Saturday, January 25, 2014

Grow Your Blog

Welcome to the Grow Your Blog Party hosted by Vicki at 2 Bags Full.
2 Bags Full
And welcome to my blog about daily life and travel.
My name is Tammy.
I've been married to Sam for 19 years; our oldest son is currently at college in Colorado, Zack is in 10th grade and Jingles will be 10 years old in April.

You can learn more about the story of how I came to Kuwait by reading my guest post over at The Moksi Homes, a new website recently started by blog friend Maureen who lives in Dubai.  (Thanks to all you fabulous folks who already went there and left a comment.  You are awesome!)
It was at the insistence of my cousin, Gwen, that I hit publish on my first blog post on July 22, 2009.  Ironically, she is no longer blogging, and although my posts have been rather sporadic this past year, I do enjoy the interactions and the friends I've made through this little old blog of mine.
Last summer I had the privilege of meeting Val at Yarni Gras who is also a participant in the party, so head over and give her a shout out.  Hi Val!

 And lo and behold, I just rediscovered Beth who was one of only 3 people to leave a comment on one of my very first posts.  She is still blogging at Beyond the Garden Gate and I see that she will be joining the Grow Your Blog party.  It really is a small world after all.

Walking, eating healthy, crocheting, crafting, traveling are an intrinsic part of my life.
I choose to live each day with an attitude of gratitude and find joy in the simple things.
I am grateful for Vicki and her desire to constantly do good and give back.  She works tirelessly for so many wonderful causes.

As a thank you for your visit today, I will be giving away a variety of items collected on our travels, along with a few handmade things (more will be added).  The winner will be chosen from comments left on this post and will be announced on February 15th.
Enjoy the party!
I look forward to meeting and greeting all of you.
Best wishes and blessings, 
at

74 comments:

  1. QuinnJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:24 AM

    Tammy, however often or rarely you post, I am always so happy to read your blog! You are an inspiration to me :)

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  2. NancyJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:27 AM

    OK, Tammy, you're at the front of the line! It's already January 25th there...we're still getting there on our side of the world! Here's to a fun and eventful blogging party! =)

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  3. Teresa KasnerJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:38 AM

    A lot of blogger are joining this.. I'll have to go check it out. Enjoy the weekend!
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  4. Taci simmonsJanuary 25, 2014 at 10:31 AM

    That looks like a fun blog party! Enjoy it Tammie. I'm going to go visit the other bloggers. Have a fun weekend.

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  5. Tanya January 25, 2014 at 10:31 AM

    Hi, Tammy - been gone for a little over a month, between going home to Colorado the day after Christmas, and just getting back last week, but with a terrific (actually HORRific) head cold! Back to blogging, and looking forward to catching up with you and others! Where in CO is your son going to school? Heading over to read the Moksi Homes blog next - XOXOXO Tanya

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  6. homemade@myplaceJanuary 25, 2014 at 10:53 AM

    I didn't know anything about this party and now I'm really curious!!!
    Thank you, xxxxxxx Ale

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  7. kate steeperJanuary 25, 2014 at 1:42 PM

    Visiting from Grow Your Blog , my mini world tour has another spot to visit ,...Thankyou

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  8. andreaJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    I love your blog - it is always a very peaceful place to be! Thank you

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  9. MeredithJanuary 25, 2014 at 3:43 PM

    Tammy, I adore you and your blog. Love to hear about your family, travels and life. I am not joining the party so do not put me down for the giveaway, I think that should be for participants. Wishing you are wonderful day.
    Meredith

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  10. September VioletsJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:48 PM

    Good morning Tammy! How I've enjoyed reading through your posts (sporadic or not!) because they're filled with interesting places and you have great insight into the world around you. Have a great weekend, and enjoy the party ;) Wendy x

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2014 at 5:04 PM

    Hi Tammy, I'm Beth one of Vicki's GYB party volunteers. I am very happy to meet you and look forward to reading future posts... (I am your newest follower :D) I hope you have lots of fun at the blog party and wish you much success at "Growing Your Blog"!
    Hugs and have a great weekend,
    Beth P

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  12. Marguerite (Tina) Smith HartJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:33 PM

    Although I was too late to sign up for the party I was happy to see your post! As you know I have been "sporadic" in my posting this past year also and was looking forward to getting back in the saddle in 2014 and lucky me I came across the "party" that gives me so many new blogs to visit and get to know.
    I hope you have been well and I will definitely check out your friend's blog. Take care!

