About


“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

Confucius
Standing at one of many lookouts at Bryce Canyon, Utah

We are Bert and Rusha Sams, a couple who still loves traveling and seeing new sights even though we’re in our 70s.  We met at the University of Tennessee 50+ years ago, and after 54 years of marriage, we’re still friends (yes, it’s true!) and still unrolling maps to see where we can travel next.

We finally realized one of our many dreams: to live in one new place for a whole month and spend our days taking side trips, casing out local haunts and favorite restaurants. It happened in Castine, Maine, and we’re still thinking about how we can do that again — in another state very soon.

Enjoying the view of Camden, Maine harbor from Mount Battie.

Because we’re not spring chickens, we forego opportunities to take long hikes (no matter how pretty the scenery) or to skydive, hang glide, bungee jump, or bike for miles. Bert is recovering from knee replacement surgery, so we travel differently now. And that’s why we’re continuing to write this blog.

Taking a break at Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

We love travel more than ever. We just can’t do what the “youngsters” do. So expect more posts on the joy of cruising (river or ocean), long rides in the country (mostly East Tennessee), greeting the day at our favorite beach — or any beach, for that matter. You may call our brand of travel Slow and Go, but we’re seeing the world on our terms, and maybe enjoying it more since we do take time to smell the roses, photograph the people, meander down rivers, and drive (along with eating) our way across the U.S.A.

In addition, we’ve enlisted the help of our goddaughter, Lauren Medley Gunnels, who, through her travel agency, Ortelius Travel Advisors, has linked us to drivers and tour guides specializing in unique local excursions in faraway places. Join us as we extol the pleasures of traveling with the help of world travel agencies to offer Baby Boomers like us a chance to see the world on our own terms. Look for posts to come on Vietnam, Cambodia, and Greece with Lauren’s touch. Or, already published, the posts tagged Morocco will show you two weeks of sight-seeing with guides.


A photo taken by our guide at The Lion Gate in Mycenae

To negotiate our site, click on the Menu bars at the top of the home page for Destinations where you’ll find countries and states we’ve visited. If you like photography, check Rusha’s amateur attempts at Photo Challenges.

Original art featuring sites in Knoxville by DaNisha Sculpture

Finally, we’ve renewed our love affair with our own hometown of Knoxville, a city that’s growing in many ways with new venues, festivals, restaurants, and must-see places in East Tennessee. In case you’re wondering, we’re still Big Orange fans — lovers of all things at the University of Tennessee! (A click on Hometown Pride will get you there.)

We hope you’ll join us on more adventures in travel. After all, if we’re gonna see it all, we have to keep going!

Thanks for traveling with us,

Rusha and Bert Sams

Follow us:

Instagram: rushasams
Twitter: RushaSams
Pinterest: rushasams/oh-the-places-we-see/

200 thoughts on “About”

  2. Timothy

    I love the fact you met in Tennessee and love touring the eastern part of the state. My wife lived there when I met her 6 years ago, and we both love it. Sadly, living in Waco now. We were driving around yesterday and both had the same though: we were glad I had a job, but the area really doesn’t compare to eastern Tennessee. 🙂

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We loved visiting Waco, especially now that the Gaines have put a spotlight on the area, but we’re especially happy to be in Tennessee — four seasons and home to our granddaughter! Hard to beat! Thanks for commenting.

      Reply

  4. Chris and Laura

    We love your positive approach to travel and also the idea of living in one place for a month at a time, that is really appealing. There is no right or wrong way to travel and it’s important to make the most of current options or opportunities whatever they may be. While we’re still working we are doing shorter trips and hiking (albeit restricted this year) but as we head towards retirement we’re hoping to travel for longer and more slowly!

    Reply

  5. Toonsarah

    Great to ‘meet’ you both 🙂 It seems your travel style is not so very different from ours. We’re in our mid sixties and approaching 40 years of marriage so we have a little way to go to catch you up!

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We hope we have a few more years of travel left, but the coronavirus has certainly put a stop to anything international. We live in a beautiful spot, though, so day trips are good for now. Wishing you much safety and good times as long as possible.

