Pleurisy: why breathing can hurt

 

Today I am writing about the lung condition of pleurisy.

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura—the thin layers of tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the inside of the chest. When these layers become inflamed, they can rub together as you breathe, causing sharp chest pain.

The main symptom is a sharp or stabbing pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply, cough or sneeze. The pain may spread to your shoulder or back. You may also have a cough, fever or breathlessness, depending on the underlying cause.

Chest pain is not something to self-diagnose. Other conditions, including a blood clot in the lung or a heart problem, can cause similar symptoms.

I could not find any figures about how common it is.

How do you get this well it often follows a viral infection, but it can also be linked to pneumonia, autoimmune conditions or other illnesses. Finding the cause matters because treatment depends on what is triggering the inflammation.

How is it treated you wonder well a healthcare professional may examine your chest and arrange tests, such as a chest X-ray or blood tests. Treatment may involve pain relief and treatment of the underlying condition. Antibiotics are only useful when a bacterial infection is involved; they do not treat viruses.

Rest may help while you recover and of course take pain relief.

If you think you may have this seek prompt medical assessment for new or unexplained chest pain, even if it seems mild. Call your local emergency number for sudden or severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or chest pain with sweating or pain spreading to your arm, jaw or back. Coughing up blood also needs urgent medical attention.

 

The South Pole

I decided to write a about about the South Pole, this is the southernmost point on Earth, located deep within Antarctica. 

The South Pole is the southernmost point on Earth, located deep within Antarctica. It lies on a vast sheet of ice, surrounded by a frozen landscape that stretches towards the horizon. Unlike the North Pole, which sits over the Arctic Ocean, the South Pole rests on a continent. At this unique spot, every direction leads north.

The first team to reach the South Pole was led by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. He arrived with four companions on 14 December 1911.

During the famous race to the South Pole, Robert Falcon Scott and his four companions reached the Pole but died on the return journey in 1912. Their deaths occurred after reaching their destination, not on the way there. Amundsen and his four companions all returned safely.

Life at the South Pole is shaped by extreme cold and unusual seasons. The sun stays above the horizon for roughly half the year, followed by months of darkness. The air is exceptionally dry, and the landscape has no trees or ordinary gardens. Although penguins are closely associated with Antarctica, they live mainly near the coast rather than at the South Pole itself.

Despite its remoteness, the South Pole is an important place for scientific research. Researchers at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station study the atmosphere, ice and universe. Their work helps us understand our planet and the space beyond it. The South Pole is more than a point on a map: it is a remarkable example of Earth’s extremes and humanity’s curiosity.

 

Week 43 of 2026 a day late

 

Had a good night woke with the alarm again this morning. I was in bed early last night at 6.45pm and fell straight off to sleep and slept through to 4am when I needed to pee, I then went straight back to sleep.

Tasha came and spoke to her dad about loaning her money to get another car she wants something smaller and he said he would, I was surprised.

Yesterday she came down in a bit of a state because she realised her car runs out of rego on Monday, she asked me to pay the CTP for her, and she went and got a rego check. All is good now.

I have had a so so day not great but could have been worse.

Steps:6,675

I had an ok night I was up twice to pee and when Tim’s alarm went off at 4.45am and since I was more or less awake, I got up.

I had my dental appointment, she cleaned out some gunk around the bottom teeth, she also told me it isn’t a long-term fix, and I am going to lose my bottom teeth and wants me to see about going on the waiting list for dentures. She also told me to rinse my mouth twice a day with a particular mouthwash, which I have bought cost $16, and I have to use it for 5 days.

Tim will be home later then usual as he has another job after his school run.

Steps:6,466

I had another good night slept through till Tim’s alarm went off at 4.55am, I am up and waiting for Tim to leave so I can have a shower. It is 10c or 50f at 5am.

Walked up and had a look at
I have had a good day until around 4.30pm when I started to feel sick as in nauseous and extremely tired.

Steps:8,225

I slept well woke only once to pee and that was at 4am, it has been a rough start to the day with legs that didn’t want to work as they should but by 9.30, they are improving.

I went to ride the scooter up to Tasha’s but only got as far as the front door when it died, the battery needs replacing

Tim will be home around 7.45 a s he has another job after the school run.

