So, the year is all but over and that had me thinking about which country would be the first to see in a new year and which would be the last. So, this is what I found out.
The place to see the New Year first is Kiribati, specifically Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in the Line Islands. Not to be confused with the Christmas Island that is a territory of Australia and in the Indian Ocean.
The Line Islands (also called the Teraina Islands or Equatorial Islands) are a chain of 11 atolls and low coral islands stretching more than 2,350 km across the Pacific. They lie south of Hawaii and are among the longest island chains in the world.
Why is it the first well it’s because it sits in the UTC+14 time zone — the earliest on Earth — which puts it ahead of every other inhabited place when the first of January arrives.
In 1995, Kiribati shifted the International Date Line eastward so all its islands would share the same calendar day. As a result, Kiritimati became the first inhabited place to celebrate the New Year.
The last inhabited place is American Samoa in UTC−11.
However, the very last to see in a new year that would be Baker Island and Howland Island these are uninhabited U.S. territories.
Today being the last Monday of the year, I will tell you a bit about Christmas Island.
Christmas Island is one of those places that feels almost mythical until you dive into the details, it is a tiny Australian territory in the Indian Ocean with wildlife and landscapes you won’t find anywhere else.
It sits about 350 km south of Java and 1,550 km northwest of mainland Australia. Despite being closer to Asia, it’s an Australian external territory with a population of around 1,692 people as of the 2021 census.
Its capital and only town is Flying Fish Cove, often simply called “The Settlement.”
Christmas Island is often called the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean” because of its extraordinary biodiversity and minimal historical human disturbance. two-thirds of the island being a national park.
It’s home to millions of red crabs, whose annual migration to the sea is considered one of the world’s great natural spectacles — even praised by David Attenborough.
Every year, usually mid‑November to mid‑December, around 60 million red crabs march from the forest to the ocean to spawn. Roads close, bridges are built for crabs, and the whole island transforms into a moving red carpet.
There are also rare seabirds, tropical rainforests, freshwater wetlands, and dramatic sea cliffs.
The island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs and has more than 60 dive sites visitors may encounter whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, as well as other reef life.
It was named because it was sighted on Christmas Day in 1643 by Captain William Mynors and was first settled in the late 19th century due to rich phosphate deposits
Today it is Inhabited by a mix of Chinese, Malay, and Australian communities, reflected in languages, food, and festivals
Here we are at another Sunday, I hope everyone who reads this is well.
Had a good night, Tasha came and helped me get ready for me as Tim is working.
Being Sunday, it is no alarm day so up at 6am not 5am at 6.30 it is 22C or 71F and I am already starting to sweat.
I had a good 10hrs & 15 mins of sleep. My BGL is 7.0
I cleaned the kitchen, threw a load of clothes on to wash, hung it out and took clothes hoists outside, swept the flood as didn’t want to disturb Tim and fed the birds all by 6.30am.
Speaking of Tim he didn’t get home till 2am.
By 10am it was 34C or 93F, at midday I started to feel unwell, I have a headache and my concentration is terrible, it is now 37C or 98.6F.
This afternoon Tim decided he wanted to buy a portable air conditioner for the lounge room, so did some checking found on at Big W in Mount Hutton and bought it, he should be able to pick it up tomorrow. They had some in stock, but I didn’t want them to be sold out by the time Tim would get there to buy one had that type of thing happen in the past.
Tim checked the thermometer outside at 2pm and it read 45C or 113F.
Steps: 13,821 = 8k’s or 5 miles.
Up at 5am, showered and dressed it is very warm with a temp of 28C or 82.4F, I had a good night’s sleep getting BGL was 6.5 at 6am.
When Tim went pick up the new portable air conditioner, I had him dropped off me off at the plaza so I could do some shopping.
This afternoon it rained for a while, then stopped only to start again.
I have not felt well on and off all day and think I will be in bed early.
Some people have senior moments I have Parkinson’s moments, lately what is in my head comes out wrong from my mouth and it is so depressing, I am getting names wrong calling him her or her him I feel distressed when I do this and wonder what others are thinking about my stuff ups.
I went to share the above paragraph to Facebook only to get a message that my account had been, they wanted me to verify who I was I did what was asked and I will see tomorrow if it has been reinstated.
