“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Monday 23 September 2013

Happy Blue Monday...Blue Sky, Sea and there's Sunshine!

I feel I need to shout this from the rooftops!
We have had a fantastic weekend with the warmest temperatures in the UK.
I know...I can't believe it either but it was true.
We captured the end of the summer (the equinox) in a very special way!
I know we're on limited time to enjoy the warmth of the sun, with winter lurking just around the corner, but we certainly made the most of it over the weekend. 
Look here's the proof...
Can you feel that warmth?
It's incredible because we've had quite chilly weather over last week and I nearly succumbed to my thermals. Call me a woos, but at the risk of repeating myself 
I DON'T LIKE TO BE COLD!
Anyway...I digress (what's new I hear you say...) 
So we all jumped into the car, hubby, daughter, son, McMuffy and I and headed to the coast.
The boot of the car was decidedly lower than the front and it wasn't just because the girls were in the back! It was heavily laiden with various garbs of clothing from fleeces to duck down filled jackets...well you never know what to expect especially when you are heading off to the beach and a coastal walk in the East of Scotland. 
Be prepared is my motto :D

This cove is situated in the historic fishing village of Catterline. 
Perched on cliff tops overlooking the bay and harbour are fantastic little fishing cottages. There's lots of history here.

We'd just finished walking along the cliff top to the RSPB Fowlsheugh nature reserve where we reminisced about the last time we had been there...many years ago. 
I remember that the noise was deafening from all the nesting birds accommpanied with a powerful pong! 
I remember my ears nearly dropping off with the freezing wind that whipped around the cliffs, but that was then and this is now...beautifully calm, fresh crisp sea air and warming sun. 
We were obviously not in the nesting season at this time of year, but we did have the privilege of seeing and hearing all the geese flying overhead trying desperately to work out whether to fly south or not? Their constant vocal call seemed to say "Do we go or do we stay? I thought it was cold enough didn't you? But actually I'm really rather warm now...maybe we should stay awhile? 
It's amazing just how far away their calls can be heard. You normally hear them long before you see them in their ever changing formation V.
Upon walking back along the cliff tops we were so thrilled because there below was a large pod of dolphins. Another amazing spectacle :D
I tried desperately to capture them on camera but failed miserably. 
Here's one of the better photos which gives you some idea of what a task I had. 
See how near I am to that cliff edge? 

One sneeze and I'd have been a goner!


You can see the dolphin if you zoom in...promise! 

Who could resist a little toe dipping on a day like this, although my son took it to a whole new level...stripping off and diving in! 
I've never seen him move so quick once the water hit him...then there was the scramble to get back into his clothes to hide his modesty! Hehe ;D

And so as you can imagine we'd worked up quite an appetite but help was at hand because can you believe it...The Creel Inn was just where we'd parked our car...
fancy that!


The Creel Inn
(photo courtesy of The Creel Inn website...I was too busy eating)
We actually sat out on these tables to devour our fantastic seafood platter fresh from the boat. The white paintwork was actually painful on the eyes due to the terrific sun light...but we weren't complaining. 
I couldn't resist snapping these lobster pots stacked along the rear wall as we were leaving. 

So have you detected that there's a theme here today?
I couldn't possibly be blue on this beautiful Monday...but it appears I am.
So after visited Little Wandering Wren earlier today for my Aussie fix and seeing her blue post, I wanted to join in too with a happy Blue Monday.
I'm a sucker for blue, so if you are too or just nosy interested then why not pop across to see Sally and the other Blue Monday posts.

Happy Blue Monday and have a great week!

Blue Monday Instructions

Thanks for stopping by...I've got so many bloggy bits scrambling to get posted, so I'll probably be back soon. 
(In a hushed voice)...I hear that rain is coming this way on Wednesday for who knows how long, so I'll stay indoors then...right now I'm getting out there to enjoy it! 
I hope you have a Happy Monday too 
https://secure.quebles.com/content/hotmail/emoticons/1508618.gif
xoxo

52 comments:

  1. Beautiful photographs, your are a wonderful photographer. I like your starbursty sun photo, and the gorgeous blues of the fantastic places you visited. How clear and clean the water is, and to top it all off the sight of those dolphins. I almost feel as though I have been on that walk with you, but certainly with a thick coat on because I don't like being cold either. Such an enjoyable post (or natter) to read today.