Steps: 8,253

I slept well woke only once to pee and that was at 1.30am after that I went back to sleep till just before the alarm went off.

It is a wet morning with heavy steady rain it is supposed to rain all day like it is now. Thankfully I don’t need to leave the house today.

Tasha sent me a voice message, and I could hear the pain in her voice which made me want to cry, the pain is in her back she has had back X-rays done and they do not look good. I told her to ring the ambos and if needed go to hospital.

Tim rang to let me know he will be home long after I have gone to bed as he is now doing a rail run which is around an hour and a half each way.

Tasha has improved she had a hot shower and that helped enough. She does have a high pain threshold.

Steps: 9,133

I slept well woke only once to pee and that was at 1.30am after that I went back to sleep till just before the alarm went off.

I woke up at 4.40am to pee and stayed up, Tim was asleep on the lounge he said he wasn’t able to settle so stayed up and got what sleep he could. He had the heater on, and the room was so suffocatingly hot.

I managed to walk down and post my letters when I got home, I was exhausted.

This afternoon Drew and family were moving; Tasha doesn’t know if it is a permanent move or temporary only time will tell.

Steps:11,850

I slept well woke three times to pee and ended up staying up after I got up to pee at 4.30am.

I have paid Natasha comprehensive car insurance she transferred the money to me so I could pay it for her.

Had a great chat with Kathy this morning loved it.

It has been hot day.

Steps: 10, 855

 

 

 

 

 

 

The World’s Oldest Cats

 

Today I am writing about two very old cats starting with Flossie, the oldest living cat in 2026, and Creme Puff, the oldest ever recorded

As of October 2026, Flossie is the oldest verified living cat. The British tortoiseshell was born on 29 December 1995, making her 30 years old. Guinness World Records first recognised her as the world’s oldest living cat in 2022.

Flossie lives in Orpington, England, with her owner, Victoria Green. Although she is deaf and has limited eyesight, she remains affectionate and enjoys eating, sleeping and gentle play.

The other one was Creme Puff, a domestic cat from Austin, Texas, is widely recognised as the oldest cat ever recorded. She was born on 3 August 1967 and lived until 6 August 2005—an extraordinary 38 years and 3 days.

She belonged to Jake Perry, who also cared for another exceptionally long-lived cat named Grandpa Rex Allen. Creme Puff’s lifespan was remarkable because most pet cats live for roughly 12 to 18 years, although some reach their twenties.

Her story is a reminder that genetics, attentive care, a safe home and regular veterinary support can all contribute to a cat’s wellbeing. Even so, reaching Creme Puff’s age remains exceptionally rare, which is why her record continues to capture the imagination of cat lovers around the world.

 

Links

 

Here are this week’s links

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/10/sharing-my-world_01788353466.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/10/just-bit-of-hodgepodge.html

 https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/10/tuesdays-four-on-thursday.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Huge Herbivore Dinosaurs: Giants of the Prehistoric World

Today’s post is about huge herbivore dinosaurs can you imagine an animal longer than a bus, with a neck stretching towards the treetops and feet built to carry an enormous body. Some of the largest dinosaurs were herbivores: animals that ate plants rather than other animals. The biggest belonged to a group called sauropods, recognised by their long necks, long tails, small heads and four sturdy legs.

Among these giants were Argentinosaurus and Patagotitan, which lived in what is now Argentina during the Cretaceous Period. Estimates suggest that these enormous dinosaurs grew to around 30 metres or more in length and weighed many tens of tonnes. Their exact sizes remain uncertain because fossils are incomplete, and scientists must reconstruct much of their bodies from the bones available.

Other famous sauropods included Brachiosaurus and Diplodocus. Brachiosaurus had forelegs longer than its hind legs, giving its body a distinctive upward slope towards the shoulders. Diplodocus had a remarkably long tail and a more lightly built frame. Although both were huge plant-eaters, their different body shapes likely helped them feed in different ways.

Keeping such enormous bodies fueled meant eating large quantities of vegetation. Sauropods used their teeth to crop or strip plants, generally swallowing their food without chewing it thoroughly. Their long necks allowed them to reach a wide area of vegetation without constantly moving their heavy bodies. Plant material was then processed in their digestive systems.

Not every large herbivore was a long-necked giant. Triceratops carried three horns and a broad bony frill, while Ankylosaurus had protective amour and a heavy tail club. These dinosaurs were smaller than the largest sauropods but still impressive animals.  

