Ugly dogs

 

This week we are looking at what is the ugliest dog breed in the world.

The dog breed most commonly labelled the “ugliest” is the Chinese Crested. Why is the Chinese Crested considered ugly well let’s look at it.

They are often hairless, with tufts only on the head, tail, and feet, have a very prominent skin, sometimes spotted with a delicate, unusual body shape, overall, a look that’s so odd it’s become iconic.

Despite the reputation, they’re famously affectionate, gentle, and loyal, and many owners find them irresistibly cute.

Some other breeds that are often called “ugly” are the following

Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog) — smooth, hairless skin and a serious expression

Affenpinscher — scruffy “monkey‑like” face

Borzoi — extremely long, narrow snout gives them a very unusual silhouette

Shar‑Pei — deep wrinkles and folds

Komondor / Puli — long corded coats that look like walking mops.

But what is “Ugly” some would say it’s really just a word for the something that looks different or unconventional. Every one of these breeds has a devoted fanbase, and many are beloved for the very features that make them stand out.

 

Easter Monday

  

Here we are at Easter Monday and today I’m writing about Easter Holidays.

What do I over Easter, nothing much usually I would go to the cemetery to visit my parents as my dad passed on Easter Sunday 2019, so it is a sad time we associate dad’s passing with Easter as well as the date of his passing was the 21^st. However, due to the rain I didn’t because the ground gets soggy.

On Saturday both Tim and Tasha went to the shops for a few things, and both complained about how crowded the shops were and neither of them handle crowds very well. Anyone would think the stores were shut for days not just one day, why do people go crazy if the shops are shut for just one day.

Kathy and her girls came over to see us, while there were here Tasha and Jessica turned up and I got a photo of all the girls including me. I would have liked a photo of Tim with all the girls but had to do it two shots one with his daughters and one with the granddaughters. It was so lovely hearing them all standing outside talking together.

 

Week 14 of 2026

 

Good morning all it is a cool Sunday morning with the current temp being 13c or 15.5f, my BGL was 6.0. I was up at 4.15am again as I woke feeling stuffed up in the head, so I got up.

When I came out to the lounge room something was different took me a moment to realise that the portable air conditioner was missing, Tim has dismantled it and stored in the spare room.

It has been a cool day, and I feel like I have done very little, but I know that’s not the case I have done stuff.

Sue is very sick with gastro.

Steps: 4,895 = 2.4k’s or 1.4miles

It is Monday morning currently 5.55am the temp is 15c or  59f, I had only 5.5hrs of sleep, the dyskinesia was bad when I first went to bed so I got up put my Parkinson’s band on  to charge when it was done I put it on and back to bed, I settled ok after that. Although it was one of those up and down to the loo nights, annoying.

I have had a good day did the usual housework.

Spoke to Sue she is feeling better today.

My new walker/wheelchair has arrived Tim will put it together later.

Steps: 7,239 = 3.6k’s or 2.1miles

Had a good night getting 10hrs sleep, it is currently 6.30am and 15c or 59f.

I have had a good morning received another parcel for Jess it had a few items in it for me as well.

It has been a warm day.

This afternoon the band on my BeechBand broke, Jess was able to jerry rig it with an elastic band, so I can wear it. Tim received another parcel and it turned out to be another Beechband for me.

Steps: 4,511

DAWSON’S BIRTHDAY (NEPHEW) 27 TODAY

Here we are at what some people call hump day, not me but some other people. I have been up since 4.45am it is currently 5.45am and 16c or 61f we are headed for another warm day with a top temp of around 28c, but we will see.

Yes, it has warmed up nicely, I was woken from my nap by Sandy it was lovely seeing her.

Both Tasha and Tim say the magnetic watch band I ordered will not be good enough, so I have ordered another normal watch band.

Steps: 5,313 = 2.6k’s or 1.6 miles

I was up at 4.40am with a stuffed-up nose and needing to pee so after a visit to the bathroom I decided to stay up.

Tim had a bad night and looks exhausted this morning. He will be on the road all day and won’t get home till around 8pm.

