. Then he graduated to love for ponytail bands. Soon enough he quit bringing those back to me, only rarely if he thinks I might leave the room! I’m just supposed to SHOOT the bands! MAS MUSICA!
Wishing you all a crazy cat in your life . . . 🥰
By the time Siobhan left, Jack was jumping up and rubbing on her…
We shopped, cooked, ate, walked, visited, drank tea, gave each other tips for mental health, and caught up with our lives …
It was all about spending time together . . .
Despite the emergency interrupt, we had a wonderful time!
I cried when I first saw her ~ it felt like it had been forever, this old covid has kept so many of us apart ~ and I cried when she went away. So complicated to travel these days, we were just grateful she came!
for those who survived tournedos and floods … but, despite this, 2021 wasn’t all bad … the human race made great progress too, the news just seems to like the bad stuff better . . . read HERE for some of the good things that happened in 2021! We took better care of bees!🐝 There was an orchid found in England they thought was extinct!😲 We fully vaccinated half the human race in only a year! Almost 5 billion vaccines given so far!👍 So much reason for hope. In Britain you can now rent chickens for a few weeks to try it out!🐓 Twin pandas took their first baby steps!🐼 They finally found the long-lost blue dress worn by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz! You have to look for the silver lining, but it’s there. Betty White passed away before January 17 which would have been her 100th birthday, it was very sad . . . but now, because she was such a passionate spokesperson for animals, people everywhere are donating $5 in her honor to their local animal shelter to celebrate her birthday! I marked it on my calendar! Goodness begets goodness. We are so strong. The earth tilts toward the light.💖 So much beauty.
And look, we even got snow! Goodbye 2021, hello bright New Year!
So it’s back to normal for us . . . putting away my bird tree today . . . birds tucked into their box for when I need them again!
Jackie got a rug for Christmas from his darling friend Karen!💖 He loves it! He’s always on it! It’s a Claire Murray design. Thinking I need to embroider a mustache on that rug! (Note, ponytail band behind the door!)
We tried out the new egg maker we got from Lowely and John . . . my favorite kind of machine, with only one button.👏
Soft boiled . . .
. . . perfection!
I put all the birthdays and anniversaries, sailings and picnics onto my new Calendar and hung it up (we ran out of wall`calendars at the Studio this year! If you didn’t get one, I think they still have some on Amazon! We still have the Mini, the Blotter calendar, and the Purse calendar, fyi) . . . there’s a TRIP TO ENGLAND ON MINE …. eeek! May First will be here before we know it! So excited!
Of course we’ve been walking . . .
bundled up, on cold and foggy days …
Made much brighter because we are listening to this and feeling that we are walking in foggy London with Charles Dickens in 1843!
Books and imagination will take you everywhere!♥️
Because it really is the little things…📚
Right now we have a fire going ~ it’s 24º this morning! . . . Joe’s outside filling the 
bird feeders, bringing in more wood, and putting away Christmas things because we are being told to expect snow in the next couple of days! He brought the snow shovel into the house so he won’t have to dig it out from the barn during a snowstorm with his hands! Very organized!
And so we say fare thee well to another Christmas . . .⭐️
All my little things get put away. I watched my dear ex-mother-in-law cut out those paper dolls before my very eyes! She learned to do it when she was a little girl. They’ve been on all of my trees for over 40 years! I made the star and the candy cane when I was in my 20s. I was with Elaine in San Luis Obispo in 1975-ish when we each bought one of the rocking horses in a little shop on Chorro Street. Every tree is a tree of memories!
My treasured felted-wool Jack doll took center stage on the mantle this year. I have to hide him from the real Jack or he will EAT him! He came complete with felted red ball.❤️
When Jack was little you couldn’t separate him from this ball!
We’re leaving the trees up and lit, both inside and out, until Twelfth Night. By that time, I’m sure this one will crumble into dust! I tiptoe by it and hear the tinkling sound of falling needles! But it’s still pretty! Let the celebration continue!
Back to reality . . . Up early these freezing mornings as always, turning on the heat, taking a cup of my favorite Earl Grey tea with Lavender through the quiet house to make a dream come true ~ to work on my project, 
the Secrets of Life, Distilled Genuis, Quotes from the Ages. I love it ~ working on it is like going into a happy cave! Where I hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.🙉🙈🙊 It is SUCH a cheery thing during a Dam-panic that is making so many of us basically, dare I say it? Miserable? The words in these quotes are full of hope, joy, enlightenment, humor, and thousands of years of wisdom from the geniuses of the world; hope from the past bringing hope for the future. I’m praying you’re finding your own ways to see the bright side of life ~ these days are so trying, isolation, and worry for children just doesn’t seem to end. It can be exhausting. I’m with you. We’re all in it together!
Because a fresh New Year is a
and anything is possible, especially if you know you are in charge, and can make a dream come true . . . winter is so perfect for this!
I want this book done, off to the printer, and in your hands before we leave on the ship. That’s my plan. TICK-TOCK!!!
Every year Kellee makes us a special Christmas Card, always so creative! On this one she added my watercolored winter hats! She’s magic … they all are. Running a business from 3,000 miles away for so many years requires a very special relationship. Loyalty, understanding, respect, compassion, and dependability is a requirement for all of us. Add these people to my long list of “Things I’m Grateful For.”💖
This is a screen shot of me and Jack taken by one of our girlfriends during the Enchanted Book Club Webinar ~ I promised I would get you a link for it in case you weren’t able to attend… HERE it is! (and yes, free!) Hope you like it!
And FYI, there is another Zoom Webinar coming to a screen near you from Cary Memorial Library in historic Lexington MA on Wednesday, January 19 at 7pm EST (4 pm in California, but I’m afraid, way too late in Europe!) Mark your calendar… Fill your teapot and join us for a cozy, January talk in front of the fire. I don’t have the link for you to sign up yet, but I’ll put it in my next post as soon as I get it!
