In the Good Old Summertime

Another beautiful day in Paradise and lots to share in celebration of the good old Summertime!  And a drawing-winner too! Plus MUSICA

From the land of swaying flowers and fat bumblebees . . .

I bring you the glory of summer . . . starting with ripe tomatoes . . .

This was our first taste, one of our favorite days of every summer, the ripening, the picking, and the eating of the first tomato . . . we shared it, very simple, sourdough toast, mayonnaise, sweet, vine-ripened, still-warm-from-the-garden tomato, salt & pepper … heavenly! Summer joy.

Now this is the part of summer I could really live without. We get humidity sometimes (that’s not rain out there), and it’s so heavy and thick, you actually have to chew it before you can breathe it.

This is how I feel on those days. Hideously inelegant.

So, I turn on the air conditioner, and read in my chair with Jack, my kitty, next to me, while the sun flitters over me, and count my many blessings.

Because soon . . . these summer days will just be a memory . . . even on our walk, the leaves are starting to show the strain of having to hang around for much longer . . . 🍂

So we are intent on getting everything out of these summer days possible. This is my great-niece Maggie who came to visit … she’s nine ~ she would say hello, but she’s busy. We loved enjoying a little bit of summer through her eyes!

And my here’s grand-nephew Wyler… he’s 7 . . .

This is Eliza, who just turned 13 … Look how brave they are… jumping off this bridge is a right of passage in a Vineyard summer.  I don’t think I would do it, but they all did! Their parents too!

There goes Eliza!

Family came to visit! From New Hampshire, my niece Jess, her husband Cory, and their two girls …  and from Durango, Colorado, my nephew Ben, and his wife Paige, and their two boys.💞

And so it was . . . we did all the Vineyard things . . . like clamming … this is Paige, married to my nephew Ben, with their youngest son, Beckett, who’s four ~ he’s got clams!

This is Ben, Ben is Paige’s husband, my nephew, and Jess’s brother …😘

Ben and Jess are the children of my brother, Jim. This picture of Jim and Ben has hung on my wall for years, I LOVE it. Colorado, with snow on the high mountains and wild flowers under their feet, and two good boys. Have I confused you enough name-wise? Well, there will not be a test, ignore everything . . .

That’s Jim, next to me (with rollers in my hair) … back row on right… closest to me in age, he was my partner in crime crowing up … 💖

So, it was wonderful to have his children here . . . this is Jessica, Jim’s daughter, Ben’s sister, my niece, and the mother of these two . . . .❤️

. . .Eliza and Maggie, who’s father, Cory, you’ll meet in a moment.

There he is, in the back row, in pink with the hat on! Here they all are. Lovely people! So much fun!

They brought home lots of clams and Uncle Joe showed the boys how to shuck them. Fascinating!

Then Joe taught them how to make stuffed clams (kind of lost the boys here, but definitely not the rest of us!).

I showed them how to make my Dad’s famous garlic bread (their great-grandfather, hard to believe!). Almost ready for the broiler! (P.66 the new Heart of the Home!)

Of course we had the Island food of choice . . .

Bowls full of steaming lobsters . . . Paige demonstrates, while her son,

Brave Beckett, touches lobster (of course, already cooked).

And me and Jess, we’re just happy!

We ate outside every night. Paper plates, candles, and twinkle lights! Corn on the cob rolled in the butter stick, watermelon chunks, hot bread, crispy potato pancakes, fresh swordfish and juicy pink steak. We had it all!

If you’re happy and you know it, say “Rawr,” and show us your watermelon!

My backyard never looks like this. Ever ever.

But I liked it. They told me this was a “rocket ship to the moon!” Looks pretty good! Excellent imagination and creativity! They got an A!

Inside was a human sacrifice. Somebody had to do it. We’re talking science here, the furtherment of mankind. Three cheers for Beckett!

And here? The proud sisters of Mission Control, Eliza and Maggie.

The first morning, while everyone was still asleep, I peeked out my upstairs bedroom window like I always do to see what the weather is like, and was shocked! Where was I? What’s all that stuff on the lawn? Blink-blink. This can’t be my house!

