Month: March 2025

Mining Disasters

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

This week we are talking about mine disasters in my area, that being Newcastle in New South Wales.

My paternal grandfather was a coal miner as was his father both worked at the Standford Merthyr collier, I believe my great-grandfather was killed while working he was crushed between two mine train cars also known as minecarts or mine wagons, are specialized rail vehicles used to transport ore, rock, or other materials within mines.

There is a miner’s memorial in the town of Kurri Kurri which has a plaque with all the names of miners who passed while working in the local mines and his name is on it.

I know my grandfather was working at the mine at the age of 14.

One of the first disaster was on Monday 21st March 1898 at the Dudley pit around 9.20 am a huge explosion was heard as far away as Belmont and a rumbling underground as far away as Newcastle.

Coal dust filled the air for more than 15 minutes, when it had cleared it was realised the pithead roof had been partially blown off, the shaft cage had been propelled from the bottom of the shaft 30 feet into the air, lots of other destruction and trapped men inside. The local town folk ran to the pithead hoping for survivors, but the loss of life was inevitable given the extensive underground damage, smoke and poisonous gases.

There was little hope of survivors, but the rescue team worked late into the night. Over the next 2 weeks the rescue team managed to recover 10 out of the 15 bodies.            

The mine was flooded and there were still fires burning underground. The decision to close the pit was made and it was not re-opened until 17th June. Newspapers at the time reported on the dangers of the mining industry and this explosion was one of many world-wide.

The official inquiries and inquests found there to be an accumulation of a huge volume of gas in the pit to be the major cause of the disaster. The only comfort for the townsfolk at this time was that there were not more men killed as only the shift men and some officials were underground.

Normally there could be up to 200 working on-site.

Moving on in April 1946 rain caused subsidence at Cessnock No 2 colliery, this led to heat build up and the fires that followed made national news. Some thought the fire should be blasted with artillery or bombed from the air to get the fires under control. Of course, local residents thought those were stupid and dangerous ideas, thus the idea was scrapped.

Some thought that the 10m coal seam should have been mined using open cut mining, but during WW11 it seems the government pushed for underground mining.

At Easter 1946 previous predictions of a possible collapse, heating and fires if the rich seams were worked underground were proved right.

The fire underground was so fierce that at times flames burst to the surface shooting up to 10m into the air. Great sinkholes also appeared in the ground around the area and there were awful smelling fumes around causing distress to local residents.

Explosives were used to blow in the sides of the craters and soil was dumped in.

Miners from all over the district joined in to help control the huge blaze.

There have been many other disasters it isn’t the safest of industries to work in.

Island Fox

~ joannerambling ~ 4 Comments

This will be the last post about foxes we are ending with the Island Fox.

The Island fox is native to six of the eight Channel Islands in California it is considered critically endangered by the IUCN, it is threaten by golden eagles, disease, and habitat destruction.

The Catalina Island Conservancy and Institute for Wildlife Studies have established a fox recovery program for the island fox. This program includes vaccination, relocation, and captive breeding. 

The island fox is a small fox species that is endemic to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. There are six subspecies, each unique to the island it lives on, reflecting its evolutionary history. They are generally docile, show little fear of humans, and are easily tamed.

The island fox has similar markings to the gray fox. They have gray colouring on the back, rust colouring on the sides, and white underneath. The face has a distinctive black, white, and rufous-coloured patterns.

In March 2004, four subspecies of the island fox were classified as a federally protected endangered species: the Santa Cruz Island fox, Santa Rosa Island fox, San Miguel Island fox and the Santa Catalina Island fox.

Island foxes reach sexual maturity at 10 months, and females usually breed within the first year. These foxes can live for up to 10 years in the wild, but four to six years is more typical.

They are generally docile, show little fear of humans, and are easily tamed. Island foxes played an important role in the spiritual lives of native Channel Islanders. They have been likely semi-domesticated as pets, used as pelts, or for other functions, like pest control.

