Tag: travel

Week 32 of 2026

~ joannerambling ~ 7 Comments

Had a decent enough sleep but I’m not good this morning, tremor wise. I suspect this is due to me feeling like I have a cold or flu. I have sat and closed my eyes twice this morning.

Around 11am I went to put my feet up and couldn’t get the footrest to rise causing me to get frustrated. I used the Everfit and then decided to go and have a lay down.

After a 45-minute rest I started to feel better and even though the footrest still wouldn’t go up I was able to deal with it better.

It was around 3pm when I was able to get it to raise. I need a new remote.

Steps: 5067 – 3k’s 

Had a decent enough sleep but I was still up at 4.15am, it was only 4c or 39f when I got up. No milkshake this morning as I only have a small amount of milk left.

Sue and I had doctor appointments, the doctor said my iron levels are a bit low and my fasting BGL is a but high, then we went to Woolies before coming home.

This afternoon I started feeling awful I have a head cold and ache all over.

Steps: 6,585 = 4k’s

Had a good night woke a couple of times but managed to go back to sleep and woke with the alarm at 5am. I am feeling awful I am blowing my nose constantly.

Dawson and his girlfriend turned up for a short visit just to say hi and see how I am.

It is a warmish day, one of those days when it is warmer outside then inside.

I tried to lay down for a nap but wasn’t able breath so just sat in my armchair shut the curtain and muted the TV while I closed my eyes for 30-minutes.  After which I felt more with it.

Steps: 6,688 = 4.1k’s

I slept till 4am when I woke up and felt good so got up, it was 5c when I got up. I still don’t feel good with the damn head cold.

By 11am it was 13c and I was still feeling rotten. Managed a 30-minute nap which helped.

I still managed to do the housework and swept out the front.

Blain and a mate came to see me they were here about 20-minutes.

Steps: 6,593 = 4.1k’s 

I slept till 4am when I woke up and felt good so got up, it was 5c when I got up. I still don’t feel good with the damn head cold.

Went shopping with Sue and was exhausted by the time I got home, my feet felt heavy and I needed to rest and put my feet up for a while.

After lunch I was able to empty the recycle boxes into the outside bin and did some other things around the house before needing to put my feet up again.

Tim rang to let me know he will be late home again as after his run was over, he had to pick up a different bus and take it to West Gosford, then get another bus bring it back, I think that’s what he said.

Steps: 7,761 = 4.8k’s

Slept well, I was up at 4.30pm it is only 4c or 39f, I have an appointment to have my eyes checked which I do once a year due to being diabetic.

It feels really cold this morning, but it feels colder inside then it does outside.

Before going to see the optometrist, we went and posted off Sue’s, and my birthday presents to Kirsty who is one of Sue’s daughters her birthday is the 20th. She is the only one who has anything to do with her mum.

I am feeling extremely tired this afternoon and cold still.

Steps: 13,059 = 8k’s or 5 miles

I slept well, I woke at 4.40am and decided to get up the temp at that time was 4c according to my phone.

By 5.30 it was 5c or 41f and I had a wash and dressed, I had cleaned the kitchen and tossed a load of clothes into wash and made my breakie.

I am feeling more like myself but still not 100%. I have decided not to go for a walk till it’s not as cold each morning.

Tim off this weekend, he walked round to Mitre 10 to get a few bolts and screws on the way he noticed an abandoned chair that he said he will go back after dark and if it is still there, he will bring it home as it looks like a nice chair.  

Steps: 4,997 = 3k’s or 1.8miles

Week 29 of 2026

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

Had a decent night sleep was up at 4.20am it is a cold morning with a temp of 9c or 48f and I have to put the heater on as I am that cold.

Went for my walk a bit later than usual as it was too cold at 6.40am so I went at 7.40am and only did a short walk. At this time, it is 12c or 53f.

I have felt good most of the day, did the housework and feed the birds.

This evening Tim started to sort through his receipts for his tax return, and he was getting annoyed as he didn’t have a table and he didn’t ask me to move so I didn’t. I just ignored his frustration.

Steps: 5,529 = 2.8k’s or 1.7miles

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Had a decent night sleep was up at 5am when the alarm went off. It is only 5c or 41f at 6am.

