Tag: travel

Week 50 of 2025

~ joannerambling ~ 1 Comment

Hi all, I hope everyone is well.

I woke to find Tim asleep on the lounge he didn’t get home till 2am so as I was getting up, I told him to go to bed for a while. I had a good night slept for 8hrs.

It is 25C at 5.30am

We left around 9.30am and arrived at the motor inn at 2.20pm, we stopped at Denman bakery, and I bought a cheese & bacon sausage roll and Tim bought a cheese and bacon pie, and he didn’t like it. The sausage roll was pretty good not the best one I have had but far from the worse.

The motor inn is nice the room looks

It is 28C at 2.30pm

We went to the RSL for dinner, we got roast beef and veggies, I liked it, we were back at motel by 7pm.

I realised that I forgot a comb, my blood test kit, a USB wall plug, brought the charger cables.

I am so tired, but I can’t settle down.

Steps:7,771 = 3.9 k’s or 2.4 miles.

I am up at 5am as per usual, had a rough night, took ages for me to settle. Then when Tim came to bed, he kicked me three times in the left leg.

It is 17C at 5.30am in Dubbo.

Tim said something about putting the walker in the boot first, I asked if it could go in last as he will need to get it out each time I want to walk any distance. He sounded snappy with me when he said NO.

When we arrived at the observatory, he decided to put the walker in the back seat as it was easier to get in and out of the car.

We arrived at Orange around 1.30 pm, when Tim found the place, we were booked into, it wasn’t suitable as there were too many stairs and no lift. So, he cancelled the booking but when he tried to contact Booking.com he couldn’t work it out and the only phone number we could find was in the USA. When we tried to find somewhere else it wasn’t easy most affordable places had no vacancies or were too expensive.

So, we now at Cowra for 4 nights, the room here is ok, although I cannot get into the shower.

The whole Orange accommodation saga made me feel tense and upset as for some reason I felt like it was somehow my fault even though Tim hasn’t done or said anything to make me feel that way.

Steps: 7,490 = 3.8k’s

I slept well once I got to sleep, managed a good 8hrs when the alarm went at 5am I got up took my medication and went back to bed till 6.20am. I then got up had a wash applied make-up and moisturised my arms as per usual, before I got dressed. Tim is still asleep, the temp at 6.30am 12C.

After Tim got up, we went to Maccas for breakie, after that went to tourist info centre before going to check out war cemeteries and the POW camp. After that we drove out to check out a dam.

We stopped and bought pizza for tea; however, I forgot to say I wanted BBQ sauce not pizza sauce.

Our new motel room has a disability bathroom, and it is the only room that has one, we have not been charged extra.

The temp got up to 36C

I had a nice hottish shower, my left arm is very sore.

Steps: 8,455

I slept really well, got a good 7hrs and 50 mins of sleep I am up at 5am as per usual, and have washed and dressed. It is currently 15C or 50F Tim wants to visit the Japanese Gardens this morning after that I am not sure what we will do.

At 7.30am it was 20C in Cowra and 20C in Warners Bay.

The Japanese gardens were so peaceful and lovely, I managed to walk around it. As we left the gardens it was 31C.

After that we went to the shops before returning to the motel, the other things we want to check out are only opened on Thursdays. By 2pm it was 36C

At 5.40pm I was so tired I started to cry in frustration, Tim suggested I lay down for a bit, so I got changed for bed and I am doing that.

Steps: 7,011

I ended up sleeping all night although I did wake on and off, I had 9hrs of sleep and got up at 5am when the alarm went off. After my wash I dressed, although I couldn’t find a washcloth, they were there yesterday arvo I don’t know what Tim did with them. Tim has had the radio going through his phone all night.

I did have 2 bottles of Midori yesterday but that shouldn’t have contributed to how I was feeling.

We went and checked out the peace bell, then we went to the rail heritage centre, both were interesting, but the rail place was not disabled friendly.

We returned to the motel for lunch and while here it started to rain, so we are not going out again.

