Well HELLO darling girlfriends. It’s Queen Mary 2 time! Can you believe it? I really do not know where to start!!! Time has been racing and now I’ve been staring at this blank page for about an hour! So many good things to tell you! So I will take the terrifying advice of William Morris
who said, “To begin, begin.” And start in the regular place with MUSICA! Okay, here we go!
I must say, to begin, that every dream and hope I had about this adventure we’ve embarked upon has come true to the nth degree. It’s been amazing, nothing short of a little miracle. We did it! “Doing it” isn’t always as easy as it sounds. I know because it took me years of thinking and wanting, but finding reasons and excuses to stay close to the familiar, before I took the, 
actually kind of scary, leap to DO IT. To GET myself on board that SHIP Joe and I spoke of at our very first meeting… the one we’d been dreaming of, and actually GO out into the unknown! To step forward in time in order to go back in time. Then, what you find out, it that everything over here, is just as calm and quiet as it is at home, but so very different too, and beautiful and educational and historical, and then you just know you will have to do it again. And this time it will be much easier. The first time, and actually each time after, is a door opener. A heart opener. A curiosity maker. A memory maker. A sensory extravaganza. There is earned pride in taking such a leap. The rewards are profound.💖
I know I’m right because I’m writing to you from our rented cottage in the English Countryside, on a small desk inside that downstairs window on the left of the front door, where climbing roses are just about to bloom, from a place we know and love so well called Stourhead, 
in Wiltshire, England🇬🇧. The brilliant blue sky outside that window is filled with huge white cumulus clouds (the same sky you are under right now), and wood pigeons are cooing the British national anthem of birds, “My toe huts bet-tee.” The breeze that blows the curtains is filled with the scent of yellow azaleas because the park beside the lake is filled with them; bells ring the hour at the 12th century church across the green, and I’m drinking my favorite Earl Grey Tea with Lavender “A Fine Romance” Tea because? You’re right, I brought it with me! And two cups too! Our little taste of home. We’re all settled in in a foreign country where nothing is the same as home, it’s all an adventure, in the land of our ancestors. But that’s JUST the beginning.😱
In case you are new to my blog and don’t know what I’m talking about, a year ago I wrote here that “Joe and I would be 
sailing on the Queen Mary 2 to England on May 1st 2022,” and asked, “Would anyone like to come along?” I gave a phone number where people could sign up. You can read more about it in the last 5 or 6 posts … Anyway, we had NO idea if anyone would join us, but we had a year to think about it, wait, save, plot, and plan, get passports (some of us, for the very first time👏), and along the way, anticipation grew, escape from Covid was warily anticipated (have you seen this commercial?🤣), but we forged on in complete determination🔨, we packed, found people to take care of our petty pets, took Covid tests required by Cunard, shivered with happiness when they were negative,
and on the appointed day, we fought New York traffic during a huge bicycle race, and got our 
piles of luggage to the dock! This was our “Can you BELIEVE this” moment! Standing in front of the huge, magnificent Queen Mary 2, unloading the car. (If you look close, you’ll see I’m wearing my “girlfriend” skirt, it’s the second trip for my jacket, and first trip for the Laura Ashley hat!) Many of you who are NOT new to this blog but could not join us, are stuffed inside our suitcases, ready to be smuggled aboard, others are coming along as armchair travelers, but, as promised, you’re all with us now, so here we GO, one and all!!!
Long lines of excited travelers greeted us at check-in . . . everything slowed down because of Covid; masks required in all public places. My darling Joe had all necessary pen-types just in cases. I needed a hat rack so I could run to the bathroom.
By the time we got up the gangplank, into the mirrored elevator, and down the long, long corridor to our stateroom, our bags had already been delivered to the room! We ran out to our deck to see the view, and this was IT!!!! Isn’t that WONDERFUL?? 
We hadn’t run into ANY of our girlfriends yet. Plus, Rachel and Paul, dearest old British friends (I wrote about them in A Fine Romance, and many times on this blog), flew over to join us for the crossing, but were ALSO stuck in the bicycle traffic trying to get to the ship. They even closed freeway exits for those bikes! But we made it anyway!
Outside we went to the back of the ship, where we’d decided to meet for bon voyage, the kick-off for our eastbound crossing on this gorgeous ship, and what did we find? All these happy, brave, adventurous people! We introduced ourselves, putting faces to names, some of whom we’ve known through my blog and other social media for years. It was just the beginning! The ship was still docked and Ray and Paul hadn’t shown up yet, among others! In the end, there were 90 of us kindred spirits on board!!! And don’t think there weren’t guys, because there were, adorable guys who shied away from the first photos, but slowly integrated becoming full-fledged girlfriends by the end! My cup runneth over.♥️
Gifts, cards, notes, letters, were exchanged … I made ship journals for everyone. And see the round pin above? In honor of the Queen’s 70th, I made a Crowned Corgi ID pin. Everyone got one, so we would recognize our fellow travelers when we ran into each other in the elevators! Pin = kindred spirit!💞
I left places inside the diaries so later everyone could add their photos…📸
They went very well with our Platinum Jubilee remembrance bookmarks!👑 Did you get yours? Click HERE, use card stock if you can, regular paper is good too, glue the two sides together, cut around and voila! A little dog to put his nose out over your book!
When Paul and Ray arrived, I saw them coming across the deck … we ran into each other’s arms and hugged for so long and didn’t even THINK about taking pictures… it had been 4 years since we’d been together. NEVER let that happen again! (Being apart that long OR forgetting to take pictures of our wonderful reunion!💖)
It was like that for all of us … been trapped by Covid for a long time. Here we were, freshly tested, outside, ON THE QUEEN MARY, in full hug-mode! It was so freeing!!! Twitter girlfriends were there in force… Adorable Nicole, the connector of the group, Sharon, and darling Belinda, known as Belle.
Nicole made a felted Jack pin for me . . .(I was also wearing my Girl Scout pin along with my Corgi ID)
I took him off his lace backing so you can see all the DETAIL Nicole put into this tiny Jack, complete with whiskers, green eyes, and a mustache! Plus a very soft belly just like the real thing!💋
and Nicole also made a felted Elsie dog for Rachel!!! We LOVED them.👏
Jack was feted in other ways too, this darling bon voyage card came from Nancy. Look at Jack’s hat ala Petey! And excellent job of painting Jack’s face!!!💞
Look what Kim made! Two darling pillow cases she hand-embroidered herself! I mean, really! Here they are on the bed in our new cottage! She even embroidered the date! Very much like the art I did for A Fine Romance! We’ll be using these for a very long time! ❌⭕️
My ship from A Fine Romance!