As for our trip aboard the Queen Mary 2 in May . . . as you know, we’re still going! (Basically wild horses can’t pull us away!!! We WANT OUT 🤪 {calm down Sue. okay.}). Are you still coming? I’m sure, for a variety of 
reasons, some of you had to cancel … and those who did were able to get a complete refund if they canceled by December 31 … which MEANS, that perhaps the “sold-out ship” may NOT be “sold out” anymore!👏 So if you’d like to join us on this crossing, give a call to Susan Gannon at Cunard . . . she’ll let you know what’s what and when! Her number is 800-468-7752 ext 41663. Tell her you’d like to join the Susan Branch Group #TNM/USA (or if you’re from Canada, it’s TN3/Canada) ~ Voyage #M211. Be sure to ask about their plans for Covid protection and what their cancellation policy is. Remember, there 
are several small tours planned (designed by me with all my favorite places, call Kelsey at 866-563-7077 and let her know you’d like to join the SB tours) so you won’t necessarily have to drive when you arrive in the UK. The tours are all scheduled for 8 days, and at the end, everyone on a tour will be reunited at our picnic in Stourhead. But you DON’T have to take a tour to come to the picnic … which will be on the lawn in beautiful Stourhead on May 15 around noon, just show up and BYO picnic basket! England will be so pretty, all decked out in bunting to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee … we were there for her Diamond, and now, the biggest of them all, Platinum! PLUS, we get to have a Magner’s Pear Cider on the ship. Oh! The yearning!🤪
Here’s a photo of our first picnic at Stourhead . . .hopefully you will get to meet some of the characters from A Fine Romance there!♥️
Well, dearest ones . . . off I go, back to book work… first I need to go throw another log on the fire and while I’m at it, shoot a couple of ponytail bands for you know who! Thanks for stopping by! Happiest New Year to everyone! ❌⭕️
Saw the new blog and clapped my hands, raced to make a cup of coffee so I could slowly savor your words. Sigh…it went too fast.
I could write forever, but I think maybe people have better things to do! 💖 xoxo
💖
Never!
Never!!🥰
Reading what you write is one of my very favorite things to do! Do keep writing & writing!! 🥰
♥️♥️♥️👏🥰😘
Never!
Never better things to do!!
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda 2022
Well, what a to do! I was terrified doing my first LFT, but my friends were taking me to my booster appointment and we all took one. Glad Joe and everyone else is okay.
Sorry not to be chatty, but it’s a bad day today and typing takes forever on a bad day. At least I’m over the side effects of the meds, which turned December and Christmas into a damp squib.
Waving ~~~ Deb in Wales xoxo
I don’t know what an LFT is, but I’m glad it’s over, Deb! Sorry for the bad day … feel better dear!♥️
LFT = Lateral Flow Test. Sorry, don’t know what you call them, but it’s what you all took too before going out, or not going out as it happened for you.
Oh, a covid test! xoxo
I’m betting it’s a lateral flow test? (At home Covid test).
Blwydden Newydd Dda 2022…. so glad to see you on here as you are no longer on twitter. I’m sorry that you are having a bad day. Just want you to know that you have brightened my days many times during the pandemic. If I ever make it to Wales again I hope to meet you. I had hoped to come last year to visit the land of my ancestors as I’m half Welsh. Love from America…Sue
Sad your Christmas plans didn’t happen but glad everyone is well.
Decorating a Christmas tree is like opening a scrapbook of all the memories the ornaments bring. I love those sweet memories.
Wishing you and Joe a happy and healthy New Year.
Happy New Year! Wonderful blog post….despite the big C…..absolutely love the videos of Jack….prayers for abundant blessings in 2022 for all!
Definitely embroider a mustache on Jack’s rug! Happy new year!
Another Christmas of trying to stay safe. We had friends for New Years Eve, just the four of us which is our tradition. After they arrived they told us they spent Christmas Day with 15 others in a small condo and that some were not vaccinated. Yikes! Now I have my fingers and toes crossed. All 4 of us are vaccinated and boosted but this variant has a mind of it’s own. Thank you so much for your updates. I love seeing your postings arrive in the email box. They are pure HAPPY!
Eeeek! Hope all is well! Yes, thank goodness we didn’t wait for the booster. xoxo
Despite the terrible pandemic that has engulfed our United States and other countries…your blog always cheers my heart! It’s full of love for your husband, friends far and near, and your furry friends! Cheers to the new year! I hope it is a good one to all of us.
Thanks Susan! Always feels like a hug from a friend when one of your blog posts hits! Today was back to school/work day at my house! The best day! Son has gone back to school. Hubby has gone back to work. And I finally have the house back in order. And we have postcard weather 61* and sunny with low humidity. Its the best time of year in Houston! I have my doors and windows open- blowing out the bad juju from 2021! Hope you have a wonderful week! Can’t wait to read the book of quotes!
Love that idea, no old bad ju-ju 2021 air please!🤣
So very sorry your Christmas plans fell through. I would’ve thrown myself on the floor and cried. But…I am glad Joe wasn’t really ill.
How wonderful to share your holidays with such sweet friends.
We were able to have family over on Christmas Eve this year. No friends tho. Too risky. It was wonderful.
❄ Your house is beautiful in the snow. ❄
Hurry and give us the Zoom details, please. I can’t wait.
Thank you for the blog and pictures. You guys stay warm and healthy. Love you.❤
One of my favorite things to do – sipping Earl Grey Lavender tea out of my “Blessed” mug and reading your blog! All of your books and blogs have been a true joy! I can’t wait for the new book! Happy, healthy New Year!
So happy to be able to “chat” with you today. We also had an isolated, Covid Christmas but re-reading Home for Christmas reminded me that we are still the lucky ones. Everyone has recovered and all is well. Thank you, and all the hugs for 2022.
So glad of the happy ending and that Joe’s back to his usual helpful and competent partner.
Have a great January, I feel better each time I read your posts. You make a difference in your friends life — for the better, of course.
The memories on the Christmas tree and something we look forward to here as well. Remembering the glass balls, pinecone skiers and bubble lights we bought at the dime store the first Christmas of our marriage — 55 years ago.
Jack has the most expressive face! What a guy.
Jeanne of Iowa
I am delighted and relieved to read of your scare and how it actually turned out. My sister and I are still enrolled for the May trip over. It is with crossed fingers and toes that this “dream” will become a reality. Thank you for updating us on your plans.
For those of us who will not be joining the picnic – we hope that there will be group photo opps prior to getting off ship.