Understanding Lung Diseases

Today I am looking at the so-called common lung diseases are conditions that affect the airways, lung tissue or blood vessels in the lungs. They can make breathing difficult and reduce the body’s ability to take in oxygen. Some illnesses develop suddenly, while others last for years and require ongoing care.

Common Types

·       Asthma: Inflammation and narrowing of the airways can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathlessness.

·       Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A long-term condition involving airflow limitation, often associated with emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking is a major risk factor, although other exposures and genetic factors can also contribute.

·       Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It can cause coughing, fever and difficulty breathing.

·       Pulmonary fibrosis: Scarring of lung tissue that makes the lungs less flexible and can cause increasing breathlessness.

·       Bronchiectasis: Damage and widening of the airways, often associated with an ongoing mucus-producing cough and repeated chest infections.

·       Lung cancer: Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Smoking increases the risk, but people who have never smoked can also develop it.

Common symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, tiredness and repeated chest infections. These symptoms can have several causes, so they do not confirm a particular disease. A cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss or increasing breathlessness should be assessed by a doctor. Coughing up blood also needs prompt medical attention. Severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion or difficulty speaking because of breathlessness requires emergency help.

When you see a doctor the doctors assess symptoms, medical history and exposure to smoke, dust or chemicals. Depending on the suspected condition, tests may include breathing tests such as spirometry, chest imaging and blood tests. Treatment varies with the disease and its severity, and may include prescribed medicines, pulmonary rehabilitation or specialist care. Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke, reducing exposure to harmful dust and fumes, and discussing recommended vaccinations with a healthcare professional can help protect lung health. Early assessment and appropriate treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life, even when a condition cannot be cured.

 

A Brief History of Television

Today I thought I would write a bit about the history of TV.

Television began with an extraordinary ambition: to transmit moving pictures over a distance. It was not the invention of one person, but the result of decades of experiments in light, electricity and communication. What started as a small, flickering image eventually became a familiar feature of everyday life, bringing entertainment, news and distant events into people’s homes.

Early television systems used rotating discs to scan images line by line. In 1926, John Logie Baird demonstrated a working mechanical television system in London. Its pictures were small and low in detail, but they showed that moving images could be transmitted and reconstructed. Meanwhile, inventors including Philo Farnsworth and Vladimir Zworykin developed electronic approaches. Electronic television offered better picture quality and became the foundation of broadcasting for much of the twentieth century.

In 1936, the BBC began a regular television service from Alexandra Palace in London. Television was initially an expensive novelty with a limited audience, and the Second World War interrupted its development. After the war, broadcasting expanded rapidly. During the 1950s and 1960s, television became a household fixture in many countries. Families gathered to watch news bulletins, comedy, drama, variety shows and sport, often arranging their evenings around broadcast schedules.

Regular television broadcasting began in Australia on 16 September 1956, when Sydney’s TCN-9 went on air. The Melbourne Olympic Games later that year helped introduce audiences to the possibilities of televised sport. As stations opened in more cities and regional areas, television became an important part of Australian life. Viewers initially watched in black and white; the official introduction of colour television on 1 March 1975 brought a striking change to the home viewing experience.

Later developments changed both television technology and viewing habits. Cable and satellite services increased the choice of channels, while video recorders allowed viewers to save programmes for later. Digital broadcasting improved transmission and enabled additional services, and flat-screen displays gradually replaced bulky picture-tube sets. Internet streaming took the change further, allowing audiences to choose what to watch and when, rather than relying entirely on a broadcaster’s timetable.

The history of television is therefore more than a story of better screens. It is also a story of changing routines and shared experiences. From early mechanical experiments to on-demand programmes, television has continually evolved while retaining its central appeal: bringing moving images and stories to an audience.

 

Week 42 of 2026

 

I got up at 4.50am again it is a nice morning not hot or cold just nice, it will warm up as the day progresses.

Tim slept in till around 9.30am he spent hours just scrolling through his phone as per usual.

I have had a shit all productive day just no motivation and feeling so tired. Had a 30-minute nap this morning should have had another one but didn’t.

Around 6pm when I went to change for bed, I wasn’t with it, I knew I needed help and said something about calling Tasha, Tim sent her a text she was asleep and didn’t get it. I managed somehow, Tim gave me a little bit of help, he took my socks off.