I had an appointment to have my hearing aids checked; she increased the volume other than that all is good with them. I casually mentioned that hour two months after buying my hearing aids I went on a pension and the receptionist said she would be able to do something so I could get my batteries and maintenance checks for free and in five years I will be able to get replace hearing aids for free.

After leaving the appointment there was a lot of trouble getting Sue’s car to start, there is always trouble getting it to start but it is getting worse and of course Sue doesn’t have the money to fix it.

Steps: 6,543 = 3.3k’s or 1.9miles

I had a good night with around 7.5hrs of sleep the temp this morning is 16c or 61f. Tim is off work for a week, and I think he needs to have some time of as he is so exhausted.

Sandy rang and wanted to know if we could watch Skylar for a while Tim said yes, I was going for a walk up and down the driveway, this I want to do 2 or 3 times a day.

When Sandy arrived, she had Landon with her as well, he has grown so much and his voice is breaking, anyway Sandy’s plans had changed so her and the kids stayed for a visit being here for an hour or so.

This arvo Tim did some more walk on his trailer; he is adding a frame for what reason I do not know.

Steps: 9,428 = 4.3k’s or 2.9 miles

I slept for 8hrs was up at 4.20am, it is currently 5.30am and the temp is now 19c or 66f.

I went for a walk up the driveway and back, thankfully before it started to rain.

Tim woke up feeling sick with a headache, he went with Tasha to the Good Guy’s so she could buy a new dryer.

After an hour or so of being home Tasha came down and told Tim that the dryer isn’t working it has a large dint in it and is wobbling when turned on so they had to take it back to the store.

I had a nap and when I woke up Tim wasn’t here but arrived home in a foul mood shortly after.

It has rained on and off all day.

Steps: 7,073 = 3.5k’s or 2.1 miles

 

 

Caturday with Archie

 

Hello everyone, it's Archie here, this week I am showing you how my  privacy was invaded, can you believe it I couldn't even use my litter box without mum taking a photo 

Photo Friday

 THIS IS A PHOTO OF MY DAUGHTER KATHY-LEE AND FAMILY ON HOLIDAY IN BALI. LEFT TO RIGHT WE HAVE MICHEAL, SYDNEY-MAE, SUMMER & KATHY

Glaucoma

 

Today I am writing about glaucoma, I always thought it to be a single disease concerning the eye; however, my research says it is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually because of increased pressure inside the eye.

It’s one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide but with early detection and treatment, most people keep their vision.

The optic nerve is like a high‑speed cable carrying visual information from your eye to your brain. When pressure inside the eye rises (or when the nerve is unusually fragile), those nerve fibres slowly die. Once they’re gone, they cannot be repaired.

Your eyes are filled with fluid that constantly flows in and out of your eyes, bringing nutrients to your eyes.

If the fluid doesn't leave your eye as easily as it enters, pressure can build up inside the eye.

The increase in eye pressure can damage your optic nerve. Your optic nerve links the back of your eye to your brain and allows you to see. Damage to your optic nerve results in damage to your vision.

Glaucoma can sometimes occur even when the fluid pressure in your eye is normal.

Most glaucoma develops silently over years, which is why it’s often called the “silent thief of sight.”

There are 2 main types of glaucoma.

Open-angle — where fluid pressure builds up in the front part of your eye, even when the fluid drainage pathways are open.

Closed-angle (or angle-closure) — where the eye's fluid drainage pathways are narrowed or closed, so fluid pressure builds up quickly. This may cause pain in the eye and sudden loss of vision.

It can also be categorised as either, primary glaucoma, with an unknown cause or secondary glaucoma, caused by an eye condition, such as surgery, trauma, drugs or eye disease

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in Australia.

Usually, the deterioration in vision is very gradual and not noticeable. From the age of 40 regular eye examinations.

Once found, glaucoma can be treated to prevent or delay further vision loss.

You are at higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:

have a close relative with glaucoma

have high eye pressure

are aged over 50 years

are either short or long sighted

use (or have used) cortisone (steroid) medicines for long periods

have diabetes or either high or low blood pressure

get migraine headaches

have had an eye operation or eye injury

If you have chronic angle-closure glaucoma you sometimes get vision problems. This may be halo-like images around lights or you may have no symptoms.