The gifts flew back and forth . . . This is Cheryl 💖 ~ with the Magner’s “Peah Ci-da” we sent to everyone’s stateroom with a box of heart-shaped candy to welcome them aboard. Look at Cheryl’s camera …isn’t it cute and old-fashioned looking? That is actually just your basic iPhone cover! It’s from Emily in Paris! Isn’t that smart? Here, she told me where you can get one!
I told everyone about where and when we’d be meeting next… This was Sunday, Rachel and I would give a talk on the Magic of a Handwritten Letter on Tuesday in Illuminations Theater ~ Our group had reservations for the Planetarium on Thursday, and a meeting for us was set up in the Atlantic Room on Friday. We stood outside yakking until it started getting chilly, the ship still hadn’t sailed (probably stuck behind the bikes!) . . . and lots of us had dinner reservations at 6pm, so off we went feeling so blessed …
Ray and Paul came to our room for a proper reunion, to get some champagne and stay warm until the ship started to sail! Celebrating our 30th year of friendship that all started with a letter! If you think about EVERYTHING that’s going on here, it’s all completely impossible, although, here we are!
It wasn’t long before the boat whistle (the one from the famous Queen Mary, christened in 1936) roared its low notes over the harbor and echoed a farewell to New York, a most magical sound that makes everyone dream of far away places. Slowly we began to pull away from the dock gliding past this thrilling view of the symbol of America. As touching to our British friends as it is to us. 🇬🇧🇫🇷🇺🇸 And PS, thank you France!
We were ALL cameras the whole way out to sea, taking pics and videos of sailing under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, so close we could see the people in the cars! When they built the QM2 they had to keep her “short” enough to get under that bridge! She’s a mere 23 stories high!
This was Rachel and Paul’s first trip across the pond at sea level! An exchange our two countries have been doing for a very long time! I’m reading the book Ben Franklin in London … He was still an Englishman at the time of his first visit to London, and it took him 7 weeks to get there! We only have 7 days!
Dinner our first night . . .
Flaming desserts did not lick the fire extinguishers in the ceiling the way they did on another trip, almost drowning the people at the table. Sopping wet men with buckets trying to stop it, some laughter, lots of picture taking, and finally, at the end, they stopped it. Very exciting. But that didn’t happen this time! All quiet for our delicious crepe suzettes with ice cream… mmmmmmmm.
We walked the Promenade deck almost everyday to drink in the sea air. Three times around equaled one mile. We knew when we saw them put the cushions on the lounge chairs in the morning that it would be a nice day.
And those cushions were out almost every day. We had amazing weather! The sea was flat, the wind was more like a breeze, I was so proud of the ship for putting her best foot forward for my Girlfriends! Zero seasickness! I’d been nervous, you know when you get 90 friends to join you, you PRAY you will not be making them sick!!!🙏
There were afternoons in the Chart Room listening to lovely violins while drinking our favorite Magner’s Peah Cid-ah. That stuff is SO delicious. May be blasphemous to say, but it’s as bubbly as champagne, maybe more, and it tastes BETTER! I wish we could get it in America. The stuff they sell us isn’t the same. I need to look into this. Call up Ireland and find out what’s up with the Magner’s in America!
We took pictures of ourselves in the elevators… Me and Joe both with our masks under our chins just in case you’re wondering what happened to our necks!
Early mornings, I made tea and wrote in my diary… at 7 am each day, they brought breakfast on a tray… fruit and eggs and oatmeal, anything we asked for, Joe’s Bangers and Beans of course.🤪 Internet connection was squidgy at best. They gave us some Twitter on our phones, but every time I touched my computer it was all over. Nothing. Then I looked outside, and thought, okay. I get it.🌊
We ran into girlfriends everywhere we went ~ this is Luci and Jerry in our dining room. 
Barbara, Cheryl (with the cute camera), and Dianne too, stopped to visit with us most every night ~ Our girlfriends were everywhere, we met them in the hall, in the elevator, in the Commodore Room, out on deck, in the exercise room, once I was outside on the balcony in our stateroom, I heard a familiar voice, it sounded like Nicole. I leaned over the rail, peered between the life boats to the deck below, and sure enough, there she was on a lounge chair. I called out to her, she looked up and waved👋, and when the man she was talking to looked up, it was Paul!!! Extra small world on a ship!
Here we are, planning our trip and catching up. Ray has a “thing” about Petey’s smiling face, thinks *perhaps* he has bad intentions, which he absolutely does NOT, he’s a very good boy … but note how he is appearing in this photo? She says she didn’t do it.🤪 Sure Ray. Look at her face! 🤣 SHE’S the scary one!
Tea on the deck for sunrise was amazing… the weather was so nice, it was the first place I went every morning.
And everyday the TV in our room gave us our bearings … you see that little swerve? The Captain decided to go around some weather!
Stairways between each floor, exercise bikes, the Promenade deck, were like lifelines, we so we could eat. We moved so we could eat.
All dressed up with somewhere to go! Joe behind us taking pictures…
I told Paul he looked like James Bond, so he pulled out his guns!
And this cutie pie, I could not resist.💞
On Tuesday … I brought my computer with a slide show I’d made for our presentation. I combined Rachel’s photos with my own and between us we pretty much touched on the entire 30-year span!
They hooked us into our microphones.
And despite the fact that my computer screensaver with Joe and Jack was projected on the screen . . . something was wrong…
I couldn’t make it go. Nothing was working and we had no idea what to do! Mainly because A. I left the battery charger for my computer at home in America. I know, brilliant. Now we were on an English ship trying to use the foreign charger I had borrowed. Everyone tried to help. Everyone DID help, but finally the person Rachel called “The Young One” (because she was!) ran out of the audience, jumped onto the stage, flipped a switch, and voila! There it was. She got a round of applause, and my undying gratitude because it was, as they say, getting ridiculous.
The whole time we were fiddling with the machines, it was doing this outside, just toddling along with the breeze. Because we kept reminding ourselves, we were on a SHIP, on our way to England!
But finally, we were off and running, telling our story, celebrating our years of friendship, impossible though it was, since we came from different countries, and didn’t meet in person until 6 years after we met through the mail. Our “talk” was much longer than what I’m going to show you … but in a nutshell …
Ray and I were lucky to be born in the last hurrah of “real” 
letter writing (especially her, since she is 20 years younger than me, and missed a lot of it because of that! Poor thing.😂), so we still have some of our old letters to share.💌 But that era was taking its very last gasp when she wrote me the first time to tell me how much she loved my book Vineyard Seasons …. my only book to be published in England, and as fate would have it, she happened upon it, loved it, and wrote me to tell me so! Of course I wrote her back. The rest is herstory.