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    1. Oh my thank you so much Jez...I would love a new camera and hope that Santa thinks I've been a good girl ;D
      The water is incredibly clear and cool. It really is a special place if you are lucky enough to get the weather...which we were.
      It was no wonder that the dolphins come to play. We must have seen about 12 or so. It really was special.
      I think you might even have taken your coat off if you had have come along because I was just in a short-sleeved t-shirt! Shocking for this time of year I know but true.
      I'm so happy you enjoyed the post.
      I've got so many to do I'm now having to write them down before they get too much or I forget! It's an age thing :$
      Have a great week and thanks for stopping by...see you again soon
      xoxo

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  2. So glad you decided to join in Nessie.

    I don't like cold either, but I sure like your blues.

    Thanks for playing Blue Monday, and for sharing your blue.

    Please come back and tell me what you think about my post.

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    1. It was my pleasure to share the photos Sally. It was great to be able to show everyone that Scotland isn't always wet and grey.
      I've already visited you this afternoon and loved your post. I'm hoping to visit the other entries tomorrow ;D
      I may need to get up before dawn to fit them all in though.
      Thanks for popping over to my place...it was great to see you.
      Have a fantastic week xoxo

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  3. what an amazing place to visit, I would have been jumping in as well!

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    1. I thought you'd like it....but if you'd have gone in for a dip I'd have had a flask of hot chocolate waiting for you Laurie ;D
      I hope your week has started well and gets better everyday!
      See you soon
      xoxo

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  4. The water is such a beautiful clear blue, gorgeous cliff pictures--be careful. Your fresh seafood sounds wonderful. Glad you had some nice weather to enjoy.
    Ann

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    1. I was tinkering on the edge wasn't I?
      I was also worried that your pooch would go too near the edge but thankfully she was more interested with the rabbit holes further back from the edge ^..^
      The seafood platter was delicious...not our usual Sunday fair but hey I didn't have to cook! ;D
      Thanks for stopping by my place. I really appreciate it.
      Have fun whatever the weather!
      xoxo

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  5. Wow, what fab photos! I'm so jealous about you seeing those dolphins. Puts my sedentary Scilly seals firmly in the shade. We didn't have such beautiful weather down here in Hampshire. It was warm enough, but cloudy all the time, which is just not the same at all.

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    1. Thanks Mark...I still need that new camera but I'm managing ;D
      I have to admit that the dolphins were spectacular. I've seen that you've been galavanting so need to allocate some time to catch up with your adventures. I may wait until it rains...I'm sure you'll understand :D
      AND NO I STILL HAVEN'T STARTED DIGGING THAT PLOT! hehe
      Today was another beautiful bright sunny day so I planted up containers for either side of the front door.
      Have a great week and I'll be visiting soon.
      xoxo

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  6. Hi Neesie
    How wonderful to see you at Blue Monday, and thanks so much for the shout out on your post.
    What a wonderful family trip - I can tell you had the whole gang along, including your McMufty.
    I have to say I reckon your doing wonders for tourism in Aberdeenshire, I never knew you have blue skies, dolphins and could take a plunge in the sea in September!!
    Now you keep away from any cliff edges, we need you in one piece for your next thrilling installments
    Happy Blue Monday!
    Wrenx

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    1. It was my pleasure Wren...I always have such a great time when I pop across to your place, which is normally accompanied with a giggle, so I thought others might like to visit too ;D
      I was thankful when I finally got a shot of sorts of those dolphins and could move away from the edge. We were chatting with a chap and his boy later in the cove. They were kayaking and the dolphins had swam around and under their kayak. How special is that? Far better to be out there doing and experiencing things like that than being stuck indoors on a computer game. The boy was grinning from ear to ear!
      Maybe I should contact the Tourist Board...hmm...food for thought ~ thanks :D
      Have a brilliant week whatever you get up to...I'll look forward to hearing all about it.
      xoxo

