GOD KNEW I NEEDED YOU

Saturday, February 21, 2026

VAL'S TURKEY-RICE CHOWDER; Coalinga-CA

Val's Turkey-Rice Chowder; YUMMY!

It was 35-degree's here, this morning, when I woke up ðŸ˜ą Not quite freezing, but pretty darned c.o.l.d.

I woke up with a sore throat, a headache, whiplash fallout form sneezing since Thursday afternoon; & and a sore rib cage from coughing all night long 😟

I don't feel on top of the world today 🌎: I don't feel much of anything right now, but sore from throat to waistline (what little bit of my short torso can be considered 'waistline' notable). I am definitely moving in slo-mode today 🐌

I wanted something soothing to swallow - microwaved frozen turkey stock sounded wonderful ☕️; but I knew my body needed more nourishment than that to heal ⚕️ effectively … so, I made a hot cup of tea (for immediate sore throat relief), then pulled together some ingredients on hand to make a slap-dash turkey chowder ðŸ‘Ļ‍ðŸģ 

#Mushrooms are good to add to this chowder - but, I didn't have any; and I didn't feel like exchanging my comfy Pj's for presentable clothing, to drive into town to grab some; but if you have some in your 'fridge, add them!

Val's Turkey-Rice Chowder ~serves 3-4

1 c. Turkey meat, cooked & diced * 2 TBSP. Olive Oil * Garlic, 2 cloves - minced * 1/2 Red Onion, sliced * 1/3 c. Long Grain Rice, raw * 1 med. Carrot, ends trimmed & grated * 1/2 c. Green Beans, frozen * 1/2 c. Celery, sliced w-leaves * 1 medium Potato, peeled & grated * 4-1/2 c. Water * 1 c. Turkey or Chicken Stock * 1/2 tsp. Herbs de Provence * 1 TBSP. Parsley, fresh & snipped thin * Lime Zest, small amount - julienned (or a squirt of lime juice) - both optional

4-Qt. Soup Pot ~ Chopping Board ~ Kitchen Knife ~ Vegetable Grater ~ Garlic Press ~ Vegetable Peeler ~ Measuring Cups & Spoons ~ Cooking Spoon ~ Soup Ladle ~ Soup Mugs & Silverware

1) Prepare veggies & set aside; measure spices - if using lime zest, place into a tea ball (this will be removed at serving time).

Sliced celery & shredded carrot, potato; spices.

2) Pour the oil into your soup pot; add garlic, onion & rice - cook on medium-low heat 7-10 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

Olive oil, garlic, onion & rice; cook until tender.

3) Add veggies & meat to garlic-onion-rice mix: mix thoroughly:

Add veggies & meat to softened garlic, onion & rice mix.

4) Add water, stock, and spices - blend. Bring the mixture to a boil; lower heat low and simmer soup about half an hour, or until veggies are soft cooked & meat is heated through.

Add spices; stir, lower heat & simmer about half an hour.

This soup was nutritiously hearty, warm & soothing on a sore throat; and satisfying to the tongue & stomach  - the rice is a good thickening agent 😊👌

The rice is a good thickening agent.

Friday, February 20, 2026

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA

When I got up this morning, Holland told me the temp didn't fall below 44-degrees at any time overnight ðŸĶ‰ - that's good news. I wouldn't have known one way, or the other: I drank my cocoa last night ☕️, fell into bed 🛌 … and was out for the count ðŸ˜ī until around 8:30 this morning.

Holland has not been feeling well: he's been lethargic ðŸĨą, hawking up globs of mucus 😒, and cat napping ðŸ˜ī most days 📅 The other morning, he said, "I don't know what's wrong Baby. I'm beginning to think I've got a devil 😈 riding my tail." And when he looked at me, he was serious. And I'm inclined to agree. I've been praying with him, for him … and over him throughout the day 🙏 - but he's got to want the healing bad enough, to ditch his hard core self-reliance so he can trust Yeshua 100%. He's not there; so, I'm hoping he will get in touch with his Dr. ⚕️ & order a total check over when we get back up North.

The Word of God is not delayed.

It’s not dormant.

It’s not waiting on perfect conditions.

It’s working. Right now.

Faith believes now.

Faith receives now.

Faith rests now.

Revelation 12:11 tells us, “And they overcame him (satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” ☝️ ✝️

Some - including my husband - say, “I’m a private person.” But if you want the devil defeated in your life, you need to tell ðŸ“Ģ someone what Yeshua did for you! 

