Hello everyone, today is Friday the 14 and I have had what feels like a long and busy week, Sue will be driving me and Jess into Hamilton so I can get at last the train tattoo in honour of my dad. I will post photos of it when it’s done.
I think the reason it feels like I have had a busy week is because I have gone out every day this week and I usually don’t do that.
Yesterday Tim bought me a small rechargeable desk fan which I have set up and will come in handy during the warm days.
I have done the usual housework this morning, vacuuming, unpacking the dishwasher, sweeping out the front as well as my usual exercises and of course I feed the birds this morning.
Ok it is now 12.45pm and I have just returned home from getting my tattoo done, it went well and I even managed to sleep for the first 75 minutes all up took around an hour and half.
Yes, I am happy with it. Thank you, Jess, for arranging it and thank you Sue for driving us there and home again.
Next week should be the usual stay at home and not go out type of week.
Well, here we are at another Wednesday and this week we looking at the what makes up our eyes, many of us have never really looked at our eyes.
Our eyebrows are thickened ridges of skin covered with short hairs, they come over the bone of the skull above the eye, protecting the eye from dust and such. The stop sweat dripping into the eye, they also protect the eye from some blows to the head.
Then we have our eyelids which we all know are folds of skin that open at the front of the eyeball. However, did you know they are made up of four layers an outer layer of skin with hairs we call eyelashes, then there is a layer of muscle, which allow the eyelid to open and close. There is also a layer of fibres and oil glands as well as a thin transparent inner layer.
Our eyelids protect the eye from many things and as soon as something threatens the eye, it will instantly close this is a reflex reaction. Out eyelids also allow us to blink and when we do tears are spread over the eyeball keeping it moist.
Did you know our eyelashes have around 200 fine hairs, with each one lasting about four months before it falls out and is replaced.
The outer layer of the eyeball is made up of the sclera and cornea, the sclera makes up about five-sixths of the layer and the cornea is one-sixth. The sclera is a tough, fibrous membrane and is the part we think of as the white part of the eye. It gives the eyeball its shape and protects the structures inside the eye. The cornea is transparent and lies in front of the iris and pupil, it makes a small bulge at the front of the eye. It has no blood vessels and it bends the light a little as it enters the eye.
Now to the conjunctiva this is joined continuously with the sclera, it is a thin transparent membrane that forms the inner lining of the eyelids. It also covers the whole surface of the eyeball except for the cornea. As we need to move the eyeball it is slack around the edges.
Lastly we have the iris and the pupil with the pupil being the small black dot we can see which is actually a hole and around it is a coloured ring called the iris which controls the size of the pupil by opening and shutting.
Last week I wrote about birds in general, this week I am writing about the Cockatoo.
Cockatoos are intelligent, expressive parrot’s native to Australasia, known for their dramatic crests, powerful beaks, and deep emotional bonds with humans. They’re among the most affectionate and long-lived pet birds.
There are around 21 recognized species, including the Sulphur-crested, Galah, Palm, and Major Mitchell’s cockatoos
They are native to Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands.
Typically white, black, or pink with dramatic crests; less rainbow-coloured than other parrots
Their beak is strong, curved with a unique “three-way bite” for cracking nuts and gripping objects
They live in flocks and form lifelong pair bonds, they are loud and expressive, you wouldn’t want one if you lived I an apartment due to their volume.
They like to eat seeds, nuts, fruits, roots, and insects; use their beaks and strong tongues to forage.
They have a lifespan: 25–60 years, with some living over 70 years in captivity, in the wild they live in tree hollows and both parents care for their young.
They reproduce through internal fertilization, followed by egg-laying and a dedicated incubation period of about 28–30 days. The female lays 1–3 eggs per clutch, typically spaced a few days apart. Eggs are laid in a nest cavity or nesting box lined with wood shavings or soft material. The eggs are white and oval, and both parents may take turns incubating them.
Incubation lasts 28–30 days, during which the eggs must be kept at a stable temperature (~37.2°C) and humidity (55–60%).
Eggs are turned regularly to ensure even development and prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell. They are born blind and featherless, relying entirely on their parents. Their feathers start appearing in a few weeks and by 10 to 12 weeks they are ready to leave the nest.
They are highly social and attentive parents, often forming lifelong bonds. They teach their young vocalizations, foraging, and social behaviours essential for survival.
Time for some more facts about Japan we will start with the fact that it is the custom to remove shoes before entering a house.
