Category: Uncategorized

Week 49 of 2025

~ joannerambling ~ 1 Comment

Good morning, all I have been up since 4.40am, why? Well, I had a headache, and it woke me up and I was unable to settle so I got up to take something for it and decided to stay up.

Tim and I went to the plaza to do some shopping, and I had to remove my shoes as I felt unstable walking was so much easier barefoot.

It has been a very warm day, but I haven’t had the air con on. I have had a much better day then yesterday.

Steps: 8,623 = 4.4klms or 2.7 miles

Good morning, it is the first of December and officially the start of summer. I slept well getting just over 8hrs of sleep. At 5.30am it is 14C or 57F, by midday it was 23C or 73.4F.

I sorted out some photos and put them into a photo album, also wrote a couple of letters and fed the birds.

I have noticed a small cut to my right index finger, and I have no idea how it happened, but it is sore.

I have asked Sue if she will take me to the post office on Thursday, she said she was about to ask me if I would like to go shopping with her on Thursday.

By 5pm I am struggling to stay awake.

By 6.30 I was feeling less tired and will stay up later then I thought I would.

Steps: 11,195 = 5.7klm’s or 3.6 miles

I was up at 4.50am again as from 4am when I got up to pee, I had trouble going back to sleep only dozing on and off, so I just got up. I had a good night’s sleep getting 9hrs & 45 mins of sleep.

It is only 12C or 53.6F at 5.30 and my BGL is 6.0.

I decided to sort out the Christmas gifts in have but only got half done as it took too much out of me. I ended up getting Sam to clean off my bed putting the stuff in bags for me to sort out tomorrow. Sue said she would come over tomorrow and help me with the task.

It has been a warm day.

Steps: 11,142 = 5.7K’s or 3.5 miles

I had a rough start to the night but ended up getting around 6hrs & 25mins of sleep. It is 13C or 55.4F at 5am and it is supposed to be another warm day.

After reading some blog posts and having breakie I find myself just sitting doing nothing, well I did do some work on Christmas cards, but I am kinda not all here.

The temp at 9am is 20C or 68F

Sue came over she helped me with the Christmas presents and I sent an email to the iris photo place about the photo for Kirsty. I was hoping it would be easier to get the voucher online for it but couldn’t work it out.

It did warm up to 26C or 78.8.

Steps: 7,975

I slept well in fact I think I was asleep minutes after going or bed and didn’t wake till 3am when I got up to pee.

I did a load of washing and hung it out to dry before I go out with Sue.

BGL:7.1 at 5.30am

Sue and I went to Kmart Sue wanted to buy some clothes, I also bought a few things, including a new Christmas dress which is a bit tight so may see if Sue can exchange it for the larger size, it looked ok on but was difficult to get on and off.

I was having a nap in my recliner when Sandy walked in, she at last came to get stuff I printer for her.

It is another stinking hot day; I have sorted out most of the Christmas presents still have to do a few more.

It reached 31C here or 87.8F had the air con on all day well from 11am.

I got the clothes inside and folded them but left the basket on Tim’s chair and of course he made some silly comment that annoyed me as he is just as able as me to move it.

Steps:14,523 = 7k’s or 4miles

A nice cool morning it is 18C or 64F at 5.30am. I slept well got around 9hrs of sleep.

Tim doesn’t need to get up till 6.30 he has a short day today; said he will be home around 4pm this afternoon.

Sue and I went to exchange our dresses I was able to get a size 18 but there was no size 18 in the one Sue wanted.

I uploaded the payslips for my DSP claim.

Had a long video call with Kathy this afternoon she told me about her trip to Bali, which made me laugh.

This afternoon there was a text fight between Sue and Tasha about my care Tasha got very angry and because she was drunk Sue was also very angry. Tasha put be in the middle of it which also really pissed off Sue. As Sue said it was about me and not with me.

Steps: 9,075 = 4.6k’s or 3miles

I had a good night, got 9hrs of sleep, it is only 23C or 73F and it is going to be another stinking hot day. My BGL is 5.5 at 5.30am

Jessica bought me breakie.

Tasha came down and she was furious her anger is over the top; she and Sue got into a text fight over Tasha’s care of me. This fight got out of hand and Tasha thought I was defending Sue and not her. However, both Tim and I thought she was the one in the wrong.