    Tina xo

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  13. SusanJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:46 PM

    Hello Tammy.....I always love seeing your posts, photos and taking a peek into your life! Your philosophies of simple living, gratitude and service to others are very similar to mine. Hope your entire weekend is great! Susan

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  14. Patty AntleJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:49 PM

    Hi Tammy! I enjoyed getting to know you better. I often wondered how you arrived in Kuwait. I loved seeing your family and your home. You have been an inspiration to me. So glad you are a part of blog land.

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  15. Gracey is not my name....January 25, 2014 at 7:02 PM

    I missed signing up for the party, but it'll be fun to read the blogs involved.

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2014 at 7:47 PM

    Hi, I'm Linda from craftygardener.ca and I found your site from the Grow Your Blog event. I'd love to be entered into you give away of lovely items. It has been nice browsing through your blog. Hope you have time to visit me.

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  17. lindaJanuary 25, 2014 at 7:59 PM

    Hi Tammy it's always lovely to read your posts and even nicer to learn a little bit more about you, I have just read your guest post and left a comment I found it so interesting because I did a similar thing in 1975 seems like a life time ago now. I'm really enjoying this party even though I'm not taking part it's fun reading everyone's posts. have a great weekend :)

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  18. okcampJanuary 25, 2014 at 8:09 PM

    Hi Tammy,
    Hope all is well in your part of the world. I always enjoy your posts and photos of the beautiful architecture and food. Stay well.
    Diane

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  19. CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMSJanuary 25, 2014 at 8:29 PM

    Hello Tammy, It has been nice getting to know you over the last year. I have admired all your crocheting projects and I have especially enjoyed seeing your world during your walks. Hugs Judy

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  20. EvalinaMariaJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:46 PM

    Hello from another 'grow your blog' participant. I've been following your blog for a while... Are you enjoying this party as much as I do?
    Evalina, This and that...

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  21. Deborah MontgomeryJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:48 PM

    I'm visiting from the GYB party. what a lot of beautiful places you have been to. what a blessing to see so much of the world!

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  22. UnknownJanuary 25, 2014 at 10:32 PM

    Exotic gifts from afar….I love it!

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  23. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 25, 2014 at 10:51 PM

    Dearest Tammy,
    It has been quite a joy for visiting your blog for the past years. You are one of the most genuine and sincere bloggers around with original and personal content!
    Hugs to you and many more years of virtual friendship.
    Mariette

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  24. GillJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:29 PM

    Hi Tammy
    Great to meet you!!

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  25. Yarni Gras!January 26, 2014 at 12:08 AM

    Our posts really are alike! Miss ya sweetie.

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  26. Helen PhilippsJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:10 AM

    Hello Tammy I'm glad I found your blog (a long time ago now) and I always enjoy my visits to you! I have only just heard about the GYB party, so I look forward to finding out more. Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    Helen xox

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  27. Ella and NestaJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:59 AM

    Hello! Great to meet you thanks to the GYB party! Love your "About me"!

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  28. Silke PowersJanuary 26, 2014 at 2:33 AM

    Hi Tammy! Such a beautiful blog!! Wow! And thank you for visiting my blog earlier. I added yours to my sidebar so I will be back to visit often!! Greetings from Savannah!! xoxo Silke

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  29. Cache-MireJanuary 26, 2014 at 2:45 AM

    Hi Tammy! So nice to meet you through this party! Love your blog and reading about your travels. I enjoy learning about places I've yet gotten to visit. I'll be following... Hugs, Terri

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  30. CreateologyJanuary 26, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    Tammy I don't know when I began following your blog however I am so happy to have found you and your love of traveling and crocheting and eating healthy. Happy Birthday to Jingles who shows me how to enjoy life at a leisurely pace. Creative Blessings Dear...

