Tuesday 27 May 2014

Caring Sharing Friends!

Hello at last - I really am late this time and it's not for the lack of show and tell ammunition for there surely are plenty of bits of pieces to share. I think maybe time to myself has been in order off and on over the past few weeks and so I've fallen behind with all aspects of blogging - I've no doubt many of you go through the same sort of times and will understand where I'm coming from!

Even though I have quite a few crafty things to share, I just can't go there until I've let you know about my excitement and gratitude due to a couple of very special blogging friends: first off the lovely Sam  at Betsy Makes: as soon as Sam knew I was about to celebrate my special birthday she started working on a gift for me that has turned out really beautifully - not that I would have expected it to be anything but beautiful for she has such talent and puts it to really good use .. .. .. 

This parcel arrived last week and I couldn't keep it until the 26th, it just begged to be opened .. .. can you resist those surprise packages? Not me!





 Now isn't that wonderful - a beautiful hoop to hang on the wall in my sewing room, with all those handy pockets so I always know where things are and can get to them easily! AND the sweetest little crochet pincushion hanging there too - ideal - how many times do you lose your pins? The fabrics are a gorgeous mix and the workmanship can't be faulted - and look at those sweet little buttons too!

Sam also included a bright coloured tape measure, some lovely tape/ribbon, and the perfect crochet hook for my hand! Magic! And to crown it all she also made me this sweet card which is, by the way, right in line with Sam's latest post. Do pop over and pay her a visit, you certainly won't be disappointed with what you see on her posts! 

Thank you so much Sam - I am thrilled to bits at your kindness, this is a beautifully made gift to treasure, and I will!


Next we go to the also lovely Gilly; recently I was the very fortunate winner of a giveaway that the kind Gilly had arranged and was really hanging out for the package to arrive - and it did - right on my birthday morning to add to the excitement! Take a look at this lovely pattern .. .. .. 


Now isn't that beautifully packaged in its little folder - this is the Kate dress that Gilly has made a couple of times and I was so happy to win this pattern that had been arranged as a giveaway through the 'SewMeSomething' company. But what about the lovely extra gifts that Gilly included - one of those sweet new-style 'show-it-off' zips, some lovely tape/ribbon to use on my handmade items, a fat quarter of that gorgeous London fabric, as well as some Fortnum and Mason tea and a lovely card. 

Thank you so much Gilly, I feel so spoiled and very happy.

Do pop on over and pay Gilly a visit too - that is another very exciting blog filled with all sorts of goodies!


I am not adding much more to this post my friends, other than a few flowers to brighten your day - these are birthday gifts very happily received from family members - but I will be back very soon to share some of my makes that have kept me busy over the past weeks, and a general catch-up on news!






Take care of yourselves and be well and happy!

With my love,

Joy xo

74 comments:

  1. Hi Joy, a very happy birthday to you. Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday. you totally deserve all the nice gifts you had received. You are truly a lovely person x

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    1. Ah you are so sweet Joy, thank you so much! I trust that you are keeping well and not too busy! xoJoy

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  2. Happy birthday Joy, (belated), you really have received some super gifts & what a fabulous prize you won in the give-away! Yes, life does indeed get in the way of blogging at times but you really do have to take time out for yourself. Hope you have a fab week. Take care.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind message Jo, I really appreciate it! I feel bad when I fall behind with keeping up with everyone but as you say, we do need time for ourselves! xo J

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  3. Wow Joy! Some very nice gifts from some very kind people. If you had a rest from blogging that is no problem. That is what I've been doing lately myself, lol. After years and years of blogging with no break, I figured it was time. I do still blog throughout the month, just not as much.

    I'm so glad you've enjoyed your birthday and look forward to seeing your new makes when I am able to fit in some blog reading.

    Big hugs. xx

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    1. Always lovely to hear from you Joyful, thank you, and yes, it seems there comes a time when we do need to pull back somewhat and have a little break here and there. You take good care of yourself and don't overdo things! Hugs to you too, xo Joy

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  4. What beautiful gifts Joy, they really are so very pretty indeed - and so very useful too! I hope that you did have a good birthday and that you have been up to all sorts of fun things. Lovely to see your flowers! Take care of yourself. xx

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    1. Many thanks Amy, I am very blessed! I'll be following up soon with another post and will tell of the special celebrations. xo J

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  5. Gorgeous gifts. What lovely ways to brighten your day. x

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    1. Yes, absolutely, they did! Thanks J, lovely to hear from you again xJ

