A Stressful Day

 

Hi all, yesterday Friday 1 May was a stressful day for me I had to go and have an Xray done of my neck as I still have pain from when I fell on the cruise. However, I had only just got home when my doctor’s surgery called to tell me I had to go back and have a CT scan done of my neck asap. So, I went back and had that done the radiologist spoke to Sue and explained there was a small break in the neck.

After a couple of hours my doctor’s surgery rang and said I needed to go to emergency about the break, I didn’t want to go due to the time, but of course I did, Sue took me over and she stayed with me the whole time, I was there around 8hrs.

So, I have a C4 teardrop fracture at the back of my neck but thankfully not the front and the break is stable.

A C4 teardrop fracture is a serious injury to the cervical spine, typically caused by high-energy trauma such as a car accident or a heavy fall. This type of fracture occurs at the fourth cervical vertebra and is often associated with damage to the spinal cord, which can result in varying degrees of paralysis or loss of sensation below the level of the injury. In addition to bony damage, there may also be ligamentous injury and potential instability in the neck, making immediate medical attention critical to prevent further complications.

Symptoms of a C4 fracture vary depending on the injury’s severity and spinal cord involvement. Patients experience localized pain in the neck, which may radiate to the shoulders or arms. Muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and legs are common. More serious neurological deficits, such as paralysis in the arms, hands, torso, and legs, or even loss of diaphragm function requiring ventilator assistance, can occur with spinal cord involvement. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is important to prevent further damage.

I now have to go back to my GP and arrange to have an MRI done to check for ligamentous injury.

So what does this mean in the long run, well it is still a serious cervical spine injury a future fall could cause loss of stability in the fracture which would not be good. As this could cause damage to the spinal cord resulting in problems breathing, difficulties moving my arms, loss of sensation in my body.

Worsening of the fracture as in an increased displacement, new cracks, or involvement of other vertebrae. As well as soft‑tissue injury to ligaments, discs, and muscles around the fracture can be damaged, reducing stability.

Then there are delayed neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in coordination.

So even a “simple” fall — tripping, slipping, or landing awkwardly can transmit force through the neck. So, a stable C4 teardrop fracture can stay stable if protected, but a fall can change the situation quickly.

 

Week 18 of 2026

 

I had an early start woke at 3.45am to pee couldn’t settle again so got up at 4am, the first thing I did was have a shower. I had a good 9hrs of sleep.

Then I had to clean the kitchen and start the laundry before unpacking the dishwasher and making myself a milk shake.

After hanging the washing out, I went for my daily walk it has been a warm day.

This afternoon I was folding the clothes up and felt extremely exhausted and Tim asked me what was wrong I told him I was exhausted and he said how about I do the yard work, and he does the housework, I replied how about you have Parkinson’s and I don’t. He said what’s that got to do with it, every bloody thing that’s what.

Here I am on Monday morning been up since 4.20am had a good 9hrs of sleep again it is now 5.45am and the temp is 13c or 55f.

I have had a busy morning sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, changed the bed sheets.

Tim hung the washing on the outside clothesline. He is off today as it is a public holiday.

It warmed up to 23c or 73f.

Steps: 8,937 = 4.5k’s of 2.7 miles

 

I had a so-so night, I was up and out of bed by 3.30am due to being in so much pain, the pain is on the left side of my neck and my right hip as well as my back from the middle down. I still feel a bit tired, but I am doing ok I am functioning. I had around 6hrs of sleep.

It is 11c or 52f at 4am and it is supposed to warm up to 22c.

Sue said she things I should see the doctor to make sure all is ok since I have been in pain and have limited movement in my neck since I fell over on the cruise. So I now have an appointment tomorrow.

I had an hour a nap after lunch, but by 6.30pm I was falling asleep in my armchair so off to bed I go.

Steps: 8,226 = 4k’s or 2.4miles

I had a good night slept through to 4am when I got up to pee felt awake and decided to stay up. I had around 9hrs of sleep. The temp at 5am is 13c or 55f.