Steps: 6,110

Monday and Tim has gone to work I have had a shower and dressed in shorts for the day, now to get breakie.

It has heated up by 10am it was 29c and by midday it was 32c and I turned the air con on.

I managed a nap around 11am for about 20 minutes.

After lunch I ironed Tim’s work shirts, speaking of lunch Tim did a baked lunch which was nice

Steps: 7,119

Had a pretty good night woke at 4.30am, washed dressed and then cleaned the kitchen, swept and vacuumed. While I was sweeping out the front Jess rang and asked me to ring Sam from 10am till she answers.

I rang Sam and she answered straight away.

It started to rain around 2pm have felt not with it all day I have had 3 naps due to how tired I am.

Steps: 7,323

SANDY’S 49^TH BIRTHDAY

Had a pretty good night woke at 4.30am, to the sound of rain I washed dressed and out to the kitchen to another right mess for me to clean up.

A coldish day and a wettish day as well, I have had a good and busy morning but after lunch I will need a nap.

Yes, I had a nap, and it helped I walked up to check the letterbox and had 5 letters there 3 for me and 1 for Tim his new appointment at the JHH and the last one was for our neighbour which Tim will take over when he gets home.

Steps: 6, 595

Another good night slept through till the alarm went off, I am however, all over the place was going to do a load of washing but decided to do it when I get home. It’s shopping day so I don’t want to feel rushed.

It is only 10c this morning that is 50f and the time 6am.

Sue rang me at 8.40am to let me know her car wouldn’t start; she rang Sandy as she thinks it’s the battery.

Sue arrived around 9.30am Sandy went a jumped started the car and said she didn’t think it was the battery. After we did the shopping, the car started without a problem.

It was 11.45am when I got home have to say it has felt like a short day.

Steps:7,239

DADS HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY ALSO ISSY BIRTHDAY (SUE’S GRANDDAUGHTER)

I slept well woke at 4.30am to pee and felt wide awake so up I got, I decided I would have my shower after Tim leaves for work. So, the first things I did was open the front door, tidy the kitchen and toss the washing into the machine and start the washing.

I looked online to see what my parents old house is now worth between 750,000 and 950,000……….Damn

Sandy picked me up and took me to the cemetery and left dad’s card on his headstone. I didn’t get out of the car as I have had a fair bit of trouble walking this today. Sue drove me home and before we did, we went by the old house and just sat and talked about old times.

Steps:7,9170

Had a good night woke with the alarm this morning. It is supposed to be a cool dry day with a top of 20c or 68f. At 6am it is 12c or 53.6f.

I have had a good morning walked down and posted some letters and managed to iron Tim’s work shirts but had to stop and lay down and rest for 20-minutes before finishing the ironing.

I have had trouble walking again today.

Tim was home by 3.30pm and after half an hour he went outside to work on the new trailer.

I made a start on next year’s calendars. Will do something each day till it’s done.

Steps: 7,445

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weeks links

 

Here are this week’s links

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/10/sharing-my-world.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/10/hodgepodge-here-and-there.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/10/sunday-stealing-on-monday.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Plant-Eating Dinosaurs

This week we will look at plant-eating dinosaurs, also called herbivores, they were among the most varied animals of the prehistoric world. They ranged from small, quick dinosaurs that browsed close to the ground to enormous, long-necked giants that could reach leaves high in the trees. Instead of hunting other animals, they relied mainly on plants for food.

Some of the best-known plant eaters included Triceratops, with its three horns and broad neck frill; Stegosaurus, recognised by the plates along its back and spikes on its tail; and Brachiosaurus, whose long neck helped it feed from tall vegetation. Duck-billed dinosaurs, known as hadrosaurs, had batteries of tightly packed teeth that were well suited to grinding tough plant material.

Different herbivores had different feeding tools. Some used beaks to snip leaves, while others had specialised teeth for slicing or crushing vegetation. Others would swallow their food straight down, along with small stones to help with digestion. Large bodies and long digestive systems may have helped many species break down fibrous plants. Because plants provide less concentrated energy than meat, some herbivores probably spent much of their day feeding.