If you have acute angle-closure glaucoma you may get:

sudden, severe eye pain

nausea and vomiting

headache

watery eyes

blurred vision

halos around bright lights

Since acute angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency, you should seek treatment straight away so you don't lose vision. You need urgent treatment if:

one or both of your eyes quickly becomes painful and red

your vision gets blurred

you notice halos (rings) around lights

Treatment for chronic angle-closure glaucoma is designed to prevent or slow further damage, mainly by reducing the pressure in the eye. This may involve, eye drops, oral medicine or laser surgery or other surgery to open or create a new drainage channel. The surgery is usually an outpatient or day-surgery procedure.

Nerve cells damaged by glaucoma can't be repaired.

 

 

 

The links post

 

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

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-spring-hodgepodge-in-autumn.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/getting-to-know-you-or-me_27.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/friendly-fill-ins_28.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/tuesdays-4.html

 

 

 

 

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Countries with the best chocolate

 

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.

 

Week 13 of 2026

 

Good morning, I hope all are well I have been up since 4.20am as I woke up and felt awake, it is currently 5.15am the temp is 19c or 66f, I had a good 8hrs of sleep.

It is now 7am, I not long ago took rubbish out to the bin and put the bird seed out and now it is raining.

It stopped raining by lunch time, and I had a nap between 11 and 12.

We got pizza for lunch that’s what Tim preferred.

Blain came down to talk to Papa about motorbikes he is thinking about getting his bike licence.

Steps: 5,196 = 2.6k’s or 1.6miles

I had 8hrs of sleep and feel good this morning as I do most mornings, it is currently 5.15am and 20c or 61f. I am going shopping at Kmart with Sue; Kmart is a discount variety store and a very popular one at that.

I have gained some weight, and my shorts are a bit tight, I will need to fix that.

Shopping went well found a few things on the clearance racks.

Steps: 4,984 = 2.5k’s or 1.5miles

I had a good 9hrs of sleep woke up just before the alarm feeling great, it is currently 5.15am and 19c or 66f.

It is now 6.15 and I have cleaned the kitchen swept out the kitchen, hallway, lounge-room and the ramp out the front.

Dr Babu’s rooms called to let me know the problem with my burry vision isn’t connected to Parkinson’s.

Steps: 8,621 = 4.3k’s or 2.6miles

Slept ok not great but not too shabby either had around 7.5hours. Been up since 4am, it is currently 5.45am the temp is 19c or 66f.

I have already started the washing and unpacked the dishwasher as well as the usual wash and dressed and moisturise my upper body. I have also checked my emails and have tabs opened ready to read.

Turned out to be a warm day but I only need the fans going and the doors open.

Steps:6,108 = 3k’s or 1.7 miles

Had a good night got 9.5hrs of sleep woke feeling great, I have already cleaned the kitchen mess left by Tim last night.

It is currently 5.30am and 19c or 66f we are heading for a top temp of 31c or 87f.

By early afternoon I had to turn the air con on as I started sweating.

By 5.30pm I started to feel very tired and just want to go to bed.

Tim will be home late at 8pm he usually gets home around 5.30pm but he has a charter after his school run.

Steps: 8,101 = 4k’s or 2.2miles

Had a good night, but was up at 4.10 as I was awake and couldn’t see the point just laying there. It is currently 5am and 18c or 64f, it is supposed to only reach 21c today.

It has been a cold day I went to have a nap but only managed 50minutes before there was someone at the door, it was the postie with a package for Tim.

By 2pm I started to feel unwell, however it didn’t last long so that was good.

Tim rang to let me know he would be late home around 7.15pm he thought.

It is now 7.10pm and I am off to bed I am so tired, Tim isn’t home, but he should be soon.

Steps: 6,100 = 3k’s or 1.7miles

Up early again at 4.10am as I was awake, it is currently 4.30am and its 16c or 64f and my BGL was 6.2.

Jess came over when she got home from work to drop off her shirt and while we were talking Tim came out worried he was late for work, I told him it’s Saturday and he is fine to go back to bread.