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much for following Oh, the Places We See. We love to travel, so you can imagine how ham stringed we feel staying home during COVID. But we’re doing what we need to be doing. Hope you enjoy future posts. Will watch for you as well.

      Reply

  7. healingpilgrim

    Hi Sam and Rusha! Such a nice way to find your blog too.. thanks to Terri and James (the Gallivancers ;). I don’t recall ever passing through Knoxville during any of my family trips (from north of your border). So imagine my surprise when I spotted that gorgeous ceramic bowl – up here – with buildings encircling it.. because I *know* that I’ve seen those pieces before and loved them. Could it be that the artist has consigned them to art shops and galleries outside your state? Either way, I’m glad to read about your travels – Slow n Go or otherwise, and to see some spectacular photography too. Though time is limited (for those of us not yet retired), I look forward to following your travels… when they resume. Stay safe and well!

    Reply

  8. Pat

    I really enjoyed reading your “about” page. I, too, love to travel with private tour guides now that I am older. We did one in Cuba, and I did them with my daughter in St. Petersburg Russia and Kyrgyzstan. Lately Jim and I have been taking month long camping vacations in the US and Canada, so I really like your idea of staying in one place for a month.

    Reply

      1. Pat

        That’s where we are. We had supper in the camper the other day just to feel like we were somewhere else. 🙂

  11. Pingback: We’re back, ready to share more places to see! – Oh, the Places We See . . .

  12. wanderessence1025

    I love your idea of going to a place for a month and then taking day trips out from there. I planned to do that this summer in Ecuador, but who knows if I’ll be able to do it this year after all, with all that’s going on. Keep traveling!

    Reply

  16. Robert

    Hi Bert & Rusha,

    My name is Robert from a holiday rental and hotel comparison site Agent Frida (https://www.agentfrida.com). I was wondering whether you accept guest posts on Oh The Places We See. We are a brand new company, so finding partners is on the top of our to-do list 🙂

    We are open to doing guest post exchange as well. Are there any specific topics that you’d love to be covered? Looking forward to your answer!

    Best Regards,
    Robert

    Reply

  18. ralietravels

    We are heading back to Knoxville at the end of the month to celebrate our 49th anniversary with our friends there who got married the day after we did. We figure to do it together this year as other plans are likely for the 50th.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Sorry to be so late in responding. Happy Anniversary! It’s fun to celebrate any anniversary or special occasion, especially if you can do it with friends! All the best for many more years together.

      Reply

  19. cornfedcontessa

    Traveling is so much fun! Good for you to get out and about. It’s amazing what you can find in your own backyard. We’re hoping to travel to South America in the Spring. Scouting out possible retirement locations, as these Wisconsin winters are getting old! Or should I say cold! LOL!

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Traveling is definitely great fun — and fits into my lifelong learning desire. (At least, as long as my brain keeps functioning!) Wisconsin is one of a few states we haven’t visited yet, so I’m trying to get up there while you’re trying to see South America (a continent we haven’t seen.) Best wishes for visiting warmer climes and seeing sights you can’t see in Wisconsin. Best wishes for a super 2018!

      Reply

  21. maristravels

    Thanks for liking my recent posts on the Italian Lakes, and nice to have you aboard. I’ve signed up to follow your blog so hope to join you in your travels. Maybe you’ll get to England one day to see what we’ve got to offer, but I must admit I spend nearly all my travel time in places like Italy, Spain and far away in East Asia. Keep enjoying life and travelling, it keeps you young. I should know, I’ve been doing it now for nigh on 65 years.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We’ve got you beat in the age category, but we’re still enjoying life, too. We find that toting our suitcases up several flights of stairs is more tedious, but, other than that, we still traveling pretty much the way we used to. All the best for a beautiful fall!

      Reply

  22. Matthew Booher

    Hi-
    I found your page through a Google search for UT tailgating. Where did the large inflatable Smokey mascot come from? I’ve never seen one like it. Thanks, Matthew.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      So glad you found our blog! We travel some, write some, and never do enough of either, I suppose! Wish I could tell you about the inflatable Smoky, but I can’t. You may want to check Home Depot or Lowe’s in Knoxville around football time when so much tailgating stuff is on the market! Best wishes for always safe travels, and thanks for following us!

