I wasn’t going to post until after we got home, but I just couldn’t wait to show you how pretty it is out here … a gorgeous fall they are having in New England . . .
We got off the boat, and drove across Connecticut, following all the dotted roads on the map that indicate “Scenic.” When we got to the far west side of the state, we made a right, went north and now we are in a darling town called Great Barrington in MA.
Following the scenic routes was a good idea, because we have passed wonderful farms, with colorful farm stands full of pumpkins and apples . . . barns, fields, cows, little towns …
I just love picket fences with spiders and dew weaving their interconnected sparkle-magic . . .
We’ve stopped at many antique stores, and one of them had this amazing doll house! I’ll give you a full tour of it when we get home! But I couldn’t wait to show you . . . . isn’t it wonderful? Wait until you see the little fireplace . . . You would need an entire room devoted just to this doll house, it’s so big . . . but I’ll show you soon!
The trees aren’t in full color, they still have lots of green, which makes them even prettier! When we drive, the leaves whip up and swirl around us . . .
Took this from the window of the car as we’re speeding along . . . the houses are so charming, this one looks a lot like the doll house!
We pulled in here to turn around to go back and look for our hotel last night … just your basic lake scene!
So much more to show you! There was a turkey attack (caught on video)! We went through a covered bridge (also took a video of it so we can take you with us)! And Joe found the perfect thing for me to wear to booksignings when our book is done, have to show you that too . . . but I can’t do it now, because the sun is up, and all the leaves are calling me! (Or is that Joe?) XOXO
Oh no! I just deleted my response!!! I know this is late in coming but I had to jump on board and leave a comment on your wonderful post!!! I’ve always wanted to take a drive through New England in the fall to see the leaves changing color. Now that I’ve read your post I feel as though I’ve done just that. What a glorious trip. I feel A though You are pictures of landscapes and houses are now my own! I feel refreshed just as though I’ve taken the journey myself. (Except I didn’t have a van full of goodies to unpack…)
Thank you for the journey. I’m so glad to know you and follow along.
Georgie
NJ
Beautiful photos! They make me want to jump in the car and head to Connecticut!
Thank you for taking me on your beautiful journey. I can smell the crispness of the fall air with just a hint of apple cider. Oh what a beautiful time and place. I look forward to the remainder of our trip. Many blessings to you and your family! Tammy in Alabama
What a thrill to ‘travel’ with you through New England. Glorious scenes of Autumn draw me into another world. THANKS!
Susan, you are always my cozy respite! Take me away…. Love & a grateful heart! -Kay
Oh gosh, this post was almost like being in the back seat! How I would love to go there. And to own an old lovely home! I sure hope I get an ornament thisyear, too. I missed it last year, so please Vanna, pick me!
Barbara from Lodi, CA 😉
Wish I lived closer to you so I could go on those trips with you. Loved the doll house and all of those beautiful pictures of the autumn trip. Couldn’t make the England trip with you so I am trying to wait patiently for the book.
How fortunate for you to have traveled thru New England. I feel like I was riding right along with you and what a wonderful time I had.
Thanks so much.
What a wonderful trip. I used to live in Connecticut and was transplanted to Texas. This post makes me so homesick, especially when it’s 90 degrees here!
Love your pictures, your kitties, your recipes, your decor…pretty much everything that you like…I like, too.
Hi Sweet Sue!
Thanks for making my day by taking me with you on your New England jaunt. We usually head to New England every October and we will miss this year because of my reunion in Ohio. Ohio is lovely, but just not AS lovely as New England. I appreciate YOU!
Jerri Ellen
San Juan Capistrano, CA
PS: No fall foliage here : (
Oh -la-la how I would love a treat sent from you from your lovely Fall color trip out East. Susan I call you my sister friend as I never had a sister but if I did I am sure she would be a clone of you. We would surely be wonderful friends as you think just like I do and enjoy the truely important things in life, people and all of beautiful things like falling leaves.