Tim caught a bus up to Charlestown to do some shopping, I was going to go with him but changed my mind.

I had a nap after Tim got back from shopping; I am having a good day.

Steps: 5,151 = 2.5k’s or 1.5 miles

 

 

 

Caturday with Luca

 

Hello everyone, this is Luca and this week I am allowing you to see some photos of me wrapped up in a favourite blanket. Don’t I look every so cute. 

Can you see the Caturday picture thing it has my name on it, I like that.

 

Photo Friday

 

I have a question for everyone.

What do you think of this?

Is it evil?

Cataracts

 

Hello everyone today we are looking at cataracts how many of us know what that is.

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which normally sits just behind the iris and focuses light. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision gradually becomes blurry, hazy, or dim, much like looking through a fogged‑up window. Cataracts are extremely common with age and are one of the leading cases of vision impairment worldwide.

How does having cataracts feel, well from what I could find out this, blurred or foggy vision, glare or halos around lights usually at night. There is a sensitivity to bright lights and the need for brighter light when doing stuff and reading. There can be Double vision in one eye.

These symptoms usually develop slowly, and early cataracts may cause no noticeable problems.

Why do cataracts happen well over time, the proteins that make up the lens break down and clump together, forming cloudy patches. The most common causes are ageing, UV exposure from sunlight, family history of cataracts, diabetes, long‑term steroid use, smoking or previous eye injury or surgery

In rare cases, babies can be born with cataracts (congenital cataracts).

Often an optometrist will diagnose cataracts during a comprehensive eye exam. This is why regular eye exams are recommended from age 40 onward, even without symptoms.

There is no medication, diet, or eye drop that can reverse cataracts. Treatment depends on how much they affect daily life.

In the early stage’s things like stronger lighting, updated glasses, and anti‑glare sunglasses may help.

However, when vision is significantly affected cataract surgery is the only effective treatment. This involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens (an intraocular lens, or IOL)

The procedure is quick (about 30 minutes), usually done under local anaesthetic, and has a very high success rate. Most people notice clearer vision within days.

You can’t completely prevent them, but you can reduce risk or slow progression by wear UV‑blocking sunglasses and a hat outdoors, quit smoking, make sure your diabetes is under control and have regular eye exams.

Links to other posts

 

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

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/friendly-fill-ins.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/sunday-poser.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/tuesday-4_0809460484.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/sunday-stealing_23.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/sunday-stealing_23.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/sharing-my-world.html

 

 

 

 

 

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Domestic Dogs

Ok this was suppose to be yesterdays post but I forgot to post  it, silly   me

 

I have written in the past about domestic cats but couldn’t find a post about domestic dogs, so here is one.

What are domestic dogs well they are a subspecies of the gray wolf, belonging to the family Canidae. They are one of the two most widespread domestic animals on Earth the other is the cat.

Dogs were the first species ever domesticated, long before livestock or crops but maybe not cats.

Domestication is thought to have begun 20,000–40,000 years ago, archaeological remains of clearly domestic dogs appear 14,000–17,500 years ago.

It is thought that early wolves likely were self‑domesticated by scavenging near human camps, and that humans favoured wolves that were less fearful, more tolerant, and better at reading human cues.

Dogs evolved a powerful ability to digest starch-rich foods thanks to extra copies of the AMY2B amylase gene — often 7× more than wolves, with some dogs having up to 30 copies. This allows them to break down carbohydrates from human food scraps.

Selective breeding created the widest range of any land mammal think Chihuahua to Great Dane, also coat types, head shapes, e

Dogs are hyper-social animals shaped to live alongside humans. They communicate by barking to signal territory, threat, boredom, or desire for attention.

We all know that they sniff other dogs’ rear ends to gather chemical information about identity, reproductive status, diet, and emotional state.

Dogs excel at interpreting human gestures, tone, and facial expressions, a skill far more developed than in wolves.

The idea that 1 human year = 7 dog years is an oversimplification as small dogs age more slowly and the really large breeds age faster. Also breed differences play a part in their aging beagles age differently from similarly sized breeds.

