School Zones

 

Today I am writing about school zones in New South Wales, the state I live in has a 40 km/h school zone this was announced in 2001 and implemented for all NSW schools by the end of 2003. By then, 40 km/h posted speed limits had been introduced at more than 3,000 schools and educational facilities across the state.

School zones are special areas around schools where road rules are designed to protect children, families, teachers and other pedestrians. These areas are busiest before and after school, when many students are walking, riding bikes, crossing roads or being dropped off and picked up by cars and buses.

Because children can be harder to see and may act unpredictably near roads, school zones usually have lower speed limits during set times on school days. Driving more slowly gives drivers extra time to notice hazards, react safely and stop if a child steps onto the road. It also reduces the seriousness of injuries if a crash does happen.

School zones are marked with signs, road markings and, in many places, flashing lights. Drivers should always look for these warnings, check the times shown on the signs and obey the speed limit whenever the zone is active. They should also avoid distractions, watch for crossings and follow parking and drop-off rules.

In NSW, school zones are enforceable on pupil-free days, also known as school development days. This is because they are counted as notified school days, and some students may still attend school. School zones generally do not apply on weekends, public holidays or public-school holidays unless signs show otherwise.

Most NSW school zones operate from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm on notified school days. However, some school zones have different times, so drivers should always check the times shown on the school zone signs.

School zones work best when everyone plays their part. Drivers need to slow down and stay alert, parents and carers should use safe pick-up and drop-off areas, and students should pay attention while crossing the road and not be clued to their phone.

 

Laryngitis

 

This week we are looking at the condition of Laryngitis, this is the inflammation of the larynx, or voice box, that affects the vocal cords and often causes a hoarse, weak, raspy voice or temporary voice loss. It is usually short-term and commonly follows a cold, flu, or other upper respiratory infection.

The common symptoms are:

Hoarseness or a strained, rough, breathy, or weak voice

Temporary loss of voice

Tickling, rawness, or dryness in the throat

Sore throat or dry cough

A frequent urge to clear the throat

Laryngitis can be caused by infection, voice overuse, or irritation. Common triggers include viral illnesses, shouting or singing loudly for long periods, smoke, chemical fumes, allergies, and acid reflux.

Laryngitis often improves on its own, and self-care such as resting the voice, drinking fluids, and humidifying the air can help symptoms improve. Avoid whispering if it strains your voice, and try to stay away from smoke, dust, and other irritants while your throat heals.

However, if hoarseness lasts more than two to four weeks or symptoms are getting worse, or you have fever, trouble swallowing, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss. Then it is time see a doctor .

 

Father’s Day in Australia

Yesterday was Father's Day here, it saw Sue picked me up and we went to the cemetery meeting up with Dave & Leigh with Liarna and her boyfriend, Sandy with Temika and her boyfriend, Denni and a friend and Skylar. It was great everyone being there except for Jeannie who as usual didn’t attend. 

Father’s Day in Australia is celebrated on the first Sunday in September, marking the beginning of spring and giving families a chance to spend time together as the weather starts to warm. It is a day to recognise dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, careers and other father figures who support, guide and encourage the people around them.

Across Australia, families often celebrate with breakfast in bed, handmade cards, small gifts, a barbecue, a walk outdoors, or simply a phone call to say thank you. While Father’s Day is not a public holiday, it remains an important occasion for showing appreciation in personal and meaningful ways.

Historically, Father’s Day in Australia appears to have first been recognised in the early 1930s. The first recorded celebration took place in Melbourne in April 1930, although it took some time before the occasion became a regular national tradition.

More than anything, Father’s Day is about gratitude. It is a reminder to pause and acknowledge the everyday efforts, quiet sacrifices and steady presence of the people who help shape our lives.

I didn't give Tim a present but I did give him a card with this written in it. 

Happy Father’s Day to My Beloved Husband

My dearest husband, Tim

On this Father’s Day, I thank God for the blessing of you — my husband, my partner, and the loving father you have been through the years. For 41 years, we have walked this journey together, held by God’s grace, strengthened by faith, and blessed with a love that has grown deeper through every season.

I am grateful for your steady heart, your prayers, your sacrifices, and the way you have cared for our family with love, patience, and strength. Your life has been a reflection of God’s goodness, and I honour you today for the man of faith, husband, and father that you are.

May the Lord continue to bless you, keep you, guide your steps, and fill your heart with peace. May He reward you for all the love you have given and surround you with the joy you so richly deserve.

Happy Father’s Day, my love. After 41 wonderful years, I still thank God for you every day.

With all my love,

Your wife Jo-Anne

 

Week 36 of 2026

 

Had a good night, slept well and was up at 4.30am, took a while to get going but I did.

Tim and I went out this morning he went to see if he could get the part for the chair, he couldn’t and was given the name of a man in Sydney who would look at it. I, however, would rather just get a new chair.

We then went Lake Fair to do some shopping and buy the time we was done I was done in and struggled to walk and at one point Tim seemed annoyed that I was struggling and kept stopping, after I said I was sorry I was so slow his attituded changed and he became more helpful and patient.

The rest of the day I have been so so not great but not too bad either. Which of course is what so so means.

Steps: 7,087 = 4.3k’s or 2.6 miles

Sunday is here and I am up and dressed after a nice shower, although I realised while I was getting dressed that I only shaved one leg oh well not doing anything about it now.

Tim went to Charlestown Square and bought himself a new pair of work pants.

It started out cool but warmed by 11am.

Tim has constructed a work bench from some old pallets he had out the back and is quite happy with it.

Steps: 7,689 = 4.7k’s or 2.8 miles

Here we are at the start of another working week and the last day of August also the last day of winter.