Kathy heard about some of the events and sided with her mum and aunty.

By midday it is 35C or 95.9F.

Tim is working this afternoon he should be home by midnight.

Tasha came down to let me know she wasn’t angry with me and all is well between us.

I also saw Blain and Jonathon this afternoon.

Steps: 13,703 = 6.9l’s or 4.3 miles

I WILL END THIS BY LETTING EVERYONE KNOW I AM OFF FOR A FEW DAYS AWAY SO I WILL NOT BE VISITING BLOGS  

The True Meaning of Christmas

~ joannerambling ~ 5 Comments

Hi all I am late getting around to writing this well started it yesterday but didn’t get around to finishing it as I was just so exhausted most of the day.

Christmas is an important day for Christians but also for other people now days. Celebrated on 25 December each year, is a cherished holiday around the world.

Its origins may come from the Christian tradition of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the true meaning of Christmas extends beyond religious observance. It encompasses a spirit of generosity, kindness, togetherness, and hope that resonates with people of all backgrounds.

Churches hold special services, nativity plays are performed, and carols are sung, all of which focus on the message of peace and goodwill.

I feel Christmas is a period of joy and hope as well as an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by, express gratitude for what we have, and look forward to new beginnings. The festive lights, decorations, and cheerful music all contribute to an atmosphere of happiness and optimism, reminding us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

While Christmas has religious roots, its meaning has broadened over time. Many Australians, regardless of faith, embrace the holiday’s spirit of kindness, generosity, and unity. Schools and workplaces often host end-of-year celebrations, and communities come together for public events like carols by candlelight. These traditions foster inclusivity and encourage everyone to participate in the festive cheer.

Christmas and Reindeer

~ joannerambling ~ 5 Comments

Ok this week’s animal is the reindeer as it is one of the most iconic animals when we think of Christmas.

It was in 1821 that the reindeer was first mentioned, this was in the booklet The Children’s Friend introduced reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh.

Then is 1823 Clement Clarke Moore’s A Visit from St. Nicholas also known as The Night Before Christmas which cemented the image of eight flying reindeer, named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder, and Blixem (later Donner and Blitzen).

Santa’s most famous reindeer was introduced in 1839 in Robert L. May’s story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a misfit whose glowing nose saves Christmas. It was a 110 years later that Gene Autry recorded the song that turned Rudolph into a global sensation, adding him as the ninth reindeer.

Can you imagine any other animal pulling Santa’s sleigh while he travels around the world delivering gifts to children. Even though there is a song here in Australian about Santa’s sleigh being pulled by kangaroos but it’s just a song no one here things that happens. Many Aussie kids leave carrots out for the reindeer along with a piece of fruit cake and a beer for Santa.

Germany and Christmas

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

Today is thefirst of December and in December I like to do some Christmas related posts. I will kick this off with the country most often associated with Christmas.

This country is Germany, thanks to its iconic traditions like Christmas markets, the Advent calendar, and the decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas is celebrated by 81% of Germans, including many who aren’t religious.

Are you asking why Germany?

Germany celebrates Christmas with deep-rooted traditions that blend festive cheer, family gatherings, and unique customs like Advent calendars, Christmas markets, and St. Nicholas Day. It’s one of the most beloved holidays in the country, marked by rituals that have influenced celebrations worldwide.

The modern decorated Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century, before spreading worldwide.

Also, there are the Christmas markets, Germany is famous for its enchanting Weihnachtsmärkte, with stalls selling ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and festive foods. These markets are thought to have started in Germany and are now replicated globally.

We can also thank them for The Advent calendar and Advent wreath as both began in Germany, shaping how many cultures countdown to Christmas. Most will have heard of the calendar but maybe not the Advent wreaths these involvefour candles being lit on successive Sundays leading up to Christmas.

St. Nicholas Day is on December 5th, children polish their boots and leave them outside. By morning, they’re filled with nuts, candy, or small gifts from St. Nicholas.

In Bavaria, there is Krampus Night men dress as Krampus, a devilish figure who punishes naughty children, accompanying St. Nicholas.

On Christmas Eve families decorate the tree, exchange gifts, and share a festive meal. Potato salad with sausages is a surprisingly common traditional dish.