Puppies begin vaccinations at 6 weeks, with boosters at intervals and later every three years for core vaccines. s

Dogs evolved to do the following, seek human attention, understand human cues, form strong emotional attachments.

In think we all know that the Great Dane is the tallest dog regularly reach 71–86cm tall at the shoulder, with some individuals standing over 7 feet tall on hind legs.

The heaviest Dog Breed is the English Mastiff which typically weigh 54–104kg or 120–230lbs. Other giant breeds include Saint Bernard, Newfoundland and the Irish Wolfhound.]

The smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua weighing between 0.9 -2.7kg or 2-6lb, there are other tiny breeds such as Russian Toy, Toy Poodle and Pomeranian. 

I may write more about some of the breeds.

 

History of Chocolate in Australia

 

 

Well, here we are at another Monday and today we are looking at the history of chocolate in Australia.

Chocolate arrival in Australia sometime between late 1700s to Early 1800s, it came with European colonists, but it was rare and expensive. Which is why it was considered a luxury item for the wealthy, imported in small quantities.

By the mid–late 1800s with improved shipping, trade routes, and advances in manufacturing made chocolate more widely available. Confectionery shops began appearing in major cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne.

Australia’s own chocolate industry began to take shape in the early 20th century, with several brands that still exist today. Those companies establish our chocolate identity by blending European techniques with local tastes. The turning point came in the 1920’s with the establishment of a major Cadbury factory in Claremont, Tasmania in 1922.

This dramatically increased local production and made chocolate affordable nationwide. Cadburys has shaped Australian chocolate culture. It is the go-to chocolate brand in most if not all of the country.

By the 1950s through to the 1980s, chocolate was to become deeply woven into Australian life. At Easter there was mass‑produced eggs became a national tradition. Cadbury began making Easter eggs in 1875, producing their very first chocolate egg from dark chocolate with a smooth, plain surface. Helping to transform Easter into the chocolate‑filled celebration we know today.

At Christmas boxed chocolates and novelty treats became common gifts.

Local flavours emerged, such as honeycomb, mint, and fruit and nut combinations.

In the 1970s and onward, boutique chocolatiers began experimenting with native ingredients such as wattleseed, lemon myrtle and macadamia.

Around this time Artisan producers focused on premium ingredients and craftsmanship, mirroring global trends.

Nowadays there is a thriving, diverse chocolate scene consisting of global giants Cadbury, Nestlé and Lindt. As well as historic local brands Haigh’s, Darrell Lea and Ernest Hillier.

Australia’s chocolate industry is now vibrant, competitive, and culturally significant, with strong consumer interest in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and premium quality.

 

Week 12 of 2026

 

Good morning, all, I had a great night sleep getting 8hrs & 30mins and my BGL was 6.5, the temp is 15c or 59f although it is supposed to warm up.

My 11am it was nice and warm with the temp being 25c or 77f.

I had a good day felt like I got some things done like cleaning off my dressing table and the top of the chest of drawers and dusting and rearranging them.

Steps: 5,252= 2.6k’s or 1.6miles

Had a productive morning but a lazy afternoon, but that happens a lot.

Hello Monday, I had a good night, getting around 9hrs sleep been up since 4.30am it is 17c or 62f my BGL was 6.5 and it is going to be another hot day.

I have done the usual housework and yeah it left me exhausted.

I have had a good day; it has been a warm day but not hot.

Steps: 3,596 = 1.8k’s or 1.1miles.

Up early again 4.35am I was awake after 8hrs of sleep, so I got up it is 16c or 62f my BGL was 6.9

It is a nice warm day, when I was having my nap but after 50 minutes in was woken by the doorbell and then my phone going off. I found a parcel at the front door and the text was Tim asking who was at the door.

I have done a lot of little things today.

Steps: 7,882 = 4k’s or 2.6 miles

Another good night, no change that it was a great night, and I have woken up feeling awesome.

I have done the housework and I’m now waiting for Sue we are going shopping.

By the time I got home I was exhausted as per usual.

I spent some time sorting out the granddaughter’s money boxes, I bought new much larger tins for Sydney & Summer. Tim said it would take years   to fill them, I said that’s fine not planning to give them to the girls for another 4 or 5 years.

