21 December, 2025

Getting to know me

 


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.

What’s your favorite childhood snack that you still secretly eat?

Ice cream with Milo

What’s the most embarrassing song on your playlist?

Don’t have a playlist

If you could live inside any board game, which one would it be?

I had to give this some thought as I don’t play boardgames, so I came up with nothing.

 

 

Monthly Musings

 

Hello friends and happy Thursday. Joining Holly (Pink Lady) and Patty (Good Better Best)  for their Monthly Musings link up today, and mixing in some of our holiday home decor just because. Here are the prompts-

Hi all I have decided to answer these questions.

Easter and Christmas

The Santa Clause, The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol

Can’t think of anything

Sleeping

Don’t do them and I haven’t decided what my word for 2026 will be as yet.

Don’t have one

Christmas lunch at my grandparents

17 December, 2025

Booking drama

 


This holiday, Tim decided to use Booking.com to book our accommodation, he asked for my input but at the time he was doing it I wasn’t fully with it and found it difficult to concentrate which would be why I didn’t realise that the place in Orange wasn’t suitable for me. It was a hotel not a motel and the place had too many stairs and no lift, when Tim went to check in, he discovered this and had to cancel the booking.

He was told he had to contact Booking.com about getting a

refund, this was easier said than done, Tim couldn’t figure it out on his phone, so we tried to find a phone number to ring but couldn’t, also we ended up spending 2hrs trying to find somewhere else to stay without any luck.

So, he ended up ringing the motel in Cowra and managed to get us another 2 nights at that motel. It was at that motel we got a phone number for Booking.com and when rang them the person we talked to couldn’t find the booking and gave us an email address and said to explain everything in an email. This we did, Tim got a reply with a phone number to ring the number didn’t work, so he sent another email saying this.

They replied with another number, but it was an American number, and we both have insufficient credit to make such a call. So, he sent another email asking again for an Australian number.

So, after we arrived home, Tim tried to ring Booking.com after a while he managed to get to talk to someone who at first wasn’t very helpful but after a while she finally said they would contact the hotel and confirm we didn’t stay there and arrange a refund, we will see.

 

 

 

16 December, 2025

Tuesday's 4

 


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

The holidays are coming fast!  They are loaded onto the Christmas Express train and there is no stopping them now.



Are you ready for them this year?

Is your tree up? How tall is it? What colour lights? 

Are there lights in the window? On the door?

Yes, I am ready, I only have a small tinsel tree that sits above the TV, we have some coloured lights out the back.

Got a menu for Christmas Eve and Day?

Since I no longer cook, this is not something I worry about

Who is coming for Christmas or who will you visit?

On the 21 I will go to my brothers for a sibling Christmas lunch, on the 23 we are going to my nieces for a Christmas lunch, on the 25 we are not going anywhere our daughter will prepare lunch and bring it to us, then on Boxing Day we will go to our daughters for lunch. So, a full few days.

What is your favorite Christmas memory.?

As a child it was packing stuff in the car and going to my

grandparents’ place for Christmas lunch. Now it is all of the

above.

 

 

 

 

 

A December 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.

need to get done, or that must get done before the year ends? 

I have sat and thought about this, and I can’t think of a damn thing, which is a good thing.

December 17th is National Maple Syrup Day...are you a fan? Do you like maple flavour in other food items such as candy, cookies, donuts, oatmeal, hot toddies, coffee? 

Yes, I do like maple syrup and maple syrup bacon

Time magazine names a person of the year every year.  The tradition started back in 1927 with a 'man of the year' but has since changed to recognize not only an individual, but also to consider the impact of a group, movement, or idea that most influenced the year. The selection is not always someone or something good (think Hitler in 1938 and Stalin twice). 

This year they've named The AI Architects as their 'person of the year'. What say you? Is this a good choice, an obvious choice, a logical choice? Who do you think should have been named person of the year? 

It is for the most part a good thing but there has been some really bad or stupid choices like Hitler, Stalin and anything concerning AI

What's a city, state, or country you've visited that you never care to visit again? Tell us why. 

China, it was a nice experience, but I just can’t seem the point in going back, also feel the same way about Hawaii as I felt like Hawaii is a lot like the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Next Sunday (December 21st) marks the first day of winter (or the opposite if you're living down under). What's one thing you love about this new season? 

Well here in Australia we are in summer and it’s bloody hot, what do I love about summer is air conditioning

Insert your own random thought here. 

“Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.” 

 

 

 

Getting to know you or is it me



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. If you could be a fly on the wall at any event in history, what would it be?

When my grandfather with a private investigator caught my grandmother in bed with his best friend.

If you had a personal robot, what task would you make it do?

General housework

What’s the worst excuse you’ve ever given to leave a party early?

I don’t attend parties and can’t remember when the last time was.

  

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.

.

 


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.

 

 

19 November, 2025

New Tattoos

 This is what my new tattoo looks like






What is a sister

 


      A SISTER IS SO MANY THINGS

 

She is the one person who may feel whole with, the one you share who really are with.

She knows where you’re coming from all you’ve been through and everything you’re dreaming about.

She is the one you can tell anything to ask anything of and do anything for.

She is then one you can tell your deepest thoughts too without fear of judgement.

She is the one that just spending a moment with chases away your sadness and puts a smile on your face.

She seems to often know what you need and when you need it in that special away a sister does.

She believes in you, accepts you and respects you, she holds a special place in your life, your heart and soul.

She is often more then a sister but is also a friend.

 

Now I know not everyone is lucky enough to have such a relationship with their sister, but as most know I am very close to all my siblings.

A thankful 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.

 

Let's do our gratitude question first this week...what's the best thing about your home, and have you taken time to enjoy it lately? 

That my family live close by and I can ring and say I need help and they are here in no time, this I did this morning when I needed help with the Christmas decorations, I rang Sam and she was here in a couple of minutes.

Do you like squash? Of the varieties listed, which one's your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Is squash of some sort on your Thanksgiving menu?? 

acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, zucchini, crookneck (yellow squash), patty pan

No thanksgiving here but that said I do like what you call butternut squash, but we call butternut pumpkin, I liked it baked.



Last time you were 'squashed in' somewhere, or felt squashed? 

I can’t remember the last time I felt squashed in any way.

Have you ever played squash? What about other 'racquet sports' such as racquetball, tennis, pickleball, badminton, table tennis (ping pong)? Are these sports something you enjoy? 

I played squash in high school for sport during I think two terms but that is the only time I have played it, I played tennis with some women including my mum way back when I was in my late 20’s and early 30’s.

Something in today's society or culture that feels like a 'racket' to you? If you don't like that one, tell us about a place you've been recently where there was a lot of 'racket'. 

There are many things that are a racket, but I can’t think of any of them at this time.  Of when the neighbours next to Jessica are fighting, they are making racket between the adults and yelling and the kids sometimes crying.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Remember gratitude helps us feel the quiet joy that comes from the ordinary, every day things going on around us, it transforms chaos into clarity, scarcity into sufficiency, and pain into peace.

The moment you are grateful for what you have, the universe gives you more to be grateful for.

 

 

Tuesday 4 on Wednesday

 


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

Have you ever seen the Milky way or been to one of the designated blacks out areas where no light can obscure the starry night?

Nope the only Milky Way I ever see is the chocolate one which I like to eat.



"The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows his handiwork." 

Are you in awe of the starry skies. Do they inspire faith for you?

Yes, I am in awe of the starry night skies, I enjoy just sitting in quiet looking at the stars. They don’t impact my faith in any way.



Have you ever wished upon a star or seen a meteorite fall to earth?

Yes, as a child I did wish upon a start sometimes, I don’t think I have ever seen a meteorite.

Do you think money is wasted on the space program that might be better used on earth?

Oh yeah, I have often thought too much money is spent on different space programs, when more money is need for health and education.

 


12 November, 2025

Just some more 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 patriotism mean to you? 

Simple being proud of your country, it isn’t something I feel the need to in your face.

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere, use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

I love that the weather is warming up and generally the days are neither cold nor hot, although this spring we are having a lot of hot like summer days.

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word) in the title or lyrics?

Thank God I’m a country boy by John Denver, love that song

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _____________________ . 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

Peanut butter and nothing except some butter on the bread or crumpet first. Yes, I am a fan of peanut butter.

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? 

I have thought about this, and I can’t think of a single event, there have been many little things I have been grateful for during the year.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The time often comes when someone starts to realise what true happiness is and it’s not the size of your house, or how new your car is, or how successful other people think you are.

Instead, happiness is often being thankful for the little things in life, things like the feel of a breeze against your body or the way clean sheets feel. Seeing or hearing from someone important to you or the way your pet reacts when you return home.