This week we are looking at a few more facts about the country of Dominica.
Their national animal is the Sisserou parrot, also known as the Imperial amazon or Dominican amazon. It is an endangered species, endemic to Dominica, and appears on the national flag and coat of arms.
The national flower is the Sabinea carinalis, commonly known as Carib Wood or Bois Caraibe. It’s also referred to as Bwa Kwaib.
They have an official national dish called Callaloo soup. This hearty, thick soup is made with dasheen leaves, coconut milk, and often includes yams, peppers, onions, salted meat or crab, and green bananas. It’s a staple in Dominican cuisine and is often served during special occasions.
The coat of arms was adopted on July 21, 1961. It consists of a shield with two guardian sisserou parrots bracing the shield atop of which is a lion passant. The quarters of the shield depict a canoe, a banana tree, a palm and a frog of the native species known as the mountain chicken.
The country has made strides in protecting women’s rights through legal frameworks and international commitments, but challenges remain, particularly in areas like workplace discrimination and access to reproductive health services. The government has enacted legislation addressing violence, including domestic violence and sexual offenses, and has ratified international conventions like CEDAW. However, gaps exist in areas like employment discrimination and the availability of emergency contraception.
The age of consent for sexual relations is 16. The law prohibits using children for commercial sexual exploitation, including child sex trafficking, and related activity may be prosecuted under laws against prostitution or trafficking.
Dominica has a Westminster-style parliamentary government, and there are three political parties–the Dominica Labour Party (the majority party), the Dominica United Workers Party, and the Dominica Freedom Party. A president and prime minister make up the executive branch.
It is considered one of the safest Caribbean countries for travelers. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a same-sex couple, or a family with children, the island’s progressive laws, including legislation decriminalizing same-sex relations on 22 April 2024, ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all demographics. However, visitors should exercise caution at all times. Regarding outdoor activities, most beaches in Dominica are safe for swimming and snorkelling.
Well, we still have the same Prime Minister, Albo got in for a second term.
The weather app said it wouldn’t rain but it has been raining on and off, both Tim and I went down to Coles to get a few things.
I did a load of washing and hung it out on the clothes hoist to dry.
I set up a new email account for Sue.
Tim cooked tea, crumb chicken and some baked veggies with gravy of course.
This evening when it was time to close the back sliding door Tim was complaining about the clothes hoists being in his way and it was very difficult to reach the door, I asked if he would like me to do, he said my bum is bigger than his so how would I be able to do it. I thought by moving things but said nothing.
Steps:9,353=6.5km’s
BGL:6.9
Here we are at the start of another working week, or school week this week Jess is driving Sam to Tafe. It is a cool start to the day but then I have the back sliding door open, did I have trouble opening it, NO I moved a chair then moved the clothes hoists a bit and had no trouble reaching the door to open it.
It has been a warm day, I took the clothes off the line and put them away, I just had a baby corella walked into the house right up to the hallway when I noticed it, I said what are you doing, and it turned and ran out of the house.
Jessica brought over an early Mother’s Day present a pair of knitted slippers they are very warm which is good as my feet often get cold while I am sitting in my armchair.
Steps: 8,574 = around 5km’s
BGL: 7.1
Had another good night my watch tells me I had 8hrs and 43mins of sleep.
No school for Sam today, she has an appointment with her paediatrician after lunch and as Jess has arranged for Sue to drive them, she said she isn’t going to get her to go to the school the to the hospital for the appointment as they are in two opposite directions. She asked Sue to drive them because whenever Jess has driven them, she cannot get anywhere to park, I never had a problem finding a park and Sue says she doesn’t have a problem either.
I was watching telly and had put my head back and closed my eyes for a bit when the postie arrived, she opened the door said she was sorry to disturb me and handed me my mail. Not all posties would do that.
When Sue came to pick up Jess and Sam, I gave her the present I did for her for Mother’s Day and she loved it, she got emotional and cried a little. Told me I didn’t have to do that which I
Sue messaged me and said when they got to the hospital there was nowhere to park so she dropped them off and parked out on the road but after 5 minutes decided to try again and that time, she found a parking spot no problem, so said Jess is right it is her.
Turned out to be a warm day.
Steps:6,448=5.1kms
BGL:7.0
KELSI’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 11 TODAY
Had another good night my watch tells me I had 7hrs and 55mins of sleep. After Tim left for work, I had a shower and at the moment I am feel refreshed and good.
Sue and went to the cemetery and the ground had dried out enough for me to be able to walk on.
We then went to Officeworks so I could get postage stamps and have a look around.
