BENEFICIAL SHOPPING; Castle Rock-WA

We had stuff to do today, across the river.

Before we left home - a quick targeted workout was done, a morning call was made to my dentist/an appointment set up for Wednesday: & Holland has a scheduled Dr. appointment in Chehalis next week, to discuss which procedure would be the best to move forward, to get relief for his bum knee.

Complete set reps as indicated, in this video.

Glute Stepup~In & out of Betsy x10 today.

Crossing the Columbia River to Rainier-OR, an appointment for a bank meeting, was set up for tomorrow morning. We shopped a little at the grocery outlet store on main street …

I was happy to find some mushroom powder that promises to be beneficial ⚕️ for us - certain mushroom species have been studied for their potential therapeutic effects on asthma symptoms. One such species is the Reishi mushroom, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to alleviate asthma symptoms. Studies have suggested that Reishi may improve lung function and reduce the need for asthma medication in some individuals. Lion's Mane mushroom supports breathing and oxygenation primarily through its anti-inflammatory effects, which help soothe inflamed respiratory tracts, allowing for smoother airflow and more efficient oxygen exchange in the lungs; this beneficial mushroom, is particularly good for Holland's lung issues. Chaga mushrooms can help improve lung function by enhancing respiratory health through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs, Chaga supports better airflow and overall lung capacity. A clinical study showed that asthma patients treated with Cordyceps experienced an impressive 81.3% improvement rate, compared to just 61% with conventional antihistamines. The mushroom works by dilating bronchial passages and enhancing the relaxation effect of adrenaline on airways. Cordyceps may help improve COPD symptoms by: reducing airway wall thickening and inflammation. Modulating inflammatory cytokine production - cytokines are not just chemical signals ... they are whispers, screams, and symphonies in the molecular language of immunity. They are the difference between life and death in an infection. Cordyceps mushrooms are beneficial in that they enhance better oxygen exchange in the lungs. The Shiitake mushroom, has also been studied for potential therapeutic effects on asthma. This mushroom contain various bioactive compounds that may help to reduce inflammation, improve lung function, and support immune health. Ashwagandha is an evergreen herb shrub found in India, Africa and parts of the Middle East. It has long been used medicinally to stabilizes mood, sharpens cognitive function, improves sleep quality, increase energy, & reduce inflammation, pain, and anxiety. The Cortisol Connection - When the body encounters stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol. In short bursts, this is functional. But chronically heightened cortisol disrupts sleep, impairs cognition, increases fat storage, and slows muscle repair. Clinical research shows that Ashwagandha supplementation reduces serum cortisol levels by 15–27%, a range significant enough to produce real, noticeable shifts in how the body handles daily and cumulative pressure: this is great … Holland was just saying the other day that we need to work on our cortisol levels.

This powder will also be easier to store in Independences - RV refrigerators are small; and keeping produce & mushrooms at an even temperature gets tricky. Produce will sometimes get frostbite, & mushrooms will often get slimy in a short period of time. You can mess with the temperature from here to kingdom come … and it will always be a frustration. And I have not been successful in finding dried mushrooms at any store, in any State we've visited these 39 months of road gypsying. I was very happy to see mushroom powder, so I bought 2 👏

I was also happy to bring a colorful cupcake tin home with us - there are many things I have been wanting to bake … but foil cupcake [pans] are not very sturdy. I need the sturdiness, & I like the bright mustard color 😁

Shopping bags placed in the back seat space of Betsy's cab, she was then driven a mile or so up the highway & fed diesel before we turned towards home base. Crossing back over the Lewis & Clark Bridge, and driving down Oregon Way, Holland nipped into Don Pedro's Drive-thru for a couple burritos for him, and a few street tacos, for me. The taco's are wonderful; I love small, soft, street tacos!

Tracked 1 hour = 1 mile, this morning.

Street Taco's~Don Pedro's Mexican Restaurant; #437 Oregon Way, Longview, WA

2 good finds this afternoon at the Grocery Outlet; #215 W B St, Rainier, OR. The mushroom powder will be good to back down the inflammation of both our bodies.