Steps: 5,545 = 2.3k’s or 1.4 miles

 

I slept well but was awake at 3.30am, got up at 4am, I had 7hrs & 40mins od sleep, I had a shower after Tim left at 5.30am.

At 4.30am it was 19c or 66f, my BGL was 6.0

It is a nice day, I feel good but around 11am I started to not feel good, so I went and had an hour-long nap.

Around 5.30pm I went downhill fast couldn’t concentrate and felt very tired I will be in bed by 7pm.

Steps: 4,692= 2.3k’s or 1.4miles

I slept through the night waking at 4.15am feeling awake so got up, it is 19c or 66f, I had 9hrs of sleep.

Tim left around 12.30pm for work and I went for a nap at 1pm.

It has been a warm day with the temp around 25c or 77f.

Saw Blain he came just to check on me and later in the day I saw Sam and Bailey.

Steps: 8,086=k’s or 2.5miles

 

Caturday with Archie

 

Good morning, everyone here it is on Saturday again and here I am again showing you all some photos of me being oh so cute

The theme of these photos is how you can’t see me…….

The post with links to other posts

 Hi all, I have been a bit slack this week should have posted this yesterday but didn't

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

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/getting-to-know-you-or-me.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/share-your-world_0223717321.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-green-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/getting-to-know-who-you-or-me.html

 

 

 

 

 

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Colours

 

Good afternoon, all, I have been thinking about colours and the different shades of colours, when I was a child there didn’t seem to be as many different shades of colours.

When it comes to primary colours even, they vary like with traditional art/painting they are red, yellow, blue, these are the primary colours taught in many schools.

When it comes to digital screens the colours are red, green, blue. These match the three types of cone cells in your eyes, which is why screens use them.

Then we have the colours used in printing they are cyan, magenta, yellow, black. Printers add black (K) to make CMYK for deeper shadows.

However, compared to when I was a child there now seems to be an unknown number of shades of different colours. Once there seemed to be only about 6 different shades of each colour.

When we think of shades, we think of different shades of the primary colours.

Am I the only person who feels this was how it was.

 

 

 

 

History of chocolate

 

Hello everyone, today we are looking at the history of something most people like, that is chocolate.

The word “Chocolate” is likely derived from Nahuatl words such as chocolatl or xocoatl, though scholars still debate the exact origin. The first record of the English word chocolate was in 1604.

Some say that begins with sacred rituals in ancient Mesoamerica maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t but here are some of the information I have found.

The earliest known use of cacao traces back over 5,000 years in what is now Mexico.

The earliest confirmed civilization to use cacao, likely as a ceremonial drink was by The Olmecs way back around 1500 BCE. The is archaeological evidence that shows traces of theobromine a cacao compound in ancient pottery.

Then we have the Maya who cultivated cacao and drank it regularly as a thick, frothy, often mixed with chili, honey, or water drink. It is believed that it was a daily ritual.

It was considered “the food of the gods”, sacred enough to be buried with nobles. However, it wasn’t just for elites; many households consumed it daily.

Moving on to the Aztecs who valued cacao beans so highly they used them as currency, worth more than gold.

They drank xocolatl, a bitter, spiced chocolate beverage believed to give strength and vitality. Cacao was considered a divine gift from the god Quetzalcoatl.

Around the 1500’s chocolate had found its way to Europe with Spanish conquistadors encountered cacao in 1519 and brought it to Spain.

It was initially used as medicine; but soon became a fashionable drink among European elites. It was around this time that sugar was added, transforming the bitter drink into something closer to modern hot chocolate.

Over the next three centuries, chocolate spread across Europe, sparking debates about its religious and medicinal value.

It was in 1847 that chocolate became solid when Joseph Fry discovered that mixing cocoa powder, sugar, and melted cocoa butter produced a smooth, mouldable paste, something no one had achieved before. This mixture could finally be poured into a mould and set into a bar, making it the world’s first solid eating chocolate.

It was during World War 1 that Chocolate became a global commodity, especially after World War I, when soldiers received chocolate rations.

