The Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you with a link to their blog.
2. Make a post of the award (with a photo of the logo).
3. Post the rules.
4. Ask 5-10 questions of your choice.
5. Nominate 10-30 other bloggers (or more) and notify them.

Thank you Ingrid for recognizing me with this honor.

https://experimentsinfiction.com/2020/08/24/vincent-ehindero-award/

Ingrid’s Questions for me:

1. Who would you like to see as next ruler of your country, and why? 

Michele Obama is my choice but since that’s not happening I’m supporting Kamala Harris. I’m not a fan of Biden but there’s no way I can support that ignorant baboon we have in office right now so my vote is Biden/Harris.

2. How have you survived lock down? I’m disabled so I was already functioning with a minimal social network. My migraines have made driving challenging so I’m dependent on my husband taking me or Uber. There are days I miss driving more than anything

3.If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be, and why? Eleanor Roosevelt. I’m curious what Eleanor’s opinion about women’s rights, what she would change or keep? Everything I’ve read about her she says she spoke her mind. Honesty is something I value immensely.

4. If you had a time machine but could only travel either backwards or forwards, which would you choose, and why? I would go backwards. There’s so much I don’t understand and I know seeing for myself will give me the answers I need.

5.What is the meaning of life? I don’t know. I just know I want to keep seeking the answer.

6.What is your favorite comedy show or movie (has to be comedy). The Muensters were my first exposure to comedy that I can remember. I’m hanging on to this choice for sentimental reasons.

My Nominees:

esthernewtonblog.wordpress.com

jimadamsauthordotcom.wordpress.com

Congratulations to all of my nominees! I have chosen these bloggers because they give so much of themselves. I hope you connect with these bloggers and show them your support.

My questions for my nominees:

1. What genre is your favorite?
2. If you could be a character in any story which one would it be?
3. Are you veggie lover or a fruit lover?
4. What era of music is your favorite and why?
5. If you change one thing in the world, what would it be?
6. Why did you begin blogging?
7. What makes you laugh?

I would also like to thank the creator of this blogging award Vincent Ehindero. Vincent is not only a great blogger but also who aspires to impact others’ lives through personal coaching. Do visit his wonderful blog at, Vincent Ehindero.

https://rogershipp.wordpress.com/

https://sparksfromacombustiblemind.com/2020/08/24/share-your-world-8-24-2020/

Share Your World Meets Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

1.One of my favorite gifts that Harry Potter received came from the Weasley Twins; and was “Mrs. Mooney’s Marauder’s Map”. This magical document showed every classroom, hallway and secret corner in all of Hogwarts. It also showed you the location- by name- of every person in Hogwarts.  If you had such a magical map of your town, what would you use it for? If you would not use it, is there another person to whom you would gift it?

I think knowledge is power so I would definitely hang on to it. As to how I would use, I don’t really know. I just know that having it is better than parting with it. I’m not against sharing it with others.

2.When was the last time you made a snowball? Were in a snowball fight?

My co-workers and I did. School was cancelled and instead of rushing home after we cleaned our school buses off we had a snowball fight. It was a lot of fun. Girls against the guys until our grumpy boss arrived and put a damper on our snowball battle. (I drove school bus for 31 years.)

3.Many cultures set great value in each child of the family having godparents. Did you have godparents? Are you a godparent yourself?

I didn’t have godparents but I am one.

4.You have found a secret tunnel under your house. Where does it go?

The tunnel goes directly to a coffee shop, apparently the previous owner valued coffee as much as me.

Muggle Questions (of a more philosophical bent this week):

Is intelligence or wisdom more useful?  

The main difference between intelligence and wisdom is intelligence involves the implementation  of the acquired knowledge whereas wisdom is the accumulation of everything we’ve learned.  For me, I feel both serve us well. Life is a lesson plan that never stops and hopefully all the knowledge I’ve accumulated will be used wisely.

How important is play in living a healthy and fulfilling life?

Work and more work makes for a very dull existence. Making time to play allows our bodies and minds to refocus and re-energerize.

Is happiness just chemicals flowing through your brain or something more?

