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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

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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