They are omnivorous, eating both plants and other animals. They eat a large amount of insects, some island deer mice, reptiles, and fruit from native plants. New evidence is showing marine resources may be important for island foxes. Their diet also changes with the seasons.

 The primary threat to the island fox is predation by invasive golden eagles. The species is also very vulnerable to canine distemper transmitted by domestic dogs, habitat fragmentation due to development, and habitat loss to introduced livestock and game species.

Ireland

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I was going to write about another middle east country but since today is St. Patrick’s Day I changed my mind and now writing about Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland occupies most of the island of Ireland, off the coast of England and Wales. Its capital, Dublin, is the birthplace of writers like Oscar Wilde, and home of Guinness beer. The 9th-century Book of Kells and other illustrated manuscripts are on show in Dublin’s Trinity College Library. Dubbed the “Emerald Isle” for its lush landscape, the country is dotted with castles like medieval Cahir Castle.

The island of Ireland comprises the Republic of Ireland, which is a sovereign country, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. I will write about Northern Ireland at a later date.

The population is around 5.4 million, there are two official languages, English and Irish.

Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Its historic buildings include Dublin Castle, dating to the 13th century, and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. City parks include landscaped St Stephen’s Green and huge Phoenix Park, containing Dublin Zoo. The National Museum of Ireland explores Irish heritage and culture.

The city expanded rapidly from the 17th century and was briefly the second largest in the British Empire and sixth largest in Western Europe after the Acts of Union in 1800. Following independence in 1922, Dublin became the capital of the Irish Free State, renamed Ireland in 1937.

The national flag of Ireland, often called “the tricolour,” is a vertical tricolour of green, white, and orange, with green at the hoist (pole side). 

Green: Represents Irish nationalism and the Gaelic tradition. 

White: Symbolizes peace and a lasting truce between different groups. 

Orange: Represents the supporters of William of Orange. 

This flag was first introduced by Thomas Francis Meagher in 1848 and became the national flag after the Easter Rising of 1916. 

The flag was given constitutional status in 1937. 

Their currency is the Euro since 1999 before that it was the Irish Pound

When it comes to religion, Christianity, particularly Catholicism, holds a significant place. The Catholic Church has a long history and cultural influence in Ireland, and many Irish people identify with the Catholic faith. 

While Catholicism is the largest religion, other Christian denominations, such as the Church of Ireland (Anglican), and other religions like Islam and Eastern Orthodoxy, are also present. 

A significant portion of the population, 14.5%, identified as having no religion in the 2022 census.

The Irish Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and does not endorse any particular religion. 

There has been a decline in the number of people who identify as Catholic, as well as a rise in the number of people who identify as having no religion.

In Ireland, significant strides have been made in advancing women’s rights, including equal voting rights, legal protections against discrimination, and a focus on eliminating violence against women, but challenges remain, particularly in achieving true gender equality and addressing data gaps. 

The 1937 Constitution of Ireland guaranteed women the right to vote and to nationality and citizenship on an equal basis with men.

Ireland is generally considered a safe and welcoming place to travel, with low crime rates and a friendly population. However, like any destination, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions, especially in larger cities. 

Ireland has a relatively low crime rate compared to many other European countries

The Irish people are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. 

Ireland is considered a great destination for solo travellers, both male and female. 

Week 11 of 2025

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I was up at 5am as per usual after a shower I was ready for the day even though I only had maybe 3hrs sleep last night.

Kathy and family called in so we could give Summer her birthday present, it was a crochet kit to make a turtle and a kangaroo, she loved it.

It started raining around midday and rained on and off for the rest of the afternoon.

By 2pm I was feeling oh so very tired. I did manager to stay awake till 8.30pm.

Steps:11,640

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am.

Sue took me to Woolies so I could get a few things.

Jess had me go over and help her prepare a casserole in her slow cooker, even though I had written out instructions for her. After it was done, she had Sam bring me a small bowl of it, I thought it tasted just fine.

It has been decided that Tim and I along with Tasha & Jess are going on a cruise in November, so I spent a couple of hours this afternoon finding a cruise and getting prices.