I had a letter to post off so I did that when I went for my morning walk, it was cold, but walking warmed me up a tad.

Tim is complaining he has no motivation and I do get that I blame the cold.

Sue came over to take me to pick up scrips from the chemist and some documents I had printed at Officeworks.

It is warm in the sun but otherwise its cold top temp was 16c or 60f

Steps: 4,138 = 2k’s or 1.2 miles

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Had an ok night was up at 4.30am and it was only 5c again, Tim is working today.

I did a load of washing and have hung it up to dry with the clothes hoists in the lounge area with the heater on and in front of the clothes. So, I can warm the room and dry the clothes.

I finished putting the clothes hanger together and it is now in the spare room with Tim’s shirts hanging on it.

It warmed up during the day, and I ended up opening the doors and turning the heater off.

Paid our power bill we owed $274 the bill was for $500 but I pay $10 a week off it.

Steps: 7,598 = 3k’s or 2.4miles

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Had an ok night was up at 4.30am and it was only 5c again, Tim is working today.

I didn’t go for a walk as it was too cold, and I didn’t feel steady on my legs.

I am using the vibration board twice a day for 15 minutes at a time.

I tried to go for a walk around 1.50pm but only managed 10 minutes as I was cold and unsteady and the cold weather made me start coughing and wheezing.

Every day around 5pm when the cold night air starts, I start coughing and wheezing, Tim says I sound awful.

Steps: 4,136 = 2.1k’s or 1.2miles

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I woke when the alarm went off this morning, I’m feeling good this morning but no walk as it is raining.

It is another cold morning with the temp being 9c or 48f, I have a Dr appointment this morning.

Saw the doctor have to have an Xray and ultrasound done of my right knee.

Sandy came over to use my computer she had to scan and attach some documents to something online. She had Skylar with her. She is divorcing Ed.

Around midday Tim walked in he dropped some people off around the corner and came home to have lunch before he goes back at 2pm to pick them up.

Steps count is low today only 3,199

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I woke when the alarm went off this morning, I’m feeling good this morning not sure if I will go for a walk as it is wet outside.

Sue and I went to see Jeannie, it was a nice visit, there was a fair bit of laughing.

Tim set up the new house phones.

Steps: 4,136 = 2.1k’s or 1.2miles

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I woke when the alarm went off this morning, after a good night sleep doesn’t feel as cold this morning the temp is 11c or 52f.

It stopped raining long enough for me to go for a walk.

It has rained on and off all day and has been cold most of the day but not cold enough for the heater. Unless you’re Tasha her house is so hot it’s like being in a sauna.

Steps:4,159 = 2.3k’s or 1.2 miles

Week 27 of 2026

~ joannerambling ~ Leave a comment

I had a good night sleep around 9hrs, and I was up at 4.30am, at that time it was 10c or 50f.

I went for a walk at 6.45am it was a longer walk as I got home at 7.30am.

By 9am it is 12c or 53.6f, around 10.30am I had to turn the heater on for a bit as the cold room was giving me a headache.

Steps: 8,137 = 4k’s or 2.5miles

I had a decent night sleep was awake and up at 4.30am, it is 11c or 52f at 5am.

Sue and I had Dr appointments, after which we went to Big W looking for long sleeve tops and leggings, I bought two tops and one pair of leggings, Sue bought two tops and two pair of leggings.

Tim is off today and said he is catching the bus into the courthouse he wants to try and get out of jury duty.

He was successful in getting out of jury duty, so he is happier.

This afternoon he has been working on ramps for the trailer, one is done the other will have to wait till his next day off.

Steps: 5,710 = 2.8k’s or 1.7miles

I slept well managed around 7.5hrs of sleep, I was up at 4.20am, Tim is working all day.

It is 11c or 52f at 5am.

I only walked around the driveway today as I was waiting for Woolies grocery delivery.

The day has warmed up.

I washed the ramp out the front and got the bottom of my pants got wet.

I was surprised when Tasha arrived at 6.30pm to help me get ready for bed, I was already in my nightie but had her moisturise my feet and put socks on me.