No need for the air con on this arvo, I think I will be having another early night as I’m feeling tired at 6pm, I also have an earache.

At 6pm it is 22C

Steps:7,837= 4k’s

BLAIN’S BIRTHDAY HE IS 20 TODAY

I slept well, had 9hrs of sleep, at 5.30am it was 15C, my body is moving a lot, and it is exhausting.

Tim got up at 6.30am and we left the motel by 7.15am.

Since we were driving through Bathurst Tim decided to drive around the Mount Panorama Circuit, which was cool, for those who don’t know this is where the Bathurst car race is held, this race is a big deal in Australia.

I had a phone call from Centrelink about my DSP claim; they wanted to know if Tim’s compo claim only involved him and not me as well.

We arrived home at 3.30pm, Blain was at his mums and came to see us and I was able to give him his birthday gift, a $25 Visa Gift Card.

Steps: 11,715 = 5.9k’s or 3.7 miles

Saturday and it’s been a busy morning Tim is back at work I had a good night slept for 7hrs &20mins.

I have been busy since getting up, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed out put the clothes on to wash all before 6.30am.

Sue came over to show me her new haircut, and she drove me to then shops to get a few things. Her hair looks so good, it’s much shorter so will not be so hot on her neck.

I am going to see if Tim will cut my hair tomorrow.

Steps: 9,892 = 5k’s or 3 miles

Germany and Christmas

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

Today is thefirst of December and in December I like to do some Christmas related posts. I will kick this off with the country most often associated with Christmas.

This country is Germany, thanks to its iconic traditions like Christmas markets, the Advent calendar, and the decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas is celebrated by 81% of Germans, including many who aren’t religious.

Are you asking why Germany?

Germany celebrates Christmas with deep-rooted traditions that blend festive cheer, family gatherings, and unique customs like Advent calendars, Christmas markets, and St. Nicholas Day. It’s one of the most beloved holidays in the country, marked by rituals that have influenced celebrations worldwide.

The modern decorated Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century, before spreading worldwide.

Also, there are the Christmas markets, Germany is famous for its enchanting Weihnachtsmärkte, with stalls selling ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and festive foods. These markets are thought to have started in Germany and are now replicated globally.

We can also thank them for The Advent calendar and Advent wreath as both began in Germany, shaping how many cultures countdown to Christmas. Most will have heard of the calendar but maybe not the Advent wreaths these involvefour candles being lit on successive Sundays leading up to Christmas.

St. Nicholas Day is on December 5th, children polish their boots and leave them outside. By morning, they’re filled with nuts, candy, or small gifts from St. Nicholas.

In Bavaria, there is Krampus Night men dress as Krampus, a devilish figure who punishes naughty children, accompanying St. Nicholas.

On Christmas Eve families decorate the tree, exchange gifts, and share a festive meal. Potato salad with sausages is a surprisingly common traditional dish.

Both of their Christmas Days the 25 & 26 are public holidays. Families gather for larger meals, often featuring roast goose, carp, or duck.

Popular gifts include vouchers or money (44%), sweets (37%), toys (34%), clothing (32%), and books (30%).

Other countries strongly linked to Christmas include the United States (for popular culture and Santa Claus imagery) and the United Kingdom (for customs like Christmas crackers and carols). Which I will cover in another post.

Japan’s Geisha

~ joannerambling ~ 5 Comments

This week we are still in Japan, and I am going to share a bit about the Geisha.

Geisha originated in Japan during the Edo period as highly trained entertainers skilled in traditional arts—not prostitutes, as often misunderstood. The first geisha were men, but women soon became the dominant figures in the profession.

The earliest geisha-like figures were saburuko, female entertainers during the 7th century. Some performed dances and music, while others offered companionship or sexual services.

The modern concept of geisha emerged in Kyoto’s pleasure quarters. Initially, male performers entertained guests with music and storytelling. By the mid-18th century, women took over the role, specializing in refined arts like shamisen (three-stringed instrument), nihon-buyo (classical dance), and sadō (tea ceremony).