Susan, loved your blog post. We lived in Connecticut in the 70’s…..loved it. …..the most friendly people ever. Would be over the moon Happy to win! Thanks for being you. Lee
Lovely, lovely photos!
One day I too will go see the changing leaves turn colors.
Belen
Love getting to go along on your trips though this is one I would have loved to come along in person! Thank you so much for sharing the photo’s of the dollhouses – there’s just something about a dollhouse! Do you have one? Or more? Seems like this is something you should have in your house if you don’t. And if you do – would love to see every corner…..
No I don’t … When my girlfriend built her house, she designed a large platform next to the staircase for her doll house, which was wonderful! In the perfect place so you can see it and play with it all the time … I had moved east to my old houses, and never really had the right place to put it. So I just love to look at them when I see them!
My uncle is in Vermont and I’d love to go one day. My dad has 7 siblings, well now there are 6 and I have many places to visit. 🙂 I’ve always wanted a large doll house. I was with my stepsister when she got hers when she was 13 and I was 15. I still look at the doll house with envy. Now it’s her daughters and it has never been finished. So instead I dream of the one I’ll have one day. Maybe I’ll just do mini rooms in the meantime. Have a wonderful trip.
Love your new Christmas ornament! Thanks for taking us on your New England road trip:)
What a wonderful trip and a good weekend to enjoy it ! You have a knack for finding the real treasures along the way. I did not realize that Petey had once more stowed away for the trip, but there he was grinning with satisfaction over your book. Was he helpful in finding the book, or just pleased that there might be one more for someone to cherish?
My 94 year old meighbor recently advised that instead of “Have a good day”, she prefers “enjoy the day” That is , live in the moment, as she does and as you so meaningfully share your special daily moments with all of us. Thank you –and enjoy the day, everyone!
What a fun fall trip! Loved the dollhouse, too! I love receiving your blog because you do so many wonderful things and always have so many cute things. You always brighten my day ! Thank you ! Amy J.
I love, love. love the first picture on your post of your stove. I will need to live through you on that stove. I bought an antique farmhouse sink for my home but no money left to get a stove…hahaha…I will just need to get my fix through here. thanks for sharing.
You need a little stove piggy bank for the quarters. xoxo
As always, thank you for taking us along for the ride. That dollhouse looks amazing. I don’t think you ever forget the joy of your first (and in my case – only) dollhouse. Mine came from Santa when I was 11. It was a yellow Victorian with white trim. My dad wired it for lighting, so we had working chandeliers in the dining room, lighted candles in the windows, Tiffany lamps in the living room, etc. My sister and I loved decorating it for the holidays…especially Christmas We outfitted the tree in tiny ornaments we crafted out of Shrinky Dinks. Such fond memories. : )
As always, thank you for taking us along for the ride. That dollhouse looks amazing. I don’t think you ever forget the joy of your first (and in my case – only) dollhouse. Mine came from Santa when I was 11. It was a yellow Victorian with white trim. My dad wired it for lighting, so we had working chandeliers in the dining room, lighted candles in the windows, Tiffany lamps in the living room, etc. My sister and I loved decorating it for the holidays…especially Christmas We outfitted the tree in tiny ornaments we crafted out of Shrinky Dinks. Such fond memories. : )
Didn’t know about the annual ornaments, love it and love all your books, i see them sometimes at Goodwill, will think of it as rescueing from now on.
OH! I love Fall at your house!!! So beautiful. We get really pretty fall colors here in the foothills of Northern California but there’s just something about seeing your house and all the leaves. Makes me want some hot chocolate and a blanket and to curl up with a good book by the fire. Or just to be at your house playing with Jack.
Thanks for all you do and share.
Melissa
Loved seeing your photos; feel like I was in the back seat!
Wow! You all! I have learned a lot from this post. Thanks for all the great info!
Sue, do you mean to say that your beautiful ‘writing’ is painted with that ‘one haired brush’ as well? Even more amazing!