      Reply

  23. Misha

    Glad I found you guys!
    I was perusing the blogosphere looking for some good travel blogs, and as luck would have it I stumbled upon two world travelers right here in Tennessee! Funny how that works, huh.
    I moved to Nashville three years ago after living in Japan as an English teacher, and I can tell you that it still feels like a foreign land to me sometimes.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We’re glad you found us, too! Thanks for taking a look at what we do. Wish we knew more about Nashville. I even worked there for a while, but mostly did just that — worked! The restaurant scene is exploding, we’ve heard, so we need to return and tour. Best wishes for a great summer. –Rusha

      Reply

  24. the-curious-excursionist

    I just stumbled across your blog and am really enjoying it! I used to live in Sevierville, TN and drove to Knoxville quite a bit. (Altruda’s Restaurant was great!) That is such a beautiful area, especially in the fall, and I’ve enjoyed posting a couple of blogs about it. I am really looking forward to browsing through more of your blog! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks for letting me know that you’ve stumbled onto my blog, and you like it! I love when people from the area “find each other” and then look forward to learning more. If you’re near Knoxville right now, come see the dogwoods. It’s our prettiest time of the year!

      Reply

  27. happyfamilylifeblog

    Great to meet you both! It sounds like a super adventure – even if you are staying near your home town, adventure is where it takes you in your imagination not necessarily where it takes you on the map!

    We currently live in Aiken, SC, and if you haven’t visited here yet, it’s a wonderful place to visit. Especially if you’re interested in horses or beautiful scenery. Oh, and we have Steeplechase every year as well as neighbor’s to Augusta Georgia, home of the Master’s golf.
    We are a family of adventurers. It’s a great way to live!

    Enjoy your day,
    Amy
    https://happyfamilylifeblog.wordpress.com
    http://www.revfred.com

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      For some reason, I’m just now seeing your lovely comment. Thanks for taking a look at our blog. We would love to see Aiken, SC. We’re headed to Hilton Head next week, but Aiken isn’t nearby, or at least I don’t think it is. May have to check. Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll check out both of your blogs, too.

      Reply

      1. happyfamilylifeblog

        Hilton Head is beautiful, especially when the weather is nice like it was today!! Enjoy your time there. Aiken is about 3 hours inland from there. Thanks for reading my blog as well. The other is written by my father-in-law and thought you would enjoy. take care, Amy

  28. Greta Lamfel

    Hi there 🙂

    Thanks for the follow! How have you been and how’s your blog doing?
    I created a blogger tips group to connect with all my long last WordPress blogger friends, and to help all of us to learn from each other. I would love for you to share your knowledge in the group and connect with other bloggers. Here’s the link:
    Blogger Tips Group

    Finally, here’s a blog I thought you may find interesting:
    The Ripple Effect of Blogging

    Best regards,
    Greta
    Founder of Healthy Living
    http://www.healthyliving894.com

    Reply

  29. Jane Lurie

    Hi- Love your travel spirit. We picked up and moved to Sydney for three months a few years ago and it was one of our best adventures. Great to be able to settle into a place and not have to run around like a tourist. You have a terrific blog.

    Reply

  33. Zambian Lady

    It’s nice to hear of someone who has been married for such a long time and enjoyed it. It must be exciting to discover more things in your retirement. Happy travels.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We are discovering some good and not-so-good things about retirement. First, it’s hard to slow down and not be busy at work each day. We miss the people of both of our jobs. But second, we are finding a rhythm to our days and ways to add more travel. Life is good!

      Reply

  34. Walking My Path: Mindful Wanderings in Nature

    What an adventurous life you have! Seems like great fun. I love your blog. I tried to follow, but for some reason, it didn’t take. I’ll try again. Thank you for following me!
    Peace
    Mary

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Most of our life is fairly ordinary — I just write about the travel excitement. But we’re ordinary people making each day a little more extraordinary by doing what we love. Thanks for your comments.

