Time for a little more about the battle of Milne Bay in 1942 between the Japanese and the Aussie’s and Yank’s.

At his GHQ in Brisbane General MacArthur who expected a quick victory in the Papuan Campaign and who was never fully aware of the difficult conditions in the war zone, was putting pressure on Clowes for a greater effort.

The Aussie’s thought MacArthur’s demands as unreasonable and that GHQ was like a bloody barometer up and down every two minutes.

It seems that Curtin the Prime Minister of Australia was able to stand up to Churchill demanding Aussie troops return to Australia to fight in the South West Pacific but wasn’t able to do the same with MacArthur. This may have been because he was aware of Australia’s dependence on the USA for equipment it didn’t have. So, he didn’t really support his Australian commanders against MacArthur’s many unreasonable demands. As MacArthur didn’t visit Papua till October 1942 his demands were based who knows what.

The Aussie Coastwatchers continued to be important as they were scattered around islands in the South Est Pacific and radioed vital information to the Allies. Their work would later be praised by Admiral Nimitz, US Navy Supreme Commander of the Pacific Ocean Area.

Some say the Coastwatchers saved Guadalcanal and Guadalcanal saved the pacific.

On 24 August RAAF pilots and Coastwatchers reported seven barges approaching Goodenough Island about 100k’s north of Milne Bay. After the Japanese had disembarked the RAAF destroyed the barges, thus marooning about 350 Japanese away from the main invasion force.

The Japanese landed early on the 26 August and encountered fierce opposition from the RAAF squadrons and land artillery. However, many landed with supplies and heavy equipment such as tanks. This surprised the Aussie’s who thought the swampy terrain would make use of the tanks impossible.

The Aussie’s lacked sufficient armoured vehicles and on the 27 August, this caused them to withdraw after heavy losses defending the village of Gili Gili.

However, due to the continued torrential rain the Japanese tanks became a liability.

As well as the usual artillery and mortar fire the Aussie’s had to contend with jungle snipers. By the end of the month there was a decisive battle around one of the airstrips resulting in heavy loses by the Japanese. Aussie artillery and mortar fire played a large part in turning things into the Allies favour.

The Aussie’s suffered 373 casualties, 161 were listed as either killed or missing. The US forces serving at Milne Bay lost one killed in ground battles and several more killed or wounded in air raids.

On the 3 September the Japanese started to withdraw and the first land victory in the Pacific War was won by Allied Forces, the majority of whom were Australians.  

It is time for some more about big cats, the lion is often called the king pf beasts because it is so big and powerful, and it doesn’t have natural predators.

The average weight is 160-180 kilos or 353-397 pounds, however, a large male can weigh as much as 230 kilos or 507 pounds. They are 3 meters or 10 feet in length, the stand at 1-meter or3.2 feet tall.

A lioness is between 110-140kilos or 243-309 pounds they are about a foot shorter than the males.

The male has a mane around its neck that gives it a royal look. Its roar is fierce and frightening they are truly majestic and exhibit dominant behaviour. They are the only cat with a mane this collar of long, thick hair covers the head, neck going down to the shoulders and chest. Their mane can also protect them in a fight. It takes five years for the mane to be fully grown.

Loins prefer to roam throughout open lands and are generally found in woodlands, grassy plains and aera with thorny scrub trees. You would find them living near their food supply is, that being deer, antelope, zebra and other hoofed animals. There will also be water nearby.   

They are found in eastern and southern Africa, and some can be found in the Gir Forest of India, these are called Asiatic Lions. However, most will be found in national parks and reserves, where they are  protected from hunters and there are 100’s in zoos.

Good morning, all hope everyone is doing well and either had a good weekend or are having a good weekend, my weekend was good I did bugga all.

This week we are looking at Norway, another Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Bergen, with colourful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.

The capital is Oslo and the population is 5.5 million and currency is the Norwegian Krone and the official language is Norwegian. Most Norwegians have a reasonable level of English. You will find that you can speak English in most shops and restaurants, as well as in public offices and with service providers. If you are not comfortable holding a conversation in English, it is even more important to learn Norwegian.