Steps: 5,699

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am. Although I went to bed at 8.30pm, woke at 10.30 and got up for an hour on returning to bed I went straight off to sleep.

It is a sticky morning, and I don’t like it.

Tim came home as his sporty was cancelled and while he was here, he had the front sliding door opened even though while I was in my armchair I was cold due to the breeze I said nothing. I did close the door when he went outside, and he opened it again when he came inside.

Steps: 5,380      

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am. It is raining this morning and suppose to rain most of the day.

It started out cool but warmed up by 11am.

Well, it didn’t rain all day thankfully and this afternoon before I went to meet Sam I vacuumed out and mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors, I also folded the laundry these jobs took half an hour and left me feeling like shit. I was so unsteady I decided to take the scooter up to wait for Sam instead of walking.

Steps:5,667

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am. I have to wait till after Tim leaves to have a shower, it is going to be another warm day.

I turned the air con on at 1pm as I was sweating so much. Although when I walked outside it didn’t seem that hot.

Sam told me this afternoon that she is going away for the weekend with Bailey and his family, I hope she has a good time. I asked Sam if Bailey’s parents knew he was gay, she said he isn’t gay because he nonbinary. I said nothing but thought well yeah, he is gay as you are both male.

Tim decided it was time to again state to me how much he despises referring to Sam as she, I told him again I get it, but it is better than alienating Sam he said that he tries to just refer to use Sam’s name which is what I told him to do.

Steps: 6,227

KELLI’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 31 TODAY

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am. We are in for another bloody hot day with a temp of 32C

I turned the air con on at midday and turned it off at 5pm.

Sam has gone away for the weekend with her friend Bailey and Bailey’s family.

Blain came down and asked if needed can he hang out here on Sunday as he doesn’t want to be alone in the house with Benny who still hasn’t left. Blain told his mum if Benny isn’t gone by the end of the month him and Ta’lia will be moving out.

Steps:10,621

I had a decent enough night, there is a lovely breeze through the house, but we are in for another bloody hot day.

Tim and I went over to Lake Fair, and he bought a couple of pairs of trousers. I got some photo frames then I went to Woolies for a few things.

Tim is working this arvo and night he said he should be home between 11.30 and Midnight.

It has been very hot today so hot I started to feel unwell and turned the air con in the bedroom on to help cool that part of the house down.

Steps: 2,999

National Anthem of Saudi Arabia

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The national anthem of Saudi Arabia is The Chant of the Saudi Nation it was first adopted in 1950 by King Abdulaziz without the lyrics, to be the official royal salute. Which was played at Saudi official ceremonies to salute royal families and diplomats.

The piece was a gift from Egypt King Farouq in 1947 when King Abdul Aziz visited Egypt.

The composer Abdul Rahman Khateeb himself played the music on the trumpet at the official welcoming ceremony held for king Abdulaziz at that time.

In the 80’s the Saudi poet Ibrahim Khafaja was ordered to add words to the royal Salute piece, so it becomes the official Royal anthem of the Kingdom.

The first time Saudi’s heard their national anthem was on the first day of Eid Al Fitr in 1984, as it was played on the national TV and radio.

The National Anthem is commonly known among Saudis as Sari’i, the opening word of the anthem, meaning to Hasten.

Hasten

To glory and supremacy,

Glorify the Creator of the heavens

And raise the green flag

Which carry the guidance light

Repeat: Allahu Akbar

My country,

Live as the pride of all Muslims!

Long live the king

For the flag

And homeland

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

First up there are two new posts over at my Random Stuff

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/03/just-bit-of-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/03/just-bit-of-hodgepodge.html


Today we are looking at a condition called, rejection sensitive dysphoria or RSD, this is a condition that my eldest daughter has been diagnosed with along with ADHD.  This condition isn’t something I have ever heard of till now.

It is a condition that causes intense emotional pain when someone feels rejected, criticized, or fails.

People with RSD may avoid situations where they might fail or be rejected it can affect children, teens, and adults. 