Back home, stuff got put away and the evening wound down in a relaxed manner - Holland watched a movie & I posted to a few Blog Hops, noticing that one of my crochet plant pot covers had been featured on Angie's Blog:

MOD HOLD THE LINE FREEDOM 250 Plant Pot Cover (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/06/mod-hold-line-freedom-250-plant-pot.html), was featured on Angie's Blog Hop @ God's Growing Garden

And we will be tucked in cozy & early 😴🛌 thankful for another blessed Day; and the beneficial shopping (dentist, doctor, bank info, groceries, organic medicinals, fuel, lunch, and entertainment) we were able to get done this afternoon.

Tomorrow is going to be another busy Day, with an early start ⏰

RETURN TO OLEQUA HEIGHTS-WA; Castle Rock-WA

Before I went to bed this morning, a back tooth broke off 😳 - it was a capped tooth & apparently the post was weakened enough 🤦🏻‍♀️ .. that I was glad it came out, while I as still awake. I could have swallowed it in my sleep! So, I washed it up, wrapped in in plastic wrap, and stuck it in my purse: I'll call my dentist Monday morning to schedule an appointment. Meanwhile, I have to be careful what I eat: there's a hole in the back of my mouth now, and I don't want it to get infected.

This morning, while I was drinking my coffee & telling Holland about the tricky tooth; Holland listened … we discussed finances 💸 - then, he shut his laptop and said, "How about we take a drive to Olequa as soon as you finish your coffee and change out of your p.j.'s? 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 If you don't get out of this house for a bit - we're both gonna suffer the effects of cabin fever."

YES! 👏😁

The weather forecast was promising hot sunshine ☀️; that shot of Vitamin D, is what we both need, and it would feel good on our skin, too.

A road trip 🚘 … even a short one, with windows down and music filling the cab 🎶 would be most welcome; thank you, husband!

The fresh air 🌬️, the bright color pops 👀 of summer flower bursts, flitting butterflies 🦋, & the heady scent of warm resin wafting 👃 from the sighing 👂 towering evergreens is my idea of heaven on Earth.

Living in the moment & making memories 📸🦌 is always a win-win, as far as I am concerned.

I like that drive, and firing off a couple rounds once we get there, would do us both good.

Olequa Heights, Castle Rock-WA from Toutle River RV Resort, Castle Rock-WA~17 min (11 mi) via Old Pacific Hwy & Westside Hwy

Olequa Heights Road, Castle Rock-WA

Stop! Back up - I see 2 Deer!

I'm glad we came up here.

Watch out - they're darting right in front of us!

We reached the top of the steep Olequa terrain; the last time we were here together, was July 3rd, 2024 - we had been hunkered down in Woodland-WA, waiting for Independence to have some repairs done … & Holland brought me here for a fun, out-of-house, day.

This sight greets your eyes, as soon as you crest the hill … an "above the ranch overlook"; that is a view of Vader, in the distance.

This 2nd sight, makes my eyes happy~I love wild daises & foxgloves. I'm glad Holland brings me here.

We set up for success …

This afternoon, I traded Holland my wedding gift Taurus 9mm, for this lighter Taurus TX22.

Holland insists on ear protection. My 1st 3 shots were close to the bullseye - using only my right arm; then the sunshine blinded me!

Not bad … but no cigar, either.

I like the Taurus TX22 I was shooting today - so, I traded my wedding gift Taurus 9mm for it, & Holland wasn't offended: he could see that I was more comfortable with the 22 than I ever have been with the 9. The 9 is small, which is why it was mine … but it has a kick recoil, and the 22 is a smooth shot. The 22 smooth shot is easier on my wrist, and I'm not tensing for the snapping recoil sting. We're both happy with today's shooting & the handgun exchanges.

We were liking the sunshine. We were living our life in celebration of our National freedom ⚖️🏛️ of gun ownership. I was enjoying myself, Holland was encouraging & praising me - and happily satisfied that I can "hold down the fort" if need be: I basked in the glowing warmth of his compliments.