In our short period of correspondence the communicating world has changed wildly! It’s gone from snail mail, to fax, to email, to text, and now zoom ~ for many years a long distance call 
to another country was financially unthinkable, but that changed and we finally heard each other’s voices for the first time when Princess Diana was killed in Paris and we were both a sobbing mess.💔 That’s when the bond was set indelibly and forever, when Rachel took a peach rose and put it with the sea of flowers for Princess Diana at Kensington Palace in my name, it was so thoughtful of her, our friendship was set in stone.🇺🇸🇬🇧💞
Finally a year later, Rachel came to my house for her first visit… and her first Thanksgiving. We had everything in common, books, movies, cooking, England, America! She knew words to the same songs I did.
Then it was our turn to go to England, take my nieces on the Queen
Elizabeth 2 for a picnic with Rachel’s lovely parents in the 
garden of the house where Rachel grew up. Back and forth we went for each other’s birthdays, getting to know each other’s families. She fell in love with Paul, and we fell in love with him too. And it’s never ended and never will … and for proof if anyone needed it, here we were, ALL aboard the glamorous Queen Mary 2, speaking to friends we’d both made through books, letters, and social media over the last 10 to 30 years or so! What a small SMALL world we have made for ourselves. Everyone is just around the corner!
I love it in here, don’t you? Everyone is so nice! Kind. Giving.💝
At the end of our talk, Paul got up and spoke and made everyone laugh, while Joe ran out the back door for fear he might be called on to speak next! Not really, he heard all the sweet words Paul spoke about their friendship which put the frosting on the cake. What girlfriend doesn’t love it when their husbands like each other! Lucky!💘
YUP, they’re keepers.
Sharon had made a beautiful banner out of my name tags to honor Barbara Urbank, a very special girlfriend many of us knew on Twitter that has recently gone to heaven and is sorely missed. Sharon spoke a few words, telling us about her friendship and why she made the banner, she made us all cry, and I started taking photos from the stage . . .
Then Rachel and I came down, where I kept taking pics . . .
I took a video of the banner … let’s see if it will go up here IMG_9034
Yes! If you click on it, a new page should open, click on the tiny spot in the middle and wait till it loads and I do believe you’ll be able to see it! (Maybe it only works on a computer?)
Finally Joe took over the camera . . . and took about 700,000 of these.
LOOK HOW LONG THIS IS! AND I HAVEN’T EVEN GOTTEN TO THE PICNIC YET!!! But I don’t want to leave anything out … it’s harder to go back! As it always seems to be, I may have to divide this is two parts. Same thing happened with Fairy Tale Girl, and now, Distilled Genius. There’s always too much!!!
Soooooo, After the talk, I signed books, Joe, Rachel and Paul did too! The books were now like yearbooks, everyone was signing! We hung out, visited, had just a lovely time… and then it was time for pear ciders!
On the in-between days, there was more of the above, more walking, sleeping, eating, curled up reading, laughing, exploring the wonderful ship’s library . . . etc. My diary says: “Had breakfast in our room, then Joe and I walked 3 miles around the deck next to the big wide Atlantic. Beautiful day! Met Ray and Paul out there, her just back from massage, him in shorts, fresh from gym. Will meet in Commodore Room before lunch.” So it was like that…
While we were sitting in the Commodore Room, we met these lovely people sitting right next to us and guess where they are from? Yup. Martha’s Vineyard. Practically neighbors. They heard us talking. What are the chances? They must be much better than I think because this keeps happening. Hope to see them when we get back!
On Thursday, it was time to go to the Planetarium, which was actually a little bit of a disappointment, to me anyway, since we had seen a show before and it was SO inspiring, it almost made me cry, but this was a different show, more swirly pink and blue sky stuff about global warming (which almost made me cry too, but for a different reason), not stars and planets zooming in and out of the great black infinity, which is such a good thing for crossing the ocean! Here, you can read what it was supposed to be as I wrote it in A Fine Romance!⬇️ (Read it in your spare time, which now you don’t have any because I already took it all!)
But it was still fun because I got to see everyone again . . . and probably no one knew it wasn’t the right show but me.👍 I hope!
I brought Petey and Peter to the show because I knew Diane was bringing her Hitty Lynn doll … of course they had to meet!
Did I tell you Paul brought Petey a Peter? He did! They bonded immediately. So now I have TWO dolls to haul around England! 🤣
The next day we were off to the Atlantic Room for our last meeting before the ship landed in Southampton and we would all go off on our respective tours, at “the pointy end of the ship” as Paul calls it! (I call it the “front,” Joe says “bow!” (Paul calls Martha’s Vineyard “Martha’s” … he calls Cape Cod, “Cod.” Never listen to him!)
It was a long narrow room, with chairs lined up across from each other, a room usually filled with game tables. Perfect for our meeting. My favorite part is when each person stood up and told their name and where the were from. Exclamations, “Oh! You’re from Minnesota?” Or, “I live in Santa Barbara too!” We had husbands and wives, sisters, best friends, mothers and daughters, and mothers and sons too!
Me and Christie HAPPY!
Jeremy & Lisa, sweetest “sherpa” in the world Richard, & his darling wife Mary, and is that Beth? I have to say, contrary to my Grandmother’s admonition, there was NOT a single creep in the crowd! You’ll be glad to know!💞💞💞
They were all adorable! Paul was in the center, and loving it! As suggested by the very creative Kim, I cut up tiny bits of paper and put them in my hat, and if someone wanted a pen pal, they wrote their name on the paper and dropped it back into the hat, and then drew another one out. Till everyone who wanted a pen pal, had one! A penpal with an automatic something in common!💞
Hugs with Nellie and Rachel!
And Joe, being his crazy sweet self, finding it unbearable to throw away our Country Life Magazines, brought these from HOME for a giveaway, and it worked, they were all taken!
Our last evening was just as wonderful as every moment before it… smooth sailing, clear skies, warm winds, gentle rocking to sleep (which is saying something when you’re coming into the English channel!).
Moon looks full, but half of it is actually moon glow, it was just a half-moon that night!
To try to tell the true beginning of this amazing trip would be almost impossible because it’s been one thing leading to another for a very long time. Just before we left for the ship I found a note Joe sent me after our very first meeting in 1986 where we discovered we had a mutual dream of sailing to England like they did in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. He ended his note with “Let’s meet soon and discuss our travel plans…” We didn’t HAVE any travel plans! But something in him seemed to know we would. He was right, that’s what we’ve been doing ever since. My other dream is that someday my girlfriends could meet. I knew the world would be better if they could. And now. OMG. Look at that. Another one come true. I can’t thank you all enough for coming. I loved every second of it!
And suddenly the hands on the clock clicked forward and our dream had become a memory … it was time to go! The English Countryside was waiting! My heart was beating like a drum.
