Week 45 of 2026

 

Sunday 1 November

I slept through the night I at 4am to pee and Tim wasn’t home yet but when I got up an hour later, he was, we talked for a bit before I went and had a shower. He went to bed but was only in bed for an hour he said he can’t sleep.

Tim managed to have around an hour of sleep-in front of the TV.

Steps:7,189

Monday 2 November

I slept through the night woke at 4am and decided to stay up, had a rough start due to being hot and sticky I was going to wear my brown shorts, didn’t have any trouble getting them on but when I went to the toilet I was so sticky that I had trouble pulling them down and trying to get them up was a waste of time, I took them off and tossed them in frustration. I changed into my orange shorts easier to pull up and down.

I went with Sue to her doctor’s appointment then we went to Lake Fair to do some shopping. I had to take my shoes off as my feet were hot and I felt unstable.

Steps:9,799

Tuesday 3 November

I slept through the night got up at 4.40am it has been a wet morning. Tim decided to come home between shifts today.

I walked up and checked the mail just before it started to rain this afternoon, but it didn’t rain much.

I reprinted the information for our holiday in January as Tim can’t remember what he did with the copy I printed and gave to him a month ago.

Steps: 5,999

Wednesday 4 November

I slept well and have had a good morning feeling good enough to sweep and vacuum, clean the kitchen, unpack the dishwasher and do a load of washing and hang it up to dry.

However, from around 10am till 12.30pm I wasn’t feeling really with it, I was tired and tried to nap but couldn’t till around midday when I managed to have a 30-minute nap.

Tim sent me a message letting me know he will be late he has a charter after his school run.

Steps:6,900

Thursday 5 November

I slept well woke only once to pee then again when the alarm went off, the morning has been

My tablet has stopped working, it was fully charged but when I went to used it after lunch it wasn’t working, it wouldn’t turn on. So, I will have to buy a new one.

Blain came down and said hi, he was dropping Panda (his cat) off at his mum’s and he and Ta’lia are going away for a few days, it’s Ta’lia’s 21^st birthday in two days. They are going to some place in QLD with her mum and brother.

Steps:6, 799

Friday 6 November

I slept well waking only twice to pee, I got up with when the alarm went off. I had a productive morning, swept out the front.

However, by 11am I was again extremely tired and unable to fully function by 2pm I had come good but around 5pm I wasn’t able to function again. I went to bed at 6pm slept for two hours and got up feeling like me again.

Sue said I could have the tablet we gave her at the start of the year as she doesn’t use it as much as I would. Tasha said she will pick it up in the morning.

Steps:5,488

Saturday 7 November

Ta’lia 21^st Birthday

After going back to bed, I slept through till 4.45am we are supposed to have a hot day. I sent birthday wishes to Ta’lia.

I walked down and posted some letters which was exhausting but in a good way.

Tasha and Tim went to Officeworks and Tim bought me a new tablet. It should be in the store either Tuesday or Wednesday.

I had to turn the A/C on around 1.30pm as the heat was getting to me.

Steps: 8,790

 

 

 

 

 

This week's links

 

Here are this week’s links

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/11/sunday-stealing.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/11/november-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/11/sharing-my-world.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/10/my-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/10/tuesdays-four-on-thursday.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tuberculosis: History, Causes and Treatments

 

Today I thought I would write a bit about Tuberculosis (TB) this is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs, although it can also affect organs such as the brain, kidneys and spine. It can be life-threatening without treatment, but it is preventable and curable.

TB has affected people for thousands of years: evidence of infection has been found in human remains around 9,000 years old. In earlier centuries, it was known as “consumption”, referring to the wasting associated with the illness, and as the “white plague

A major turning point came on 24 March 1882, when Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacterium that causes TB. This helped establish the disease’s infectious cause rather than the earlier belief that it was simply inherited. Before antibiotics, patients were often cared for in sanatoriums, where fresh air, good food and sometimes surgery were used; separation from households also reduced transmission to families.

The BCG vaccine was introduced in France in 1921.

Antibiotic treatment marked another breakthrough: streptomycin was developed in 1943, opening the way to drug-based treatment.

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when someone with infectious lung TB releases bacteria, for example by coughing; another person can become infected by inhaling them.

Infection does not always mean illness. In latent, or inactive, TB, bacteria remain in the body without causing symptoms, and the person is not contagious. In active TB disease, bacteria multiply and cause illness; lung disease can spread to others. HIV, diabetes, undernutrition, tobacco use and harmful alcohol use increase the risk of developing TB disease.