      Reply

  36. cwaugh212

    Similar story to my wife and I. We love to travel and I am now blogging about it. In the last year we traveled to Australia, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands, New Caledonia (all on a 25 day cruise) and to Spain and Gibraltar on a 7 day cruise. You can check out the trips under our International Travel category. Hope you get a chance to visit. BTW, we stayed in Knoxville on our one state per year vacation three years ago and I have quite a few pictures. We also visited several other cities in the state. We loved Tennessee.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      So glad to hear from you. You’ve been to so many places we would love to see, and I’ll be checking out your pictures when we return from a trip we’re taking to Prague, Budapest, and Bucharest this coming week. So glad you loved Tennessee. We have to say, it’s a great place to live!

      Reply

  38. nomad, interrupted

    I really love your plan to stay in a different place for a month at a time, really getting to know a place. I’ve traveled a lot, but what I’ve loved most are my four experiences living abroad, one month in Cairo, a year in S. Korea, two years in Oman and one year in China. I think delving deeply into a place is the way to go. By the way, I tried to follow you on Instagram (cathybirdsong) but it says your account is private. 🙂

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks for the comments, and I still wish we could stay in one place for a month. Now that AirBnB is so popular, I’m not sure what’s holding us back. Sorry you couldn’t follow me on Instagram. But if you request permission to follow, I’ll be sure to say OK! (Thanks for the heads-up, though. Checking on it now.)

      Reply

  39. RobbyeFaye

    How exciting! My husband and I want to do something similar.
    I am glad to have stumbled across your blog and am looking forward to spending some time reading and enjoying your posts!
    Blessings!

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Robbye, thanks for this kind comment. We do have fun traveling and sharing our pictures, but we also enjoy reading other blogs, too. Best wishes for exploring the world together — there really are a lot of things to see and do!

      Reply

  41. Gameplan Happily Ever After

    Oh wow !! Isn’t that quite a story you two got <3 Sort of a movie material actually 🙂 And it is so endearing to see the photos with both of you reveling in bliss <3 Hubby and I try to see as many places as possible as well and with stories like yours to motivate, what we are not able to accomplish now , we hope we can always try to cover those cities years down the lane 😉 Love the fun spirit and energy in both of you 🙂 Hoping to get to know each other more in the wonderful world of blogs and welcoming you to visit my corner of the blogosphere as well <3 Cheers and warmest wishes, Minaxi <3

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Sorry to be so late in responding to your pleasant message. I must have missed the email alerting me. Bert and I have had 48 wonderful years together but not without ups and downs. Through it all, however, we’ve stayed true to each other and together in our goals, plans, and travels. I do the blogging, but I give him so much credit because he drives me everywhere I want to go with camera in hand, stopping frequently so I can catch one more shot of whatever strikes my fancy. We love seeing the world together. Best wishes to you in all you do, and may you travel happy wherever you go.

      Reply

      1. Gameplan Happily Ever After

        All we women fancy one more with the camera don’t we 😉 I can so relate to that and like Bert, its my hubby who handles the camera with all the patience in the world and I love him for that and a zillion other things as well 🙂 I can understand very well that you both love this life 🙂 Its my great pleasure to know you both through the blogging world 🙂 Thanks a lot for your kind wishes Rusha and have an amazing rest of the weekend both of you <3

  42. Diya @ Pen2Needle

    You are living my dream life! 😀 I would love to someday be on the road long term and see more of this wonderful world 🙂 So glad to have found your blog and I look forward to following along on your adventures 🙂

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We’re glad you found our blog also. We mostly take short trips, but we get off the interstate any chance we can. I’m a lover of fields, old barns, and mom-and-pop restaurants. And a believer that anywhere you go, there’s something terrific to see. Best wishes for a good spring. Keep reading, too!

      Reply

      1. Diya @ Pen2Needle

        Trust me the pleasure is all mine 🙂

        And you’re absolutely right that every place has something unique and special to offer if you’re willing to look hard enough. Happy travels! 🙂

  43. lorigreer

    Love your story, love your spirit. Yes, I may have a place to rent for a month. Keep me in mind if you ever want to visit the Pacific Northwest. I am in Portland.