We try to get target shooting in at least once every 6 months:

July 5, 2023~A BANG OF A 4th OF JULY: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-bang-of-4th-of-july.html)

July 3, 2024~OLEQUA HEIGHTS-WA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/07/olequa-heights-wa.html)

I think we missed last year because we were in a location & situations, that didn't allow for a trip into the forest.

But we made time to find the time, this year.

On another note - my workout today wasn't the norm - but it was still effective. And that's what matters:

Bodyweight Glute Stepup~In & out of Betsy several times, coming & going.

Clap Arm Extensions, while firing shots~I didn't count, but we were there at least an hour; steady shooting.

At least 20 minutes of walking … most of the hour was spent aiming & shooting.

Leaving Olequa Heights, I smiled seeing my handsome mountain off to the left of my sight - and topless Loowit, off to the right of my sight: and I thought to myself, what a wonderful Day is was to be alive.

Mt. Rainier seen from Olequa Heights.

Mt. St. Helens, seen from Olequa Heights.

If anything resonates with you this week, I hope it’s that you celebrate you and celebrate YOUR life. Just the fact that you wake up every morning and are able to breathe & enjoy precious unfolding moments in this incredible beautiful world … is something to celebrate. I know times in this era can be rough, but you’re here: and that’s worth celebrating.

Louis Armstrong - 'What A Wonderful World' Lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3yCcXgbKrE&list=RDA3yCcXgbKrE&start_radio=1)

Back home, we stopped at Burger King to grab an order of crown chicken nuggets, fries, and a soft ice-cream cone 🍗🍟🍦; then, once settled into our comfy home space, we both relaxed in our own ways - Holland vegging out with his YouTube video subscription updates 💻🎞️🎙️; me checking Blog & FB PM's 💻💬, and jotting down notations for tomorrows domestic duties that can't be avoided 📝

And picking out a new Clive Cussler Novel to begin. For me, there has always been something magical about getting lost in a good book 📖 and Clive's stories are always engaging. Some stories make me laugh, some make me cry, some are frustratingly mysterious, and some simply & quietly remind us who we are. Since being introduced to Clive somewhere around 2004, his storyline characters have become old friends I visit again and again - they bringing comfort, adventure, hope, and a little bit of wonder into my immediate space every time I turn a page. If you ask me, a cozy chair (or bed), a warm mug of cocoa, and a book filled with adventure in far flung places, is a pretty wonderful way to engage in a nighttime ritual 📚☕️

Starting a new read …

FREEDOM 250~July 4th, 2026; Castle Rock-WA

I hope all my friends enjoyed the 4th of July Holiday to the best of your ability, given the climate we find ourselves in today in America.

I hope yu'all remembered that we, The People, won our Independence from oppressive tyranny the 1st time around … we can do it again, against the black wave of red communism spreading rapidly across this land!

On this day: the 250th Birthday of our Great Nation, I hope every one thought on why America was birthed - lest we never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy; because other's are diligently putting busy axes to the root of our National freedoms.

My Citizenship Post~featured on Paula's Blog.

CITIZENSHIP MATTERS: IT'S NOT {THAT} COMPLICATED FOLKS; Castle Rock-WA: 

(https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/06/citizenship-matters-its-not-that.html)

My July 4th Post, earlier today:

A Dream - The Cost of Freedom~USA 250; Castle Rock-WA

(https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/07/a-dream-cost-of-freedomusa-250-castle.html)

If you traveled - I prayed you traveled safely 🚧

If you mingled - I prayed you mingled safely 🥰

If you had the TV or radio on - I hoped you turned it off - and just enjoyed the Day 😁

If you celebrated - I hope you celebrated safely 🍺

And as we move into the early morning hours of July 5th … I fervently pray that we get to continue enjoy our freedom! 🥁🎉

A DREAM - THE COST OF FREEDOM~USA 250; Castle Rock-WA

250 years ago.

The colonists dared to dream.

They dreamed of freedom.

They dreamed of a country of their own; where they could reap the benefits of their hard labor and harvests - instead of having it stolen from them to feed the aristocrats across "the pond".

They dared to dream their children would learn to read and write … and be able to openly state their opinions and make choices for how they chose to live their lives - without having Britain's knee on their necks.

