Rabbit Rabbit! So much to celebrate! Daffodils and budding trees, and the green! Our most dependable source of joy, the change of seasons has come! More proof for the world that nature is truly on our side! Just tickle her with a hoe, she laughs with a harvest. MUSICA
For, lo the winter is past . . . Hooray! Happy Spring everyone!!! April! April! April! I love this month! My favorite thing about it 
is the colors … or, I should spell it way the British do . . . colours . . . because I’m thinking it’s a certain kind of colours I love … Beatrix Potter colours …. the soft blues, yellows, pinks, and greens that sing spring. My favorites, in wall paint, quilts, flowers and watercolors. Our Spring here in California, at our new old house on the Central Coast, is in full swing. The kind of Spring you dream about, no holding back. The flowers are yellow, pink, and white ~ and blossoms on crabapple and fruit trees are beginning to show, and it’s totally greened-up to the nth degree. I have lots of good pictures to show you! But first, to celebrate IN-house, Kellee has added lots of springy new things to our webstore, flowery notepads and sunshine stickers, new cards, loose teas, and don’t for get the mold and the recipe for LAMB CAKE!
If you have never made one of these wonderful cakes to celebrate Easter and Spring, a new baby, a tea party, or mother’s day, there is still time!
This lamb, looking good from either side, is the crowning glory of any party!
I wrote special instructions along with the EASY recipe to make sure you are successful in your first foray into lambing. ❌⭕️ So here we go! Get your tea! And come with me, to the sea, to the sea, the sea of love . . . . 
I have been SO busy this last month! One thing I’m often asked is about my daily schedule . . . how I organize myself ~ which I think is interesting to hear from everyone! It’s all so creatively 
different! So, because I’m so jam-packed right now, (with projects of my own making of course) I thought this would be a good time to tell you. I don’t have a choice these days, if I want it all, which I do, I have to have everything on lists and prioritized, because I’m just not going to be happy unless all three of my priorities happen. First priority, number uno, is my new book . . . well, old book being made new again! Don’t worry, I wash the garden off my hands before I touch the beautiful clean paper! Nothing else can happen in a day until I do what must be done there. Except for today. Today I’m taking time for US!
This is the book so far! I think I’ll have the 30th Anniversary of my revised Summer Book ready to give to the printer in just two more weeks … I’m so excited. I still, after all these years, can’t quite believe I’m allowed to do this! I think I might have gotten a bit carried away this time . . . possibly making too many changes and adding too many new pages. but I did try to hold on to the essence of the Summer of ’95 on Martha’s Vineyard ~ the inspiration that started it … Thirty MORE summers have passed since the original book, and I’m putting all of them to work. It helps to be living in a place of perpetual summer. Days of sunshine and flowers make it all just an exercise in gratitude! My walk under blue skies every day fortifies my mission. Would you like a little preview?
No, this isn’t the preview . . . well, looking at it one way, maybe it is!
First, to set the mood, here I am, working, and if you look close at those pages, you’ll see your first preview of the new book! Two new pages! And, please note I do not work alone.😊 I’m afraid if I show you too much I’ll ruin the surprise ~ but look below for more preview. The color isn’t quite right here, they’re actually softer 🎨, but you’ll get the gist. Take note of new inspiration of Green! Perfect because green symbolizes nature, growth, renewal, and harmony!💚
“…Sweet airs that give delight, and hurt not” . . . perfect, right? I redid some of the title pages . . . putting in different summery art, new summery quotes . . . wearing out the green watercolors . .
I rewrote the page about Library Days ~ the library was such an important part of my childhood summers, I wanted to say more about having that gift so close by ~ what used to seem ordinary has, in passage of time, began to feel like a little miracle . . . in fact, Library Days is now two pages instead of one . . .
And there are a lot more pages about the garden, about nature, star gazing, parties, and fun things to do during the summer.🌠
And lots of new Summer Food too!🍉 I’m just about to do the pages for cakes, tea, and jams!
In case you missed it in my last post, this will be the new cover! The finished book is scheduled to be here in July ~ if you’d like to pre-order your copy, just go HERE!
It’s turned out to be a very creative time for me.🏡 Besides the book, the second priority that gets a piece of my day is the house and garden ~ and who doesn’t love that!? I’m like that all the time anyway, but Spring really REQUIRES it! 🌸🌸🌸 Home is the most 
creative job in the world! I washed some windows yesterday and went around staring at the beauty of it! More sparkle, more green inside! We aren’t doing everything we’d like to do with the house right now ~ when the old house sells on the Island we’ll be able to get ourselves in all KINDS of trouble, hopefully this summer. Our that old Captain’s House is such a wonderful house, but many people want everything modern these days, we just weren’t one of them! It will take a certain person to see the romance and old-fashioned charm we saw and tried to make more of in the 35 years we were there. The kind of people who read a lot of books and fairy tales set in New England (and in Olde England too) when they were children and became homesick for a different time and place even before they saw it, that’s the buyer we’re hoping for. The one who feels very comfortable in 1849!💫
One of the things a lot of New England houses have in common ~ you must have noticed, is white paint and dark shutters. So in the 
same spirit in which we decided to plant an English Garden in California, even though it’s not England, I thought to myself, why can’t this long, low, double-wide dwelling in California be transformed into a New England house? I don’t see why we can’t make charm and old-fashioned romance in a double-wide? Lot’s of people do it. I never thought it was pretty before, but it has a porch, and lately I’ve been seeing it as sort of a mid-century low-slung, cottagey kind of house. Rose colored glasses help a lot! Because, truly, reality is something you rise above.
😊 The front porch is actually a wooden deck, facing the sunset, half in sunlight, half in shade of a nearby tree (below), big enough to eat dinner on. Right out the front door, boom, you’re eating. Easy. No fuss. Like my Great Grandma’s porch in Iowa. Not about fancy, about cozy, useful, comfort. That was a plus, I always wanted a front porch, but never in my life has my house had one . . . until now . . . just took me a minute to recognize it when I saw it!😂 So, very quickly, and VERY inexpensively, we changed the porch and outside of the house into the closest thing to a New England house we know how to do until we can replace the roof and the deck! I have some before and afters for you: 
First thing, no New England house should be without Adirondack chairs. We usually see them in white like we had on the Vineyard, but in our case, with a plain deck and white house, it made sense to get black ones for contrast! I could have gotten red or any color, but I really don’t want any outdoor decorations that compete with the garden for she is the star of my show.🪴 And this time, we got Adirondack rocking chairs! We ordered them from Home Depot, they came in a flat box through the mail, and Joe put them together, and that was the beginning!😍
We were on our way! We can sit outside in the evening . . . 
and watch the sky turn colors . . .
We found two more chairs by accident, kind of wrought iron (only probably not made of that) rocking chairs, at the hardware store! So now we’re almost ready for a party! Houses are smaller here, but then again, California people are outside so much of the time, the indoors doesn’t NEED to be as big. Look at all that porch space we weren’t really using! We just need to remember to take better advantage of the outdoor spaces we already have.🥰 
I found a little black shelf at an antique store in the village, and that’s what you see between the chairs. And remember that tin cat with the marble eyes? Perfect spot for it. More will come, but this is it so far!