I have made a doctor’s appointment for 11.24am, seen the doc he wants me to get an Xray done of my neck just to be sure all is good.

Sandy said I might have a slipped disc I hope she is wrong.

Sandy rang to tell me she can no longer deal with Landon’s violent nature so has informed DCJ of that and he is being returned to his mum. Sandy has done the best she could and did make some progress but her own daughter is not in a good place mentally and she wants to focus on her needs. She will let Landon know she is only a phone call away if he needs to talk to someone.

Michelle has gone on and on about wanting her kids back and now that she is getting Landon back, she doesn’t really want him because he will interrupt her life.

Steps: 9,809 = 5k’s or 3miles

Another early start to the day and I was up later last night it was 8pm when I went to bed. I slept well till 3am when I got up to pee but found it hard to settle again, so at 4am I got up and had my shower.

I am feeling good this morning no morning walk because I am going shopping with Sue.

I have had a good day I washed the ramp outside after sweeping it and I vacuumed and washed the towels all before Sue picked me up.

Steps: 10,353 = 5k’s 3miles

A good night managed 7hrs of sleep was up at 4.30, washed, dressed and ready for the day, first task of the day unpack the dishwasher and clean the kitchen.

Tim doesn’t sound good this morning he sounds like he has a cold.

I went and had my Xray done but after I got home, I had a phone call from the doctor’s surgery letting me know I now need a CT scan done today.

So, I have had the CT scan done and it turns out I have a small break in a bone in my neck. I am now waiting to hear from my GP as to what he wants to do next.

The GP sent me to the emergency room where I am going now, and I expect to be there till sometime late tonight.

Steps: 8,498 = 4.3k’s or 2.6 miles

I slept well after finally getting home at around 10.50pm, I spoke to Tim for a bit then went to bed.

I had around 6hrs of sleep, I was up at 6.15.

So it seems I have a stable C4 teardrop fracture in my neck, I have to see my GP and get referred for an MRI.

There were many phone calls to Sue during the time at the hospital, a good reminder of how much my; family love me.

Yes, I am worried about falling over again. I cannot let my fear of falling over again to stop me walking each day.

Steps: 5,751

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links

 

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

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

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/sharing-my-world.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/sunday-stealing-on-wednesday.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/remarkable-sister.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/05/getting-to-know-me.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

Cruise Day 3.....Hobart

 

On day three of the cruise, we were in Hobart for the day after getting off the ship we decided to get on the hop on hop off bus a tour bus and I found it interesting.

When it reached the Female Factory which was a women’s convict prison, we got of to visit the factory. After we got off the bus it was a long ass walk to the prison thankfully all downhill took us 10-15-minutes to walk there.

The tour was great I will do a post about it later, after the tour I thought we would get a cab to the next location to get back on the bus, however, Tim said it was only a couple hundred metres downhill so I agreed to walk it, he was wrong it turned out to be 1.4k’s and I felt exhausted by the time we reached the bus stop.

So, it was decided that Sue and I would return to the ship while Jess and Tim went to the old gaol, but that was closed.

As it turned out both Sue and Me as well as Tim & Jess arrived back at the ship at the same time.

The rest of the day was spent drinking cocktails.

Cruise Day 2

 

On our first night on the cruise the ship is moving a lot, and there was a lot of announcements telling guest to hold on to handrails or walk close to the wall if they are feeling unsteady.

I did feel the ship moving but once I was in bed I didn’t notice it and had a good 9hrs of shut eye. I was still up at 5am and spent time writing my diary entry and drafting a letter to my penpals.

We had breakfast in the Botticell Dining room, and we will not be going back there, there service was so slow, and Tim didn’t like what he ordered. The bacon was so crispy it hurt our teeth; the waiter told us we should have ordered English bacon.

Jess started to feel sick with motion sickness and skipped breakie and return to her cabin to sleep, she in fact spent the rest of the day sleeping.

After breakie Sue and I went to hear a talk about Hobart and Port Arthur it was interesting but due to how much the ship was rocking I start to feel unwell, so we left before it ended.