After lots of waiting and jostling with our luggage, we were off … Destination: Stourhead. In 8 days we would celebrate our coming back together with a picnic in the park. That was the plan…
Off we went, like living in a dream, the blue skies, the wide fields of yellow rapeseed, the hedgerows, the charming stone houses … it was all still here. In the meantime our girlfriends went off to the four corners … to the Lake District and Hill Top for some, to Jane Austen’s House for others, to Hidcote Garden, or Stonehenge for others. History in the making. I wanted to be alongside every one of them to hear the oohing and ahhing that HAD to be coming from them around every bend in the road.💖
I am going to wait until next time to show you around Stourhead and do the picnic … I think you can see why! Don’t worry, it won’t be too long! You’ll need to rest up anyway, after this post!
In the meantime, Rachel, Siobhan, me, and Carrie all say Hello, SEE YOU AT THE PICNIC!💖 (We look like we just jumped off the roof like in the movie Practical Magic!😂)
P.S. Many of you know the webstore was down all last week. Broken again! But it’s back up now.👏 Also, just before we left, the color proofs for the cover of Distilled Genius arrived for approval! I wanted to show you!
They did a great job on the color, don’t you think? I can’t wait for this book!! Everything is right on schedule… Also, taking a little poll, if we were to do another printing of one of the old cups, which one would it be? Might be able to get it in time for Christmas… but it doesn’t have to be a Christmas cup, it could be anything. I could re-do the Queen Elizabeth cup! If you wanted . . . After all, this is her year in history, no one has ever been on the throne for 70 years before. This is a first! Let me know! Love you! ❌⭕️❌⭕️
I would love to have a cup re-issue! I missed one, but I don’t remember the name of it. I think it might have been the English garden cup? Could you post pictures? Thank you!
I would love a cup re-issue! I am missing one, but I don’t remember the name of it-possibly the English garden cup? Could you post pictures?
This post was pure joy. Thank you for sharing your travels with us! xoxo
English Country side/ Fine Romance cup! Please!
Please redo the Mother’s Day cup,I broke mine and miss it. Also do the bluebird cup! We have bluebirds and love them!
Oh such fun to read how things are going so far! So.happy for all of you travelers!! Be safe! Enjoy! Can’t wait for the next installment
Thanks for taking us with you on another magical tour. Can’t wait for the picnic blog.
What a marvelous trip. Happy for you all and totally jealous too. Glad you followed the dictum, If you can dream it, you can do it. Will be happy for “the rest of the story. . .”
Susan, reading this Willard was just a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. I’m a long time fan of yours who never really communicated before but maybe now is the time to jump into the “girlfriend pool.” My husband Simon and I did a very short trip on the Queen Mary 2 on her introductory cruise. Sorry I can’t remember the year ( I’ll blame it on my 1947 brain). We sailed from New York to Newport for 3 days on July 4th weekend. We were able to view the fireworks in those locations. When we got back to New York the ship was sitting in the harbor when suddenly police boats approached. Policemen with dogs boarded the ship and went about searching every deck. It was a very eerie experience when we realized that having the largest ship in the world (at that time) sitting in New York harbor over July 4th could be a security risk! Needless to say nothing happened and we really did enjoy the ship! Thought you might enjoy our Queen Mary 2 story. I would love you to make more English Countryside and Queen cups.
I vote for the little sailboat cup. When I am in Zoom sessions, it helps to have a cup with small designs. Less distracting to others on the Zoom call.
Dear Susan,
I found myself laughing, crying, smiling all through this post of your crossing! Thank you so much for making us feel like we were there with you! It certainly sounds like a trip of a lifetime. As far as an idea for a cup, what if you incorporated the Queen, and a blue bird along with the country side? Too much? I am sure we will love whatever you may decide!
Thank you for taking me along in your suitcase, Sue. I feel like I can call you Sue now since I vicariously came on the trip too. Devouring every word you wrote I really did feel like I was right there with you and all the girlfriends. Good company I call this. My heart is full and refreshed after such a thrilling adventure. You and Joe, Rachel and Paul are the best ever with the biggest hearts 💕 💕 I know. I’m proud to be your fellow girlfriend. My heart is full with your choices of the queen mug and then the bluebird. My cup runneth over with happiness that you’re bringing them back. They will be ordered for sure with more heavenly lavender tea!
Oh the excitement!!! The anticipation of all the wonderful places to visit!
Susan, What a beautiful voyage! I felt like I was right there. Hope time slows down while you visit England! And I would love, love, love to have the Summer teacup! I vote for that. Such a sweet little cup. Safe travels!
Connie
Hello Susan! My vote goes for the “Little House “ cup. I need that little cutie in my cupboard.
It was lovely to read you! Too bad the internet was down during the cruise, as I would have loved earing about it day after day… But on the other hand, it gave you time to fully enjoy every moment, without having “online duties”!
And I hope you’ll give you a tour of Stourhead. I’d love to visit the English countryside, so I love it every time you take us with you!
Enjoy fully this moment!
As for the cup, I would go for Jack in the Books! It’s one of those cups that has to make you happy every time you take it out for your favorite drink!
Beautiful photos. Thanks for taking us along❤
Oh, Susan, thank you for sharing your trip on your blog and on Twitter. The smiles! The hugs! The Girlfriends! I cannot wait for the next blog to tell us more.
Please show us more of the cottages you are staying in, both inside and out. I love this.
Cups…your beautiful cups! Make more of ANY of them. Each is beautiful and joyful and we all love them.
I have a suggestion for a new one: That beautiful, blue, starry sky from the cover of Distilled Genius.
And another suggestion for a new mug: flowers. Cover the mug with all your beautiful flowers from your garden in vibrant colors.
If you keep making and writing beautiful stuff we Girlfriends will be forever happy.
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
I will do that Peggy…more cottage interiors, you are going to love the one we’re in now. Excellent details. I call it the cottage that wants to be a castle! xoxoxo
Wonderfully detailed post. I’d never go by boat, although you do make it sound fun. This July is the 40th anniversary of my own month in England. I’ll never forget us somewhere in the countryside and heading out first thing one morning to get copies of the newspaper publishing the first “official” portrait of mother and baby – Diana with baby William. I still have it. There are many places I didn’t get to during that month that I’d still love to visit. How lucky you are to be able to go back as often as you do.
Thank you, Thank you for the lovely pictures and videos of the wedding at Stourhead!! They go nicely with this lovely day in Maine. Soft fog clearing to blue. I just picked more little “weed” flowers to go in my tiny bottles before Tom mows the dandelions. It’s No Mow May, but he says he can’t stand it any more. Apples are blooming, so the bees do have nectar and pollen. I’m out, just ahead of the mower in my night gown. The lily of the valley are in full bloom, and they go well with the deep blue ajuga.