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  7. What a wonderful photo of the sun - you have broken all the rules I was taught about shooting into the sun. I couldn't possibly do that and succeed.
    I cannot imagine the temperature of the water; you son was extremely brave (or silly) but sorry far, far too cold for me. It made me think of a wonderful and very funny skit by Billy Connelly about him as a child swimming in Scotland
    I agree with Wandering Wren's comment about promoting tourism in your neck of the woods but could there be another ulterior motive? hehe
    Great post as usual.
    Pam xoxo

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    1. Pure fluke Pam...hehe ;D
      The sea was fresh shall we say but definitely doable for the young and sound of heart!
      I was content to just dip my toes.
      I think I remember that Billy Connelly skit...something about being blue with hyperthermia possibly?
      My son is still alive and there's no signs of 'poomonia' yet so it looks like we were lucky. There were actual serious swimmers in the cove who were swimming between the shore and an island with not a smear of duck fat in sight! They breed them tough up here.
      Hmm...an ulterior motive from Wren...I'll have to check that out!

      Thanks for stopping by and leaving a lovely comment. I really appreciate it.
      Have fun and enjoy your weather whatever turns up.
      xoxo

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  8. Yes, some nice pictures! I like these beautiful frames, light blue excellent! Good work!

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting Leovi, I appreciate it you taking the time to comment.
      Have a great week ;D

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  9. Your pictures are wonderful - I love Scotland and England too for that matter. I love all the architecture and the gardens and the history. Where you ate lunch sounds absolutely delicious. No such place around here!!! Neesie your family outing sounds delightful - thanks for sharing this!!!
    Sandy

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    1. Hello Sandy,
      Thanks for all the compliments. I'm glad that you like visiting the UK even if it is only virtually at them moment.
      Lunch was not our usual Sunday Roast but then that's what being spontaneous is all about. Grabbing dog lead, coats and dashing out to enjoy what the day has to offer! Lunch was extremely enjoyable.
      I adore having all my family together and thankfully they seem to feel the same way.
      I know some families don't get to spend quality time together so I appreciate I'm very lucky. Especially now we don't have 12,000 miles separating us for most of the year.

      I've got lots more to show you so hopefully you'll be back soon.
      In the meantime have a fabulous week
      xoxo

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  10. Such a gorgeous day! And, to see the dolphins - always a magical treat! Thanks for sharing your beautiful, blue day!

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    1. I think you've just touched on the right word there...it was magical.
      It was my pleasure to share the day with you especially as the sun was shining! ;D
      Not so today unfortunately.
      Have a great week and I hope the sun shines in your part of the world
      xoxo

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  11. We had a day of sunshine here, too, but I didn't get out to such fantastic views and foot soaking--LOL! What a gorgeous day you had!! :)

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    1. At least the sun shone Rita...you could always have put a bowl of water on your veranda to dip your toes? Not sure what Karma would have made of that though?
      It was a fabulous day and just looking out of the window today makes me realise you have to sieze the moment and take advantage of whatever comes your way.
      Today we're in a thick pea souper (fog).
      It could be a good excuse to sneak away to play in the studio...I know you won't tell anyone ;D
      Have a great day too
      xoxo

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  12. Hello Nessie,

    I was in the UK last year and coming from a warm and humid country, the cold was really terrible for me. So I really feel you here in loving the warmth of the sun.

    And may I say, your photo of the cove is breathtaking! I wish I had the chance to enjoy the coast of UK and had a toe-dipping experience too.

    Thank you for the visit in my page and for imagining a wonderful reunion for me and my love. I wish to see you in my page again. :)

    Cheers from Manila,
    Maria

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    1. Hello Maria,
      It's unfortunate that you visited the UK last year because from the reports I've heard it was one of the worst summers on record!
      We packed some good weather in our freight when we left Australia so that's why this summer from early July (when we arrived) has been so good! It was expensive but worth it.
      Looking outside the window today I think I'll have to organise some more warm, sunny, good weather because obviously the lot that I brought with me has ran out!
      Today we have a thick fog enveloping us.
      I'm so glad we enjoyed the great outdoors at the weekend.
      Thanks for popping back to my place. I hope the time flys for you so that you can be reunited soon.
      In the meantime don't forget to have fun! ;D
      xoxo