Both of their Christmas Days the 25 & 26 are public holidays. Families gather for larger meals, often featuring roast goose, carp, or duck.

Popular gifts include vouchers or money (44%), sweets (37%), toys (34%), clothing (32%), and books (30%).

Other countries strongly linked to Christmas include the United States (for popular culture and Santa Claus imagery) and the United Kingdom (for customs like Christmas crackers and carols). Which I will cover in another post.

Week 48 of 2025

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

Good morning, all, I hope all is well with everyone.

Sunday has arrived after good night’s sleep for me with 9hrs & 23 minutes, the app says I was awake for 41 minutes during the night. This may be due to Tim waking me at midnight saying he didn’t have his restless legs medication and had me get out of bed to look for it, turns out he doesn’t have any. I checked the chemist app and that says there is no script on file, he is going to go and speak to them at 9am when they open.

My BGL this morning was 7.1 and the temp at 6am was 19C or 66F.

It started raining around 8.30am and the temp was 21C or 69F but it didn’t last long. It turned out to be a nice warm day. We had a top temp of 25C or 77F.

Steps:10,609 = 5.3klm’s or 3.2miles

Good morning, everyone, I hope all are well this Monday morning, I had a good night got 9hrs & 30mins of sleep was awake for 30mins during the night that would be when I went to the loo.  It is a cool 18C or 64F my BGL is 5.9.

My Chrisco arrived today, I had forgotten that I ordered and ice cream hamper and had to get Sue to come and help me unpack it. The freezer is now choke ablock can’t get another thing in it.

Everything I tried to eat today ended up a mess, I had a caramel tart and got it all over my hands, then when I had lunch, I got mayo all over my hands. Then I had some yogurt and got that also all over my hands.

Steps: 9,960 = 5klm’s or 3mile

Hi all, I slept well, got up at 4.50 before the alarm, washed dressed and did the housework, including washing the sheets. It is going to be another hot day at 5.30 it waws 19C or 66F my BGL was 6.9.

Sue drove Sam and Jess to Sam’s doctor’s appointment as Jess didn’t want to wor4ry about finding a parking spot.

By midday it was 31C or 87F so I turned the air con on.

This afternoon Tasha and Blain came over to see me, which I liked, later Sam and Bailey came over. Then just after they left things went bad. I saw Jess coming over and she was crying their pet bunny called Opei died, Sam had just found him dead they had him for a long time as in like 10yrs.

Oddly Jess’s next door neighbour’s pet dog had died also around the same time.

I have arranged with Blain to take the Christmas gifts I have for my niece Kelli and her children to his dad’s place so they can be passed on at Christmas time.

Steps: 10,859 = 5.5klm’s or 3.5 miles

Had a good night was up at 4.30am as I was awake it is supposed to be another stinking hot day at 5.30am it was 23C or 73.4F and windy, the breeze was a little on the warm side, my BGL was 6.9.

While having breakie I knocked the plate of the table breaking it and spilling my scones on the floor, which I picked up and fed to the birds.

I got a phone call from Tim about the information we need from Youi for my DSP claim with Centrelink, he received an email with information and after a lot of hassle I have managed to find what I think we need and will scan them into my computer and upload to the claim.

It is now 9am and it is 30C or 86F, I have turned the air con on and shut the house up to keep the heat out.

Tasha came and wrapped the presents for Kelli and her kids.

At 3pm it was 32C or 89.6F

By 7.30pm it had dropped to 28C or 82.4F

Steps: 11,449 = 5.8klm’s or 3.6 miles

Good morning, everyone it is Thursday the 27th I hope all my friends, and readers in the USA have a good Thanksgiving.

I had a good night’s sleep got around 10hrs & 29min of sleep woke up with the alarm, it is a cool morning, but we are in for another stinking hot day at the moment the temp is 20C or 68F my BGL was 6.8.

Sue and I went shopping as it is her payday, we went early so we could get it all done and be home before the centre got too crowded and the day got too hot.

It reached a top of 33C or 91.4F today I didn’t do much after returning home from shopping, read some blog posts, sorted out my mail and wrote todays    blog post.

Blain came down to see me again today I have seen a fair bit of him this last week and have to say I love it.

