I mentioned recently to my daughters that their dad is turning 65 and that’s a milestone age and they wanted to know why it was. So, if anyone reading this wonders the same thing here is the answer.
The age of 65 is widely recognised as a milestone as it marks a cluster of cultural, financial, and institutional transitions that many societies treat as a major life threshold.
Many countries treat 65 as the traditional age of retirement, a moment associated with stepping into the so‑called “golden years.” Even thou the retirement age has changed in many countries; Tim can’t retire till he is 67. It was during the 19th‑century pension systems became a thing and the age was set at 65.
In the United States it marks eligibility for their Medicare, making it a key health‑care transition point.
Turning 65 is also when people commonly do things like review their retirement plans, update wills, and reassess health and lifestyle priorities. Not because of biology, but because of history, policy, and cultural meaning.
It’s a time when society pauses with you and says: you’ve reached a significant chapter, in your life.
I slept well, managed 7hrs of sleep, woke at 4.50am at 5.30 after Tim left for work I had a shower and shave before getting breakfast. My BGL was 6.4 the temp was 19c or 66f and it is raining.
It is now midday and it’s still raining the temp is 20c of 68f. Tim got home around 11.30am.
It stopped raining around 2pm so around 4pm Tim was able to go out the back and do whatever.
Steps:6,521 = 3.3k’s or 1.9miles
Had a good 7hrs sleep with some really strange dreams that mum and dad were part of mum was with me shopping and dad was at the doctors with a bleeding hand.
It is another wet day, and we are off to my appointment with Dr Babu my neurologist in Sydney a 2hr drive from here.
My appointment went well; she has increased the Sifrol to double it is now and has degreased the Madopar I take for tablets a day two of them have been degreased in strength to see if that helps with the dyskinesia.
We arrived home around 3pm
Steps: 6,663 = 3.3k’s or 2 miles
I am up way earlier then I would like to be but from 2.30am I was restless and unable to find a comfortable position to lay in so at 4.20am I got up and started my day. I may need a nap during the day we will see.
The temp this morning was 17c or 62.6f so somewhat nippy. My BGL was 6.6 so a bit high.
By 5am I had cleaned the kitchen, emptied the dishwasher, swept the kitchen floor and vacuumed the lounge and hallway, emptied the bins and had a wash and moisturised my body and of course got dressed for the day.
I tossed then towels into wash but after a while the machine made a noise and when I went to check the error code it was unable to drain. When Tim got up, he spent a couple of hours checking the drainage hose which was ok not blocked now when he gets home from work, he is going to take the pump filter out and check it.
I have asked Tasha to take the towels to hers and wash them for me she still hasn’t done it at 2pm. So, I asked Jess and Sam came down and took them back to her house to wash them for me.
Tim arrived home around 5pm and hour later than expected.
Steps: 5,446 = 2.7k’s or 1.6 miles
Another early start I got up at 4.20am due to a bad headache and feeling unwell. I had a good 8hrs of sleep.
At 5am my BGL was 6.5 and the temp a cool 17c or 62f, I have taken my morning meds and hopefully the headache will ease soon, I am having my morning egg flip which is helping with the unwell feeling.
I am going with Sue while she gets and Xray on her knee and then we will go to the post office as I need stamps and want to see about the concession stamps now that I am on a pension again.
Got the stamps no problem, went to Coles and then Sue went to pick up the scripts while I waited on a seat outside Coles, only to have Sue ring and say there was a problem she was being told that I owed $121 instead of $15. I went down brought up the app where it showed I’d paid, they then said it was ok all sorted.
Tasha was supposed to help go to bed only to be helping damn Benny again.
Steps: 6,153 = 3.11k’s or 1.9 miles
Had a good night sleep getting over 10hrs of sleep, I was up at 4.30am and had a shower and cleaned the kitchen before my 5am alarm went off.
I am going shopping with Sue and looking forward to it as per usual.
It is going to be another hot day. I am feeling so tired by midday.
Tim cooked lunch crumb chicken with baked spuds and carrots and peas, with cheesecake for dessert.
This afternoon Jess came over to get something, and Tim asked her if she was talking to him and she said no and left. This was the start of an argument between me and Tim as he acted like he didn’t understand why she would be like that. I told him she is supporting her child and doesn’t like the way he is treating Sam. This went on for 2hrs, at one point I said he was acting like he didn’t trust me and he said he didn’t, that hurt when I asked why he avoided the question and starter going on about Sam is Leo and Leo is a boy.
So, all in all a distressing afternoon.
Steps:8,026 = 4k’s or 2.2 miles
I had a rough night; I slept well till 1.30am after that I had trouble settling tossing and turning finding it difficult to lay on my left side due to the pain in my shoulder. I managed to get some sleep laying on my back but after a while that also started to hurt. I ended up coming out to the lounge room and sleeping for a bit in my armchair. All in all, I got around 6hrs of sleep.
This morning my BGL was 7.1 and it was 19c or 66f.
I was surprised to see Sue turn up she just came to check on me.
