05 December, 2025

Getting to know you

 


Here are this week’s getting to know me questions and my answers. These questions are set by Kymber over at https://booomcha.com/

This week’s questions.

Would you rather wear bell-bottom pants or sport a mohawk?

Honestly neither but if I had to choose it would be the pants

What was your nickname at school?

Didn’t have one

How do you feel about clowns?

Mostly they don’t bother me, unless they are made up to look scary then I don’t like them

04 December, 2025

Season's Greatings Hodgepodge

 


Here I am doing another hodgepodge which is brought to you by Joyce over at http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/

Here are this week’s questions.

What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'? On a scale of 1-10 how is yours this year? (10=off the charts, 1=still looking for it)

For me it is the happy feeling I get when I see Christmas stuff in the shops, receiving Christmas cards in the mail on a scale from 1 to 10 I am an 8 right now.

What's your favorite character from a (December) holiday-themed movie, book, or TV special? Tell us why. 

Santa Claus

Do you like gingerbread? Are gingerbread houses part of your holiday tradition? 

Nope I don’t like gingerbread

Much of our vocabulary is determined by where we live or where we grew up. What say you-

sprinkles or jimmies?

lightning bugs or fireflies?

soda or pop? Soft drink

sneakers, trainers, or tennis shoes? Sneakers

sub, hoagie, grinder, or hero? No idea what these are

freeway, highway, or motorway?

frosting or icing?

sauce or gravy? Here they are not the same

Share a favorite holiday memory from your childhood. 

Packing up the car around 10am and going to my grandparents’ place for Christmas lunch

Insert your own random thought here.  

In case you have forgot, today is another chance to rise with purpose, move forward with grace, and remind yourself that even the smallest steps matter. Breathe in courage, exhale doubt, and trust in your journey.

 

 

03 December, 2025

Tuesday Four



Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4, who can be found here: https://lemonscottage.blogspot.com/

Let's be lighthearted today and ask some not so serious questions, shall we?

1. What is the dumbest rule you've ever had to follow?

I have sat here for 10 minutes trying to think of a dumb rule I had to follow, and I am drawing a blank.

2. What is the weirdest or funniest thing a guest ever did/said in your home?

I again can’t think of anything, oh hang on funniest thing would have to be when anyone says they will ask Tim about borrowing money because Tim is a tightass with money.

3. If you had a warning label, what would it say?

Short fuse if lit run

4. What is the first thing you must do in case of a Snoopy/Charlie Brown Apocalypse?  Who is the first person you call for advice when that happens? (Imagine that the characters of Charlie Brown series take over the world! What do you do as your first move? Who would you call for advice on how to live in that world?)

Ok not so easy for me to imagine as I may have heard of Charlie Brown but know bugga all about the characters. That said I would call my granddaughter Sam, no maybe not she would most likely help take over the world, so maybe my daughter Tasha she is a hard ass but no she would deal with Charlie then take over the world herself. So maybe I could call my sister Sue but no she would become overwhelmed and get drunk, maybe my sister Sandy she would be helpful and likes to give advice as she is a bit of a know it all and then she would get drunk. Really, I would have to ring my brother who would be level-headed and supportive before getting drunk. Now you may be thinking what about your husband, he would already be drunk and asleep in front of the telly.

  

26 November, 2025

Depression and Parkinson’s Disease

 

This is an AI written post.

 

Depression and Parkinson’s Disease

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, but its impact extends well beyond the physical. One of the most significant non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s is depression. In Australia, as in other parts of the world, recognising and managing depression in people with Parkinson’s is crucial for improving quality of life and overall wellbeing.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is characterised by the gradual loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in dopamine, a chemical messenger that plays a key role in controlling movement. Typical symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement, and impaired balance. However, Parkinson’s also affects mood, cognition, and behaviour.

Depression in Parkinson’s Disease

Depression is common among people with Parkinson’s, affecting up to half of all patients at some point during their illness. It is more than just feeling sad or low; depression can be a persistent condition that interferes with daily functioning, motivation, and relationships. It may occur before the onset of motor symptoms, during the course of the disease, or as a reaction to the challenges of living with a chronic condition.

Why Does Depression Occur in Parkinson’s?