Plant eaters were not helpless, they had horns, armour, tail clubs, spikes, size, speed and group living could all provide protection from predators. Together, their feeding habits and defensive features show how successfully dinosaurs adapted to many environments over millions of years.

Because they were heavy, they couldn’t outrun some meat eaters, however, what they lacked in speed was made up with strength they had enormous strength, they used their tails as a whip and feet as giant crushes inflicting serious injuries. Meat eaters generally stayed clear of them.

 

Blood Supply to the Lungs: Two Circulations, One Vital Organ

 Today I am looking at the bloody supply to our lungs

The lungs have a unique dual blood supply. One circulation makes gas exchange possible, while the other nourishes the lung tissue itself. Together, they keep oxygen moving into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide moving out.

Deoxygenated blood leaves the right ventricle through the pulmonary trunk, which divides into the right and left pulmonary arteries. These arteries follow the branching airways and form capillary networks around the alveoli. Across the thin alveolar–capillary membrane, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the air spaces, while oxygen diffuses into the blood. Oxygenated blood then returns to the left atrium through the pulmonary veins.

The bronchial arteries arise from the systemic circulation, usually from the thoracic aorta or nearby branches. They deliver oxygenated blood to the bronchi, connective tissue, visceral pleura and supporting structures of the lungs. Some bronchial venous blood drains through the bronchial veins, while some enters the pulmonary veins, creating a small normal contribution to the physiological shunt.

The pulmonary circulation is a low-pressure, high-flow system designed for efficient gas exchange. The bronchial circulation operates at systemic pressure and supports the metabolic needs of the lung tissue. Connections between the two systems can provide some backup blood flow, but they can also become clinically important in conditions involving inflammation, obstruction or bleeding.

Let’s look at what happens if there is a blockage a blockage in a pulmonary artery, most often caused by a blood clot that has travelled from a deep vein in the leg or pelvis, is called a pulmonary embolism. It reduces or stops blood flow to part of the lung, so that area may still receive air but cannot exchange gases effectively with the blood. This can lower oxygen levels, increase pressure on the right side of the heart and, if the blockage is large or there are multiple clots, cause haemodynamic collapse or death. Possible symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may worsen with breathing, a rapid heart rate, coughing up blood, dizziness or fainting. A suspected pulmonary embolism requires urgent medical assessment.

 

Week 41 of 2026

 

Daylight savings has started today, Tim is working doing rail again. It has been a warm day, I didn’t feel great this morning but improved after a 20-minute nap.

The improved state didn’t last long, and I had to have another nap 2hrs later. After that I felt much better, well till around 5pm when the restless tremor started again.

For some reason I keep thinking it is Sunday.

Steps: 7, 388

I slept well but I was up at 4.30am, I woke and felt restless, so I go up. Tim is working this afternoon he will leave around 12.30pm and should be home around 9pm.

It’s been a good day I managed to do a few things around the house and sort through a locked box of stuff, it contained the girl’s baptism certificates and a copy of my Tax File Number which I looked everywhere for last year.

Tim rang to let me know he will be home later then expected as he was asked to do an extra run.

Steps: 8,352

I slept well but when I woke up at 2.30am and discovered that Tim wasn’t home yet but when I looked outside, I could see the car and the boot opened so I knew he had just arrived home. I went back to bed and sleep till 4am when I woke again and decided to just get up.

Tim left for work around 9.30am and rang at 11am to tell me he was heading home he was over his hours.

I was able to walk down and post some letters that felt good.

It has been a nice day warm not to hot nor is it cold.

Steps:10,508

I slept well but was up and down to the toilet and by 4.15am I had enough and decided to get up.

Tim was up at 4.30am he has an early start well he said he signs on at 6am but he doesn’t like to be late. This I understand.

It is much cooler today I am long pants again, after a few warm days.

After telling myself that I needed to mop the kitchen floor for the two weeks I finally did it.

Tim has an outpatient appointment at the JHH tomorrow, but when he asked about time off for it, he was told no can do. So, he has had me ring and tell the hospital. Instead of waiting on hold I selected the call back option, it took 2.5hrs for them to ring. When I spoke to them the woman was understanding and said he will get a letter with the new appointment. I made sure they changed the address from the P O Box to the house addressed.          

Steps: 8,063

I had another good night woke at 4am, peed and went back to bed and till the alarm went off at 5am.