Steps: 8,613 = 4.3k’s or 2.6 miles

I slept well managed around 7.5hrs of sleep, I was up at 4.20am, it is 11c or 52f at 5am.

Tim got up at 6.30am and will be working most of the day.

I did the usual housework and went for my walk and even though I was exhausted when I got home, I felt good.

It warmed up during the middle of the day. Reaching around 19c or 66f.

Steps: 7,236 = 3.6k’s or 2.1miles 

I slept well managed around 8hrs of sleep, I was up at 4.20am, it is 11c or 52f at 5am.

After my shower I had to do another load of washing as during the cold months Tim wears 3 shirts under his work shirt.

I didn’t go for a walk due to it being cold and wet outside and after I had hung the washing up to dry, I just didn’t feel like going for a walk.

I did manage to answer 3 letters and sweep out the front and vacuum twice.

Steps: 5,643 = 2.8k’s or 1.7 miles

I slept well managed around 8hrs of sleep, yet again. I was up at 4.20am, it is 11c or 52f at 5am.

I went for a walk and did the usual housework after which I was exhausted

Sue and I had planned to visit Dave, but he texted Sue saying he was going out.

Tim worked this morning but has; nothing else for the rest of the day.

So, he was outside working on ramps for his trailer for the rest of the day.

It turned out to be a warm day more like spring then winter.

Steps: 8,337 = 4.2k’s or 2.6miles

I slept for around 10hrs and within an hour of getting up I felt tired again. heI found Tim asleep on the lounge, he said he felt too tired to go to bed, so he just slept where he was.

It was 10c or 50f at 5am

I went for my walk but had to cut it short due to finding it hard to keep my eyes open. After getting home I put my feet up and closed my eyes for 20 minutes.

At 8am it was still 10c.

Tim has gone to Jessica’s to help her with some minor repairs to her house.

The day warmed up to 20c or 68f

He arrived home around 2.30pm and went outside to repair something on the trailer that broke on his way to Jess’s.

Around 5pm I started to cough a lot and felt tight chested, so I applied some chest rub around 6pm to see if it helps. It is helping.

Steps:7,978 = 4.3k’s or 2.6miles

Funnel Web Spider

~ joannerambling ~ 14 Comments

Here in Australia, we are home to some of the world’s most deadly spiders here is some information about three of them which I will share over the next three weeks starting with the Sydney Funnel-Web Spider.

The Sydney funnel‑web isn’t just dangerous because of its venom but because of the combination of venom, behaviour, and anatomy.

Its venom is uniquely potent to humans as it targets the nervous system, causing nerves to fire uncontrollably. However, dogs, cats, and most mammals are barely affected.

They deliver a lot of venom, this may have something to do with the fact that they bit repeatedly injecting large amounts of venom while they hang on.

They have huge fangs up to 6 mm long and strong enough to pierce fingernails, leather shoes, and thick clothing.

They’re aggressive when threatened, they will rear up, show their fangs, and will lunge if provoked. This is defensive, not “attacking,” but it makes encounters more dangerous.

They love humidity and after rain males wander looking for mates. They can be found in pools, shoes, garages and laundries, they also enter houses often.

Most bites happen in summer after rain, especially between January and March.

Symptoms can begin within 10 minutes, they include the following:

  • Tingling around the mouth
  • Sweating (especially on the face)
  • Drooling
  • Muscle twitching
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Confusion or agitation

Without antivenom, severe cases can progress to respiratory failure.

In 1981 the antivenom was created by the legendary Australian venom researcher Struan Sutherland and changed everything as since then there have been zero deaths as the antivenom is extremely effective with most patients recover fully within 24–48 hours.

Now where do they live they can found in:

  • Sydney
  • Central Coast
  • Newcastle
  • Lake Macquarie
  • Hunter Valley
  • Blue Mountains

They prefer to hang out in the following conditions

  • moist soil
  • leaf litter
  • rock walls
  • garden beds
  • under logs
  • swimming pool filters

The male is far more dangerous they wander at night looking for females.

Females stay in burrows and rarely bite humans.

Their burrows are a silk‑lined tunnel, with “trip lines” radiating out like spokes and are in moist, dark areas such as under rocks or logs.

