Hello everyone, it is hot here and it is the type of day that I feel like doing stuff for an hour or so then I need to have a rest.
Anyway this week we are looking at rodents they are the largest order of mammals with hour many species there are. There are around 2,500 different species around the world.
Rodents are found everywhere except in Antarctica.
The character traits of rodents are incredibly diverse, as they are the largest order of mammals. However, they share several key physical and behavioural characteristics that define the group such as.
They have sharp incisor teeth which never stop growing and are kept short by gnawing.
They lack canine teeth and some premolars, leaving a distinct gap (diastema) between their incisors and their cheek teeth (molars/premolars).
While most are small (mice, hamsters), the order includes the largest living rodent, the capybara which weighs up to 70 kg.
They typically have robust bodies, short limbs, and a long tail although tails vary greatly—some are bushy like squirrels, others are nearly hairless like rats, and some are short or stubby.
They rely heavily on their long, sensitive whiskers to navigate and explore their environment, especially in the dark, as their vision is often less developed with many being colourblind or have poor eyesight.
Also they lack sweat glands and dissipate heat primarily through their tails and ears, making them susceptible to overheating.
They are one of the most successful mammalian groups, inhabiting nearly every environment on every continent except Antarctica. They are highly adaptable to new and human-disturbed environments.
The majority are herbivores, feeding on seeds, nuts, fruit, and plants, but many are omnivorous (like rats), and some are specialized predators (like grasshopper mice).
They are known for their high reproductive capacity, having large litters and short gestation periods, which helps compensate for high predation rates.
Here we are at another Monday, and I am going to share a bit more about Afghanistan, like the population is 43 million, the life expectancy at birth in Afghanistan show a range, but generally fall between 59 and 66 years.
The countries has two official languages:
Dari (also known as Afghan Persian or Farsi) and Pashto
While both are officially recognized, Dari is the more widely spoken language and functions as the lingua franca (common language) for inter-ethnic communication across the country. Pashto is the native language of the Pashtun people, the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan.
The flag of Afghanistan shall be made up of three equal parts, with black, red and green colours juxtaposed from left to right vertically. The width of every colour shall be half of its length, and at the centre of which the national insignia shall be located. The national insignia of Afghanistan shall be comprised of an emblem and a pulpit in white colour—at the two corners of which are two flags, inscribed in the top middle the holy phrase “There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his Prophet, and Allah is Great.” This shall be inscribed and superseded on rays of a rising sun, and in its lower part, the year 1919 in the solar calendar, and the word “Afghanistan” encircled on two sides by sheaves of wheat shall be inscribed. The law shall regulate the use of the flag and insignia
The Emblem of Afghanistan has the inscription of the Shahada in Arabic at the top. Below it is the image of a mosque with a mihrab and minbar, or pulpit, within. Attached to the mosque are two flags, taken to stand for flags of Afghanistan. Beneath the mosque is an inscription that , states the name of the nation. Around the mosque are sheaves of wheat, and underneath that, the Hijri year 1298 (1919 in the Gregorian calendar), the year Afghanistan gained independence from the British influence.
The national flower of Afghanistan is the Tulip, sometimes referred to by its Persian name, Laleh, although opium poppies are a prominent crop, the tulip is the chosen national flower, symbolizing hope and beauty.
Their national animal is the Snow Leopard it is a native resident of the high, rugged mountain ranges of the country, like the Hindu Kush. It is often seen as a symbol of the country’s strength, agility, and the wild beauty of its mountainous terrain.
Their national sport is something called Buzkashi (pronounced booz-kuh-shee). It is a rugged and ancient team sport played on horseback, where riders compete to seize and carry a headless goat or calf carcass and drop it into a designated scoring circle.
While sports like cricket and football have gained immense popularity it remains the traditional and culturally significant national sport, deeply connected to Afghan identity, particularly in the northern regions.