Tim was up and long gone he signed on at 4.30ish, he will be home around 3.30ish.

I was sweeping when the broom head came off, I knew it would at some point, but I have another one in the linen press I just have to put it together.

I am having a so so day, the weather is cool but dry.       

Steps:7,963

Dental App Monday 19^th 10am

It was another good night woke at 4.50am. I walked down and posted some letters.

Tim and I are going to Gosford to meet his sister Jenny and her husband Christ for lunch it is an hour’s drive

Lunch was good we spend an hour & a half there we went to Gosford Sailing Club, and the meal was good.

It has been a warm day, I closed my eyes on the trip there and after we had finished eating while Tim & Jenny chatted, I found myself closing my eye having an effort to keep them open, so naturally I closed them on the way home.

 

Steps: 6,689

I got up at 4.50am and after two hours I have had a wash, got dressed, swept and vacuumed, I then swept outside, finished writing yesterday’s diary entry and checked emails and I am now reading blog posts.

It was a cool start to the day but by 11am it was 30c.

Tim left for work at 10.20am I’m not sure what time he will be home just some time tonight.

Steps: 7,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Country with the most cats

 

 

Hi everyone, Archie here with Jo-Anne’s edition of Caturday 

Today we are looking for a bit more at domestic cats mainly which country has the most domestic cats. The answer is the USA but that’s not surprising considering how large the country is.

There is an estimated total of about 74 million cats more than China, with roughly 53 million, and Russia, with about 23 million.

Why are cats so popular in the US? They suit many lifestyles: cats can thrive in houses or apartments, are generally more independent than dogs, and have become beloved companions in millions of households.

On important thing to note is that this global cat estimate is compiled from surveys and different national sources. They usually count owned pets—not feral or stray cats—so figures vary by source and year. Even so, the United States consistently ranks first for the total number of pet cats.

Wondering what cat colour is most popular?

There is no single worldwide survey of people’s favourite cat colour, but the tabby is widely regarded as the most common and recognisable coat. Tabby is actually a pattern—stripes, swirls or spots—rather than one colour, and the brown tabby is often described as its most common variation.

Lastly having the most cats overall does not necessarily mean having the highest cat-ownership rate. A smaller country may have more cats per person or a higher share of households with a cat.

 

Meat-Eating Dinosaurs: Predators of the Prehistoric World

  

This week I am sharing a bit about meat-eating dinosaurs, also called carnivorous dinosaurs.

These were some of the most formidable animals ever to walk the Earth. They lived during the Mesozoic Era, from about 252 million to 66 million years ago. Most belonged to a group known as theropods, which typically walked on two powerful hind legs and had sharp teeth, grasping claws, and keen senses.

One of the most famous carnivores was the Tyrannosaurus rex it was one of the largest land predators, with a massive skull and bone-crushing bite.

Another well-known but not by me was the Velociraptor was much smaller than films often suggest, but it was agile and carried a curved claw on each foot.

Also mentioned in the book I’m using was the Spinosaurus, also not one I have heard of but then I am not really into dinosaurs anyway this one was recognised by the tall sail along its back, had a long, narrow snout and may have hunted fish as well as other prey.

These creatures are built to hunt they used different strategies to obtain food. Some chased living prey, while others may also have scavenged carcasses. Forward-facing eyes helped certain species judge distance, strong legs provided speed or stability, and serrated teeth sliced through flesh. Fossilised bones with bite marks, along with preserved teeth and footprints, help palaeontologists reconstruct these feeding behaviours.

 

Although the giant non-bird dinosaurs disappeared at the end of the Cretaceous Period, their story did not end completely. Birds evolved from small feathered theropods, making today’s birds living members of the dinosaur family tree. By studying meat-eating dinosaurs, scientists continue to learn how ancient ecosystems worked and how predators adapted to a changing world.

 

Lung Capacity

 

Today I am looking at our lung capacity.

Lung capacity describes the amount of air the lungs can hold and move during breathing. It is not a single measurement; instead, it includes several volumes that show how the lungs work during normal breathing, deep inhalation, and forceful exhalation.

The key measurements are:

Tidal volume: the amount of air moved in or out during an ordinary breath.

Vital capacity: the greatest amount of air a person can exhale after taking the deepest possible breath.

Total lung capacity: all the air in the lungs after a maximum inhalation, including air that cannot be voluntarily breathed out.