Over time new forms emerged such as white chocolate, couverture, and countless others. Also, production skyrocketed, with major markets expanding in Asia and Africa.

By 2018, the global chocolate trade exceeded US$100 billion.

 

Week 11 of 2026

 

Good morning, I had 8.5hrsn of sleep and feel pretty damn good. It is currently 22c or 71f, we are looking at a top temp of only 25, with rain.

It has rained on and off all day and far from hot, I had a nap between 11 &12. I think I should have had another one as at 6.30pm I went into have a wash and get changed for bed, but when I took my PD band off, I became unstable and confused, I improved after eating something.

I have had a lot of pain in my left shoulder all day, even had Tim apply some Deep Heat to it.

Steps:5,073 = 2.5k’s                

Good morning, Monday, woke to rain again it’s another cool start to the day, I had 9hrs of sleep and was out of bed by 4.50am.

I have changed the sheets and the cover on Tims chair, vacuumed and swept as well as sweeping outside the front door.

I washed the sheets toss them in the dryer and folded and put them away when done.

I have had a good day.

Tasha looks like she is in a lot of pain this is due to how much lifting and carrying stuff over the weekend and the fact that her pelvis is screwed.

Steps: 8,330=4.2k’s or 2.6 miles

Hello everyone, I had a good night sleep with around 8hrs, I was up at 4.40am as I was awake. It is wet outside but not raining at the moment, the temp is 21c or 70f.

It has been a good day not hot nor cold and I have felt good all day.

Checked the mail and found four letters including one that was returned to sender saying the address was wrong, but we will see as I just sent a new letter off to that penpal. The addressed was the same as the return address on the last letter I received from this penpal.

Steps: 5,876 = 3k’s or 1.8 miles

              

Hello everyone, I had a good night slept for around 7hrs, the temp at 5am is 20c or 68f.

By 8.30am I had vacuumed, swept out the front, feed the birds washed the towels and hung them up to dry, I cleaned the filters in the washing machine and cleaned the toaster oven. The toaster oven was disgusting and took a while to get clean.

I have read around 50 blogs this morning which is about normal for me.

Timm received to parcels today and so did Jessica and they all arrived around the same time. Then a short while later a parcel came for me.

By 5pm I was starting to feel really tired and will be in bed by 7pm

Steps: 4,664 = 2.9k’s or 1.8miles

I was up early 4.40am, it is a nice cool dry morning. I slept well managed around 8hrs sleep, my BGL was 6.0 and the temp was 23c or 73f at 5am.

I have felt good this morning and productive I like feeling like I can get things done.

It has been a nice cool day there was some heat between 11 and 2 but not overly hot.

The podiatrist changed my appointment for tomorrow from 8am to 8.30am

Steps: 5,729 = 2.9k’s or 1.8miles

Hello everyone, I had a good night sleep getting around 8hrs and 30 minutes.

It is 21c or 70f and it’s only going to be around 26c today.

Sue and I had podiatrist appointments all went well, then we went to the Square to do some shopping. As we left this morning it started to rain and has rained on and off all day. Not a hot day nor a cold day just nice.

The table I ordered for Jess yesterday was delivered this morning that was a shock.

Jessica went and checked the p o box and cancelled it as she will be moving soonish.

Also, this arvo Jess bought me & Tim a pizza from Crust Pizza, just a Hawaiian pizza I really liked it don’t know about Tim.

Steps: 4,160 = 2k’s or 1.2 miles

KELLI’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 32 TODAY

After a good night sleep, I was up at 4.30am, well it was a good night once I settled down, I couldn’t settle at first and decided to try wearing the Beechband and it made a bloody great difference.

My BGL:7.1 and 19c or 66f, a dark and overcast morning, Tim decided to walk down to the shops instead of driving due to the cost of fuel.

It cost Tasha $125 to fill her car with the prize being $2.18 per litre although many places had it at $2.45 per litre.

It did warm up and Tim ended up going out the back and doing whatever.

Steps:9,451=4.8k’s or 2.9miles

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Friday

 This the last school photo I have of myself I am in 5th class and I am the last girl on the right second row of girls with red and black shoes.