LIFE UNDER CONSTRUCTION~Self Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

Today we had planned to hop over the bridge, grab our mail & spend some time enjoying the sunshine at the Columbia River Park on the OR side of the river.

From Toutle River RV Resort to the Lewis & Clark Bridge - via I-5 S; 24 min (20.9 miles)

That did not happen because the traffic was backed up again.

I don't know what is going on with the Lewis & Clark Bridge, but I wish someone would get it sorted, so traffic will flow again. This backed-up crap is ridiculous: and it causes wrecks - a fatality the other day.

Today's bumper-to-bumper back-up was 6 miles long; with new arrivals to lengthen the line, arriving every 5 minutes on each end of the bridge: in WA & OR 🤨

The hop across the river, was canceled; traffic backed up all the way from the Hospital in Longview-WA, & over the bridge to Rainier-OR

So, we decided to grab a boxed chinese lunch 🍜 from the Golden Palace, to chow down on, at Lake Sacajawea:

From the Lewis & Clark Bridge to the Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant - via Oregon Way and 15th Ave; 6 min (1.7 miles)

The Golden Palace; #1245 14th Ave, Longview, WA

From the Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant to Lake Sacajawea; via Hemlock St and Louisiana St; 5 min (1.2 miles)

Holland's Szechuan Beef

My Almond Chicken

The Day was pleasant - weather was good, food was good, companionship was good … and Holland was relaxing & opening up. There is active relational construction taking place 💞

He said, "I need you"; I said, "I'm glad; because for a while there - I wasn't sure." He said, "I'm sorry I made you doubt me, Baby. But you don't have to worry - I'm in this thing for the long haul."

Appetites satiated, Holland drove the long way home; and when we were driving out Coal Creek & getting closer to Woodside Drive - I asked him of we could go check out the Coal Creek Church: last time I had been there, sometime in the Fall of 2017 with Bob, the people there were discussing putting some kind of hydraulic lift off to the side of the steps to make things easier for the senior citizens. I was curious if that ever happened, as I haven't been there, since.

Holland had never been there & I had only been there twice. I knew we were on the right road … but, it became obvious as the road got thinner and higher, that we had missed the road we needed to turn off onto. I apologized for leading my husband astray, & as soon as we found a place wide enough to turn around: we did.

And backtracked to the correct road, where we both saw that there had not been any construction of any kind, there:

From Lake Sacajawea to Coal Creek Church - via Pacific Way and Coal Creek Rd; 16 min (8.9 miles)

I love to see an abundance of foxgloves; my favorite wildflower~we turned around here, to backtrack.

As the road climber higher & got snakier, I realized we had missed the Church road … we doubled back.

Coal Creek Church; 609 Carlon Loop Road Longview WA

I couldn't find much info on Coal Creek-WA, but I did find this short snippet of History …

{{Inman-Poulsen Logging Co.'s new Log Dump trestle on Coal Creek Slough northwest of Longview, WA in 1907.

Inman-Poulsen Logging Co. Log Dump trestle on Coal Creek Slough northwest of Longview, WA in 1907

Inman-Poulsen Lumber Co was incorporated in Portland, OR in 1890 building a large mill there. In 1906 the company bought the Coal Creek RR, a 42"gauge 7-mile long coal hauling railroad on Coal Creek west of Kelso, WA (years before Long-Bell Lumber Co built Longview). Inman-Poulsen Logging Co was incorporated to operate the railroad and do the logging. The following year they built a new log dump on Coal Creek Slough and a trestle to reach it, shown in the photo below. The company also added two small shay locomotives to supplement the small rod locomotive that came with the railroad. Over the years the railroad was extended up to 12 miles and two additional shay locomotives were added. The railroad extended to the headwaters of Coal Creek and a decline was used to get over a saddle into Delameter Creek (originally Scentygrease Creek). The tracks extended as far as Arkansas Creek. Operations were closed out in July of 1923 and the tracks were moved to a new operation near Keasey, OR.}}

We aimed Betsy's nose up Woodside Drive, towards Delameter Road& Home.

