GOD KNEW I NEEDED YOU

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

MY FAVORITE WEATHER IS BIRD CHIRPING WEATHER; Coalinga-CA

My favorite kind of weather isn’t measured in degrees, it’s measured in birdsong ๐ŸŽถ Open windows - open doors; gentle breezes, and that sweet little chorus outside that makes everything feel hopeful and brand new ๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒธ

The chirping is loud today - I LIKE!

The moon also, was gracing us with it's appearance ๐Ÿ˜Š

The moon looks very clear against the blue sky here @ The Almond Tree Oasis RV Park, Coalinga-CA

And, I listened to Victor, tonight while working a few crochet rows - because I am a deep thinker & a history enthusiast, I enjoy these discussions. If it were possible, it would be fun to have face-to-face in-depth talks with these guys ๐Ÿ˜‰

Victor Davis Hanson: Cancer Test UPDATE, Jesse Jackson’s Checkered Past: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_zuHiz0VhM)

THE CARLSON-HUCKABEE INTERVIEW~My Take Away; Coalinga-CA

Slanted Interview - in which carlson shone very badly, in.

February 24th: I was curious about all the internet buzz ๐Ÿค” surrounding the carlson-Huckabee sit down. I wanted to be fair in my assessment of the interview content ๐Ÿ’ป๐ŸŽง

First, I gave an ear to the John Haller Roundtable discussion ๐Ÿ‘‚, while I worked on my WIP's ongoing growth, caught a glimpse of the sunset over Coalinga ๐Ÿ‘€, ate supper ๐ŸŒฎ & got the dishes done …

Israel Update with Karys Rhea: 
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CbsLIvPEbU&t=3878s)
Finally at the halfway point for this afghan undertaking …
Sunset~6 PM; Coalinga-CA

Listening to John & Karys, I couldn't imagine an angry Huckabee - a snarky, bear-poking phishing carlson … yes; but an angry Huckabee? ๐Ÿคท‍♀️

My curiosity was further piqued.

So, I scrolled YouTube for the heralded vid; and gave that a listen … which limped agonizingly slowly ๐Ÿข into the midnight hour ⏰๐Ÿฆ‰

Tucker Confronts Mike Huckabee on America’s Toxic Relationship With Israel:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS7itdfgNnU)

I listened to the entire click-bait "interview" - a nearly 3-hour long diatribe ๐Ÿคฆ๐Ÿป‍♀️ where it was very clear from the get-go ๐Ÿคจ that carlson was angling for an argument ๐Ÿ˜ˆ He started off with a petulant whine about being misunderstood … and quickly morphed into an anti-Semitic dialog with a deliberate & hostile attack ๐Ÿ’ฉ on Huckabee - personally; systematically ๐Ÿ‘น going after Huckabee on every level ๐Ÿ˜ณ, in what can only be described as a character attack. carlson kept saying, "I just want to understand" ๐Ÿคฅ - which was a lie, because it was quickly obvious that he was there with knives out ๐Ÿคก, hoping to draw first blood.

For Huckabee's part, he held steady ๐Ÿ˜‡: he never retaliated by responding with ire - instead, he kept his voice calm ๐Ÿ•Š️, and responded with constructive communication ✌️, as an adult would, to de-escalate a toddler's temper tantrum. For every character assassination knife swipes carlson took at him ๐Ÿ˜ต‍๐Ÿ’ซ, maliciously poisoned by gossipy misinformation ๐Ÿ˜ค: Huckabee politely dodged the knife point & answered the barbed accusations with facts - actual real time facts, as well as documented Historical facts, and sometimes Biblical facts ☝️ ✝️๐Ÿ“–  when carlson, in full-blown-snits, pushed those buttons.