As we begin to sail out of New York Harbor we will all meet and toast the Statue of Liberty … and that will be just the beginning of massive 6 days of photo ops!!! See you there Beth! xoxo
Greetings, Susan,
What a story!! Joe’s scary, sudden positive test and all festive plans totally shut down, as needed. Fortunately, Joe turned negative and no one else was positive.
And then, happy, special walks and time with Siohban and others. The videos and stories of Jack are so uplifting And thanks for bringing some brightness to us all. Looking forward to your quote book! Carry on!
I have enjoyed every second of this blogpost. I’m sure it will be the highlight of my day. I, like you, suffer from SAD. This year I am really working hard to stay ahead of it. I am going to all of my exercise classes, even when I have to drag myself, kicking and screaming. In the end, I’m always glad I went. I am trying to eat healthier, too. My word for 2022 is intentional. I made a sign with that word and hung it on my bathroom mirror, so I see it first thing every morning. I think it’s really helping me be intentional about how I treat people, how I approach things, what I want to accomplish each day, about what is really important in my life. I think we all need to find what works for us, and we need to learn to take care of ourselves, so we have more to give others.
I must get to work. I am undecorating from Christmas, slowly but surely. I’m in no hurry this year. Have a blessed 2022, Susan!
I’m so sorry this happened to you, but delighted everyone was ok and that you were still able to enjoy a visit with your friend. I just read Mr. Dickens and His Carol right before Christmas, and I really enjoyed the festive, holiday vibe! I’m sure you get many recommendations, but have you read Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher? It’s such a “Susan Branch and her girlfriends” sort of book – it’s set in an old house in a small town in Scotland and people seem to be making pots of tea every three or four pages. I read it in December and just found it incredibly soothing – I actually found I was reading more slowly than I usually do just because it was so calming that I didn’t want to rush it! I just want to mention it for anyone who is feeling edgy or anxious about omicron – it’s incredibly calming and somehow seems akin to your work. 🙂
I always love your Willards, and can’t wait to read your new book. Thank you for writing!
I have but it was so long ago I think I need to read it again. People always tell me how much they love that book!
I read Winter Solstice every year in December. I’ve almost memorized it, lol. It’s my favourite Rosamunde Pilcher book. Hugs, Elaine
Love Rosamund Pilcher. Glad to be in good company!
So glad you had a good outcome after a “Bah Humbug” Christmas. I had a quiet day at home with the kids (Livvie, Bix and Silas – “meow, woof. meow”). I was supposed to go to a friend’s house for Christmas Eve dinner but we both decided that with the Omicron virus spreading soooooo rapidly, we would forego it this year. I made my yearly oyster stew (sticker shot, $35 for 2 pints of oysters!) and dropped some off at their house because her husband loves it so much. I miss smelling and tasting things since I lost both senses 3 years ago, a real bummer.
Don’t you just love that egg cooker! I got mine a few years ago from Cost Plus World Market and will never hard boil an egg any other way. The shell comes off so easily. It’s like it was coated with buttah. Do you suppose Cost Plus would give me a finder’s fee if people bought one after seeing my recommendation – if so tell them Patricia sent you!
I don’t think I told you that I had moved for my umpteenth million time since moving back to Decorah, and if I did please forgive my doddering old brain, but I am now out of the condo (too many rules – picture me as a young Jane Fonda holding up a sign saying “I’m not going to follow your stinking rules anymore”) and into a house where at least part of it was built in 1890. I love it and the people in the area are so friendly. Since this was the first house I actually made a profit on since moving here, I am in the process of planning a new kitchen, GLORIOSKY!!! One of the many quirks – in this neighborhood, if the water from the faucet gets under 40 degrees, we have to keep one faucet running at a trickle until it warms up otherwise KAPLOOEY, my waterline blows up.
I would like to write more but my sits (sitz) bones won’t let me. The sciatica I have had for over a year is now affecting them and it huts to sit too long so no more diarrhea of the keyboard.
Much love to you, Joe and Jack
from the Decorah brood
Patricia, loved your comment. You’re funny. I think you should write a column in your local paper, or a book. HUH? -dezi from AZ
Happy New Year…enjoyed your blog….be sure Jack does not eat any ponytail bands. Just saw article in my newspaper about a vet that did surgery on a cat who’s stomach was blocked with them…lucky the cat did not die….
Dear Sue and Joe
I’m so sorry to hear that Joe tested positive on Christmas, I wonder if he had a false negative as he tested positive later that day. But better safe than sorry. I’m glad that Siobhan made it here safely and didn’t get sick. She is braver than I would have been to travel. It sounds like you all had a wonderful visit. My Christmas was quiet as my son chose not to travel to me by plane with a toddler. Thank God for Skype. We still have snow here so it looks like a winter wonderland. I plan to make your Cranberry tea cake in the next few days to continue the Christmas festivities. It looks delicious. ( Of course I should be starting my news years diet, but a few more days of treating myself won;t hurt me… right. Best wishes to you and all the girlfriends. Thank you for all the joy you bring us… Love Sue
Happy New Year, Susan! Your blogs always are a balm for my soul. Now I must get to work as well! I thought of you first when news of John Madden’s death came…he has been such a large figure here in Pleasanton…he will be missed.
Happy New Year to All!!
What a fun post to read. Enjoyed all the pictures and the sharing. Glad Joe and you all are well. Susan, I enjoyed the Enchanted Book Club and I am the “Linda” that sent you the picture you requested of my holiday decorated table. I tried to include it in this post but couldn’t figure out how to do it. Sorry-not the best with tech skills.
Always love a new blog post to “chat”! I do the same thing with my calendars. All the new ones go up on January 1st and I sit to put the birthdays, anniversarys, etc., on the new one. Wob you Miss Susan! xoxo!!
Happy New Year! I hope it isfull of blessings.
Hurray for a new Willard! Loved it as usual.
Sorry your Christmas dinner plans fell apart. But glad it didn’t develop into the dreaded Covid for Joe. Best to always be safe when dealing with the possibility of Covid, especially as we get older. We too all tested before meeting, but fortunately no positive tests!
Sounds like you had a good visit with your friends anyway. Happy New Year!
Love the photos and drawings of Jack and his human friends. So thankful that Covid didn’t ruin your Christmas, which looked delightful! Your newsletter is always a welcome bit of cheer…..thank you!