Steps: 7,750 = 3.9k’s or 2.2 miles
I slept well last night getting 7hrs of sleep my BGL was 5.9 the temp this morning is 17c or 62f.
This morning Tim and I went to Aldi as they had advertised office chairs for $60 but of course, they had none in stock. So, I spent some time looking online for one but then my internet started playing up so I got the shits and packed it in.
After going to Aldi Tim wanted to go to his favourite butcher which we did, and he got the meat he wanted.
It has been another hot day with a temp of 30c or 86f in my house without the air con going.
Around 6pm Jessica came down and showed me some clips she found funny and reminded her of me, it was funny.
It was then I was informed that her and Tim had a long talk and things are much better between them.
Tasha arrived at 7.15pm to help me get ready for bed.
Well, hello everyone, here is a clip of me playing with Mick, now so you all know Mick is or was 6′ 6″ tall, yeah, he is dead passed away, he would be 55 on Monday which is Australia Day.
Mick was my human’s husband, and he likes to hang around and watch over her, even though I am here now and I look after her, but that’s ok because he plays with me a lot and I like him.
The man in the hat and the woman in red are my human’s parents they also hang around here
This is to a beautiful, courageous and outstanding woman, her name well it could be anything as we all will know at least one such woman.
Look in the mirror and see what I see, a talented uplifting and magnificent woman who can do anything and everything she wants, she just needs to believe in herself.
If she believes in her heart that she has the power to grab hold of something she can mold into things she dreams about.
She needs to trust in her soul that she is capable of doing all that needs to be done.
This woman needs to remember that she is incredible in every way, and she needs to see what others see, a survivor.
This week we are taking a look a short sighted which has the medical name “myopia, a short-sighted person may see things close to them very clearly, but other things may be blurry.
There are two main reasons for this one is an eyeball that is too long, the other is a lens that is too thick, the longer the eyeball or the thicker the lens, the more short sighted some will be.
Light rays are bent by the cornea and the lens, these should focus them so that an image forms on the retina, however, if someone is short sighted the light rays are focus in front of the retina. This causes the image to be blurry.
Being short sighted is generally picked up in childhood and can beia corrected with glasses or contact lenses, by doing so the light rays are bent outwards by a concave lens before they reach the eye.
Laser treatment is very popular and highly successful; this involves using a laser beam to alter the curve of the front of the cornea to make the image focus on the retina.
Ok I mentioned the Komodo dragon last week, so this week I write a bit more about them.
Their venom lowers blood pressure, prevents clotting, and induces shock.
They rely on camouflage and patience, then strike with serrated teeth and powerful neck muscles. They dominate their ecosystems, feeding on deer, pigs, carrion, and even other dragons. Also, they can run quickly in short bursts and walk up to 7 miles a day.
Komodo dragons reproduce sexually, but females can also reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis — producing sons without a male present. It’s one of the most fascinating reproductive quirks in the reptile world. Their eggs incubate for 7–8 months, thehatchlings live in trees to avoid being eaten by adults, yeah you read that right they are cannibalistic. It takes 8–9 years for them to mature and can live up to 30 years.
Komodo dragons are listed as Endangered due to habitat loss and climate change pressures.
Ok this week I am looking at bit of the history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra, the gardens are a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and cultural exchange.
They stand as a testament to the power of reconciliation, cross-cultural friendship, and the enduring legacy of history. Renowned as the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere, it draws visitors from across Australia and the world who come to admire its serene landscapes and to learn about the unique historical events that inspired its creation.
Cowra’s relationship with Japan is rooted in the tumultuous events of World War II. In August 1944, Cowra became the site of the infamous Cowra Breakout, when over 1,000 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the local POW camp. The breakout resulted in the deaths of 231 Japanese soldiers and four Australian soldiers. Despite the tragedy, this event laid the foundation for an unexpected post-war bond between Cowra and Japan.
After the war, the town of Cowra demonstrated remarkable compassion and respect for the fallen Japanese soldiers, ensuring that they were buried with dignity in a dedicated section of the Cowra War Cemetery. This act of humanity did not go unnoticed by the Japanese government and people, and it forged a spirit of reconciliation that would flourish in the decades to come.
As the friendship between Cowra and Japan deepened, the idea of establishing a Japanese garden took root in the 1970s. The vision was to create a living symbol of peace and understanding, celebrating the shared history and growing partnership between the two communities.
Construction commenced in 1977. The project was a collaborative effort, supported by local volunteers, the New South Wales government, and generous contributions from Japanese individuals and organisations. The first stage of the garden was officially opened in 1979, followed by further expansions over the next decade. The garden was completed in 1986 and has since remained a centrepiece for Cowra’s cultural and community life.
Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima was commissioned to design the garden. Drawing inspiration from the Edo period, Nakajima conceptualised a “kaiyū-shiki” (strolling garden) that would reflect the natural landscapes of Japan, including mountains, waterfalls, streams, and traditional plantings.
The Cowra Japanese Garden covers approximately five hectares and is designed to be enjoyed in all seasons. Its features include a large lake, waterfalls, streams, ornamental bridges, and teahouses. The garden also hosts annual cultural events, such as the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), and provides educational programs that promote understanding of Japanese culture and horticulture.