They dared to dream that their mothers, sisters. girlfriends, daughters, cousins, and nieces - the girl next door - could walk the highways and byways without fear of being harassed or sexually violated by the Tories that bullied and brutalized the colonists: just because they could. Without fear; they believed themselves untouchable.

But the colonists were fed up.

They were meeting in secret.

They were building a small army.

They were designing and sewing a Freedom Flag in secret.

They were being careful in what they said and how they said it when in company of friend's or family they weren't sure would stand by them if push came to shove in the daring plan to forge a future of freedom and dared for promise.

They boycotted British goods - and refused to eat or drink anything that carried a tariff tax. Britain was already taking more than was agreed to … and the tea, flour, and fabric taxes were outrageously unfair.

Under the cloak of darkness, the brave colonists declared war.

Britain retaliated.

A signal between the colonists was agreed upon - a torch would be lighted to announce the way war would come to the shores of  this great land; "1 - if by land: 2 if by sea".

Paul Revere watched.

When the signal was given the evening of April 18th, 1775, Paul jumped on his horse and rode to alert the rag-tag militia of the happening by hanging 2 signal lanterns from Concord's church steeple.

The colonists were excited.

They were frightened.

They were ready for the fight!

The militia didn't have much - the men were farmers, shopkeepers, blacksmiths … they were not men of war: BUT THEY LEARNED.

On December 3rd, 1775, John Paul Jones - a merchant marine sailor who sided with the colonists, and became the father of the newly established naval force of the blooming America - hoisted Old Glory.

The intent was clear to the British forces - there would be no cease in the push for Freedom.

The Revolutionary War lasted 7 long years.

By the time French assistance came alongside the Continental Army of the colonists at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781, the colonists of the small army were barely alive - having suffered starvation, lack of adequate clothing: most of them were shoeless, having only bloody rags tied around their frost-bitten feet. There was little $$$ to give to the militia as businesses went bankrupt under Britain's assault/theft … and all the able-bodied-men of the colonies were engaged in fighting for freedom.

AND THE PATRIOTS WON!

Through perseverance and the desire to be FREE, America was established in 178

It is shameful the way the demonrats are intent on taking our freedoms away from us 1 by 1.

It is scandalous that Americans are sitting still and staying silent as the demonrat House is blatantly ignoring our Constitution and handing our Nation's power over to foreigners they seat in DC.

It is frightening that Americans do not understand what is going on with the obama's and their muslim themed black liberation religion, the socialist-communist coups … taking root in our schools, churches, communities, civil offices, Congress and in every high seat of power in every blue state across this nation.

We are on the cusp of losing America because Americans have been so dumbed down by the obamanite freeloading & lopsided "equality for all" racist bullshit rhetoric - that they do not understand what America means … or why national pride & America's work ethic - which is true equality - is so very important.

SELF-PRIDE DOESN'T LOOK GOOD ON ANYBODY; Castle Rock-WA

There is a disturbing trend going through the religious sector today: toxic masculinity - that encourages rude, obnoxious, and downright abusive  behaviors in "godly men" … & self-righteous femininity - that preaches prudity, a closed-off mentality, and an overt prideful spirit in "godly women". BOTH are a stink in the nostrils of Almighty God.

While it is true that men today, have been pussified and have had no guidance in how to be a man because actual men are far and few between in today's society - giving rein to pride won't offer wisdom, and will actually do more harm than good. No woman in her right mind will want a male in her life who seeks to dominate her by emotionally & spiritually abusing her: physical abuse usually follows quickly when pride takes root in a man's life & subjugation is forced on a woman.

And on the other hand, while it is true that women today, have become hard & brittle caricatures of womanhood - generations of femininity was lost during the rise & subsequent upheavals of the 1960's & 1970's "women's liberation" movement that swept the land and got a firm grip on the globe. But swinging to far to the other side in an attempt to balance the scales is not wise, and will actually do more harm than good. No man in his right mind will want a woman in his life who will make life harder by attempting to be holier than God, Himself: that was tried, and failed in the Victorian Era. It was disastrous then … and will be disastrous, now. When pride enters a life, it usually snuffs out all common sense - and sucks the joy out of Life, in general.