Holland never talks 😎 to anyone about Elohim - or what has been done through Yeshua's beneficent touches on his life: he says, "I stopped talking to anyone about it because they would just get upset." Hmmm ðŸĪ” - he's hanging with the wrong crowd. I'm thinking it's time he started culling the pack and surrounding himself with people who uplift, support, encourage, and come alongside him in prayer for daily strength and effective healing proprieties. There is nothing at all weak about recognizing the need for help if necessary 🙏☝️, and gathering godly, insightful people around himself for spiritual strength & general well-being ✝️ðŸĪ - to bring out the best in him, for him. Proverbs 13:20 highlights the importance of choosing friends wisely, as our relationships significantly impact our character and life choices. This principle is echoed throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing that "bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33). I am praying that as 2026 unfolds - and he deepens his relationship with me … he will also gather new mentors or friends ðŸĪž who possess wisdom 🕊️ ðŸ”Ĩ , that mean him well; and will represent an active, ongoing, and intentional life journey throughout all the Days he is gifted to walk this earth.

And while I'm already in that frame of mind … I, too, want to leave space in my mind for the Ruach HaKo'desh to reveal things to my inner spirit 🕊️; my inner woman, if you please. I want to stay open to that 👂: I don't want to overthink life, too much. I want to be available for what Elohim wants to download into my brain cells 🧠 - and infuse into my spirit. I want to be ready for what 2026 has for me, personally; & for US, as a whole.

I want to remain open for Elohim's Plan for my Life.

And not overthink it.

Not over plan it.

Not overstep it.

I want to stay in step with Elohim's Plan for my life, so I can enjoy the maximum Life.

As I work my muscles and enjoy my workouts 🏋️‍♀️, I am mindful with grateful thankfulness that I am capable of enjoying workouts - some people are not.

Age-related muscle loss ⏳, known as sarcopenia, can be significantly reduced or reversed through consistent strength training. Start slow and progress gradually: Begin with low-impact exercises using light weights (5-lb or less) or resistance bands, focusing on proper form. Increase intensity over time by adding reps or resistance. Not only are toned arms achievable, but the process also leads to a wide range of health benefits, including improved balance, mobility, and bone density ðŸĶī

Targeted exercise is crucial: Incorporate specific arm exercises 💊 like bicep curls, triceps extensions, and wall push-ups at least two times per week to build and tone muscle.

Diet and rest are essential: Support muscle growth and recovery with a protein-rich diet, proper hydration, and 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Simply exercising isn't enough to see the best results; a healthy diet ðŸĨ— is equally vital for muscle growth and recovery. As we age, our bodies become more resistant to growth signals, a phenomenon known as anabolic resistance, which requires a higher intake of protein ðŸĨĐ to overcome. A nutritious diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables is crucial for fueling your muscles and supporting overall health. Hydration and sufficient rest are also cornerstones of a successful toning regimen, allowing muscles to repair and strengthen after a workout.

Visible results typically require consistency over several weeks or months. Beyond physical improvements, the benefits extend to mental well-being, motivation, and confidence.

Always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have chronic health conditions.

Spot reduction is a myth: Toning arms requires a combination of building arm muscle and reducing overall body fat through diet and exercise. It's important to understand that you cannot "spot reduce" fat from specific areas like the arms. To reveal toned arm muscles, a combination of building muscle and reducing overall body fat is necessary.

While targeted arm exercises will build the muscle underneath, overall fat loss through a balanced diet and regular activity will uncover those muscles.

I started my workout today, with a few stretching exercises:

Shoulder Shrug Warm-Up~12-15 total ct to loosen tight muscles.

The Standing Reach-Up Back Rotation Stretch primarily targets the erector spinae muscles, which are crucial for maintaining spinal alignment and stability. This exercise also engages the shoulder muscles and core muscles, contributing to overall flexibility and core strength. It is a beneficial exercise for anyone looking to improve their back mobility and reduce tension in the lower back.

Improving flexibility is essential for maintaining a healthy range of motion in your spine. The Standing Reach-Up Back Rotation Stretch helps to lengthen and stretch the muscles in your lower back, allowing for increased mobility and reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, this exercise can help alleviate lower back pain by releasing tension in the muscles surrounding the spine. As you rotate and reach up, you promote blood flow to the area, which aids in the healing process and provides relief from discomfort.

Support your back against a wall if necessary. Proper form is crucial when performing the Standing Reach-Up Back Rotation Stretch. Start by standing tall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your back straight and engage your core. As you reach up towards the wall or door frame, make sure to keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid shrugging them. As you rotate your torso, focus on maintaining a controlled movement and avoid any jerking or twisting motions. This will help protect your spine and ensure an effective stretch.

