The Iris

 

Time for another post about the human eye, this week we are looking at the iris, I’m sure we all know that the iris is part of our eyes but how many know its purpose or how it’s made up.

Light has to enter the eye in order for us to see, too much light can damage the eye, but too little light means we can’t see clearly. The eye has its own built-in mechanism for regulating this, the iris.

The iris is made up of two sets of muscle fibres; there is the radial muscles that run from the outside edge of the iris towards the centre. Then there are the circular muscles that form the inner rim of the iris and are arranged is a series of rings.

These muscles contract in response to signals from the brain, when one contracts the other relaxes, we cannot make them contract by thinking about it, they just do it when needed. Controlling the size of the iris controls how much light enters the eye.

The radial and circular muscles have opposite effects, when the circular muscles contract they pull the radial muscles inward, shrinking the size of the pupil, when the radical muscles contract they pull the circular muscles outwards the size of the pupil increases.

So, in normal light they are balanced, when in bright light they contract and in dim light they increase.

The drops that are put in your eyes when they are being checked cause the pupil to enlarge making it easier for them to be examined.

 

The Kiwi

 

When you think about New Zealand what do you think of?

Many would think of the Kiwi, so this week’s creature is the kiwi.

It is a flightless bird native to New Zealand, they are small to medium-sized bird with a round body, long slender bill, and coarse, hair-like feathers that give them a shaggy look. Unlike most birds, kiwis have nostrils at the tip of their beak, which helps them sniff out food like insects, worms, and berries. Their wings are tiny and hidden under their feathers, making them completely flightless. Kiwis also have strong legs and claws for digging and running, but they’re quite shy and rarely seen during the day.

They are found in forests, scrubland, and grassland across New Zealand’s North, South, and Stewart Islands. They are nocturnal, preferring to forage for food at night. Kiwis are solitary animals, coming together only to mate. They are known for their keen sense of smell and their ability to detect prey underground.

The kiwi lays one of the largest eggs in proportion to its body size of any bird species. The female lays a single egg, which can weigh up to 20% of her body weight. The male usually incubates the egg for about 75 days, and once the chick hatches, it is fully feathered and independent within a few days.

Due to habitat loss and predators like stoats, dogs, and cats, they have declined significantly. Conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure the survival of these iconic birds.

The kiwi is more than just a bird in New Zealand—it’s a national symbol. New Zealanders are often colloquially referred to as “Kiwis,” and the bird features on coins, emblems, and sports teams’ uniforms. They represent uniqueness, resilience, and a strong connection to the land.

 

The Dish

 

As most will know that early in December Tim & I went on a short holiday, so I decided to kick of my Monday’s post with information about some the places we visited then.

Let’s start with the Parkes Observatory, which can be found on the outskirts of the town of Parkes in New South Wales, it is where “The Dish” is located.

If you are wondering what the dish is well it’s a 64-metre radio telescope, it was officially opened on 31/10/1961. The facility is managed by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) and was constructed in collaboration with both Australian and international experts. Its 64-metre diameter radio telescope was, at the time, one of the largest and most advanced in the world.

The observatory is perhaps best known for its role in relaying television signals of the Apollo 11 moon landing to the world in July 1969. This historic event was dramatised in the popular Australian film "The Dish," cementing Parkes’ place in space exploration history, back in 2000.

The telescope only receives signals from space and never sends them.

The observatory is open to the public and features a visitor center with interactive displays, a café, and the opportunity to view the dish up close. Educational programs and guided tours are available, making it a popular destination for school groups, science enthusiasts, and travellers passing through regional New South Wales.

Here are some statistics

Dish Diameter: 64 metres (210 feet)

Surface Accuracy: Maintained to within 1 millimetre (after upgrades)

Height: Approximately 55 metres from ground to top of the dish when vertical

Weight: The moving part of the telescope weighs about 1,000 tonnes

Frequency Range: 700 MHz to 26 GHz (after multiple upgrades)

Current Receivers: Multi-beam and single-pixel receivers for various radio frequencies

 

Week 1 of 2026

 

SUNDAY 28 December 2025

Had a good night’s sleep getting 8hr’s & 16mins, it is 15c or 59f at 5.30am, my BGL is 6.3.

I am in long pants as it is somewhat cold here.

Tim and I went to Officeworks to check out computer chairs, but they didn’t have in stock what I wanted, and I decided to wait instead of getting something different.

Then Tim decided to get KFC for lunch all I got was a go bucket and I couldn’t even eat all of that.

Steps:10,206 = 5.1k’s or 3.2miles

Another cool morning only 15c or 59f and I had a good 8hrs sleep and my BGL is 6.5

Sue and I went to Lake Fair so I could go to Big W and Woolies which I did, I wore long black pants and a sleeveless top with knee hi stockings and sandals and when we left Woolies, I had to remove my shoes and stockings as my feet hurt so much.

It's not as cold today.

Steps: 7,652 = 3.7k’s or 2.3 miles

I had a good night’s sleep with around 8hrs again. It is 14c or 57f at 5.30am, my BGL is 6.5

Tim got up at 6.30am this is the third morning he has been up early. I haven’t done much today, just the usual housework and blogging.

Sandy came over this afternoon just to say hi and pick up her Christmas presents.

I asked Tim if he could take me to have my blood tests done tomorrow at 6.30am when they open, he said 7am and for some reason that has put me in a mood, when he told me he 662 hang the washing on the outside line and for some reason that also annoyed me. I am just being difficult and I don’t know why.