After lunch Sue and I returned to our cabins for a nap, I was woken by my alarm for medication. I walked into the bathroom feeling great lost my balance or tripped I don’t know which and fell, I hit my head and ended up with a bruise on my arm, a sore right knee and a very sore and stiff neck. I managed to stand and walk back to the bed get my phone and ring Sue. I tried to ring Tim but couldn’t. Sue turned up in only a couple of minutes she was still in her nightie and barefoot and left her medallion in her cabin, she checked me over then returned to her cabin. She had to knock loudly on the door to wake Jess up to let her back in the cabin. She told Jess about my fall and assured I was alright, so Jess went back to sleep.

Sue messaged Tim and as soon as he saw the message he came back to check on me.

I am bruised and sore, in fact today I went and saw my GP because I still have a pain and stiffness in my neck and I have to have an Xray just to make sure all is good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruise Day 1

 

On Saturday the 18^th we left for our cruise we were picked up at 10am in a minibus which Jess arranged from the company she worked for, for over ten years and still does some weekend work for them at times. She received a good discount.

When we went to board the ship because I had the walker and we didn’t have to wait in a long queue, Sue converted the walker to the wheelchair and Tim pushed me onboard.

After finding our cabins we went in search of food which had Sue and me wondering around in circles, well it seemed like we did. In the end Sue, Jess and I ordered some hot chips to my cabin.

Around 6pm Tim contacted the service desk as my luggage hadn’t arrived all the others had theirs, while he was doing that it was delivered to Sue & Jess’s cabin.

It felt like a long day with a lot of walking, and I was in bed by 7pm.

Week 17 of 2026

 I am a day late posting this, I forgot yesterday.

Good morning all it is 5.30am the temp is 11c or 52f, after Tim gets up, I will pack my Cpap machine, we will be picked up around 10ish.

The trip to Sydney went well the driver was a nice guy can’t remember his name. Tim talked to him all the way down.

We didn’t have to wait around as we converted the walker to a wheelchair and that helped us skip the long line.

It has been a long day with a lot of walking most of it done trying to find food. It took ages but we managed it after eating we return to our cabins; well Sue and I did Tim and Jess did a bit more exploring. I am so worn out and my feet hurt.

I am so glad Sue and Jess are with us.

Steps: 10,158=5.9k’s

First night on the cruise the ship is moving a lot, 8but I slept well with around 9hrs of sleep although the watch say only 6hrs I believe it was more.

I am up at 5am as I feel awake so decided to just get up it is currently 12c

We had breakfast in the Botticell Dining room, and we will not be going back there, there service was so slow, and Tim didn’t like what he ordered. The bacon was so crispy it hurt our teeth.

Jess started to feel sick as in motion sickness and skipped breakie and return to her cabin to sleep.

After breakie Sue and I went to hear a talk about Hobart and Port Arthur but due to how much the ship was rocking I start to feel unwell.

After lunch Sue and I returned to our cabins for a nap, I was woken by my alarm for medication. I walked into the bathroom feeling great lost my balance or tripped I don’t know which and fell, I hit my head and ended up with a bruise on my arm, a sore right knee and a very sore and stiff neck. I managed to stand and walk back to the bed get my phone and ring Sue. I tried to ring Tim but couldn’t. Sue was here in only a couple of minutes she checked me over the returned to her cabin when I said I would be ok.

Sue messaged Tim and as soon as he saw the message he came back to check on me.

Steps: 5,066 = 2.5k’s or 1.5miles

ANNIVERSARY OF DAD’S PASSING, IT’S BEEN 7YRS

Up at 5am and had a shower on my own without issue, the temp is 10c.

We are going on a tour at Port Arthur the ticket said not suitable for those with mobility issues, I didn’t notice that when I booked the tour, oh well we will see what happens.

Sue and I decided not to go on the Port Arthur tour which turned out to be the right choice as both Jess and Tim said it was too much for either of us.