I don’t think it’s just chemicals. I think happiness shows growth rather than being just a mathematical equation. Happiness represents the balance between pleasure and misery.  Happiness unfortunately, is not something ready made.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.”
― Audrey Hepburn

30 Day We’re spending a relaxing day at the hotel.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g312659-d12223139-Reviews-The_Silo_Hote…

If you want to explore a bit, they recommend the Botanical Gardens.

https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/

talk about the things you discovered at the hotel or the garden.

We have been told so many times that Cape Town is the most popular city in South Africa. Yes the crime stats show the city has the highest recorded rates of murder, robbery and non-violent property-related crimes in the country. The urban and metropolitan regions continue to be disproportionately affected by crime and violence although it seems major crime is drug-related.

The hotel’s very difficult to leave, that infinity pool with the perfectly adjusted temperature and the incredible view. I’m glad I saved it for this morning I wouldn’t have appreciated it as much as I did soaking in the tub with the wine. I slept so sound. I hadn’t realized just how tired I was until I hit the bed. I’m positive once I get home again I’ll probably sleep for 2 days straight.

Speaking of home, we’ve been virtually gone for 22 days now. I’m glad it’s virtual because in real life I would never leave my fur babies for a month with anyone. It’s hard enough on me just for a week.

I decided to check out the gift shop, oh my what an amazing collection of post cards which I did have as an option for the BCoF prompt. I’m sending one to Ellie I just received one from her.Sounds like she had a grand time where she was. I need to go read her blog so I know what Moeraki Boulders are or for that matter where they are. I think I’ll send one Phoebe and Jack, our fearless leader’s children here on WDC. Hard to believe this group has been going 20 years. I briefly considered joining in on the celebration with some kind of activity but I need to redirect my focus on packing so we can do our move. I’m ready for the next step in our lives. Anyway, the kids will enjoy getting mail from South Africa. Of course, I’ll be sending family and friends post cards as well but I’m doing theirs a bit different. I’m adding the post cards to a scrapbook along with a lot of the photographs I’ve taken. I’m going to call all of the scrapbooks “Can you guess where Gramma is now”. I’m a huge fan of Where’s Waldo? so I think they’ll enjoy my humor.

BCoF Prompt: Pick out one of these things to do in Cape Town https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g312659-Activities-Cape_Town_Central_Wes… and write a story, article, or poem about it.

Neva wanted us to write about some of the other attractions. I chose the Botanical Garden the other day which made me late for the Mystery Ghost Tour which was so much fun. I decided to check out the Iziko Slave Lodge because it’s one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town and was previously known as the South African Cultural History Museum. It was built in 1679 by the Dutch East India company to house slaves. I was surprised how much information had been accumulated documenting slave’s history. I felt sick inside reading what slaves endured because of some of our ancestors. I felt a strange kind of relief knowing my ancestors were never slave owners. My family comes from the British Isles and didn’t come to the states until we were well past the Civil War. I won’t say my heritage was perfect but I do feel a sense of pride knowing we never owned another or thought we did. It’s appalling to me. I’m overwhelmed I think I’ll head back to the hotel and maybe write some on my post cards or get back into that pool. Who am I kidding, you’ll find me in the pool. I’ll work on the cards before we get on the plane.Early flight ladies, we’re heading to Johannesburg.

Blog City: In 30 Day we’re doing a virtual blogging trip hopping from continent to continent. We just left Lesotho up in the mountains where at one time cannibalism was practiced.  In conversation it came up what seasoning  would be used for our bodies if they did seasonings The prompt is for you to decide what seasoning would suit you personally the best? Just think of it as an unusual meal preparation.

That stuck in my head. I’m an older person, they’re probably going to cover me with meat tenderizer for a bit before seasoning me with Peri-peri peppers and blend of dry spices that includes lemon peel, black pepper, and paprika. Peri-peri peppers are moderately hot with a savory and slightly grassy flavor. I bet parts of me will have Braai salt which is a dry rub that can include ingredients such as mustard, coriander, and cumin. I bet they’ll put my hindquarters (upper thighs) in a pot with some bay leaves and curry powder. If it wasn’t my body, I might actually enjoy sampling some of these combinations but on beef or maybe chicken.

What Are Some Of The Most Popular South African Spices?