The Geisha culture thrived in Kyoto and Osaka, between 1688 and 1704, these women became cultural icons, versed in literature, poetry, and etiquette. They were distinct from courtesans, focusing solely on artistic performance.

Aspiring geisha trained in okiya (boarding houses) under senior geisha. Young apprentices, called maiko, learned through observation and practice before debuting as full geisha.

Between 1868 & 1912 Western influence challenged traditional roles, but geisha adapted by blending modern elements with heritage. Their popularity persisted, especially in Kyoto.

After WW11 during Allied Occupation abolished state-sanctioned prostitution, leading to confusion about geisha roles. Geisha reaffirmed their identity as artists, not sex workers.

Today’s Geisha are mostly found in Kyoto’s hanamachi (geisha districts), they continue to perform at private banquets (ozashiki) and public festivals. Their appearance—white makeup, elaborate kimono, and traditional hairstyles—remains iconic.

They are now seen as custodians of Japanese performing arts. Some schools, like the Inoue school in Kyoto, teach exclusive dance styles such as kyo-mai, passed down only within the geisha community.

Week 47 of 2025

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

IT IS MY BIRTHDAY I AM 63 TODAY

Good morning everyone, I hope all are doing well.

Even though I don’t have an alarm set for Sunday I was still up at 5am this morning, it is a nice 19C or 66F, my BGL was 6.8 at 6am.

The first birthday message I received was from Kelli, then I got one from Jonathon, then Sue, Sandy and Jeannie.

It is starting to get hot and at midday it is 29C or 84F. Kathy came over to see me; she bought me a bible.

Tim cooked me a piece of rump steak with chips and gravy for lunch it was really nice.

By 3pm it was 31C or 87.8F

I have had a nice day, I did bugga all just wrote letters, watched YouTube and vacuumed once.

Steps: 4,691 = 2.3lm’s

Good morning, everyone in blog land.

I had a good night’s sleep getting 8hrs and 57mins last night, I know I didn’t wake till 4.10am to pee, then up at 5am.

It is 17C at 5.30am, my BGL was 6.8

After taking Sam to Tafe, Sue and I went to Big W and she bought me the cushion I wanted for my computer chair. However, when I sat on the computer chair it went down and wouldn’t go up again, damn the struts are gone. I had to get the old black chair I am glad I still have it.

It’s been a warm day with a top temp of 25C or 77F

Steps:14,703 = 7.5Klm’s or 4.6miles

How is everyone this morning

LEIGH’S BIRTHDAY

I had a good night with around 7hrs 33mins of sleep, I have nothing on today and it is currently 12C at 5.30am.

My groceries will be delivered between 12 & 1 today that is late. After they arrived, I turn the air con on.

Tim has an appointment to get his Xray’s, and scans done. He is convinced they will show something bad but that is his negative attitude. He has thought things like this before and was wrong.

I started to sort through photos and add them to albums well I filled one album and sort the rest of the photos, tossing out a lot of duplicates. Still have a lot more to do and still can’t find my photo albums which is so annoying.

Steps: 12,075 = 6.1klms or 3.7miles.

Good morning everyone reading this, I hope life is treating you well.

After a rough start to the night, I ended up sleeping well and had around 6hrs and 30mins of sleep, this morning it is 15C or 50F at 5.30am but we are supposed to have a stinking hot day with a top temp of 30C.

I tossed a load of clothes in to wash and hung them out to dry and took the clothes hoists outside.

Sue and Sam came and helped me with the Christmas decorations; I am happier now.

At 1.30pm it is 29C or 84F, so I turned the A/C on.

It is 4pm and I am really starting to feel tired but I don’t have to do anything so I will stick it out till 7.30pm when I will go to bed.

Steps: 11,833 = 6klm’s or 3.9 miles.

Good morning everyone, hope you are all feeling good today.

I had a good night slept straight through getting around 9hrs sleep, even though my watch says I only got 7hrs & 42mins.