Instead, we stayed on board and checked out the photos that have been taken of us and both Sue and I bought 2 photos.

After lunch I had a nap because I had three Baked Alaska cocktails and needed a nap.

Later Sue, Tim and I attended some quizzes then decided to come back to our cabin to rest awhile.

Steps: 5,066=2.5k’s or 1.5miles

Up at 5am and after a wash and dressing I am now just doing stuff on the computer while Tim sleeps.

We are at sea today, Jess and Sue ordered breakie via room service so there will only be me and Tim at breakfast.

Before breakie while I was alone, I went for a walk outside around the pool twice before heading in to have breakie.

After breakfast I was just wondering around the ship when I went to get into a lift only to have Sue exit said lift.

I bought a Coke Zero with a glass of ice at the international café and took it with me to the Fusion Lounge to take part in the quiz. Well, I lifted the glass to have a drink, and the bottom fell off the glass hitting my right knee and getting Coke and ice all over my leg and foot. Sue picked up the glass and went over to the bar to tell them what happened and they didn’t seem to care and did nothing. Sue had to get some napkins to mop it up. I was in shock. After the quiz we went and lodged a complaint.

Sue, Tim and Jess are going to play Bingo this afternoon. I am not interested in bingo.

Went to the burger place for dinner and Tim went on about the burgers not having beetroot so much that I used a firm voice and told him to get over it.

Steps: 8,119 = 4k’s

Up at 5am and had a shower without issue and dressed for the day, we are at Melbourne today, the temp is 14c at 6am.

Sue and I might get off to check out any markets that may be near the ship. There wasn’t so we walked along the pier for a bit then returned to the ship.

We went to check out the ten pin bowling, Sue gave it a try managed to knock down 4.

We then meet up with Tim, and I had a couple of Baked Alaska’s then I had a nap.

After my nap me and Sue went to check out a music quiz then Sue went for a smoke and the ladies giving free sample massages was set up so we got that, but they wanted us to pay $99 for a full half hour massage but we both said we couldn’t afford it. That was when the sample massage ended it was only a minute or two long, but it did feel good.

Stepd:4,535 = 2k’s

Up at 5am and had a shower without issue again this morning and dressed for the day, we are at sea today heading for Sydney. The temp at 6am was 8c. I had 9hrs of good sleep.

I have worn a different outfit each day of the week, unlike the others who didn’t pack an outfit a day.

Tim just came back from having a smoke and said there was a medical emergency on deck 16 a man was waiting for a chopper to come and transport him to a hospital. Tim said that he had died but was revived and the coast guard decided to medivac him a to a hospital. Sadly, his wife was unable to go with him.

All of us are feeling out of sorts and don’t really want to be around people.

I am not going to dinner I will just get some chips delivered to my cabin.

3,287 = 1.6k’s or .9 of a mile

ANAZAC DAY

Everyone was up early and ready to head home. I had a good night got around 10hrs of sleep.

We disembarked the ship at 7am and had to wait till 8.30am for our ride home to arrive, the trip back to Newie was uneventful and we arrived here around 10.45.

The first thing I felt the need to do was clean the kitchen, I then unpacked my bag sat and did nothing for a bit then had a nap and returned to doing nothing much.

Steps:9991 = 5k’s or 3miles

 

 

I'm home

 

I am home and damn it feels good to be home, I am not doing anything much today but tomorrow I will be washing and doing housework.

We disembarked the ship at 7am and had to wait till 8.30am for our ride home to arrive, the trip back to Newie was uneventful and we arrived here around 10.45.

The first thing I did was clean the kitchen and check the mail then I unpacked my bag, I then did nothing for a while before going for a nap.

When I checked my emails there was 712 in my Hotmail and 58 in my Gmail and 37 in my Bigpond account so all up 807emails to go through.

Week 16 of 2026

 

Another early start up at 4.20 it is a cold morning only 9c (48f) at 5am by 6am it was 11c (52f). I had around 6 and a half hours of sleep and I am feeling good this morning.