Summer is short in Maine, so all the critters are busy, busy, busy.
I know you and Joe will enjoy the English Summer to the max and share it old friends here and over there.
Mucho Love,
Debbie in Maine
Oh Susan, I so wish I was on that ship with you! I think I told you this before, but my sister lives in England and I dream of taking the ship to see her. She moved there in 1968 aboard the Queen Elizabeth .. it may have been the QE2.
I’m not sure. I ordered my book as soon as they were up for pre-order and I am looking forward to its arrival. Regarding the cup … I broke the first cup I purchased. I think it was called Favorite Things. Oh, I just looked it up on google it was “Little Things.” I think I called it Favorite Things because it had all of my favorite things on it. Have a totally awesome trip! I look forward to the book about the trip too!
Love,
Terry
Thank you for taking us along with you. Such fun! I’m looking forward to receiving the new book…it’s always so good to get something in the mail from you! Can’t wait for your next post! ❤️
Susan, this was just delicious ❗️Every single thing. Thanks so much
Can hardly wait for More❗️
Linda d
Am I on suspension?🥴
💝
I am thoroughly enjoying the trip via your writing! It sounds amazing!
I think the Little House cup would be grand!
I so loved getting the ‘Willard’ today, Susan! Thank you for taking the time to share with us ‘at home’ girlfriends!! I would love to do the crossing to England, and back again. I have been to England ten times, and driven a lot of miles there, even, and I never ever tire of it. From the West Coast I flew Seatac to Heathrow in about 9 hours… but oh, I would love to do the crossing on the Atlantic, and then explore some of the East Coast of the U. S. I keep on dreaming! Thanks so much for giving all of us at home so much to think about today! Hugs to you all, Suzette in Oregon
My daughter and I (75 & 42) are reading aloud your Fine Romance Book each day….She and her husband spent a month in the Lake District in 2015….Me, I have been a super SUE fan since the late 80’s….thank you for taking the time from your crossing to share all your wonderful details !! Enjoy every. minute and remember to Be safe…and Be well…..xoxo
💝💖💞♥️❌⭕️
I am not seasick at all after reading the joys of your crossing! ⛴️. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
The Tweets on the wedding at Stourhead were fun…like watching guests heading to a royal wedding…the lovely fashion was SO refreshingly gorgeous. You must have had goosebumps being a spectator!!
Have to say that Joe is looking extremely trim! Rachel’s husband is a fashionistO! What a happy, beautiful foursome you are.
I have a confession to make…I bought my many SB cups to use as seasonal display items. I love them all and would literally spew not-nice words if I broke one. Much crasser than dripping sad tears! ☹️
Thought! Have you thought of having a signature cup sold in Beatrix Potter’s gift shop and on the Queen Mary? Seems a natural to me…as well as the Martha Vineyard cup at an island shop. Seems like a staple inventory item for those three places. (Just giving you new ways to make money to pay for your next crossing. 😘)
So nice to see photos and hear from you via blog. Thanks for taking the time to make us drool. Cheers to returning girlfriends as they unpack their memories and settle back into their homes.
Looking forward to “Distilled Genius” on my bookshelf. I grant you a wish to live forever…you need the time to finish al of your current projects…and the lovely ones that haven’t brewed in your dreams just yet. 🐦💕
I have to post another thought… about correspondence! I have one friend with whom I have been corresponding for the past SIXTY years, an amazing thought! I am nearly finished with a quilt for her great-nephew, which I know he will love because he for sure wants to be an animal scientist when he grows up, and this quilt is ALL animals! I counted the other day, and I have 25 correspondents, including my wonderful Roslyn, a quilter from Australia. She came on a quilters’ tour of the USA, and we swapped addresses, and now it’s been 21 years of letters, and once a visit from her and her hubby to Oregon, and once a visit from me and my husband to OZ! Some of my “letter friends” have been exhanging letters with me now for 50 years, and my very best correspondent of all was my sweet mama, who passed at the end of 2014. I still miss writing to her, and getting her cheery notes in my mailbox. My younger daughter has become my best correspondent, though, aren’t I lucky? During the pandemic, letters from friends and family seemed to be more important than ever. I bought several of your memoir books and shared them with dear letter-friends of mine during this long, long time. So happy for you and Joe and Rachel and Paul that your trip has been really something to write home about!! Hugs, Suzette
This was such a wonderful post to read! I took a break from reading to go make a cup of tea–it seemed only right. Thank you for allowing all of us to go on this adventure with you, even if only in spirit! The Practical Magic picture made me laugh out loud because it is one of my favorite movies and that was the thought that popped in my mind when I saw this picture! Continue to have a safe and fabulous trip, Susan! XOXO
Be still my ❤️ I’m texting my girlfriend Debbie right now we must save our Pennie’s for the next girlfriend trip. Maybe it could be to Martha’s Vineyard….hummmm. How about it Susan?
Thank you so very much for ‘taking us’ with you
on the Queen Mary!
I’m at home, quarantine mode due to Covid…
so it’s been especially fun to ‘cruise with you , Joe
and all your girlfriends….on land & sea!
You’re the best Susan 🌺
What a wonderful post. Glad everyone is having the time of their lives. I vote for the Queen Elizabeth cup. Safe travels.
The Winter Cup calls to me….perfect for combating the long overcast days, turning my thoughts in happier difections!
I was so excited when I opened my email this afternoon and found your post! I loved reading all of it and the fabulous photos! I know you will have a wonderful time while in England and the Picnic, of course. Looking forward to the next post.
And I would vote for the Queen cup also. Oh happy days:)
Loved being in your pocket for the trip! I hope you get us pear cider here! I vote for Queen Elizabeth or 4th of July Cups!! ❤️
What a wonderful post. So happy everyone is having the time of their lives. I vote for the Queen Elizabeth cup. Safe travels to everyone.
Memories! What lovely memories! Truly a fantastic time on the ship and a much too brief time in England! Ready to return! Your post really captures it all beautifully!
No one has mentioned the Summer cup. I’d love another one of those. Also, that Christmas Holly one, as some one else has mentioned.
Back home, grandson graduated, and it’s back to the routine. Nothing will ever be the same, however. This trip has provided new glasses for seeing the world. My only regret is not going sooner! Thank you for guiding us to this opportunity!
Oh my, wonderful being on board with you all, I didn’t need my sea bands! Armchair travel is a comfortable way to travel when my computer can take me there! Love everything – pictures, words, Peah Cida, food..love it all! Thank you from deep inside my heart for this trip of a lifetime! Hi to all, especially Joe, Rachel (I’ve missed her wonderful food blogs, I used to watch) & Paul. Hardly wait for more adventures to come! God Bless & continued good health! XOXO
Oh thank you so much for this newsletter. I can just dream and read this to be there with y’all. Take care & be safe.