We then went to Coles but there was nowhere to park and Sue said screw this, I will go somewhere else, as we are leaving the carpark I realised I forgot to get the stamps, so we then went to the Post Office before coming home.
I was getting my phone out of my bag when I got home and found the two letters I had wanted to send off.
Steps: 8,197=4.16km’s
BGL:7.0
Having a good morning after a good night’s sleep not too cold this morning and it is supposed to only reach 19C today.
Around 11am I went in and out on a pair of pantyhose under my long pants for extra warmth. I am glad I did as Tim keeps leaving the doors opened.
It started to rain around midday, it was raining when I went to meet Sam. She brought home from school 4 books that the library was getting rid of all are about the human body and they are cool. Sam said if I wanted to borrow them to use for blog posts I could, and I will be doing just that.
Steps:8,697=4.29Km’s or 2.4miles
BGL: 6.08
Had a good night sleep, it’s wet outside, I hope it fines up by 8am when I go up with Sam to wait for his transport. My watch tells me I slept for 8hrs and 42mins and I was awake for 44mins during the night.
Just had a phone call from Sue she has blown a tyre and has to cancel her appointment this morning she is going to be off the road till she can do something about the tyre.
While I was watching telly this afternoon it started to rain, I hope it stops by the time I need to get Sam. Well, it stopped raining, but I forgot to take a blanket for my legs and damn it was cold waiting for Sam.
Steps:8,473=4.68kms or 2.08miles
BGL: 6.5
Another good night slept for 7hrs 58mins was awake only 9mins during the night. It is a cold morning.
It has been raining on and off all day, Tim and I went over to Lake Fair so I could do some shopping, and he could cash in some bottles he got $55 this time for the bottles, for those who don’t know you get 10cents for each bottle or can you recycle.
I went looking for a long sleeve black singlet but the ones in my size were $22 and I wasn’t paying that the cheaper ones didn’t have my size. So I looked at long sleeve black tops and found two for only $10 each but when I went to pay they were on special two for $16 so that was good.
Hi all, in case you don’t know my name is Archie Albert Jenkins and my human mum is Sue this photo shows me laying across mums legs a very comfortable place to lay .
This week’s national anthem is of course the anthem of Dominica.
Dominica’s national anthem is the “Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendour”, which was adopted in 1967 upon the country gaining statehood and again with independence in 1978.
The lyrics were written by Wilfred Oscar Morgan Pond (W.O.M. Pond), and the music was composed by Lemuel McPherson Christian. The anthem is a patriotic song that celebrates Dominica’s natural beauty, prosperity, and the strength of its people.
The lyrics praise Dominica’s natural beauty, such as rivers, valleys, hills, and mountains, and its fertile lands. The anthem also highlights the strength and health of the Dominican people and their Godly reverence. It encourages citizens to strive for honour, do what is right, and work together for the prosperity of the nation.
Isle of beauty, isle of splendour, Isle to all so sweet and fair, All must surely gaze in wonder At thy gifts so rich and rare. Rivers, valleys, hills and mountains, All these gifts we do extol. Healthy land, so like all fountains, Giving cheer that warms the soul.
Dominica, God hath blest thee With a clime benign and bright, Pastures green and flowers of beauty Filling all with pure delight, And a people strong and healthy, Full of godly reverent fear. May we ever seek to praise Thee For these gifts so rich and rare.
Come ye forward, sons and daughters Of this gem beyond compare. Strive for honour, sons and daughters, Do the right, be firm, be fair. Toil with hearts and hands and voices. We must prosper! Sound the call, In which everyone rejoices, “All for Each and Each for All.”
This week we are looking at the town of Adelaide the capital of South Australia, it has a population of around 1.4 million.
It is unique in Australia for being a planned city established as a free settlement, not a penal colony. Founded in 1836, it was named in honour of Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, wife of King William IV. The city’s layout, designed by Colonel William Light, features a grid pattern surrounded by parklands, making it a “city within a park”.
It was the first Australian city to be linked by telegraph to London (1872), and the first to allow women to vote (1895).
It is also known as the “City of Churches” due to the presence of numerous religious buildings.
The River Torrens, flowing through the city, played a significant role in its development and is a landmark feature. That being its ring of parkland on the River Torrens is home to renowned museums such as the Art Gallery of South Australia, displaying expansive collections including noted Indigenous art, and the South Australian Museum, devoted to natural history. The city’s Adelaide Festival is an annual international arts gathering with spin-offs including fringe and film events.