The relationship between Parkinson’s and depression is complex. Biological changes in the brain—such as reduced dopamine and serotonin—play a role, but psychological and social factors, including coping with physical limitations and the stigma associated with chronic illness, also contribute. Australians living with Parkinson’s may face additional barriers, such as distance from specialised care, limited local resources, and social isolation, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Symptoms of Depression in Parkinson’s Disease

·       Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

·       Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including social gatherings and hobbies

·       Changes in appetite or weight

·       Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)

·       Fatigue and lack of energy

·       Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

·       Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

·       Thoughts of death or suicide

Impact on Quality of Life

Depression can worsen the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s, making movement and coordination more difficult. It can also reduce motivation to adhere to treatment plans, participate in exercise, or engage with support networks. For many Australian patients, depression leads to a diminished sense of independence and increased reliance on careers and family.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing depression in Parkinson’s can be challenging, as some symptoms overlap (e.g., fatigue, sleep changes, slowed movement). Health professionals use a combination of clinical interviews, questionnaires, and observation to assess mood and mental health. Treatment options include:

·       Medication: Antidepressants may be prescribed, but careful selection is needed to avoid interactions with Parkinson’s medications.

·       Psychological therapies: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling can help patients develop coping strategies and address negative thought patterns.

·       Social support: Support groups, community programs, and family involvement are vital, especially in the Australian context where isolation may be a concern.

·       Lifestyle changes: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and engaging in enjoyable activities can improve mood and overall health.

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25 November, 2025

A not thanksgiving hodgepodge

 


Here I am doing another hodgepodge which is brought to you by Joyce over at http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/

Here are this week’s questions.

Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way? 

Nope my plate is empty, as I generally don’t go out much

How did you learn to cook? If you have children, did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'.  

I don’t know how I learnt to cook, I just did when I was 14 I started cooking tea (dinner) for the family on the days mum was at work, I would have it ready by the time she got home.

Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

I can’t remember I guess the closest I would get is when I think I am able to walk further then I really am able to do, I also have times when I start to sort through things only to find that the task is harder for me to do then I thought it would be.

When did you last say, 'the more the merrier' and mean it? 

I haven’t said that is so long

Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

T reasures found in simple moments, 

H earts uplifted by kindness shared, 

A llowing gratitude to shine brightly, 

N ever forgetting the joy of giving, 

K nowing each smile makes life richer, 

S howing appreciation in every way. 

Insert your own random thought here.  

Remember we are all worthy of love, we don’t need to change anything about ourselves and deserve unconditional love.

 

 

 

Tuesday's 4

 


Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4, who can be found here: https://lemonscottage.blogspot.com/

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day when we gather together to ask the Lord's blessing as the song says.

What are your Thanksgiving Days like?

Ok I am an Aussie so I don’t do Thanksgiving but I will swap it over for Christmas

Do you celebrate with family, friends or by yourself?

With family my brother and sister-inlaw host a siblings Christmas lunch a few days before Christmas Day, on Christmas Day I spend the day at home with Tim while Tasha and Blain, Jess and Sam come over to see me. Boxing Day Tim and I go to Kathy’s for lunch.

Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you?

Let’s swap Macy’s parade for Carols in the Domain and my answer would be I like to watch some of it, Tim doesn’t so if he is home I don’t what it.

What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you?

Turkey, ham, baked spuds and a Pavlova for dessert

We say grace before and after meals. Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?

We did when mum and dad were alive but since they passed, we no longer do

Whatever your Thanksgiving traditions, I pray that the day is meaningful and filled with love for you whether with family, friends or alone. May God shine his blessing love down on you and yours and make us all truly thankful this year.

 

Stealing Sunday

 


 

Welcome to Sunday Stealing

Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. This is what I have for this week. I found the over here. ?ttps://lemonscottage.blogspot.com/2025/11/sundays-monday-morning-meme.html

This week we are once again stealing from Steph, aka Cry Baby.  She loves Taco Bell and asking questions like these.

Revisiting Steph:

Has anyone ever told you "I love you" but you didn't say it back?

Nope can’t remember that happening

Do you consider yourself organized?

It has taken me a while to realise that I am organised.

Where do you look first when you go clothes shopping?

In stores it was always Miller’s but since they closed it is usual Kmart or Best & Less

Online it is Temu, I have bought a number of clothes items from them without any issues

Do you often reflect on your past in terms of eras or milestones

No, I don’t

Were you more recently ill or injured (flu vs twisted ankle)

Injured, the last time I fell over a few months back, haven’t been unwell in a bloody long time.