Watching carlson's behavior ๐Ÿคจ (facial expressions, exasperated angst, his seated twitching, the occasional blush when Huckabee's gentle admonishments hit home, ect.) & listening to carlson's rabid, teeth baring, dogged arguments ๐Ÿคฌ๐ŸฅŠ … it was obvious to me that carlson has had a break with reality ๐Ÿคช, possibly following a stroke he's not aware of having experienced - which could explain his volatile anger issues (which he openly admitted to having), as well as the obvious cognitive decline. The carlson highlighted in this shoddy, manipulative, demonically-inspired interview, is not the same carlson he was during his FOX host years. Or … maybe he is, and the mask has just fallen totally off, allowing his erratic behavior & his extreme bully tactics to strongly show forth ๐Ÿ‘บ

For my part, it was a 2-3/4 hour struggle ๐Ÿฅฑ to sit through & listen to - but I was curious ๐Ÿ™„ about all the internet buzz surrounding the carlson-Huckabee sit down. I wanted to be fair in my take away.

So, I listened ๐Ÿ’ป๐ŸŽง

I came to my own conclusions ๐Ÿง Huckabee was right to keep responses ๐ŸŽฏ level-headed, calm, and on-target - a lot of people took offense that he didn't meet carlson's anger with umbrage. Huckabee was correct in dismissing carlson's flighty crassness with calm, collective, cognitive responses: Huckabee was the adult in the room ๐Ÿ™ carlson is waaaaay out of his depth ๐ŸŒŠ concerning the issues he doggedly ๐Ÿฅด kept flinging around, honing in for "the kill" moment. My conclusions are this: carlson relys on gossip ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“ฃ to fuel his jets. carlson has some pretty horrifying religious beliefs ๐Ÿ˜ˆ carlson has some pretty scary political leanings ๐Ÿ˜ก carlson thinks bully tactics ๐ŸฅŠ & snarky, petulant responses ๐Ÿ‘น are "ethical & intelligent" ways to conduct himself. carlson is, without a doubt, self-deluded (a psychological break by which to preserve self-esteem & avoid uncomfortable truths) & 100% self-retarded ๐Ÿคก (characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior) in thought, deed, and action. carlson actually came across to my way of thinking as someone so completely fueled by hatred, that he is now demonically inspired & motivated ๐Ÿคฏ

I posted this comment ✍️ following the carlson content of the video he posted for the world to see & judge ๐ŸŽž️๐Ÿ’ป๐ŸŒ:

{{So - right off the bat: when an interviewer has to try to explain why he's "coming off as a jerk" - it's because he IS a jerk. Tucker, you really need to get a life. Step away from the mic. Stop the hate speak. GROW UP. I had listened to your snarky twaddle for all the years you were on FOX, because occasionally you would say something that did not revolve around you; but when you became entirely too full of yourself & were given the boot, you ramped up your nastiness. One thing is abundantly clear concerning this devilish attack towards Huckabee … YOU are NOT "one of God's People": God's People understand God's connection, preservation, and protection of the Jews. They are in Israel, because that is where God wants them - doesn't matter what you want, or what you think about the situation. YOU ARE NOT GOD. Thank God. I can't even work up anger at your shamelessness in the wickedness of your character you highlighted in this interview. I believe you are soul dead. I just feel sorry for you. I would tread very carefully if I were you concerning God & the Jews.}}

carlson is not "a Christian" in any way, shape, or form ๐Ÿ˜ฑ … he should not put himself forward as a spokesperson ๐Ÿ“ฃ❌ for Christians: by his own admission in the video he posted, he does "not understand" ๐Ÿง ๐ŸŽˆ the simple basics of Christianity ✡️✝️๐Ÿ“– - let alone the historical significance of Christianity's roots. carlson is, by example of his mindset, speech, and black heart motives; more accurately aligned with islam ๐Ÿ˜ˆ, which suits his new home & community location - in Qatar, a “terror state,” with close ties to Hamas ๐Ÿ‘น: a Jew hating ๐Ÿคฌ, American hating ๐Ÿ˜ก assassination organization. I'm stumped to rectify how buying a home in an American hating muslim country, is a chosen way to prove you are "a patriotic red-blooded American" ๐Ÿฆ… committed to "my country - which is America!"