From Coal Creek Church to Toutle River RV Resort - via Woodside Dr and Delameter Rd; 24 min's (14.4 miles)

Back home, Holland finished off his chinese lunch & went upstairs to catch a few zzz's; and I went online to visit my Friends' Pages. The latest pics of Baby Ace had me smiling: Ace is a true preemie, and though he is growing healthily and if filled out handsomely, he is still very small.

I'm so happy for this little family undergoing intentional & mindful construction 😊

'Littlefoot & Bigfoot'~Bob's youngest brother, Kerry, & Kerry's 1st Great-grandson, Ace.

I checked the honey concoction I whipped up the other afternoon - then, grabbed some light weights to take with me to bed tonight, for a quick & effective workout 🧘 before the sandman arrives.

Exercise is relaxing to me, and I'm going to try to make it a point to get to bed before the sun comes up: this will help stave off asthma attacks, too: or so I've been told. We'll see.

Working out before a decent bedtime = will help with asthma control, too.

Exercise can help control asthma symptoms and improve lung function, but it must be approached with caution and proper management. Benefits of Exercise for Asthma - Improves Lung Capacity: Regular physical activity can enhance the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use, which is beneficial for overall lung health. Reduces Inflammation: Exercise can decrease airway inflammation over time, helping to improve how your airways respond to physical activity. Increases Endurance: Engaging in regular exercise can help your airways build tolerance to physical exertion, making it easier to perform activities that might typically trigger symptoms. Enhances Cardiovascular Fitness: Improved heart conditioning leads to better blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body, which is crucial for individuals with asthma. Boosts Mental Health: Exercise releases endorphins, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety, factors that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Types of Exercise Recommended - Low to Moderate Intensity Activities. Breathing Exercises: Incorporating specific breathing techniques can also help manage asthma. Precautions to Take - Before starting any exercise program, it’s essential to discuss your asthma management plan with your healthcare provider. Use Medications as Directed: Always use your prescribed inhaler or bronchodilator before exercising, as recommended by your doctor. Warm-Up and Cool Down: Gradually increasing and decreasing your activity levels can help prevent sudden airway constriction. Monitor Environmental Conditions: Be cautious of exercising outdoors in cold weather or when air quality is poor, as these can trigger asthma symptoms. While exercise can be beneficial for individuals with asthma, it is crucial to manage the condition effectively and take necessary precautions. With the right approach, many people with asthma can enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity without significant issues. Always work closely with your healthcare provider to tailor an exercise plan that suits your individual needs.

STAYIN' ALIVE~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA

June 15th: Woke up.

Still kickin'

And I'm not the only one trying to stay alive - visiting my Blog Hop Friends this afternoon, this posting from Colorado, caught my attention:

Pat @ https://millefiorifavoriti.blogspot.com/ posted - "Twin Deer Fawns Were Born in My Yard Last Week!"

(https://millefiorifavoriti.blogspot.com/2026/06/twin-deer-fawns-were-born-in-my-yard.html)

As well as these posts of mine, that were highlighted on 2 Blogger Friends' Blogs: 

Barb's Blog @ https://frenchethereal.net/ 

highlighted my personal, & encouraging, post 

(https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/06/hope-for-brokenhearted-castle-rock-wa.html)

Linda's Blog @ https://www.lifeandlinda.com/ 

highlighted my crochet Flag Pot Cover 

(https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/06/mod-grand-old-flag-freedom-250-plant.html)

Workouts were low-key, today: I did some finger & foot stretches.

The fingers are all tendons so training them to be strong and supple requires constant work.

Tendons Worked~Hands

The benefits are fewer injuries, less strain from repetitive work plus supple hands that can be used to do almost anything~Aim for 10 ct. EA set x 3~x3 to x5 = week

There are ten tendon and ligament groups at work in your foot, toes and ankles - and training them allows your body to conserve energy with every step you take, which means that everything is affected from your balance when standing upright, to posture, walking, running and jumping.

Tendons Worked~Feet

Healthy feet not only make us feel better but also help with improved circulation and an improved feeling of relaxation when we force our bodies to work hard, physically. Footwork is one of those workouts you could do when watching TV, & your feet (and the rest of your body) will thank you for it~Aim for 30 ct x10 EA set~x2 to 3 = week

DIY Chef's Salad that came together quickly & was perfect for today's weather.