The capital is Kabul it is also the largest city, it is a city with a rich and complex history, but one that has also been affected by decades of conflict. It is located in the eastern part of Afghanistan, nestled high in a narrow valley in the Hindu Kush Mountain range. The Kabul River flows through the city. It was established as the capital of Afghanistan in the late 18th century.
Decades of war—including the Soviet invasion, the civil war in the 1990s, and the U.S.-led intervention—have caused massive damage, rapid population shifts, and strain on the city’s infrastructure.
The city returned to the control of the Taliban in August 2021, since then the city has experienced changes, with some reporting increased security but a simultaneous deep humanitarian and economic crisis marked by poverty, high unemployment, and restrictions on human rights, especially for women and girls.
I slept well don’t recall waking at all and had a good 9hrs & 17mins of sleep. Tim was up before me this morning and off to work by 5am as he has work this morning and should be home by 2pm.
Tim arrived home at 3.30pm but he rang me from Big W he went to exchange a pair of pants but didn’t have the receipt which was a problem as even though the woman could find the receipt on the computer the card number didn’t match, he wanted my rewards card number which also didn’t match. In the end she allowed the exchange.
My blood glucose level was 5.5 at 5.30am.
The temp at 5.30 was 10C or 50F
At 9am it was 14C or 57F
By midday it was 19C or 67F
At 4pm it was 18C or 68F
Steps 6,695=3.5klm’s or 2miles
Our wedding anniversary we have been married 41yrs.
Slept well didn’t wake at all and had a good 9hrs 14 mins.
Tim, me and Sue all went out for lunch as it’s our wedding anniversary, it was a nice lunch.
Tim won’t be home till 8pm.
My blood glucose level was 5.5 at 5.30am.
The temp at 5.30 was 9C or 49F
At 9am it was 14C or 57F
By midday it was 22C or 71F
At 4pm it was 25C or 77F
By 7pm the temp was 15C or 59F
Steps 10,014=5klm’s or 3 miles
Slept well did not wake at all and had a good 9hrs 12 mins.
I had a nice refreshing shower after Tim left for work.
The temperature at 5.30am is 10C or 50F, it is supposed to be much cooler today.
By 11am it was 15C or 58F and by 1pm it was 21C or 69F.
At 5pm it was still 15C.
After I meet Sam, I went and tried to download a program Tim wanted but was unable to do it. I did set up his antivirus program.
Sam came over around 8pm and asked if I could ask Sue if she would be able to drive her too Redhead tomorrow morning there is a school picnic that Sam is attending, she may get a lift with Bailey but isn’t sure and doesn’t want to try and find a way there tomorrow morning.
Steps: 10,696=5.4klm’s or 3.5miles
Slept well enough I got 6hrs and 58mins of sleep woke three times to pee.
The temperature at 5.30am is 10C or 50F, according to my phone or 15C according to my watch and the computer says it is only 5C are you confused I am.
I emptied the recycle boxes ready for when the bin gets emptied this morning.
By 11am it was 18C or 66F and by 1pm it was 20C or 68F.
I received a text message telling me I have a telehealth appointment with my neurologist at 1.20pm tomorrow. This was news to me as my next appointment should be in January.
The neighbour Tim doesn’t like is parked in the spot Tim likes to park in because there are pallets of roof tiles in front of her carport and as I said to Tim it isn’t our spot and she had as much right to park there as anyone. Of course Tim knows this, but he is petty and carrying on that I can’t remember what he was saying as I wasn’t paying attention.
At 5pm it was 24C or 75F
Steps: 11,643 = 5.9klm’s or 3.7 miles
Slept well enough I got 7hrs and 42mins of sleep woke three times to pee.
Today is Sam’s last full day at school, tomorrow there is something happening at the school that Sam may go to.
My BGL was 6.5
The temperature at 5.30am is 10C or 50F.
