31 Comments
Apr 10Liked by Ann Hood

This is so much fun! I don’t know why but it reminds me of the very first Spannocchia when we met in the extremely cold, drafty barn and you enchanted us (your old guard Hoods) with your fingerless gloves & black Frye boots & craft lessons we still quote. Thank you for all the recommendations!

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That was such a special week! I hope we are all together again somewhere wonderful before too long.

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Apr 7Liked by Ann Hood

When I read your newsletter, I can hear your voice and your laugh and can almost imagine you are here at the table in my kitchen.

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Thanks for the great update. I have subscribed to your three recommended newsletters. Looking forward to discussing books in June. A new current favorite (courtesy of Susan Cheever) is Dervla McTiernan.

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I will look that writer up! Looking forward to June.

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Apr 5Liked by Ann Hood

It's been raining nonstop here in WV but I always feel happy when I read your substance and also your husband's! I always jot down your recommendations for books, movies, and, of course. food!

My sisters and I sold our family home a few years ago after struggling for a year with what to sell and pitch! Every day a little piece of our hearts broke. I have a hard time driving by that home and still glance to see if maybe my mom might be in the yard waving! Thank you, Ann!

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Oh, Pamela! I can’t drive by our old house either. Thank you for sharing.

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I used to teach writing at WVU (with Gail Adams) and taught your essay on traveling and eating in Puglia! My students loved it! I still love it!

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Apr 5Liked by Ann Hood

And looking forward to reading about your experience losing your mother and selling the family home. I just lived that in 2023.

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So sorry, Rachele.

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Thanks, we all go through it, right?

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Apr 5Liked by Ann Hood

Good rain gear is key, you are well kitted out! I rarely use an umbrella anymore, much happier with a good raincoat with hood!

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I agree! My raincoat does have a terrific hood if I get caught without my hat.

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Apr 5Liked by Ann Hood

Your essay about your family home is so thoughtful and moving. Thank you for sharing it today!

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Thank you, Cynthia!

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Apr 5Liked by Ann Hood

I have a trusty mint green Stutterheim! Love it, and of course it’s used on a VERY regular basis in British rainy weather. Xx

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Great color choice!

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Apr 5Liked by Ann Hood

I love reading your newsletter. This morning at the breakfast table I am wiping my eyes and blinking very hard so my husband will not ask me why I am crying first thing today. This after reading your article in Yankee Magazine on selling your mother's home. I did a similar thing a few years ago after my mother died. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I like you couldn't wait to leave that house, but my mother loved it very much. 💕

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Thank you for sharing this, Sally. One of the hardest things indeed.

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Ann, thank you so much for the mention - you're the best! I love your rain gear and I'm definitely getting some of those boots...

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I want your honest opinion of them! Thank you for making me laugh every Monday morning!

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Ah thanks for the Substack shout-out for the Bethannigan! Also I love the new bedroom! Is that a dictionary on the stand? I miss when folks had paper dictionaries.

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It’s my OED! My son gave it to me one Christmas.

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Apr 5Liked by Ann Hood

So look forward to reading your three things!

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Thank you!

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Thank you for sharing it, Ellen.

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So anxiety producing, those twisted stitches! I just constantly check that all the stitches are facing me instead of out. And pray.

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Love this. I sent Memory House to my brother.

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I just read your Yankee magazine piece on selling your family home. Thank you so much for sharing it, It really captured so much of what I felt and continue to feel.

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