They are not a member state of the European Union, but they are associated with the Union through its membership in the European Economic Area (EEA).

The national flag of Norway is red with a navy-blue Scandinavian cross bordered in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog, the flag of Denmark‎.

It was designed in 1821, and is based on the Danish flag, the Dannebrog, marking the union with the Kingdom of Denmark from 1397 until 1814. The blue cross symbolises the union between Norway and Sweden from 1814 until 1905.

Norway is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The country is governed by a prime minister, a cabinet, and a 169-seat parliament (Storting) that is elected every four years and cannot be dissolved. The current Prime Minister is Jonas Gahr Støre he is the country’s 36^th Prime Minister.

The current King is Harald V, he succeeded to the throne on 17 January 1991. Harald was the third child and only son of King Olav V of Norway and Princess Märtha of Sweden.

The country is known for its mind-boggling fjords, lakes, soaring white mountains, emerald-green forests, urban excursions, and more. It is a perfect blend of remote quaint villages and bustling hubs. Known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”, an experience unique to the country is the Northern Lights.

Norwegians are proud of their traditions of equality and humanitarianism. The country often takes in refugees and people seeking asylum from other countries. The people of Norway have one of the highest standards of living in the world.

They have universal health care, funded primarily by general taxes and by payroll contributions shared by employers and employees.

Anyone registered as a resident in Norway has a right to access the Norwegian state healthcare system. State healthcare in Norway is not completely free. Healthcare costs are covered by both the state and through patient contributions (user fees).

Norwegian citizens do not have to pay tuition at public universities. Also, students who are citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland can study for free at Norway public universities. Until 2022, international students from other nationalities could also study for free at Norway public universities.

In Norway’s schools, there are two semesters. The new academic year begins in the middle of August. The first semester begins in August and ends in December. The second semester begins in January and ends in June. The school year of primary and lower secondary education consists of 38 weeks (190 days) for pupils and 39 weeks for teachers and is divided into two terms.

I slept well, but after another rough start, I had been asleep for around 2hrs and woke up coughing, the coughing continued for about 2.5hrs after that settled, I settled and slept through till the alarm went off.

It is 9 degrees and my BGL is 5.5

By 8am I was feeling really tired and had a nap from 9.30-10.30am.

At around 2pm I started to feel tired again so I decided to write up Monday & Tuesday’s blog post so I wouldn’t fall asleep.

It has turned out warm.

Steps: 4,699

I slept well, but after another rough start, I got up and used the powerfit then back to bed and straight off to sleep. Maybe I should try using the powerfit before going to bed at night.

I have woken up tired, the temp I 13 degrees and my BGL 5.5

Sam has a doctor’s appointment before school, so Jes will drop her at school. I was going to go with them but didn’t feel up to it. I ended up having a nap in my chair, Sue came over to check on me. Sam needs to take iron medication. I felt better after my nap.

Sam was later arriving home I was starting to wonder if she went to school after the doctor’s appointment.

By 6.30pmm I started having trouble staying awake, but I will stay up as long as possible.

I decided to use the powerfit before going to bed, so we will see if that makes any difference.

Steps: 5,095

I slept well, went to bed at 9pm and slept till 11pm when I woke with a dry mouth so got up and had some water and went back to bed next thing, I knew the alarm was going off. It is 14 degrees and my BGL is 5.4

I had to get Jess to go with Sam due to it raining.

I have changed the sheets and washed the dirty ones along with the towels and now I must vacuum.

A wet day, I tossed the sheets and towels into the dryer.

It was raining when I walked up to meet Sam, thankfully, only light rain.

Steps:4,115

I slept well, went to bed at 9pm and slept till 11pm when I woke sweating and needing to pee, after returning to bed I was restless. I ended up getting up and doing stuff on the computer and using the powerfit again before going back to bed at 1.15am. I then slept till the alarm went off.