Steps: 7,411 = 3.7k’s or 2.2 miles
I had a good night’s sleep getting 9hrs, it is 20C or 68F at 5.30am we are headed for a top temp of 30C. My BGL was 7.0
When I checked Facebook, my account had been permanently deleted, so I tried to create another account, but it was rejected. I then came across the account in the name Anne Meadows, and it works do that is what I am using.
Sue and I took Jeannie’s Christmas present from me then we went to visit mum & dad.
I opened Sue’s gift to me, 2 diaries, a small calendar and a small plaque with a message to a sister.
Tim went and set Sue’s new air con up in her bedroom and he also set ours up in the dining room area and it made a big difference. I could tell Tim was surprised how well it worked.
It reached a top of 33C or 91.4F
Steps:9,768= 4.9k’s or 3 miles
Had another good night which 9hrs & 30mins of sleep, my BGL was 6.7 and the temp at 6am was 20C or 68F. we are looking at a top temp of 30C or 86F.
I mopped the bathroom and kitchen floors as well as vacuum out. At 9am it was 24C or 75F.
My brother and Sister in-law came over to drop of some were here e turkey while they were here, I gave them their presents, Leigh seemed to really like her gifts.
By 3pm it was 28C or 82.4F, we don’t have the air con on.
I feel so sad this afternoon, I can’t say why because I don’t know. Sue sent me a photo of Archie and that made me smile and feel a little less sad.
Tim has been helping Natasha with a few things without complaint, she has stripped and repainted one of her bedrooms, wall and ceiling and door, she removed the door and replaced it herself after she sanded it and repainted it. The room looks good, when she is done with this room she is going to start on another one.
Steps:13,385 = 6.8k’s or 4.1 miles
CHRISTMAS DAY
I have been up since 4.35, as I was having trouble sleeping, couldn’t lay on my left side it hurt my shoulder, couldn’t lay on my right side it hurt my hip and laying on my back made that ache.
Jessica and Sam came over at 7am and opened their presents, Tim got up to watch. After they left Tim asked why I gave Sam a skirt and how I was enabling him in his silliness. I said I am supporting her in her decision.
Tasha came down to let us know she will prepare dinner for us not lunch as Jess is sleeping most of the day as she is working tonight.
Later, around 11.15am Blain and Ta’lia arrived and I gave them their presents T was surprise that I gave her so much but seemed pleased with everything.
Kathy rang around 2pm to wish me Merry Christmas.
Dinner was at 4.15pm, Tim cooked the meat and Tash made potato bake, it was ok.
Sandy rang to wish me Merry Christmas
Steps: 6,220=3l’s or 1.8miles
BOXING DAY
Here we are at the 26 Dec. 25 and down here we refer to this as Boxing Day don’t ask why, I don’t know we just do.
I am up showered and dress it is a nice 17c or 62f at 5am, my BGL was 6.5 and I had 9hrs and 55mins of sleep last night.
It is a cold day I am in long leggings and socks to keep my feet warm.
I was so very tired that at 10.30 I went and had an hour nap, after that I was more awake and with it.
We went to Kathy’s for lunch which was wonderful, I had a good time, and I think the gifts we gave were liked.
The top temp was only 19c or 66f.
Steps:6,820=3.4k’s or 2.1miles
Had a good night’s sleep got 8hrs & 35mins, I am now up washed and dressed the temp this morning at 5.30am was 14c or 57f. My BGL was 6.6.
Tim and I are going out to lunch at the Eastern Tiger.
I got motivated to clean the bathroom and do some dusting this morning. By 9.30 it was 20c or 68f.
Lunch was ok I didn’t eat much just no appetite. Got a text from Leigh and it has been decided to cancel the siblings gathering this year as none of us are feeling it.
Kathy rang this afternoon and she was in a right mood; she is pissed that no one other than her and Sue gave me a Christmas present as she feels I do so much for everyone else. She said I shouldn’t be getting them any gifts for them. I said that’s not how I am.