This morning it is a nice 17C or 62F, we are headed towards a top of 28C or 82F.

My BGL this morning was 6.5 at 5.30am before breakfast.

I started to feel unwell around 11am the hotter it got the worse in felt and had no energy. However, after a small bowl of ice cream and a 20m minute nap I felt better.

I had a phone call from Centrelink about my DSP claim they want more information about Tim’s compo claim after his accident.

We had some rain this afternoon, nothing heavy but we did have some thunder as well.

Steps: 7,142 = 3.8klm’s or 2.3miles

Hello everyone, it is the last day of the working week and it’s going to be a cool day here with showers throughout the day according to the weather app.

Another Friday has arrived, and it is going to be a much cooler day then Thursday was, we are looking at a top temp of only 21C or 69F. At 5.30 it is 19C or 66F. My BGL was 7.1 at 5.30am.

I had 8hrs and 51mins of sleep last night and was awake for 24 mins according to my watch.

I had to change out of shorts into 3/4 pants as my legs were cold. I also closed the front door.

By 5.30pm it was raining not heavy but steady and was still raining as I get ready for bed at 8pm.

Jessica gave Tim a present gardening tools, not for any special occasion but just because she loves her dad. She saw them and thought dad will like those, so she bought them for him.

Steps: 6,785 = 3.4klms or 2miles

Hello everyone, I all have a good day, here we are at Saturday, it is still cool the temp at 5.30am is 19C or 66F, there is no rain at the moment and my BGL was 6.4

At 9.30 Tim and went and picked our granddaughter Sydney up from her dad’s and drove her to her mum’s this we did so we could say goodbye to them as they are leaving tomorrow for a holiday in Bali.

This afternoon Tim sent an email off to Youi about his motorbike accident as Centrelink wants information he can’t find. This has stressed him out and he started yelling at me. He went on about why does Centrelink want to know all this stuff, I said I have no idea.

Tim also planned our week away in December and booked accommodation we are only going to Dubbo, Orange and Cowra but it will be nice to get away.

Steps: 5,998 = 3klm’s or 1.7 miles

Japan Pt 3

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

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.

Week 45 of 2025

~ joannerambling ~ Leave a comment

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.

The temp at 6am is 20C

The temp at midday is 27C or 80.6F

The temp at 2pm is 33C or 94.4F

BGL: @ 6am 6.1

BGL: @ 12pm 7.5

BGL: @ 5pm 7.0

Steps: 9,866 = 5klms or 3 miles

Japan Part 2

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

Good morning, all another Monday has arrived, Sam is off to Tafe and I am now going to write some more about Japan.

The population is 126 million, the country has the longest life expectancy with many over the age of 100.

The country is known for its cleanliness with the culture emphasizes personal responsibility for littering. A person can be fined anything between $45 and $4,500USD, and repeat offenders may find themselves in jail. People often take their trash home as public bins and often scarce, they can be found near convenience stores, train stations, and vending machines.

Speaking of vending machines, the country has more vending machines then any other country with a large variety of products.

In Japan bowing is deeply ingrained in cultural practices and is used to express gratitude, apology as well as social hierarchy. The angle, duration, and context of the bow all convey different meanings, and mastering this etiquette is key to navigating Japanese society gracefully.

Men typically bow with arms straight at their sides, women often place hands together in front of their legs. Eyes should be cast downward—not making eye contact during the bow is considered polite.

Bowing is used for the following, greetings and farewells, apologies and expressions of thanks, ceremonies, religious rituals, and martial arts. Even in customer service interactions, even train staff bow to passengers!

Japanese people may even bow during phone calls, out of habit.

While bowing is standard, handshakes may be offered to foreigners in business or casual settings.

If unsure, follow your host’s lead. A slight bow is always appreciated and shows cultural awareness.

Now for a bit about the Japanese flag, known as the Hinomaru features a red circle on a white background symbolizing the sun. It reflects Japan’s identity as “The Land of the Rising Sun.”