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  13. You have moved to such a beautiful place. If we combined my temperatures and your scenery we would have the perfect place. Love the shot of you dipping your toes, was it freezing? The dolphins would make you feel right at home, we have them in the canal in summer, I watch them when we read the paper in bed on a sunday morning. Do your dolphins have wet suits to keep them warm :)
    Things are crazy at the moment, will write soon.
    Luv Von

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    1. I think that's what we've got to do Von...combine the temperature with the scenery, pubs, wildlife, history etc and we'd be on to a winner! Now how do we do that? :$

      I've got another photo of me to prove that it's definitely me dipping my toes! But I certainly couldn't dive in like my son! Brrr! I think the dolphins might have those wet suits with the thermal lining because they certainly didn't look bothered by the cold water...they were having a ball :D
      I like the sound of your Sunday morning by the way...very relaxing.

      Just don't forget to breath with all that craziness...we'll chat when we can don't worry.
      Luv to you too
      xoxo

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  14. What a great blog. I love your stories and photo's and am your new follower

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    1. Aww thanks Riet,
      I'm so happy you enjoyed your visit and decided to be my latest follower.
      I'm thrilled and really appreciate it. I love to blog but it would be a waste of time if no-one out there came to visit. It's even better when you receive good feedback. ;D
      I hope I can keep entertaining you with my posts. I've got lots lined up so as they say 'keep watching this space' hehe
      Have a great week and thanks once again
      xoxo

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  15. It looks like a wonderful day! I don't like to be cold either.

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    1. Hehe...like minded then ;D
      Keep cosy and thanks for stopping by.
      Have a great week whatever you have planned :D
      xoxo

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  16. Spectacular scenery. So glad you had some warm weather so you could take the trip and share the photos with us. I love coastal areas.

    Darla

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    1. We've got lovely weather here again today Darla, but it started off at only 2 degrees and only got as high as 13 degrees! Very chillywoo...
      I nearly didn't get out from under the duvet (dunna) never mind off to the coast!
      Have a great day...soon be the weekend again. Can you believe it?
      xoxo

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  17. Enjoying your blues. I see stunning views here, love it.
    Thanks for dropping by :)
    Not only my nephew, I haven't seen yet any steam train.

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    1. Thanks for leaving a lovely comment Lina,
      No you have to see a steam train at some stage...it's incredible. Noisy and smelly but very special.
      Here's a link to one of my old posts that you might enjoy.
      http://neesienatters.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/so-lets-get-steamy.html

      Have a great day xoxo

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  18. I love love love your pretty blog. So much so that I am now following thru Google Friends...I'd love for you to follow along with me.
    All of your blues are fantastic. The scenery is amazing....:)

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    1. Aww thanks bj, I'm always so thrilled to have a new follower ;D
      I'm glad you enjoyed your visit.
      Have a wonderful week and an even better weekend :D

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  19. Hello Neesie, Sweden calling!
    I was happy to get your comment and find your blog. Scotland is such a beautiful part of the world as you show in your magical photos! I think you've had a fantastic summer in Britain this year, haven't you? We have, too, but suddenly the cold autumn is here a bit too early.
    I love the photo with your feet in the water, I've taken plenty similar to that one in different blog posts.
    I hope you'll get started with your pottery again!

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    1. We have had a fantastic summer but at great expense because we paid for it to be brought from Australia in our freight! It was well worth it though.
      I think I may have to contact someone because it's obviously running out as we woke to only 2 degrees this morning!
      It's a reminder of things to come perhaps...eek!
      I took another of my tooties in an outside hot-tub in Canada. The temperature was about -19 degrees but I was lovely and warm.
      Here's the link to the old post just in case you would like to see it...
      http://neesienatters.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/okay-so-heres-where-i-come-clean-and.html
      I've always been thinking I'd love to get back to pottery but I've no idea how I'd find the time to fit it in...I suppose I could give up sleeping but then I'm not sure how good the pottery would be?
      Have a great day and thanks for stopping by
      xoxo