I went downstairs to find the victim taking his revenge on the girls of Mission Control …

Off we go on an Island tour in the Fine Romance Van! Turn up the MUSICA! Because

We drove all over, had lunch with a fabulous view at the Aquinnah Shop above the Gay Head Cliffs. (That man over there, standing, wearing the hat, really liked us!)

And I can see why . . . Ahhh, family!

Here comes the french fry thief …

This is where we were eating. Very good view from the roof for the french fry thieves. See the three jars down there,  on the left on the railing?

Sun tea. My kind of restaurant.

Here we are in Menemsha (where Jaws was filmed) … walking the jetty, looking at the boats …

Joe got us a plate of ice-cold oysters to share . . . (Jess and Cory again, who run five miles a day or so, even in the humidity!).

Delicious! Icy, shivery, like liquid silver! (If you’ve never had them, don’t worry, they taste MUCH better than they look!)

Here we are, Paige, Joe, Cory, Ben, Beckett, and me … al fresco eating at it’s very best!

While Maggie and Eliza looked for buried treasure . . .

. . .and found it, tiny little shells and beach glass, the best sort of Island souvenirs. (Love the color on Eliza’s nails!)

One day we were looking for these two…found them leaning against the washer and dryer in the pantry. Why? We don’t know . . . Wyler’s T-shirt says “Shark Proof.”

Little pile of sweetness ~ Cousins! Maggie, on the right, is going to be a writer. She was telling me about the Warrior book series she’s been reading (by Erin Hunter) … all the characters are kitties in clans (such as Riverclan or Thunderclan), with names like Tigerstar and Squirrelflight.  She was SO excited and animated telling me about these stories, now I want to read them!

We so enjoyed every moment with them . . . and then as quickly as they came, it was over, poof! and off they went …  but the memories, along with summer, stayed …

So we went looking for some more

Freshest air in the world, salty, windy, lovely sound of the waves . . .

We went to visit Joe’s niece Jennifer and her husband Mark … they live in New York, but they’ve rented this “camp” by the water every summer for years. We had gazpacho (con tomatoes!), salad, and quiche! When I see Jen, I think of this quote . . . ❤️

You get to their house by a very (very!) long dirt road through the woods and scrub oak . . .

The house is unfinished inside, has no insulation, it’s the opposite of fancy, but really comfortable, perfect for reading and dreaming . . .  this is the view from the kitchen window . . . there’s nothing out there but the wind . . . I could barely keep my eyes open!

It was a perfect day for a walk on South Beach ~ that’s Mark and me and Jen, Joe has the camera.

Looking back from the beach to the house …

Can you picture yourself here? Deep breath of ocean air, feeling drowsy? . . . ommmm . . . .

Sometimes people ask me what to do when they come to Martha’s Vineyard, and honestly, this is more or less it. You listen to the screen door slam. It’s the opposite of what to do, it’s more like how to be!

And so, you know Girlfriends, it’s time . . . you have been so patient . . . but Vanna has arrived in all her glory . . . and it’s time to give away the luv-lee journal of Beatrix Potter.

And my story of finding her in the English Countryside, at the end of a very long path I began to walk when I was around 22.

Don’t forget, you lucky winner, about the secret that’s hiding in the back of the Beatrix book!  SO, who shall it be darling Vanna? I want you to know, Vanna’s toenails are polished gold, they’re shiny, like earrings, and she is now perched, toes curled and clutching the edge, on top of my art table. Now she’s up, graceful as a swan, and over, and INTO the vat she dives, with all your names, swirling down and down and down . . . scissor-kicking her way to the bottom, a whirlwind of papers, flying around and through the air now . . . and . . . here . . . she . . . comes . . . clutching one fluttery piece of paper, and now, handing it to me . . . the winner of our luv-lee little giveaway, chosen especially by Vanna from over 2,000 entries from all of you darling kindred spirits, is YOU, dear KERRIE FOLEY, (but only if you promise not to DIE if you win, like you said you would do in your comment!). Because you just did win!