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  31. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartJanuary 26, 2014 at 5:08 AM

    SO nice stopping by and catching up! Sitting here with a cup of tea and enjoying your photos and story about moving to Kuwait.

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  32. Blondie's JournalJanuary 26, 2014 at 6:29 AM

    Tammy,

    I've always wondered what brought you to Kuwait so I will be going next to Maureen's to read your post. I so enjoy your blog and I'm glad I found it last year. I know you have a great sense of adventure and also a very sweet nurturing side with your pretty needlework and love of nature and your surroundings. It's been a pleasure getting to know you! :)

    XO,
    Jane

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  33. PallaviJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:56 PM

    Hi Tammy,

    Thank for visiting my blog and for the kind words. You do have a great space here and I look forward to reading about your adventures in Kuwait! Following you :)

    Thanks,
    Pallavi

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  34. RostroseJanuary 26, 2014 at 3:50 PM

    Hi dearest Tammy,
    thanks for linking to your guest-post at The Moksi Homes - now I know a little bit more about your life and I'm happy about that! I don't know if you read all comments there so I'll reproduce it here again for you:
    Dearest Tammy & Maureen,
    I follow Tammy for many years, and yet I did not know the exact story of how she came to Kuwait. I can well understand the “internal struggle” – at all when it comes to the question of leaving a beloved animal or expose it such a strenuous trip. Also I would be interested to know how the life of Scooter went on. It’s understandabe that lifestyle is changing in a country that is so different from the old home-country – and this circumstances are changing the decorative preferences, too. I just moved from the city to the country and there is no longer much use of my old decorative objects…
    Warm hugs from cold (and today a bit snowy) Austria,
    Traude

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  35. DebraKay NeimanJanuary 26, 2014 at 4:30 PM

    I am having fun finding new bloggers to follow...love sewing and quilting. Greetings from Oklahoma, USA. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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  36. Martha's FavoritesJanuary 26, 2014 at 6:28 PM

    Hi Tammy: So good to hear from you. Your life still look so adventurous. I am glad you are doing well. Please say hi to Gwen when you hear from her. Take care of yourself. I will try and stop by more often. Sending hugs your way, Martha

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  37. Elizabeth EdwardsJanuary 26, 2014 at 6:44 PM

    going to check out your last jaunt. hi there. i'm Beth from E. Lizard Breath Speaks - so nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog get together/party. ( :
    elizardbreathspeaks@gmail.com

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  38. MelanieJanuary 26, 2014 at 8:26 PM

    I'm not familiar with the Grown Your Blog party, but I'll have to check it out! I just read your last post too, about your trip to Jordan. You are quite the world traveler! Your husband's aunt's house looks beautiful. Lovely giveaway you have going...you know I would be thrilled to win! :-)

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  39. Grammy BraxtonJanuary 26, 2014 at 10:14 PM

    Tammy, love reading your blog and the fact that we have connected through these blogs. Blogging for me has been a wonderful way to meet new friends and see other parts of the world. I'm working on blogging more often and having bloggy friends like you help that. I'm going to go over and read your guest post and check out the other blogs you mentioned. Have a wonderful week. Hugs, Sharon

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  40. podsoJanuary 26, 2014 at 10:40 PM

    Hi Tammy, Enjoyed your pictures of Jordan in the previous post and learning a little more about you here. I'm sure it's a bit hard to have your son so far away for college. I hope you get to see him every so often and of course you may Skype a bit! Have a great week.

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  41. BetsyJanuary 27, 2014 at 3:02 AM

    Hi Tammy, I'm heading over to read your story right now! I'm a bit behind on my reading-it's been a busy weekend but I wanted to let you know that it's been wonderful connecting with your through this blogging world we inhabit.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  42. WhoMomJanuary 27, 2014 at 7:43 AM

    Wow! Having never had a passport it is amazing to see how many people travel-and still can't figure out how they afford it! Your souvenirs look lovely and I will head over and read your story to find out more.