Late yesterday afternoon Tim cut my hair at last it feels much better.

I walked down the road about 80metres or 262feet to the post box to send off some letters I had written.

By midday it had reached 21c, Tim says he is cold.

Around 12.30pm Tim decided to catch a bus to Charlie to do some shopping, while at the square he saw Sue who drove to the square Tim said she could have walked over in 5-minutes in fact it would take more like 10-15 minutes.

Steps: 7, 974=4k’s

A later start to the day I was up at 5.40 and it is another cold morning with the temp of 10c or 50f.

Tim and I went to Lake Fair to do some shopping, the around midday we went out again to see Jessica, by the time we got home I was exhausted.

Found two deliveries when we got home one I think is Jess’s new table Tim said it was bloody heavy.

I am so tired I’m off to bed at 6.30pm

Steps:5,066=2.5k’s or 1.5miles

Had a good night got 10hrs of sleep woke at 4.30 and got up, I was that tired and not with-it last night that I got out shorts to wear today, had to go and find long pants.

At 5.30am it was 10c or 50f.

Tim has work today and should be home around 3.30pm.

Sue arrived around 10am she came to pick up the printed what to pack list. Jessica and Sam turned up just after they were here for about 15-minutes then Jess took the keys to hand in to Housing and drop Sam off at Bailey’s she then returned here to hang out till it is time to go get Sam and head home.

Steps: 8,404 = 4.2k’s (2.6m)

I slept well having 9hrs of sleep but was still up at 4.30am the temp was 8c or 46f.

Went for a walk this morning did a little more and felt good.

Tim is working this afternoon/night, he had a doctor’s appointment this morning then had to go and get a CT scan of his chest.

I have had a good day, I walked up and checked the letter box, nothing for me but three things for Tasha, I check her box when I check mine.  Also, Jess sent a message thanking me for the new house card I sent her and Sam.

Steps: 8,077=4k’s or 2,4m

I slept well having 9hrs of sleep but was still up at 4.30am the temp was 11c or 52f.

Sue’s shopping day so no morning walk for me today.

Not long after I got home from shopping, I was putting new cans of Pepsi Max in the fridge and dropped one on my foot breaking the skin leaving blood on the kitchen floor. I put socks on so I couldn’t see the blood. After a while the foot was good.

It is another hot day the temp reached 28c or 82.4f.

Steps: 9,568 = 4.8k’s

I slept well got up around 4.20am and had a shower, went for my walk, walking down the road to post letters.

I asked Sue if she could take me to the chemist to pick up scrips, was surprised that we have reached our safety limit so our scrips will be free for the rest of the year.

I did a load of washing this morning hung it on the clothes hoists and took them outside as it is going to be a hot day.

Was able to bring the clothes in around 2pm and folded them and finished packing.

No nap today as Tim put both suitcases on the bed and I couldn’t move them.

Steps: 14,059 = 4ks or 2.4miles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going on a cruise

 

Hi all, just thought I would let everyone know that I will not be around till the 25 April as Tim and I are going on a cruise along with our daughter Jessica and my sister Sue, it is a local cruise from Sydney to Hobart and back we leave on Saturday the 18^th.

So will be spending a lot of tomorrow trying on clothes and packing and trying to decide what shoes to take.

This will be mine and Tim’s fourth cruise and Jess & Sue’s first. We booked this cruise a year ago, at first, it was supposed to be Tasha and Jess coming as it was Tasha’s idea but not long after we booked and paid the deposit she decided she couldn’t afford it so we asked Sue is she would like to come and she jumped at the idea. Since she had 9 months to pay for it, she did manage to pay it off in plenty of time.

Jess and Sue are sharing a cabin, and we have booked balcony cabins.

Jess arranged transport to and from Sydney.

 

Links

 

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

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/friendly-fill-in.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/getting-to-know-you-or-me.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/a-grill-cheese-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/sunday-stealing-your-tongue.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/sharing-my-tone-deaf-world.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/04/remarkable-sister.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

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