The watercolor writing is painted with the one hair brush, but the black handwriting is done with ink pen.
oh the pictures!!! I do love them!
xoxo
Reminds me of the 2 glorious fall New England trips I’ve taken in my life time, spectacular! And I would so love to win the New England Treat Package. Just to think that every time I used the measuring cup, thoughts of Susanland would come swooping in—fun!
Thank you sooo much for sharing your life with all of us.
Love, love, love the wonderful dollhouses and all of the photos of houses from your trip. How very beautiful! I enjoy all of your blogs…..passed many of the blogs from England to a friend who is from England ( she’s been here 25 yrs.). She loved them and seeing the photos brought back many fond memories of her childhood. Thanks, Susan.
Please tell her I said hello! Thanks Nettie!
Thanks, Susan, I certainly will. I also forward your blog (the ones I think will interest her the most) to my 90 yr. old neighbor. She loved the dollhouses and photos of New England.
Thanks for the tour through New England and the color of fall! Living in Florida one does miss the change in seasons. I was born in Attleboro and don’t get back as often as I would like.
Thanks for the pictures of New England in the fall! Living in Florida one does miss the change of seasons.
Gorgeous photos and videos. This California girl has always wanted to do Fall in New England. Thank you for sharing the season! Sandra
Susan,
How could you have possibly known that vintage measuring cups are my latest obsession? I love that the raised numbers will never fade away, and how fun is it to imagine who used it and loved it before it made its way to you?
First, Gladys Taber got me hooked on tea, then it was your post with the lamps (found a couple of darling ones, btw), now the measuring cups. This is too fun! I hope Vanna picks ME! : ))
Hi Susan, Loved the trip with you. So much fun traveling in New England in the Fall. The colors, the pumpkins, crisp air, red and green apples are all good for the spirit. Don’t you just enjoy Antique shops. I always feel good after looking at all the “old” treasures. I would like to be added to your drawing! I would just love to have a measuring like the one you found.
The clothes line looked so good, shirts blowing in the wind. They surely will smell fresh! Have fun with your house guest. I can just see you sitting around with your tea and spice cookies. You will be making good memories.
Love your photos and your blog! Thanks for sharing.
I grew up in Sharon, CT (don’t know if you went that way or not) and my mother was born in Gt. Barrington. I always loved visiting there. Such a beautiful town. When I was very young there was a store there that sold penny candy (I guess it would be quarter candy now) that was always the highlight for me until I got interested in antiques. Glad you enjoyed your trip.
I try each year to get out on such trips as yours shown here,…but not this year, SO! Thank you for bringing it to us….such a blessing to have eyes that can appreciate what the world is dressed in, in October.
Just look at all those colors! In SoCal, it’s still so warm that when our trees finally decide they’ve had enough of summer, they just turn to the color of dust and fall straight down. I decided to start making my own fall leaves this year, trying to bring on that fall feeling. Thanks for sharing yours’!
Susan;
Thank you so much for your great blog posts. They always make me smile!
So happy to see all the beautiful photos & videos you’ve taken. I felt like I was on the adventure with you & got to visit places I’ve never seen before…Thanks so much for sharing…I love Fall!!
Being a Florida native, one of my dreams is to visit New England in the Fall some day. Thank you for taking me on that beautiful ride. Along with the Guy Lombardi music and the wonderful pictures and videos, I finished reading your post with a huge smile and warm heart.
Thank you for sharing. I truly love and admire your work.
Marie
I think my first attempt for commenting failed! Sorry if you get two!
My friend Julie (Jewel as I have branded her) shared your blog with me. I am convinced after looking at your “favs” that we were separated at birth. I would crawl on glass to be on your gift list when it comes to that embroidered towel. Jumping frogs! it is so unique and a first that I have seen. I also LOVE your house pictures. Definite bucket list priority… Horse drawn buggy ride viewing outstanding houses. Shoot for the stars,eh!?