By 10am it was 20C or 68F and by 1pm it was 26C or 78F
At 5pm it was 22C or78F
Turned out the text from the neurologist wasn’t meant for me.
It has felt like a long ass day and by 5.30pm I was s struggling to stay awake.
It is now 7pm and I am off to bed.
Steps: 10,765= 5.5klm’s or 3.4miles
Slept well enough I got 7hrs and 27mins of sleep woke twice to pee.
My BGL was 6.1
The temperature at 5.30am is 17C or 62F.
By 10am it was 23C or 73F and by 1pm it was 26C or 78F.
Jessica came down to show me take photos of taken Sam’s graduation she had a couple of nice photos of Sam & Bailey.
Tim let me know he will be late home as he has to take a bus to Anna Bay anyway, he should be home by 7.30pm
At 5pm it was 24C or 75F
It is now 8pm and I am off to bed.
Steps: 9,454 = 4.8klm’s or 2.8 miles
Slept well enough I got 5hrs and 37mins of sleep woke twice to pee.
Tim, Kathy and I went to visit his sister Jenny, Kathy took the genealogy she compiled for Tim to show Jenny, who was very impressed with it and asked for a copy. Kathy gave her the folder Jen said she would have it copied and returned to her.
My BGL was 6.5
The temperature at 5.30am is 18C or 64.4F
By 10am it was 24C or 75F and by 1pm it was 28C or 82.4F
Good morning, everyone, it’s Luca here the stylish tuxedo who lives with his human Tasha two other cats and an annoying dog, last week there were photos of that orange cat Archie but today it is my turn so here are a few wonderful photos of me. Because it’s Caturday.
In these photos I am on top of the kitchen cupboards surveying my domain
Ok well since I wrote about Afghanistan on Monday I will post about their national anthem.
The country has had a number of different national anthems throughout its history as the country has changed governments numerous times mostly resulting from political instability.
In 2004, the new Afghan constitution stated that a new national anthem for the country, requested by the post-Taliban government to signal a new era for Afghanistan, must be written in Pashto and contain the phrase “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great), and mention the names of the ethnic groups in Afghanistan. The winning composition was created by two Afghans living outside the country due to the war.
There has been some criticism of the anthem due to the above stated conditions of composition, that the Pashto requirement places less importance on the other languages spoken in the country; that the phrase “Allahu Akbar” should not be used in the anthem, as it is a sacred phrase in Islam and should not be set to music; and the ethnic groups mentioned in the anthem still do not represent the entire spectrum of nationalities in the country.
On August 15, 2021, the Afghan government fell to the extremist Islamic forces of the Taliban, who effectively controlled the country following that date. The government and its supporters continue to use this anthem in exile.
Here is the English translation
1. This land is Afghanistan It is pride of every Afghan The land of peace, the land of sword Its sons are all braves
2. This is the country of every tribe Land of Baloochs, and Uzbeks Pashtoons, and Hazaras Turkman and Tajiks
3. With them, Arabs and Gojars Pamirian, Nooristanian Barahawi, and Qizilbash Also Aimaq, and Pashaye
4. This Land will shine for ever Like the sun in the blue sky In the chest of Asia It will remain as heart for ever
5. We will follow the one God We all say, Allah is great, we all say, Allah is great, we all say, Allah is great
To wrap up my posts about moneys and apes I am share just a few odd facts about them such as did you know the Tarsier which is a small primate that has enormous eyes that are as large as their brains. In fact they are so large they are unable to move them in their sockets, so instead they can rotate their heads 180 degrees. They are also the only completely carnivorous primate, feasting on insects, lizards, and even small bats.
Spider monkeys and howler monkeys have prehensile tails that are incredibly strong and dexterous. A spider monkey’s tail is often longer than its body and has a unique “fingerprint-like” pattern on the underside for better grip. They can hang entirely by their tails and use them to pick up objects.
The fastest primate is the pata monkey it can run up to 35 miles per hour or 56 kilometres per hour.
