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 |   Theses are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call life. |
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These are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call Life. I blog with these groups:     "Blogging Circle of Friends "  [E] 
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Blogging Circle of Friends DAY 2900 October 23, 2020 What do you like to do on a dark and stormy day? Or a foggy day? Stay under the covers. Sleep and read. It is the ultimate pyjama day. A day for a 'bed picnic' - where one only leaves the bed to use the facilities after collecting books, magazines, art supplies and the TV remote as well as a selection of foods - both healthy and junkie. There should be chips and chocolate involved. |
Blogging Circle of Friends Day 2891: October 17, 2020 Prompt: What is your favorite part of October that has nothing to do with Halloween? I like the cooler days and nippy nights. I like the coziness of October. I like being able to put on the fire place and enjoy the toastiness. I like that October is Preptober - as it leads up to November. It is relaxed and casual. I could wear sweaters...if I wasn't dealing with hot flashes and breaking out the longer pants and putting away the shorts is like a changing of the guard... a kind of natural season change that is refreshing after a hot, humid summer. This summer was weird. With Covid-19, a lot of my usual summer adventures did not happen. I missed things, but not as much as I thought I would. I saved a lot of money in the process and got a lot more writing done. I also wrote outside more - on the front stoop, where I could watch the '5 year old show' across the street. There is a lovely family across the street with two little boys around the age of 5. They love to play outside and their drama is quite comical. They have a younger sister as well, but she has only turned a year this month, so she wasn't in on the drama. When they went away on a family vacation, it was pretty quiet around here. Blog City - Day DAY 2267 October 17, 2020 Use these words in your blog entry... purple, pumpkin, determine, clock, scarecrow and Shelia. Well, you asked for it.... this is what happens at 5:30 in the morning! The purple pumpkin danced upon the clock, determined to wake Shelia from dreams too odd to be natural. A scarecrow winked at her as it ran off down the lane... A flock of crows flittering around like dust in his wake. Shelia shook herself, dragged in consciousness like air - after being submerged a moment too long. She looked about her room expecting the purple pumpkin to be grinning at her, his Jack-o-lantern face gapping with a cheeky grin. But all was silent All was calm Until... the slamming of a door. Cold gripped her. turned her insides out as she stared wide eyed through the blanket of darkness. She could hear footsteps. Footsteps unknown to her. Footsteps with a heavy gait and a scrapping... She forced herself to breathe. Tried telling herself she was still caught in the haze of dreams But the thump ... bump, bump, bump... The turning of the bedroom knob had her dizzy with fear. Clutching her mangled sheets she peered into oblivion, awaiting whatever was making its way from dreams to reality. The door shot open Like gunfire, sending shrapnel everywhere. Shelia ducked back under the covers As fear wrapped around her like a Boa Constrictor. Laughter ripped the air. A cackle that had a tinge of familiarity. From beneath fear and flannel Shelia peeked And saw... And saw... The devil's child dressed in scarecrow's attire; A grin as wide as sin. Light poured from the ceiling's bulb Glaring light, pulsing. As Sheila saw flashes of anger and whipped a book At the vagrant's head. Get Out, You Fool She screamed as her son dipped back into the shadows of the hall Laughter trailing muffled words calling Gotcha! |
| Thursday night I logged on after my first day of teaching. I was exhausted, but in a good, rewarding way... and then I noticed my name coming up and congratulations being given and I thought WT.... My sleepiness evaporated and I was smiling from ear to ear! I had been promoted to a BLUE case and given MODERATOR status. I am still not sure what this all entails, but I am honoured to accept my newfound status. Emily   mentioned feeling like a newbie again and I have to agree. I am still feeling a sense of shock and bewilderment. I have to thank The StoryMaster  and The StoryMistress  for all their hard work and attention to this wonderful website. It truly is my online home. It is my soft place to land and it inspires me and lifts me up, as well as challenges me to stretch beyond myself and my limiting beliefs. I have met many wonderful people here and made some great friendships. I have grown so much since I started here in March of 2013. My gratitude is vast. Thank you, thank you, thank you. So much has happened in the last 7 years and I look forward to many more. I share this honour with eight other wonderful, deserving ladies - all of whom I have seen around this amazing website on a regular basis... there are 5 of us doing the I Write in 2020 Challenge. Here is the list of uniquely wonderful individuals: I also want to thank everyone for all the wonderful cNotes and messages. It has been lovely to be acknowledged in such a great way. I look forward to doing my part and making WDC a rockin' good place to be. Cheers! Thanks! |