Apparently, this pandemic has other lessons to teach me, because I, too, made the mistake of thinking I could plan my way into a magical Christmas 2021. What we wound up with were a rotation of non-Covid viruses that kept us monitoring symptoms, on the edge of our seats, with a swab up our nose every other day, wondering how much, if any of it, was actually going to happen. I realized that the allure of a so-called return to “normal” was actually an illusion that was torturing us, especially my poor son. What I finally realized, and told him, is that nothing is ever guaranteed, and it’s actually always how the world worked, but now we are just getting a LOT of practice. “It’s not cancelled…it’s just postponed” is our go-to consolation…even if we don’t know when the raincheck will get cashed. I’m finding my endurance wavering (I am a planner!) but I think I am learning to be more flexible, and more appreciative of what we DO get. Oddly, disappointment seems to be acting like a fertilizer for gratitude these days. I’ll take any and all silver linings at this point! Happy New Year! I’m glad you were able to partake in at least a part of your planned Christmas, and that no one got ill!
Yes! Well said! “disappointment seems to be acting like a fertilizer for gratitude” ~ it really does! We know we have to dig a little deeper for it, and when we do, what treasure we find!
Happy 2022! And Merry Christmas, too! So sorry the test came back false positive. But everyone is healthy – what a wonderful Christmas present.
May this new strain actually be the remedy to end this horrible pandemic.
May God bless us and bring peace, good health (and sanity) to us all in this new season.
Happy New Year Susan, Joe and Jack! So glad for your posts! Love you guys and gf’s! ❤️😄👍🍸🍸
Happy New Year, dear Susan, Joe, and Jack! I hope it’s a good one!
Happy New Year!
Looking forward to brighter days… thanks to Susan for her delightful blog when we’ve needed it most.
Thank You So Much for this Wonderful Blog. It’s always So uplifting to hear from you. So sorry that your Christmas Day dinner had to be canceled. That is what happened to us on Thanksgiving. We went to Door County Wisconsin between Christmas and New Years. It was Fantastic. Door County is a large peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan with lots of charming old Inns homes and shops. We rented a house you would Love on the water with a Gorgeous old stone fireplace…probably built in the late 20’s. Thank you SO Much for all you do to make our lives SO Much happier!!!
Bless You
Hi Susan, we’ve been snowed in so I reread your trilogy. Want to try the tiny potatoes, scooped out with bacon, that you talk about in one of the books, but can’t find it. Can you help me? Also when does Enchanted come out? Thanks, Debby
Probably in Heart of the Home. You boil small red potatoes until soft, cut them in half. Scoop out a little bit of potato with a melon baller. Salt and pepper the potato halves … fill them with sour cream and sprinkle with bacon bits. Or chives, or if you like it, which I don’t, caviar! Enchanted is on hold for now. My time is booked up! xoxoxo
Happy New Year!! My family too were visited by the Covid curse but thankfully only 1 was struck and he is all vaxxed up, so just had cold symptoms. We are once again in a bit of a lock up (in Niagara, Ontario, Canada) and I am hoping it will not be for very long.
I just cannot wait to be able to travel again! I want to hug my brothers and sisters who all live on the East Coast in the States. I miss them all so very much.
Best wishes to you and your blog just makes my day!
Hello dear Susan, it was super splendid to see a post from you as we’ve had to cancel the May QM 2 trip. (So sad) My doctor said it’s the most risky thing we could do. So in order to get that full refund……we wouldn’t be going without you for another time, so all things considered we’re not going. I came to your yard sale in June and introduced myself, I told hubby, I’m not missing this in case it doesn’t work out for May. The world is so toppsey turvey that I’m not counting on it being okay for May. I hope everything works out and it’s a marvelous time. Also hope you fit those of us left behind in that suitcase of yours! Sorry your Christmas took a left turn, but glad it all worked out in the long run. Jack is indeed a smart boy!
Best of a New Year to you, Joe and Jack and all through the year!
No question about it, bringing you along virtually! I just remember last spring … covid went away for a while, we got to hug again, I think and pray it will be that way again this year. Cunard just had a ship that had landing problems because of an outbreak on board. I think that will make them extra careful. Fingers crossed it works out! I remember meeting you Sandi! xoxo
Couldn’t even finish reading before saying that I am so enamored with Jack! What a handsome, playful, darling chap!!! Thanks for sharing these darling videos of him in action. Made my day!
Also, it is good for all to know that it isn’t at all uncommon for a test to show a positive result and subsequent tests to show otherwise. It’s always good to take several, and not rely on a single test!
So true! But even if we’d gotten 3 negative tests that night, after that one positive, we couldn’t have gone with the hint of a maybe hanging over our heads! It wasn’t until we had the negative test at the hospital that we finally felt free to begin life again. Covid is a stinker.
Hi Susan…Usually I get an email saying the blog is up but not this time. I saw it posted on Instagram. Nevertheless I was happy to sit and read it with a cozy knitted afghan. I loved all your stories and shared your sadness when you hugged your dear friend. I could see it in your eyes. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” ~A.A. Milne from Winnie~the Pooh.
Thanks for sharing something so personal. We can all relate to that. I left home for the first time in my life this Christmas to celebrate with my son. I flew from RI to Fl. What a difference. I walked the beach on December 25th! It was wonderful to be with family but nothing says Christmas like home sweet home. I wish you all life’s best in the new year and I hope that 2022 is kind to you, Joe, and of course pony tale snatcher, Jack! May we all stay safe and healthy. ❤️ ~karen mac
Sending blessings your way for 2022! Jack is precious – love how he warmed up to your friend! I always look forward to Williard – never disappointing~
Happiest of New Years 2022 to you, yours and all your devoted followers! Can’t wait until your next blog and, of course, your next book! 📚 best wishes for this next chapter in our lives for continued health and happiness! Thank you for your wonderful blogs, art, and talent! You are an inspiration!
❤️ from The Old Dominion of Virginia
Thank you for the wonderful post. Just what I needed today. Glad Joe is fine. I wish you, Joe and Jack a blessed 2022.
Oh my heart was so happy to see a new blog post. I get such warm fuzzies from you, your life, family, Jack, your books and home! Thank you for sharing with us. Sorry about the positive Covid test for your husband…I wonder how many of these are false positive, especially when he wasn’t sick. Covid is just evil. Take care…wishing you much happiness, inspiration and good health in 2022. Looking forward to your new book.