A Queen Elizabeth cup would be wonderful! Thank you so much for such an amazing post. I enjoyed the Queen Mary 2 trip so much through your writing. I am so looking forward to the post about the picnic. The book cover is beautiful, it is just perfect! Enjoy your trip, as you and Joe are in one of your very favorite places in the world. 💚
Oh Susan.. this was so wonderful… really felt like I could experience some of it with you and all the girlfriends.. I could write something about your wrote and say how much I loved it, but all I can say is I loved reading and seeing pics of everything! Can’t wait for the picnic post.. I vote for A Fine Romance Cup.. It’s my absolute favorite and would love to have one for my husband, since mine is off limits.. LOL. Also would love to give one or two away to my girlfriends.. whatever you choose is wonderful.. I have never been inclined to take an ocean cruise, but you and the girlfriends made it look heavenly.. so much love and joy joy joy!!! And your friendship with Rachel.. kindred spirits for sure…
I’ve loved every moment of every post you’ve ever written. If I die and never get to do all these wonderful things you’ve shared with us all, I will have felt like I have – through your written word. You are a treasure beyond compare. Thank you for being you – and bringing us all into your life so that we can dream of what our own lives might hold in store for us. Safe Travels.
What a fabulous blog!! I felt like I was there with you and the girlfriends. So glad all of you had a great time.
I would love to have the cup with Jack on it❤️❤️
Wonderful, brilliant, delightful, speechless!
I love the cups, and have four of them including “the Queen cup”. I vote for the bluebird cup, please…
Continue having the fabulous time you are having. Thank you SOOOO much!
Poured over every lovingly “penned” word and happy, tender photograph. This was event planning magic! I loved reading the comments and realized some were from girlfriends on the adventure! Such happiness expressed here, it filled my heart to overflowing.
Oh my, have so enjoyed your sail to England so far, thank you for taking me along for the ride. You blog popped in just when I needed to be uplifted, you have such a special gift of being able to share your life with all you of us who follow you. Thank you! Looking forward to the rest of the story….
My bluebird mug somehow got a crack in it so would love to replace it. Also I missed getting Summertime and have always wished that particular mug would become available again.
Thanks for taking us on your trip. Always a great blog post.
I love fall and missed getting the Autumn cup. I vote for the Autumn cup.
Love when other friends send pics so I feel I am on the trip too. Thanks for taking me along like Petey. 😂
It has finally happened! I am so thrilled for all of you! It looks like a fairy tale. I enjoyed every photo and word. Have a wonderful rest of the trip! Thank you for allowing us to travel vicariously with you. Traveling mercies! Enjoy!
Hi Susan,
Loved this beautiful post! Your descriptions made me feel as if I was there! So much fun and I’m so happy for all the girlfriends who were able to sail with you!
I am a fan of the smaller mugs and would love if you could reissue the Fall and/or Summer cups. Thanks!
I loved reading about your wonderful adventure and admit to being a little bit jealous. I really wanted to make the trip with you all, but with a new granddaughter about to be born it wasn’t to be. I look forward to hearing more about everyone’s travel and seeing some wonderful photos. Susan, please plan a future trip and I will be there!!
Please make the bluebird cup. I wanted to buy one so badly when they were available but I didn’t have enough money. I think I can buy it now and I would love to own it. I watch for it on eBay just in cases, but I’ve never seen it for sale there either.
Lovely boat/log!
You are blessed with talent and I’ve been a fan for many years! I’m 80 now and I’ve been a fan dice before you met Joe! That is a long time!
Yes it is, from the beginning.👏 So nice to see you here Sarah!
Thank-You Susan for sharing the adventure, loved every word. Looking forward to part 2 of the adventure & picnic.
Great trip so wish that I could have made it but could not do the next best thing is to read about it!! Great coverage!! Loved reading about this trip. Thank you for sharing. Ann
Hello Susan, Joe & all you wonderful LUCKY SEAFARER’S 🛳️ I’m in for the. Queen’s cup as well. I’ve just re-read your totally FABULOUS adventure on board sailing from NY to Southampton & oh so wishing I could have been your “stow away suitcase sister” I am however thoroughly enjoying being able to live this most exciting trip vicariously through you. I can’t wait for the next set of pictures & all the news from your adventures to keep me breathless until your return voyage.
God speed & safe, healthy travels.
Many hugs, Andrea J. from NJ
Hello Susan, what a fabulous post!! I will just tell you my favorite cups were the Summer and Martha’s Vineyard! I guess that comes from living at the beach. I was hoping to be able to join you all on the trip, but life happens and unfortunately you can’t always do what you hope to do! But your post really “took me there”, it sounded like a smashing success! Thanks for all your lovely pictures and descriptions.
My face hurts from smiling! So much fun to share this journey with all of you. Thanks ever so much for sharing❤️
Oh, I loved this blog post so much. During the time you have all been gone, I would find myself wondering, ” I wonder what they’re doing right now?” I am so glad to hear from you and catch up on all of the fun you had.
My husband and I were actually on a cruise (not the Queen Mary 2) but a transatlantic cruise in April for 14 days and it was wonderful. We stopped in the Azores and 2 places in France and ended in Copenhagen. I can so relate to all of your comments about being at sea, the rocking of the ship, etc.
We flew home from there, and late the next week we both came down with Covid! I hope that doesn’t happen to you or Joe or any of the girlfreinds. I don’t think we got it on the cruise, but we probably got it on the exhausting trip home through 3 very crowded airports.
Anyway, I can’t wait for part 2! Yay for you!!!
And I say the Bluebird cup. I love the happiness bluebirds really do bring!
Oh yes, I bet it was those airports! Terrible, but you sound good now! ❌⭕️
Queen Elizabeth cup please. Thanks for the lovely post. Looks so fun.
Can’t wait for the book. ❤️
Thank you Susan! I vote for the Queen Elizabeth cup. Your friend who embroidered your pillowcase did a beautiful job! Have a wonderful time.
Lovingly, Julia
Can I vote for more than one cup? My wishes are for Love, 4th of July, Bluebird, and Winter!
I really had a great time reading this, so much to take in! I imagined rough seas for some reason (the thought of crossing over such deep water out in the middle of nowhere scarred me!) and was so surprised and happy to see you had smooth sailing. That ocean is a problem for me! I have only been to Europe once in my senior year of college when I flew out of New York going to Florence, Italy to study art. Not 5 min into the flight we hit an air pocket and the plane immediately fell I don’t know how long or far. It was terrifying! Obviously the plane recovered, but the fear is still there and that leaves very few options for me to get across the pond! I went with you in spirit though! Loved the pictures and the narrative. Thanks for sharing! This will be a hard act to follow for your next blog, but I’m sure you have something up your sleeve! 🚢
Yes I do!😘
Make wonderful memories, oh please do! Each of you enjoy your British travels. Thank you Susan for posting about the sea journey! Wish I could have joined.. but truly with you in spirit! Cannot wait to see more!
xoxo Shari in California
Thank you for this heartfelt post. Loved ec
Every word. Would love a Queen cup to celebrate 70 years. Hugs and kisses.
