This week we are looking at some of the national things connected with Haiti the national animal of Haiti is also the national bird. It is the Hispaniolan trogon. It is a colourful bird with a rich assortment of bright feathers along its wings and breast, and a unique pattern on its tail. It’s found only on the island of Hispaniola, which is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is becoming increasingly rare there due to ongoing habitat loss.
Their national flower is the Hibiscus. Specifically, the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, also known as the pink hibiscus or rose mallow, is the flower often associated with Haiti. In Haitian Creole, it’s called “choublak” or “rose kayenn”.
The hibiscus is a vibrant and resilient flower that symbolizes the Haitian spirit. It is used in various ways, from traditional herbal teas to being a decorative element and a symbol for political parties, like the Fusion of Haitian Social Democrats. The national tree is the Royal Palm.
Haiti’s national dish is soupe joumou (pumpkin soup). It’s a tradition to eat this soup on New Year’s Day to celebrate Haiti’s independence. The soup is made with squash (joumou), beef, and vegetables, and is known for its symbolism of freedom and hope.
The national sport of Haiti is football (soccer) and huge crowds will come out to cheer at games. Children can be seen playing football all over Haiti’s city streets and rural roads.
Haiti’s national drink is Clairin, a rum made from pure sugar cane. It’s produced by small, artisanal distilleries throughout the island. Clairin is known for its rustic, pure flavour, often expressing herbaceous, vegetal, earthy, and grassy notes.
In Haiti, the age of consent for sexual activity is 18 years old. The legal age for marriage is also 18 for males and 15 for females but can be lower with parental or presidential authorization.
The traditional dress for Haitian women is know as a karabela. The dress is made of blue cotton or linen with red lace to symbolize the colors of the Haitian flag. Orange, yellow, and green lace are also used to accent the dress. It is full-length, normally worn off the shoulders.
Slept well didn’t wake at all during the night got 9hrs and 18mins sleep and the watch says I was awake for 21 minutes.
It is still wet outside and the temp is 13C
Tim and Jess went to Bunnings as Tim is going to move one of her security cameras but not today due to the wet weather. It stopped raining long enough for Tim to work on the security camera.
Jess also helped her dad do his tax return and it looks like he will get a small refund.
I have done bugga all in the way of movement done some stuff on the computer and vacuumed three times but that’s about all.
BGL: 7.1
Steps 3,445=1.7Klm’s
Slept well didn’t wake at all during the night got 7hrs and 52mins sleep and the watch says I was awake for 8 Sue drove Sam to Tafe and went down and bought me postage stamps.
It’s a nice day, we have had some rain but not all day.
I have felt sad this afternoon due to how much I can feel my body and jaw moving.
BGL:6.1
Steps: 6,682=3.40klm’s
LILLIANA BIRTHDAY SHE IS 8 TODAY
Slept well didn’t wake at all during the night got 8hrs and 54mins sleep and the watch says I didn’t wake at all.
Although I woke up with bugga all energy I brushed my teeth and washed my face went into the bedroom to dress and just sat on the bed I didn’t feel like doing anything.
I have improved by 9am but still don’t have a lot of energy.
By 1pm it was quite warm, and I needed to change my clothes as I was hot. I also went through the clothes in my gift box and labelled them.
I went to wear thongs to walk up and meet Sam, but I stumbled a few times and ended up taking the scooter, no more wearing thongs for me.
BGL:6.1
Steps: 5,669=2.85Klm
Slept well got 7hrs and 17mins sleep and was awake for 28 mins. I did wake with a headache.
It has been a warm day, I have had a productive morning, ran the dishwasher and unpacked it, did a load of washing and hung it up to dry.
Kathy rang me she is off work sick and feels shocking, she said she will ring Tim tomorrow night.
I walked up to meet Sam this arvo without any issue.
It has been a lovely day.
BGL:5.6
Steps: 7,404=3.77klm’s
Slept well got 9hrs and 15mins sleep and was awake for 58 mins. I did wake with a headache.
It was fine when I got up but had started to rain by 6am.
It was raining heavy when I went up the top to wait with Sam.
I am going shopping with Sue, she thought she would drive up Hillsborough Rd, that wasn’t a good idea after 30mins we weren’t even halfway up the road, so Sue turned around and we drove up Bayview which was better but still slow. Took us an hour to get out of Warners Bay it should had taken no more than 10 minutes.
It has been a cold day and this arvo I ache all over and have zero energy and concentration.