Beyond its beauty, the garden is a living memorial to the past and a celebration of peace. It symbolises the enduring friendship between Cowra and Japan and continues to inspire visitors to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and cultural exchange.
The history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra is a remarkable story of healing and hope. From the ashes of wartime tragedy grew a unique partnership, culminating in a garden that stands as a symbol of peace, respect, and international friendship.
The gardens are still very popular attacking many tourist and is a good reminder of the strength of understanding and goodwill.
I slept well till 3am, after that I had a blocked nose and pain my left shoulder and right hip and just couldn’t settle, so I got up at 4.45am.
It is much cooler today only 20c at 5am with a top temp of only 24c, I am having a rough day.
I tried to have a nap but couldn’t settle so after half an hour of trying I gave up, even though I didn’t fall asleep after spending that time laying with my eyes closed, I did feel a bit more with it when I got up.
Tim has spent a good part of the day working on the stand for the portable air con. The first one he did wasn’t right the front needs to be a tad higher than the back in order for it to drain correctly.
I think I will be having an early night.
Steps:9,207 = 4.6k’s or 2.9miles
Had a decent enough sleep, woke a couple of times but all in all managed around 8hrs of sleep. This morning it is cool and 18c or 64f we are looking at a top temp of only 23c or 73.4f
My BGL was 6.5 this morning. I have a doctor’s appointment at 11.20 this morning.
Sue took me to my doctor’s appointment; it was a waste of time, as I was right and I couldn’t get my care plan done yet not till next month.
It has rained on and off all day.
Tim home at 3pm.
Steps: 7,062 = 4.6k’s or 2.1miles
Had a good night got 9hrs and 37 mins of sleep, it is 20c or 68f and we are expecting a top temp of 25c or 77f, my BGL was 6.3
Tim has work but will be home for a couple of hours instead of sitting around in a hot bus waiting.
Had my physio appointment, it went well and it turned out to be my last appointment as the physio was very pleased with my progress. She also said it was a pleasure to see one who has some common sense.
It has been a hot day got up to 27c of 80.6f.
Steps: 7,336 = 3.7k’s or 2.2 miles
Had a good night’s sleep got around 9hrs again, my BGL was a bit high this morning at 7.5. The temp this morning is 21c or 69.8f we are looking at a top temp of 26 but we will see.
The day is warm with some rain but not much, thankfully the clothes Tim hung outside to dry did dry.
I had a moment of confusion just not with it, thankfully it didn’t last long.
Tim has at last got the stand for the portable A/C the way he wants it and he is happy, now he is going to work on the one for Sue.
Around 6pm I suggested we turn the A/C off, but no Tim said he was hurt, although when he went to have a shower, I turned the fans off.
Steps:5,523 = 2.7k’s or 1.6miles
Slept well although I had to get up 4 times to pee, so frustrating but at least my feet are not swollen. I managed 6hrs and 38mins of sleep. My BGL was 6.6 the temp at 5.30an was 21c or 69.8f.
Tim left for work at 9am he should be home around 3pm
The temp at midday is 27c or 80.6f, so I turned the air con on in the kitchen.
The order with the exhaust hose extension arrived, earlier than expected. When Tim went to attach it, he found it to be a tad small but with some thick black tape he attached it and made it work.
By 4pm I was having difficulty with my concentration and by 5pm I was having issues with trying to stay awake and functioning.
Steps: 9,099=4.6k’s or 2.8miles
I had a good night sleep with 9hrs and 11mins, I was up at 4.50am. my BGL was 6.4 and the temp was a nice 21c or 69.8f.
I spent an hour trying to get this damn computer to work, it wasn’t the computer it was the internet for some reason it took my that long to think turn the damn modem off and on again. After doing that the problem was fixed.
Tim had a dentist appointment cost him $350 I can’t remember what work he had done but he says he needs another filling and 2 extractions all up for that work will be around $900.
He is working this afternoon
When Tim got home, he wasn’t in a good mood, and it got worse by the time I went to bed he was saying that Tasha should be coming and helping me not him. Just as I got into bed, he said something about being done with the girls they don’t love or respect him and next time he sees someone here he will just get in the car and leave, I didn’t catch what name he said though. I asked if he wanted to talk about it he snapped no and walk out of the room.
Steps: 4,774
Not the best night, woke up feeling sad and with zero motivation, but I have so far unpacked the dishwasher cleaned up the birdseed from near the front door and cleaned the kitchen.
My BGL was 6.4 at 5.30am the temp was 20c or 68f.
I have now vacuumed and feed the birds, cleaned up more birdseed mess, put a load of washing on read some blogs, listen to 2 chapters of my book.
Tim has arranged the drink and Wi-Fi on the cruise cost us $1,100 extra.
Blain came and tossed the rat bat up into the ceiling.
Tasha came down to let us know that her and Jess have decided to get a skip bin Tim said he would chip in.
Jo-AnneRamplings 