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  6. Oh hello lovely. I am grabbing a few minutes to try and catch up on blog reading this morning. I really hope you had a wonderful day yesterday and that you feel on top of cloud nine right now. I apologise that my little card didn't get there in time, but hopefully it will be with you soon. You have been spoilt and what gorgeous gifts you received and perfect timing for a giveway to arrive too! I hope you enjoy the rest of your week and I will be speaking to you soon. Much love xoxo

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    1. Hello again lovely Hannapat, and thank you, I'm looking forward to your card's arrival. Isn't it lovely to stretch out birthdays; I see no reason for all that fun to be over in one day only! I really am spoiled and most grateful! Lots of love, Joy xoxo

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  7. Dear Joy
    Happy Birthday (a little belated!)! It looks as though you had a wonderful day and you received some lovely gifts. I am hoping to buy one or two of the patterns eventually, when I am a little more confident with my sewing skills, I think.
    Have a wonderful rest of the week
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Hello Dear Ellie, and thank you so much for your good wishes! I can hardly wait to get stuck into the new pattern - but first I need to shop for a lovely fabric, and that's exciting too! The pattern is suitable for beginners and comes with very clear instructions so I hope you have a go soon for this will give you confidence to do more along this line, I'm sure!
      Wishing you the best, xJoy

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  8. First of all Happy Birthday Joy and second what lovely creative and special gifts you received! You will have such fun using them and sewing so many projects. Love the colors of your stunning birthday flowers. I hope you have an amazing year filled with many more happy moments.
    xoRobin

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    1. Many thanks for your sweet message and birthday wishes Robin - how lovely! I really am spoiled aren't I - and loving it all! xoJoy

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  9. Many, many Happy Returns Joy, wonderful birthday gifts - they are beautiful and so, so useful.
    Your birthday flowers are gorgeous their rich vibrant colours beautiful.
    Take care
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. Thanks so much Irene, it is so lovely to have your good wishes! I am really appreciating the colours of the blooms, they are so bright and cheering! xoJ

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  10. A very Happy Birthday to you Joy I hope you had a wonderful day, you certainly had some wonderful crafty gifts and beautiful flowers.
    Clare x

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    1. It's so lovely to have your good wishes Clare, thank you so much. I hope your health is on the up ….
      xoJ

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  11. lovely gifts Joy, it's so nice when things like this arrive around your birthday. That pattern does look interesting! Heather x

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    1. Great to hear from you Heather, thank you! If you are feeling inclined towards dressmaking I would definitely say give this pattern a go, it's very straightforward with clear instructions!
      xoJ

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  12. What wonderful gifts and flowers - thank you for sharing - they look beautiful - have fun with them all :)

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    1. Thank you Hawthorn, I really am enjoying all of it! xJ

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  13. Dear Joy, wishing you a very Happy Birthday. That hoop really is something special, isn't it? I hope your special day was wonderful. The flowers are really beautiful. I know exactly where you're coming from with the blogging, I seem to be forever playing catch up! XX

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    1. Suzanne, thank you so much! Yes, Sam did a wonderful job with the hoop - and it's so handy; beauty and handiness together! It does get a bit tricky keeping up with everyone doesn't it, but most of us have the same struggle so we understand one another - but it is so nice to enjoy each others makes isn't it! xoJ

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  14. My loveliest Friend wishing you all the wonderful things you have ever wished for as you deserve them. I was thinking about you on your birthday and sending huge hugs and loves to you. What wonderful gifts Joy, you must be thrilled. Happy Birthday. All my love
    Dorothyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Dear Dorothy, yes thank you, huge hugs were received and I'm hanging on to them! I really am spoiled to bits aren't I ……… and thrilled about it! Loads of love travelling fast over those mighty waves to you, Joy xoxo

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  15. Happy belated birthday dear Joy :-) What beautiful gifts you have received! I totally understand about the blogging. I hope the rest of your week continues to be just as special as your birthday.
    Tracey xxx

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    1. Tracey, hello and thank you ever so much - I am having a great time here and sweet memories last forever don't they . . . . . I'm hoping to catch up with your news soon,
      xoJ

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  16. I cannot think of anyone who deserves special presents more than you Joy. How lovely to receive both of these wonderful parcels so filled with lovely things. Happy Birthday Joy,
    Much love,
    Meredith

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    1. Ah you are such a sweetheart dear Meredith, thank you so much!
      Much love to you too, Joy xo

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  17. Happiest of birthdays, why am I the last to know these things?....hahaha. What wonderful people you have in your blogging circles and I am checking out their blogs too, they are great. Time to ourself and quiet reflection are all essential and we should never have to explain or apologise but we always do, rest assured I do understand, and like all good friendships we can pick up where we left off as if nothing happened. Take care.