How was everyone’s Christmas, mine was ok nothing great, I just haven’t been feeling this year, in fact we have cancelled the siblings gathering as none of us are feeling it this year. Both me and Sue have decided that next year instead of going to Dave’s we all should go out for lunch at the Eastern Tiger and I suggested that next year instead of Tasha cooking lunch for us we should go to the Eastern Tiger and she liked that idea.
GIFTS FROM SUE
As for gifts well Tim gave me nothing, Tasha gave me nothing, Jessica gave me nothing. Kathy-Lee gave me some nice oils, Sue gave me2 dairies, a small calendar and a sister plaque.
KATHY’S GIFT TO ME
On Boxing Day Tim and I went to Kathy’s for lunch and Michael made his smash burgers which are so yummy, he also made homemade garlic bread that was also so nice.
KATHY’S GIFT TO TIM
Today the 27 Dec Tim and I went to the Eastern Tiger for lunch, Tim commented that I didn’t eat much but my appetite has been very low.
Today is Christmas Eve, so I am telling you a bit about what Christmas Eve is like here in Australia.
It is not a public holiday here, but it isn’t uncommon to find some businesses closed early, Tim went out to his favourite butcher only to find it had closed at midday due to it being Christmas Eve.
One of the most cherished Australian traditions is Carols by Candlelight. Participants light candles or glow sticks, creating a magical scene as the sun sets. The televised Melbourne Carols by Candlelight is a national favourite, watched by thousands around the country.
Another big event is Carols in the Domain which is recorded before the 24 Dec but televised on the night of the 24th
These big events often have ticketed seats with the money raised from the ticket sales going to charities.
Many local communities gather in parks, beaches, and public spaces to sing Christmas carols, often with live performances by local artists.
In my family Christmas pillow cases were left at in the lounge-room for Santa to fill, we also left out some fruit cake and can of beer for Santa.
Another bloody hot day, not like the weather in North Pole Alaska, which is the place we are looking at today.
North Pole is a small city in Alaska that fully embraces a year‑round Christmas identity. Despite the name, it sits about 1,700 miles south of the actual geographic North Pole.
It has a population of around 2,243 according to the 2020 census. It is located 20 minutes southeast of Fairbanks, its zip code is 99705 which is often used for letters to Santa.
The towns motto is: “Where the Spirit of Christmas Lives Year Round!”
The towns biggest attraction is Santa’s house which has a giant Santa statue, Christmas décor, reindeer and what feels like an endless number of ornaments and gifts.
The street names are Santa Clause Lane, Kris Kringle Drive, Mistletoe Lane to name a few.
The local post office receives hundreds of thousands of letters every year addressed simply to “Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska”.
It’s a quirky, charming stop for travellers heading through Fairbanks — especially those who love Christmas or want a fun photo op with the giant Santa.
Good morning, everyone, here in my par.t of the world it is hot but not stinking hot, yesterday it was so hot you felt like one was melting, and the heat made me feel unwell, today it is a lot cooler at 29C or 84F compared to yesterday’s 40C or 104F.
Anyway, since Christmas is only a few days away, I thought we would look at where Santa lives.
In most English‑speaking cultures Santa lives at the North Pole, a remote, icy point at the very top of the Earth. According to holiday tradition experts, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves spend the year in a workshop there, making toys and preparing for Christmas Eve.
Did you know The North Pole has no time zone, which adds to the mystery, and it sits in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, covered in shifting ice rather than solid land.
No humans live there permanently, which makes it the perfect secret base for Santa’s operations.
However, in many European traditions—especially in Scandinavia—Santa is said to live in Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland.
There’s even a real place you can visit which is Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle.
This village embraces the idea that Santa has lived in Lapland “for centuries,” and visitors can meet Santa any day of the year, cross the Arctic Circle line and explore snowy forests and reindeer country.
It’s a blend of folklore and tourism, but it’s become the “official hometown of Santa Claus” for millions of people.
Tomorrow I will tell you a little about North Pole Alaska
Hi everyone, it is Sunday 14 December and after a rough night I managed 6hrs & 16 mins of sleep, I woke up at 5.35am. I don’t have an alarm set on Sundays.
It has been another stinking hot day, I turned the air con on at 1pm, the temp was 32C or 89F.
I have finished off the Christmas cards and Sue drive me to the post office tomorrow.