carlson is not a moral person - despite his claims to be so ๐Ÿ‹ A moral person is not consumed by a misguided self-grandiose hatred that motivates their entire being ๐Ÿ’ฉ

carlson is not an American Patriot in any way, shape, or form. American Patriots understand the Judeo-Christian foundation of America's Constitution ๐Ÿ“œ - the fact that this truth flies right over the top of carlson's empty head ๐Ÿคฏ, is very telling.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

BEAUTY & THE BEAST/Self care 2026; Coalinga-CA

Today unfolded beautifully ๐Ÿ˜

I got up prepared to start getting things prepared for moving Wednesday … but when I staggered downstairs, shielding my eyes from the bright sunlight pouring into the livingroom from the open front door, Holland said, "Don't bother doing anything today - there's another storm blowing in; the pineapple express. So, We'll sit tight until March 1st."

I bit my tongue from blurting out, "Yippie!" But Holland wasn't fooled. He said, "I know you're pleased, but we have got to be on the move on the 1st, no matter what."

And I know he's anxious to be on the move northward: his knees are very painful, and he needs to get some relief - CA will not honor his WA Insurance coverage. And truth be told, I am getting concerned with the level of his pain. We need to head north. And when we get up there, we'll be there until what needs doing gets done - he needs pain relief ⚕️๐Ÿ’‰.

{{Pineapple Express To Flood CA With Warm Air & Rain

~by Anthony Edwards - San Francisco Chronicle

A long, narrow corridor of atmospheric moisture extending from the tropics to the West Coast, known as a Pineapple Express, is forecast to bring above-normal temperatures and rain to Northern California this week. The Pineapple Express is expected to be missing a key ingredient to convert the water vapor to heavy rain in the Bay Area. (Baron/Lynx)

A Pineapple Express type of atmospheric river storm will bring mostly rain to Northern California through Wednesday, potentially triggering flooding in areas that received snow last week.

Pineapple Expresses are long, narrow plumes of water vapor in the atmosphere with origins near Hawaii or other parts of the tropical Pacific. Because of their warm origins, Pineapple Expresses often bring above-normal temperatures to California and push the rain-snow line above most Sierra Nevada ski resorts.

This week's Pineapple Express will send the rain-snow line as high as 10,000 feet in the Tahoe region, meaning most of the precipitation will fall as rain.

Monday's showers are expected to be limited to the North Coast, Trinity Alps and Klamath Range. By Tuesday, rain will push toward the Northern Sierra, Bay Area and Sacramento Valley.

Forecast rainfall totals are greatest in mountainous areas of Northern California, with 1 to 3 inches in most areas. Normally, this amount of rain would present no problems, but the unusually low-elevation snowfall last week is raising the risk of rapid melting and localized flooding. The National Weather Service forecasts a slight (level 2 of 4) risk of excessive rainfall resulting in flooding in the Northern Sierra on Tuesday.

Rainfall on top of a fresh snowpack may be enough to cause flooding Tuesday, particularly in the Northern Sierra Nevada. (Baron/Lynx)

"The combination of heavy rainfall and snowmelt may result in localized flash flooding along small streams as well as in poor drainage areas," the weather service said.

Even if rain doesn't cause flooding, it'll add weight to the fresh snowpack around the Tahoe area. Heavy snow could cause roofs or other structures to cave in. Residents should use Monday to prepare for Tuesday's potentially messy conditions.

The Sierra Avalanche Center said that high avalanche danger is anticipated in the backcountry from Monday night into Wednesday morning for the greater Lake Tahoe region, including the area where the deadly avalanche occurred last week.

While the Sierra contends with flooding concerns, the Bay Area should avoid the worst of the impacts with this Pineapple Express.

The origins of this Pineapple Express are deep in the tropics, meaning it'll be working with copious amounts of moisture. But moisture in the atmosphere doesn't always result in heavy precipitation. Upward motion is needed to convert water vapor to rain or snow. Without a strong low-pressure system nearby this week to provide that lift, mountains will do most of the work.