I am having an early night
BGL:5.9
Steps: 6,637=3.38klm’s
LANDON’S BIRTHDAY HE IS 13 TODAY also
TOM’S BIRTHDAY HE IS 30 TODAY
Slept well got 9hrs and 51mins sleep and was awake for 23 mins.
It has been a cold but dry day Tim will be home late.
Tasha brought me a finger bun which she dropped off this afternoon. I will eat it tomorrow.
Another early night for me.
BGL:6.1
Steps: 6,755=3.44klm’s
Had a not so good night well it was ok till 2am when I got up to pee and had a lot of lower back pain, this kept waking me up after 2am and I ended up getting up at 4.20amm as the pain was so bad. I placed a heat pack on my back and that has helped a lot.
I had in fact 8hrs and 29mins sleep and I was awake for 59mins.
It has been raining since I got up.
Tim got up at 9am and he is in a mood, complain about a sore throat and other stuff.
Tim and I went shopping at Big W, I bought a new top and new socks.
Had a visit from Blain and Ta’lia it was nice to see them, they are moving into a shared house with 3 other people, I hope it all works out for them.
Hi everyone it’s the handsome black kitty here, aka, Luca this week Nana has a video of me over the front door at my home I’m so high up, I like being high up one reason is the damn dog can’t get up here…
This week we are looking at the giant panda, which is a bear, I never thought of them as being part of the bear family.
Giant pandas belong to the bear family, whereas red pandas are in their own family, and they are more closely related to raccoons. Interestingly, giant pandas are more closely related to polar bears than to red pandas.
Giant pandas are typically 4 to 6 feet long and stand 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder. They can weigh between 220 and 330 pounds, with males tending to be larger than females, Newborn pandas are very small, about the size of a stick of butter.
Giant pandas live in the mountain ranges of southwestern China, specifically in the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu. They inhabit bamboo forests at elevations between 5,000 and 10,000 feet. Their habitat is characterized by humid, wet conditions and is often shrouded in mist and clouds.
A panda’s daily diet consists almost entirely of the leaves, stems and shoots of various bamboo species. Bamboo contains very little nutritional value so pandas must eat 12-38kg every day to meet their energy needs.
Scientists are not sure how long giant pandas live in the wild, but they are sure it is shorter than lifespans in zoos. They estimate that lifespan is about 15-20 years for wild pandas and about 30 years for those in human care. Chinese scientists have reported zoo pandas as old as 35.
Pandas are dependent on their mothers for the first few months of their lives and are fully weaned at 8 to 9 months. Most pandas leave their mothers when she becomes pregnant again, usually at about 18 months. Gestation takes from 95-160 days. Pandas normally give birth to single young. Twins seem to be born more frequently in captivity, when artificial insemination is used. The reproductive rate is about 1 cub every 2 years.
They are friendly and cheerful, Pandas have bundles of energy and warmth. They are confident and love trying out new things. Sociable and party-loving, they enjoy seeing friends and often put their friends’ feelings ahead of their own.
While pandas are known for their clumsy and lazy behaviour often observed in captivity or during feeding, they are actually proficient tree climbers and swimmers.
There are the only two panda species found the giant and the red.. Despite their similarity in name, the two are not scientifically connected. They share the same geographical area and similar food.
I have written about some countries in the Caribbean area but will do a few more, the Caribbean is comprised of 13 independent island nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, These nations are recognized for their shared cultural heritage and location within the Caribbean region. There are 12 dependencies and 7 overseas territories as well various disputed territories.
This week we will look at Haiti which is a country located in the Caribbean. It shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, located to its east. While it was once a plantation colony of France based upon slavery of Africans, Haiti gained its independence in the year 1804.
The population is 11.77millon, Haiti has two official languages, Haitian Creole and French, everyone in Haiti speaks Haitian Creole. Some scholars estimate that approximately 90-95% of the population is monolingual, speaking Haitian Creole.
The Haitian Gourde (HTG) is the official currency of Haiti, a nation located on the western part of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean.
Haiti’s capital city is Port-au-Prince, it sits on the Gulf of Gonâve. The Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien honours the nation’s history and founding fathers. The Iron Market, a large 1891 covered bazaar, has produce and handicraft vendors. Nearby is the immense Notre Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral, reduced to a ruin by a 2010 earthquake. Colourful gingerbread-style houses from the turn of the 19th century dot the city.
The Haitian flag is a bicolour flag with two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red (bottom). In the centre, there is a white rectangle containing the Haitian coat of arms. The coat of arms includes a palm tree topped with the liberty cap, surrounded by cannons, flags, and other weaponry. The motto “L’Union Fait La Force” (“Unity Makes Strength”) is displayed on a banner below the coat of arms.