RSD is not an official medical diagnosis, but there are treatments that can help 

Symptoms of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Rejection can, and often does, provoke an emotional response in all of us. What marks RSD is that this response is inappropriate for the circumstance and can last for days or longer after the rejection. Symptoms of Rejection Sensitive dysphoria can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include:

  • Chronically low self-esteem 
  • Inability or trouble containing emotions after being rejected – such as fits of anger or tears
  • Sudden drops into depression or anxiety, such as those typically hallmarked by bipolar
  • Avoidance of tasks, big or small, that could end in failure 
  • People pleasing behaviour 
  • Fear or apprehension of authority figures
  • Perfectionism or overcompensation for internal feelings of shortcomings
  • Isolating behaviours 
  • Stage fright, fear of public speaking or social awkwardness even around friends and family

RSD can impact many aspects of life, including relationships, academics, and professional endeavours. It can also lead to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts or behaviours. 

Causes

  • Differences in brain structure that make it harder to regulate emotions and behaviours related to rejection 
  • A deep-seated fear of negative judgment 
  • A sense of falling short, failing to meet one’s own high standards or others’ expectations 

Treatment is a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. A big part is learning how to manage and cope with RSD can help people live fulfilling lives.

History of Newcastle New South Wales

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Today, we are looking at a bit of the history of Newcastle in New South Wales, the town was named after the famous coal port in England, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The city was originally called Coal River and then Kingstown. 

In 1797, Lieutenant John Shortland discovered the Hunter River estuary while searching for escaped convicts. Then in 1801, Governor King authorized a group of convicts and soldiers to settle in Newcastle to mine coal. This settlement was short-lived and closed in 1802 but was re-established in 1804. 

After the settlement was re-established, it was named Newcastle to imitate the English coal port. The city’s link to Newcastle-upon-Tyne is still evident in some of its place names, such as Jesmond, Hexham, Wickham, Wallsend, and Gateshead.

The coal mined from the area was the colony of NSW first export. Newcastle gained a reputation as a “hellhole” as it was where the most dangerous convicts were sent to dig in the coal mines as punishment.

Newcastle remained a penal settlement until 1822, when the settlement was opened up to farming. Military rule ended in 1823, and prisoner numbers were reduced to 100 while the remaining 900 were sent to Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie is 245km or 153 miles.

After the town was freed from the influence of penal law it began to acquire the aspect of a typical pioneer settlement, and free settlers soon poured into the hinterland.

Today, the Port of Newcastle remains the economic and trade centre for the resource rich Hunter Valley. It is the world’s largest coal export port and Australia’s oldest and second largest tonnage throughput port.

The population of Newcastle, New South Wales in 2024 is around 174,529. This is based on a forecast prepared by population experts on behalf of the City of Newcastle.

Lake Macquarie’s estimated resident population is around 220,000 people, making it the third largest regional city in NSW.

I live in Lake Macquarie

Sierra Nevada Red Fox

~ joannerambling ~ 5 Comments

This week we are looking at the Sierra Nevada red fox. 

Then we have the Sierra Nevada red fox which is found in the mountainous regions of California’s Sierra Nevada, it is also considered endangered. It is threatened by unpredictable events like wildfire and drought, competition with coyotes, and hybridization with non-native foxes, as well as habitat loss from logging and livestock grazing, disturbance by recreational vehicles, and climate change.

The Sonora Pass population of the Sierra Nevada red fox may be one of the most endangered species in the U.S. When FWS listed this population as endangered in 2021, the agency estimated that as few as 39 individuals may remain in the wild.

They appear to be opportunistic predators and foragers, with a diet primarily composed of small rodents. Their favorite foods are hares and gophers, but they also eat manzanita berries and deer carrion, particularly in winter and spring.

They have a small, slender body and legs; long, pointed ears; an elongated snout; and a long, white-tipped tail. They’re typically smaller than lowland red fox subspecies, with males weighing up to 9.2 pounds and measuring up to 3.4 feet long and females up to 7.7 pounds and 3.2 feet.