That means places such as Mount Tamalpais could pick up more than 2 inches of rain when San Francisco receives a half-inch or less

Forecast rainfall totals through Wednesday are greatest along the North Coast and in the Northern Sierra Nevada. San Francisco and cities to its south are forecast to pick up less than a half-inch of rain. (Baron/Lynx)

It's still unclear exactly how much rain will fall in the Bay Area on Tuesday, but it should not be a significant amount relative to recent storms. Light showers may linger Wednesday, but dry weather is forecast to prevail by Thursday.

In the Bay Area, the main impact from the Pineapple Express will be on temperatures.

The system will wipe out the chilly air mass that brought low-elevation snow to the region's peaks last week and replace it with a mild one. Highs will reach the 60s Monday and soar into the low 70s in parts of the region by Thursday after clouds and precipitation clear out.

High temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-60s to low 70s in the Bay Area on Thursday. (Baron/Lynx)

Pineapple Express to flood California with warm air, rain: https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/extreme-weather-events/pineapple-express-to-flood-california-with-warm-air-rain/ar-AA1WTKo8?ocid=BingNewsSerp}}

We'll be heading north over the Siskiyou's ๐Ÿš˜๐Ÿ”️, via the Redding-CA route ๐Ÿ—บ️: praying ๐Ÿ™ the beastly weather ๐Ÿ’ง๐ŸŒŠ❄️ hasn't done - and will not do beastly damage that will muck up our northward travel.

But this morning, we were enjoying the beautiful, sunny weather we were favored with ๐ŸŒž, as we climbed into Beast Betsy and drove into Coalinga; to do some light grocery shopping.

Coalinga-CA from The Almond Tree Oasis RV Park; 12 min's via W Jayne Ave, CA-33
Coalinga Plaza-CA = downtown.

When we got there, Holland said, "You know what? We really don't need to get anything here until later on - before we get ready to pull stakes; how about we go for a short drive? Let's drive a bit out of town and see what you can nab for pictures" ๐Ÿ“ธ

So, that's what we did.

The sunshine felt wonderful on our skin.

The hillsides have greened up beautifully, following the recent rainfalls.

We chit-chatted, and enjoyed a serene drive - no screaming big-hair bands or heavy metal static; just the steady hum of pumping jack activity (they look like giant metal praying mantis' ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคฃ as they go about their silent business of sucking oil up out of the ground). We noticed a huge white cross, that we'd not seen before, placed atop a hill overlooking a homestead ๐Ÿ‘€ We watched cattle munching the green grass covering a hillside. We listened to the country silence of the mountainous region.

It was a soothing, contemplative drive along that serpentine crossover roadway. We were both enjoying the peacefulness of the enjoyable Day; knowing we won't be coming back this way, again.

The fields are full of these little pumping Jacks - continually going up & down.
Large white cross W Hwy #198-CA; outside of Coalinga-CA
W Hwy #198-CA & Curry Mountain foothills; outside of Coalinga-CA
W Hwy #198-CA & Curry Mountain foothills, outside of Coalinga-CA; about 30 minutes.
Cows grazing the green grasses of W Hwy #198-CA & Curry Mountain foothills; outside of Coalinga-CA

Backtracking through Coalinga, Holland suggested we lengthen our drive and meander through Avenal - I readily agreed. I like Avenal … and I like the crossover backroad we sometimes take, too: today, we took it & explored a dirt road through a field that led to a cattle corral. And pretty flowers. Spring was springing in the Lost Hills ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Š And we also saw that the bridge under construction is now finished, and the wash is being lined with big boulders where we are assuming the flood waters when they come again, will be rerouted:

Avenal-CA from Coalinga-CA; 23 mins. via W Lost Hills Rd, CA-33
Back road fields were covered with bright yellow tansy, rolling hills of purple dwarf lavender, & tiny wildflowers - like these, gently being swayed by a gentle, warm breeze.
The bridge started a few months ago, is finished now; W Lost Road Hills Rd, CA-33 - this side of Coalinga-CA

Holland drove through a part of Avenal, that we hadn't explored before; several trees along the streets there, had been pruned in an unusual shape - very interesting; very pretty. I wish we could be here to see them leafed out. I am curious about how they will look with leaves ๐Ÿค” I wonder what type of trees they are. I like the shape of them. But, we will not be here; and I can only imagine. I have a very vivid imagination ๐Ÿ˜‰