I cannot wait for your book of quotes to come out. A Spring bouquet of inspiration indeed!
Happy 2022!
This one brought a tear to my eye but also joy to my heart. It really is the small things that are the BEST.
Melin
xoxo
Delighted to receive your cheerful first letter of 2022. I loved hearing about your Christmas and seeing your pictures. I’m so grateful I was able to have my son and daughter and their spouses and children (my 6 grandchildren) all in the same house, happy and healthy to celebrate Christmas and the new year! (Still missing my husband, who we lost in 2018. But each one of us remembered him with a smile.) I have your new calendar hanging in my kitchen
ready to make my notes and see what the next year brings. Looking forward to your new books and hearing all about your cruise. I’m glad to see Lauren’s picture too. She helped me with a small problem. She was so polite and helpful.
I remember way back when…
with home preg. testing you did 5 test AND all together, used all 5 tests kits all at once, the odd number 5 for better/accurate results…
Glad it ended well!
Happy Healthy New Year!!!!
Much love from Illinois!!
Wonderful Willard! Love all the news and pictures. Jack is a very good film star! I plan to watch your next webinar. I signed up with the library. I am looking forward to your new book of quotes. I need a lots of wisdom! AlsoI will be following all your posts from your time in England. So glad you are bringing us all along with you!
Have a very blessed and happy New Year! May God bless us every one!
Lovely blog full of Christmas and friends and fun, even though your time was blemished a bit by covid. Here’s to 2022 bringing an end to it all! Your pictures were so fun to look at, and it’s plain to see you really did have JOeY abundant. Now, which book are you hoping to have to the printer before you leave? Is it Secrets of Life, or…..? Wishful thinking on my part, but I’m hoping one day to have the one I am looking forward to the most. <)Take good care of yourselves during this winter, and may spring allow us all to be back to normal!
Well, I don’t know why I posted <) when I really meant to post <3 ! ( Hope it comes out right! )
I know it’s a heart, so I am getting your sweet message!
Yes! The quote book! xoxo
Happy New Year! Wishing you, Joe and Jack health and happiness and every blessing for 2022.
Sorry your plans were foiled, but so great that everything turned out a okay.
Lovely post. Jack is a star!
Rabbit…Rabbit!!! Happy New Year!!! Stay safe…Be well…and may all your dreams come true…
Love & hugs…
Bev
Happy New Year!! A new blog post is always a wonderful way to start the year off right. So sorry to hear about your Christmas. We, too, are all vaccinated & boosted but early in September, a negative test was required to attend a concert we had tickets for & one of us tested positive. We knew it was a false positive & sure enough, after another rapid test & the PCR both came back negative, we felt validated in our belief that she was negative all along. We’ve been super vigilant & thank God, we’ve been safe from this horror so far. Praying more people get vaccinated & continue wearing masks & doing all of the things that the experts recommend. They have enough to contend with without having to deal with the ignorant & careless among us. Wishing all of us a healthy, happy & peaceful New Year! xo
Susan, I just have to tell you, I had an order problem calendars not delivered. Kelly called me in person and straightened. I told my friend I felt like I was talking to a celebrity! Got my calendars and have them up for the New Year! Stay well and safe!
She’s the best! Thank you for telling me… I sent your comment to Kellee to make her day too! xoxo
‘Always delight in getting to read your latest, Susan- this was no exception- a breath of fresh air! It left me so full of hope… out with the Old, in with the New, Happy 2022!! Thank you for helping us all BREATHE through these times… and reminding us to “just breathe”! So glad you and Joe are doing well! And, that Jack- he is such a scene stealer!! Precious! All good wishes to you-
HAPPY NEW YEAR Susan, and girlfriends. we had a white Christmas and a wonderful snowball fight with the neighbors and the Fire Department. we get together with our neighbors across the road from us and alongside of us and have a snowball fight. then the fun continues when we go over to the fire station and throw snowballs at the windows and the doors until the fire fighters come out to play with us. and then we get that fight going with snowballs flying in from all directions but this year the fire fighters cheated, they tried to use their hoses on us. we hollered no fair and they got back to throwing snowballs. trust me people driving down caves highway had to proceed with care, flying snowballs. we even got the snowplows … 🙂 LOL!!! for now we have rain, but the snow will be back and the fight will go on, we could not decide who won the battle. hope everyone had a ball over the holidays… come around our way and get in to the snowball fight. have a great day everyone… stay well, stay healthy and stay happy. hugs ….. 😀
Love it Pat! Happy New Year!
I’m relieved that covid just dampened and didn’t ruin your Christmas. I think this new variant is dampening everything here for a bit. Hold on tight and we’ll all get through it together.
The Pollyanna in me is coming out more everyday… think of all the calories we avoided that night! (Reaching!😂)
That’s the spirit! 😍 My kind of gal. I loved Pollyanna so much that I used to imagine I was Hayley Mills’ long-lost twin like in Parent Trap!
So sorry to read about your cancelled plans. We had the exact same thing happen to us. We ended up Zooming our grandchildren and their families. Ended our day by smiling and laughing about all the joy of having them all in our lives. Hoping Hugging day comes again soon.
Thank you so much for your blog!
We had much the same Christmas story but we all tested negative before anyone left their homes- some coming from Canada, some from RI (I am in CA) all excited for the hugs, party, love, conversation, treats- all of it. Then “blammo”- somebody got exposed- now we are all at varying stages of a little ill. Nothing serious, like a cold or flu. Thank Heaven for those 3 vaccines!
Strange times, but let’s go on- thanking out lucky stars and whistling a slightly congested happy tune! Blessings to all!
Dear Susan, Joe, and Jack,
Well, of all people, I didn’t expect one of you to get covid…..and right before one of your favorite things….a dinner party with your dearest friends. Pook x’s 3!!!! But, I know you were glad that Siobhan was able to spend time at your house. So, glad that Joe didn’t have any symptoms….lucky fellow.
Love your videos of Jack, ball and hair band catcher extraordinaire!! It hard to believe his age……seems like you got him only a few months ago. His position with you on the sofa, looking straight at the camera, like he’s had all the practice he needs…..”just take the picture!”