It is 15 degrees and my BGL is 5.5

It is a wet day but not a cold day, the hospital rang Tim must be there by 9am, he is on clear liquids from today till after the procedure.

Steps: 7,588    

I had a shocking night due to restlessness I was tossing and turning, up and down. I managed to get between 3-4hrs sleep.

Tim managed to go to bed for 3hrs between 3.30am and 6.30am

It is 14 degrees and my BGL was 5.5

Sue drove Tim to the hospital he is having a colonoscopy and an endoscopy he had it done under a general anesthetic, but he thought he would be done and home by 1pm and that wasn’t the case. Sue picked him up and brought him home at 3pm.

This afternoon Jess has asked me to go with her and Sam to a doctor’s appointment so that a mental health plan can be done for Sam.

Steps: 4,985

I had a better night, slept straight through till 3.45am when I needed to pee but went straight back to sleep.

It is 13 degrees and my BGL is 5.1.

Tim is working today in Gosford, he arrived home around 4.30pm.

I have been feeling sad all day and I don’t know why; I also have no motivation.

Steps:6,739

Hello everyone, this Friday I am looking at restless leg syndrome or RSL. This is a condition that both Tim and Tasha suffer from, me I have more a restless body as it isn’t just in my legs and often more in my upper body.

The most prominent symptom of RLS is the overwhelming urge to move your legs, especially when you’re sitting still or lying in bed. You might also feel unusual sensations like a tingling, crawling, or pulling sensation in your legs. Movement may relieve these sensations.

If you have mild RLS, symptoms may not occur every night. And you might attribute these movements to restlessness, nervousness, or stress.

A more severe case of RLS is challenging to ignore. It can complicate the simplest activities, like going to the movies. A long plane ride can also be difficult.

People with RLS are likely to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because symptoms are worse at night. Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and sleep deprivation can harm your physical and mental health.

Symptoms usually affect both sides of the body, but some people have them on only one side. In mild cases, symptoms may come and go. RLS can also affect other parts of the body, including your arms and head. For most people with RLS, symptoms worsen with age.

People with RLS often use movement as a way to relieve symptoms. That might mean pacing the floor or tossing and turning in bed. If you sleep with a partner, it may well be disturbing their sleep as well.

More often than not, the cause of RLS is a mystery. There may be a genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger.

More than 40 percent of people with RLS have some family history of the condition. In fact, there are five gene variants associated with RLS. When it runs in the family, symptoms usually start before age 40.

There may be a connection between RLS and low levels of iron in the brain, even when blood tests show that your iron level is normal.

RLS may be linked to a disruption in the dopamine pathways in the brain. Parkinson’s disease is also related to dopamine. That may explain why many people with Parkinson’s also have RLS. Some of the same medications are used to treat both conditions.

It’s possible that certain substances like caffeine or alcohol can trigger or intensify symptoms.

 Hello whoever is reading this, it is Thursday down under and time for a little more about ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder has no single known cause. Given the complexity of the disorder, and the fact that symptoms and severity vary, there are probably many causes. Both genetics and environment may play a role.

It is known that those on the ASD brains develop differently this is caused by genes, which means that if someone in your family has autism, other family members are more likely to also have ASD.

Other factors may increase your chances of having ASD. This may include the age of your parents. Research is also looking at the role of the environment in triggering ASD.

Autism is not caused by vaccines, food, your culture or social surroundings.

Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people. It’s something you’re born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you’re very young, or not until you’re older.

So here we are at another Wednesday and this week we are in Milne Bay it was at Milne Bay that Australian troops inflicted on the Japanese their first undoubted defeat on land. Many may not realise that it was the Australians who first broke the invincibility of the Japanese.

In late August 1942 unable to move further along the Kokoda Track the Japanese decided to make a second line of attack on Port Moresby. So, on the 25 August they landed at Milne Bay on the extreme eastern tip of Papua about 370 kilometres or 230 miles from Port Moresby.