CONGRATULATIONS, KERRIE! I’ll email you; you can reply with your address ~ I’ll sign both of your books and pop them into the mail for you.💞

AND, now it’s almost time for me to go write a new WILLARD, because by the time I’ve written it, and you receive it,  it will almost be September, we will be feeling it (eeek with joy), and I have new news to share.  Make sure you and the ones you love are signed up for this little bit of “All Good News” celebrating the change of season, that starts off a little like this (in case you’ve never seen it):And, oh my goodness! Just as I was about to sign off . . . UPS pulled up outside my window, be still my beating heart … I grabbed my camera . . .

. . .  and ran to the kitchen door, because I feel like I’ve been waiting forever, and now, Hooray! It’s my turn! So many of you have been writing on Twitter and Facebook to tell me you got your cups! And I’ve been whining and moaning because mine hadn’t come yet!!! But just as I was finishing this post, here they are! (Yes, three boxes, I told you I was doing my Christmas shopping!)  Sorry, I was too excited to hold the camera still . . . and then I took a big time-out for the grand opening of the cups …

Ta-daaa! First box I opened turned out to be the Bluebird of Happiness. How appropriate! I love it! 

(‘Course the moment I grabbed the camera and began to run to the door, my shadow was right behind me!) What is it, what is it? A cup? Are you kidding? All this for a cup? 🙀

And then, more appropriate timing . . . the next one out was the Martha’s Vineyard cup!  Then the Santa cup, and then the darling new smaller size, Autumn. Which means, I am SET! 💙What a nice note to end on! Blessings to you all…. I hope you are loving these last lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer, these ARE the good old days!  Thank you for all your sweet comments, Girlfriends. More fun for us to come soon. And now . . . I’m going to make a cup of tea! XOXOX

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1,097 Responses to In the Good Old Summertime

  1. Sue says:

    Autumn from the “heart of the home” – what more could we ask for?

  2. DB says:

    Thank you,Susan, for your posts, pictures, music, recipes and watercolors! It is always a joy to read.

  3. Brittany Bashus says:

    I am so excited to see a few leaves fallen in my yard already! The crisp cool mornings are allowing me to open the windows..until the afternoon heat comes..then I crank up the a.c. once.more! Old movies, Susan Branch’s blogs, The Willard , pumpkin flavor anything are just a few things I love about fall. Thank you for making it extra cozy!

  4. Susan says:

    This is a wonderful tribute to summertime! As always, thank you for sharing your happy moments.

  5. jenny lou blair says:

    Love Susan Branch! I always go to the library and check out Autumn. Would love to own my own. If I don’t win this drawing, this year I will be sure to get one for Christmas.

  6. Ronda says:

    Hi Susan, I so love all your work! I think an Autumn cup is in my future! 🙂 A fan, Ronda

  7. vincy marteinson says:

    I’ve just discovered you and I love every bit of it, your blog, your books, the artistic attention to the details of life……engaging, inspiring, a remarkable joie de vivre.

  8. Rhonda Jen says:

    Fall is my favorite time of the year . I have your Autumn book and I love it. I would love to win one to give to my granddaughter ( who love’s fall time too). Happy Autumn to you Susan !

  9. Robin Hubbard Swanson says:

    Up here in the NW corner of the US we are just now picking vine ripened tomatoes. I’m holding on to summer for as long as possible. BUT I do have to say, your Cranberry Tea Cake has me peeking ahead to Fall! It’s going to be a cozy one!

    • sbranch says:

      We are too, our tomatoes are coming in handfuls now. SO delicious. I’m spreading them with mayo, salt and pepper and wrapping them in ice berg lettuce for lunch, YUM!

  10. Jackie Randall says:

    I love your books and art work. I especially liked your book about your trip to England. I really enjoy your “Willard” email news letter and look forward to it.

  11. Joyce J says:

    Thank you for another wonderful Willard, Susan! I always enjoy your craft which brightens my day. I can only dream of being crafty like you! Maybe someday when I grow up…!