Your walk through the woods and too the water looks lovely….the best part, being with friends. I know you are thankful to have Elaine back also. You have know each other for so long, you can probably finish each other’s sentences.
So, we put the Christmas decorations away, finish off the cookies, and look forward to a brighter year, 2022…..we hope and pray!! And, before you know it, England! Wish you three the very best.
Love, Rachel
We don’t think Joe ever had covid! I mean he tested positive at 4 pm and negative at 7 pm, and then negative from then on! I think we got a bad test that gave him a false positive! But no matter, he is healthy and that’s what matters. Merry Happy New Year dear Rachel! xoxoxo
That’s exactly what happened, Joe did not have Covid. I heard on the news tonight that those test are not always accurate.
No, he didn’t. just a big dumb test. Yes, that’s what we have to deal with. Praying somehow the truth of this thing gets through to EVERYONE and we are set free from it. xoxo
Thank you for the cheery blog update. You have given me hope for a better year. Glad Joe was asymptomatic! Blessings always! So Cal gal and a very long time follower of you. So glad I met you in person in 2018 at Apple Farm! Karen B
half of your pictures are not showing up…lots of blank areas!
Try refreshing.
Hi Susan:
Happy New Year! I told my granddaughter that sometimes plans don’t always turn out as we hope; only to find myself disappointed in something that didn’t turn out as I planned and not handling it as well as she did. Grateful that Joe and everyone else did not get sick and were able to celebrate being together, albeit not as planned.
Will there be preorder options on the book you are working on?
Yes, I hope to have it ready enough for preorder the end of this month… maybe!
I have to say, to everyone … These comments have been SO wonderful! I can’t answer all of you, but I do read them all, and they are filled with joy of the season, life as we know it, everything good and hopeful. Thank you for writing, I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying it!!! I hope you see this!💖♥️💖♥️💖♥️
Golly! My heart almost stopped when I read the part where Joe’s test was positive! I took a big gulp of air and remembered the story had a HAPPY ending, so just settle down and keep reading! Thank you for getting to it quickly (I’m getting old and can only hold my breath for so long…). Then, Joy! All is well, there are the friends and the cat and a fire to snuggle by and a grand something to plan for. Not a bad way to begin a year, I think. And thank you for the ornaments on your tree. To me, the charm of Christmas is all the memories in all the ornaments on the tree: the little angels made by hand that came from my husband’s aunts, a clothespin couple given by a neighbor from our first home together, fragile glass handed down from my Mother, who cherished them and kept them safe no matter where Uncle Sam sent us. The tiny green-and-white polka-dot clown I bought with money I earned at my first grown-up job, and the single ornaments I bought for myself every year since. A flock of four wooly sheep I made for my sweetheart , a silver-dollar size embroidery my older sister gave me, souvenirs of trips. It isn’t quite Christmas until I find every one a home on the tree. May your year be blessed, your husband healthy and your trip to England every bit as wonderful as the last.
Wonderful to hear from you! I really like how you have a table and chair by the fireplace — such a great idea and cozy spot. What is your new book about? Happy to hear you and Joe (loved the added “E” to Joy — hee-hee…) are doing well. Thank you for adding some cheery sunshine to my day.
Happy 2022! Still on the QM2 May 1 and we’re very hopeful! Covid backing down and the Queen in great shape for her big celebration. See you on board, wheeeee!
It’s going to be WONDERFUL!
My husband tested positive the week of Christmas and all our plans screeched to a halt too! He was sick and I forced him to get a monoclonal antibodies treatment which helped him a lot. Somehow I managed not to get it from him even though he tested positive for a week and a half. Just was ready to throw 2021 in the dumpster and start this new one. Hopefully it’s better than the last two. 😬
Deep breath! So awful. Yay for the monoclonal antibody treatment … stay strong, Sarah. I would LIKE to say, this too will pass … and it will, but WHEN is the big question. Spring was heaven last year, I expect the same this year!♥️
So happy to see a post today and that you are all ok!! Who isnt sick of covid?? Cant wait for things to get as back to normal as they can 🙂 I loved your picture of the 2 calendars side by side -that’s me every Jan 1st. I love looking at the past year and everything we did -not much to see in the last year though!
I love your kitty 🙂
Happy New Year. I’m so sorry about your Christmas plans but in the end, it worked out, just not that day. I know you made it as cozy and warm as loving as possible! Jack is — well, a treasure!
Dearest Susan….. those darn at home tests are horribly unreliable. Thankfully your glass is always half full and you made the best of a huge disappointment. I was so thrilled to see you in my in-box! Here in the mountains of Idaho, we have 3 feet of snow with more on the way. It was the perfect moment to sit in the window seat and devour your missive. Thanks too for always making our Christmas special with the BEST sugar cookie recipe ever.
Happy New Year to you, Joe and Jack!
Such a treat to find a post from your blog today ! Today it is a balmy-8 in Montana
with a bright blue sky .
I’m going to see what’s available for the cruse , we where hopping for a suite but
called to late so who knows maybe it’s my lucky day an one is available.
I loved the enchanted book club webinar and now I am a faithful reader of the blog
Here’s to all things good 2022
Oh ! So sorry your Christmas dinner got goofed up ! Glad that Joe tested negative after the first one and you could salvage the holidays with your friends. We did not attempt to travel to visit family due to their health and not wanting to take any chances. Had a traditional Christmas Eve Holy Supper ( called Velija by Easter Europeans) with home made pierogis, mushroom soup, fish, peas, and wafers called Oplatki that have Nativity scenes on them. At the last minute we invited new friends who happen to be of the Hindu faith. They shared their celebration of Diwali with us earlier this year…gave us a candle and the sweets they eat on that holiday. It was so much fun to share our traditions…and we realized that both Diwali and Christmas are about light overcoming darkness. WOW…we need that in today’s world. I used my mother’s Quaker Lace tablecloth that she received for her wedding in 1939, Holiday dishes, lots of candles, twinkle lights…..it was magic. Our friends said “don’t fuss” – but I had such fun “being an elf!” Now we are hunkering down through this new spread…numbers are skyrocketing here. We are staying safe and glad you and Joe are healthy! Wishing you ALL the best in 2022!!!
Love all the beautiful traditions. Thank you Ann!