The biggest difference between it and the Red Fox is the Sierra Nevada red fox’s specialized adaptations for cold and snow. They have well-furred paws as part of their winter coat, longer hind legs and are slightly smaller.

They mate between December and March, with most mating occurring in January and February. They are believed to be monogamous. 

They are sexually mature at 10 months they have a gestation period of 52–54 days, they can give birth to litters of 1–12 kits, with an average of 3–6 kits they are born in early to mid-April the pups move outside the den by June and are dependent on parents for 6 months.

They prepare multiple dens after mating and may share a burrow with another pair.

A conservation strategy is being developed to help recover the Sierra Nevada red fox. The strategy includes translocations and introducing other alpine foxes to support breeding.

The Forest Service, Park Service, and Department of Defence have resource management plans to minimize forest fragmentation.

Saudi Arabia

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Ok this week we are looking at Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about.

The country was established in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, its transformation has been astonishing. In a few short decades, the Kingdom has turned itself from a desert nation to a modern, sophisticated state and a major player on the international stage.

In 1932, the two kingdoms of the Hejaz and Najd were united as the “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”. Boundaries with Transjordan, Mandatory Iraq, and Kuwait were established by a series of treaties negotiated in the 1920s, with two “neutral zones” created, one with Iraq and the other with Kuwait.

The capital is Riyadh and is the main financial hub, it is on a desert plateau in the country’s centre. The business district landmarks include the 302m-high Kingdom Centre, with a sky bridge connecting 2 towers, and 267m-high Al Faisaliah Centre, with a glass-globe summit.

The currency is the Saudi Riyal and has been since the country was first established.

The flag is green with a white Arabic inscription and a sword. The inscription is the Islamic creed, or shahada, which translates to “There is no deity but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God”. The current design has been used since 1973.

The colour of Islam is green, the sword represents the strictness in applying justice and the shahada is the central symbolic design of the flag. The flag must always be represented so that the inscription reads correctly on both sides. The flag is never to be flown vertically or at half-mast due to its religious symbolism.

The inscription is the Islamic creed, or shahada: “There is no deity but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God”. The current design has been used by the government of Saudi Arabia since 15 March 1973.

As of February 2025, the population of Saudi Arabia is 37.47 million.

The official language is Arabic. The three main regional variants spoken by Saudis are: Najdi Arabic – about 14.6 million speakers. Hejazi Arabic – also known as Hijazi Arabic & West Arabian Arabic – about 10.3 million speakers.

The official religion of Saudi Arabia is Islam, and the country is considered an Islamic state. The majority of Saudi citizens are Sunni Muslim, with a Shia minority. 

When it comes to religious freedom there isn’t any, the Saudi government does not provide for freedom of religion under the law. However, the government generally permits Shia religious gatherings and non-Muslim private religious practices. 

The country’s constitution is the Quran and Sunna, which are traditions and practices based on the life of the Prophet Muhammad. 

The legal system is based on sharia, which is Islamic law. 

The government does not allow public worship of any religion other than Islam. 

The government does not allow public display of non-Islamic religious symbols. 

The government criminalizes proselytizing by non-Muslims. 

Shia Muslims make up about 10–12% of the citizen population. 

The majority of remaining Shia are Sulaimani Ismailis, also known as “Seveners”. 

Pockets of Zaydis, another branch of Shia Islam, live in the provinces of Jizan and Najran. 

Saudi Arabia has made progress in improving women’s rights, but discrimination still exists. 

Recent improvements are the following, women can apply for passports, travel abroad, and register marriages and divorces without a male guardian’s permission. 

Women can register as co-heads of households and live independently from their husbands 

Women can join the senior ranks of the military 

Women can change their personal data without a guardian’s permission 

Women can register to perform the Hajj without being accompanied by a mahram 

Women can vote and run in municipal elections 

Female athletes can participate in the Olympics 

There are still other challenges to overcome such as.

