History of Chocolate in USA

 

This week we are looking at the history of chocolate in the USA.

Around the mid 1660’s chocolate was being imported, it was consumed as a hot, thick drink which was believed to have medicinal properties.

The first true chocolate brands in the United States emerged in the late 1700s and 1800s, as chocolate shifted from a colonial drink to an industrially produced food.

The fist chocolate brand was Baker’s Chocolate founded in 1765 in Massachusetts, Dr. James Baker and chocolatier John Hannon started producing chocolate for drinking, for more than a century, Baker’s dominated the U.S. chocolate market before the rise of Hershey.

In 1852 in San Francisco the company Ghirardelli was founded it brought European chocolate‑making techniques to the American West. It is one of the oldest continuously operating chocolate brands in the USA and it helped establish California as a chocolate‑making hub.

Let’s move forward to 1894 when Milton Hershey pioneered mass production of milk chocolate, making it cheap enough for everyday Americans.

Hershey bars became a national staple and later a WWI and WWII military ration, cementing chocolate as part of American identity. Its bars and Kisses defined U.S. chocolate culture in the 20th century.

Hershey’s chocolate is considered low quantity due to much sugar, cheaper fats and lots of additives.

 

 

Beautiful Dogs

 

Last week I looked at ugly dogs, so this week I am looking at a few of what are considered the best-looking dogs. Here are five of those breeds.

Starting with the Siberian Husky, they have striking blue or multi-coloured eyes, wolf‑like features, and a thick, dramatic coat. This is why it is regularly ranked #1 on “most beautiful dog” lists.

Next, we have the Golden Retriever with their soft, flowing golden coat and warm, expressive eyes, they are universally loved for both appearance and temperament.

Then we have the German Shepherd with their strong, athletic build with sharp, intelligent features, they have a regal posture and iconic silhouette.

Another one on the most beautiful dog list is the Doberman Pinscher with their sleek, shiny coat and elegant, muscular lines. They are frequently described as one of the most graceful breeds.

Lastly there is the Chow Chow which has a lion‑like mane and plush, teddy‑bear appearance, it has a unique look that stands out from any other breed.

 

Week 15 of 2026

 

I slept well getting a good 7hrs of sleep, I was up at 4am even though the clock read 5am due to the end of daylight savings.

I have walked up and down the driveway 3 times today. It is around 40 metres or 140 feet.

Tim made homemade sausage rolls for lunch the ones he made me were really nice. He also gave some to Tasha, Blain and Ta’lia.

Tim tried to remove the air cons from Jess’s windows but nope they would not budge.

Steps:4,381 = 2.2k’s or 1.3miles

I slept well it was 8.30pm before I went to bed last night that was good and I slept for 8.5hrs getting up around 4.30am. It is a cool 14c or 57f.

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.

Tim went over and uninstalled Jess’s dishwasher.  

Steps: 6,177 = 3k’s or 1.8 miles

I had another good night the watch says I had 6.5hrs of sleep but I think it was closer to 7.5 or 8hrs.

I was up at 4.15am but I was feeling awake and refreshed so got up. It is currently 5.10am and 15c of 59f my BGL was 6.2, it is supposed to reach 26c or 79f.

Yes, it did reach 28c or 82f and I was uncomfortable, also the heat gave me a headache.

Steps:6,427=3.2k’s or 1.9miles

I had another good night with around 9hrs of sleep, up at 4.40am due to pain in my left shoulder. It is currently 5.30am and 17c or 62f my BGL was 6.5 this morning.

It has been another hot day; I had a rough start to the day but a good afternoon.

Sam came over for a visit while Jess and Tim were gone but left before they arrived home. Saw Sandy who wanted to know why Jess’s house was open and empty I told her to ask Sam as I’m not allowed to tell people anything.

Steps:5,555 = 2.8k’s or 1.7miles.

I had another good night my watch said I only got 3hrs sleep, I think my watch came lose during the night as I was in bed by 7.30 slept through to 2.30 when I got up to pee then back to bed for another 2hrs, so that’s more like 9hrs of sleep.

It is currently 6am the temp is 17c or 62f and we are looking at a top temp of 31c or 88f.

Yeah, it got hot enough to turn the air con on.

Tim and I went to the shops this morning and I took a turn for the worse, I started shaking uncontrollably and Tim walked off and left me, I didn’t say anything because I didn’t think I would get as bad as I felt. Thankfully when I got home, I was able to take my medication, sit and do some breathing and after a few minutes I was much better. When I started to shake and lose concentration I turned the Beech-Band on and my concentration returned and the shake settled some but didn’t stop completely till I got home.

Steps: 5,705 = 2.9k’s or 1.8 miles

Had another good night with 8hrs of sleep and I am good and feel really with it. It is currently 5.30am and it is 19c or 66f, it is supposed to reach 35c.

It has warmed up but it does not feel as hot as yesterday.

Tim has been working all day again and is pleased with his progress. I am happy he is happy, even if I don’t see the point in all he has done.

Steps: 4,633 = 2.3k’s or 2.6miles

Another early start up at 4.15am I had a good 8.5hrs of sleep, I am washed and dressed ready for the day it is 19c or 66f we are looking at a top of 25c.

I went for a longer walk this morning which pleased me only needed a short rest.

Spoke to Kathy after lunch for about half an hour it is always nice to talk to her.

Steps: 5,175 = 3.6k’s or 1.6 miles

 

 

 

 

Photo Friday

 

                                                                     TIM AND HIS GIRLS

Trachoma

 

This week we are looking at an eye condition I haven’t heard of it is Trachoma which is a bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

It’s one of the world’s leading preventable causes of blindness, and while rare in most developed countries, it still occurs in remote Australian communities, especially among Aboriginal children.

Trachoma is an infectious disease of the conjunctiva (the inner surface of the eyelid). Repeated infections over many years cause scarring, which can eventually make the eyelid turn inward, so the eyelashes scrape the cornea this is a painful condition called trichiasis. Without treatment, this can lead to corneal damage and blindness.

It is spread through eye and nose secretions from infected people. As in direct contact of hands, faces and close play, as well as sharing towels, bedding, or face cloths. Then there is a way you may not think of and that’s flies that land on infected eyes and then on others

It thrives in places like overcrowded housing, limited access to clean water resulting in difficulty with face‑washing and other hygiene

Symptoms vary by stage and often start mild, especially in children. Early symptoms include itchy, irritated eyes, redness, a sticky discharge and swollen eyelids.

Then there are the symptoms after long‑term progression which happens if untreated, these are scarring of the inner eyelid, the eyelid turning inward, eyelashes scraping the cornea, corneal clouding then vision loss or blindness.

Who is most at risk, well young children and women in affected communities due to close contact with children.

In Australia, trachoma is found almost exclusively in remote Aboriginal communities, making Australia the only developed country where blinding trachoma still occurs.

This condition is treatable, especially in early stages with a single dose of the antibiotic azithromycin, all household contacts should be treated at the same time to stop reinfection.

The longer it is left untreated the more advanced disease becomes trichiasis which may require surgery to correct the eyelid position.

Links

 

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

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/aprils-first-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/share-your-or-my-world.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/an-eggy-hodgepodge.html

 

 

 

 

 

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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.