Week 12 of 2025

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I had a damn good night slept straight through; it is warm at 6am so yeah, it’s going to be hot again.

I had to turn the air con on, I had a headache from the heat.

I decided to order pizza and get it delivered, haven’t done that in years but I walked in the kitchen couldn’t find anything for lunch, we have no bread, so decided on pizza.

It has been stinking hot all day out the back in the sunlight it was 48C at 1pm. It has finally sunk into Tim that often the temperature stated on apps and telly isn’t taken in the sunlight but in shade and there is often a big difference.

I had a damn good night slept straight through; it is much cooler this morning and there is a strong wind.

Tim had to come home from work he failed the breathalyser, he was just over, so he is now off for the day. I wasn’t surprised as he did drink a lot yesterday and he didn’t eat much all day.

This afternoon Tim booked our next cruise it will be next April as in April 2026. It is an Australian cruise going to Tassie. Jess and Tasha are coming with us. I wish Sue could come with us.

I am really tied and feel sad this afternoon.

I had another good night slept straight through again. A cool day and a productive morning doing housework.

It warmed up during the day but wasn’t hot.

After I had my wash, I did my makeup in the bedroom as Tim wanted to use the bathroom. I have decided I will do that in future as it will be easier than having to rush.

When I was getting the clothes out of the washing machine, I found one of Sam’s rings that was missing.

This afternoon I have felt tired and sad why I am sad I do not know.

I had to make a Dr’s appointment as I need a script, it’s Friday morning at 8.48am.

Steps: 7,949

I had another good night slept straight through again. A cool day but it is supposed to warm up.

Sue came over to ask for a roll of toilet paper, I gave her two rolls, also gave her the last couple of bottles of vodka cruisers. She drove me down to get a loaf of bread.

While waiting for Sam this arvo I started to feel like shit, extremely tired, slight headache and nauseas.

I felt unwell I went to bed at 7.15pm but woke at 9.30 and was unable to settle again, so 10pm I got and used the powerfit for 20minutes, after I finish this, I’m going back to bed.

Steps:10,399

I am feeling much better this morning and after I went back to bed I slept through the night. Tim only has his school runs today so will be home between 10am and 1.30pm.

It is 19C this morning but should reach 29C by 1pm, my BGL was 5.5

At around 11.15am I started to feel really tired again.

I turned the air con at 1.30pm.

I have zero motivation this afternoon but at least I don’t feel sick.

Steps:5,226

I had a good night; I am waiting for Tim to leave before I have a shower and get ready for the day.

It is currently 18C and we are looking at a top of 28C.

Sue drove me to the doctors all I needed was a script, I also went to Woolies for a couple of things.

It started to rain around 11am but thankfully stopped when I went up to wait for Sam.

Tasha came down looking for bolts in Tim’s shed she couldn’t find what she needed so she will be off to Bunnings tomorrow. Tim said he also needs to go to Bunnings.

Steps: 2,652

I had a good night; I sleeping straight through till the alarm went off.

I have a lot of lower back pain this morning and feel very tired, I started to fall asleep while waiting for Kathy to all and she rang at 10am.

After a slow start I picked up and managed to write a couple of letters and write up Monday’s and Tuesday’s blog posts.

Tim bought Macca’s for lunch what I wanted was right, but he wanted a Big Mac and that’s not what he got. He said he was going to ring and abuse them, I told him to ring and calmly say he got the wrong order, he did as I suggested and as we live close by, he went back, and they replaced the order without issue.

Tim also finally helped Tasha put a cupboard on her bedroom wall.

Steps: 9,306

Ireland’s National Anthem

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The national anthem of Ireland is “Amhrán na bhFiann“or in English “The Soldier’s Song“,.

It was written in English by Peadar Kearney and composed by Patrick Heeney between 1909 and 1910, later translated into Irish by Liam Ó Rinn and officially adopted in 1926. 

Peadar Kearney, a poet and nationalist, wrote the lyrics, while his childhood friend and neighbour Patrick Heeney composed the music, using a melodeon. 