The traditional owners of the Adelaide region, specifically the Adelaide Plains, are the Kaurna people. They are recognized as the custodians of this land, with their traditional lands extending from Port Broughton to Cape Jervis. The City of Adelaide formally acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional owners and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
The traditional Kaurna name for Adelaide is Tarntanya, which translates to “red kangaroo place”. The Kaurna people are the Traditional Owners of the Adelaide Plains, and Adelaide was their central gathering place and area of movement and activity. While the city of Adelaide is now known by its European name, the Kaurna name is increasingly recognized and used, particularly in signage and dual naming efforts.
So, what is the town known for well, its vibrant arts and cultural scene, particularly its extensive festival calendar. It’s also recognized for its high-quality education and beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches and wine regions. Furthermore, Adelaide is a city known for its charming architecture, exceptional coffee, and artisan produce.
The Adelaide region has a Mediterranean climate, characterised with cold to mild wet winters and warm to hot dry summers. Most of the region’s rainfall occurs from mid-autumn to mid spring (April to October), which coincides with southern Australia’s wet season.
In May 1899, in a break with the common international practice of setting one-hour intervals between adjacent time zones, South Australia advanced Central Standard Time by thirty minutes after lobbying by businesses who wanted to be closer to Melbourne time and cricketers and footballers who wanted more daylight.
This weeks, hooved animal is the pig also called swine or hog, is an omnivorous, domesticated, even-toed, hoofed mammal. It is named the domestic pig when distinguishing it from other members of the genus Sus. Some authorities consider it a subspecies of Sus scrofa; other authorities consider it a distinct species.
Including outbred and inbred breeds, there are currently approximately 730 pig breeds or lines worldwide of which two-thirds reside in China and Europe and over 270 are considered as being endangered or at critical levels.
Wild Boar
The most common pig species in the world is the wild boar (Sus scrofa ). This species is also known as the common wild pig and is native to Eurasia and North Africa. It has been introduced to the Americas and Oceania as well.
The most common pig breeds in Australia are the Duroc, Landrace, and Large White. These breeds are commonly used in commercial pork production and are often crossbred to create hybrids with desirable traits. Here is a little more about these three.
Landrace
Duroc: This breed is known for its fast growth rates, good maternal abilities, and excellent carcase quality.
Landrace: Landrace pigs are known for their large litters and good mothering skills.
Large White: This breed is a popular choice for meat production due to its lean carcass and fast growth rate.
While other breeds like Berkshire, Hampshire, and Tamworth are also available, they are generally less common than the Duroc, Landrace, and Large White. Many commercial producers choose to utilize crossbreeding to benefit from the strengths of multiple breeds, resulting in pigs with desirable characteristics like faster growth rates, leaner carcasses, and higher litter sizes.
American Yorkshire
The most-recorded breed of swine in North America, is the Yorkshires which are white with erect ears. They are found in almost every state, with the highest populations being in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio. Yorkshires are known for their muscle, with a high proportion of lean meat and low backfat.
The British Landrace is one of the most common pig breeds in the UK. It’s a pink breed known for its heavy, drooping ears that cover most of its face. Other popular breeds include the Welsh pig and the Berkshire pig.
The most common pig in Asia, both in terms of wild and domestic populations, is the wild boar (Sus scrofa). While domestic pigs are also prevalent, particularly in regions like China, the wild boar remains the most widespread native species in the continent
Visayan Warty
The Visayan warty pig is the rarest pig in the world and there are fewer than 200 left in the wild.
This week’s country is Dominica not to be confused with The Dominican Republic
Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean Island nation with natural hot springs and tropical rainforests. Morne Trois Pitons National Park is home to the volcanically heated, steam-covered Boiling Lake. The park also encompasses sulphur vents, the 65m-tall Trafalgar Falls and narrow Titou Gorge. To the west is Dominica’s capital, Roseau, with colourful timber houses and botanic gardens.
It has a population of 66,510, its official language is English; however, French and a local French Creole dialect are widely spoken.
Roseau is the Capital city of Dominica, it lies on the island’s southwestern coast, at the mouth of the Roseau River.
The currency in Dominica is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD) although some businesses also accept US dollars and euros.
The flag of Dominica features a green background with a white, black, and yellow cross in the centre. Superimposed on the cross is a red disc with a purple and green Sisserou parrot facing the hoist side, encircled by ten green stars. The red disc symbolizes justice, and the parrot represents the nation’s identity and aspirations.
Green Field: Represents the lush greenery and natural beauty of the island.
Cross: The yellow, black, and white stripes in the shape of a cross symbolize the Trinity and Christian faith.
Red Disc: Symbolizes justice and unity.