The reel, below, that paraded itself through my newsfeed today, really annoyed me.

It annoys me because it screams "self-pride!"

And the entire attitude is not beneficial to a Christian woman. A Christian woman relies on Elohim's Will … not her own - not the opinions of those around her, whispering in her ears, coaching her in holiness. To her detriment.

The way Elohim sees a situation -  and the way everyone else sees a situation can, and often, are very different. The ways of Elohim are a  mystery; His wonders to perform.

Women can change.

Men can change.

Change can be very good for those involved in the game of life.

Self-pride has no place in a 'daughter of God' Life. None - nada.

BUT … he CAN learn to appreciate, and get on the right side of things.

Delilah & Jezebel lose their luster when he's in the presence of a Godly woman: Ruth didn't run … she knew her worth, yet she humbly pledged herself to the man who first paid her no attention. Elohim brought him around, and Boaz eventually saw her worth and brought her under his protection. Their marriage was good & strong. Yeshua's earthly lineage was a direct link to Ruth & Boaz.

Esther came from humble beginnings, but rose to be Queen over an empire. The woman before her had held the King's heart … until she didn't any longer; her self-importance did her in & the King, once smitten by her beauty, soured of her ego - enter Esther. Esther was a Jew: Elohim chose for her a man who did not know her God; a man who did not follow her religion. A man that basically ignored her until he needed arm candy. Her husband was a busy, worldly, man - a man of supreme rule: to enter his presence without a direct invite was a death wish. His word was rule; no one questioned his supremacy. She dared. He gave her audience and listened. A nation was saved because her courage refused to be ignored. Esther did not rely on her physical attributes - she relied on Elohim with her, guiding her, going before her to prepare the way.

Worldly ways may captivate for a season … but Elohim's Ways secure what the world obscures. Beauty may last for a season, "but a good wife? Her worth is above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10)

A wise woman knows her worth.

And the man Elohim chooses for her, eventually understands that concept, too ❤️

Maybe you were born, for such a time as this: for such a man as this. For such a purpose as this.

In seeking a holy life, be careful not to overstep Elohim's Plan with a prideful spirit - it is that prideful spirit that was the downfall of Delilah & Jezebel.

It was holy courage that spurred the godly women of ancient days (like Ruth & Esther) to bravely embrace the men Elohim had hand-picked for them. For such a time. For such a purpose.

I'm not advocating to go out and find a bad boy to win for Christ - that is foolhardy and will end in a mess. But what I am saying, is that Elohim brings 2 people together for His glorification … and most of the time that glorification comes about through perplexing and trying times.

Every situation in this Life is a lesson, leading to holiness for the heirs walking in His ways and trusting in His outcome for their lives.

It behooves us to keep our eyes on Him, and trust Him in all situations.

He knows what is best for us - and we will have the best, when we trust for the best.

Self-pride doesn't look good on anybody.

Be wise.

Seek Elohim's direction when interest is piqued.

Wait on the Spirit's leading - do not rush in where angels fear to tread … and don't hang back out of fear. If he's "the one", he'll wait. He'll weigh the change necessary - and act accordingly. If he walks … he's not the one.

Understand what you are getting into; give ear to wise counsel.

Proceed with caution: the heart is exceedingly deceitful. Always move forward with much prayer, leaning on the Holy spirit's wisdom.

Enter with courage and bravely forge ahead - trusting Him, in all things.

POLITICAL SUPREME COURT~USA Citizenship; Castle Rock-WA

Very disappointed in this Supreme Court - it seems they constantly misrepresent the original intent of the original writ. None of them are worth a hill of beans 🤬

The obamanite "judges" were placed in the Supreme Court lineup, specifically to hamstring and stir up trouble … which they do. They are lifetime appointees - so, the headache will go on and on and on until they die & as we can see with the dramas playing out in DC, they don't simply die anymore so American can get some kind of reprieve: they are kept on life support and wheeled in and out of Congress in wheel chairs with their handlers trailing behind them. Biden had actually lost his mind - and his stupid wife was speaking to him like he was a 2 year old toddler, but the demonrats kept him in Office so they could push their agenda through. There are 3 black robed old crows sitting in the Supreme Court chairs that won't defend America's Laws & can't describe what a woman is. It's ridiculous!