The capuchin monkey has been observed crushing up millipedes and rubbing the paste all over their bodies. This serves as a natural bug repellent, as the millipedes release a chemical that repels insects.
Some great apes have been observed using natural remedies. Orangutans, for example, will chew up the leaves of a specific plant and apply the paste to their arms as a soothing balm for sore muscles. Researchers have also seen chimpanzees chewing up insects and applying them to wounds, a behaviour that may be a form of self-medication.
Humans and apes have an appendix, but most monkeys do not. This is one of the small, subtle anatomical differences that separate these two groups of primates.
A monkey’s eyes are rounder and closer together than humans.
Monkey’s do not catch colds.
Male gorillas have patch of silver hair on their backs.
Gorillas walk on all four limbs; this is called knuckle walking.
This week we are looking at the country of Afghanistan, this is a country that for some reason I didn’t think of as being part of Asia, but it is.
It is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central, South, and Western Asia. It has a rich and complex history as a hub of diverse cultures and civilizations, but its recent history has been defined by decades of conflict and instability.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country has faced a severe humanitarian and economic crisis. The de facto Taliban government has not been formally recognised by most of the international community.
The situation remains volatile and dangerous. The Taliban government is led by Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is also active and continues to conduct violent attacks. The country is considered extremely dangerous for travel due to the high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.
The country is experiencing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Factors contributing to this include economic mismanagement, a significant reduction in international aid, and the departure of many skilled professionals. The country’s GDP has seen a decline since 2021, and poverty and food insecurity are pressing challenges.
The Taliban has reimposed a strict interpretation of Sharia law, leading to severe human rights abuses. These are particularly acute for women and girls, who have been banned from secondary and university education, are largely excluded from public and economic life, and face restrictions on their movement and dress.
The current government is the “interim government” declared by the Taliban. It is a highly centralized system, and many of the human rights gains made over the previous two decades have been reversed.
The Afghan economy has been pushed into a crisis but has shown some signs of a slow recovery driven primarily by agriculture, mining, construction, and commerce. However, challenges remain due to a fragile banking sector, persistent unemployment, and limitations on women’s economic participation. Afghanistan’s economy relies heavily on foreign aid, although this has been significantly reduced since the Taliban’s takeover.
The country has substantial untapped mineral deposits, including lithium, iron, and copper. Traditional exports include dried fruits, nuts, and carpets.
Afghanistan is often referred to as the “graveyard of empires” due to its history of resisting foreign occupation. It has been a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years, with influences from Persian, Greek, Buddhist, and Islamic empires. The modern state was founded in the 18th century. Since the late 1970s, the country has been mired in continuous warfare, including the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the US-led coalition’s presence from 2001 to 2021.
Afghan culture is a rich tapestry of tribal and ethnic traditions, with a strong emphasis on family, honour, and hospitality. Islam is the official religion and a dominant force in daily life and social customs. The main languages are Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashto, with many people being fluent in both. Poetry is a highly valued cultural tradition.
The country has numerous historical and archaeological sites, though many have been damaged or destroyed by decades of conflict. The Buddhas of Bamiyan, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, are one of the most iconic examples of this loss. Efforts are underway by various organizations to preserve Afghanistan’s remaining cultural heritage.
I slept well only woke once to pee at 2am then straight back to sleep, I had 10hrs & 12mins of sleep.
I did a load of washing and hung it out and took the clothes hoists outside. I also vacuumed three times and got Tim to hang a few photos for me.
Thankfully when I went to bring the clothes in at 5pm everything was dried, so I was able to fold the clothes ready to be put away tomorrow.
I also got Tim to give me a haircut it feels much better.
I have managed to stay awake till 7.30pm but now I am done for the day.
Temp at 5.30am 9C or 48F
Temp at 1pm 24C or 75F
Temp at 4pm 22C or 71F
Temp at 7pm 21C or 69F
BGL:5.4
Steps:12,167=6.1klms or 3.7miles
I slept well, woke twice to pee then straight back to sleep, I had 9hrs & 2mins of sleep.