    Reply

  44. findingnyc

    I’m really enjoying your blog, especially your posts about your recent visit to New York City. (I’m an NYC local and blog about things to do in the city, so I always love to read about visitors’ experiences.) I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit, and I look forward to reading more about your travels in the future.

    Best wishes,
    Susan

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      I just posted on your blog a thank-you for following ours. And I included a link to our series on NYC. But it looks as if you don’t need that: you’ve explored all of our posts on that great city already! So happy we got to go in December and hope we can go again. Looking forward to reading more from your explorations!

      Reply

  46. mrsyovcheva

    wow, you guys look like you’ve had some great experiences so far! Congrats on being married for 47 years, that’s awesome!!

    I have have nominated you guys for the Liebster award, I hope you accept this and wishing you a great day Bert and Rusha! 😀

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You are so very thoughtful to nominate us for the Liebster award. I had to look back into my archives, but we have already received this award. We may be like many bloggers who don’t like to receive awards since comments and follows from people such as you make blogging worthwhile enough. Best wishes for continued success. And I hope to read more from you.

      Reply

  47. Pingback: Liebster Award! | Vacation With Marie!

  49. Jodi

    Rusha and Bert – I realized I somehow got “kicked of” following your site. I hate when that happens with WordPress. Thank you for your kind follow, and I am BACK and looking forward to enjoying your blog and adventures! Happy Upcoming Holiday Weekend! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Welcome back anytime! We kinda come and go on this blog. I don’t write when I travel — it’s too much trouble and spoils the fun. But when I’m home I sometimes can’t remember the details!! So, we totally understand about being “kicked” off — just kick back and enjoy life this summer. We enjoy your blog!

      Reply

  50. marthaschaefer

    Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment! Love your concept of life and blogging and congrats to years of life with your best friend. Like Terri and James at Gallivance you guys are inspirational!!

    Reply

  51. Don Ostertag

    Thank you for your kind words on Anntbell’s blog regarding the eagle on the tombstone. And what a great blog you have. Count me in as a follower.

    Reply

  52. dawnkinster

    Wow! What an exciting retirement! I retire at the end of THIS week! Your lifestyle is wonderful! Sounds like the kind of thing I’d enjoy too. Wonder where you’re going next?

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Dawn, we have great days interspersed among the ordinary days. All are good. We love to rest and plan our next mini-trips. Often, we find great things to see and do right here in Knoxville, so take a look at where you live first. So much to see. So little time!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      So flattered that you would follow our blog as part of your getting-to-know-bloggers initiative! We enjoy blogging, but more importantly we enjoy traveling and sharing what we see with others. Best wishes to you for continued success!!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks for the compliment, but we’re only lovely sometimes — weddings, funerals, and performances by the granddaughter at the local school. Most of the time, we’re in jeans and t-shirts poking around small towns or taking pics of tourist sites. It’s a good life, though! Appreciate your stopping by.

      Reply

  56. beeblu

    A marvellous way to spend (semi) retirement. There’s always something waiting to be discovered in our own backyard, but during our working lives, we are so time-poor.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Love your word “time-poor.” That’s how I felt when raising my boys and working full-time. Now, some days are long. We try to fill them with travel when we can. Retirement is what you make of it, for sure!

      Reply

  58. babso2you

    Lovely! Just lovely that you folks are together for as long as you are! What adventures you have had…If you ever want to take a gander at the gold rush towns in the Sierra Foothills of CA, please let me know! I would love to show you around! Be well…. ^..^

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks for taking a look at our About page. We’ve been married for a long time, so traveling together seems quite natural to us. Would love to see the Sierra Foothills, although I’m not sure we ever will. Keep posting pics of your area — we love Internet travel, too!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much for the compliment and for continuing to follow us. We’ve thought about moving to a new domain but haven’t gotten up our courage, I guess. Will definitely check out your new location. Best wishes in all you do. And thanks again for following us!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      It’s our pleasure to follow you blog — your travels and blog posts are interesting. Looking forward to learning more. Being married to the same person for a long time is a great friendship journey. We’ve changed in our relationships many times as we grow older, but still loving each other and the lives we’re living. Best wishes to you for more great years together!