Down below the deck on the left is a volunteer jasmine sneaking up on the deck behind the new chair, and soon will be tied up so it can crawl onto the house … the smell is heaven. I sit there and rock and smell and feel like Ferdinand the Bull. And just like we had wisteria scenting up our springtime on Martha’s Vineyard, wafting through the upstairs bedroom windows, we now have Jasmine . . . both inside and out . . . I bring bouquets of it in. It lasts forever and smells like a flower shop in our house.
See the box by the door, leaning up there, that’s our first box of shutters! This is the BEFORE picture! Someday we will probably have solar panels on the back of this house. We already have a well. I’ve always loved the idea of being self-sufficient. If it works out, off the grid we go! It’s nice to have plans even if we don’t get to do them all!
We ended up ordering six shutters, enough to do all three windows on the front of the house. And Joe took over.
and Now, voila! What do you think? I think homier and cozier. And we didn’t even have to paint! Before you ask, yes, I know, I’m waiting till I find the perfect table. 
The new shutters look like they’ve been there forever. So easy, simple, and inexpensive with pretty good bang for the buck! More access to this!➡️ If we were still living in the historic district on Martha’s Vineyard, we’d actually have to get permission ~ they want to keep it historic which is why it’s so pretty . . . but there are rules about what shutters need to be made of, this would have cost more and taken more time! But here, in the wild wild west? Not so much. Once more, to compare, this is the BEFORE ⬇️
I still like it anyway. But now I like it better!
XX
Here’s a project still in dream form. This little side porch would make such a pretty garden room. Another sort of ignored outdoor space I need to think about. I’m already using it that way, and I’ve been thinking of ideas for changes, but my dance card is full right now, so it isn’t even ON a priority list. It’s just waiting. And, while this idea percolates, I garden around it.🌷
Can you picture it? Maybe paint the back wall green? Maybe someday we change the doors to French doors? And put a large potting bench where the white shelf is, to go all the way under the window with maybe even a deep sink to wash lettuce (2 chairs and a bar?), and paint that wall green also … And a comfy chair not made of wicker, ratan, or wood, where spiders won’t make their homes? with a book nook, or something. And maybe paint the concrete floor? Maybe paint it to look like bricks? 👏 And that little fountain over there? YESS!
If you’re the kind of person that enjoys makeovers, I think you’re going to love it around here the next few years!💝
And if you’re the kind that saw that cup in the video and thought, I want one of those, then go HERE. Celebrating 250 years of the magical history of the country we all love.♥️ And FYI, for my girlfriends, the way things are going these days, I am sorry to have to tell you, but we may not be getting anymore mugs from England. Import is costing an arm and a leg… the shipping alone is crazy. And I can’t imagine asking anyone to pay any more than they already do.🥺 Sooooo . . .
But haven’t we had a good run? What a gift to have had access to these beautiful cups for so long. They are truly collectors items now . . . just as planned! Don’t let that stop you from using them, enjoying that thin little lip, feeling the specialness of their design! And you know what? Never say never!♥️
So, this will cheer us up . . . here’s a quick tour of our green world and life in the garden! I’ve been reading how GOOD gardening is for us, not only for fresh air and fresh food, bees and butterflies, physical activity and connecting to nature, but for underlying things like stress. While birds sing, I feel stress shedding off every time I’m out there!🌷🌷🌷🌷They say even LOOKING at pictures of gardens is good for you!
I planted lettuce starts, said my prayers . . .
And look what happened! FOOD! So delicious! The freshest crunchiest spinach and lettuce for our salads. And these, our very own artichokes! Out there for the picking!
The alstroemeria is going WILD! This is such a worthy plant if you have the right climate. It comes in every color, is fluffy and beautiful and lasts forever in the garden, AND in a vase. I planted this one during one visit years ago… she’s the gift that keeps on giving.
This is ceanothus, referred to as California lilac. I think you can see why ~ because unfortunately, the New England-type of Lilac doesn’t grow here ~ It LIKES to freeze! But I love this too, it’s a very common ground cover here, you can grow it as a bush, a tree, and this one is a 6′ hedge, all in bloom now, the flowers smell like grape Kool-aid, delicious.
Oranges, blossoms, and scented geraniums fill the air, perfect for the
Ranunculus sparkling in the rain . . .
Sweet peas finally grabbing onto my kite string . . .
I’ve planted herbs, tomatoes, petunias, marigolds, strawberries, and roses; 
I’ve seeded hollyhocks (now about an inch tall) and forget-me-nots, among other things. I don’t get to garden EVERYDAY, but I try to do SOMETHING. Once in a while, I’ll get up early, work hard on the book, and late in the day, I go out and stay out until dark. Heavy into weeding. SO dirty! Never walk by the garden without grabbing something! Our barn cat Simon is very sociable and follows me around while I work. He’s a little love. Rolls over so I can rub his big fat tummy.
And so handsome.
This was my kitchen window yesterday morning ~ it was raining. Hence, the green! House came with a shelf over the sink! Just like the old one. Can feed birds just outside. It’s smaller, but still there! I don’t know, feels like a miracle to me! Maybe just because I’m noticing more!
Had to pop my head out to take a picture . . .
BTW, update on our weird wildflower orchard. I know some of you wonder how it’s going. Such a project. Totally worth it when we get it right. Note that half of it is growing and I can see tiny wildflowers coming along ~ but the other half is barren! Not even weeds! Yes, we noticed it too, so we’re figuring it out. See all those bags on the left? That’s manure we’re about to spread across the dirt. It was on sale. Next will be a layer of topsoil, then a layer of sand . . . For texturizing the soil. It’s a low spot there, water puddles, doesn’t drain. That’s our next step. But take note, holes are dug for fruit trees and they all went into the ground yesterday! Two apples, a lime tree and a cherry tree that has been grafted with 4 varieties ~ joined our apricot, plum, walnut, lemon, orange, fig, and avocado trees. Proof positive…
Here’s Joe, we’re out front making the secret sauce! Putting in the sweat equity, starting a second compost pile. That dark spot is a shovel full of dirt in mid-air! (Joe thinks this might be a good place for a farm stand! 😂 Help!)
And this shot brings me to priority #3. Moi. I needed to lose the stress weight I gained last year all through this move, I’m a eat-for-comfort kinda gal, I need to do it for for good health and so I can 
open those still-packed boxes that say on them, “Don’t open until you weigh 140 lbs.” Gardening is a huge help, I’m so comforted I forget to eat! ~ and #3a, I need to read books and learn stuff so my brain doesn’t fall into disuse ~ so, to cover everything in priority 3, I walk, 50 minutes a day, round and round this property, while listening to my audible book, which at the moment, is Jon Meacham’s (with a calming voice like butter that takes you right back to the times), book And There was Light, his Pulitzer-Prize winning biography of Abraham Lincoln. So between the walk, and the GARDEN, heavy bags of fertilizer and potting soil, and weeds with roots like large carrots for which I need every muscle in my body to pull, and Abraham Lincoln, I have slowly lost 9 pounds! YAY! Plan is to be able to open those boxes by Gladys Taber’s Birthday!