 30 Day Blogging Challenge Montreal, Canada Well, we're ending our month long adventure in Montreal. Another early morning just over 2 hour flight to Montreal. I got everyone a room at the Four Seasons. Today is our last day of continent hopping. So let's go out in style. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g155032-d16722291-Reviews-Four_Seasons_... I've offered 3 museum choices, feel free to pick whatever interests you. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155032-d155193-Reviews-Insectariu... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155032-d6784342-Reviews-Museum_of... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155032-d11716180-Reviews-Barbie_E... We're meeting up after lunch at 2:00 pm to do a private walking tour. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g155032-d12561325-Old_Montre... Dinner is at the Famous Tandem. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g155032-d2709343-Reviews-Restauran... Perfect day to be in Montreal! I can join up with my friends for the Tais Toi et Ecris (Shut Up and Write!) group in person instead of Zooming! They meet at 12:30 pm until 3 pm. So cool! This means I miss the private walking tour at 2 pm, but I am okay with that. Everyone was all abuzz about their Charlotte, North Carolina adventures. It was great to catch up and see everyone again... even if it is our last day. It was so cool to here about the ghost pub crawl that some of you were adventurous enough to take! Since none of the museums really interest me, I opt to do the walking tour in the morning. Yes, I am a rebel again, but Barbie or insects aren't my thing and I would love to see the city. I have never been to Montreal. I have driven through it, and that was an experience and a half! Quebec itself feels like a different country, even when crossing from Ontario into Quebec. Getting into the heart of Montreal will be a treat. The city has a great feel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nludElZhjrs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poe2cLKw9ko Gotta get me some poutine and I hear the craft beer scene is really good. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Charlotte, NC. Oops, guess I should have told you before we went to the beach crawl our flight was at 7:00, and we need to be at the airport at 5am. Don't forget to talk about your day, the things you saw and who surprised you. Well I missed the flight. Not too worried though, I'm kind-of on a 'no USA thing' until Trump is gone.... and I am sticking to it... even in a virtual sense. Besides sleeping in, was a welcome thing, especially after the wonderful time I had yesterday. So I take another day in Belize. I have thoughts of dipping over into Guatemala just to see where my cousins are from - I have two cousins who are adopted. Both are from Guatemala, both they are from two different indigenous groups, but instead I explore on my own and spend my day relaxing and soaking up more sun. Blogging Circle of Friends Charlotte, NC Prompt: Which one of these 15 Things to do in Charlotta https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g49022-Activities-Charlotte_North_Caroli... is the most fun? If I did venture here, I would be inclined to check out the Haunted Charlotte Ghost and walking Pub Crawl. It combines the mystery of a haunted tour with fun of a pub crawl for a great night out. A guide leads the group on a 2.5-hour walking tour through historic Charlotte. Stopping at several bars along the way, each housed in historic buildings with their own unique ghosts and stories. Guests will have time to enjoy a delicious libation as the guide tells them all about the fascinating history of Charlotte and some of its most famous and creepy haunted stories!   |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Belize https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g291963-d1687387-Reviews-Island_Magic_B... We're going to end our trip with some interesting experiences, hope you're ready. We've combined some of Belize's most adventurous activities in one tour. See the rain forest from several different perspectives. Go underground during cave tubing and above the trees during ziplining. Stress-free hotel pickup and drop-off and a Belizean BBQ lunch included https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g291968-d14121238-Cave_Tubin... In the afternoon, we're going to the most famous dive sight in Belize, it was discovered by Jacques Cousteau. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14035153-d296241-Reviews-Great_Bl... Don't think about napping yet. Cos we're doing a beach crawl. Ahoy! Me hearties, we be the #SanPedroBelize drinking session that moves from one licensed grog slinging premises to the next & so on. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g291962-d19932877-Reviews-BlackSai... Talk up the things that you enjoyed on today's excursions. Our hotel is lush and wonderful. So tranquil and relaxing - an oceanfront beach paradise. The resort offers experiences worth bragging about! Like swimming with sharks and snorkeling the world's second largest Barrier Reef. Enjoy a sunset Caribbean Cruise. Take a day trip to visit mainland Belize and climb a top ancient Maya Ruins or discover the secrets of Maya Underworlds. Or, simply lounge by the pool. Have a cold beer with a local. Taste the island cuisine. Jump off our pier into the aqua hues of the Caribbean Sea and be free! Our go-slow little island offers every opportunity to escape the hassle of every day life. Evn take a puddle jumper or boat to Caye Caulker and have us curate a magical experience for you. Having really been to the Quintana Roo part of Mexico, I am happy to explore this area from Belize. The beach is exquisite and the water is glorious. The zip line and tubing adventure was a blast. I love the caves! The zipline was a bit over the top for me, but I did it! We went to the Nohoch Chen Archaeological Park for the ziplining and tubing. Our first activity was the ZipRider, a zip-line tour through the rainforest. It featured an intricate harness system of pulleys on horizontal traverse cables which lets you glide 100 – 750 feet between platforms up to 120 feet high in the trees at canopy level. YIKES!!! After being fitted into the safety harness, the next 30 – 40 minutes are spent zipping through a series of 7 zip-line runs from 10 jungle platforms – a truly unforgettable experience! Following lunch, our next adventure was cave tubing. We got our tubes, headlights and safety gear before hiking through the rainforest to the entrance of the cave system. After a safety chat we got to tube! We tubed through the ancient Maya underworld – Xibalba. Intricate crystalline formations line the cave and stalagmites and stalactites magically appear out of the darkness. On several occasions, we emerged into the sunlight only to enter into another cave system. So cool! I could have stayed so much longer, but we needed to head off to see the Great Blue Hole and do more snorkeling. Some of us were able to dive. Our day finished with the BlackSails Beach-Crawl Belize. We moved from one 'grog slinging' place to another. There was also swimming and volleyball as well as Kayak races and live entertainment. By the time we all crawled into bed it was late.... or very early in the morning. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Brasilla, Brazil Today's adventure is all about unusual architecture https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303322-d318131-Reviews-Catedral_M... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303322-d2349423-Reviews-Itamaraty... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303322-d2349446-Reviews-Templo_da... Amazing designs, don't you agree? Which one appealed to you most, why? What's your favorite architecture near where you live? I found myself wanting to explore the more natural architecture of the area. Lyn's a sly fox  is telling us we will be off to Belize tomorrow and I did not want to miss the many waterfalls in the area. To be able to swim in the clear water and see the natural wonders of the place just felt right. I breakfasted with my fellow travelers, then as they went off to trek the streets of Brasilla in search of cathedrals and other interesting architectural designs, I headed for the car that would take me to my destination and my own adventure. I knew I would see the pictures of the places they visited later at dinner, but I wanted to bring my own photographic memories to that dinner. I am still remembering the Moroccan designs. Those were beautiful. Many of these tours of the waterfalls are several days, but I opted for one sweet day. Couros falls is one of the most incredible walks of the Chapada dos Veadeiros. It’s about 15 km of asphalt road and 35 km of dirt road, but all of it is compensated at the first stop where I could not only see an incredible fall, but also bathe in its refreshing and strong waters. It was heaven!!! The trail allowed us to see 3 more falls of great volume and indescribable beauty. It’s definitely one of those places where no image can represent the magic of seeing and feeling those waters in real colours. Still I took photographs to remind me of my experience. It was hard to leave and head back to the bustle of the city, but I was eager to see my friends and get a great meal. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/AttractionProductReview-g2159104-d19349474-CAR_GUIDE_... Blogging Circle of Friends I've made arrangements for you to take all those Brazillian food choices to the next level. You're putting a menu together to help this restaurant get better ratings. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303322-d4102590-Reviews-Primeiro-... https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-brazil https://www.oliviascuisine.com/authentic-brazilian-recipes/ Our group is going to enjoy your recommendations this evening. Don't be out to late we're off to Belize next. Perfect timing Hurricane Laura has already gone past our location I saw some of the reviews and this restaurant misses the mark where the food is concerned. The atmosphere and everything else seems above board... so a little help, even if it is from some Yahoos from elsewhere.... it couldn't hurt. I suggest the cheese bread and the fish stew! Looking over the menu of 30 The chicken wings and fried pastries look delectable as well... and don't forget the Brazilian lemonade. And of course the chocolate fudge balls. Of course the Brazilian names are far more authentic sounding... but it all looks and tastes divine! We ate and drank some wonderful, tasty dishes and drinks. We shared out adventures and our photos and we talked and laughed. Lyn's a sly fox reminded us of our early departure for tomorrow to Belize so we headed back to our hotel to settle in... but not before another swim to cool me off before sleep. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Brasilla, Brazil Phew, that flight was long. 20 hours on a plane. What a way to celebrate my 64th birthday. We're going directly to our hotel and catching some much needed rest before we go out for dinner. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g303322-d1507171-Reviews-Hotel_Royal_Tu... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303322-d2348030-Reviews-Taypa_Sab... Happy Birthday Lyn's a sly fox !!! Thank goodness we are flying in the direction we are going or you may have missed your birthday completely! Brazil! WooHoo! We are in the capital of Brazil. I think I am going to enjoy the sun and the pool while I rest. Maybe even walk along the lake. After the sensory experiences in Morocco, I think my body needs a break to just close my eyes and enjoy the warmth that is a serious beachy resort. The lines of this hotel are a curving delight. Calming in a way, after the boldness of Morocco. We all join in to celebrate Lyn's birthday - a great excuse to party. Taypa Sabores Del Peru does not disappoint, but the portions are tiny, scrumptious, but tiny. Afterwards, we headed over to the Carcassonne Pub to play some board games and enjoy some local white beer and some snacks The staff were lovely and very helpful in explaining the rules of the games. We had a roaring good time. Blogging Circle of Friends Discuss some famous people from Brazil - https://www.gapyear.com/brazil/famous-people-from-brazil or discuss favorite Brazilian food - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-brazil or write a recap of our trip thus far. This is the only person I recognize... Carmen Miranda (1909 – 1955) Carmen Miranda was as famous in the 40s and 50s as Angelina Jolie is today. She achieved worldwide stardom through her performances in both film and theatre, perhaps gaining most fame from her leading part in The Gang’s All Here, in which she wore a fruit hat. As you do. Her last performance was on the Jimmy Durante Show, during which she suffered a mild heart attack. She didn’t even realise, finished the show, then departed this world the following morning in the wake of a second, decidedly more severe heart attack. This video shows her in The Gang’s All Here wearing that legendary hat. As for the food... barbecue sounds fabulous to me. They even have a fried cheese recipe! This also looks yummy: moqueca... a fish stew that is more than a mere fish stew. It is served with theatrical flourish as the piping hot clay pot is uncovered at the table amid clouds of fragrant steam. Baianos (residents of Bahia, in the north-east of the country) and Capixabas (from the neighbouring state of EspÃrito Santo) both lay claim to the origins of the dish, and both serve up equally tasty variations. At its simplest, fish and/or other seafood are stewed in diced tomatoes, onions and coriander. The Capixabas add annatto seeds for a natural red food colouring, while the Baianos serve a heavier version, made with palm oil, peppers and coconut milk. It’s teamed with rice, farofa (toasted manioc flour – ideal for mopping up juices) and pirão (a spicy fish porridge made with manioc flour – far tastier than it sounds). I think I would be willing to try both versions of the stew, as long as they threw in some pao de de quelijo. This is cheese and bread brought together in glorious union. It is said to be a snack enjoyed at any time of day. Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, the gluten-free bread rolls are made with tapioca flour, eggs and grated curado minas cheese (a cow’s milk cheese from the state of Minas Gerais), rolled into small balls. For a naughty twist, keep an eye out for pão de queijo served in fist-sized rolls (or even a cake-sized bake), stuffed with cream cheese or various meaty fillings. And dessert. One must not forget dessert. Brazil’s answer to the chocolate truffle, brigadeiros. The sweet balls are made by simmering condensed milk with cocoa powder, then whisking in butter and shaping the mix into balls before rolling in chocolate sprinkles. Guaranteed to give an instant sugar high, they’re cloyingly sweet for some palates. Brazilians won’t hear a word against them, though. This might help to balance it out though - quindim is a glossy yellow sweet treat made with nothing more than eggs, sugar and coconut (with butter a common addition). Baked in cupcake-sized moulds, the bottom is toasted and golden, dense with grated coconut, while the top is a smooth, firm custard that sticks pleasingly to the roof of the mouth. The name is said to derive from the word ‘kintiti’ (meaning ‘delicacy’ in Kikongo, a language spoken in Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola), while the recipe itself was inspired by the Portuguese love affair with egg yolks in sweets and pastries. Something tells me I am in food heaven. Good thing these are all calorie free... but lots of swimming in the pool will go along way to burn off the calories. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Marrakech, Morocco https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293734-d1676197-Reviews-Royal_Mansour_... All I can say, is we've been very lucky when it comes to hotels thus far but no sleeping in for us because we have a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. We have an extended check out so we'll be hanging here until our flight. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293734-d15305958-Hot_Air_Ba... After our hot air balloon we're going shopping. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293734-d15000784-Marrakech_... 