Thank you Di for these lovely questions

1.  What brings you the most comfort:
food, friends, a good movie, pets, a walk on the beach/in the park, or something else
When I enter a game reserve, I breathe more deeply and feel almost euphoric. I also enjoy a lovely long walk on the beach.

2.  Most of us love our food. Is there something you like but know you shouldn’t have it?
I follow a healthy diet but I don’t believe there is any food that you ‘shouldn’t’ eat. The odd treat now and then is good for you! My guilty pleasure – croissants – any style! I have recently been introduced to the almond variety and oh my word they are delicious! This morning I was determined to have a ‘proper’ breakfast as if I eat too much ‘junk’ food I am in danger of getting diverticulitis which is not pleasant. But we went to “OppieStoep” in Bredasdorp after doing our shopping, and they had a special – Bacon, Avocado, and Feta on a fresh croissant! I could not resist!

3.   Do you prefer a garden of flowers or growing vegetables, or do you not have a garden?
I possess a wild garden! I’m not adept at gardening; my plants either perish or burgeon into a jungle. Most of my plants are indigenous but I also try to cultivate vegetables which is difficult because of the amount of time I spend away from home!

4.  Would you like to be rich, I mean REALLY rich?
Of course, I would like to be really rich. I consider myself privileged but not rich but as my brother says, “I would rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable.”
My opinion on wealth is not a popular one. Without the rich, the economy would collapse. Wealthy people are entrepreneurial, have great ideas, create amazing things, and take risks. They also create jobs and provide opportunities for people to follow their career choices. While they spend extravagantly they are paying other people for those extravagances. When eating in fancy restaurants they are providing opportunities for chefs to create fabulous dishes. They reside in mansions designed by architects and built by artisans who value the work. Consider the funds they donate to charity, even if it serves as a tax avoidance strategy—it’s preferable to aid those in need than to enrich greedy politicians.

Remember, when a rich man fails and loses his millions those in his employ lose heavily too. With great privilege comes great responsibility.

Gratitude:
Last week, I posted a photo of the elusive Klaas’s Cuckoo, a bird I frequently hear in my garden but rarely see clearly enough to photograph. Throughout my time in Struisbaai, I had never encountered a similar bird, the Diederik’s Cuckoo. To my delight, I heard its loud call in my garden a few days ago and, despite the quality of my photos, I succeeded in capturing it on two separate occasions. I am immensely thankful for the birds that grace my garden!