Common symptoms include a prolonged cough, sometimes with blood, chest pain, fever, night sweats, fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Symptoms may develop gradually. Rapid diagnostic tests can help identify the disease, while skin or blood tests can identify TB infection.

Active TB: Treatment uses a combination of antibiotics. A common six-month course for drug-susceptible lung TB begins with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for two months, followed by isoniazid and rifampicin for four months. Selected patients may be eligible for a four-month regimen; others need longer treatment. The choice depends on drug-resistance results, other medical conditions and medicine interactions.

Completing the prescribed course is essential, even when symptoms improve. Missed doses or taking only some of the medicines can allow infection to persist or return and increase the risk of drug resistance. Healthcare support helps people complete treatment. Drug-resistant TB needs different antibiotic combinations and specialist management.

Latent TB: Preventive antibiotic treatment can reduce the chance that inactive infection develops into active disease. It is particularly important for people at increased risk, including those with HIV and close contacts of someone with TB.

Prevention: Early diagnosis and treatment, screening of people at risk, good ventilation and appropriate masks or respirators help limit spread. The BCG vaccine protects children against serious forms of TB, but it does not replace other prevention measures.

Dinosaurs: Natural Weapons and Amour

 

Today we are looking at what type of natural weapons and armour that dinosaurs have dinosaurs did not carry swords or wear metal armour. Instead, many had natural equipment built into their bodies: sharp teeth, powerful claws, horns, spikes and protective bony plates. These features helped them feed, defend themselves and sometimes compete with other members of their own species.

The Tyrannosaurus rex had powerful jaws and thick teeth suited to biting through flesh and bone. Its bite was far more important than its small arms when feeding.

Then we have the Velociraptor which had a large, curved claw on the second toe of each foot. Rather than simply slashing as films often suggest, these claws may have helped it grip and restrain prey. Scientists still debate exactly how they were used.

Moving on to the Triceratops carried two long brow horns and a shorter nose horn. The horns could have helped with defence and contests between individuals, while its large bony frill may also have played a role in display.

Some have spikes, clubs and protective armour such as the Stegosaurus had long spikes at the end of its tail, which could act as a defensive weapon. Its famous back plates were not a continuous protective shield; scientists have proposed roles including display and temperature regulation.

The Ankylosaurus was protected by bony armour embedded in its skin, called osteoderms. Its broad body and armoured back offered protection, while a heavy club at the end of its tail could deliver a powerful blow. Tail clubs may have been used against predators and in competition with other ankylosaurs.

Fossils reveal the shapes of these natural weapons and armour, but behaviour is harder to reconstruct. A horn or spike might have served more than one purpose: protection, display or competition. Dinosaurs were not simply prehistoric fighting machines; their remarkable bodies were adaptations to the challenges of staying alive.

Humans and non-bird dinosaurs did not live together, so dinosaur-mounted warriors and human-made dinosaur armour belong to fantasy rather than prehistoric history.

 

Week 44 of 2026

 

26 Oct 2026

I slept well, got up and had a shower did the usual housework but not much else I haven’t felt that good this morning.

I managed to iron Tim’s work clothes but not much else. It is a hot day temp of 32c or 896f.

I have zero energy and just want to do is sleep.

Steps 6,389

27 Oct 2026

Ok I was in bed last night before 6.30 and awake at 3.30am to pee after which I spent 35-minutes tossing and turning before just getting up and starting my day.

There was a right mess in the kitchen for me to clean up after my morning wash. It isn’t going to be as hot today thankfully.

What a morning, Sue jump started her car and shut the driver’s door when she went to disconnect the jump start machine the car auto locked and she doesn’t have a spare key so rang Sandy who went over to see is she could break into the car, she couldn’t and had to call a locksmith cost $154.

So, she wasn’t able to take me to the doctors, Tasha drove me and Sue was going to pick me up but instead Sandy picked me up, but she went to the wrong place and had to ring me to find out where I was. She did this as Sue took her car to the mechanic and they want the car overnight, so Sandy went and got Sue.

She then drove me home and just we got to my street she realised she should have drop Sue home first so she wouldn’t have to double back.

This afternoon I am so very tired again.

Steps: 4,900

27 OCT 2026

Ok I was in bed last night by 5.45pm and awake at 3.40am to pee after which I went back to bed till 4am. I didn’t even take my meds last night, I was that tire and out of it. This morning I am struggling with my legs they are heavy and I am also struggling to stay awake.