Have way too much fun with your girlfriends, be silly as schoolgirls and take the time to tell each other 3 things you absolutely love about each other. Those times make an etching in our hearts!
From the Land of the Frozen Chozen, Duluth , MN
Love that idea, I will do that!
Hi,Susan…I need your dish expertise. I have inherited a complete set of china marked K&A Krautheim Selb Bavaria Germay. I cannot find a name for the pattern expect #3135. It has tiny green and pink leaves around the edges of each piece. Im looking to sell it and have no idea of the worth.
Any answer would be appreciated.THANKS!!!!
Just put the whole name into Google and you will find information about it there.
Dear Susan,this is my frist time writing to you I had brough your book a long time ago about autume I cherish it so I sign up to receive your email but did not receive nothing since april thank God I dont delete the pages I like the most so I went in on the old files to your blog and to my surprise I got log in on whats going and I have to say I too with my husband just love to go on scenic rides the areas around RT 7 from New Milford up past to Kent then to sheffield Ma is just beautiful I to love maps,I keep a few of them in our truck and we never get lost,Susan Ilove every thing you do on your page and books you are a very talent Lady it would be nice if God willing we could meet I have a bowl just like yours and yes beatrix potter books I live in waterbury,ct but was born in phila,pa I am a mother of 12 children and 13 grandkids but am very young yet haha yep that me well I think this will do for now.you have a Great day and weekend have fun and like Auntie Mame said LIVE LIVE LIVE most suckers dont know how
Loved that Maria! Thank you!!! The quote is too funny! Mother of twelve! WOW!
Where and how do I start to tell you how you make my day a visit to wonderland! I’ve always wanted to drive the northeast, I will someday, until then, I have your blog. Don’t ever stop!!!!
Thank you Susan for posting the little slices of heaven that you find on your adventures! In another year, I will have an empty nest and am hoping to finally see the ‘change of seasons’ New England style. You know only too well how the change of seasons SoCal style is far different. Bless you for bringing autumn to me this morning!
Scrolling through your pictures brought back many fond memories. I once lived in Stockbridge and worked in Great Barrington. During that period of my life I also worked for Norman Rockwell as his private duty nurse. Hopefully you got to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum while you were in the area. He was a delightful man and his wife, Molly was a sweetheart. I am the proud owner of several signed prints given to me by the Rockwells as well as a Christmas card or two. If you have not seen the museum, it is a real treat that you should make time for the next time you are in the area.
I’ve enjoyed your “Willards” from the very beginning. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I replied once to your comment, but now I see it again, so I don’t know what is going on, but I just wanted to make sure you could see my reply — to say how lucky you are Bonnie! When I first moved to New England I had fantasies of just walking up Norman Rockwell’s driveway — I even dreamed about it and thought maybe it really did happen, but I never wanted to bother him — and shortly thereafter I heard he had died. You are so lucky to have spent time with him!
Hi Susan. Great reading for a Fall afternoon. I am not sure if you realize it or not but do you know how many people you touch with your drawings, your whimiscal words and more than likely…….just being you. Have a beautiful Fall and may the snows falls gently on you.
xoxo thank you Terry.
Hi Susan: I just got back from a trip to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The fall colors were absolutely amazing. If you ever get a chance to go to Vermont, visit the Shelburn Museum. It’s an amazing place with collections of quilts, dishes, counted cross stitch samplers, and yes dollhouses, not to mention thousands of other things. I think you’d love it there. Plan to spend at least one full day, but two would be better.
Thanks for all your wonderful blogs – I look forward to each and every one of them.
I have been there, and you are right, it’s wonderful with so much history of New England! Thank you for reminding me, I think everyone would love it!
We took a circle tour last fall from WI through the Upper Pennisula of Michigan into Canada and across to Vermont and the Green Mountains. Then we went to Connecticut with the White Mountains and up to Maine for lobster. Back through Massachusettes, New York and back into the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. What a beautiful trip……….relived through your pictures.