Had another good night slept for 8hrs and 55min, I didn’t awake at all, I had 2hrs and 54mins of deep sleep.
This morning it’s not as cold with a temp of 11C.
It warmed up to 17C, I have had zero motivation today as well as a headache I did manage to do a load of washing and hang it up to dry, I also vacuumed.
Jess now has a few security cameras focused on her car and front door.
BGL: 5.6
Steps: 4,6092=2.38Klm’s
Had another good night slept for 8hrs and 55min, I didn’t awake at all, I had 2hrs and 18mins of deep sleep and 18mins awake during the night, which would have been when I got up to pee.
I have had a good day managed to do bugga all, other then blogging and folding clothes as well as vacuuming.
When Sue arrived to get Sam, I gave her the chair yoga sheets I bought her so she can give that a try, I like doing those exercises. I also gave her the slides/scuffs (shoes) I bought her. She tried them on when she got home and said they fit, and she liked them.
Around 5pm I started to feel drained, and I am finding it difficult to concentrate.
BGL:5.5
Steps: 8,302=4.23klm’s
Had another good night slept for 8hrs and 23min, I didn’t awake at all, I had 2hrs and 18mins of deep sleep and 24mins awake during the night, which would have been when I got up to pee.
I have turned the bathroom heater on as I will have a shower after Tim leaves for work.
Tim came home between his morning and afternoon runs.
It has been an ok day, I have been busy day this morning changed the sheets, and cleaned the kitchen, running the dishwasher and unpacking it when done and of course I vacuumed twice and fed the birds twice.
Sam told me that at school her and her friend are learning about what is involved with the types of jobs/careers they want to have when they leave school. Sam is interested in becoming a social worker or a counsellor.
BGL:5.8
Steps: 9,547=4.85Klm’s
Had another good night slept for 8hrs and 32min, I didn’t awake at all, I had 2hrs and 29mins of deep sleep and I didn’t wake at all during the night.
I also woke to the sound of rain, and it is supposed to rain all day, also it is a cold 9C this morning.
Last night I noticed one of the security lights in the driveway was out, so I reported it online and this afternoon someone came to check it out.
Sue asked me if I would like to go to Coles with her tomorrow she wants to get a few things. I said I would love to do that.
It has rained on and off all day
BGL: 6.1
Steps:7,094=3.55Klm’s
Had another good night slept for 9hrs and 24min, I had 2hrs and 29mins of deep sleep and was awake for only 13 mins.
It’s raining this morning and it’s cold with the temp being 10C.
Sue and I went down to Coles to get a few things and when she brought me home, she left the keys in the car, and I must have pressed down on the lock when I was getting out and her keys ended up locked in the car, I felt awful. We ended up ringing a locksmith to get into the car and Jess paid the man as I didn’t know how to do a payment with PayID, Jess showed me so now I know.
When I went to meet Sam this afternoon it was so damn cold, when I got back inside the house, I felt awful, headache and congested.
BGL:6.1
Steps:7,910=4.03Klm’s
Slept well didn’t wake at all during the night got 9hrs and 29min, I had 2hrs and 56mins of deep sleep. It’s raining again and at 10C I need the heater on for a bit. I have a headache due to the cold.
Sam told me this morning she is going to Bailey’s after school, so I don’t have to go up and meet her.
I sent Tasha a text at 11.50am but she didn’t reply so at 12.50 and told her to forget it she has replied to that either.
I had two soft boiled eggs for lunch.
At 3pm Sam rang she wanted to make sure I remembered she was going to Bailey’s after school and that I wasn’t waiting for her in the rain. I had remembered and I wasn’t waiting in the rain.
Jess came over to drop off her work shirts for me to wash and we had a nice chat.
This evening when Tim went to use the portable gas cooker, he uses it would start so he rang Jess and asked to borrow hers, but he realised what he was doing wrong, but she still came over and was here for an hour and a half just talking to her dad.
I am having an early night as I just feel done in.
Steps: 7,708=3.88km’s
Slept well didn’t wake at all during the night got a good 10hrs sleep and didn’t wake at all, although the watch says I was awake for 33 minutes.
It is raining again and at 12C I need the heater on.
It has rained all day, this arvo there was thunder, no lightning just thunder and rain.
I turned the heater to face the clothes hoists to help dry the clothes while keeping the room warm.