Although under great logistical stress with the fighting on the Kokoda track allied forces were ready for them and unlike Kokoda which was dragging on the battle of Milne Bay would be over in only ten days.

Australian and Untied States forces had been active in the area since June. These were the 55^th Australian Infantry Battalion and 46^th United States Engineer Battalion. The American engineers were constructing three airstrips on the swampy coastal strip between the sea and the mountains.

There was also a RAAF squadrons of Kittyhawks and Hudson bombers, the aircraft played a vital part in the outcome of the battle.

The total force of Australian and Americans in Papua at this time was 9,000 and for the first-time army, navy and air forces came under one commander the Australian Major-General Cyril Clowes a Duntroon graduate.

                        Major-General Cyril Clowes  

When it appeared likely that the Japanese would land in the Milne Bay region the 18^th Australian Infantry Brigade of the  7th Australian Division which had recently returned from the Middle East was sent to reinforce the Allied Forces already there.

The Japanese aircraft began to raid the area on 4 August ready for the landing, like Kokoda the terrain was difficult, just a swampy, narrow coastal strip covered in dense jungle only a few kilometres wide. It was hot and humid with constant rain which washed out roads being constructed.

I am having trouble concentrating so that will do for this week.

This week we are looking at how big cats defend themselves, mostly we think of them as deadly predators, but many have developed methods to protect themselves from injury during a hunt.

Also, they must deal with other cats that want to take over their territory and steal their kill for themselves. As well as protecting their cubs which is the responsibility of females.

A lioness will protect her cubs from other animals as well as from other lions who pose a threat to them. When a new male lion takes over a pride, he will usually kill all the cubs and mates with the lionesses to start his own family.

Lions usually hunt together to increase their chances of killing prey and protecting themselves, they will fan out in a semicircle to creep up on prey.

They have been known to take on large animals like giraffes and elephants which may result in them being injured.

Tigers are very protective of their territory; a male’s territory generally includes three or four females. The males will aggressively fight each other to defend their territory.

However, females have been known to share their kill with neighbouring females.

When these big cats attack in groups some will drive the intended victim in the direction of other cats waiting to pounce and kill, this is mostly used by lions and lynx.

Some animals have methods of defending themselves against attack by the big cats, elephants will kick, rampage and trample and are usually successful in running away.

Zebras snort loudly to alert the herd of impending danger and the males will position themselves between the predator and the herd. They will kick and bite trying to give the herd time to escape.

The wildebeest are known to break into a stampede when confronted by a predator.

More next week

Here we are at Monday and this week we a looking at Sweden at the suggestion of Rita again who can be found here: https://soulcomfort.blogspot.com/

Sweden is a highly successful and peaceful northern European country with high levels of literacy and employment. It is the third largest country in the European Union by landmass with around 85 percent of the people residing in urban areas. The landscape is mostly low and flat.

It is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains.

The capital is Stockholm which is built of 14 islands and has more than 50 bridges, the cobblestone streets and ochre-coloured buildings of Gamla Stan are home to the 13 century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, which focuses on the Nobel Prize. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands.

It has a population of over 10 million, the language is Swedish, and the currency is the Krona.  Although Sweden has been a member of the European Union since 1995, it has never adopted the Euro and has no plans to do so. It is not possible to pay with Euros in Sweden. 

The national flag of Sweden consists of a yellow or gold Nordic cross on a field of light blue. The Nordic cross design traditionally represents Christianity. The colours on the flag probably stem from the shield that features on the national coat of arms (three golden crowns on a blue background) and the golden cross on the “Great National Coat of Arms”.

The country is famous for its innovative design, picturesque landscapes and rich history. The country has the highest number of non-religious population. It has clean streets and a successful welfare program. Sweden is recognised for having an abundance of clean air, given its high tree cover percentage.

In Sweden they play a sport like ice hockey called bandy it is played with a ball instead of a puck. It is the national sport of Sweden and is popular in the northern parts of the country.

Skiing is a popular winter sport in Sweden, with many ski resorts located throughout the country.