  12. I just love the old music “musica” you have on Willard. It helps me to relax and really enjoy reading your blog. Afterward, I am ready to pour a cup of tea in one of my fancy teacups and ponder what job or craft I shall tackle next. I am inspired!

  13. Carla Mann says:

    You always make me so happy and make the loving things from the past come forward again. Thank you for all you do.

  14. Karen Werth says:

    Was thinking of you as I read the Sept issue of Victoria magazine which is
    all about places in England. I Love anything about Jane Austen and also Beatrix Potter so was pleased they each have a part in this issue. Was wondering if you
    have ever attended the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair that
    is featured in this issue? It is held six times annually and I thought it might have fit in with one of your trips. Looking forward to you taking us along on your next
    trip through your blog and twitter.

    • sbranch says:

      I tried to find dates for 2018… but so far I don’t see anything. Maybe we’ll get to go! Thank you Karen!

  15. Carolyn M. Keenum says:

    Hi Susan! Greetings from western North Carolina where we were in the ‘totality’ zone of last week’s eclipse! It was so thrilling! Loved your moon shadows of it there too! The Willard newsletters are pure happiness. I save them all. Thank you for taking time to write them! My 5 kitties send their love to yours!

  16. Anne Spiers says:

    Thank-you Susan for your wonderful blog! My sister Sally in California e-mailed me and my sister Sue in New Zealand the link for your blog. We’re all Beatrix Potter lovers and cat lovers. We all enjoy baking too so we have quite a few things in common with you.
    All three of us went on an expedition two years ago, to the Lake District to visit Beatrix Potter’s home and gardens. It was great to share this experience. My husband and I have just emigrated to England after living most of our lives till now in New Zealand. Both of our adult children live here, and they’ve been asking us for years to consider moving here, so after much thought and prayer, we did! Like you, family is really important to us.

    • sbranch says:

      I can tell, look at you all, keeping in close touch, California, New Zealand, and England! We’re so lucky these days to have the Internet to keep us in close touch though far away … didn’t used to be that way, people really lost their family ties totally when they relocated. One more blessing to count! Tell your sisters I said Hello!

  17. Jane Hahn says:

    I love the pictures of your kitchen and kitty. I have an original 1939 kitchen in my house and intend to keep it that way even though many people ask “when are you going to modernize” I say “Never”.

  18. Annita Sooy says:

    Just finished reading The Fairy Tale Girl and Isle of Dreams.
    Loved both of them!

  19. Lisa Cain says:

    I am always in love with your posts!

  20. Marissa says:

    Id love to win this!!!

  21. Bobbie says:

    Ah! As always Willard has been a marvelous breath of fresh sea air in my hectic day! Thank you

  22. Sandra Parker says:

    Love, love my mugs!

  23. Wende Taylor says:

    Love Willard, love your blog, love you! So much deliciousness to read. Happy now. 😁

  24. Misty Watkins says:

    Susan, always a pleasure! Thank you for making my day!

  25. Susan Armentrout says:

    This is the beginning of my favorite time of year. Finally, the sweltering days are over and now I can open the windows back up to enjoy the breezes. I love to see curtains billowing in the windows. I actually had to pull the sheet up in the middle of the night, first time in months.
    Bring on the leaves, the pumpkins and the warm drinks on the porch.

  26. Carolyn Thomas. says:

    You make me feel happy every time I click on to you.

    I have had so many cups of tea with you I feel I know you.

  27. Karen M says:

    It is always such a happy surprise when a Willard is in my inbox! Thank you for your special view of the world. Autumn is such a magical time of year 🙂

  28. Karen Gooding says:

    Thank you for your wonderful website–reading what you have to say always calms me down no matter how crazy the day has been!

  29. Vanessa says:

    Wonderful newsletter and blog. Can’t wait for the Castle Cottage Cup!