What a lovely read on a Sunday evening. My cat Hazel next to me wanting to eat, but i just said i need a few more minutes.
I love reading all the fun stories, seeing the smiling faces and knowing memories stand the test of time.
Till your next post! Until then, I will come back and read all he ecomments before mine.
Thank you so much for writing about your lovely trip. Even though I could not go o. The trip, I felt like I was there. How wonderful to hear about it and see pictures.
As for the cup, I vote for the Autumn cup. I have Winter, Spring and Summer. When I tried to order Autumn, they were all gone. I love using them during the matching season. When Autumn comes, I use the Martha’s Vineyard cup.
Take care Susan!
Oh, joy, joy! After all the waiting and planning it is a delight to see the smiles on your and Joe’s face’s as you are living a dream come true. I love that Paul and Ray joined you for the crossing. That is the frosting on the cake. It was good to see you and Rachel reconnected with Siobhan and Carrie again, also.It is good to see so many Girlfriends. I am happy for them.
I fondly remember when Burnell and I serendipitously met you on the QM2 in 2016 and were able to experience your smiles and friendliness and some sweet visits and tea time together. Now, all of these other folks are experiencing that same wonderfulness.
It is highly unlikely that any of us would find your blog post too long. I stay mesmerized until the end, each time. I look forward to the next post. Your diligence in writing amazes me: 7:00AM, up and writing, every day, and we all benefit. Congratulations on your book cover and that all is keeping to schedule.
Thank you for taking us along! God bless you each step of your time in England!
I remember Paula, wasn’t that a sweet bit of serendipity?👏 Thank you for the sweet words, and for being here. Hugs to Burnell! ❌⭕️
Hugs back from both of us!
Absolutely enchanting! i cannot believe you are in Stourhead!! We live in Glastonbury and I bet you drive right past our house. Discovered you a few months ago quite by accident and I have adored your creativity and warmth of soul. Enjoy your stay here!
It’s heaven. We’re in East Anglia now and loving it!
Fab Willard – have been looking forward to it and so good to see you all had such a great time.
amazing organisation of all events. Kim
How nice of you to write such a long, detailed post to share this wonderful trip with us! I admit to crying a bit through all of it. When you announced this trip I felt a longing so deep it was painful. I just don’t have the income, but I prayed for a miracle! At 61 I’m a life-long Anglophile. I watch more UK TV than US. I read books set in England, Scotland and Ireland. The picnic at Beatrix Potter’s house put a hole in my heart last time.
Alas, it wasn’t to be, but I will still enjoy so much traveling virtually through your blog posts, even if I cry too. I was excited to see the cover of the quotations book as I ordered that straightaway. It’s beautiful!
I would like to see the England cup rather than the Queen cup reproduced. There may have been more than one, but I think I remember one with a thatch roofed cottage that I longed for!
A Girl after my own heart. I cry too!💖
The British Corgi cup is soooo cute.
I have waited for years, hoping you would bring back the English Countryside cup with its delightful cottages and pretty flowering tree! It broke my heart that I didn’t order one in time!
That’s the one I want!! I couldn’t afford it at the time, and it was so beautiful!
I’m sure it will come back one of these days… slowly but surely, I hope to fulfill everyone’s requests!
I loved reading about your trip. I would have loved it, but felt I was along after reading your post. I’ve loved your work for years, but only the last couple have known about your posts. I didn’t know about Peter until I saw him with you on the ship. I have a dwarf Dutch house bunny who is just a dream and character. Recently, I found out about the “Rabbit, Rabbit” quote and last year bought your rabbit mug. I just love it. I also collect ceramic rabbit items at my house. But, it was great to see you brought your Peter along. I’m not the only one who has a rabbit friend. I always love hearing about Jack also. Have a wonderful time and thanks for sharing when you are so busy. I always anticipate your blogs. Love and hugs
Would love the Jack In The Books cup!
Wonderful blog!!!
Please make the Autumn cup again. I have the other three seasons but missed the Autumn. 🙁
Oh! I wish I was with you all!! It looks like so much fun! But, responsibilities – you know…
Do you have a similar bunch of girlfriends (English ones) who will be traveling BACK from England with you and your American girlfriends?? Think of all the letter writing / pen pals created there!!
Loved this post – it was wonderful to be “taken aboard” with you all.
I vote for the Queen Elizabeth cup….
and keep us posted if you can figure out how to get the Magners! I would love to try it!
I promised Joe a quiet “going home…” so no, we haven’t planned anything. We have found “Magner’s” in America … but it’s not the same product. Over here in England it is SO bubbly, it competes with Champagne, and to me, it tastes even better, so it’s been blocked by the stronger Champagne lobby! The stuff we get in America is relatively flat in comparison. You’re just going to have to come here, or get on the ship, to get it!💖
Thank you dear Susan for sharing this part of your trip that we had to cancel. I felt we were with you thanks to everyone who posted pictures! I so hope you’ll be able to share your talk with Rachael, is it on you tube? To answer your mug question, I would love to have the 11 oz Fall mug. I have all the others and that would make my collection complete. I have just about all of the rest of the larger mugs and love this artful collection! Thank you again and I’m so glad you had a wonderful time! Please consider doing this again so we can join in!
They said they would record it, but so far we have heard nothing to our requests for information. I fear they didn’t do it… ☹️ But every day there are newer and better ways to share, someday we will figure out how to do it again!😘
Impossible to pick just one! My votes are…….Little House, Santa, English Countryside & British Corgi……Please let there be 4!!!! Thanks so much for allowing us to be armchair travelers! So much fun! Safe travels!!!
I would redo them all, but they require us to order a large minimum of each design … a LOT of cups and so expensive! And we’ve already had these before, so we can only do 2 or 3 at a time… Just thrilled we can do them at all!❌⭕️❌⭕️
Dearest Susan Thank you for taking me along with you! Such a wonderful time you’re having. I wanted to join you so much, but it was not to be. Now I know why- my husband got pneumonia and was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease the very week we would have been on the ship with you! We are both Anglophiles and so will just have to enjoy England through your eyes this time! Several years ago we got to go to the Chelsea Flower Show on members day. If you’ve never been, it is a must see. The one drawback is it’s very crowded… It’s actually on this week, although I don’t know if tickets are still available. England is definitely a place that easily captures your heart – the beautiful countryside, quaint villages, ancient pubs, cozy tearooms, charming little shops, gardens, manor houses, country walks, and everyone speaks with those delightful English accents! I’m a little envious! I know you will enjoy every minute and I can’t wait to read your next post.