So in a giant nutshell, that’s it for how I spend my day. Not counting laundry and dishes, feeding cats, etc., this is how I manage time. At least for now. Till The Summer Book is done. So I have about another two weeks. I love doing this so much. When I’m done, I get to spread myself into more garden and more social life! And just a few hours a day of my next art project, not due for what now seems like a long time, which will end up feeling more like tomorrow!
Here’s a little story: When I came into the kitchen early morning a couple of days ago Joe had left three fortune cookies on the counter. I LOVE fortune cookies, I don’t eat them, after trying a thousand times I finally realized they probably aren’t even really food ~ but I do love the fortunes. I WANTED to open one immediately, but felt unsure ~ so I filled the kettle and boiled water for tea, scooped up some of my earl grey with lavender and let it steep while I fed Jack … before I gave in to myself. I was worried because I’m too busy to accidentally involve myself with negativity, hexes, or bad omens ~ nervous about taking a chance with Panda Express. But of course that didn’t last long and I suddenly grabbed one, promising myself only to believe it if it was good. And here it was . . .
Wow! How perfect! All I want is to celebrate my Summer Book (and give everyone something of the doily mentality to look forward to this summer), see the sweet peas bloom in an English Garden, rock on the front porch of a New England House, live where I can garden year round, be healthy and strong, and all at the same time. That’s not so much is it? So that fortune was perfect! There were three fortunes to choose from! And this was the one I got. Needless to say, I didn’t open the others. This was perfect. Even Joe was impressed! Two days later, I did open another one, telling myself no matter how good it might be, I would have to ignore it. I already made my choice it would mean nothing. And I got this:
Which just made me laugh because there is no trying anything new! I am newed OUT right now.
How very lucky.
Blessings on you Girlfriends for this new season and for always. Look for your joys in the little things of home and family. They are what matters forever and in the long run. And may your blessings be bountiful and fully counted . . . because, remember . . .
So beautiful Susan! You are such an inspiration to me. I look forward to every post and I thank you. 💚
I just love you new house and how you are making it a home. I wish I was your neighbor. From one native Californian to another, “Welcome Home.”
Love all the changes you have made to the California house. Prayers the house on the island will sell soon. The garden is such a blessing and glad the weather helps with the bounty and the flowers. Keep blogging love to hear what you and Joe are doing. Gives me inspiration.
Happy April Susan
Dear, Susan!
🐰🐰 to a new month!
I can’t wait to order your book to add to my “Susan Branch” collection!
The shutters make your house *pop* and I love your growing garden which looks like a piece of England already. Even though garden work is hard work, it’s good for body and soul and keeps us young.😊🪴💐🐝👒
Thank you, as always, for sharing your journey with us all and HAPPY SPRING! 🌸🌸🌸
Hello, dear Susan! I’m just crazy about all your projects at your “new old house”! And this time of year, so many fun, fabulous ideas just POP into one’s head! It’s springtime here in New Mexico too, and that means lots of pretty green and yellow and purple things coming up. But it also means WIND! So our brave daffodils are sideways half the time; tulips pull their petals close until it’s safer to brave up! Our Japanese Cherry tree (Sakura) sported her lovely pale pink flowers for a few short days and then took flight! Fleeting beauty! Look fast or miss it! But still, we love it here and it’s perfect for us. I think you have landed at a perfect spot too! Central Coast, CA offers the very best of many worlds put together. Thank you, always, for your energy and vision. You are an inspiration. And I’m so eager to enjoy your beautiful revised Summer Book!
Oh Susan, your garden is soo beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Just beginning to turn green here outside Chicago, with storms frequently marching through, rumble, rumble, rumble. The wind is pretty strong, too, tries to knock you off your feet. Happy Spring!
Thanks for another uplifting letter!
I am recuperating from surgery and your lovely words hit the spot!
I plan on re-reading all the previous April entries ( one or more) each day as I heal. Fortunately, my spring bulbs and shrubs are blooming so I also have a beautiful vista to gaze upon.
The shutters really make the house pop! It looks warm and cozy!
love the black shutters, just adds that extra touch and the lamb cake brings back a good memory of my mom’s lamb cake just like that , so sweet , I think you are right about spring, the colors are easy on the sole and refreshing! love that you are back over on the west coast! I am up in Oregon now (Medford) , love discovering the coast line, beautiful , planning trip to England in October, first grandbaby coming that month ! Thank you for the Willard
So excited for all your new gorgeous green, the garden, cute cute shutters(I promise I thought I saw white lace curtains peeping through behind the panes between the shutters), and all those fantabulous fruit trees! It’s all so beautiful, and at my age, I try to grab all the green, soft rain and sunsets I can get. Can’t wait to have a new summer book to perch right next to the original! Hug all the kitties for me! ❤️
Well…Rabbit, Rabbit to you, Dear Lady!! You and Joe have been working those pounds off. And it certainly shows. Are you sure you didn’t bring in a large crew to do it. Nope, then there wouldn’t be that wonderful tiredness after a day in the dirt!!
Before I forget, look in today’s New York Times for The Caretaker of Muncy Farms. Not the actual title, but you’ll find it. About 5 siblings who were sent to Pennsylvania to be safe from the blitz. Such a heartwarming story with a wonderful ending. The youngest, Malcolm, is 89, and owns the lovely 18th century farm with most of it preserved. Just a Susan Branch kind of story. And the photos are just luscious. Just what I needed, after another day of this “nonsense” out of you-know-who.
Have done lots of really hard things the past week. Unpacked a box that I didn’t know I had. It was from my childhood home. I think my brother must have closed it up after Daddy died. Inside were over 100 pages of my mother’s high school scrap book. Crumbling. Took me 2 days to read all the letters, articles and wonder about the many locks of hair from different boyfriends.
I felt as though I was in some alternate universe. This girl surely wasn’t the woman we knew as our mother. Life is so strange. Unpacking my dolls was another, happier experience. My favorites had survived the years and will be passed on.
Tom and I polished silver until the tarnish is now part of our fingernails. Someone is coming on Thursday to look at it.
I kept telling myself, you aren’t losing your little nest here, you are going to the wide, North woods on the Bay.
All this running up and down the stairs and forgetting to eat…I’ve lost 15 pounds. Will need some new jeans when we get to Maine. The old draw string ones will be gardening and walking pants.
I’m looking forward to growing old in the home we actually built ourselves!! And maybe get a kitty!!! Neighbor sends pictures of the daffodils and iris poking up. Still very chilly and rainy in New England, but just wait. Your house and our place here will sell quickly when school is out!!