      Reply

  62. belocchio

    It seems I’m a little late to the party. I do apologize and I hope I can help you make the lemon bars for Christmas. Icing sugar is a combination of very finely ground sugar and a little cornstarch. It is also called confectioner’s sugar, and powdered sugar. You often see it sprinkled on doughnuts. You should fine it in the baking aisle at your grocery store. If you can’t find it blend 2 cups of granulated sugar with a generous teaspoon of cornstarch in your blender. The cornstarch stops the sugar from clumping. Whizz it super fine. Bon Appetit!! and a wonderful Christmas to you and your family. Virginia

    Reply

  63. mytravelmonkey

    I’m so glad I found you guys, you’re both inspiring and I hope my love of travel will still be as strong, when my husband and I have been together for 50 years! I’ve also had wonderful experiences in Nepal, China and India and hope to continue with more 🙂 Look forward to reading about your adventures

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much for the kind comments. So glad we found your site also. You make travel look fun but I know sometimes it could be challenging with a child. We have a granddaughter and we know that we do things a little differently when we have her along. Best wishes for continued success!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks for the comment. Don’t want you to think that we go, go, go all the time. We travel mostly on a budget, and many times the travel is work-related. It’s nice having my company pay for my flights so I can see more of the USA!

      Reply

  66. cocoaupnorth

    Hi Rusha! very lovely blog here, I found it by accident but I’m glad I did. I’m especially touched by your visit to Lesotho and giving of your time to make one family’s dream come true. That’s a very inspiring act of kindness. All the best on your future travels.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      What a pleasure to meet you, too! Thanks for following Oh, the Places We See. Can’t wait to delve into your blog and see what you’re all about. I’ve enjoyed meeting people through blogging, and I’m sure I’ll get a lot of ideas from you, too. Best wishes for much success!

      Reply

  68. Dennis Wagoner

    So you like mom-and-pop restaurants and dark chocolate. What else is there besides those two? Great blog – I am following to keep up with both of you. Enjoying your pictures of China!

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much, Dennis! I don’t know why the report of your comment has just reached me, but I appreciate it immensely. You are so right Mom-and-Pop restaurants and dark chocolate –doesn’t get any better than that. Hope we post more pics of China in the future for you. Thanks again for commenting.

      Reply

      1. Dennis Wagoner

        Not to worry about the timing – sounds like you are extremely busy doing fun things! Better yet for me, I want to go back to China with my current camera!!!

  69. Shelley @Travel-Stained

    Hi Rusha, thanks for following our blog. 🙂 Lol…my husband and I have the dream of living all over the world one day too. He’s already got 5 countries under his belt (and he’s only 31)… even though I’m older, I have a bit of catching up to do (just 2). 😉 Look forward to reading more of your stories. 🙂

    Reply

  70. mmladyg

    Feeling a little giddy at finding you here. Your piece on Dahmen Barn was the bait. Am doing research on restoring our historic hop processing barn for similar purposes. Thank you for this great piece. Seeing the rest of your work is, as you say, the icing on the cake.

    Reply

    1. Rusha Sams

      Thanks so much for following Oh, the Places We See. We loved Dahmen Barn. In fact, we loved all barns of The Palouse. Please keep in touch. So interested in the work you are doing.

      Reply

    1. Lynda

      Oops, I just realized you probably meant Tennessee whereas I meant Texas. Still like your blog though and hope I didn’t offend. heehee 😉

      Reply

      1. Rusha Sams

        Not a problem! The South includes a lot of states and even some states that are just jealous of our lifestyle!! 🙂

    2. Rusha Sams

      If you’ve followed Tennessee sports lately, you know we need as many cheerleaders as possible! Thanks for reading and commenting. And welcome aboard!

      Reply

      2. Oh, the Places We See

        We love that idea, too. But not many people just want to let us stay in their place for free. So we’re content with some short jaunts filled with adventure. It’s working so far. (But just in case you’re traveling around the world or something and want us to housesit, we might entertain the notion!!) Have a great week ahead!