Crowds are not my cup of tea. I have patience for a 3 haired brush, but not for crowds or traffic! I have watched the Flower Show on TV, and love it… but am always glad I am not there. And since the entire country is a flower show, I never seem to miss it!🌷🌷🌷Yes, it’s all a dream come true! ❌⭕️
Oh it felt like forever waiting to hear about the crossing! I was so happy to see it this morning. It looks like fun was had by all, how I wish I could have been there. I vote for the Corgi cup. I kept meaning to get it and then it was gone. Such a sad face I had. I shouldn’t have hesitated! I was trying to be practical, not always a good idea. Looking forward to hearing more about the trip. Enjoy❤️
I do it sometimes, and always think of that thing I didn’t get as the one who got away!❌⭕️
I loved reliving our week on the QM2 with your post!! Thank you so very much, Susan, for suggesting we all come aboard with you on this amazing trip!! I plan to put in writing all my thoughts and experiences of that week but for now, thank you so much for all you did to make an already incredible trip one of a lifetime!! I’ll sign off as, Annette Saul, “The Old One” as Rachel has dubbed my daughter, Alana Hogan as “The Young One!!”
Alana wrote to say hello too.. I’m just so happy you two had this great adventure together!!!💞
I just have to repeat what a wonderful respite it is to take the time to read your posts. It is better than meditation since there are pictures and chuckles too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the hard work that goes into each and every one. They are just wonderfully done. You are a gem!! I delighted in seeing all of the sweet clothing and comfortable dress and variety of colors and styles and every single one looked just right and perfect for each wearer. Thank you again.
I thought the same thing… everyone looked just right! What fun it was! Hard to believe it’s over… at least in real life… the memories hang in the air like a fairy tale we dreamed.💖
Susan! This was a treat for the eyes and ears. My hubby loved it too, and can’t stop singing that Fred Astaire tune “A Fine Romance!” Well, I sure wish I could have been with all the Girlfriends for this adventure..😢. I want to hear the story of how and when you and Ray became girlfriends. Enjoy your wonderful, remaining time in England! XO
Yes the Queen – I so enjoyed the Jubilee Extravaganza
For sure the Queen Elizabeth cup!
Thank you for taking the time to share your trip with all of us. Such a fun adventure. Enjoy!
Wow! What a fabulous adventure to be sharing with all those girlfriends at long last! I have re-read the post several times and almost feel like I am there. I missed out on Her Majesty’s cup so I would vote for that. Such an amazing woman and I have been a fan since being posted in England as an Air Force brat in the late 1950s. I wanted so much to be a part of her celebration this year but your being there is the next best thing! What a gift to all of us back here in the States! Keep enjoying and having fun and taking it all in….and for taking us all along one way or another!
One way or another!❌⭕️
I have been excitedly waiting for this post since the moment we stepped off the ship. It was such a special week on the QM2 and I knew that you would capture it beautifully, as you have! I am honored to get a mention, as “The Young One,” I feel famous now 🙂
Thank you so much for making the girlfriends trip possible! Even though my mum and I missed out on the Stourhead picnic, I know we both feel so lucky to have been on the QM2 with you (and Joe, Rachel, and Paul)!
Ohhhh, Alana, there you are, the young one … the lifesaver, excellent button-pusher of Queen Mary 2 fame!!! Love you were able to share it with your mum … what an amazing memory for you two! And smart, you will now be “The Young One” for LIFE!!! Good moniker to hang on to! 💞😘 Thank you for terminating the interminable!❌⭕️
Wonderful!! Thank you for the photos and the narrative! For us folks unable to be with you, this is lovely!! Thank you, Susan! I vote for the corgi cup!! Kathy
What a wonderful read! Thank you so much for taking the time and sharing all of this with us. I felt included. You are so kind and that feels good. Everything was so delightful, and I am happy for each of you on this very special gathering.
Thank you for being with us Linda … made it even more fun!💞
Thank you for sharing the adventure. I vote for the Queen Elizabeth cup. What a fitting tribute to 70 years!
I vote for the Queen cup.
Susan, just read this blog recap and it brought back so many great memories. Thank you so, so much for arranging this trip, as well as for your sweet generosity in providing the Wagner’s pear cider, delicious chocolates, the pin and the Diary! I enjoyed everything about the Queen Mary 2–definitely the highlight of my year. And absolutely loved meeting you, Joe, Rachel, Paul, and all the girlfriends. All the loveliest of people—so friendly, gracious, down-to-earth and kind. Especially loved your talk with Rachel and the get-together with everyone in the Atlantic Room.
Was so looking forward to the Lake District tour and getting to know the girlfriends on that trip better but somehow caught Covid on the boat (tested positive that Monday) and had to isolate for the next 10 days. Was so heartbroken to totally miss the tour!! Nightmare getting home too but managed to make some lemonade out of lemons and did enjoy walking around the Lake District and getting up to Beatrix’s Hilltop farm solo. There are always silver linings and I’m so grateful to have experienced this trip!
I also would love the Bluebird cup if it ever becomes available again!
Safe travels to you and hope you enjoy every moment of the rest of your trip!!
Oh no!!! You’re my first case of Girlfriend Covid, Cathy! Did you have symptoms? Do you feel good now? What bad timing, but you did make it up to Hill Top, which makes me so happy to hear! We loved meeting you too Cathy, and hope we do it again someday! Thank you for checking in! Stay well!💖
I will be following your trip posts with anticipation as my husband and I are planning on going to England next spring! We have wanted to go since reading A Fine Romance and following your trips. And now that I am retiring next month, it is time to go! I have a year to plan and anticipate. Even though we won’t be going on the Queen Mary 2 to get to England, it was fun to read about all the fun you had. Your excitement showed through every word!
You won’t believe how fast that year will go! Tick tock, you’re almost on your way!🇬🇧
I vote for the Bella Luna & Bluebird cups!! Thanks for your wonderful mugs & your great blog & travels, artwork & everything. Such fun to keep up with what is going on near where I was born (Woods Hole, MA) from far away in the south (Seneca, SC). Hugs to you, Nancy Ann Woods
Happy Trails, until you return to our sweet America. Thanks for taking us all along on your trip. It is delightful.
Dear Susan, I loved every minute of this post!! So wonderful to see your dream trip come true. Thanks so much for sharing and including us in your adventures.
Fondly, Kim from Cape Cod <3
Smiled all the way through Susan, thank you! And yes, the Queen’s cup! Marybeth Rogers