Susan, your cottage is looking great. I love to watch your progress. Here in Florida, once summer arrives, all my plants and flowers burn up in the hot sun so I have to rethink my choices…I have discovered Miranda Mills on You Tube. I watched an episode today where she recommended Fairy Tale Girl and showed your artwork in the book…For some reason, I don’t think I found the first version of The Summer Book. I think I tried but you were out of stock a couple of years ago. So I’m anxiously awaiting the updated book. Have a wonderful March.
I am thinking of you up the coast a bit. We tend to head to that area when we want a change but health and cold weather has kept us close to home for a while. We are watching the weather so we can head back to our favorite haunts up that way when it warms up a bit. Have to get a trip in before the crazy summer crowds arrive! Sounds like you are really settling in and creating a wonderful home, slowly but surely!
Thank you for pouring so much of your joy into this blog. I love everything you are doing. The front porch is spectacular. I cannot wait to see what you do with the garden room. Will you screen it in?
I am still recovering from my knee replacement. I cannot wait to start my neighborhood walks again. Physical Therapists are wonderful. They removed 58 staples from my incision and held me when I cried. They promise to have me walking for fun soon.
🌼🌺 Happy Spring!🌼🌺
Check with your local nursery about Lilacs that grow here. I have two that are doing very well! And they smell soooooo good right now, even with the rain coming in drenches this week.
Joe is such a handy gentleman to have around! You bless each other and us girlfriends, too! Hmm, doesn’t the scent of you rubbing Simon’s tummy make an indoor feline furious? Memarge:)
Hello from Iowa! We are attempting to bribe Spring into staying but she is very indecisive. One day we turn on the air conditioning and the next day we need the furnace. But that is normal for central Iowa this time of the year.
My gardens are showing signs of life under the winter cover, but that cover will stay until I know the little lives under it are healthy enough to live and then we will uncover everything. I also need to lose some winter padding, and my gardens help with that. Plus, during these chaotic, frightening days I need the peace, calm, and solace Madam Nature provides. Your California place is looking so nice and inviting. I love seeing the changes you and Joe are making! Sending lots of bright white positive energy your way, Susan!
Dear, sweet Sue,
What a fun and newsy Willard today. It was great to catch up with you and to hear about your
garden plans and such. I LOVE your new shutters!
We continue with some remodeling in iur new to us older home. Trying to make it sweet and homey, when 1972 is a weird era for homes. So far, it’s feeling cozy.and I am planning on creating a garden fountain from planters that are shown all over social media.
Continued springtime fun for you, Joe and the petty pets.
Lovingly,
Melin
xoxo
The MOST creative thing . . . HOME! going to go find those planters! xoxo
I loved this post, especially the summer days at the library. My mother would drive my brothers and me downtown to the library, and I can still see the steps leading into the main area and the smaller children’s room, and I remember the pleasure and sound of the water fountain that would hum when you turned the white handle for a cold drink. And going straight to the hammock with a new book as soon as I was home again.
I have to ask– in that paragraph, did you mean “taking the lid *off* a jar of butterflies”? That makes more sense to me, and I don’t want your precious memory to have a misspelling in it!
OH THANK YOU!!! I missed that! You just saved me! I’ll fix it, thank you!!! And yes, everything you said about the library … it was so special for us! xoxo
Ooh Susan! Writing thru tears! It’s CHARMING! ALL I could EVER WANT! (all our passions and w your love!) Who could ask for anything more!?THE VIEW IS LOVELY ALSO!🌳Does the street continue past your house?
When is Gladys Tabers bday? I’ll be checking her out next! 😉😂
KUDOS TO BOTH OF YOU ! YOU’VE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB!(not sure about the green walls on garden porch area. WHAT COLOUR green?) Love the French doors idea, tho! Thanks for the inspo! Got out there for first time today for a bit! 👏🏼
Luv the FARM STAND idea too😳😊😁. I’d love to come get my fruits and veggies from you guys! The artichokes looked amazing! I’d buy them right now.
Garden green! I have to live with it in my imagination for a while! Gladys Taber’s Birthday is April 12, and she is the author of some wonderful books. My first and favorite was Best of Stillmeadow. Love your sweet excitement! I feel just the same way! xoxo
Hi Susan…just wanted to share my thoughts about your green garden wall. A few years ago, I had an inspiration to paint our tall wooden fence sage green. I had a ceramic pot with a sage green glaze, and I kept thinking that the weathered, unattractive fence would look really pretty in that color, so I trusted my instinct and it turned out beautifully.
It was in a corner area, just outside our kitchen window. There is a large old lilac “tree” and 3 rose bushes: a bright red, a peachy pink, and a mauve color….all of these just look so beautiful against the sage green of the fence. It turned out so wonderfully, we painted all of the wooden fence around our back yard the same color, as well as the garden shed (which had been brown). It gave a lovely calm, serenity to our yard!!!
The actual name of the paint color is “wedding mint green” which I thought was appropriate, in a way, because a large part of my husband’s business, The String Beings, is from weddings!
I’m glad that you and Joe are settling into your California home. I love the black shutters & Adirondack chairs…they give a nice definition to the front of your house! And you have such a beautiful view from there! If it were me, I would want to sit out there all the time & never get anything done!!! So, I admire your dedication to updating your Summer Cookbook. I’m so looking forward to seeing my copy in July!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday month of April and celebrate all month long! Sending you very my very best wishes for good health & much happiness! Love & hugs, Barbara
I believe April 12 is our Susan’s birthday as well, no?😘
Tis!💖
Hello sunshine! When I read this it just made me happy and so excited for you! Very much love the shutters, the chairs, the shelf and all of your creative ideas for your beautiful cottage. This is the time of life when we should have fun and the freedom to do new things simply because we can. I envy you living in a warm climate all year long with all the good stuff…flowers, lots of green and such a beautiful blue sky. Thank you for sharing all of it with us and I am totally in to all the changes you what to do.🌞💫🌞💫🌞💫
Dear Susan
OIt goes without saying, I love your blog; how can one immediately transform themselves into your space at your little cottage way far south in California? I think it is the gift of the blogger, you Susan, that is able to do that with your comforting words. The transformation of your home with shutters and , we call them, Muskoka rockers , plus your impressive garden is a joy to behold, good job. Just a little note: I think every member of the Commonwealth spell colour that way, just an fyi.. Have a glorious spring whilst I still have snow on the ground!
Thanks again, your friend in Canada. 🇨🇦
Rabbit Rabbit! Oh, those childhood memories of visiting the library! Carrying the pile of 10 books home and having to go back in just a few days because I sped through them so quickly. What a great way to spend a summer school break. I love your home updates and especially your new garden party deck. A little Ricky Nelson to serenade you?! Can’t wait for my preorder Summer 30th anniversary book. I will be patient because I know it will be wonderful!
Enjoy your lovely acreage, you’re doing a fantastic job!
So jealous of all that green! But, it is beginning here in Colorado Springs. Love the library bit, was that in Long Beach? The library up the street from Minnie Gant? That was my summer haven as well. Books and air conditioning, Heaven!
Thank you for sharing this journey, Susan, congratulations. I will be wishing you well on Gladys’ (and your) birthday. Have a lovely month!