Residual volume: the air left in the lungs after the strongest possible exhalation; it helps prevent the lungs from collapsing.

Our lung capacity varies with age, height, body size, physical fitness, posture, and health. It may be reduced by conditions that narrow the airways, damage lung tissue, restrict chest movement, or weaken breathing muscles. Regular aerobic activity can improve how efficiently the body uses oxygen, although it may not greatly change the lungs’ anatomical size.

To test our lung capacity is tested using something called a spirometry it measures how much air a person can breathe out and how quickly they can do so. The results are compared with expected values for someone of a similar age and height. Some measurements, including total lung capacity and residual volume, require additional lung-function tests.

 

Week 40 of 2026

 

Had another good night, I woke at 4.30am and it is a cool start to the morning.

The day is cold and wet around 11am Tim walked inside said something about mowing the back lawn and then said he was going to get ready for work. He has been called in to do rail from Newie to Central; he should be home around 9.30pm

Blain and his girlfriend came down to see me when they were visiting Tasha, they arrived just after Tim left for work.

I have a lot of lower back pain on my left side this afternoon so much pain that moving is difficult.

Steps: 6,521

Another good night woke at 4.57 to the sound of rain the temp is 13c or 55f and not supposed to go above 18c.

My back pain has eased, and I can move with wanting to cry.

I was sitting in my armchair when I noticed Sue turn up, she brought over some chocolate cake.

Tim spent all day out the back doing whatever, at least he isn’t just sitting around watching his phone.

I had wanted to do more stuff myself but the pain in my lower back stopped that.

Steps: 6, 995

Another good night, slept through till 4.11am but after peeing I went back to sleep till 4.50am when I got up it is a chilly 8c or 46f.

I was able to walk down and post some letters as the back pain isn’t as bad yesterday.

Tim has had another productive day took the cans to cash in, then found a couple of pallets which he broke up this afternoon as well as finishing the back lawn and then mowing the front lawn. After all that his back is aching. I suggested he apply a heat patch which he did, only to say20-minutes later that it wasn’t working as it was barely warm. I took it an applied it to my hip area I will leave it there overnight.

Steps:9,040

DR BABU 18-1-2027 at 3.40pm

Slept well, I was awake and up by 4.15am, had my shower before coming out to clean the kitchen, sweep and vacuum then have breakie. The temp at 6am was 6c or 43f.

Tim rang the doctors to make an appointment and while talking to the receptionist it was discovered that she was once a bus driver and ask Tim he knew someone and he did another driver he has known for 15yrs.

Received a parcel containing two very nice white pillowcases that I never bought and have no idea why I have them. Yes, there is a return address but it’s the business address and that doesn’t help. Ok I now remember ordering them.

Steps: 8,555

I slept well and was up at 4.50am it is going to be a hot day, I am just not 100% with it this morning my left knee and calf is so painful.

Shopping with Sue this morning and even though I felt mentally good the pain in my leg has made walking so difficult.

When I got home, I changed my clothes and sat with a heat pack on my left knee.

This afternoon when I turned the TV on ready to watch the evening news, I had no free to air. It too me half an hour and a lot of figuring with the antenna to get it back.

Steps: 6,795

I slept well and was up at 4.50am it is going to be another hot day; Sue and I have appointments with the podiatrist.

When I got home, I did the laundry and hung it up to dry and by the time I was done I was in so much pain, I had to sit and do nothing for a while.

Tim found a box of stuffed toys that we sorted through and decided to toss some of them in the washing machine. Tim said he wanted to give some of the away.

This evening Tim moved my recliner from near the front door to near the dining room. I am in two minds about this as I like that now I recline it right back, but I don’t like that I can no longer see out the front door while in the recliner.

Steps:  7,832

I was up at 4.20am and found the kitchen a mess, so that was my first task of the day, no it was the second task as I had to sweep and vacuum first as the ground felt awful.

It will much cooler today with rain, we only had light showers during the day.

This morning I was so restless, I tried to have a nap twice the first time was a failure the second time I manage to sleep for 25-minutes.

Tim is working today, he is doing rail which for those who may not know is when the buses replace the trains due to either track work or an accident.

He has also bought another box trailer that needs some work, he is going to sell the one he already has.

Steps:7,381