I changed the sheets from winter to summer sheets and I washed the winter ones and hung them on the clothes hoists but didn’t take them outside as they will drag on the dirty ground.
Sue was surprised to find Sam here a d ready to leave when she arrived.
It is very warm and have changed into shorts. I had to get Sam to come down and turn the fan up to high as it was set for low.
Temp at 5.30am 9C or 48F
Temp at 1pm 25C or 77F
Temp at 4pm 26C or 78F
Temp at 7pm 22C or 71F
BGL:5.5
Steps:8,349=4.2klm or 2.6miles
I slept well, woke twice to pee then straight back to sleep, I had 9hrs & 13mins of sleep.
The sheets are dried, and I have folded them and put them away.
I, went to charge the battery in the small blower but I can’t find the charger.
Not as hot today but still pretty warm.
We are in for another hot day.
Temp at 5.30am 14C or 57F
Temp at 1pm 25C or 77F
Temp at 4pm 26C or 78F
Temp at 7pm 22C or 71F
BGL:5.2
Steps: 10,270=5.2klm’s
I slept well, eventually about an hour after going to bed I experienced restless legs. So, I go up and used the powerfit for 10 minutes then back to bed. I fell asleep soon after and didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am.
I had 7hrs & 8mins of sleep.
I steam mopped the laundry, kitchen and bathroom floors.
We are in for another hot day.
Tim found me asleep in front of the TV when he got home at 6pm, this is not like me.
Temp at 5.30am 14C or 57F
Temp at 1pm 26C or 78F
Temp at 4pm 22C or 71F
Temp at 7pm 18C or 66F
BGL:5.5
Steps: 11,546=5.8klm or 3.6miles
I slept well, had 7hrs and 41 mins of sleep was awake for only 6 mins and got up only once to pee.
Sam got a lift to school with his mate Ashton she was sitting for her white card and had to be at school before 8.30am. As it is Thursday I don’t have to meet her after school as she goes to Bailey’s place.
Jess bought me a cheeseburger for lunch and hung around talking to me for 1.5hrs, it was great talking to her.
This evening Jessica brought down some steak she cooked as she forgot that Sam wouldn’t be home for tea, so that is what Tim had.
Temp at 5.30am 12C or 53F
Temp at 1pm 22C or 71F
Temp at 4pm 20C or 68F
Temp at 7pm 16C or 60F
BGL:5.3
Steps: 13,275=6.7klm
I slept well, even if my watch says I only had 3hrs and 3 mins of sleep, I know it was longer.
It is another very warm day, Tim sent me a text letting me know it will be around 8pm when he gets home tonight.
After sorting out the medication for the next four weeks, I was left feeling exhausted.
I was going to do the ironing but felt too exhausted to bother with it.
I rode the scooter up to get Sam as I was unable to walk without sliding my feet and felt that was unsafe.
Temp at 5.30am 12C or 53F
Temp at 1pm 26C or 78F
Temp at 4pm 24C or 75F
Temp at 7pm 20C or 68F
BGL:5.9
Steps: 9,518= 4.8klm’s
I slept well, got 6hrs and 22mins sleep it did take me a while to settle into a firm sleep with dosing on and off for a few hours before I feel into a firm sleep.
I am up early this morning as at 4.40am as I woke with a headache and a sore left arm as well as pain in the upper back and chest.
By 1pm I had to turn the air con on while I was ironing the work shirts but by 3pm I was able to turn it off.
I also have another headache this afternoon. I am not fully with it this afternoon.
Sam and Bailey came over and brought Steve a plastic skeleton the size of a toddler he is so cute, I will have to ask for a photo. Seeing Steve cheered me up and made me all excited like a little kid, this amuses Bailey, I think.
Jo-AnneRamplings 