  30. Marilyn Ghere says:

    Loved the Willard, especially your idea about collecting vintage recipe boxes, making them special with your paintings and quotes, of course leaving the old dividers and recipes inside and then giving them as gifts. I have my Grandmother’s recipe box with recipes inside—most of them in her handwriting. I recently watched the movie, “A Street Cat Named Bob” by James Bowen (a true story). I really liked it and thought you and your cat-lover readers would too. Now I’m reading the book.

  31. Darla Bizub says:

    Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. You brighten my work days with hope and faith that goodness is out there. I’m a probation officer and when things get tough and I need an uplift, I travel to your blog and get lost in your world. My favorite time of the year is Autumn….it brings a coziness to my world. I go home, light my kitchen fireplace and relax….I just need my Autumn Mug to make it better!!!!! Have a great day Susan and thank you again for being a big part of my life.

  32. Nancy S. Horsfield says:

    We have retired to a small lake in N.E. CT and are experiencing many of the same things happening here that are appearing on the Vineyard as summer winds down and fall sneaks quietly up on us. A leaf here & there shows a hint of color to come, and mornings now bring a mist that swirls softly off the lake. Oh the beauty of it all!

  33. Susan Forsythe says:

    My mom gave me your “Heart of the Home Cookbook” back in 1996 for my birthday. I have used your pie crust recipe (with a few modifications!) ever since. I must admit, it’s a winner!! Many, many delicious pie crusts for my pies!! Thanks!!

    • sbranch says:

      There is nothing like a home made pie crust is there, really nothing. And you hardly ever get them anymore. Which is why I particularly like taking a pie to a pot luck, for the mind-blowing effect of the flakiness only experienced in days gone by.xoxo

  34. Ruth Howard says:

    OMG!!! I just received the Martha’s Vineyard cup today and I am speechless. It is absolutely gorgeous…so much more so than I’d imagined! Thank you so much for your beautiful work.

    • sbranch says:

      It’s like a little diamond isn’t it Ruth? I’m so happy with them! I can’t decide which is my favorite, but this one is rising to the top! xoxo Glad you like it too! xoxo

  35. Christina Garcia says:

    Hi Susan ! One of my most treasured possessions is my copy of your “Autumn” cookbook. I was one of the many delighted women who went to Vroman’s Book Store on September 1, 2004 to get a copy of your new book. I was thrilled to get a chance to chat with you and have you autograph my book. I was even luckier as I took a camera & have a wonderful photo of the two of us which I have secured in my copy of “Autumn”. I was literally giddy at the experience. Your Sweet Mother was there and so was Joe. A very special day indeed. Thank You ! ❤️xo

  36. Lynn says:

    Autumn is in the air and what a wonderful, sweet surprise to find Willard in my mail!!

  37. Renee Laurent says:

    What delightful journeys I take while reading “Willard.” Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  38. Love your “lazy summer days”, children enjoying the beach and the summer games. Also looking forward to trying the zucchini bread–Your recipes always sound so “yummy”😊

  39. Sue Lane says:

    Dearest Susan, I have been your fan since it seems like the beginning of time – your time! As a young wife, I would purchase Country Living magazine just to get your beautiful recipes. I would cut them out of the magazine and promise to frame each one to hang in my kitchen. Being a military wife with numerous moves, I never had the time or chance, but I’m sure I still have them somewhere in a box. I have purchased and enjoyed all of your books – with smiles and tears. Thank you for being so creative and kind and warming my heart!

  40. Jodie says:

    Thank you for a wonderful start to my day!

  41. Gail McGowan says:

    Oh you now have me in an autumn mood! Love your work!

  42. Juie Dickerson says:

    What lovely summer pictures! Yes, I love summer by the water, too. I am loving Lake Michigan vistas. Eagles and loons and sunlight dancing on the woodland paths.
    I look forward to enjoying fall tea in one of your splendid cups!