Then, Holland spotted a little mexican eatery … so, we nipped into a parking spot and went inside; the interior was small. The food presentation was not fancy, but it was authentic mexican food ๐Ÿ‘Œ The food preparation smelled enticing ๐Ÿ‘ƒ - we left with tasty meals: half of it we ate alongside the highway, watching freeway traffic on the other side of the Hydril Oil Fields - the rest came home with us to finish off, later:

Interesting tree shape; Avenal-CA - I like it.
Avenal-CA Skyline Blvd. Crossover Road; 6 mins. #269 Skyline Blvd, Avenal-CA
HYDRIL OIL FIELD; Avenal-CA:
 (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/11/hydril-oil-field-avenal-ca.html)
Chalios Tacos y Tortas @ #836 Skyline Blvd., Avenal-CA - Internet Picture.
Authentic food, friendly service; reasonable prices.
My Nachos; different than Coalinga's offering (which was good, too) & the soft, flour, tortilla chips were fresh made!
Avenal-CA to #269-CA & W Jayne Ave, Huron, CA = 11 mins.
CA #269 Junction, Huron-CA to Almond Tree Oasis RV Park-CA; 11 mins. via W Jayne Ave, S Glen Ave

It was still very warm when we got back to Independence, so we left the screen door open and ate the rest of our meals while enjoying the Sunkissed scent of the almond tree blossoms in the orchard behind us.

I posted a recipe ๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿณ to a couple Blogs ✍️ during today's Blog Hopping - and noticed that my 'Short Girl' Posting had been featured on one of them:

Beautiful, open-door Day; the pleasant, sun-warmed, honey-sweet scent of almond tree blossoms breezing through the house.
VAL'S TURKEY-RICE CHOWDER; Coalinga-CA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/vals-turkey-rice-chowder-coalinga-ca.html
SHORT GIRL~Self Care 2026; Coalinga-CA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026_01_24_archive.html)

And when the day cooled off, I went into the bunk room to work out.

I embrace getting older; most women feel anxious about aging … too many even attempt to hide their age with hair dye, spendy spa appointments, and nips and tucks if they have the๐Ÿ’ธ; as they feel the years creeping up on them. All that temporary vanity rush ๐Ÿฉน is futile. They will continue to age – whether they consent to it, or not ๐Ÿคฆ๐Ÿป‍♀️: all the hair dye in the world, all the spa pampering's, and all the surgeries/lip fillers cannot hold the creeping years back. However, there is 1 thing women can do to keep their bodies lithe, limber, functionable, and "looking good for their age" … that 1 thing is physical exercise ๐Ÿ‹️‍♀️๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿฝ  to firm muscles ๐Ÿ’ช under the skin (which will help smooth out the skin), boost bone density ๐Ÿฆด, joint flexibility, and tendon strength - a simple workout everyday will go a long way in adding pep to your step, vitality to your life ๐Ÿ‘, and a balanced confidence to your entire wellbeing ๐Ÿ˜Š

Before sliding the floor length mirrors this morning to retrieve clothing, I stood for a minute or two, noting the image reflecting back at me; and thought that at 69, that reflection wasn’t anything to be ashamed of ๐Ÿ˜˜ My body has been good to me, and it is relatively healthy (aside from the asthma, and heart arrhythmia) ๐Ÿคž God designed this body specifically for ME, and I am okay with it; it’s hour-glass curviness is a bit more ample than it used to be … but it still does righteous by me, and it appeals to my husband ๐Ÿฅฐ My skin (face, arms, legs, hands, feet, and breast area that shows) is lightly freckled, and I’m okay with that - I enjoy being outside: my skin really is holding up well for its 69 years. My hair seriously grayed up this winter & I'm okay with that, too. I decided a loooong time ago to gray naturally: and so far, the gray is coming in complementarily ๐Ÿ˜Š I am not trying to hide my age. I feel privileged to have reached this age (many do not), and I’m actually excited by the unfolding blessing of being able to be living this new era of my life.