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    1. Ah what a beautiful meaningful message Susan, thank you so much! I have made so many lovely friends through blogging, including yourself, thank you! Have a good day - you're an early riser too eh! Love, Joy xo

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  18. Happy, happy birthday to you dear Joy! And such wonderful gifts from two of the most talented bloggers around! You deserve every happiness, and keep celebrating all year long, I say! Chrissie x

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    1. Ah Chrissie, how lovely to see you here, and thank you for your sweet wishes for my birthYEAR - I do believe in stretching out the celebrations and see no reason to stop short of the year - then start again with the next birthday! Life IS a celebration isn't it! You take care of yourself and don't get sooooo busy that you neglect yourself - much love, Joy xo

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  19. A belated Happy Birthday to you and glad you had some lovely surprises. My SIL celebrates her 70th on Saturday along with my friend of known since I was 5 1/2, though we are only 65 this year. We'll be OAP's. Your cyclamen looks lovely. Mine has plenty of leaves, but no flowers yet. Looking forward to seeing all your lovely makes. Take care.

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    1. Many thanks for you kind birthday wishes Susan - sounds like you're doing a bit of celebrating over there too, and how lovely that you and your friend have kept up your friendship since childhood - Happy Birthday to your SIL and friend! I hope your cyclamen soon gives you some lovely blooms! Joy x

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  20. Hi Joy, happy special birthday. Some really lovely gifts. No need to apologise for lack of blogging, you have had a lot going on. Enjoy.
    S xx

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    1. Hi Sarah, thank you so much for your sweet message and your understanding! I'll catch up with you soon, Love Joy x

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  21. Wishing you a very happy birthday dear Joy, I hope you enjoyed your special day. What lovely treats from your blogging friends. I already visit Sam's blog, she is such a talented lady but I haven't visited Gilly so will do so straight away! Enjoy your F&M tea, I was lucky enough to receive some recently, it is truly nectar from the Gods! Looking forward to seeing your new makes.
    Love Jane x

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    1. Thank you Jane - I'm really making the most of this time! Yes, Sam sure is very talented and when you visit Gilly you'll find the same and I know you'll enjoy her and her little spot too! I am looking forward to sampling my posh new tea especially with such a great recommendation, thank you! Love, Joy xo

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  22. Happy Birthday Joy, I hope you had a lovely day! Such a clever and thoughtful gift fro Sam, perfect for a sewer and how kind of her!
    Great giveaway win from Gilly, her blog is always full of pretty and clever makes. I hope you enjoy using all the gifts.
    Have a great week Joy!
    Gill xx

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    1. Hello Gill and thanks so much for your lovely wishes! I am so thrilled with my gifts from both girls' - they are both so talented, thoughtful and kind: aren't I spoiled!
      I hope your week is going really well Gill, enjoy it! xoJoy

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  23. A Belated Happy Birthday to you Joy what lovely thoughtful gifts but you deserve them because you are so lovely. I hope your day was really special and that you were spoilt rotten. Blogging just when you feel like it , it's meant to be fun after all. xxxx

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    1. Hello Linda and thank you so much, you are too kind! I've been spoiled alright and making the most of it too, haha! I really miss seeing you all and your lovely makes during those times when I have to 'slacken off' from blogging - it doesn't take long to fall behind does it! xoJ

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  24. It is a privilege for me to celebrate your birth, Joy! I am so glad we have met in cyberspace, and that I can enjoy knowing you across the many miles this way. I am also glad you have received such wonderful packages and flowers! Thanks for posting! Love and blessings xx

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    1. Ah Gracie, your lovely messages always touch my heart, and I am most happy to be able to enjoy you and your lovely ways, thank you! I hope your week is working out beautifully, love and blessings to you too, xoJ

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  25. Hello Joy! Sorry I have been away from the computer for a few days and have only just read your post (so yes we are in the same boat!) You deserve your gifts and how fabulous to win a giveaway and it to arrive on your birthday! It sounds like you have had a lovely time and I'm really glad for you. You are of course right that I had the idea for your card while sewing up my wall hanging, he he but that is often how my creative mind works! Your birthday flowers look gorgeous too, enjoy!!! Sam xxx PS thank you for all your compliments, you make me blush x

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    1. Hiya Sam and thank you so much for your lovely message and again for your gorgeous gift: such a beautiful piece and perfect for me! I can't get over your wonderful wall hanging, it's a stunner, you clever girl! You shouldn't blush lovely, the compliments are well deserved!
      xoJoy

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  26. Happy belated birthday lovely Joy! The gifts you received are just beautiful, I love the embroidery hoop....enjoy them, you truly deserve them. Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    Marianne x

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    1. Thank you for popping in again and for your kind words, you are a sweetie! xoJ