This small bit of activity, was all the energy I spared today: it was very hot, and my physical battery is running low.

SUNDAY GRACE~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

Grace was definitely needed today: I'm was a walking zombie, this morning.

I was up all night long scratching an itch that only got worse with the scratching.

I am allergic to something in the asthma inhalers: and it kinda freaked Holland out when I said this morning, that I can't use them anymore. He said, "What are you going to do? You need to breathe!"

He's right. But, when I explained to him that there are holistic alternatives … and that I had been using them successfully before we were a thing; he settled down.

He asked me about the holistic thing, and I told him about the herbs, the food sources, the environment, and the mindset I would need: my body is weird anyway on how it handles all those things - and he listened when I said, "And I need a peaceful environment, Holland. I mean it. I need p.e.a.c.e. to outweigh stress - stress causes an asthmatic reaction. I have environmental asthma. That means that my flareups are directly linked to what I eat, how I live, and how I manage my atmosphere. And, I am going off the inhalers because the itching is going to drive me crazy & if they make me itch that's a [severe] reaction to them that could also lead to anaphylaxis. It's a hell of a thing when what is designed to keep you alive, is the very thing that will work against keeping you alive. I'm not like everybody else, Holland; you need to understand that."

He nodded to let me know that he had heard me; then, he put his shoes on and drove into town to gather some of what I needed to go off the inhalers. So, after I finish my coffee, I got busy making up a few DIY holistic alcohol-free concoctions: I just want my airways open to stay alive, & to ease my husband's mind … I don't want a Day-long buzz.

ALCOHOL FREE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HONEY CONCOCTION; Castle Rock-WA: 

(https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/06/alcohol-free-anti-inflammatory-honey.html)

Honey is not a cure for asthma - there is no cure for asthma; but honey does help ease some symptoms of asthma. However, this honey concoction alone, can't effectively manage asthma. Asthma is closely associated with allergies, and in some situations, coming into contact with an allergen can trigger asthma symptoms. Honey also reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes, and regular intake of honey can help reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections - aiding in a holistic protective shield for asthmatics.

I need that aide.

And grace.

A LOT of grace, today.

I finished up this little air freshener cover, last night, before bed - just in time for Flag Day, today:

MOD Cover made for a Renuzit Gel Air Freshner.

MOD AIR FRESHNER COVER/Flag Day USA~2026; Castle Rock-WA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/06/mod-air-freshner-coverflag-day-usa2026.html)

And that was all I had energy for, today.

Thank the Lord, I have an understanding husband - and a graciously faithful Father.

ALCOHOL FREE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HONEY CONCOCTION; Castle Rock-WA

Alcohol Free Anti-Inflammatory Honey Concoction; Castle Rock-WA

I was up all night long scratching an itch that only got worse with the scratching.

I am allergic to something in the asthma inhalers, and I had used it yesterday: so, while scratching my skin off all of last night, nearly to the point of crying with the frustration - I made up my mind that using the inhaler is not worth the added pain & suffering it brings to my life. That decision kinda freaked Holland out when I said this morning, "I'm allergic to the inhalers & I can't use them anymore. I am going to be 70 in about 6 months, and that means that I'm going to have old people skin pretty soon; it's going to be real delicate & I don't want a staph infection setting in by tearing at my skin with fingernails, trying to satisfy an allergy-related-itch that can't be satisfied: for reasons beyond our understanding, Yeshua designed & crafted my particular body weirdly strange. I'm not like everybody else - staying alive is a real challenge for me, Holland; you need to understand that." He said, "What are you going to do if you go off the inhalers? You need to breathe!"

He's right.

And he's right to be worried - he's seen me have seriously serious asthma attacks; the worst ever, was 2 years ago, in CA:

April 19, 2024~LORD, PLEASE~I Need A Touch; Kingman-AZ to Barstow-CA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/04/lord-pleasei-need-touch-kingman-az-to.html)

But, when I explained to him that I'm not being risky with my Life, & that there are holistic alternatives … and I had been using them successfully before we were a thing; he settled down.