I had to leave the air con on when I went o bed as it was still 28C or 82F
Steps:17,142 = 8.7k’s or 5.3 miles
Monday has arrived and the start of another working for some and just another day for others.
Last night there was shorting at Bondi with 42 shot with 16 dead, including one of the two shooters which was a father and son.
Sue came over and drove to the post office so I could post things off. We then went over to Sam’s to drop off gifts for her kids, but she wasn’t home. So, we then went to Lake Fair as Sue wanted to go to Woolies.
Not as hot today.
Steps:12,974 = 6.6K’s or 4 miles
Tuesday, morning and I was up showered and dressed, the ground is wet and it is 16C orb 64F. I had a good 9hrs & 20mins of sleep.
I am not feeling good today, I have a headache and a sore throat and feel so tired.
A wet morning and dry in the afternoon, Tim arrived home around 2pm. As soon as he got home, he went to Tasha’s as she had to go out, and she has someone coming to fix her back door.
Well, the guy turned up and while he was there Tasha arrived home, she started going off at Tim for what reason we do not know anyway he rightly got annoyed and left.
Then Tim came home and tried to ring Booking.com after a while he managed to get to talk to someone who at first wasn’t very helpful but after a while she finally said they would contact the hotel and confirm we didn’t stay there and arrange a refund, we will see.
Steps: 9,015 = 4.6K’s or 2.8 miles
Another warm day, I did a load of washing and hung it out to dry.
I had a good night’s sleep getting 9hrs.
Jess came over at 11am and asked if I wanted to go with her to buy some cupcakes, I said I would. Sadly, when we arrived, they had sold out of cupcakes, so Jess went to the bakery in Cardiff on the way home.
Jess rang me at 3pm and asked me if I could ring the cupcake place and see if they had any available, I did they said they would be available by 4pm so I rang back then and was able to order what she wanted and when she returned home, she brought over one for me.
At 4.45pm I went and got the washing off the clothes hoists and that felt like a task and a half, but I managed.
Steps: 9,533 = 4.8k’s or 2.9 miles
I am up washed and dressed and ready for another day, the temp at 6am is 15C or 50F and we are in for another hot day with a top of 32C 89.6F.
My BGL is 6.2 at 5.30am.
Tim is still in bed as he doesn’t need to get up till 7am, his job today will take him to Sydney
Tim left at 8.30 and I think he said he would be home around 6pm, he has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow at m same time as mine. So, he will drive me there and Sue will meet me there so we can go shopping after my appointment.
It has turned out to be bloody hot but tomorrow it’s supposed to be even hotter. It reached 33C or 91.4F
I have had bugga all motivation today.
Steps:13,903 = 7k’s or 4.3miles
I slept well managed 8hrs & 35 minutes of sleep woke three times to pee and got up at 4.45am, I am showered and moisurised and dressed in house clothes but will change my top for a dress before going out.
Had a doctor’s appointment for scripts then Sue and I went to Sam’s (my niece) to drop of gifts from Mrs Claus as well ad gifts for Tom’s girls.
Sue said she spoke to Jeannie who said she would not be at the sibling Christmas lunch because it’s her partner Peter’s birthday of course he is able to attend but they never come and Sue said when she asked Jeannie if she would be there she got very angry going off and saying it’s Peter’s birthday last year we had it on a different date and she still didn’t come due to Pete’s birthday. So, I said I would take Jeannie’s gift to her daughter Sam’s place who will take them to Jeannie’s on Christmas Day.
It is really hot with a temp of 38C or 100.4F. Steps:11,337 = 7.4k’s or 4.5 miles.
I was up before my alarm this morning got up at 4.40am had my washed and dressed for the day, had to vacuum before doing anything else I do not like the look of a dirty floor. Opened the house up and tidy the kitchen before making my eggflip and start reading blogs.
At 5.30am it was 22C or 71.6F, my BGL was 7.4 and I had 6hrs and 21mins of sleep.
At 6.15 I fed the birds.
Tim left for work at 11.30am he will be home around 1am, he is doing a charter.
I wrote 4 letters so I will post them on Monday, hopefully.
I have had a good day been hot but ok inside. Reached a tope of 29C or 84F
Jo-AnneRamplings 