And on the other side, the black robes appointed because they were supposed to be conservative - are anything BUT! They toe the liberal line very closely, & go against The People on a regular basis. WHY are they there??? Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett have been a thorn in our flesh since they were seated: they side more with the obamanite appointees than they do with The People who put them there & expect them to DO their jobs FOR The People. Personal preferences are not part of the deal: they are there to read the Law and make judgements according to the writ. They are not going that route; they are taking political stances in popularity games. It's shameful, & the Supreme Court is in shambles. They are lifetime appointees - so, the abdication will go on and on and on until they die.

Here's what the author of the 14th amendment concerning Citizenship wrote, and meant it to be:

The liberal supreme court justices (that includes traitor Amy Coney Barrett) completely violated its purpose and twisted it to grant citizenship to millions of anchor babies whose mothers are illegal aliens.

The more important words “born within the limits of the United States, and subject to their jurisdiction” which, at the time, their jurisdiction meant the laws of the US.

People here illegally and those who travel to America for the purpose of birth tourism are not here “subject to the jurisdiction of the United States” so they are excluded.

Finally, in “United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649

(1898), the Supreme Court laid out the requirements for birthright US citizenship in 1898.

The first requirement is a person's parents must be in this country legally and the second requirement is that they have a legal residence within the United States at the time of their birth.

A hospital bed is not a legal residence.

Every person who DOES NOT meet those 2 requirements IS NOT a citizen of the United States.

It doesn't matter what bleeding hearts "think it means"; what matters is the interpretation of “in this country legally” and “have a legal residence within the U.S. at the time of birth.”

There is nothing [hard] to understand about simple language!

ACTION PACKED DAY; Castle Rock-WA

I woke up early this morning; so, I quietly grabbed my book 📕 on the way out of the bedroom - so I wouldn't wake Holland 😴, and read a couple chapters 📖 while eating a potato patty & bacon strips 🥓 breakfast with flavorful morning joy juice ☕️

The Day started with The Fargo's & a South American adventure; I'm in the final chapters of this story, now.

When Holland woke up & joined me downstairs, I asked him what he'd like me to take out of the freezer for supper - he said he just wanted a "light supper" … so, I asked, "Will a loaded baked potato 🥔🧈🍃🥓🧀 be light enough?" He said it would.

And thinking of those delicious hot potatoes, that got my thoughts going in the direction of a yarn craft design 🤔📏🧶✂️📝

So, the Fargo's were put aside, while I listened to a couple podcasts 💻🎙️ while designing & working up a pair of microwave hot pad mitts to fit my need:

A design born of a present necessity.

MOD Crochet Microwave Hot Pad Mitt:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/07/mod-crochet-microwave-hot-pad-mitt.html)

While I was engaged in that activity, Holland decided to go into town to grab some things 🛒 we'll need for our planned 4th of July activities 🗽🦅: nothing fancy - just a drive into the back country behind the family ranch compound 🚘

We've been invited to a couple festive events, but Holland's pain level is unpredictable 🤨; when it flares up ⚡️😩, he just wants to be home, relaxing 🛌🩹 - so, we don't want to be to far from Independence 🏡

He has a scheduled appointment ⚕️ in 2 weeks with a new medical center we are hoping will actually be able to help him ♻️

While he was gone, I put the mitt work aside just long enough to do a quick, simple workout 🧘:

Toe Touch Exercise~Aim for 10-15 reps

Lower Body Workout~Aim for 15-20 reps EA set x2; Use wall support. Skip the bend-over exercise if vertigo or balance is an issue.

The mitt was finished in time for supper 👍 - and there was no awkward grappling with steaming hot potatoes, tonight 😁

Loaded Microwave [Baked] Potatoes Recipe:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/07/loaded-microwave-baked-potatoes-recipe.html)

Today was a good Day: we both felt blessed in many ways 💕