I’m having fun & I am enjoying a life abundant ๐ŸŽฏ with a love I never expected in my golden years ๐Ÿ’ž

Me; December 2025

I’m not spending too much time worrying about my graying hair, my plain face, or my abundant curves. It is what it is, I do right by my body & my body does right by me … and my husband is pleased with both ๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍❤️‍๐Ÿ’‹‍๐Ÿ‘จ 

I want to enjoy a flexible aging, so I always make time for some workout time, to tone and shape my muscles. I enjoy workouts, I always have. Today's workout was a full-body workout, using another Darebee routine worksheet ๐Ÿ‘Š I also posted example gifs following the worksheet routines - to show proper technique and some have alternative options: personally, I have to be careful with my back ๐Ÿ“Œ, so I do the laying down ones, standing upright with alternate movements.

Shape your body and tighten up your obliques with the Darebee Love Handles workout, designed to specifically work these areas. The Darebee Love Handles workout can be a safe and effective addition to a fitness routine for a 69-year-old woman; however, pay attention to how the body responds to the exercises and adjust the intensity and duration as needed.

Full Body Workout Muscles - Female
Step Jacks~10 to 20 reps x2Twists~10 twists EA side x2Side Leg Raises~12–15 reps EA side x2Side Bridges~10-12 reps EA side x2Wall Planks~hold EA Position, 15-30 secs x2 A repetition is one complete movement of an activity, like lifting a weight or doing one sit-up. Try to do 8 to 12 repetitions per activity, which counts as one set.
Various Planks exercises~EA a 10 sec. count x2

Step Jacks exercises are generally considered safe for a 69-year-old woman to do, provided she is in good physical condition and has no underlying health issues.

Step Side Jacks~10 to 20 reps x2

Body Twists exercises are generally considered safe for a 69-year-old woman to do, provided she is in good physical condition and has no underlying health issues.

Body Twists~10 twists EA side x2

Side Leg Raises exercises are safe for a 69-year-old woman to do. These exercises are designed to strengthen the glute minimus, a small muscle situated on either side of the buttocks, which is important for hip and knee stability and lateral movement. Regularly performing lateral leg raises can improve strength, stability, and reduce the risk of injuries.

Side Leg Lifts can be done standing - with support, such as a chair or a wall~12–15 reps EA side x2

Side Bends are generally safe for older adults, including a 69-year-old woman; however, it is crucial to ensure that the individual is in a stable position and that the exercise is performed with proper form to avoid any potential risks. Side bridges focus on strengthening the obliques and core through controlled hip lifts and hip lowers - overall, side bridges can be a beneficial exercise for strengthening the core and improving stability, but it should be approached with caution: if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, stop.

Side Bends (Alternative to the Side Bridges exercise)~10-12 reps EA side x2

Planks are generally considered safe for a 69-year-old woman to perform, provided she maintains proper form and listens to her body. The exercise engages the core muscles without straining the spine, which are essential for stability and balance. It helps reinforce proper postural alignment, making daily activities easier and safer. This exercise is safe for the spine and can be done by most individuals, including those with joint issues. Engaging the shoulder musculature during the push into the wall helps build upper body strength, which is beneficial for daily activities. The weight-bearing through the wrists, forearms, and upper arms benefits the bones in those areas, providing additional support for the bones. It is important for the individual to start with shorter holds and gradually increase the duration as strength improves. If you experience any undue discomfort or sharp pain, stop.

This Planks exercise can be done standing against a wall~hold EA Position, 15-30 secs x2
Wall Side Plank video
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Zc1ysm6aAM)
Standing Plank Holds~hold 15-30 secs x2. To count exercise seconds, start by saying '1' and continue counting sequentially '2', '3', and so on, until you reach recommended rep count.

It was a wonderfully beautiful Day ๐Ÿ˜‡ - and I fervently pray ๐Ÿ™ the beastly weather ๐Ÿ˜ต‍๐Ÿ’ซ will stay away.