Health care, as well as a college education, are free, and its people boast one of the longest life expectancies in the world. Almost all of Sweden’s trash is recycled. Swedes are some of the world’s most generous people, donating about 1 percent of gross national product to humanitarian aid programs each year.

I slept well, went to bed at 8.40om at 9pm I took my last tablet for the day and went straight off to sleep not waking till the alarm went off.

The temp is 3 degrees and my BGL 5.1 

Feeling better than yesterday, Sue came over to check on me before going to see Sandy.

It has been a cold day and around 4pm I started to feel like shit again due to the night air I suspect.

Steps 4,088       

I slept well, after a rough start, but when I settled, I was fine for the rest of the night only waking with the alarm at 5am.

It is another cold morning with a temp of 5 degrees, my BGL was 5.2.

I asked Sam if they had eggs, they did so I was able to get two eggs and make myself a bacon & egg roll for lunch.

Tim came home around 9.30am for a few hours, he left again at around 1pm. Split shift.

He rang at 4.45 to let me know the traffic was shocking and he would be later home than normal. It was closer to 6.30pm when he got home, he is usually home by 5.30pm

It has been a cold day and now it is cold and wet.

Steps: 3,389

I slept well, went to bed and fell asleep, waking with the alarm at 5am and I am not even cold this morning, even though it is only 9 degrees, my BGL was 6.4

I had to ring the chemist to find out how much the scripts were as they added Sam’s to mine. So, I had to transfer money into the script account. I then had to find someone to pick up the stuff at the chemist. Tasha was busy and Jess was asleep so asked Sandy and she said she would.

At around 11.30am Sue arrived with the chemist stuff as she was talking to Sandy, and she offered to go to the chemist for me.

It is nearly midnight, and I am having those jerky movements I cannot control, so I got up and used the powerfit and then I sat at my desk and wrote this.

Steps:4,372

I slept well, after using the powerfit late last night, waking with the alarm at 5am.

It is a somewhat cold morning with a temp of only 3 degrees, my BGL was 4.8

I have felt awful most of the day. When the day started to warm up, I started to feel better, but I expect when it gets colder again, I will not feel so good.

I was right, I feel awful again.

Steps:5,113

I slept well, don’t recall waking at all during the night. It is another cold morning temp is 5 degrees and my BGL is 4.6

This morning Sam had to run up the front with the bin as she forgot to take it out last night.

It has warmed up and I had to take a layer of clothes off as I was feeling warm.

I am wearing both pedometers. The new one is counting twice as many steps as the other one, what the hell is with that.

Tim was late home, he had to take a bus somewhere after he finished his school run, he rang and told me he would be late. Tim arrived home at 8pm.

Steps: 3,808

I slept well, woke only once due to coughing a lot and I am still coughing. It is 5 degrees, my BGL was 6.4

I am feeling awful again, after Sam leaves this morning, I am going to have a nap.

After my nap I slept for an hour, I started to feel better, and as the day warmed up, I improved more, let’s see how I am when the temp drops this evening. I think the cold is affecting how I feel.

By the middle of the day, it was a nice 21 degrees warm enough to have the doors opened. I also had to remove a layer of clothes again today due to how warm it is.

Tasha is missing a cat; it went missing sometime yesterday and she has searched the house but can’t find her. Tasha is annoyed her security camera wasn’t working so she doesn’t know if anyone opened her front door and the cat got out.

I am somewhat restless, so I go up to use the powerfit.

Steps:6,223

I slept well, but after a rough start, I ended up using the powerfit for 10-minutes.

Thought about going back to bed after taking my morning med but I didn’t.

It is 5 degrees and my BGL is 5.1 

Kathy rang at 9.30am and woke me. I was snoozing in my armchair. We talked for about half an hour, I also got to see and talk to Sydney.

Then Tim and I went to the shops before going out for lunch at all you can eat place Tim likes. I didn’t eat much, and Tim noticed and wondered if I was ok, I said I was.

As the temp dropped started feeling awful again

Steps:6,631.