Standing Reach-Up Back Rotation Stretch~Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds (a relaxed count of 20 to 30), focusing on maintaining proper form & stability in your lower body - and feeling the stretch in your back. Repeat this stretch 2-3 times on EA side.
Standing Reach Up Back Rotation Stretch Demo
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4p9tRkp7d0)

The Kettlebell Staggered-Stance Deadlift can be a safe exercise for a 69-year-old woman if she follows proper safety guidelines and techniques. Though primarily targeting the glutes and hamstrings, engaging the core, lats, and forearms as secondary muscles, this exercise is a compound movement that works multiple muscle groups at once, making it an effective workout for overall body toning and strength building.

The exercise also helps you stretch your back and strengthens your core and balance. Keep your core engaged throughout the movement to protect your lower back and maintain balance. Always maintain abdominal tension.

Kettleball Staggered Stance Deadlift~Aim for 1 to 8 reps per set = Try to do 8 repetitions per activity, which counts as one set.
Kettlebell Staggered stance Deadlift
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXzdtAeM1qk

The Darebee Tone Arms + workout is a resistance training workout that targets the upper body to help develop upper body strength; designed to be safe and effective for individuals over 60, including a 69-year-old woman. It utilizes bodyweight training, which is simple, safe, and accessible, making it suitable for those who want to feel stronger, and more capable. The workout includes bodyweight exercises that help reclaim strength, balance, coordination, and energy. Overall, the Darebee Tone Arms + workout is a great option for a 69-year-old woman looking to tone her arms and improve her overall fitness.

However, it is always recommended to proceed any exercise with caution, especially if you have any chronic health conditions. Additionally, it is important to listen to your body and adjust the workout as needed to avoid any potential injuries.

Muscles Used
UPPPER BODY~Aim for 12-15 reps per exercise set (4 reps x3 = 12 total ct or 5 reps x3 = 15 total ct); this range allows for effective muscle engagement while ensuring safety and proper form. It is important to listen to your body and adjust the rep range as needed to avoid overexertion or injury.Toned Arms Plus Workout How-To/One Set: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p63qPmCtSyo)

Thursday, February 19, 2026

ALL IN~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA

It’s a season of restoration and the journey is just getting started! We are excited to walk together into what 2026 holds for us 💖

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"  Isaiah 43:19 📖

Every decision Holland makes; he considers me - he may not include my input into those decisions, but his considerations concerning my dream, hopes, and wants … are always in the decisions 💞 And if possible in any way,  he will go the extra mile to include those hopes and wants into a in-the-now-reality Dream unfolding.

Even though a decision may initially frustrate me ðŸĪĻ (because I am not clued in ðŸ§Đ - it's a 'wait and see' situation), I always find out later what he did was for my good 💕: just like my Father Elohim 💖

Because of Who Elohim is ☝️ … and because of how my husband considers his role ðŸĪ  in our marriage: "all in" faith & blind trust is essential in both relationships 🙏


Drinking our morning coffees ☕️, and feeling the warmth of the sunshine 🌞 piercing the overhead clouds heavy with rain that will fall again, later tonight, Holland said, "I was thinking we need a drive some place - I know my flower, and she needs to get out into the sunshine; or she gets cranky." ðŸŽŊ

He's beginning to understand his wildflower 😘

And I'm beginning to understand him, too.

Rinsing my coffee mug out, I shot him a sidelong smile, and said, "I'm figuring you out" ðŸĪ” He looked at me, and I continued, "You're a very testosterones driven man - you like the thrill of the hunt, and the rush of the chase. When we get peacefully comfortable, you will pick a fight and create a huge scene, effectively putting distance between us ðŸĪĻ … just to double back, start your courting dance 💞, and close in for the make up. I think you like me kinda huffy - just so you can move in like a firehose hero ðŸĪ  and put out the fire you started."

He laughed while putting on his shoes … but it's true, and he knows it.

Holland drove a backroad for a bit, before jumping on the freeway to Kettleman City for a hamburger:

Sunshine & birdsong; this morning is shaping into a  beautiful Day; Coalinga-CA
4-way Junction from Almond Tree Oasis RV Park-CA; 11 mins. Via W Jayne Ave, S Glen Ave
A heart-shaped cloud … and another, too.
From W Jayne Ave & CA-269 Junction to Kettleman City-CA; 16 min's. via CA-269, I-5 S

We enjoyed watching sheep in a far field - and cloud formations above our heads, as we ate our In-&-Out hamburger lunch 🍔😋

Holland drove another backroad home … and stopped this time for me to get a shot ðŸ“ļ of the leafy mounds that intrigue me: the leaves look like geranium leaves - yet too thick to be cranesbill, & too tall to be cultured geraniums. They literally cover entire fields for miles into the horizon & they pop up in orchards to run the entire length of untrunked ground space: I can't find anything online to match it. It's a mystery ðŸĪ·‍♀️ 

He also stopped alongside a roadway to allow me a good frame shot of a regal looking Red-tailed Hawk 👌

We saw bee boxes set in place, and vibrating with busy bee behavior 🐝 - and we spotted his cousin Bruce's bee boxes 👀; I was glad we got to view his bee box locations, since this will more than likely be our last stint here, when we pack up and move in a couple weeks (that's the plan anyway; fickle weather fallout ðŸ’§⚡️ðŸ”Ĩ❄️could change all that).