Time to look at the national anthem of Uzbekistan, the anthem was officially adopted on 10 December 1991 by the Constitution of Uzbekistan, after gaining independence from the Soviet Union. It uses the same melody as the anthem of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, composed by Mutal Burhonov in 1947, but with new lyrics written by Abdulla Oripov. The adoption of the anthem signifies Uzbekistan’s independence and its commitment to its rich history and traditions.
During the Soviet era, Uzbekistan, then known as the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, had its own anthem with lyrics by Timur Fattah and Turab Tula, and music by Mutal Burkhanov.
Following Uzbekistan’s declaration of independence in 1991, the Soviet-era anthem was replaced with the new anthem.
The English translation of the Uzbekistan National Anthem, titled “Serquyosh, hur oʻlkam” (Sunny, Free Land), celebrates Uzbekistan’s independence, prosperity, and the strength of its people. It highlights the nation’s rich valleys, the courage of its ancestors, and the bright future led by its youth. The anthem also emphasizes the nation’s commitment to knowledge, creativity, and peace.
“My sunny, free land, happiness and salvation to your people, you yourself a companion to friends, Oh! Loving one!” This verse emphasizes the nation’s positive qualities and its welcoming nature towards friends.
Verse 2:
“Flourish, Oh! Creator of eternal knowledge and science, May your fame for ever shine bright!” This part focuses on the importance of knowledge, science, and the lasting legacy of Uzbekistan.
Chorus:
“These golden valleys – my dear Uzbekistan, Our forefathers’ manly spirits your companion! Strength of great people in turbulent times, Made this land the world’s joy!” The chorus celebrates the beauty of Uzbekistan’s valleys, the courage of its ancestors, and the strength of its people.
Verse 3:
“Oh! Generous Uzbek, your faith will not fade, Free, young generations are your mighty wings! The torch of independence, guardians of peace, Oh! Worthy motherland, flourish and prosper eternally!” This verse speaks to the unwavering faith of the Uzbek people, the promise of their youth, and the nation’s role as a protector of peace.
Some of you may recall that I mentioned in my weekly diary post that I wasn’t able to find what mum called the ugly brooch, well I found it and above is a picture of it
This week we are looking at the area of Australia called The Nullarbor Plain, which means “no trees” in Latin, is a vast, arid region in southern Australia with a rich history, both for Indigenous Australians and Europeans.
Historically, it was seasonally occupied by the Mirning and Yinyila Indigenous peoples, who knew it as Oondiri, meaning “waterless”.
Europeans first charted the coast in the 17th century, but the interior remained largely unexplored until Edward Eyre’s epic crossing in 1841. The Nullarbor has since been a site of pastoralism, railway construction, and even nuclear testing, shaping its modern landscape and infrastructure. They have a deep and continuing connection to the Nullarbor.
The name “Nullarbor” was coined by surveyor Edmund Delissern in1865. Pastoralists established stations along the telegraph and railway lines, and small settlements developed around these.
The Nullarbor was used for nuclear testing in the 1950s, leading to the displacement of Indigenous populations. The Trans-Australian Railway completed in 1917, facilitated travel and trade across the Nullarbor.
The Eyre Highway. A road across the Nullarbor, was completed in 1976, connecting South Australia and Western Australia. The highway is a 1,664-kilometre, it is signed as National Highways 1 and A1, it forms part of Highway 1 and the Australian National Highway network linking Perth and Adelaide.
Driving directly across the Nullarbor Plain (from Norseman to Ceduna) takes approximately 12.5 hours of non-stop driving. However, most travellers allocate 2-3 days for the journey to allow for stops at attractions, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the scenery.
When driving across the Nullarbor people need to beware of trucks as there are triple-decker road trains which have brutal slipstreams, so slow down or pull over to let them pass. Also at night the road. turns into a marsupial rave party at night, from camels, kangaroos, dingoes and occasionally wombats. With no phone service, no other travellers, and emergency services hours away, getting into an accident could leave you stranded without help.
When camping Nullarbor, keep an eye out for scorpions, bird-eating spiders, eastern brown snakes, and death adders. Avoid setting up camp near bodies of water, high vegetation, rocks, fallen logs, or under trees. Also, remind curious kiddos that sticking hands in holes in the ground, under rocks, logs, or trees could disturb a creepy crawly!
If you run into trouble, do not leave your vehicle to search for help. Drones, planes, foot searches, and car trackers will see a vehicle and find you.
The area is known for its vast cave systems, some of which contain fossils and provide insights into the region’s past climate.
The Nullarbor continues to be a place of both natural beauty and human activity, with tourism and transport playing a significant role.
Jo-AnneRamplings 