Women still face discrimination in law and practice, including in matters of marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance 

The Personal Status Law (PSL) codifies male guardianship, which can prevent women from fully consenting to marriage 

Many Saudi women still cover their faces or hair in public even though they are not required to wear a hijab or abaya in public. However, the government does encourage modest dress for both men and women.

When it comes to visiting the country both Australia and The States advise reconsidering travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks. Also, the country is a target for radical Islamic terror groups. There are also human rights abuses, cultural sensitivities, and government surveillance concerns. 

Week 10 of 2025

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I slept well woke only once to pee, a cool morning we are in for another hot day, with a top of 29C, it is currently 6am and 23C.

Tim took the car in for its first service, I noticed after he left that he forgot his phone, that would be annoying as who doesn’t scroll through Facebook while waiting. Those who left their phone at home that’s who.

I changed the sheets and by the time I was done I was dripping sweat and felt exhausted. So I turned the air con on.

I have answered 6 letters today.

Tim went and cashed in cans and bottles.

Steps:11,150s

It was midnight before I fully settle last night, at 5am I got up and took my meds then went back to bed for an hour.

Around 10am Tim and I went to Sue’s so he could change her flat tyre, however, he wasn’t able to get the lug nuts off as the tool he had was too big as was the one Sue had. Although the one Sue had, come with the car so you would have thought it would fit.

We called into the shops so I could get the scrips and some bread before coming home.

I have been tired on and off all day and it has been stinking hot.

Steps: 6,085

I had a much better night, last night, felt a little heavy headed when I first got up, but I am doing better now.

I made myself an egg and cheese roll for breakie but only managed to eat half of it.

Tim went to Sue’s after his morning school run to change her tyre, but he wasn’t able to do it as he couldn’t get the lug nuts off as they were on too tight.

This afternoon Dawson called in to see me and make sure I knew had another car.

Been raining this afternoon.

Steps: 9,822

Another good night, I can’t have my morning egg flip as we have no milk till the groceries are delivered and I have no bread, but I did have a stale bread roll which I have used to make a grilled cheese.

So, I managed to only eat half of the bread roll, nothing wrong with it just no appetite.

I had a wagon wheel hot cross bun for lunch, but it was too rich for me, in future I will only have half at a time.

It started out cool but warmed up by 11am.

By 5.45pm I was falling asleep, I will stay up till 7.30pm.

Steps:7,947

Another good night, I slept straight through waking only when my alarm went off.

I have both front and back sliding doors opened and it is nice just a slight breeze.

It started raining while I was wait for Sam this afternoon.

Tasha drove Blain’s girlfriend’s car to Tafe and on her way home the car stopped, and she couldn’t get it going and was in a state. Tim was able to go and help her turned out it was a flat battery.

Kathy rang Tim via Facebook as she does every Wednesday just to see him and have a short chat.

Steps:9,999

Another good night, I slept straight through waking only when my alarm went off.

I had a shower after Tim left for work, then I vacuumed before making breakie.

Sue rang the mobile tyre place, she had to buy a new tyre as they wouldn’t put the spare on in place of the flat one, well the guy turned up he was a friend of Ed and Les, she got the number of the mobile tyre mob from Sandy. Anyway, he told her for only $20 more she could have got two tyres as they would waive the call out fee.

It started to rain here around 1.45pm it didn’t last long maybe 10-minutes. It then started raining again at 3.30pm.

Steps:12,201

Had a reasonable night’s sleep, although when the alarm went off, I didn’t want to get up.

This morning I was sitting here reading blogs when I heard a loud squark and I jumped, when I turned round there was a cockatoo standing a foot away from me, I said what do you want, it walked over to bird seed and looked at me, so I feed it and all the others out the front.

It has been a nice day, haven’t done much not much motivation today. I started to feel real tied by 6pm.

It is 8.30pm and I am off to bed.

Steps: 5,945               

I had a good night, woke at 5am with the alarm but after taking my meds I went back to bed for another 40-minutes.

It is raining this morning; it looks like it will be a wet day.

I have been feel blah all day.