Love what your doing to your little house. Not trying to be rude, but your door is screaming to be painted black. Can’t wait to see what you do with your back area. Glad your are happy. Also worried about you on your walk, with all the critters out there you need all your senses about you, be aware of your surroundings. Shall I be mother? Happy early birthday!❤️Debby
Gonna take a good look at that door! 😂
I agree, Debby, that a black door would be a cohesive accent to the house! How about a window box full of colorful flowers and a large, taller shiney black pot with white flowers on the corner of the porch…a white flowering plant that blooms for forever and smells heavenly!
The soon-to-be-found table will make tea at sunrise or sunset easy!
Well, maybe a special Joe cocktail at sunset. ☕🍸
Seems to me that all of that glorious green needs a couple of sheep!!!!
It is fun to observe this life-changing adventure and the joy and rewards taking root from their dreams! Bless her heart, creativity and health as she morphs more into Beatrice Potter every day.
Enjoy your transitioning days , too!
I have been saving my fortune cookie fortunes in an old Paul Masson wine carafe along with found shells and beach pebbles. In recent years I’ve been using my cell phone ( I have a very boring clear plastic) whenever I get one I slip it into my phone case for good fortune and decor. Such are my treasures.🌴🌺🍍
I’m trying so hard to get my garden growing! The flowers are really pretty & I’m so wanting the veggies to do their thing. Hopefully with abit more sun & some warmer days, they’ll grow. Odd weather here in coastal San Diego 🤪🤪
So nice to see how you & Joe have settled back in.
We’ll be up to Avila in June. Can hardly wait for the natural hot springs!!
I loved this new Willard! Your home in California is perfect.
Your vision for farming, living off the grid and being “ self sufficient “ is inspiring.
I have had a very creative garden day today rearranging my landscape. I pulled out and transplanted boxwoods. At this very moment we are getting a wonderful rain shower. I am hoping by some miracle and a prayer they will adjust to their new placement! Thank you for your wonderful inspiration!
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Mine is April 20th and so love our month!Enjoy and many blessings sent your way!
Living the dream. Your area is perfect for growing most food. You should buy about 8 baby chicks for laying eggs. Chickens are so easy, and none of your garden scraps will ever go to waste. Chickens usually lay at 6 months.
We have four feral cats on our property. They get along perfectly with our dogs and Chickens. Such harmony. There are good books on Backyard Chicken raising .
We are still in frosty to freezing temps in Utah. Too early to plant.
Enjoy your lovely life. Cindy in Utah
Susan — In your pretty fenced in garden, you have raised beds, and in the isles I notice lots of green things and flowers instead of dirt paths. It all looks so beauteous! What was the plan — wild flowers? Ground cover? I love the look.
Did I leave my comment in the wrong place? If so, here it is again. Susan — In your pretty fenced in garden, you have raided beds, and in the isles I notice lots of green things and flowers instead of dirt paths, It all looks so beauteous! What was the plan — wild flowers? Ground cover? I love the look.
What a wonderful blog post, full of spring excitement and charm. Apart from getting ready for our daughter’s wedding (two weeks yesterday!!!) to a lovely American USAF guy, I am gardening whenever I can! Sophie and Steven get married on the 15th April, over here in the U.K. 🇬🇧 with his family and friends travelling from the USA 🇺🇸. We do things smaller here so it’s not a huge wedding, but it will be full of love and flowers and more love!
I love your Adirondack chairs and shutters – black looks perfect. People here are using outdoor rugs – so that could look cottage!
Your sheltered back door space surrounded by more flowers and plants – books on the shelves – perfect! I wondered about the hedging at the back of your wildflower meadow – whether the roots of the trees are sucking all the water and nutrients out of the soil, so the new plants can’t get enough? Just a thought 🩷💚
Thank you for a beautiful and uplifting blog, Susan.
Love to you, Joe, Jack, Simon and the other kitty!
Karen
Northamptonshire
U.K. 🇬🇧
Dear Susan
I am So happy for you and Joe. You are having such fun. I Love you Blog So Much!!! As for weight loss…I have been a member of Weight Watchers for 50 years! I cant believe its been that long. It is Great to have the support of others and hear their stories. And now meeting are online and in person. You might enjoy it. You can do your own version of healthy eating but still enjoy the information. Thank you So Much for everything. Things are Good here in Wisconsin today. 😉 Enjoy your day.
This post was such a lovely way to start my day! Your house and garden are looking beautiful! I can’t wait for the new book! Have a wonderful birthday month Susan!
I LOVE WILLARD SO MUCH. It always inspires us. Hmm Seeing darling little house..1 floor is totally the best and best for knees..When I saw photo of house view, O love deck and chairs to relax and soak up Pacific air, I said. SOLAR PANELS on roof..get free of Electric company. and soak up that God created sun in solar panels. Your orchard is going to be a huge blessing to all around..It will bring beautiful Pollinators and the whole community will benefit!! All these horrid cities..I still sadly live in FL and the city has almost NO plants for all the pollinators . cites want green so no upkeep. its tragic. Any advice. Im moving too.. To Kentucky and back to a state with DIRT for gardens..I lived 44 years in Maine, 5 in MA and always had garden..Now..till move my apt is filled with plants..They will all move with me. I move in 2026. and so you got me going to do it. Thank you. I have a huge smile just thinking about it. You help us to to go after what we dream and yearn for. You did it. and yes working towards it is good for our soul. So bless you, Joe and all the lovely kitties..enjoy those sunsets and walks. stay strong.. lots of tea. and books
Rabbit, rabbit! Thank you for your post… it has been a huge positive lift to my day. I, too, have been out in the garden. Pennsylvania has been pretty chilly- but not too chilly to stop me from uncovering my hyacinths and giving them a good mulching. My first crocus grew smack in the middle of my yard, too! I can’t wait to get back out and continue gardening. I’ve given up on vegetables and am strictly flowers and native plants now. I like to call it gardening for the birds <3
Another wonderful read, thank you Susan! ☺️ I’m enjoying my first spring season in a house with a big beautiful backyard, and have been dreaming all of the garden dreams, so this is perfect timing. I read your post while appreciating the miracle that is my own bird feeder outside the window, my own shelf under the kitchen window full of happy things, and my own little tomato and lettuce and pepper and marigold seedlings all growing big and strong under my grow lights! I am in my early 20s and never used to look forward to getting older much, but reading your books and blog always give me hope that the future will be beautiful and magical. So many things are uncertain right now, but I feel as though I can keep my hope as long as there are people like you who always seek out the magic in this world. ♥️ thanks for letting us be a part of your busy days!! Sending much love to you and the kitties!!
I love the new look of your home. The shutters and chairs make it look so cozy. Your flowers and garden make me want to tackle my garden but alas, it is too chilly and early here in Pennsylvania to do much – but soon! So while I am waiting I will look through seed catalogs and websites once again. The garden centers don’t have much available yet. I treated myself and pre-ordered your book! Yay!