The English version, “The Soldier’s Song,” was first published in Bulmer Hobson’s Irish Freedom newspaper in 1912. 

The song gained popularity during the Easter Rising of 1916, when it was sung at the GPO by the rebels. 

Liam Ó Rinn translated the song into Irish in late 1916, and the Irish version, “Amhrán na bhFiann,” was officially adopted as the national anthem by the Irish Free State in 1926. 

The anthem became a symbol of Irish nationalism and the struggle for independence, embodying the spirit of the 1916 Easter Rising. 

In 1934, Ireland acquired the copyright of the song for £1,200. 

While “Amhrán na bhFiann” is the official national anthem, in some contexts, particularly at rugby matches, “Ireland’s Call” is also played, especially outside the Republic of Ireland. 

Kearney wrote much of the text in the Swiss Café at the corner of O’Connell Street and North Earl Street. 

Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland,

Some have come from a land beyond the wave.

Sworn to be free, no more our ancient sireland,

Shall shelter the despot or the slave.

Tonight we man the ‘bearna bhaoil’

In Erin’s cause, come woe or weal,

‘Mid cannons’ roar and rifles peal,

We’ll chant a soldier’s song.

Mining Disasters

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This week we are talking about mine disasters in my area, that being Newcastle in New South Wales.

My paternal grandfather was a coal miner as was his father both worked at the Standford Merthyr collier, I believe my great-grandfather was killed while working he was crushed between two mine train cars also known as minecarts or mine wagons, are specialized rail vehicles used to transport ore, rock, or other materials within mines.

There is a miner’s memorial in the town of Kurri Kurri which has a plaque with all the names of miners who passed while working in the local mines and his name is on it.

I know my grandfather was working at the mine at the age of 14.

One of the first disaster was on Monday 21st March 1898 at the Dudley pit around 9.20 am a huge explosion was heard as far away as Belmont and a rumbling underground as far away as Newcastle.

Coal dust filled the air for more than 15 minutes, when it had cleared it was realised the pithead roof had been partially blown off, the shaft cage had been propelled from the bottom of the shaft 30 feet into the air, lots of other destruction and trapped men inside. The local town folk ran to the pithead hoping for survivors, but the loss of life was inevitable given the extensive underground damage, smoke and poisonous gases.

There was little hope of survivors, but the rescue team worked late into the night. Over the next 2 weeks the rescue team managed to recover 10 out of the 15 bodies.            

The mine was flooded and there were still fires burning underground. The decision to close the pit was made and it was not re-opened until 17th June. Newspapers at the time reported on the dangers of the mining industry and this explosion was one of many world-wide.

The official inquiries and inquests found there to be an accumulation of a huge volume of gas in the pit to be the major cause of the disaster. The only comfort for the townsfolk at this time was that there were not more men killed as only the shift men and some officials were underground.

Normally there could be up to 200 working on-site.

Moving on in April 1946 rain caused subsidence at Cessnock No 2 colliery, this led to heat build up and the fires that followed made national news. Some thought the fire should be blasted with artillery or bombed from the air to get the fires under control. Of course, local residents thought those were stupid and dangerous ideas, thus the idea was scrapped.

Some thought that the 10m coal seam should have been mined using open cut mining, but during WW11 it seems the government pushed for underground mining.

At Easter 1946 previous predictions of a possible collapse, heating and fires if the rich seams were worked underground were proved right.

The fire underground was so fierce that at times flames burst to the surface shooting up to 10m into the air. Great sinkholes also appeared in the ground around the area and there were awful smelling fumes around causing distress to local residents.

Explosives were used to blow in the sides of the craters and soil was dumped in.

Miners from all over the district joined in to help control the huge blaze.

There have been many other disasters it isn’t the safest of industries to work in.

Island Fox

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This will be the last post about foxes we are ending with the Island Fox.

The Island fox is native to six of the eight Channel Islands in California it is considered critically endangered by the IUCN, it is threaten by golden eagles, disease, and habitat destruction.