The red circle represents the sun, a sacred symbol in Japanese mythology and the white background symbolizes purity, honesty, and peace. The current design was formally adopted in 1999 under Japan’s National Flag Law.

Week 44 of 2025

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

I slept well 8hrs and woke only once to pee, I woke at 6am, I am not setting an alarm for Sunday mornings just waking when I do. The temp at 6.30am is 14C or 57F.

Sunday’s will be my easy don’t do much day, I think, we will see how that works out.

Tim and I went to the shops all was good but when we got home, he parked on the lawn and when I was walking to the door, I found myself unable to move and called for help but couldn’t yell loud enough for him to hear me he was already inside. After a bit I managed to get inside.

It has been a nice day not hot nor cold just lovely, but it has been a long ass day, it has drawn on.

Steps:12,512 = 6.4klm’s or 3.8miles

BGL: 6.9

I slept well 9hrs & 38mins of sleep, didn’t wake at all, it is a cool start to the day. Although the temp is 18C or 64.4F.

I got up to a messy kitchen yet again; I have been up an hour and have vacuumed and cleaned the kitchen and put the dishwasher on.

It has another very warm day with the temp being 27C or 80.6F had to the air con on around midday, tried to have a nap and failed, just couldn’t settle so gave up after 20 minutes.

At around 3pm I went to check the mail, and it was lovely out, so I turned the air con off and opened the door.

Around 4pm the temp dropped to 17C or 62.6F and it got windy, had to shut the door, but I was finally sitting comfortably so I sent Sam a text to see if she would come and shut it for me and she did.

It’s 6pm and I am not with it, I am going to have a shower and go to bed, I am aching all over and feel like a zombie not that I really know any zombies but going on how we see them on TV I am like one this evening.

Steps:14,573 = 7.4klm’s or 4.6 miles

BGL: 7.0

SUE’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 56 TODAY

I slept well 9hrs & 18mins of sleep, didn’t wake at all, it is a cool start to the day. It is 13C or 55.4F and it is supposed to rain most of the day.

By midday then temp was only 15C or 59F but we haven’t had any rain.

The rain started around 12.30pm and it hasn’t stopped, and it is bloody cold temp dropped to 12C or 53F.

I tried to have a nap, but my body wouldn’t settle so I gave up after 20 minutes, when I got up, I felt lightheaded and not really with it. I was ok after an hour or so, but I am so very tired this afternoon I will be in bed early again.

Tim decided to walk up in the rain to check the mail there was only one letter for him from Care Super.

When I spoke to Sue this afternoon, she was drunk, but it’s her birthday and she is allowed to get drunk, she would miss not being in touch with 3 of her 4 children and 6 of her grandchildren. It hurts me that those children do not see how far she has come in the last couple of years, I am so proud of her.

Steps: 15,623 = 8kllm’s or 4.9 miles

BGL: 5.6-0

A wet morning and I have an appointment with the podiatrist this morning, I slept well got 8hrs & 26mins of sleep woke twice to pee and feel good this morning.

Had a podiatrist visit this morning mine was routine but Sue’s wasn’t she ended up having two lots and numbing stuff as her ingrown toenail was so deep it was extremely hard to remove. Sue cope wonderfully even though she doesn’t thing she did as she did end up in tears, but I do not think I would handle the procedure as well as Sue did.

I hope Sue is ok to go shopping tomorrow but I will not be surprised if she isn’t up to it.

Steps: 11,703 = 6klm’s or 3.8 miles

A good morning, Sue and I went shopping, not a cold day nor a wet day. I slept all night had 9hrs & 33mins of sleep woke only once to pee.

By the time we were done with the shopping we both felt exhausted and in need of a rest, Sue’s foot was hurting a lot, and I am always exhausted after doing anything at all.

The day has gone fast, I feel like I have done bugga all today.

I ordered my personalised Christmas card postage stamps; I do this when they are reduced in price. Yes, they do cost more but I like doing them.