Thank you for your constant positivity. I couldn’t fall asleep last night so was looking at email when I saw your blog. It helped me relax and fall asleep dreaming of gardens and Spring. Hope I can maintain the inspiration to put some flowers in the yard. I too love to see all the colors emerging and the beauty nature provides us :))
I’m so pleased you and Joe are happy and settling in so well. The house,
gardens and the view from that deck are all lovely. I look forward to following the progress.
Happy Birthday and many more. Take good care. We all need you.
Love your “cottage “.You are making it scrumpdillyicious.😀🌳🌺.Have always liked the Albert Einstein quote. Thanks for the update on this cold spring morning in Canada’s east coast.
I hate to admit it but I’m just like you with stress eating.
I can’t wait for our Michigan weather to turn warmer so I can get out and garden and take longer walks. Today the forecast calls for a mixture of everything including rain, snow and wind. Hopefully better days will be here soon.
I love seeing what you’re doing to your home. I love the shutters, it makes it look so homey, and your property filled with all the fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers is awesome.
Thank you for sharing all of your beautiful growing green with us! I have so far seen only the tips of a few tulip leaves (which thrilled me to the core, as they always do), so seeing acres of green is fantastic. How wonderful to have two big, romantic dreams – a charming New England house, and a life in a garden – come true. Thank you for letting us come along for the ride!
This Spring Willard was just what we all need right now! Happy Spring to you, Joe and the kitties. I am so looking forward to gardening in the near future. Not quite warm enough here in Southwestern PA, but everything is starting to bud and turn green, so it won’t be too long. We have two acres and my husband and I are working on turning it into a little bit of Eden, attracting pollinators, etc. A work in progress. Take care and happy gardening.
Hi Susan,
I lived in Arroyo Grande for 35 years and you’ll be happy to know I grew lilacs there. I am sorry I don’t know the variety, they got to about 3 feet tall, smelled heavenly, and were beautiful. We now live in New Mexico in the mountains, and there are lilac “trees” everywhere. What a surprise!
Dearest Susan and Joe,
Loved the BLOG today – seeing you both in the fresh sunshine gardening with the beautiful rolling hills all around makes me happy. Your slice of heaven is perfect and I’m so glad you are there. I am born and raised in California just a couple of hours away from you – the Central Coast is one of my most favorite places to be, truly, truly beautiful.
I am excited to see your vision for this beautiful spot come to be….and appreciate that you share it with us! So inspiring.
p.s. You are a genuis with the chairs and shutters – small change = major impact and I’m very envious of your view.
The shutters look amazing! They make such a huge difference and add so much charm to the house. Can’t wait to follow along to see what you do. I’m s-l-o-w-l-y becoming accustomed to you not being on the same coast as I am. LOL
Happy Spring! Anne
The yard and garden Joe and you have been working so hard on is looking wonderful. Productive therapy in times like these is good for the body and soul. Have you ever grown Lambs Ear? It does spread by rhizomes that can be aggressive but it’s easily pulled up. It’s a ground cover that grows well in the shade and is loved by pollinators. Our grand daughter loves to rub the “soft ears”, just like the lambs.
Love the new shutters! Thank you for showing us more pics of your home. So pretty. I have a question … how do you keep the barns cats from using your raised beds as a litter box? I have this issue and it is so annoying … although I do love cats around me!
Love the shutters and the black chairs on your front entry. Wow! What a view. The sweet peas remind me of my grandmother’s garden…loved to pick them and have a hand bouquet. Thanks for the lovely post.
I loved this update! The house is looking so cute and your optimistic attitude is contagious! We are in Chicago so the weather and plants are not nearly as lovely as what you are getting in CA, but it’s still spring and I feel the joy.
Susan, I have something else to add to your list – a Spring book! Please, pretty please? Filled with your pretty pictures of posies, all in your Beatrix Potter colors. We NEED it!
I think shutters make all the difference! Oftentimes I see a house without them and think what a difference they’d make if the owners put shutters at the windows. I’d love to put them on mine but after we had to get the house re-sided we didn’t want to put holes in it. 🙁
I’m sure you have plenty of your own ideas for your lovely front porch but I can imagine for now a bunch of potted plants along that front corner on the left. 🙂
It all looks so lovely!!
Happy Spring Susan and Girlfriends! Wow, this was just what I needed! So refreshing! I cannot wait to see your New old book. Thank you for putting an ear-to-ear smile on this gal’s face as I read all through your post. Don’t ever change. Hugs ((( ))) to you, Joe, Jack and our new guy kitty, Simon.
We moved from a huge home in Upstate NY to this small cottage over looking a pond – – we bought the guest cottage on a horse farm to make it our retirement home – – – so glad you are finding what I found – – something to love around every corner in this new “smaller” nest. We remodled and added a new huge kitchen with 7 foot windows looking down toward the pond. It was our Camelot, and soon we began to see what our hearts saw. All living is on one level, gardens all round, not much traffic, and 30 minutes from a store – – quiet, peaceful and what we needed. All these years across the USA your art has adorned my homes – I paint your “Distilled Genius” quotes in nooks and crannies. The blotter calendar is on the counter below one of the tall windows in the kitchen to help us keep the days straight, (when we want to) The mini calendar is beside my sewing machine where I sew quilts these days. Although you are on the West Coast and I am in the Blue Ridge, your “happy gene” is still alive and well, traveling across the miles, reminding me to find the good each day. Keep walking, gardening, painting and finding the beauty in your retirement Camelot too!! Go, Love, Be, we need you!! – – Kathy B
Thank you for taking the time to update us! You are so inspiring!!!
LOVE the black shutters! I was talking out loud to you as I was reading. The porch! The view! So,so happy for you.
I just ordered the new Summer Book I caught on late to your blog, by the time I new i wanted it it was out of print, but the library withdrew a copy and I grabbed it! I read it every summer and sometimes in the winter. So looking forward to a brand new copy.
Here is my library story. I moved to Michigan from Florida in 1984. My husband is from Michigan. We moved here for a better job and we had a brand new baby boy. I literally knew no one, but the library was with in walking distance, so baby in the stroller a nice walk to the !ibrary. I would get one book at a time for myself, so I could come back and talk to the ladies at the desk! I ended up working there for over 25 years and I still do subbing. Just to keep my hand in!
Thank you for sharing your priority list! Love it and so grateful for you!
Maureen in Michigan
This was a quote from a poster on a textile blog I read and I just loved it: “I never feel more competently alive than when I am making do!” So fun to read your dreams about what might take place around the new homestead. It looks and feels lovely just the way it is so the rest will be icing on the cake! Agree with the comments on the shutters! Brilliant decision. Enchanted April to you!
Excited to see The Summer Book!
I just love reading “Willard”!!! You are so interesting and fun. I love what y’all are doing at your “new, old home”…it’s beautiful!!! I retired late last Summer and have dreamed all Winter of working in my yard and creating a beautiful patio in my back yard. It’s been so much fun watching it beginning to take shape. I can’t wait until your new Summer book arrives at my doorstep. I’ll display it next to the old one I bought years ago. Please keep doing what you’re doing and making all of us happy. I was originally a California girl too…from down in the Coachella Valley, but have been an Arkansas transplant most of my 62 years. This is a beautiful state to live in too. 🩷🪻🌷🌼🌸💚
The shutters add a beautiful touch to your house. Very charming!