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  27. A belated Happy Birthday to you Joy, and wishing you a wonderful year ahead! Your gift from Sam is delightful, and I look forward to visiting her blog which is new to me. and such a lovely giveaway from Gilly, whose lovely blog I do know! Enjoy your well deserved treats and have a happy week!
    Helen xox

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    1. Very sweet of you Helen, thank you!
      I'm sure you will really enjoy your visit to Sam's place - she is a very talented girl, just as Gilly is. We're nearly into weekend again here - I hope yours is a really good one! xoJ

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  28. It's hard, isn't it, to find time for crafting, blogging about crafting, reading what other folks have to say about their crafting and then responding to them. We all need a break sometimes. And what lovely gifts you've received, perfect for concentrating your energies on for a while :)

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    1. Thanks so much for being here Annie, always so nice to have your messages. Yes, working around everything can become a bit of a dilemma if we're not careful, but I really enjoy seeing what everyone has been up to as well as 'doing my own stuff'! Balance is the word - easily said but not to easy to manage at times eh! xJ

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  29. What absolutely gorgeous gifts Joy! There are such talented makers on here. I do hope you had a wonderful special day with your family and the flowers are gorgeous. Love Alison xx

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    1. Hello and welcome Alison - thank you for becoming my latest follower! I have been having some most enjoyable celebrations, thank you, and making the most of every minute! xoJ

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  30. What a wonderful birthday you seem to have had! Such fun gifts too! 'Special Birthdays' are the best for they give us the excuse to draw them out and enjoy them doubly! I love drawing out birthday celebrations every year... there's nothing quite like it! I like to do the same for others too - a little treat here and there to mark the occasion and make them feel special!

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    1. Hello Sandra - yes, it's been a lot of fun and I'm still drawing out the celebrations AND it's strange how birthday money can be spent on gifts over and over again, but who's counting anyway!!! We all have times when we need to be spoiled and why not! I hope you are enjoying your weekend! xoJ

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  31. Happy belated birthday! Lovely gifts too.Hope you have a great weekend, we have a long weekend here Queens Birthday is yours now or later? Also I wish you a wonderful year and all that you desire.

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    1. Hello Zana, and thank you for your good wishes - yes, we have a long weekend here too, but I think it's different over East - quite strange how they vary so much, rather silly methinks, in the same country!!! xoJ

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  32. We have been away so a belated Happy Birthday! You have had some lovely things. Good to catch up. Jo x

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    1. Hi Jo, I hope you had a good time whilst away - I am behind with blogs all over the place so trying to catch up here and there when I can, without stress! Thank you for your good wishes! xoJ

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  33. Hello Joy and a belated happy birthday to you. I'm still having problems with my laptop but wanted to txt a quick birthday wish.
    You've been very lucky receiving such lovely gifts you so deserve them. Hopefully catch up soon. All the best to you. FB

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    1. Hi FB, thank you so much for your birthday message, it's lovely to hear from you and I'm sorry you're still having trouble with your laptop - hope it soon decides to be good for you! I trust all else is well with you and yours, xoJ

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  34. Hello Joy and belated birthday greetings to you! It's lovely to see you around in blogland again...I'm only just catching up myself too! It's so lovely to see your special gifts and your birthday flowers, I hope you had a lovely time. Best wishes from across the miles. Amanda X

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    1. Many thanks, Amanda, for your kind wishes. It's been a great time thank you and I've really enjoyed it - and stretching it out! I hope everything is good with you and I'm looking forward to playing more 'catch up' again soon, xoJ

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  35. Happy Birthday, Joy! It was obviously a good one, filled with all kinds of treasures and delights. :)

    Sometimes it's hard to get up the gumption to blog - I've been struggling with that myself. Isn't it nice that our bloggy friends are always there waiting for us? Looking forward to seeing what you've been making.

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    1. Hello Sue, and thank you for being here - sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, somehow I missed your lovely message whilst busy on the newer post.
      Bloggy friends are so wonderful, always patient and true, thank you for being one! xoJoy

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  36. Hi Joy, I'm just having a long overdue catch up here and want to join everyone else in wishing you a belated happy birthday. Sometimes it's good to have a break from blogging, you come back refreshed and with a renewed enthusiasm. x

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    1. Hi Gillian and many thanks for your lovely birthday wishes - it's alright being a wee bit late cause I love to stretch out birthdays for as long as I can - especially this one!!!
      I do agree that a blogging rest can be good, your words make perfect sense - but then I feel like I've missed so much while I've been gone and I don't like to miss anything; I'm a difficult one!!! Happy days to you lovely! xoJoy

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  37. Oh you were spoiled Joy and quite rightly so :)

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    1. Thanks Grace, yes, I'll take as much spoiling as I can get and still look for more! xoJ

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