By 11.50am I was able to stand and walk like normal which felt good. The rest of the day I have been good.

I am off to bed at 7pm before I am unable to do stuff again.

Steps:8,399

 

SUE’S BIRTHDAY 28 Oct 2026

I had a good night slept till 2am then straight back to sleep till 5am, I am a bit stiff, and walking isn’t easy but not as bad as yesterday.

I was just starting to hang the washing to dry when Sue asked if I would like to go to Big W with her, she went to get a new book just released. Kirsty gave her money for her birthday, and she wanted to spend on gifts before it went on other stuff. She got her book and three new nighties.

This afternoon around 3pm my legs started to become uncooperative again and I will be in bed before 7pm as I am so tired. At least I am sleeping well.

Step:6 109

Had a good night slept through to 3am then back to bed after peeing and back to sleep till 4.30am when I got up.

Sue and I went grocery shopping, and all went well till we were headed to the checkout when my left ankle and knee both gave way on me I was lucky not to fall over.  From then till around 1.30pm I had a lot of pain in my knee and walking was difficult.

Thankfully I have been ok for the rest of the day.

Steps:8,499

Had a good night slept through to 3am when I had to pee back to bed till 5am when I got up and dressed a good morning my body is cooperating and I am getting things done.

Sue picked me up around 9ish and we went and gave Dave his birthday presents.

I was home by 10.15am and the day is progressing nicely. I haven’t done much today.

Steps: 9,123

 

DAVE’S BIRTHDAY HE IS 48 TODAY

Had a good night slept through to 3am when I had to pee then back to bed till 5am.

I forgot to mention yesterday that Rex (Sue’s first husband) is in hospital his body is riddled with cancer in multiply organs and also in his bones.

I have had a so-so day, managed to get some things done but there were hours of my legs being uncooperative and me feeling like I was going to fall over.

Steps:5,599

 

 

 

Pleurisy: why breathing can hurt

 

Today I am writing about the lung condition of pleurisy.

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura—the thin layers of tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the inside of the chest. When these layers become inflamed, they can rub together as you breathe, causing sharp chest pain.

The main symptom is a sharp or stabbing pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply, cough or sneeze. The pain may spread to your shoulder or back. You may also have a cough, fever or breathlessness, depending on the underlying cause.

Chest pain is not something to self-diagnose. Other conditions, including a blood clot in the lung or a heart problem, can cause similar symptoms.

I could not find any figures about how common it is.

How do you get this well it often follows a viral infection, but it can also be linked to pneumonia, autoimmune conditions or other illnesses. Finding the cause matters because treatment depends on what is triggering the inflammation.

How is it treated you wonder well a healthcare professional may examine your chest and arrange tests, such as a chest X-ray or blood tests. Treatment may involve pain relief and treatment of the underlying condition. Antibiotics are only useful when a bacterial infection is involved; they do not treat viruses.

Rest may help while you recover and of course take pain relief.

If you think you may have this seek prompt medical assessment for new or unexplained chest pain, even if it seems mild. Call your local emergency number for sudden or severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or chest pain with sweating or pain spreading to your arm, jaw or back. Coughing up blood also needs urgent medical attention.

 

The South Pole

I decided to write a about about the South Pole, this is the southernmost point on Earth, located deep within Antarctica. 

The South Pole is the southernmost point on Earth, located deep within Antarctica. It lies on a vast sheet of ice, surrounded by a frozen landscape that stretches towards the horizon. Unlike the North Pole, which sits over the Arctic Ocean, the South Pole rests on a continent. At this unique spot, every direction leads north.

The first team to reach the South Pole was led by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. He arrived with four companions on 14 December 1911.

During the famous race to the South Pole, Robert Falcon Scott and his four companions reached the Pole but died on the return journey in 1912. Their deaths occurred after reaching their destination, not on the way there. Amundsen and his four companions all returned safely.

Life at the South Pole is shaped by extreme cold and unusual seasons. The sun stays above the horizon for roughly half the year, followed by months of darkness. The air is exceptionally dry, and the landscape has no trees or ordinary gardens. Although penguins are closely associated with Antarctica, they live mainly near the coast rather than at the South Pole itself.

Despite its remoteness, the South Pole is an important place for scientific research. Researchers at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station study the atmosphere, ice and universe. Their work helps us understand our planet and the space beyond it. The South Pole is more than a point on a map: it is a remarkable example of Earth’s extremes and humanity’s curiosity.