Steps:4,776=2.4k’s or 2.4miles

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Last night was a good night 8hrs & 30 mins, my BGL was 6.9 and qat 5.30am it was 15c or 59f

Tim took me to have my blood test done at 6.30am.

I received a text from Centrelink informing me I had not reported Tim’s income, and I can’t be paid till I do, so I went online and did that straight away. I was not surprised I had to report his income.

Tim is in a mood over is new printer as he is out of black ink and he doesn’t think he should be, so he has taken it to Officeworks for someone to look at it. Well after taking the printer to Officeworks it was sent off to be repaired.

At 11am it was 22c or 71.6f.

I also had an appointment with the pharmacist for a medicine review all went well.

Tim has finally cut my hair, so I am much happier with it.

Steps:6,501=3.4k’s or 1.9m’s

NEW YEAR’S DAY

I had 8hrs & 45mins of sleep. My BGL was 6.9 at 6am, the temp was 17c or 62f.

It is a coldish day, and we have had rain on and off. Kathy said it’s a blah day and she is right.

Tim is mopping around the house looking tired and bored and is complaining he is tired from doing nothing.

I have been feeling restless on and off all day.

Steps: 4,756 = 2.5k’s or 1.5m’s

Had a good night sleep, getting 8hrs of sleep, my BGL was 6.5 and it was 17c or 62f at 5.30am the ground outside is wet.

Sue will pick me up around 12.30 as we have an appointment with the podiatrist, but we have to go to Service NSW so Sue can renew her licence.

When we walked into Service NSW there was so many people, I was lucky to fine a seat, I set an alarm for 1.10pm as if not seen by then we would have to leave and go back we walked in at 12.06 and out at 12.53pm so it took less than an hour.

Sue was expecting to have her toenail partly removed but as it turned out all that was needed was to have the in-grown part removed again.

Steps:7,366 = 3.7k’s or 2.7m’s

I slept well woke only once to pee, I got 8hrs or 10mins, the time at 5.30am was 17c or 62f, it is supposed to be a hot day with a temp of 27c, but we will see. My BGL was 7.0

Tim left for work at 1.25pm, I will be in bed when he gets home, it has been a warm day.

I received a parcel this morning stuff from Temu.

This afternoon mw and my 3 siblings facetimed and all had a drink, Jeannie however was at the hospital with her partner Pete, he was having tests done.

Sandy said that when she saw Jeannie & Pete, she told Jeannie that she thought Pete looked like he is dying.

Steps: 7,226 = 3.6k’s or 2.1m’s

It did reach 27c or 80f

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links, sorry they are late

 

My post with links to other posts and a few photos as well

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/share-your-world.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/last-hodgepodge-of-2025.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/tuesday-4.html

 

 

Hello 2026

 

Hello 2026, I hoped you are a good one for me and my family and all those who read this, and all the bloggers I follow.

A I take a moment to reflect on the year gone by, I cherish the good memories, hope I have learnt from the challenges, and celebrate any achievements, if I had any as I write this I can’t think of any.

The new year is a blank canvas, ready for all of us to decorate with new adventures, goals, and dreams.

I hope this new year brings you joy, good health, and endless moments of happiness. May every challenge you face turn into an opportunity, and may every day offer something to smile about.

In order to make the year as stressless as possible remember to try and set realistic goals and focus on progress rather than perfection.

Remember self-care should be a priority, and connecting with others can help keep us on track even when life feels like we are riding a speeding roller-coaster.

We all need to embrace flexibility as things often don’t go according to plan. When this happens take a breath make adjustments and carry on.

If it all feels too much and overwhelming and you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help.

 

 

New Years Fireworks

 

It is the day before New Years Eve and I was thinking about it and wondered how many countries see in the new year with fireworks, the answer is somewhere between 100 and 120, that’s more than I thought.

Some of the biggest firework displays take place in Sydney, London, Las Vegas and Ras Al Khaimah. Some sources say the biggest display is in Ras Al Khaimah.

The cost of the firework display in Sydney is around $6 million, I have no idea how much is spent in other places, but I expect it is a bloody lot.

Here people start finding their spot to watch them fireworks from early on in the day as many of the prime free vantage points officially open around 9am–10am, and people begin queueing before opening time. These spots often hit capacity by lunchtime. A couple of free places are Hickson Road Reserve opened at 9am and reached capacity just after 12:30pm another is Bennelong Lawn, Tarpeian Lawn, Campbells Cove, and Circular Quay also open around 9–9:30am and fill quickly.

Most areas with clear views of the Harbour Bridge or Opera House are already packed or close to it by 12pm–2pm.

If you arrive after 4pm, your chances of getting into a top-tier free spot (Opera House surrounds, Mrs Macquaries Point, Circular Quay) drop dramatically. Many will already be closed due to capacity.

Some vantage points (e.g., Opera House forecourt) are ticketed and sell out well in advance. These guarantee entry but still require arriving early for a good position.

You may be thinking why so early?

Sydney draws over one million people to the harbour foreshore each NYE. With limited space and strict entry controls (no re-entry, bag checks, alcohol restrictions), people settle in for the whole day.

So, what do people do while waiting, well some read, some play board games or listen to podcasts and some take a nap. Of course, people need to make sure they have food, water and sunscreen and some kind of shade gear.

Three countries that do not celebrate NYE are Iran as there New Year is in March, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somala to name a few.