Hi Susan,
Happy Spring and thank you for sharing all of the green things growing at your home. I love the saying I once read in one of your books that reads; “Step into my garden, I want my roses to see you.” I think this would do well in your online store if you could make it available. We had a snow storm last week here in Maine and we are all looking forward to warmer days and budding trees and flowers. It certainly has been a long winter. Take care and thank you for all the joy you bring to all of us!!
I really needed cheering up today so what a great surprise to find some of my favorite topics here on books, library, farmers market, and gardening! I just gifted three SB books to the little community library I drive by everyday, and was feeling pretty sad about saying goodbye to those. I needed to make some room and I just figured that they would bless someone else’s life. Now I’m excited to have a new book to look forward to!
You two have done so much–made such progress!!!! I am so very impressed!!
Cheers,
Denise
be careful with the manure as it can burn the seeds if not mixed well with other mediums. Frankly wildflowers don’t prefer “good” soil i.e. full of fertilizer. That will make them too leggy and full of leaves. You need to read up on gardening I think. Just adding basic compost is plenty at the beginning and then leave them alone. I would suspect the failure to grow area may be due to moles/voles eating the roots, and birds eating the seeds. Perhaps the area was used for dumping some chemicals, fireplace ashes etc that changed the chemical make up of the soil. You should have it tested.
Hi Susan!
Wow! You must be loving the California weather! Everything is looking good at your new digs. So happy for you and Joe! My husband and I have toyed with leaving California because it is expensive here, but we just can’t leave this weather and we have lived in our house for 22 years. We will make it work. We have actually looked at Arroyo Grande and love it there. We vacation at Pismo beach every year. It is gorgeous on the Central coast! Thanks for another beautiful post. I am super excited about your book too!! Maybe next year you will be in England and I am hoping to get back there too to see family. take care Susan!!
Green is good for meditation and rebalancing. When you need to ground yourself, or rebalance, just step into nature and count how many shades of green you can see. It’s a technique my Reiki practice taught me.
What is it about Adirondack chairs that they look so uncomfortable, but are one of the comfiest of all, even without cushions. My late father made a wooden bench from Welsh oak which was more comfy than any sofa or easy chair {we donated it to the Cloisters at the Cathedral}
We must all prioritise and do the things we value most in life for every moment matters, every moment is precious, a gift to be treasured. We none of us know what lies ahead. When the rug is pulled from underneath our feet it is too late. Make the most of every moment, no regrets.
Deb in Wales xx
I just read this months blog, and before I do another thing on my to do list I have to tell you how much I love what you’ve done to the California house. I’m falling in love with it, with the last few touches you’ve done. I’m so happy you are settling in and making it look like a dream home. For a while I couldn’t wrap my head around the whole idea of living there, but I get it now. Martha Vineyard was perfect for the time, but now the California house is the better choice for you and you’ve made it into yours with plants, trees, shutters and very hard work. Im sure you’ve inspired many people and that alone is something to be very proud of.
Susan, this blog post was just delightful! How about installing sky lights in the roof over the side porch to make that space into a semi-greenhouse. My imagination is running wild! What a wonderful prospect.
Love it all Susan, every photo, every word! But I especially love the black shutters and Adirondack rocking chairs! Perfect!
Blessings,
Con-
Oh Susan, what a wonderful Williard! So filled with spring fun and enthusiasm! Your home is sure coming along.. Love the black shutters.. I think shutters really make a house. I love them too! And your new chairs are perfect. No better way to enjoy your incredible views. The garden is going to be amazing. and I can’t wait to see tons of garden pics very very soon.
I’ve preordered the summer book and am looking forward to it surprising me in the mail this summer.
So glad things are going so wonderfully!!!!
Love,
Beverlee
Ahhhh….Thank you for a lovely time sitting with you as I read your Willard. I am so looking forward to seeing the changes you are making in your home!❤️
I enjoyed reading about your library visits! Growing up, I could walk crosslots to the library in about 45 seconds. It was my second favorite place to be, since I was 6. (My first favorite place was home with my family.) The older I got, the more books I brought home to read. Like four to six books, and I would read (“inhale”) one a day on average. In high school, it was more like two books a day. Recently I looked at the “Children’s Section” in my local Maryland library. I noticed that most of the books were the fantasy other reality style books, about an inch thick. There weren’t books that talked about Actual Life in your neighborhood. I think that is sad. Thank you for sharing the gardens and greenness of your life with us!!
Love the new Willard – can’t wait to see how beautiful your yard will be in a couple of months…now you need some chickens – fun to have and think of all the delicious eggs for breakfast while sitting on your lovely deck !
Does Joe enjoy living in California as much as you enjoy it? Did he ever live there in his younger years?
On Susan you have definitely found your new fertile ground,you have made a lovely life in your old home .I love seeing you enjoy and remake your paradise.When I was a girl I dreamed of California,now I can live vicariously through you and Joe.Happy spring.Mary Marshall Lawrence.
I love the new shutters! The whole porch is awesome! I am truly enjoying watching things progress!
Ah, Spring in California! Everything looks so lush. Absolutely LOVE the new shutters. Looking forward to the Summer book. Enjoy every minute of your new adventures in CA. Missed seeing Jack, but your barn kitty seems sweet too.
I love all the Changes/improvements you have made to your beautiful home in CA! And those sunsets are to die for! They are glorious!
I’m sad about the end of your wonderful cups from England. I’m a firm believer in using what you have and I’m a proud owner of many treasured cups. They are not intended to be admired on a shelf, so I use them. I’m still grieving over my broken “Martha’s Vineyard” cup.
I pre-ordered your 30th Anniversary Summer book and can’t wait to receive it! You are amazing Susan! Thank you for being YOU ♥️🏠‼️
Hello Susan~Ahhh…the green of everything in this blog helps me to realize that one day it will be green again in my beloved Northern Michigan! I’m at my sister’s three hours south of where I live because our power is being restored…slowly, but surely…from an ice storm northern Michigan has never seen before! It started last weekend with snow, then rain, then everything turned to ice and all power was lost. I stayed in my house without heat Saturday and Sunday nights and when I realized power was not going to be restored anytime soon I came to my sister’s house. Driving was absolutely forbidden except in emergency cases because all trees were covered in ice and tree limbs or entire trees were toppling over when least expected and could fall on anything in their way. Electrical teams from all over are working tirelessly 24 hours a day to restore power. Hospitals have generators, but all stores and restaurants are closed and without power…the restaurants have to dispose of all their food and people are going to have to empty their refrigerators because everything is spoiled. I don’t know when I will be able to travel north back to my house…so, needless to say, your blog with all the beautiful green, flowers, lettuce, Joe outside putting together chairs and putting up shutters made my heart happy knowing that at some point we will have spring in Northern Michigan. I will reread your blog daily until I can travel back home…thank you for putting hope in my heart…
~
Dear Susan,
What a pleasure it’s been reading your latest post this morning while sipping Earl Grey tea from my Little Things mug and listening to the rain pour outside my window. I celebrated my 1 year anniversary of retirement a few days ago, and I am happy to report that I am loving it. I have often been asked what I like best about being retired and my unfailing response is always, “having the luxury of time.” And, that’s exactly what I have this morning, the luxury of time to read your blog, to look carefully at every picture and illustration and to appreciate your willingness to share your own time and talent with all of us. Thank you so much!