They don’t make the classic “funnel” shape people imagine — it’s more like a silk‑reinforced hole.

WEEK 24 OF 2026

~ joannerambling ~ 1 Comment

Had a good sleep, slept for a bit over 8hrs, had a nice shower when I got up, I don’t shower every day because I don’t go out a lot, nor do I get dirty or even hot and sweaty so don’t see the point in a daily shower. If I don’t shower, I do have a good wash first thing in the morning.

Tim got a phone call asking if he could work today, he started at 11.30am and will finish at midnight.

It is now 9pm and I have had 3hrs of sleep, around 5.30pm I started to feel not with it as in extremely tired and unwell. So, I had Tasha come and help me get ready for bed and while I was getting changed, I decided to just go to bed. I must have fallen asleep very fast as the next thing I knew I had to pee and realised it was 8.55pm. I will stay up for an hour or so before going back to bed.

Steps: 4,502 = 3k’s

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

After I went back to bed I slept well till 4.40am when I got up and I feel good this morning. It is a cold 10c or 50f and I have the heater on but will turn it off soonish.

I have had a good morning, went for a walk and did the housework.

Tim didn’t get up till around 9am, thankfully it is a public holiday here so no work for Tim.

Dave has finally had his surgery so now he just needs to recover.

Steps: 4,962 = 2.5k’s

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I slept well and got up at 4.40am, I had around 7hrs of sleep, it is 10c or 50f at 5.30am.

I was late going for a walk so only walked around the driveway as I don’t like walking on the road after 8am due to the amount of traffic. I also don’t like using the walker on wet grass.

Dave has at long last had his surgery and all went well, Sue and I may go and see him on Friday.

I stripped the bed and remade it with warmer sheets. I managed it but it wasn’t easy and left me exhausted.

Steps: 7,697 = 3.9k’s or 2.5miles

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Had a good night, I was up at 4.20am and had a shower straight after getting up. The temp this morning was 14c according to my phone, or 13c according to my watch and the laptop said 10c, this is normal and when I write the temp each morning, I pick a number like today I would normally say 12c.

It is a warmish day, I had two naps during the day, I did the usual housework as well as mopping the kitchen floor.

After that I sat in a darkish room and closed my eyes for 25 minutes.

Dave is doing ok, but not up for visitors yet which I get I have long thought when someone is in hospital really unwell people coming to see them may feel draining, especially if all one wants to do is sleep.

After lunch I decided I needed another nap this time I slept for 55 minutes and felt good afterwards.

Steps: 8,258 = 4.1kgs or 2.5 miles.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I had a so-so sleep got around 6 & ½ hours, woke at 4.20am and got up at 5am the temp is 14c or 57f, it is wet outside but not raining.

I had trouble trying to dress ready to go shopping, I couldn’t put my pants on and just sat on the side on the bed staring at nothing till I thought to put my Beechband on.

After I did that, my mind became focus enough to ring Tasha for help, she came and helped.

Sue and I went shopping, no issues but as we were leaving the centre my feet started to feel heavy and I was glad   to get home and take my shoes off.

Steps: 9,399 = 4.7k’s or 2.8 miles

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Had a decent night, up at 4.20am washed and dressed, the temp at 5am is 14c or 57f, I managed to get 6 & ½ hours of sleep.

Sue and I have Dr appointments for our care plan reviews this morning. All went well spoke to the doc about the popping sensation and pain on the left side of my neck at the base of the skull.

Dave is being discharged today.

By 4pm I was so tired I had to close my eyes for 30 minutes.

I told Tasha not bother coming down tonight as I am fine and it’s cold and wet outside.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I slept well but was awake and up at 4am after having nearly 8hrs of sleep. It is 12c or 53f at 5am, one thing I like about getting up that early is having how quiet and still the morning feels.

Sue locked herself out of her flat this morning and had to ring Sandy who was still asleep and get her to take the spare key over and let Sue into the flat, it was 9.30am.

Sue and I went to Kmart so she could get a new lighter vacuum then we went to see Dave. He doesn’t look good, he was sleeping on the lounge, and I thought he looks old and sick. Both Sue and I thought the same thing.