  43. Susan Embody says:

    When I allow myself the time to spend with you, I feel so “happy ” Thank You! You are so blessed 🐿

  44. Jean D. says:

    I first saw Martha’s Vineyard in a bookstore while vacationing in Virginia Beach and decided I wanted it for Christmas. I mentioned it to my husband and he surprised me with it (not really since I asked for it) as a present. I immediately fell in love with your story and the lovely drawings as well as the photos. All I can say is that your stories and art work make me happy everytime I open the book and reread it again for the hundredth time. If anyone has not yet read A Fine Romance I highly encourage you to as well. My favorite part is when Joe asks Susan to go to Boston and Page 28 will melt your heart so sweet and romantic. You’ll have to get the book and see what I mean. Thank you Susan for the joy you’ve brought to me through your work! Jean

  45. Gayle Rexroad says:

    Have so many of your beautiful treasures. You are truly a gift to all of us and we thank you for your sweetness and talents.

  46. Jenny says:

    I love your Willards, and the special things you intersperse. For some reason they remind of my Mother, who I miss every day. The baking, laughing, just being together. Oh, how I miss her. You take me to a wonderful place.

    Your quote is so true: “Nothing on Earth can make up for the loss of one who has loved you.” Selma Lagerlog. Susan Branch, Autumn.

    Thank you.

  47. Nancy P says:

    I so enjoy my time relaxing to read Willard. You transport me away from stress for a time. You remind me to enjoy the small pleasures in my life. I love your mugs and your cookbooks.🤗 Thank you, Nancy

  48. Mercedes Weinz says:

    I love reading your blog. I’m from Long Island and have been transplanted in florida for the past 30 years!

  49. Toni from Sylvania OH says:

    LOVE…LOVE…L.O.V.E….. my new cups!!! love and prayers, Toni xoxoxo

  50. Kathleen Proctor says:

    Enjoy reading your blogs and love Martha’s Vineyard. Look forward to reading about snail mail “Willards!”😊

  51. PAT Daughtry says:

    Love your art and your recipes.

  52. Gretchen Roche says:

    I still remember how splendid it was to meet you and Joe in Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville, NC! ❤️ If Vanna happens to select my name, I shall share your treasures with my beautiful Mom. We are both grieving the loss of our most dearest cat, Chloe. Like all kitties, she was an angel with fur!

  53. Susie Cross says:

    This is the best treasure to remember you by. We need something in our lives right now to lighten our spirits and smile as we dream of all the beautiful word and art pictures you share. I’m sure I’ve followed you for 30 plus years and these books and cup keep us dreaming of sweet autumn days, my favorite time of year also. Blessings to you.

  54. Lorelai says:

    I love winter, spring, summer and fall all wrapped up reading books written by you. It would be such a treat to get this package.

  55. Susan says:

    I really need your cookbooks. Looove them but I don’t have any soooo,it would be so wonderful if I had one. My bff gave me your book of the latest trip to the UK. Wonderfu l

  56. Sandy says:

    I love Autumn! (and your posts; and I received my package today! Yay!)

  57. Teresa Smith says:

    Love that you listen, feel, and so enjoy the simple things of life and that you share with others your talent so generously.

  58. Kathy Robbins-Wise says:

    Speaking of Gratitude…I am so grateful for you! It is so delightful to take a few minutes to listen to musica and read Willard. It brings rest to my soul and brightens my day. Thank you so much!!!

  59. Cindy Carter says:

    Susan, thank you so much! You ALWAYS make me laugh out loud and my day is just better when I read your books (I love, love. loved them) & newsletters. And the quotes–one of my very favorite things!! How about this one: “a smile is the light in the window of a face that says the heart is at home and waiting”

  60. Loved reading Martha’s Vineyard, I love the sun photos, I like to do Shadow
    Photos. I love zucchini bread, have to try this one, I had a friend that put
    some crushed pineapple in hers. Its hard to believe but fall is on its way, I’m in
    California & it HOT . I live on the central coast & usually its cooler then every
    where else, not so right now. We do have air & use it on these HOT days, feels
    so good. Love your drawings & your MUSICA, brings me back to THOSE days.
    Thanks Susan P.S. I once met you at a Christian Womens luncheon in Santa
    Maria & had you sign my Autumn Cooking book. Thank you

  61. Carol Kennedy says:

    Oh Fall. It’s almost here!!! Your just mentioning it, and the light shadows and sweet bread makes it seem closer!! Thanks, Susan!!!