30DBC - write a poem or write a story about your adventures in Marrakech. I emerge from my private residence, a traditional Moroccan Riad, into the darkness of Marrakech. We are bustled off to the sight where our hot air balloon awaits. From what I am seeing so far, I am beginning to miss the trees. The lushness of shade is just not here. I can't say the experience is as breathtaking as in Tanzania, but it is lovely to see the views and watch the sun rise up over the horizon. The breakfast was quite good... a new taste experience for me. I am not the spiciest of people, but some of these spices are very good. I make sure to source them out when we ventured into the market later. I do like the architecture of the place. Moroccan. Our hotel is full of the intricate details and designs. The market was a feast for the eyes - colours, so vibrant I had to pick out at least one blanket - which I may have to hang as a tapestry of memory. I made sure to purchase some of the spices. I just hope I can smuggle them back home. I pick up a woven basket bag for my mother. I also find us each a pair of slippers. I even find a beautifully designed tagine pot which I could not pass up. I even found a leather briefcase that would be great... not that I need it, but the price was right and it looks fabulous. I will surely have to send this stuff home packaged up really well. Visiting Marrakech’s warren of souks was quite an experience. I could imagine that it’s easy to get lost in these colorful outdoor markets. Our local guide kept us all on track, steered us to the best artisans and shopkeepers, and shooed away the touts who tried to spoil our visit. Blogging Circle of Friends Day 2839: August 25 Marrakech,Morocco Prompt: Marrakech is a beautiful place. Look at Things to do in Marrakech https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293734-Activities-Marrakech_Marrakech_T... and find something you think is beautiful. Why do you think it is beautiful? https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293734-d11989887-Atlas_Moun... The idea of seeing snow on mountains when riding on camels was surreal. This is not what I think of when I think Morocco. Exploring Morocco’s Atlas Mountains with a local guide enabled me and my party to interaction with Berber villagers. Enjoying a local lunch and tea ceremony in a Berber home. On this day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains and Valleys, Berber Villages, Camel ride & Waterfalls you will see the most amazing and beautiful places: Atlas Mountains, Imlil Valley, Asni Valley, Amizmiz Valley, walk and visit around 9 Berber Villages, have tea with a Berber family and learn about their life, walk up to the waterfalls and see a wonderful views. visit to Argan women's cooperative. The tour started at 9:00 AM, from our hotel and ended back in Marrakech around 3 pm. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Nouakchott, Mauritania. A bit of interesting history - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouakchott https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293815-d10339182-Reviews-Nouakchott_Ho... We're doing a private tour today, looks like an interesting variety. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293815-d14779091-Nouakchot_... We're writers and here's a golden opportunity to see a famous library and a shipyard graveyard. Our muse should be inspired by one them to discuss. Maybe even both. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-libraries-of-chinguetti-chinguetti-mauri... https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bay-of-nouadhibou-ship-graveyard and our interesting dining choice. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293815-d4022339-Reviews-Restauran... Discuss what you enjoyed on the tour or the library, or the shipyard graveyard or even the restaurant. Maybe all of them. Have fun! Wow, only 6 days left of our journey. Okay, my ignorance is showing. The first thing I have to do is check a map. Thank goodness our first tour was the perfect introduction to Mauritanian customs and culture. It was a private guided door-to-door tour of the nation’s capital, Nouakchott. We visited markets, mosques, the port, the beach, and the National Museum of Mauritania. We sipped Mauritanian mint tea, and learned about the history of the region. Just what I needed. Later I was able to check out the libraries in the city of Chinguetti. It contains some of the world’s most important Quranic texts amid its simple earthen libraries. Established around 777 CE, Chinguetti became an important trading outpost on the Timbuktu caravan route to the Mediterranean. At the same time it became a gathering place for Islamic pilgrims on their way to Mecca. With the steady traffic of holy people through the city, a large, stone mosque was built and small libraries were founded to contain the growing number of religious texts left behind. Preserving the tradition of trading and passing down such holy writings, most of the original Chinguetti libraries exist in largely the same state as when they were deposited. Today there are five such libraries left in Chinguetti containing some 1,300 Quranic manuscripts, as well as civil records including contracts, bills of sale, and legal judgments. The dry desert air and dedication of generations of custodians have helped preserve the fragile parchments, often rolled inside bamboo tubes. From Atlas Obscura. |
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