Sisserou Parrot: The national bird, symbolizing flight towards greater heights and fulfilling aspirations, and is also featured on the coat of arms.
Ten Green Stars: Represent the ten parishes of Dominica, each with equal status, symbolizing the equality of its people.
Purple and Green Parrot: A unique feature, one of the few national flags to contain the colour purple.
In Dominica, Christianity, particularly Catholicism, is the dominant religion, with a significant minority adhering to various Protestant denominations. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and other smaller religious groups like Rastafarians and Baha’is are also present, according to the U.S. Department of State.
I slept reasonably well, woke to the sound of rain, it is supposed to rain most of the day.
Tim caught another baby corella and took it into the vet again as it was so cold and looked like a drowned rat
It has rained all day, and it is cold as well and I have pain in both knees due to the pain.
This afternoon he caught another drowned rat corella and hopes it will be able to dry out and warm up now it is inside.
Tim rang our neighbour’s son to find out where would be best to buy a cage, he said he would make us one and will be out on Tuesday to talk to Tim. Turns out he is with Wires and knows a lot about these birds.
I had another pretty good night, woke to the sound of rain again, some rain this morning.
Sam had an issue with Tasha on the way to Tafe she was on her phone, and it was raining so Sam snatched it out of her hand. Now Tasha said she will not drive Sam to Tafe any more till unless Sam apologises to Tasha.
Jess came down and was here for over an hour and we had a nice chat. I rang and asked Sue if she would drive Sam to Tafe if Jess were unable to do it.
It has rained on and off all day, didn’t need to go and check the letterbox as the postie came down to drop off the two books I ordered and brought the letters with her. This may seem the commonsense thing to do but we at times have a man doing the run and he doesn’t do that. I mean he will place the letters in the box and bring down the parcel.
Tim released the bird this morning when he got home from work.
Steps:6,020
I had another pretty good night, woke to no rain which was nice, we are supposed to get showers on and off all day.
Sue rang and said she had a phone call letting her know her hearing aids were in and they could see her at 11am. She is happy with them.
Then we went to the shops so I could get ham and bread. Tim made a comment that I didn’t ring and see if he wanted anything, I bit my tongue and said nothing as he never or very rarely rings and asks if I want anything. Also, when I was leaving, he said he may not be here when I got back.
We are having a wet and cold afternoon after a warm day.
Steps: 9,330
First day of term two for school and of course it is cold and wet and supposed to rain on and off all day again. This means I am going to have to walk up with Sam this morning.
I have both sliding doors open but will shut them soon.
Due to the wet weather, I tossed the clothes into the dryer. I also changed the sheets.
Shopping came at 3.10pm, I was waiting for Sam but managed to stop the truck and let the driver know that sliding door was open and to just put the shopping in the kitchen. Which she did.
Steps:8,322
First day of term two for school and of course it is cold and wet and supposed to rain on and off all day again. This means I am going to have to walk up with Sam this morning.
I only have the back sliding door open, Sam brought down some washing to toss in our dryer, she said that their dryer makes the clothes smell. I will make sure Jess is aware of that and looks into it.
Thankfully at this time we have no rain.
We have had rain on and off all day and this afternoon it is really cold and wet. Also, my body feels really stiff and achy moving isn’t easy as well feeling stiff I am in pain. I am so tired I will be in bed by 7.30 tonight.
Steps: 8,398
Sue and I went to have her eyes checked she needs glasses that have different strength lens for each eye. The cost was $180, I paid for them she should be able to pick them up in two weeks times, the cost to have her eyes checked was nothing. She had put off having them checked as she didn’t think she would be able to afford it.
After that went to Coles for a few things and Sue bought be a small fruit bun from Baker’s Delight, which when I had it contained no fruit. It was like a small round finger bun.
I realised that yesterday I didn’t use the Powerfit, and I wonder if that is part of the reason, I was so stiff and sore yesterday.
Not as much rain today.
Steps: 9,221
ELECTION DAY
Yeah, time to vote in the federal election, I already voted as I do a postal vote, Tim has already voted as he is working all day, but my girls and Blain will need to vote.
I have turned the heater on this morning as I am so damn cold.
The day has warmed up and I have had a good day. I worked on the envelopes for the letters I have to answer by that I mean I applied my address stamp to the back of each envelope and added stickers and a postage stamp and the ones I had to print an address for I added the address to the front of the envelope already to start writing letters tomorrow.
Managed to write 3 blog posts for the coming week. Sent reminder texts to family members reminding them to vote.
Jo-AnneRamplings 