  62. Pam Erselius says:

    Dear Susan,
    I love the coziness of your paintings and words. Thank you a million times!!!!
    Love, Pam

  63. LaDonna Smith says:

    Love your books and all your posts.

  64. Sally says:

    Fall, my favorite season! I will miss the hummers…they are frantically feeding before
    Their time to head south from this lovely Mitten-Michigan!

  65. Ruty Coyle says:

    I am as much in love with Susan Branch artwork as I am with Autumn. Your paintings, the colors, the quotes, the recipes, …”and no one understood the depth of her love of Autumn…no one, that is, but Susan Branch!” Thank you for sharing your talent with the world–I can’t get enough of it (in any season)!

  66. Janet McCarthy says:

    I just finished reading your book “A Fine Romance” and loved it even more than the first time I read it. I also realized that my daughter and I were in the Lake District just two months after you were. We also toured and savored Hill Top Farm. I took her for her graduation trip from High School. It was a wonderful trip. Reading your book again took me right back there. Thank you

  67. Janet F Richter says:

    Thank you, Susan, for all of your wonderful words and illustrations! Your books and emails are inspiring as well as all of your artwork. Love your photos from England as my Mother was born there. Keep up the great inspirational work!

  68. Kathleen Cira says:

    Of all the seasons Autumn is my favorite. Blessings

  69. Sandy says:

    Susan, today I finished reading To the New Owners, a MV memoir by Madeleine Blais. Loved it and thought of you a number of times. Always enjoy your blog and Willard – thanks for sharing.

  70. Teresa says:

    Win something!! Win something from Susan Branch! Be still my beating heart. If only it were possible. If I saw the UPS show up at my door knowing I had won a book I would sequel with delight but to win a cup as well! My heart would race I think my knees would grow weak while although the while I am breathlessly opening the package. I would call all my friends and exclaim what a wonderful gift I had won. As all my Susan Branch books hold their position on their own special shelf for all to see, the cup would sit like a King on a little throne. I would lovingly drink my tea from it, run my fingers over it and smile while looking out my window and wonder what Susan was seeing exactly at that moment out hers.

    • sbranch says:

      I hope you win. Right now, writing you, out my window is wind and bare sunrise, not quite up yet, it’s quiet time before the day begins. I’m drinking my tea out of bluebird cup this time!

  71. Teresa Salyer says:

    I so enjoy your attention to the smallest details of the joys in everyday happenings the little treasures that add up to be our lives. When I read your Willard and your blog I am transported back to my childhood days of observing details. How refreshing to be reminded that we as adults can still enjoy the beauty of “life” all around us if we only slow down and observe.
    Thank you, for sharing yourself, it always evokes an emotion, a smile, an Awe, a chuckle, peace, reflection and a desire to become more aware with gratefulness You truly are a fun person.
    I want to let you know that I just moved to another state and your books were one of the first things brought to the house and placed on their own shelf. Now all that is missing is your cups to sit with them!
    I also enjoyed the video of the birds, I’m sure many of us do,
    but I too feed and take pictures of birds and keep a bird book close by to identify newbies) Have a wonderful September

  72. Nancy Weinstein says:

    Dear Susan,
    You are truly a blessing to us all. Your stories take us away to a wonderful place of peace and happiness . I love your pictures of all the old dishes, fabrics, and special stuff. I have all your books and of course saved all the calendars.I have made many of your recipes. You are special. Thank you for sharing your life on Martha’s Vineyard.
    Nancy

  73. Carrie cline says:

    Love your blog posts! Thank you and never stop writing ! And ps pick me 💚

  74. Lee Ann says:

    Fall is finally in the air in my hometown. Love it.

  75. Kaye Licherdell says:

    I love your summertime tea and recipes and notes on the changing light and shadows. Almost overnight our leaves have changed to yellow. Sigh, it’s Fall.

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