Tim is at work today and won’t be home till around 1am.

Steps: 9,846 = 5k’s or 3 miles

Week 20 of 2026

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

MOTHER’S DAY

I was up at 4.15am, my Cpap mask was annoying me, so I got up, it is a cold morning.

I did manage to go for my walk after I sat in my recliner and closed my eyes for a while.

Sue picked up and we went to the cemetery; we saw Dave & Leigh and Liarna as well as Sandy and Denni &Skylar.

While I was out Kathy came over and left me three framed photos for Mother’s Day.

Tasha came down and wished me a good Mother’s Day, Jessica & Sam rang to wish me the same.

Uploading: 55510 of 55510 bytes uploaded.

Steps: 8,526 = 4.3k’s or 2.6miles

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Had a good night slept for 9hrs, woke to the sound of rain, it is 13c or 55.4f and the rain is supposed to stop by 7am, I hope it does as I have a Dr appointment at 8.50am.

The rain did stop and we went and had our flu shots, then we went shopping for a few things.

This afternoon I started to feel not great and as the afternoon dragged on my PD symptoms worsened, so I checked with Google and yeah, the flu shot can do that, but I should be ok tomorrow or Wednesday.

I’m going to bed early

Steps: 7,225 = 3.6k’s or 2. 1 mile.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…

I woke up feeling fine, it is another chilly start to the day with the temp being 15c or 59f, I slept for around 8hrs, yeah, I was up at 4am again.

No walk this morning as my feet felt so heavy when I tried to walk, I was worried I would fall over. By midday I was feeling good.

Had a nap between 1 and 2pm and woke feeling good.

Last night in a dream I received a stern talking to from my dad, he told me I should have got medical attention as soon as I fell over on the cruise, and that I must take more care and look after myself. He also said how proud he was of Sue for looking after me.

Steps: 5,113 = 2.5k’s or 1.5miles

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I had a good night, managed 7hrs of sleep and was up at 4,20am, the temp was 13c or 55.4f. It is also raining, I hope it stops by 7am so I can go for my walk.

It is raining this morning I hope it stops before I need to go out for the MRI.

It rained on the way to have the MRI but stopped by the time we got there. I had very little waiting and the scan took only 10minutes, I closed my eyes and dosed off while it was done.

We then went to the plaza so I could pick up my scrips and get bread.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….I was awake at 3am and up at 4am as I was restless and unable to settle, so got up and had a shower. It is wet outside but not raining.

The temp is 15c or 59f and I had a decent 9hrs of sleep.

While out shopping my Dr’s surgery rang and said I need an appointment to get the MRI results, so I am now going to the Dr’s tomorrow morning.

I had a short nap and started to feel better after that, as I wasn’t feeling good.

Tasha brought down my Mother’s Day gift a foot spa and I love it; I am so excited about it.

Steps: 5,510 = 2.8k’s or 1.7miles

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I didn’t get up till 4.50am how cool is that, I had another good 9hrs of sleep, the temp is 13c or 55.4f and it is wet outside, not raining at the moment.

Went and saw the Dr he read the report from Hunter Imaging which said there was no ligamentous injury, however, it also said that there are bone marrow changes and bruising at T2 and T3 and some subtle changes to T1 and recommended another MRI of the thoracic spine. I have requested an appointment for that to be done.

Bought Tim another loaf of bread, asked the women 3 times if it was sandwich, she said it was, Tim took one look at it and said it’s toast not sandwich, I explained that I checked with the woman who served me, and he said what an idiot. Thankfully he wasn’t angry with me.

It has rained on and off all day, I tried to have a nap at 12.30 but only managed to lay down for 20 minutes as I felt restless.

Steps: 8,526 = 4.3k’s or 2.6miles

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I didn’t get up till the alarm went off at 5am, so a good night getting 10hrs of sleep. It is 12c or 53.6f this morning I had the heater on in the bathroom and bedroom when I had my morning wash and got dressed for the day.

Around 10am Sue text me that she had attempted to clean her air fryer, which was originally mums, but it was so gross that she decided to toss it out and buy a new one. So, we went to Kmart to do that, she bought a mini air fryer which is all she needs as it is only her.