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  43. KateJanuary 27, 2014 at 7:34 PM

    Great post :-) Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I've been trying to get caught up on my blog reading. Looking forward to catching up with you :-)

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  44. AnithaJanuary 27, 2014 at 8:23 PM

    Hi Tammy, so glad to know you through GYB party.. Wow you've been to so many places! You have an amazing blog and you look absolutely gorgeous in saree:) I lived in Sharjah for the past 2 years.. Now enjoying my days lazily in India before moving to Abu Dhabi.. Looking forward to read all your posts. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hugs:)

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  45. UnknownJanuary 27, 2014 at 9:22 PM

    Tammy! I am so glad we met through the Grow Your Blog party! I am truly looking forward to following your life's adventures! xoxo Jen

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  46. BethJanuary 27, 2014 at 9:29 PM

    Nice to have met through the blog party. I feel as though my whole has opened into another dimension. I will enjoy following your travels.

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  47. TriciaJanuary 27, 2014 at 9:29 PM

    Merry Meet Tammy,

    What a great blog!!! You now have another follower. My Inner Gpysy is ENVIOUS!!! Aaahhh well I guess I'll have to travel the world the only way I can and that is thru that net.... Yours has me almost smelling the spices of the Middle Eastern Culture...
    Thank You for the generous giveaway. I bet you have some wonderful wonderful post cards to go with your memories!! Me & My Son would love to win theses goodies.

    In Kind Regards,
    Tricia

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  48. LindaJanuary 27, 2014 at 10:33 PM

    Nice to meet you Tammy. I have become of a follower of your blog. I would love to be entered in your giveaway.
    Thank you for visiting my blog.

    Linda

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  49. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2014 at 2:10 AM

    What an interesting story at Modi Homes and your life in Kuwait!. I was born and raised in Chicago and have lived here ALL of my life. I actually have lived in the house I am in for 43 years! But my hubby and I do love to travel. YOur blog is interesting and fun. Enjoy the bloghopping! Thanks for visiting mine.

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  50. SheilaJanuary 28, 2014 at 2:59 AM

    You have visited so many interesting places , I know I will enjoy reading more so am now a follower . Greetings from Nova Scotia .

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  51. ClaireJanuary 28, 2014 at 10:47 AM

    Lovely to meet you Tammy, and thank you for leaving such a lovely comment on my blog :)
    Keeping my fingers crossed for your giveaway - a great selection of goodies!
    Would you like to enter my giveaway - I couldn't tell from your comment?
    I didn't make the instructions very clear, so I'm adding names of those who expressed interest to the giveaway post to make sure their name goes in the hat...
    Blessings x

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  52. ClaireJanuary 28, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    So sorry, Tammy, I've just seen your name IS in the giveaway post comments - some days I'm just too blonde to see straight... sorry, don't mind me :)

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  53. crafty cat cornerJanuary 28, 2014 at 12:28 PM

    Hi Tammy
    I have enjoyed your blog for some time now and miss you when you take time out. Your simplicity and wise words have often given me food for thought and your little proverbs are inspiring.
    Thankyou
    Briony
    x

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  54. DagmarJanuary 28, 2014 at 2:59 PM

    hello Tammy,
    I missed signing up this year as I knew we would be away. I can imagine you will discover new women who will be so happy to have met you, I know I am.
    Xo
    Dagmar

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  55. Caterina GiglioJanuary 28, 2014 at 5:52 PM

    lovely post... and looks like a fun bloghop!

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  56. Tisha DoltonJanuary 28, 2014 at 7:28 PM

    Wow. What an amazing this to live in a "foreign country." My daughter keeps pestering me to move to the UK. We visited London this past May, in her 1st international trip! I never left the US until I was 23 & in college. She was 11!

    Thanks for visiting my redwork/ embroidery blog. This Grow Your Blog party has been a great all-around experience. I have met so many interesting bloggers!

    aprilsongstress

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  57. the east coast desiJanuary 28, 2014 at 10:23 PM

    Hello Tammy,
    Hoping over from GYB party.....love all the travel tales. Your one lucky woman to experience places in person through travel. Will be coming back to catch up on more!!!
    Warmly,
    Sruthi

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  58. Roses, Lace and BrocanteJanuary 28, 2014 at 10:46 PM

    Hello dearest Tammy
    I've finally caught up with you at another blog as part of Vicki's party!
    A lovely giveaway - a treat in store for whoever wins!
    See you soon
    Hugs
    Shane