The Catalina Island Conservancy and Institute for Wildlife Studies have established a fox recovery program for the island fox. This program includes vaccination, relocation, and captive breeding. 

The island fox is a small fox species that is endemic to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. There are six subspecies, each unique to the island it lives on, reflecting its evolutionary history. They are generally docile, show little fear of humans, and are easily tamed.

The island fox has similar markings to the gray fox. They have gray colouring on the back, rust colouring on the sides, and white underneath. The face has a distinctive black, white, and rufous-coloured patterns.

In March 2004, four subspecies of the island fox were classified as a federally protected endangered species: the Santa Cruz Island fox, Santa Rosa Island fox, San Miguel Island fox and the Santa Catalina Island fox.

Island foxes reach sexual maturity at 10 months, and females usually breed within the first year. These foxes can live for up to 10 years in the wild, but four to six years is more typical.

They are generally docile, show little fear of humans, and are easily tamed. Island foxes played an important role in the spiritual lives of native Channel Islanders. They have been likely semi-domesticated as pets, used as pelts, or for other functions, like pest control.

They are omnivorous, eating both plants and other animals. They eat a large amount of insects, some island deer mice, reptiles, and fruit from native plants. New evidence is showing marine resources may be important for island foxes. Their diet also changes with the seasons.

 The primary threat to the island fox is predation by invasive golden eagles. The species is also very vulnerable to canine distemper transmitted by domestic dogs, habitat fragmentation due to development, and habitat loss to introduced livestock and game species.

Ireland

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I was going to write about another middle east country but since today is St. Patrick’s Day I changed my mind and now writing about Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland occupies most of the island of Ireland, off the coast of England and Wales. Its capital, Dublin, is the birthplace of writers like Oscar Wilde, and home of Guinness beer. The 9th-century Book of Kells and other illustrated manuscripts are on show in Dublin’s Trinity College Library. Dubbed the “Emerald Isle” for its lush landscape, the country is dotted with castles like medieval Cahir Castle.

The island of Ireland comprises the Republic of Ireland, which is a sovereign country, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. I will write about Northern Ireland at a later date.

The population is around 5.4 million, there are two official languages, English and Irish.

Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Its historic buildings include Dublin Castle, dating to the 13th century, and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. City parks include landscaped St Stephen’s Green and huge Phoenix Park, containing Dublin Zoo. The National Museum of Ireland explores Irish heritage and culture.

The city expanded rapidly from the 17th century and was briefly the second largest in the British Empire and sixth largest in Western Europe after the Acts of Union in 1800. Following independence in 1922, Dublin became the capital of the Irish Free State, renamed Ireland in 1937.

The national flag of Ireland, often called “the tricolour,” is a vertical tricolour of green, white, and orange, with green at the hoist (pole side). 

Green: Represents Irish nationalism and the Gaelic tradition. 

White: Symbolizes peace and a lasting truce between different groups. 

Orange: Represents the supporters of William of Orange. 

This flag was first introduced by Thomas Francis Meagher in 1848 and became the national flag after the Easter Rising of 1916. 

The flag was given constitutional status in 1937. 

Their currency is the Euro since 1999 before that it was the Irish Pound

When it comes to religion, Christianity, particularly Catholicism, holds a significant place. The Catholic Church has a long history and cultural influence in Ireland, and many Irish people identify with the Catholic faith. 

While Catholicism is the largest religion, other Christian denominations, such as the Church of Ireland (Anglican), and other religions like Islam and Eastern Orthodoxy, are also present. 

A significant portion of the population, 14.5%, identified as having no religion in the 2022 census.

The Irish Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and does not endorse any particular religion. 

There has been a decline in the number of people who identify as Catholic, as well as a rise in the number of people who identify as having no religion.

In Ireland, significant strides have been made in advancing women’s rights, including equal voting rights, legal protections against discrimination, and a focus on eliminating violence against women, but challenges remain, particularly in achieving true gender equality and addressing data gaps. 

The 1937 Constitution of Ireland guaranteed women the right to vote and to nationality and citizenship on an equal basis with men.