However, as she was leaving her place, she was carrying the old one to toss it in the bin and managed to twist her ankle and throw herself left so she wouldn’t’ fall down the stairs, she hurt her arm, ankle and head.

Steps: 9,179 = 4.6k’s or 2.8miles

Cruise Day 2

~ joannerambling ~ 5 Comments

On our first night on the cruise the ship is moving a lot, and there was a lot of announcements telling guest to hold on to handrails or walk close to the wall if they are feeling unsteady.

I did feel the ship moving but once I was in bed I didn’t notice it and had a good 9hrs of shut eye. I was still up at 5am and spent time writing my diary entry and drafting a letter to my penpals.

We had breakfast in the Botticell Dining room, and we will not be going back there, there service was so slow, and Tim didn’t like what he ordered. The bacon was so crispy it hurt our teeth; the waiter told us we should have ordered English bacon.

Jess started to feel sick with motion sickness and skipped breakie and return to her cabin to sleep, she in fact spent the rest of the day sleeping.

After breakie Sue and I went to hear a talk about Hobart and Port Arthur it was interesting but due to how much the ship was rocking I start to feel unwell, so we left before it ended.

After lunch Sue and I returned to our cabins for a nap, I was woken by my alarm for medication. I walked into the bathroom feeling great lost my balance or tripped I don’t know which and fell, I hit my head and ended up with a bruise on my arm, a sore right knee and a very sore and stiff neck. I managed to stand and walk back to the bed get my phone and ring Sue. I tried to ring Tim but couldn’t. Sue turned up in only a couple of minutes she was still in her nightie and barefoot and left her medallion in her cabin, she checked me over then returned to her cabin. She had to knock loudly on the door to wake Jess up to let her back in the cabin. She told Jess about my fall and assured I was alright, so Jess went back to sleep.

Sue messaged Tim and as soon as he saw the message he came back to check on me.

I am bruised and sore, in fact today I went and saw my GP because I still have a pain and stiffness in my neck and I have to have an Xray just to make sure all is good.

Week 17 of 2026

~ joannerambling ~ 1 Comment

 I am a day late posting this, I forgot yesterday.

Good morning all it is 5.30am the temp is 11c or 52f, after Tim gets up, I will pack my Cpap machine, we will be picked up around 10ish.

The trip to Sydney went well the driver was a nice guy can’t remember his name. Tim talked to him all the way down.

We didn’t have to wait around as we converted the walker to a wheelchair and that helped us skip the long line.

It has been a long day with a lot of walking most of it done trying to find food. It took ages but we managed it after eating we return to our cabins; well Sue and I did Tim and Jess did a bit more exploring. I am so worn out and my feet hurt.

I am so glad Sue and Jess are with us.

Steps: 10,158=5.9k’s

First night on the cruise the ship is moving a lot, 8but I slept well with around 9hrs of sleep although the watch say only 6hrs I believe it was more.

I am up at 5am as I feel awake so decided to just get up it is currently 12c

We had breakfast in the Botticell Dining room, and we will not be going back there, there service was so slow, and Tim didn’t like what he ordered. The bacon was so crispy it hurt our teeth.

Jess started to feel sick as in motion sickness and skipped breakie and return to her cabin to sleep.

After breakie Sue and I went to hear a talk about Hobart and Port Arthur but due to how much the ship was rocking I start to feel unwell.

After lunch Sue and I returned to our cabins for a nap, I was woken by my alarm for medication. I walked into the bathroom feeling great lost my balance or tripped I don’t know which and fell, I hit my head and ended up with a bruise on my arm, a sore right knee and a very sore and stiff neck. I managed to stand and walk back to the bed get my phone and ring Sue. I tried to ring Tim but couldn’t. Sue was here in only a couple of minutes she checked me over the returned to her cabin when I said I would be ok.

Sue messaged Tim and as soon as he saw the message he came back to check on me.

Steps: 5,066 = 2.5k’s or 1.5miles

ANNIVERSARY OF DAD’S PASSING, IT’S BEEN 7YRS

Up at 5am and had a shower on my own without issue, the temp is 10c.