Your beautiful Fall pix so took me back to a weekend we spent with friends driving through Maine looking at the Fall colours in 1985. I have never forgotten the beauty – or the traffic. But it was so worth it and this Kiwi will ever forget the amazing sights and colours. I had always thought when seeing them on calendars, that the colours had been enhanced but as usual Mother Nature proved to be a far better artist than we mortals. Thankyou so much for bringing back some favourite memories.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget my first trip through this area either — almost shocking to see the colors! Happy Day Ann!
I don’t think I’ll ever forget my first trip through this area either — almost shocking to see the colors! Happy Day Ann!
Dear Susan
The pictures bring me back to living in New England.
I had a swing set near the woods and I’d try to get as high up as I could and then look up at the trees. So wonderful.
Then later the awesome colors in Vermont. One year the color was so vibrant it hurt to look at them. There was not one tree which didn’t sing out with color.
Happy Falling!!
We have a branch hanging over the garden right now that looks like it’s on fire! SO pretty!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful outlook on life! The grey, rainy months that I know are coming usually fill me with dread. When I saw the latest Willard, I felt energized and able to see things more hopefully, like maybe this is the time of year to reinvent myself and my home. I look forward to Willard’s visits in the future!
Lovely pictures! My husband and I just got back from a drive up and down the East coast (19 states and Canada)…from Texas…to see the changing of the season. We left Sept 17th and traveled up the coast as high as Vermont, crossed into Canada and then back down home arriving Oct 13th. It was amazing!!
There is no place like New England in the fall. I was blessed enough to live there years ago for just a short while and your pics bring back so many beautiful memories of what seems like so long ago. Thank you for sharing your memories so that I can relive mine.
Hi Sue,
I just now saw your comment about my earlier post. During the period of time that you were talking about I was with Mr. Rockwell for the second time. The first time I worked for him was in 1974 when he had a nasty fall (in February no less) from his bicycle and a back injury. It was not a serious injury but just very painful. After that time passed, I would see Molly from time to time and in 1978 we met at a small Harvest Festival put on by the Berkshire Garden Center. She asked me at that time “would you have any time for Norman, you were always his favorite.” Of course I told her I would give him as much time as my current job in CCU would allow and began working a couple of nights a week until Mr. Rockwell passed away in November of1978. Had you ever chosen to walk up to their door they would have been very gracious and might have even invited you in for a cup of tea (and maybe even a whiskey sour–which was their 4 p.m. tradition every day). The conversations we had were interesting and enlightening. I could go on and on with stories that Mr. Rockwell told me about this one (his models) and that one but that would make this post much longer. Maybe some day I will get to tell you some of these fun stories. Right now just let me say that it was a pleasure and a privilege for me to get to know these fine people and be able to take care of Mr. Rockwell.
Enjoy the day!
Bonnie Porro
So interesting Bonnie! Thank you!
Dear Susan, you have no idea what sweetness you bring to my life, I just love you. I am recovering currently from alcoholism and your words, your drawings, your love of life inspire, encourage me. Thank you from the deepness of my heart…
p.s. my kitties bring me such comfort and joy too, as do my two dogs.
Keep strong Suzanne, that is a very difficult disease you are fighting, I applaud your bravery! Big hug to you xoxo.
Susan,
Your fall pictures are beautiful. I live in the Midwest and we had a wonderful, long fall. It is always so exciting when the leaves hang on and you could smell the scents of fall everyday. I could never live without my 4 seasons, they bring new feelings and ideas and refresh my spirit. Thank you for your sweet blog, it warms my heart. patricia
I know, our leaves are still here, it’s still beautiful! We have a nor’easter on the way though, so we are appreciating the beauty while we still have it. Put all the storm windows on today, getting cold! Looking forward to winter !
OMG thanks for sharing that gorgeous piece of God’s creation. I think leaves are every bit as pretty as flowers as they change their identity. You are the most gracious friend for sharing as you go. Laudits for your giving heart and for New England which I dream to visit someday.