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  20. Hi Nessie, What a lovely Post as always... glad you made the most of the sun...Monday & Tuesday was beautiful here, But today rain... I hope wee Macmuffin enjoyed her day out too...The photo's are Beautiful..Hugs May x x x

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    1. Thanks May...as always you leave a lovely comment ;D
      I think MacMuffin did indeed enjoy her day...although she probably didn't see anything!
      Her nose was to the ground for most of the day ^..^
      I've got lots more photos as you can imagine but there's only so many you can use in one post!
      I hope you have no rain today or for this weekend. We woke up to 2 degrees and May it came as a shock! I think I may have to hibernate!
      (don't tell anyone though but I've been out buying lots of cosy clothes and boots just so that I'm ready...well that was my excuse anyway!)
      Have a great day and thanks once again for nipping over to my place.
      xoxo

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  21. What a fabulous blue Monday! Lovely scenic pics. Bbbrrr the water looks cold to me. :) Happy Friday! Hugs

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    1. It was rather cold but my feet were rather hot from our cliff top walk to the bird santuary! I was surprised I was so brave because when it comes to cold I'm the biggest woos there is! ;D
      Happy Friday to you too although it's still Thursday here...I think? Time goes so fast I'm often a day out hehe
      xoxo

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  22. Hi Nessie! What a beautiful post! I love all that marvelous deep blue water. I'm also becoming a new follower. Thanks for visiting me on Blue Monday--hope to see you again next week!

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    1. Hello Pat,
      Lovely to see you over here. Thanks for taking time out to comment...and I'm thrilled you enjoyed your visit so much that you decided to become my latest follower. I really appreciate it ;D
      I've actually got my blue ready for next Monday, which isn't like me to be so ahead of the game...I'm a terrible 'tail-end Charlie' normally!
      Before then though I have a post I'll try to complete sometime today.

      Have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday if not before :D
      xoxo

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  23. Any day of sun in the UK is a beautiful day:) I know because I am Dutch (living in warm California for a few decades)! Glad you snapped that lobster net. And your other pics are wonderful too!

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    1. Hello Jesh,
      Great to have you visiting from warm California. I can almost feel the glow radiating from my screen ;D
      I loved the lobster pots too.

      I hope you have a fun filled weekend with whatever you have planned :D
      xoxo

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  24. Beautiful blues! Always such a pleasure to stop over and say hello for the Blue Monday crew! I enjoy my visits and all the nice comments I receive. Makes one smile after the tough work week! Or the beginning of it! Thank you for sharing such nice photos. All these blues were amazing!

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    1. Well it was my pleasure. Thank you for stopping by ;D
      I'm not sure how many of the crew I'll be able to visit but so far I've had such a great time so I'll just squeeze a little more time out here and there. Who knows I may make it to everyone before next Monday!
      Thanks for your lovely comment.
      I hope you are ready for a wonderful weekend...enjoy! :D
      xoxo

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  25. I read your first post first and now I'm backtracking and after reading this one I'm reminded of that lovely Oscar Wilde quote you chose (did that even make sense??)

    Nature is just one of those great treasures. One of the nearest and dearest to my heart for sure. Sending you some more rays of Perth sunshine ... when it finally arrives here!!
    ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

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    1. Your okay Angy I think...I'm still with you ;D
      But there's another post now to add to the confusion! (hehe)

      Our sun is being very shy over the last few days but thankfully the temperatures have be managable. But have no fear I've got the thermals near to hand though...just in case! ;D

      I'm always in amazment at something that nature highlights. You just have to make sure to keep an eye open and switched on to see it. Sometimes life rushes us too much and we can miss something spectacular.

      Have a wonderful week and thanks for popping by. Come again soon and we'll have more tea and cakes! Yay!
      xoxo

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  26. Oh gosh, we are birds of a feather. I took a few feet in the water shots while on vacation at the beach in August!

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    1. Hehe...I also have my tootsies photographed in an outside hot tub whilst holidaying in Canada last Christmas.
      Here's the link if you want to take a peek:
      http://neesienatters.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/okay-so-heres-where-i-come-clean-and.html
      I think I prefer the hot water than the cold sea.

      Thanks for being my latest follower Karen...it's much appreciated :D
      xoxo

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I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

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