This is a deeply intrenched tradition which is tied to cleanliness, respect and cultural boundaries. In fact, it dates back to the Heian period which was way back in 794. Back then nobles would remove footwear to protect raised wooded floors. However, it became widespread from 1603 thus evolving into the national norm across all social classes.
Now days the removal of shoes is a sign of respect for the homeowner and their space; it reflects the idea that the home is a sacred and private place.
Now many of you like me may wonder why they do this, well shoes carry dirt, moisture and bacteria into a house these things can damage delicate flooring like tatami mats. Tatami mats are used for sitting, eating, and sleeping, so keeping them clean is essential.
Japan’s humid climate makes homes vulnerable to mould, especially during the rainy season—removing shoes helps prevent this.
In Japanese homes there is an area called a genkan, this is a lower entry area where shoes are removed. This space marks the transition from the “soto” (outside) to the “uchi” (inside), reinforcing social and spatial boundaries.
So, what do there wear inside? Usually slippers if not barefoot, however, special slippers are used for bathrooms to maintain hygiene between rooms.
Many wear socks inside their homes, especially in formal settings or during the colder months.
When visiting someone’s home, it is considered polite to wear clean socks after removing outdoor shoes. Bare feet may be seen as too casual or unhygienic. It is normal for people to carry clean socks with them as not to be caught wearing socks with holes, as this would be highly embarrassing.
I woke at 6am up washed and dressed it is supposed to be another warm day, I slept well got 7hrs 16mins of sleep. The temp this morning is 18C or 64F.
Tim and I went shopping and by the time we were done I was so exhausted, it showed so Tim told me to not walk so fast and to take it easy.
Today’s top temp was 25C or 77F and I have felt sticky most of the day.
By 7.30pm it’s 20C and I am so exhausted I am going to bed.
Steps:12, 710 = 6klm’s or 3.8 miles
BGL: 6.5
Up at 5am as per usual and waiting for Tim to leave for work till I have a shower, speaking of Tim he looks exhausted I asked how he slept only got a mumble reply, he said something about heat stroke but that’s not what’s wrong with him but what do I know. We are in for another very warm to hot day. At the moment it is 18C or 64F.
Sue’s Dr’s appointment was stressful as the doctor she saw went on about her weight, smoking and did she need her anxiety medication. Sue has her regular GP and only saw this woman because her GP was booked out. Her toe is healing well.
By midday the temp here is 28C or 82F and I had to turn the air con on.
BGL:6.0
Steps: 16,600 =n 8.5klm’s or 8 miles
It is 1.30am and I have had no sleep due to dyskinesia, and I am so tired but every time I lay down the jerking movements will not let me settle, I have been up and down for hours, and I am so frustrated.
At 3.15am I decided to come and sit in my recliner should had done that earlier as I fell asleep quick there.
I was still up at 5.45am dressed and reading blogs while I wait for the groceries to be delivered after that I will go back to bed for a little while. I had around 2hrs sleep.
I had a 1.5hr nap at 9am.
It has been a warm day.
BGL 6.0
Steps 7,307 = 3.6klm’s or 2 miles
I slept really well, got 9hrs & 54mins, didn’t wake at all. Sue took me to the doctors then we went to Woolies before coming home.
I have been referred to have a cortisone injection in my right hip area, as I do have bursitis.
It is a nice 22C today, well it was till around 1pm when it went up 25C or 77F.
I am feeling sad this afternoon, I don’t know why I just do.
Steps: 8,882 = 4.5klm’s or 2.8miles
BGL:6.1
I slept well had a good 8hrs sleep didn’t wake at all. It is 13C or 55.4F here this morning it is supposed to be 25C today.
I have had a busy morning, vacuumed twice, swept the kitchen floor, unpacked the dishwasher, did a load of laundry hung it up and took the clothes hoists outside to dry. Emptied a couple of bins and Sam took the bags outside to the black bin. Cleaned the skirting boards in the hallway. Checked emails and read some blogs.
Yes, Sam came over for food she made herself a toasted ham & cheese sandwich.
It has been a warm day with a top temp of 25C or 77F.
It has felt like a long day.
BGL @ 5.30am 6.1
Steps: 13,868 = 7klm’s or 4.2 miles
I didn’t have a good night I was unable to settle and at 12.40am I got up and checked emails, then I sat in my recliner and went to sleep, I only stayed there 50 minutes then I went back to bed and fell asleep pretty fast.
I got up at 5.30 after Tim left and had a shower, after getting dressed I came out opened the house up, tidy the kitchen and vacuumed out. Yes, I am still tired and yes, I could have stayed in bed longer, but this is my best part of the day, and I can have a nap later.