We are going on a tour at Port Arthur the ticket said not suitable for those with mobility issues, I didn’t notice that when I booked the tour, oh well we will see what happens.

Sue and I decided not to go on the Port Arthur tour which turned out to be the right choice as both Jess and Tim said it was too much for either of us.

Instead, we stayed on board and checked out the photos that have been taken of us and both Sue and I bought 2 photos.

After lunch I had a nap because I had three Baked Alaska cocktails and needed a nap.

Later Sue, Tim and I attended some quizzes then decided to come back to our cabin to rest awhile.

Steps: 5,066=2.5k’s or 1.5miles

Up at 5am and after a wash and dressing I am now just doing stuff on the computer while Tim sleeps.

We are at sea today, Jess and Sue ordered breakie via room service so there will only be me and Tim at breakfast.

Before breakie while I was alone, I went for a walk outside around the pool twice before heading in to have breakie.

After breakfast I was just wondering around the ship when I went to get into a lift only to have Sue exit said lift.

I bought a Coke Zero with a glass of ice at the international café and took it with me to the Fusion Lounge to take part in the quiz. Well, I lifted the glass to have a drink, and the bottom fell off the glass hitting my right knee and getting Coke and ice all over my leg and foot. Sue picked up the glass and went over to the bar to tell them what happened and they didn’t seem to care and did nothing. Sue had to get some napkins to mop it up. I was in shock. After the quiz we went and lodged a complaint.

Sue, Tim and Jess are going to play Bingo this afternoon. I am not interested in bingo.

Went to the burger place for dinner and Tim went on about the burgers not having beetroot so much that I used a firm voice and told him to get over it.

Steps: 8,119 = 4k’s

Up at 5am and had a shower without issue and dressed for the day, we are at Melbourne today, the temp is 14c at 6am.

Sue and I might get off to check out any markets that may be near the ship. There wasn’t so we walked along the pier for a bit then returned to the ship.

We went to check out the ten pin bowling, Sue gave it a try managed to knock down 4.

We then meet up with Tim, and I had a couple of Baked Alaska’s then I had a nap.

After my nap me and Sue went to check out a music quiz then Sue went for a smoke and the ladies giving free sample massages was set up so we got that, but they wanted us to pay $99 for a full half hour massage but we both said we couldn’t afford it. That was when the sample massage ended it was only a minute or two long, but it did feel good.

Stepd:4,535 = 2k’s

Up at 5am and had a shower without issue again this morning and dressed for the day, we are at sea today heading for Sydney. The temp at 6am was 8c. I had 9hrs of good sleep.

I have worn a different outfit each day of the week, unlike the others who didn’t pack an outfit a day.

Tim just came back from having a smoke and said there was a medical emergency on deck 16 a man was waiting for a chopper to come and transport him to a hospital. Tim said that he had died but was revived and the coast guard decided to medivac him a to a hospital. Sadly, his wife was unable to go with him.

All of us are feeling out of sorts and don’t really want to be around people.

I am not going to dinner I will just get some chips delivered to my cabin.

3,287 = 1.6k’s or .9 of a mile

ANAZAC DAY

Everyone was up early and ready to head home. I had a good night got around 10hrs of sleep.

We disembarked the ship at 7am and had to wait till 8.30am for our ride home to arrive, the trip back to Newie was uneventful and we arrived here around 10.45.

The first thing I felt the need to do was clean the kitchen, I then unpacked my bag sat and did nothing for a bit then had a nap and returned to doing nothing much.

Steps:9991 = 5k’s or 3miles

Week 16 of 2026

~ joannerambling ~ Leave a comment

Another early start up at 4.20 it is a cold morning only 9c (48f) at 5am by 6am it was 11c (52f). I had around 6 and a half hours of sleep and I am feeling good this morning.

Late yesterday afternoon Tim cut my hair at last it feels much better.

I walked down the road about 80metres or 262feet to the post box to send off some letters I had written.

By midday it had reached 21c, Tim says he is cold.

Around 12.30pm Tim decided to catch a bus to Charlie to do some shopping, while at the square he saw Sue who drove to the square Tim said she could have walked over in 5-minutes in fact it would take more like 10-15 minutes.