Ahhhhhh…..my “comfort read”!!! Thank you again for all your inspiration and kindness. I’m sorry for your botched Christmas plans, however, it sounds like there was certainly some happiness to be shared! And Jack……so love your boy!! He’s such a character!! Happy New Year to you, Joe and Jack!! We’re all hopeful for lots of positive!
Thank you for another delightful post tho I am so, so sorry your wonderful Christmas dinner was postponed. That one single positive test does seem suspicious but you did the right thing, however painful.
How did you do that thing with the snowflakes coming down in the photo of your house??!! I love it!
I saw my son, DIL and grandchildren in California for the first time in two years, two months. I just sat and gazed at them, the only present I needed. We are all vaccinated and those old enough are boosted. I am back but I keep up my Christmas decorations until it gets really embarrassing. I’m a December baby and December bride and my name is Yes, Virginia, There is… so I have an excuse 🙂
Hi Susan
how fun to see a new blog post. Loved hearing all about your fun times. My husband tested positive last year and they made him stay home from work for 2 weeks, that was in the beginning of covid. He never had any symptoms and he tested several other times during that 2 weeks and they were all negative. So there is such a thing as false positives, glad Joe is okay. Enjoy the snow you will be getting. I am in CT and I am guessing we are getting it too? hope so
deezie
I feel your pain. Right before Thanksgiving, my housemate and I tested positive. Ugh. She was going to have her family over for Thanksgiving. We had to cancel our plans. But you know what? It turned out fine. We had a turkey and all the trimmings. Online grocery ordering and pickup is awesome. We still had fun. When else (except the last 2 years) can you spend Thanksgiving with your bff? Thankfully both of us had mild symptoms. It was more annoying than anything. Two people were never more grateful to be vaccinated. And now we also have our boosters. Christmas with my family was glorious.
Dear Susan,
Your quotes make the world go round! Thank you for sharing all your coziness with us. I love the photo of the house on the shore🌊🏡 over the Austin quote and I so appreciate the book reference too- looks like a good 📖 one! It’s true, our Christmas trees 🎄 are indeed collections of good memories, making Christmas 👩🏽🍼🐑 all the more special. Thank you for all your dedicated work. 💚❤️💙❤️💚
Love, Pam
PS I keep my bird 🦢🦜🐓🕊🦩🦚tree up all year long! ☺️
Happy New Year! Your letter is just like getting another Christmas present that I didn’t expect! Loved your videos of Jack, he is a smart cat and I’m so glad that you still had a good visit with your friends from England despite the canceled Christmas dinner! Can’t wait for the book of quotes, my favorite kind of book for sure! Well, just keep on spreading your special kid of joy to everyone you meet!
Hello Susan and thanks for another lovely Willard! I have been a fan for many years and look forward to each new post and Willard. LOVE the music you include too!
I am so sorry to hear that you and your beloved Joe and friends had to go through such turmoil! Very happy for the repeated negative tests!
Thank you for sharing Jack and his antics-we have a black and white cat also and he is so smart and entertaining! The other two( his mother and his brother) just don’t behave the same even though they are delightful in their own ways! Take care of each other and stay safe and healthy-I need to live vicariously through you once you board the QE II!
How I miss New England winters…and all the other days! Glad that things worked out and Joe is well. Can’t wait for the new book. Will get one for me and one for my best friend. Everyone should❤️❤️
Oh my goodness life is so difficult these days! Such a disappointment for Christmas. We were grateful to have made it through all of December for our Christmas Caroling gigs (with The Jingle Belles) and have no issues – a miracle! We just found out today that our plans for a shared Twelfth Night Dinner is not to be – for just the same reason. Happily it is not my husband, Dan, or me – but one person has been exposed to several folks that now have COVID. So, postponed.
Thank you for a lovely post and Happy New Year from Paso Robles CA!
Oh the best laid plans that go awry! So sorry for you all. My family has their own Christmas COVID story that I won’t share here. It has a happy ending but there has been a lot of worrying over the past week for all of us.
Thanks for the cheerful update, it’s just what I needed after our Northern Virginia snowstorm yesterday! No power = a very cold day! We’re toasty warm now and ready to watch Shetland on Britbox. Happy New Year!
I’m so sorry that your lovely dinner was cancelled. We were very lucky at our house. We celebrated with our children and grandchildren on December 19. All adults and children over 4 were double vaccinated and everyone over 18 was boostered. The out of town took tests before coming and everyone was covid free. The next morning I went to a church meeting with 5 people and was the only one masked. And that night I got the message that the person who sat next to me had an in-house family member test positive. We were able to stay home alone for seven days just to be safe because I would not want to spread the virus! I am just glad it was after we were around our family. We waited until today to take gifts to my husband’s 92 year old mother. Can’t be too safe.
Glad all is well! Stay healthy!! I will be traveling with you in spirit so don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase.
Maryellen
Life DOES go on even with this monumental Pandemic. My father was a survivor of the one in 1918 and I plan on surviving this one.
Be safe and healthy in 2022.
Happy New Year! Christmas was certainly a challenge for you, but you have many things to be grateful for! Wishing you a fabulous cruise!
Thank you for helping us reframe yet another challenging holiday. Glad you are all well and had some time together with loving friends. I keep asking, what are we learning from all this? Surely you have helped us reflect on the joys — tiny and significant — in each day. Thank you for your honest, kind and uplifting thoughts/art. We all need it.
Buon Anno! Only the best in 2022.
Let’s keeping looking ahead for better days and looking up to the stars….
Sorry to hear about a probable false-positive for Joe ruining your plans, Susan. Still enjoyed reading your blog, though, as always; thank you. Also wanted to say thank you for writing your delightful Home for Christmas book. I bought it as a little gift for myself and after reading it close to Christmas knew I had to get 2 for my sisters on either side of me, age-wise. We grew up in the 1950s-60s and I saw so many parallels between your story and ours that I wanted them to enjoy their own copies. Amazon delivered both books (one in Colorado and the other in Ohio) on Christmas Eve (so perfect) and they both enjoyed your story as much as I did. Thanks for the memories. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Thank you for telling me Sandy…loved hearing that!