I prefer to get medicinal help from food sources, rather than the pharmacy; I have always been like this, having grown up in an environment where doctors were not considered earth-bound gods. There are doctors & nurses on both sides of my family tree, but my grandmother Brockway, and my mother used holistic measures for all our ills - the only times I ever went to a doctor before I married my first husband Bob, was to have my left ankle stitched after it was mangled in bicyle spokes, to have my right knee tended to, and stitched closed when I cut it to the bone crawling over a broken beer bottle hidden in the sand dunes, playing a game of cowboys & indians with my siblings; & to have a butterfly bandage applied on a hip gash I got when I slid down an embankment spiked with shards of sharp rock that chewed some skin off & left a minor gash. Colds, flus, bronchitis, and the like - were taken care of by holistic home remedies. They work with my weird body, & that is what I prefer.

I have only been using the inhaler because Holland has been insisting. But, now he knows that they will not work for me - they are toxic to me & my body rejects them. Serious itching means a serious allergic reaction … and if serious enough, will lead to anaphylaxis. I'd rather not be killed by something that is supposed to give me "a quality of life".

I will not be enjoying an earthly life of any quality, if I am killed by something designed for the sole purpose of keeping me alive. The irony is not missed by either of us.

So, I am falling back on what I know works for me & Holland will have to accept that I am not like everyone else; what works for everyone else does not work fo me. My body is hard-wired different.

I got busy making this honey blend that helps reduce inflammation; & can ease asthma symptoms - with no instantaneous speed-like affects, lethargic tail dragging, weight gain, or sore throat - that are "just some of" the other side-effects of pharmaceutical inhalers, besides the intense itching that threatens to drive you insane & invite more complications with a possible staph infection entering through skin compromises; & I also do not want the hazy all-day buzz, that fermented alcohol-based home remedies, can give.

I used a pint jar of raw honey that we had been gifted, from Holland's cousin Bruce, while we were in Coalinga-CA; earlier this year.

Aside from a direct divine healing (which, I do believe in), there is no cure for asthma; but, there are several holistic ways to make the symptoms more manageable for a true [healthy quality of Life].

Alcohol Free Anti-Inflammatory Honey Concoction

2 cups Raw Honey * Red Onion, 4 med-thick slices * Garlic, 1 whole head * 2 TBSP Turmeric powder * 1 TBSP Ginger powder * 2 Cinnamon, whole sticks

1) Slice the onion rings in half - then chop them into little bits: place these bits into the honey.

2) Separate garlic cloves from the head; peel & slice large cloves in half; place into the honey.

3) Measure spices & add to the honey.

Ingredients.

Honey Concoction.

Stir the onion, garlic & spices thoroughly into the honey & push cinnamon sticks into the honey blend.

4) Place lid on jar mouth and turn a few times - not too tight because you want the mixture to "breathe". Place the jarred honey on a plate, or in a bag - then store the mixture in a cool, dark place to ferment.

Store the mixture in a cool, dark place to ferment.

5) Over the next 7 Days, lift the lid & stir the honey blend - this will infuse the mixture with active fermentation, and help prevent mold from forming. Replace the lid, loosely, as before.

After a few days more, you may (or, may not) see little bubbles forming & the honey blend will begin to appear runny - this is part of the processing.

It usually takes about a month to complete the fermentation cycle & tighten the lid without incident. A [cloudy] appearance of the mixture, is from the spices & it is normal. However, if you see fuzzy mold - or notice a truly "off" odor … throw it out and start again.

Honey will keep for a very long time; sometimes, for years. Even if it crystalizes, it is still usable - just warm it up and it is smooth and tasty, again.

You can use this honey concoction as you would normally use honey; or you can simply scoop & eat 1 tsp. x3 daily.

I want to make very clear, that this way of dealing with my asthma, is what works for me - others will have to decide for themselves what works for them.

There is NO CURE for asthma: knowing that, understanding that … and also knowing and understanding that inhalers do me more harm than good, I CHOOSE HOLISTIC MEASURES.

And I will live my Life fully, for as long as Elohim decides.

I am not foolish with my Life, I love my husband & hope to spend the next 20 years with him - but, if Elohim decides to punch my ticket … I'm ready to go Home, beyond the clouds.

In a peaceful way, I pray.