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  59. Travel With LuluJanuary 29, 2014 at 10:19 AM

    Hi Tammy, It is so fun that we are reconnecting via Maureen's blog! Kuwait must be a fascinating place to live. Big hugs from England :)

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  60. AishwaryaJanuary 29, 2014 at 3:19 PM

    Hi Tammy

    Glad we became frens through blogland. Glad we met (virtually:) Such is blogland. Wonderful. How easy to learn so much, share so much and sprinkle happiness on the way !! Do I sound poetical... haha

    You have a wonderful day

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  61. BirgitJanuary 31, 2014 at 2:15 AM

    Hi Tammy,

    You met Val? That's way cool! :)

    Anyway, I am glad that I found your blog through this party. I will be sure to come back, as you definitely have a lot of interesting things to share.

    Lots of greetings from Germany,
    Birgit

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  62. Sarah and DanJanuary 31, 2014 at 11:11 PM

    So enjoy seeing everyone's blogs- thanks for sharing more about you.

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  63. Joyce CarterFebruary 1, 2014 at 3:51 AM

    Hi Tammy. I have enjoyed visiting your blog and seeing all the gorgeous pictures. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  64. ACBeadsFebruary 1, 2014 at 3:51 AM

    Hi Tammy!

    I'm visiting from the GYB party. The Doors of Aman post and this quote "I choose to live each day with an attitude of gratitude and find joy in the simple things." has made me start following your writings and photos.

    All the best.
    Ana

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  65. LindaFebruary 2, 2014 at 9:03 PM

    Hi Tammy and thank you for stopping by my blog today, my dad managed his first laptop lesson quite well. I let him 'have a go' on his own while I was on hand if he needed me. He got the hang of wishlists on a couple of shopping sites and he browsed through a few sites for his hobby which is Military models.
    You have a very beautiful blog and your photographs are just awesome, it's amazing how blogging can form such good friendships.I am rather like yourself, totally enjoying the blogging experience and the interaction with others who pass by my world, I think I may be blogging for quite some time.

    have a great day x

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  66. DianaFebruary 5, 2014 at 11:57 PM

    Hi Tammy--thanks for visiting me at Adirondack Girl @ Heart :) What an exciting life you're leading! We had the chance to live in England for two years and we loved it. Home in the US now; love it here, too:) Blessings, Diana

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  67. hafzaFebruary 8, 2014 at 6:44 PM

    Hello Tammy. I'm visiting from the GYB party. I've been enjoying reading your blog and your travelling adventures. Thanks for the chance with the giveaway!

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  68. UnknownFebruary 10, 2014 at 12:56 AM

    Great blog and giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win. Jackie

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  69. Judy Cooper Textile ArtistFebruary 11, 2014 at 5:05 AM

    Visiting from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Nice to meet you. Your photos are wonderful. Thanks for sharing and the lovely giveaway.

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  70. SherylFebruary 11, 2014 at 7:44 PM

    Hi Tammy, pleased to meet you and find your blog via the GYB hop. You have an interesting blog and I will return again to read more in detail. Please enter me in your giveaway - why don´t you enter mine?

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  71. macmillanmarieFebruary 14, 2014 at 8:32 AM

    Such a delightful blog - it has been a pleasure - I have subscribed to your RSS feed.

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  72. nicolesenderFebruary 14, 2014 at 1:15 PM

    Greetings from the Pacific Northwest! What an interesting life you lead. I enjoyed visiting your blog!

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  73. KlikFebruary 14, 2014 at 9:38 PM

    Nice to meet you, Tammy, and best wishes from Russia :)
    Your blog is so wonderful!
    Nataly

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  74. CYNTHIA CRANEFebruary 14, 2014 at 11:54 PM

    Sending a belated thank you, Tammy, for visiting my blog! I look forward to reading more about the interesting and exotic place you've made your home - so far removed from the hills of West Virginia where I reside, and where now lies about 20 inches of snow on the ground! Cindy from TheCranesNest.com

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Thanks so much for stopping by my little corner of the world. Your comments are much appreciated. "Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart." ~Henry Clay