The History of Sheep Shearing Clippers

 

 

Sheep shearing clippers have a long history tied closely to farming, wool production, and rural life. For centuries, sheep were shorn by hand using blade shears—spring-like metal tools like large scissors. These early clippers required strength, skill, and patience, and a shearer’s speed could make a major difference during the busy shearing season.

During the 19th century, there was a rapid growth of the wool industry, especially in Australia and New Zealand this created a need for a faster and more efficient method. By the 1860s and 1870s, inventors began experimenting with mechanical shearing machines. A breakthrough came from Frederick York Wolseley, an Irish-born pastoralist and inventor in New South Wales, who helped develop the first commercially successful mechanical shearing system. His machines used a powered handpiece connected to an overhead drive, reducing strain on the shearer and cutting wool more closely than traditional blade shears.

This transformed the shearing shed, in 1888, Dunlop Station in New South Wales became famous as one of the first properties to shear an entire flock by machine. Although many hand shearers initially resisted the new technology, mechanical shearing soon became widely adopted because it increased productivity and produced a more even fleece. So by the early 20th century, the use of machine shearing had become the standard method in many wool-growing regions.

Today sheep shearing clippers are lighter, faster, and more precise than their early predecessors, but they still follow the same basic idea: a powered cutting handpiece designed to remove fleece safely and efficiently.

From simple blade shears to electric clippers, the development of shearing tools reflects the broader story of agricultural innovation and the importance of wool in rural economies.

The Role of the Trachea and Bronchi

 

Today I am writing about the Trachea and Bronchi, after passing through the larynx the air moves into the trachea, read on to know a bit about the roles of the trachea and bronchi.

The trachea and bronchi are important parts of the respiratory system. Their main role is to carry air between the outside environment and the lungs so that oxygen can enter the body and carbon dioxide can be removed. Together, they form part of the airway system that connects the throat to the smaller air passages inside the lungs.

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a strong tube that runs from the larynx down into the chest. It is supported by rings of cartilage, which help keep it open so air can move freely during breathing. The lining of the trachea contains mucus and tiny hair-like structures called cilia. These help trap dust, germs and other particles, then move them away from the lungs to help protect the respiratory system.

At the lower end of the trachea, the airway divides into two main bronchi: one leading to the right lung and one leading to the left lung. The bronchi act like large branches that carry air into each lung. Inside the lungs, they divide into smaller and smaller tubes called bronchioles, which eventually lead to the alveoli, where gas exchange takes place.

In summary, the trachea provides a clear, protected passageway for air, while the bronchi direct that air into each lung. By keeping air moving, moist and filtered, these structures help the body breathe efficiently and protect the delicate gas-exchange surfaces of the lungs.

If the trachea becomes blocked, air cannot pass properly from the mouth and nose down into the lungs. This means the body may not get enough oxygen, and carbon dioxide may build up.

A blockage can happen because of something stuck in the airway, swelling, injury, mucus, or a medical condition. If the trachea is completely blocked, it is a medical emergency because the person may be unable to breathe.

A blocked trachea can cause:

difficulty breathing

coughing or choking

wheezing or noisy breathing

blue lips or skin if oxygen levels drop

loss of consciousness in severe cases

Week 33 of 2026

 

Slept through the night waking at 4.50am and it is a cold morning with a temp of 5c or 41f.

I am dressed in my black track pants and a long sleeve black top, but I expect to change later.

Tim went to help a colleague move stuff he left at 8am and got home at 1pm. He has spent the rest of the day out the back doing whatever he does out there.

At 10am I changed from the trackies into something not so warm.

This afternoon he cut my hair at last only been asking for weeks.

Steps:5,234 = 3.2k’s or 1.9 miles

Slept through the night waking at 4.58am and it’s not cold with the temp being 13c or 55f.

Sue sent me a message saying she was going to Kmart and asked if I wanted to go with her, so I did. The store we went to didn’t have the top she wanted, but Sue spoke to a helpful woman who said she would let Sue know when new stock arrived.

I bought new undies and a $5 set of knifes.

The wind is so very strong, but August is known for strong winds, as we would say it is blowing a gale outside.

The temperature reached 17c or 63f

Steps: 6,980 = 4.3k’s or 2.6 miles

Didn’t sleep as well last night woke a few times during the night to pee but thankfully, I managed to go back to sleep without much effort and I got up for the day at 4.50am, the temp was 13c or 55f. Tim said it is supposed to be a warmish day.

It has been a good day reached a top temp of 19c or 66f. I went for a walk around the driveway when I went to check the letter box only took 15 minutes but at least it was something.

Steps: 5,427=3.3k’s or 2 miles

I slept well although I was up at 4am as I woke to pee and felt awake and with it so decided to get up. When I walked into the kitchen it was a right mess, dirty dishes in the sink the bench had bits of whatever all over it but that is often how it is when I get up. It was 5c at 4.30am and at 6c at 5.30am.

At 8.25 I decided to walk down and post the three letters I have written. I was exhausted by the time I got home.

By midday it was 18c or 66f

I changed the sheets and the cover over Tim’s armchair.

Steps: 8,433 = 5.2k’s or 3.2 miles

I had a good 8hrs sleep and was up at 4.10am again it was 8c or 46f I woke to pee and since I was unable to settle again, I got up and started my day.