Steps: 7, 994 = 4klm’s or 2.4 miles

I am up and running make that walking from 4.30am, I woke to pee and since I was awake decided to just stay up. I have cleaned the kitchen and will make breakie after Tim leaves, I will also need to vacuum after he leaves. I am waiting for him to get up before I go and get dressed.

It is 18C or 64.4F at 5am and we are headed for a top of 30C or 86F, so another hot day.

I had to use the walker when I emptied the recycle boxes into the outside bin.

I had the air con on for 3hrs but turned it off at 1.30pm as even though it was 28C or 82F there was a nice breeze outside and with the doors open and the fans going it was ok.

Saw Blain again he came down twice once just to say hi the second time to get me to print up his resume.

Steps:5,502 = 2.6klm’s or 1.6miles

I slept straight through the night waking when the alarm went off, I was getting dressed in the bathroom and decided I needed to wash my hair, so I   had a shower.

It is 19C or 66F at 6am and we are looking at a top temp of 31C again. At the moment it is nice with the doors open.

I am very unsteady on my feet this morning needing the walker to get around the house as I feel like I am going to fall.

My BGL this morning is 7.2

Tim has his works Christmas party today he will catch a ride to the pickup point with our neighbour Gary, and I guess that’s how he will get home again. Actually, it is Gary’s dad driving them to the station there is a bus leaving the station at 10am to take them to the party.

By 10 am it is 28C or 82.4F

At 5pm my legs came good, I could walk normally, and my feet no longer felt like lead weights.

Steps:5,971 = 3.4klm’s or 2 miles

Caturday with Luca

~ joannerambling ~ Leave a comment

Here we are at another Saturday, or should that read Caturday and this week we have Luca.

Hi there everyone this is me Luca trying to help mum with the laundry and by helping, I mean I was taking a nap in the laundry basket and mum had to take my photo before telling me to get out she needed the basket. I was not amused

Japan’s National Amthem

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This Friday we are looking at Japan’s national anthem it is one of the world’s oldest and shortest anthems it is called Kimigayo. It expresses a wish for longevity and continuity, traditionally interpreted as honouring the Emperor’s reign.

The name Kimigayo roughly means “His Majesty’s Regin”

Even though it was long used informally, it was legally enshrined in 1999 under the Act on National Flag and Anthem.

The anthem is closely tied to Japan’s monarchy, which has sparked debate. Some see it as a symbol of continuity and tradition, while others criticize its association with pre-WWII militarism.

It is sung at official ceremonies, schools, and international sporting events. Its brevity and poetic origin set it apart from most other national anthems, which are often martial or celebratory in tone.

The English translation is

May your reign continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations,
Until the pebbles grow into boulders,
Lush with moss.

Cornea Transplant

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Ok this week we are looking at cornea transplant the cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. If someone’s cornea becomes damaged or diseased they will not be able to see correctly, a cornea transplant can be performed to fix the problem.

There are many things that can cause damage to the cornea such as bacteria or viruses, a chemical injury, a cut or scratch or just aging.

This operation is very difficult, surgeons work using a special operating microscope to magnify the eye 30 to                     60 times what it is.

The damaged cornea is cut with a circular blade with a hole in the centre, kinda like punching out a circle of pastry with a pastry cutter, after this is done the damaged cornea is removed.

Then the surgeon cuts a disc from a healthy donated cornea and places it carefully in the hole, with this new disc being held in place by stitching it to the edges of the cornea.

This new cornea will allow the person to see clearly again in a couple of months; however, the stitches need to be in place for a year.

After the operation the patient only needs to stay in hospital for a short while, but they must take great care, they will need special drops to help the eye heal and be kept clean. Only gentle movements are allowed for a few days to give the new cornea time to settle into place. After a few weeks things should return to normal.

After donated corneas are removed they can be stored in an eye bank for up to a month they are kept at between 2 & 6 degrees centigrade in a special solution containing chemicals and drugs. Which keep them healthy till needed, now days there are artificial corneas which are a synthetic implant that can be used if there is no natural one available or if there has been failures when transplanting in the past.

The first cornea transplant was in 1906, since then the advances in medicine have made it one of the most successful transplant operations. The cornea has no blood vessels and therefore the white blood cells of the immune system cannot reach it and the body is very unlikely to reject the new tissue.