Last night when I was unable to sleep, I emailed the Xray place about an appointment and they rang at 9.30 to let me know that they have one next Wednesday at 10.20am.
I went and had a nap at 11am, I slept till 12.20 and didn’t move at all during that time.
The temp at 5.30 is 15C or 59F
The temp at 12.30 is 25C or 77F
The temp at 4pm is 29C of 84F
BGL @ 6.30 is 7.0
BGL @ 9.30 is 7.7
BGL @ 4pm is 8.1
Steps: 7,851 = 4klm’s or 2.5 miles
I slept well I was in bed by 6.40pm as I was so tired and slept through till 4.40am when I got up to pee. When the alarm went, I laid there for 20 minutes before getting up. No milkshake this morning as I took the blender apart and put it in the dishwasher which hasn’t been on yet. I might just have a glass of Milo instead.
Tim and I went shopping and it took a lot out of me and Tim started to fill unwell, so cut it short and came home.
It has been a sticky day, and I had to turn the air con on around midday, the wind is a hot one.
I am feeling exhausted and will be in bed early again.
Good morning all, today Nana is sharing a clip of me checking out this strange human mum brought home, it doesn’t have skin like other humans and it doesn’t have fur either, it has weird smell, mum calls it Barry. I guess if its going to be m around I will have to get use to it.
Good afternoon we are looking at some of then issues that can arise with our eyes.
Now you may or may knot know there is a clear layer of membrane that covers the eye, this is usually colourless, and it has tiny blood vessels which are too fine to see.
First off is bloodshot eyes, this happens when the eye becomes infected or irritated these tiny blood vessels which is seen as fine red threads thus the name “bloodshot”. Bloodshot eyes usually return to normal slowly after the cause has gone.
Second off we have conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, this is caused by infections, allergies, or irritants that inflame the membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelid.
There are three different types, viral, bacteria and allergic.
Viral is most commonly caused by adenoviruses but can also stem from herpes simplex or varicella-zoster viruses. Often associated with colds or respiratory infections. It is highly contagious.
Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, or Haemophilus. Spread through contact with contaminated items (e.g. towels, cosmetics, hands). This is also contagious.
Then we have allergic which is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain cosmetics. Typically affects both eyes and may accompany hay fever symptoms like sneezing and itchy nose.
Third we have spots and floaters, these are quite common and appear as black or gray spots, squiggly lines or could be blurry or shadowy spots. They move as your eyes move and are most noticeable against bright backgrounds like the sky or a white wall.
They are caused by changes in the gel-like substance inside your eye, but sudden or severe symptoms may signal a serious condition.
You should seek medical attention if, floaters suddenly increase in number, you see flashes of light, there’s a loss of peripheral vision or floaters begin to impair your vision.
Hello everyone, this week we are looking at birds, did you know there are over 11,000 species of birds throughout the world and 800 different species in Australia.
Now I expect everyone knows that all birds have feathers, beaks and wings but not all can fly. I will talk about those that don’t fly next week.
The country with the largest number of different species in Colombia with about 1,917.
This remarkable avian diversity is due to Colombia’s unique geography and climate.
The country with the fewest bird species is Vatican City, due to its extremely small size and limited natural habitat. However, if you’re considering larger countries with more ecological context, Iceland is often cited as having notably low avian diversity.
Do you know the diet of birds, most eat plants and seeds but there are some that eat meat, meat eaters are considered birds of prey. However, there are some that are not like the Butcher bird and the Magpie both are native to Australia.
Birds that have musical voices are called songbirds; they have specially developed vocal cords which are called the syrinx which they use to produced sounds resembling songs. They also have a special section in their brain which helps them learn their songs.
The birds that fly do so to find food and avoid predators; birds have a very light skeleton and strong muscles and wings. The shape and size of their wings determine the distance between and type of flight they can do.
Birds have feathers for flight, insulation, communication, camouflage, and protection—making feathers one of the most versatile and essential adaptations in the animal kingdom.
However, their feathers are not just for flight, they have bright, patterned feathers are used in courtship rituals to attract mates. Males often display more vibrant colours than females. Birds fluff, spread, or raise feathers to signal aggression, readiness to mate, or submission.
Many birds have feather colours and patterns that match their surroundings, helping them avoid predators or sneak up on prey.
Some species molt into different plumage depending on the season for better camouflage.
Feathers protect birds from UV radiation, wind, rain, and physical injuries.
Dense feather layers help shield sensitive skin from harsh environments.
Jo-AnneRamplings 