It has been a hard start to the day, with me not feeling that with it till around 10am. That said I still managed to clean the kitchen, sweep out and vacuum, I also washed the sheets I took off the bed yesterday and folded the clean laundry and put it away. I also decided to mop the kitchen and bathroom floors.

I decided to walk up and check the letter box at 2pm that was a mistake as I had trouble walking.

Steps:7,250 = 4.4k’s or 2 miles

I had a good night slept till just before the alarm went off, it was only 5c at 5am but it did warm up a bit during the day. It reached a top temp of 21c.

I walked down and posted three letters off at 8.10 took me 30 minutes as I walked around the driveway before doing that. I was exhausted by the time I got home.

Had a mixed day part of it I felt good and other parts I felt tired and in pain.

By 3pm I was so tired and worn out that I found it hard to concentrate and had to put my feet up and close my eyes for half an hour.

Steps:7,530=4.3k’s  

I had a good night slept till 4.30pm when I woke up to pee and decided to stay up. It is 6c or 43f at 5am by 8am it was 9c or 48f.

Tim went out to buy more crumb cutlets/chops and did a baked lunch, but he added some kind of seasoning which burnt my tongue.

It has been a busy day although I feel like I did nothing all day.  

Steps: 7,567 = 4.6k’s

 

The Behaviour of Ginger Cats

 

Hello everyone, it’s Caturday with Archie who is a ginger cat so todays post is about the behaviour of ginger cats

Ginger cats, often called orange tabbies or marmalade cats, have a reputation for being friendly, confident, and full of character. While many owners describe them as playful, affectionate, vocal, or highly food-motivated, it is important to remember that coat colour does not determine personality on its own. A cat’s behaviour is shaped by genetics, early socialisation, environment, health, and individual temperament.

One common observation is that ginger cats are often sociable. Many enjoy being near people, following their owners from room to room, or settling close by for attention. Some are also quite talkative, using meows, chirps, or trills to ask for food, play, or company. Their boldness can make them curious explorers, especially in homes where they feel safe and stimulated.

Ginger cats are also frequently described as playful and food oriented. They may respond well to puzzle feeders, short training sessions, and interactive toys because these activities give them a chance to use their curiosity and energy. Regular play can help reduce boredom-related behaviours such as excessive meowing, scratching furniture, or demanding attention at inconvenient times.

However, not every ginger cat behaves the same way. Some are outgoing and cheeky, while others are quiet, cautious, or independent. The best way to understand any ginger cat is to look beyond the colour of its coat and pay attention to its body language, routines, preferences, and past experiences. With patience, enrichment, and consistent care, ginger cats can make affectionate and entertaining companions.

Links

 

Here are this week’s links

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/08/sharing-my-world_0866100596.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/08/just-some-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/08/friendly-fill-ins.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

The Invention of Scissors

 

Today I am writing about scissors something most of us use all the time, they are one of the most useful everyday tools, but they were not invented all at once by a single person. Their design developed over thousands of years as people looked for better ways to cut cloth, hair, leather, plants, and other materials.

The earliest scissors were probably spring-style shears used in ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. These early tools were usually made from bronze and had two blades connected by a curved strip of metal. When someone squeezed the blades together, they cut; when the pressure was released, the metal spring opened them again.

A major improvement came during the Roman period, when craftsmen developed pivoted scissors. This design used two separate blades joined by a central pin or screw, allowing the blades to slide past each other. This made scissors easier to control and closer to the type we use today.

Modern scissors became more common in the eighteenth century. In 1761, Robert Hinchliffe of Sheffield, England, is widely credited with making scissors from cast steel and helping produce them on a larger scale. Steel made scissors stronger, sharper, and more durable than earlier bronze or iron versions.

Today, scissors come in many forms, including sewing scissors, kitchen scissors, hairdressing scissors, safety scissors, and surgical scissors. Although their shape has changed over time, the basic idea remains the same: two sharp blades working together to make cutting faster, cleaner, and easier.

The Role of the Pharynx and Larynx

This week we are looking at the roles of the pharynx and larynx. They are important parts of the throat that help with breathing, swallowing and speaking. Although they are close together, they have different roles. The pharynx acts like a shared passageway for air, food and liquid, while the larynx helps move air into the lungs and produces sound.

The pharynx, commonly called the throat, is a muscular tube located behind the nose and mouth. Its main role is to direct air from the nose or mouth toward the larynx and lungs, while also guiding food and liquids toward the oesophagus and stomach. Because both the respiratory and digestive systems pass through this area, the pharynx is essential for breathing and swallowing.

The larynx, also known as the voice box, sits below the pharynx and above the trachea. It allows air to pass into the windpipe and lungs and contains the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound. The larynx also helps protect the airway during swallowing, as structures such as the epiglottis help prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea.

Together, the pharynx and larynx help separate the pathways for air and food. The pharynx directs air and food to the correct places, while the larynx keeps the airway open for breathing and supports speech. This coordination is especially important when swallowing, because it helps reduce the risk of choking or inhaling food into the lungs.

The Adam’s apple is the visible bump at the front of the neck that is formed by part of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx. It helps protect the vocal cords inside the voice box and provides support for structures involved in speaking and swallowing. The Adam’s apple often becomes more noticeable during puberty because the larynx grows, which can also contribute to a deeper voice. Although it is usually more prominent in males, everyone has this cartilage to some degree.