Raw Honey may offer some supportive benefits for asthma symptoms. Studies suggest it may help reduce cough frequency and severity, a common asthma symptom - reducing frequency & severity could potentially improve sleep, & give comfort during flare-ups. Raw honey contains polyphenols and other compounds that may help reduce airway inflammation and oxidative stress, which are involved in asthma. Raw honey supports immune health: which can help prevent respiratory infections that worsens asthma.

Red Onion contributes to a healthy immune function, digestion, and metabolic health (energy balance, hormonal regulation, and body composition = the breakdown of your total body weight into fat mass and fat-free mass, which includes muscle, bone, water, and organs). Red Onion sulfur compounds (in allium, this element is vital for flavor, aroma, and health) enhance blood circulation and reduce inflammation, and quercetin may help lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The antioxidants in red onions, have been shown in lab studies to inhibit cancer cell growth.

Garlic is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese - the sulfur compounds in garlic support liver function, and help the body eliminate toxins. Regular garlic intake reduces the frequency and duration of colds and flu. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory assets, which can help reduce joint and muscle inflammation.

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is beneficial for those suffering respiratory inflammation, cellular stress, and reactions to airborne irritants (dust, chemicals, and environmental pollution). Multiple studies show that curcumin can help reduce the activity of inflamed airway swelling of the lungs, mucus production, and bronchial constriction. Regular use has been linked to fewer asthma attacks and improved lung function for both asthma & COPD in some clinical studies.

Ginger has for over 1,000 years, been proven in Asia, to relax the airway's smooth muscle: an asthma trigger can cause airway smooth muscle to become inflamed. Studies found that a bioactive compound found in ginger, can mitigate lung inflammation - and that the spiciness of ginger, especially raw ginger, aids in clearing mucus from the throat.

Cinnamon has since ancient times, been recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, & bronchodilatory (relaxing & widening of the airways in the lungs) capabilities, which are central to managing the pathology of asthma: relaxing the muscles in the airways will improve breathing, and reduce the severity of asthma symptoms.

MOD AIR FRESHNER COVER/Flag Day USA~2026; Castle Rock-WA

MOD Air Freshener Cover/Flag Day USA~2026

I worked this little air freshener cover up last night 🧶✂️ - just in time for Flag Day 📅😊

The pattern is very simple & though the st looks complicated - it is also a very simple process.

Materials: Worsted yarn in Red, White & Blue; size #I regular crochet hook; scissors; tapestry needle;  1 ct. Renuzit Gel Cone Air Freshener

Terms Used:

ch = chain

dc = double crochet

sc = single crochet

st = stitch

sl st = slip stitch

EA = each

x = times (repeat)

jn = join

rpt = repeat

yo = put yarn over the hook

EO = end off

With Red, & working from the bottom edge upward, make 34 ch; jn with a sl st & T

Row 1: Ch 1 & *sc in next st x4, hdc x2, dc x3, hdc x2* - rpt from * to * 2 more times; jn with a sl st & T

WORK EA ROW IN ROUNDS

Rows 2 thru 5: Ch 1 & work as follows - *put hook tip through same sp & yo, drawing up a loop - put hook tip in next st & yo, draw yarn through both loops* - rpt * to * across row; jn with a sl st. EO Red, attach White & T

Put hook tip through same sp & yo, drawing up a loop …

Put hook tip in next st, & yo

Draw yarn through both loops.

Rows 6 & 7: Ch 1 & continuing work in pattern, dec sts evenly until there are 28 sts remaining; jn with a sl st & T

Row 8: Ch 1 & continuing work in pattern, dec sts evenly until there are 24 sts remaining; jn with a sl st. EO White, attach Blue & T

Rows 9 & 10: Ch 1 & continuing work in pattern, dec sts evenly until there are 20 sts remaining; jn with a sl st & T

Rows 11 &12: Ch 1 & continuing work in pattern, dec sts evenly until there are 18 sts remaining; jn with a sl st & T

Rows 13 thru 15: Ch 1 & continuing work in pattern, dec sts evenly until there are 15 sts remaining; jn with a sl st & T

On last row, thread yarn end through tapestry needle - run needle through sts and pull tight. EO

Air Freshener Cover is now finished and ready to be put to use.

I couldn't help myself 🤭