A heart cut-out cloud formation.
From Kettleman City-CA to W Jayne Ave, 30th Ave; 18 min's
This plant looks like some sort of wild Geranium - this plant is everywhere, covering the fields, & roadsides, in tall mounds. It appears to be as invasive as kudzu … but, it is not a climbing vine like kudzu.
A Red-tailed Hawk, in an Almond Tree Orchard-CA.
Red-tailed Hawk: (https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/red-tailed-hawk) perched atop a Barn Owl Nest Box: (https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hawk_perches_and_owl_boxes_for_biological_pest_management.pdf)
Bee Boxes in an Almond Tree Orchard-CA
Blossoming Cherry Tree Orchard-CA
From 4-way Junction to the Almond Tree Oasis RV Park-CA; 11 mins.
BIG heart cloud.

It started raining as we got close to home base 💧 - and we saw that a driver unfamiliar with CA roads, made a wrong turn (probably following misguided GPS directions) and had seriously slid through the slick, gooey mud and ended up in someone's orange orchard ðŸ˜ē That's gonna be a spendy retrieval ðŸ’ļ, and I hope he wasn't injured.

We also caught sight of last night's recent snowfall ❄️🏔️ in the higher elevation hillside that surrounds Coalinga. Freezing weather is expected tonight and through the weekend - it's possible we could get a light dusting down here, if the freeze lingers ðŸĨķ

Rain - as soon as we get to our home street …
Holland read the TX Plate, and said 'hot shot driver'; poor fella won't make any $ this trip - the tow fee will be astronomical.
We caught sight of overnight snowfall in the hills surrounding Coalinga-CA
snowfall in the hills surrounding Coalinga-CA
Text with David.

Today's workout was an "all in" undertaking, and it felt good 😁

The "I am In Charge" workout is a high-burn, streamline cardiovascular workout designed to engage your entire system, making it beneficial for overall fitness. It is a no-equipment workout that can be done at home, which is suitable for many individuals, including a 69-year-old woman. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those who are not used to physical activity.

Examples of how to do the Side Step Jacks & Side Jacks are posted below - in the exercise descriptions.

Muscles Worked
March Steps~10 ct in place x3Side Step Jacks~10 ct total x3Arm Circles~5 Front & 5 Back = total 10 ct x3Side Jacks~5 EA side = total 10 ct x3

The March Steps exercise is generally considered safe for a 69-year-old woman, provided she is in good health and has a stable cardiovascular system. The march steps exercise involves walking briskly, which can be beneficial for cardiovascular health and overall fitness. It is recommended to start with a comfortable pace and gradually increase the intensity to avoid overexertion. Additionally, staying hydrated and wearing appropriate footwear can enhance the safety and effectiveness of the exercise.

In general, Side Step Jacks can be a low-impact exercise option for seniors. The safety of performing the Side Step Jacks exercise for a 69-year-old woman depends on several factors; Joint Health: If she has joint issues or has had previous injuries, she should exercise with caution and consider modifications to reduce impact. Balance and Stability: Assessing her balance and stability is crucial before attempting side step jacks. It is essential to listen to your body and stop if you feel any discomfort or dizziness.

Arm Circles are a safe exercise for a 69-year-old woman to do. This exercise is designed to improve shoulder mobility and strengthen upper back muscles, which are crucial for daily activities. Regular, gentle movement like arm circles, can help maintain independence and improve balance and coordination.

Arm Circles - keep arms at shoulder height.

The safety of Side Jacks for a 69-year-old woman depends on her overall health, fitness level, and any existing medical conditions. Side jacks are a form of aerobic exercise that can be beneficial for cardiovascular health and calorie burn. However, they may pose risks for seniors with joint issues, balance problems, or other health concerns. It is essential to listen to your body and stop if you feel any discomfort or dizziness.

Step Side Jacks

And with that … I'm calling it a night: I'm all done in ðŸĨą I'm going to enjoy a mug of cocoa, wrap up in a blanket (listen for the rain & pray Jack frost passes us up without a nippy visit; RV's are not draft-free regardless of how they are built - or by which company slaps their brand on them), and watch a short movie ðŸ’ŧ🎎before going up stairs to bed 🛌ðŸ’Ī

It could get pretty cold, tonight 😟

We are in the freeze zone (us = yellow dot).