Ireland is generally considered a safe and welcoming place to travel, with low crime rates and a friendly population. However, like any destination, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions, especially in larger cities. 

Ireland has a relatively low crime rate compared to many other European countries

The Irish people are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. 

Ireland is considered a great destination for solo travellers, both male and female. 

Week 11 of 2025

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I was up at 5am as per usual after a shower I was ready for the day even though I only had maybe 3hrs sleep last night.

Kathy and family called in so we could give Summer her birthday present, it was a crochet kit to make a turtle and a kangaroo, she loved it.

It started raining around midday and rained on and off for the rest of the afternoon.

By 2pm I was feeling oh so very tired. I did manager to stay awake till 8.30pm.

Steps:11,640

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am.

Sue took me to Woolies so I could get a few things.

Jess had me go over and help her prepare a casserole in her slow cooker, even though I had written out instructions for her. After it was done, she had Sam bring me a small bowl of it, I thought it tasted just fine.

It has been decided that Tim and I along with Tasha & Jess are going on a cruise in November, so I spent a couple of hours this afternoon finding a cruise and getting prices.

Steps: 5,699

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am. Although I went to bed at 8.30pm, woke at 10.30 and got up for an hour on returning to bed I went straight off to sleep.

It is a sticky morning, and I don’t like it.

Tim came home as his sporty was cancelled and while he was here, he had the front sliding door opened even though while I was in my armchair I was cold due to the breeze I said nothing. I did close the door when he went outside, and he opened it again when he came inside.

Steps: 5,380      

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am. It is raining this morning and suppose to rain most of the day.

It started out cool but warmed up by 11am.

Well, it didn’t rain all day thankfully and this afternoon before I went to meet Sam I vacuumed out and mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors, I also folded the laundry these jobs took half an hour and left me feeling like shit. I was so unsteady I decided to take the scooter up to wait for Sam instead of walking.

Steps:5,667

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am. I have to wait till after Tim leaves to have a shower, it is going to be another warm day.

I turned the air con on at 1pm as I was sweating so much. Although when I walked outside it didn’t seem that hot.

Sam told me this afternoon that she is going away for the weekend with Bailey and his family, I hope she has a good time. I asked Sam if Bailey’s parents knew he was gay, she said he isn’t gay because he nonbinary. I said nothing but thought well yeah, he is gay as you are both male.

Tim decided it was time to again state to me how much he despises referring to Sam as she, I told him again I get it, but it is better than alienating Sam he said that he tries to just refer to use Sam’s name which is what I told him to do.

Steps: 6,227

KELLI’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 31 TODAY

I slept well, didn’t wake till the alarm went off at 5am. We are in for another bloody hot day with a temp of 32C

I turned the air con on at midday and turned it off at 5pm.

Sam has gone away for the weekend with her friend Bailey and Bailey’s family.

Blain came down and asked if needed can he hang out here on Sunday as he doesn’t want to be alone in the house with Benny who still hasn’t left. Blain told his mum if Benny isn’t gone by the end of the month him and Ta’lia will be moving out.

Steps:10,621

I had a decent enough night, there is a lovely breeze through the house, but we are in for another bloody hot day.

Tim and I went over to Lake Fair, and he bought a couple of pairs of trousers. I got some photo frames then I went to Woolies for a few things.

Tim is working this arvo and night he said he should be home between 11.30 and Midnight.

It has been very hot today so hot I started to feel unwell and turned the air con in the bedroom on to help cool that part of the house down.

Steps: 2,999

National Anthem of Saudi Arabia

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The national anthem of Saudi Arabia is The Chant of the Saudi Nation it was first adopted in 1950 by King Abdulaziz without the lyrics, to be the official royal salute. Which was played at Saudi official ceremonies to salute royal families and diplomats.

The piece was a gift from Egypt King Farouq in 1947 when King Abdul Aziz visited Egypt.

The composer Abdul Rahman Khateeb himself played the music on the trumpet at the official welcoming ceremony held for king Abdulaziz at that time.