BGL: 6.4

Steps: 16,310 = 8klm’s or 5miles

DAVID’S BIRTHDAY HE IS 47 TODAY

A nice morning, I had a sleep-in till 6am as I had a rough night, I am now awake, dress and having my morning milkshake.

Sue will pick me up around 10am and we will go see Dave at his work to wish him happy birthday and give him his presents, which is Jack Daniels.

We arrived 20 minutes early for my ultrasound appointment, but we got in straight away which was good.

It has been a nice day warm not hot.

This afternoon Sam and Baliey came over to show me some books they just bought I like what they got.

At 7pm I heard thunder, and it is raining not heavy rain now.

BGL: 6.5

Steps:12,507 = 6.3klm’s or 3.8 miles

Today’s top temp was 26C or 78.8F

A nice morning had a good night slept for 9hrs 30mins, at 5.30am it is 18C or 64F.

Tim’s up early it is only 6.30, he said he woke up and was too restless to go back to sleep.

I did a load of washing and hung it up to dry by the time I was finished I was drenched in sweat, and it is only 20C or 68F.

When I was doing my morning exercises, I had to ask Tim to turn a fan on because I was sweating so much.

It has rained on and off most of the day. The top temp was 23C or 73F.

BGL:6.0

Steps:13,940 = 7.5klm’s or 4.6miles

Japan

~ joannerambling ~ 6 Comments

Hi everyone, this week we are looking at Japan, known as the Land of the Rising Sun, it is a country with a mixture of cultural heritage as well as advanced technology and has some unique traditions.

Japan isn’t just one island but has as many as 4,000 small islands and 4 main islands, which are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku.  It stretches approximately 2,400klm’s or 1,500 miles.

It is a mountainous place with about 80% of the land covered in mountains, including Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji is not only Japan’s highest mountain; it has been a sacred site for the Shinto religion since the seventh century. The cool thing is that Princess Konohanasakuya is the Kami (divine person) of Mount Fuji in the Shinto religion. The cherry blossom is her symbol.

It is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire which makes it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and it has around 1,000 earthquakes each year. Most of these earthquakes are minor and unnoticeable, but large and destructive earthquakes do occur from time to time.

The capital is Tokyo and is considered the largest city in the world, with around 374 million people living there.

It is one of the most technologically advanced counties and is well known for its innovations in robotics.

They give a great deal of attention to education and is one of the most literate in the world. A distinctive awareness of natural beauty and interest in shape and balance are obvious.

The country is 98.5% Japanese and yes this may seem absurd, but the modern world is becoming increasingly multicultural. However, this is not the case in Japan. That is largely due to stringent visa requirements and a cultural mindset keeping its distinctive and ancient culture steeped in old traditions.

I expect when you think of Japan, you’re probably thinking of the country’s numerous cities or its main islands. You may be Surprised that 67% is covered in forest. It is not uncommon to see signs on forest trails warning to look out for black bears.

Ok that will do for this week.


Week 43 of 2025

~ joannerambling ~ Leave a comment

I had a really good night, slept straight through and woke feeling good, it is a cool 15C or 59F.

I had 8hrs and 45mins of sleep and by 7am it is 18C or 62F. I managed to hurt my hip again, I slipped while sitting at the computer because the shorts I have on are Lycra and they slip and slide on the chair, so I use a towel to prevent that but didn’t have the towel on the chair at the time.

I went and got Jess’s work shirts as I am doing the laundry. Even with a sore hip I managed to hang the clothes up to dry and Tim took them outside in the sun.

I didn’t have a nap and this afternoon I am really tired.

It has reached a top of 26C or 78F, I even had a shower this afternoon as I was so dripping in sweat.

Steps: 13,291 = 6.8klm’s or 4.2 miles

I had a good night’s sleep took me an hour to settle but I did get 6hrs & 50 Mins of sleep, and I am feeling ok this morning. It is a cool 13C at 5.30am I did wake up with a headache on the left side of my head.

I was surprised when Sam arrived at 6am she was here for an hour. 

I mopped the floors and washed the towels, oh and I sorted the medication for the next 4 weeks.