Steps: 7, 974=4k’s

A later start to the day I was up at 5.40 and it is another cold morning with the temp of 10c or 50f.

Tim and I went to Lake Fair to do some shopping, the around midday we went out again to see Jessica, by the time we got home I was exhausted.

Found two deliveries when we got home one I think is Jess’s new table Tim said it was bloody heavy.

I am so tired I’m off to bed at 6.30pm

Steps:5,066=2.5k’s or 1.5miles

Had a good night got 10hrs of sleep woke at 4.30 and got up, I was that tired and not with-it last night that I got out shorts to wear today, had to go and find long pants.

At 5.30am it was 10c or 50f.

Tim has work today and should be home around 3.30pm.

Sue arrived around 10am she came to pick up the printed what to pack list. Jessica and Sam turned up just after they were here for about 15-minutes then Jess took the keys to hand in to Housing and drop Sam off at Bailey’s she then returned here to hang out till it is time to go get Sam and head home.

Steps: 8,404 = 4.2k’s (2.6m)

I slept well having 9hrs of sleep but was still up at 4.30am the temp was 8c or 46f.

Went for a walk this morning did a little more and felt good.

Tim is working this afternoon/night, he had a doctor’s appointment this morning then had to go and get a CT scan of his chest.

I have had a good day, I walked up and checked the letter box, nothing for me but three things for Tasha, I check her box when I check mine.  Also, Jess sent a message thanking me for the new house card I sent her and Sam.

Steps: 8,077=4k’s or 2,4m

I slept well having 9hrs of sleep but was still up at 4.30am the temp was 11c or 52f.

Sue’s shopping day so no morning walk for me today.

Not long after I got home from shopping, I was putting new cans of Pepsi Max in the fridge and dropped one on my foot breaking the skin leaving blood on the kitchen floor. I put socks on so I couldn’t see the blood. After a while the foot was good.

It is another hot day the temp reached 28c or 82.4f.

Steps: 9,568 = 4.8k’s

I slept well got up around 4.20am and had a shower, went for my walk, walking down the road to post letters.

I asked Sue if she could take me to the chemist to pick up scrips, was surprised that we have reached our safety limit so our scrips will be free for the rest of the year.

I did a load of washing this morning hung it on the clothes hoists and took them outside as it is going to be a hot day.

Was able to bring the clothes in around 2pm and folded them and finished packing.

No nap today as Tim put both suitcases on the bed and I couldn’t move them.

Steps: 14,059 = 4ks or 2.4miles

Countries with the best chocolate

~ joannerambling ~ 9 Comments

Today I thought I would write a bit about what countries are considered to have the best chocolate.

Switzerland is the country most widely associated with the world’s best chocolate, thanks to its long tradition of ultra‑creamy milk chocolate and its reputation for exceptional quality. Many chocolate lovers point to the richness of Alpine milk and the refinement of Swiss techniques as the reason their chocolate stands out.

However, “best” depends on what you like personally most of us have a favourite brand or flavour. Different countries excel in different ways, and the global chocolate scene is far more diverse than most people realise.

Other then Switzerland other countries with what is considered top notch chocolate are Belgian, France and Ecuador.

Switzerland is known for their brands like Lindt which I really like and Toblerone. It is often ranked at the top by chocolate enthusiasts. However, Toblerone is owned by a U S company.

Belgium is famous for pralines, truffles, and artisanal techniques. Belgian chocolatiers are known for precision and high‑quality cocoa blends. It frequently appears in global “best chocolate” rankings.

French chocolatiers focus on purity, cacao origin, and elegant flavour profiles, with Paris often considered a global centre for luxury chocolate.

Ecuador has some of the world’s finest cacao and produces highly prized Arriba Nacional cacao. It is increasingly recognised for “tree‑to‑bar” craft chocolate.

What might come as a surprise is that the United States is a leader in modern craft chocolate, with it ranking number 1 in some craft‑chocolate lists due to its huge number of small‑batch makers, known for innovation and experimental flavours.

Then there is Peru, which is a rising star with sustainable, high‑quality cacao and renowned for fine‑flavour cacao and ethical production. Growing global recognition in premium chocolate competitions.