In the 80’s the Saudi poet Ibrahim Khafaja was ordered to add words to the royal Salute piece, so it becomes the official Royal anthem of the Kingdom.

The first time Saudi’s heard their national anthem was on the first day of Eid Al Fitr in 1984, as it was played on the national TV and radio.

The National Anthem is commonly known among Saudis as Sari’i, the opening word of the anthem, meaning to Hasten.

Hasten

To glory and supremacy,

Glorify the Creator of the heavens

And raise the green flag

Which carry the guidance light

Repeat: Allahu Akbar

My country,

Live as the pride of all Muslims!

Long live the king

For the flag

And homeland

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

First up there are two new posts over at my Random Stuff

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/03/just-bit-of-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/03/just-bit-of-hodgepodge.html


Today we are looking at a condition called, rejection sensitive dysphoria or RSD, this is a condition that my eldest daughter has been diagnosed with along with ADHD.  This condition isn’t something I have ever heard of till now.

It is a condition that causes intense emotional pain when someone feels rejected, criticized, or fails.

People with RSD may avoid situations where they might fail or be rejected it can affect children, teens, and adults. 

RSD is not an official medical diagnosis, but there are treatments that can help 

Symptoms of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Rejection can, and often does, provoke an emotional response in all of us. What marks RSD is that this response is inappropriate for the circumstance and can last for days or longer after the rejection. Symptoms of Rejection Sensitive dysphoria can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include:

  • Chronically low self-esteem 
  • Inability or trouble containing emotions after being rejected – such as fits of anger or tears
  • Sudden drops into depression or anxiety, such as those typically hallmarked by bipolar
  • Avoidance of tasks, big or small, that could end in failure 
  • People pleasing behaviour 
  • Fear or apprehension of authority figures
  • Perfectionism or overcompensation for internal feelings of shortcomings
  • Isolating behaviours 
  • Stage fright, fear of public speaking or social awkwardness even around friends and family

RSD can impact many aspects of life, including relationships, academics, and professional endeavours. It can also lead to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts or behaviours. 

Causes

  • Differences in brain structure that make it harder to regulate emotions and behaviours related to rejection 
  • A deep-seated fear of negative judgment 
  • A sense of falling short, failing to meet one’s own high standards or others’ expectations 

Treatment is a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. A big part is learning how to manage and cope with RSD can help people live fulfilling lives.

History of Newcastle New South Wales

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Today, we are looking at a bit of the history of Newcastle in New South Wales, the town was named after the famous coal port in England, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The city was originally called Coal River and then Kingstown. 

In 1797, Lieutenant John Shortland discovered the Hunter River estuary while searching for escaped convicts. Then in 1801, Governor King authorized a group of convicts and soldiers to settle in Newcastle to mine coal. This settlement was short-lived and closed in 1802 but was re-established in 1804. 

After the settlement was re-established, it was named Newcastle to imitate the English coal port. The city’s link to Newcastle-upon-Tyne is still evident in some of its place names, such as Jesmond, Hexham, Wickham, Wallsend, and Gateshead.

The coal mined from the area was the colony of NSW first export. Newcastle gained a reputation as a “hellhole” as it was where the most dangerous convicts were sent to dig in the coal mines as punishment.

Newcastle remained a penal settlement until 1822, when the settlement was opened up to farming. Military rule ended in 1823, and prisoner numbers were reduced to 100 while the remaining 900 were sent to Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie is 245km or 153 miles.

After the town was freed from the influence of penal law it began to acquire the aspect of a typical pioneer settlement, and free settlers soon poured into the hinterland.

Today, the Port of Newcastle remains the economic and trade centre for the resource rich Hunter Valley. It is the world’s largest coal export port and Australia’s oldest and second largest tonnage throughput port.

The population of Newcastle, New South Wales in 2024 is around 174,529. This is based on a forecast prepared by population experts on behalf of the City of Newcastle.

Lake Macquarie’s estimated resident population is around 220,000 people, making it the third largest regional city in NSW.

I live in Lake Macquarie