I love the transformation of the back deck/porch! When I looked at the before picture, I immediately thought about adding shutters, but then as I continued reading, I saw that you had already thought of them and what a difference they make, especially with that back door which reminds of the ornate screen doors that are found in New England. The black absolutely looks great and so far the addition of the chairs is definitely moving your vision along for that space.
After seeing all the work that you and Joe are doing outside your home, I am chomping at the bit to get outside and work in my own perennial beds. Three years ago, I created a Hosta bed that is looking better and better each year. This year, I plan to add Astilbe in white and various shades of pink among the Hosta to add a pop of color to that garden. I hope they will thrive just as the Hosta have.
The previews you shared of your new/old Summer Book look wonderful. Can’t wait to see it “in person”.
My best to you, Joe and of course, the kitties!
Happy Birthday and Happy Easter!
Franny
I love Earl Grey Tea with Lavender. If I could only have one tea, this would be the one. Best wishes with everything you are doing. Your post inspires.
Dear Susan, I must admit that it took me a minute to adjust to your being a California girl (again) now, but I enjoy seeing how you do things out there. You’re still you!
My hubs and I are taking our first trip to CA the last of May. Flying into Reno and driving into Northern California. He wants to see Redwoods and some of the coast after we drive through the Napa Valley. We like to ride and look and stop if we see something interesting. If you have any tips, we’ll take ’em! Love every Willard you have time to write.
Our homes and gardens are canvases where we create beauty, joy, and peace. So glad you are enjoying your part of California’s heaven on earth.
There’s a typo in your book preview of the library page: “Like taking a lid of the jar of butterflies.” I’m sure you mean “off.” (My former English teacher self can never fully retire.)
Dear Susan, Just wonderful! Your enthusiasm for creating beauty and the good life is contagious! I am cheering on every one of your projects and plants from Connecticut…especially the jasmine and the flowering carpet under your ORCHARD!!! (Be still my heart:) AND your garden room will be SO charming. I have lenten roses, daffodils, hyacinths, magnolias, forsythia, and pansies all being brave and beautiful.
Two of our all time favorite recipes are in your summer book; Cajun beach shrimp and lemon pasta. In fact the people just asked for it for this Sunday’s supper!!!!
Off to get a shingles booster; my husband had a terrible case of it!!!! Make sure you are vaccinated all you dear girlfriends; I sure would like to save anyone from that experience.
Loved your Willard today. Love the new chairs and shutters. Kitty is beautiful, I just wanted to hug him. I love before and after so I’m looking forward to seeing your changes. I watched “This Old House” since its first episode. I remember library days as a child and even worked in a library when I first moved toWV. Very interesting job. Thanks so much for making it possible for all your friends to follow you. I love reading your autobiography’s, they start out my spring/summer reading on the porch every year. You give me inspiration to continue to make my old farmhouse a better, cozier, prettier and happy place to live. I’m blessed in that my children and grandsons all built houses on my farm. So here we are happy and cozy on our little corner of the world!
Is there any chance you could take a picture of what kind of plant an artichoke grows on? A tree or a bush? And, Wow! Those shutters make ALL the difference! Glad to see you’re settling in.
Oh Susan, everytime I read your posts or blog it’s like a breath of fresh air, a sip of cool water. It’s adds pep to my step. My husband who is out in our yard clipping bushes, turning over dirt just making things pretty my thoughts go to you. Yep…Susan would approve. I just love the shudders on the house, it really makes a difference..I now want a Ca Lilac..I will check around. You’ve done so much to the house and yard I don’t know how you “keep up” and find the energy.I have bad knees and at times it keeps me inside (maddening). I still can do my rug hooking which I love. Can’t wait for your new edition of your Summer book. Happy Spring Susan, hugs to you and Joe and all the Kitties, Lana
What an improvement the shutters are! I’m so happy you are rethinking your house and finding rooms where there were none, or so you thought. I can’t wait for your house to sell and for you to rip the lid off all those new projects. Looks like 2025 will be a stellar year!
You two have accomplished a lot in a short time, making it a home full of love and charm.
The black shutters are perfect!
Wow! What a difference those shutters make! And the porch will be so enjoyable with those beautiful sunsets! Welcome back to California. Hoping to hear someday that you’ll be doing another Book Signing or talk in SLO. So enjoyed the last two. Love watching you fall back in love with your new old place 🙂
I just had to laugh! We had ceanothus until it froze a few years ago. But whenever I was out pruning it, my hubby would say, “I saw you out there with the “see an old fuss!” He doesn’t do yard work ever since the pickle patch escapades hr and his siblings had as kids—and if he did start helping, I’d be fussing as he makes a bit of a mess. I’m a big fan of blue flowers, so I may have to add it back again.
The shutters do look great! Maybe a yellow front door to go with the daisies??
and make you smile?? Thanks for an update on your adventures, always wonderful to hear what you and Joe are up to.
It all looks so lovely. I love 😍 the hedges and that tree out your kitchen window! I like forest green with white. I hope the black chairs don’t get too hot in Summer. I throw beach towels over them, then take them off before I sit down, that way the heat hasn’t soaked in.
Thanks for updating the Summer book. All that endless Summer inspired you!
OXOX
Margot B.
Tomatoes 🍅 and herbs 🪴 so far…
I love hearing from you, your little house and your big beautiful yard! Happy spring to you and Joe! 🌷🌷🌷
Hi Susan,
I will be looking forward to seeing all the changes you bring to your new home. I love the shutters, as they bring a California ranch-style feel to the place. I just cringe when I see folk move into older homes and the first thing they do is tear off the shutters and siding. Breaks my heart to remove such charm! I would be curious to know what the four cherry varieties are on your cherry tree I have always hoped to plan a cherry someday myself, God willing. Anyways, I enjoyed your post which also brought back the good ol’ library memories. My memories of summer library days are very similar to yours. I will be looking forward to your updates!
Blessings,
Linda
We are going from days when it’s almost 70 to days in the 40s and 50s! Some nights are warm, then others in the 20s and 30s in New York! A very unpredictable spring for sure! Tree pollen very high, so my eyes, nose not happy right now! 😥
I love the black shutters! Makes all the difference, and with the black chairs, a nice contrast with the white house! Good job Joe! 👏🏻
I think your next big book is all about the move, all about the renovation and changes! A mix of your lovely photos and beautiful drawings. And by the way, Simon deserves his own portrait — he’s a stunner! Well done, Susan!