By 11am it was 31C or 87F and went up to 35C or 95F.   

Tasha is in a lot of pain and can barely walk she will see the doctor on Wednesday, and we expect she will need another Xray or scan.

By bedtime at 8pm it was 25C

Steps: 8,251 = 4klm’s

I had a good night’s sleep got a good 9hrs and 45 mins my watch said I was awake for 28 mins but I have no memory of waking at all.

It’s a nice 15C at 5.30am, I vacuumed, ironed the work shirts, emptied the bins and unpacked the dishwasher, oh and folded the towels all by 7am.

At 8am it was 20C or 68F, thankfully today isn’t going to be as hot as yesterday.

Tim had someone come and clean the solar panels, he arrived at 8.15 and was here for an hour and did a good job.

I had an hour nap which felt good.

The temperature reached 25C or 73F.

BGL: 7.2

Steps: 18,620 = 9.5klm’s or 5.9miles

You can tell by how high my step counter is how much my body was moving today.

Had a rough night but I am up and dressed and have already vacuumed it is 17C or 62.6F at 6am. I had only 5hrs & 35mins of sleep

We are in for another scorcher of a day but right now it is nice with the doors open.

I had a nap from 11am to midday.

Well, it sure did heat up by mid-afternoon it was 37C or 98.6F, I am glad I don’t have to go outside in this heat.

The temperature at 8.30pm was 24C or 75F

BGL:7.7

Steps:9,518 = 4.8lm’s or 2.9 miles

Had a rough start when I first went to bed last night but managed to settle by 10pm and slept straight through I got 5hrs and 59mins of sleep.

I didn’t feel like getting up so I laid in bed for an extra 15mins, I had a shower after Tim left for work. The t3emp this morning is 15C or 59F.

I have a doctor’s appointment at 8.24am. The appointment went well I have to have an Xray and a scan done of my right hip, he says it may be bursitis.

After the doctors we went to Lake Fair shopping centre I went to get batteries for Tim but was unable to find the size he wanted.

Tasha came down to get two eggs and some bread for her lunch, Tim’s bread only contained the crusts also known as the end of the bread and 1 slice and I know Timm will not eat the crusts I gave it to Tasha. Well, when Tim got home he wanted to know where his bread was, I told him and he went on about it saying there was more bread the that.

It has been a much cooler day to temp was 25C or 77F

BGL6.9

Steps: 15,249 = 7.7 klm’s

Had a good night, slept straight through had 9hrs 13min of sleep, the temp this morning is a nice 15C.

Sue drove Tasha to Charlestown to her ultrasound done; she also picked up Maccas’ for my lunch.

Sandy arrived to pick up something I had printed for her. Shem had Denni with her, Denni is now going to Glendale High.

At midday it was 23C, at 1pm I had to turn the air con on for 2hrs, by 5pm it was quite cool.

I went to bed at 8pm but had to get up at 10pm as I wasn’t able to settle. I used the powerfit and went back to bed.

BGL: 7.0

Steps: 17,505 = 8.9klm’s or 5.5 miles

After returning to bed I settled and slept the alarm went off, I got up took my meds and could hardly keep my eyes opened so I went back to bed and woke up at 6am. The temp was 14C or 57F. I had 7hrs of sleep.

Tim was already up and doing research for the job he is doping, this means looking at photos to make sure doesn’t take the bus down a road or driveway he isn’t able to turn around. He is doing the Crowded House concert.

I decided to order pizza; I don’t do that very often.

I did the ironing and it left me exhausted, I also spilt Pepsi while trying to pour myself a drink, then when I was trying to add water to the iron I spilt the water in the kitchen, cleaned that up, the spilt the next lot in the lounge-room and  then cleaned that up and when I wanted another drink I rang Jess and she came and filled my cup for me.

Sam and Bailey came down for cheese, ham and bread. Later on they came back just to say hi and show me what they got when they went to the Pride Festival.

Steps: 14,402 = 7.3klm’s or 4.5 miles