I have been up since 4.15am, it was a chilly cold start with a temp of 6c or 43f.

Workmen have been working on our next-door neighbours’ roof, he is at his daughters while the work is done.

It warmed up to 22c or 71f.

I feel like I have done bugga all today

Steps: 7,738 = 4.8k’s

Fpirst day of September. I slept well it was 4.57am when I got up. It was also only 6c or 43f at 5.30am.

A quiet day didn’t do much felt like going for a walk but had grocery deliveries at times that made me not want to go.

I did the usual housework and used the vibration board twice and I walked up and checked the letterbox had 3 letters for me and a small parcel for Tim.

Reached a top temp of 25c or 77f

Steps: 6, 128 = 3.8k’s or 2.4 miles

A new day after a good night, getting up with the alarm had a shower after Tim left and shaved both legs…lol

Spent 90 minutes looking at lift chairs online and finely ordered a new one. Of course it was the first one I looked at.

It is supposed to be another warm day it was 13c at 5am and by 11am it was 23c but didn’t feel that warm.

I managed to walk down and post 3 letters which felt good.

Steps: 10,644 = 6.6k’s or 3.5miles

Shopping day, I like shopping days because I like shopping, been up since 4.30am it was 15c or 59f.

I did a load of washing and hung it up to dry.

By the time I got home from shopping I was exhausted as usual, so I had something to eat and laid down for half an hour.

By midday the temperature had reached 27c or 80f, I had to turn the air con in the kitchen on for a short while to cool the house down.

The recliner I ordered yesterday arrived today, which was a surprise.

Tim came home from work in right foul mood taking his anger out on me or he was angry with me for something I did, I don’t know what I do know is that I am too exhausted to deal with his shit, so I am going to bed.

Steps: 8,259 = 5’s

Slept well woke with the alarm at 5am, Tim is in a better mood this morning at 6.30am it was 12c or 53f

Sue picked me up at 9.20am and I went to the post office and sent off Kathy’s birthday present, we then went to the Plaza to get a few things.

It has been a warm day top temp of 22c or 71f.

Other than going to the shops, I did not much else except for the usual housework.

Steps: 9,501 = 6k’s

I had another good night woke at midnight and 4.10am and was out of bed by 4.25 as I felt awake.

It is a hot day, and I have no energy today the heat drains my energy.

The day started cool but warmed up with the temp reached 29c and we are not in Summer yet, it is only the start of Spring.

Steps: 6,971 = 4k’s

 

 

 

 

 

Why Trans People Matter

  

Trans people matter because every person deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect. A person’s gender identity is part of who they are and recognising that truth is a basic expression of human kindness. When trans people are accepted for who they are, they are better able to participate fully in families, schools, workplaces, communities, and public life.

Trans people matter because their lives, experiences, talents, and relationships matter. They are friends, parents, children, colleagues, classmates, artists, workers, leaders, and neighbours. Reducing trans people to a political debate overlooks their humanity. Like anyone else, they deserve to be seen as whole people with hopes, responsibilities, struggles, and contributions.

Supporting trans people is also about fairness. No one should have to hide who they are to be treated with courtesy, to access healthcare, to feel safe in public, or to be included in everyday spaces. Respect does not require everyone to have identical experiences or beliefs; it asks people to recognise each other’s humanity and act with compassion.

When trans people are affirmed, communities become more inclusive, honest, and humane. Standing up for trans people means standing up for the idea that everyone should be able to live without fear, shame, or exclusion. Trans people matter because they are people—and that should be enough.

 

A Post About Sisters and Some Links

 

When I look at you sister, this is what I see, think and feel.

I see a remarkable woman with a kind heart who is beautiful in ever sense of the word.

I see a smile that lights up the room and laughter that is truly contagious.

I see strength and wisdom beyond anything I have ever known.

I see love that’s pure and true compassion and thoughtfulness.

I see a woman who walks through this world with gentleness and grace.

I admire you for all that you are and all that you do.

You are everything wonderful in this world and if I had just one wish it would be that you could see what I see when I look at you.

By: Elle Mastro 

Here are this week’s links

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/09/septembers-first-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/09/just-some-fill-ins.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/08/sharing-my-world_0223426885.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mobile Phone Use While Driving in NSW, Australia

 

Hi everyone today I am writing about using a mobile phone while driving.

I think we all know that using a mobile phone while driving is a serious road safety issue not only in New South Wales but pretty much everywhere. A phone can distract a driver by taking their eyes off the road, their hands off the steering wheel, or their mind away from driving. Even looking away for a few seconds can increase the risk of missing hazards, slow reaction time, or causing a crash.

Drivers must not hold a phone in their hand or rest it on any part of their body while driving. Mobile phone detection cameras operate in NSW and can detect illegal phone use at any time. If a driver breaks the rules, they may receive a fine and demerit points, and double demerits can apply during holiday periods.

The safest choice is to avoid using a mobile phone while driving. Drivers can put their phone on silent, use “Do Not Disturb While Driving”, ask a passenger to help, or pull over and park safely before using the phone. Following these rules helps protect the driver, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and everyone else on the road.

However, the rules are stricter for learners, and those on their “P’s” these drivers must not use a mobile phone at all while driving, even when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. This includes calls, texting, music, social media, maps and hands-free use.

In NSW, “P’s” refers to provisional licence stages. A P1 driver is a new solo driver who displays red P plates, while a P2 driver is a more experienced provisional driver who displays green P plates. Both P1 and P2 drivers still have special licence conditions because they are gaining experience on the road.

Full licence holders may use a phone only in limited ways, such as hands-free voice calls or audio, or when the phone is secured in an approved holder and used for calls, audio or navigation.