…..Or you can backup your iPhoto library (home folder/images/iPhoto library) to an eternal HDD, then delete it from your home folder, then restore the iPhoto library from time machine, and see if it contains all your photos.
That's a good policy; there's nothing worse than those pesky 'temporary' HDDs ..
What temporary HDDs?
The OP uses Time Machine, so he has an external HDD always connected to the Mac. He can do what i suggested by copying his iPhoto library to that HDD.
He's making a joke based on the OP's typo that reads "eternal HD".
LOL i didn't realize i mistyped "external" Sorry