    1. Rusha Sams

      Thanks so much for this nomination. I have already received this award, but I no longer post the badges on my posts. You have great answers, and it’s fun getting to know other bloggers better. Best wishes for continued success. Rusha

      Reply

  76. Uncle Spike

    So Rusha, you decided to join the small clan of Uncle Spike followers, sometimes known as The Spikey’s….

    I really appreciate you wanting to become a new follower, after all, there are many many interesting and entertaining blogs out there. And especially cool as you are an accomplished star… with a Freshly Pressed (wow, the first I’ve ‘met’, lol)

    Anyway, I hope you like my upcoming posts and if you get bored one day, maybe you’ll enjoy trawling through some of my older stuff too.I have added plenty of categories now to help readers. If you have any likes, dislikes or suggestions about my blog, by all means let me know, either through ‘comments’ or via email. Always welcome reader input 🙂

    Thanks again for your vote of confidence, and hope you have a great old day…

    UNCLE SPIKE
    uncle.spikes.adventures1@gmail.com

    Reply

    1. Rusha Sams

      Thank you so much for the nomination! I’m considering not accepting any awards, but give me a few days, and I may change my mind. I appreciate your consideration more than you’ll ever know, and that’s reward enough. Appreciate you!

      Reply

      1. annetbell

        I know how you feel, it is a ton of work, and I am not blogging for awards, but the teacher in my loves to encourage others so I decided not to post the images, but to accept and nominate. Please do as you please , but know I value your blog and your friendship!

    1. Rusha Sams

      But don’t you find yourself looking at other little children while you are away and comparing your own grandchild to them? And another thing, my suitcase always has a present to bring back home!! Thanks for reading!

      Reply

  83. Island Traveler

    You hope and dreams inspire me my friend. Life is too short not to pursue the things that brings a smile in our hearts. I hope to live in different places too. So much to learn and discover with so little time. Have a blessed day.

    Reply

  87. sherrylcook

    Hello Rusha, Thank you for following my blog! I’ve read your about page and I am anxious now to read more! Sounds like you and your husband are living a grand life indeed! hugs to you!

    Reply

  89. Madilyn Farneth

    Rusha, thanks for the great writeup and mentioning us at the Ramsey house review. Next week-end we will be in Townsend at the Smoky Mountains Wood carvers fall show. If you get a chance, come by there and check it out. Lots of talented people showing what they have created. Stop by and say hey, it was a pleasure meeting you and hope to see you again somwhere down the road. Madilyn & Roger Farneth

    Reply

    1. Rusha Sams

      Thanks for reading my blog! It was a pleasure to meet you both. You have a great attitude about life and a wonderful sense of humor. Best wishes for continued success. To follow my blog, just click on the Follow This Blog link.

      Thanks!

      Reply

  90. Dawn Patelke

    Hi, Rusha. You know me only vaguely from an inservice you did at Union County HS several years ago. I think I last saw you by accident at the Creperie downtown. I am now retired (teacher) and Iedit a newsletter for the local Alliance Française, and I was looking for some pics about an item I wanted to share with the group about the Lavender Festival, and Google found your blog! Do you mind if I use a couple of your wonderful pictures? I will cite you as the photographer. Thanks, Dawn Patelke

    Reply

    1. Rusha Sams

      It’s great to hear from you, Dawn. I’m glad Google directed you to my blog! Yes, you may publish the pictures from the Lavender Festival, but please provide the link to my blog on anything you use: http://ohtheplaceswesee.com. I just might get someone else to click and read! Best wishes to you in all endeavors!

      Reply

  91. Jennifer Rand

    It was a pleasure meeting you at the Mayfield dairy and I’m going to try some of the places mentioned in your blog, which is great by the way.

    Reply

    1. Rusha Sams

      Thanks so much for reading my blog! I’ll get to the one on Mayfield’s soon! It’s always a pleasure to meet people who are enjoying each and every experience, and you seem like one of those people!

      Reply

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