Hi Susan, this is such a good entry, seeing all the pictures of your friends and your walks. Sorry those big Christmas dinner plans got cancelled, would be so disappointing but you have to be safe than sorry if someone else got sick. You do wonder if Joe didn’t have a false positive test, I am sure others that have no symptoms have the same. I suppose they are not fool proof. At least it turned out well finally and you got to spend time with Siobhan! I am still enjoying my tree up and lit, it is artificial but35 years old and does drop a few “needles” every year! I hate seeing it all down and put away because I love the lights helping cheer up the evenings that become dark way too fast in winter. I usually keep a string of lights on my mantle for cheer. Just to let you know I read Mr Dickens and his Carol too and loved it! Well, now we are into 2022 and it is hopeful it will be much better than the last two years for everyone. Thank you for this blog entry, always something to look forward to and enjoy! HugsXOXOXO
💖
May your new year be filled with many blessings!!
Hello, Susan! I’m so sorry to hear that you couldn’t have your planned festivities. Phooey…And double phooey to that! You must have been totally “crestfallen”, as Anne of Green Gables would have said. I’m so glad you’re all okay now and that you did get to spend quality time with your favorite people before they had to leave to go back home. Santa will make it all up to you next year….just wait and see! The falling snow on your home is just lovely. Absolutely lovely! Once again, thank you so much for sharing. YOU are so appreciated!
Happy New Year!! So happy to hear health, happiness and excitement for the year are “on board” for you! As for the 2022 Wall Calendar I think I got the very last one on line at Walmart… Amazon and others sold out.. you gotta make more girlfriend! I’ve had one hanging for over 20 years! I also LOVE your felted jack.. did you make that? Blessings for the coming year and looking forward to your ever inspiring posts… they are like a warm hug to me…
I just love your postings!! So sorry to hear your Christmas had a damper on it but at least you were able to catch up with dear friends later on! Jack is just a doll! What would we do without our fur-babies?! Cheers to a wonderful 2022. I’m hoping to make it to England again myself to meet my first grandchild; she’s 6 1/2 months old now. I haven’t seen my son and his wife since their wedding in July 2019 PC (pre-COVID)!
Loved seeing Jack in the video. That is so cute how he likes to play with the ponytail holders. Watching him made my day! Thank you for sharing him and all your stories with us! Glad everyone is well! Happy New Year!
As always a beautiful and uplifting blog. HAPPY NEW YEAR, my friend.. may this year be a healthy and hopeful one for you and Joe.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent. ♥️
It definitely sounds like Joe had a false positive result at first! But how were you to know at the time? I’m so sorry that your holiday plans were ruined. So many people I know have Covid right now – most likely from the gatherings at Christmas – and they’re all vaxxed and/or boosted, too. Go figure. But at least they have mild cases.
Glad you had such a wonderful time with Siobhan (love her name)…that photo of her holding Jack at first is priceless. He looks like he’s saying, “What the actual heck is going on??”
My Clementine kitty at age 13 is still crazy about those felt balls. She chases them all over the house. And she plays fetch with them if we throw the ball down the stairs.
I am saving your webinar for when I have some free quiet time to listen to it. Thanks for posting!
Stay well and healthy. xoxo
Love the comfort your post gives to us, making it special with a cup of tea & a special spot on my patio to enjoy reading & love the pictures! I live in Slo & know a lot of the same people you mention in your books, so fun to look back on the good old days of young & carefree❣️I would love to join your tours in England because I’m sure you booked everything I would want with the gardens etc…Love your last photo of the snow falling with your home in the background! Beautiful❣️
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this blog post. First let me say, I am so sorry Joe tested positive and derailed plans. We never know the reason why things happen, we just have to have trust it was for a good reason. I am so tired of this virus, missing being with friends, traveling and celebrating milestone birthdays and anniversaries. Again, we have to have hope and trust that it will get better.
Your blog post put a smile on my face and I needed that today.
Wishing you, Joe, and Jack a beautiful new year filled with joy and many blessings to come.
Terri
Just took a break at work – and read Willard. Wonderful newsletter and I’m looking forward to your book of quotes. Quotes are one of my very favorite things. If there are two similar books I’m thinking about buying, but one is interspersed with quotes, that’s the one I’ll pick.
Happy New Year and God’s blessings on you and Jo and Jack (we also have a furry family member named Jack, but he’s a dog – 1/2 Corgi & 1/2 Chihuahua).
Me too, looking for inspiration everywhere I go! xoxo
Thank you for sharing your Christmas with us, even though
It didn’t go as planned you have each other and lots of friends.
It’s so wonderful to read about the young couple who
met in a book I read, and they are still sharing a beautiful
Life together.
“Hope is the thing with feathers” or so
I’ve read.💕
Love you two!
Maryann
I think your Christmas sounds like so many others I have heard about…including ours. Pollyannas were left on doorsteps, like a reverse trick or treat. Those who could still get together did…with promises that next year we would ALL be together.
To add to the chaos my husband and I got an 8-week-old Labrador Retriever in early December. [How quickly one forgets] He is a lovely little puppy…but a bit nippy, as he cuts his teeth. Between our 9- and 10-year-old grandsons visiting, the puppy, and our 9-year-old lab…pandemonium abounded.
I am so glad that you all are fine, and the COVID scare was just that. After their quarantine our granddaughters aged 23 and 20 were fine too, and we did have a visit before they returned to their jobs.
At any rate 2022 WILL be a happy and healthy year and return us to a new, maybe even better “normal”.
“How quickly one forgets.” 🤣
Happy New Year Susan. Thank you for your wonderful stories about life. I love seeing the email in my inbox. So sorry your festivities were interrupted by this blasted COVID but glad it was nothing too serious!
Screeeee!!!! Happiness. Nothing to add, except….Thank you for putting together a Willard with all you have Going on in your life.
Mucho Love, Dear Sue,
Debbie in Tampa
Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Covid experience and cancellation of your long-awaited Christmas plans. I’m so happy though that it all turned out well. Poor Joe. 🙁 I know a few people who got it over the holidays and thankfully so far they are doing ok. When wills this end??? I heard today another strain was discovered! Your photos are lovely and I’m so happy you got to visit with Siobhan and your other friends.
Keeping it short today as I have to go, but I really wanted to see the blog. I’ll get some tea later and spend time here again. I’m glad to see your lovely photos and adorable Jack. Happy New Year to you, Joe and Jack and praying that 2022 be the greatest year yet!
Peace,
Maureen