I.DO.NOT.WANT.TO.HEAR.ABOUT.IT

We were never meant to live in constant {awareness} of global problems and worries. It's too overwhelming. We are more connected than any other humans in history - but we are also more anxious and agitated. It’s good to give yourself rest from the noise and replenish.

I don't care about the tic tock welfare queen ripping the government off.

I don't care about the spineless minions with loud mouths and empty hearts.

I don't want to hear about the jeffery epstein girls foolish enough to be entrapped.

I don't want to hear about familial nonsense you refuse to climb out if.

I don't want to hear about ANY OF IT 24/7/365 … before my coffee has even had time to kick in!

I.DO.NOT.WANT.TO.HEAR.ABOUT.IT: If that makes me a self-centered bitch … I'm okay with that.

It took me a looooong time to learn to rest my mind from the never-ending rat race craziness, and familial dysfunction.

I like a TV-less home.

I like a quiet mind.

I am content with the unseen, yet very present, "no vacancy" sign above the front door.

I enjoy a relaxed way of living.

I'm happy in my "little bubble": I wish he could join me; but I absolutely refuse to be dragged back into the turbulence of an anxious mind & agitated existence.

This is the mountain I am making my stand on.

And he will just have to get happy again, in the same pants he got mad in.

EXPERIENCE THINGS WITH GRATITUDE~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

We drove to Tenino, this morning, to get my partial.

Toutle River RV Resort, #112 Happy Trails Rd, Castle Rock-WA to Tenino Denture Clinic, #296 Sussex Ave W, Tenino, WA; Take exit 88 from I-5 N~Drive to Old Hwy 99 to Tenino, 44 min (44.4 miles)

The drive was nice - the partial is nice; but the partial will take some time getting used to. Wearing it has me thinking I will need to change my whole way of eating … and it's a given weight loss will be an unforeseen bonus. My tongue does not know where to go when chewing: so far, thank the Lord, I have not bitten it - as it sought a safe and discreet way to function with food in my mouth. Food in my mouth is the issue: anything but soft, liquidy (is this even an actual word?) type foods gets hung up on the pronged apparatus & will not loosen itself without finger-induced aid (this is not a dignified way to eat, MPO) - I can say this with truthful authority, because we stopped for a chili dog on the way home, and it was a tricky mess. Holland says, "It will get better, Baby": I am not convinced; thankfully we were not that far from home … and we came straight home.

The Tenino Dental Center-WA, is 'homey' & laid back; I like that.

Tenino Denture Clinic, #296 Sussex Ave W, Tenino, WA to Sonics Drive-In, #655 NW Arkansas Way, Chehalis, WA; via Old Hwy 99 SE and I-5 S, 23 min (18.1 miles)

Pretty Fall color, seen at Sonics - in Chehalis-WA

Sonics Drive-In, #655 NW Arkansas Way, Chehalis, WA to Toutle River RV Resort, #112 Happy Trails Rd, Castle Rock-WA; via  I-5 S from NW Louisiana Ave,  26 min (26.9 miles)

I was told before we left the Dental Center, that if I eat (or drink) anything sugary and sticky - I will immediately have to remove the partial, wash it thoroughly & brush my teeth before replacing it "so decay does not get a foothold" on the teeth supporting the brackets, or along the backside of the teeth - where the partial runs along the back gumline, to strengthen & support the apparatus. I also have to be careful cleaning it because it can be bent - and if it is dropped on a hard surface, it can break.

The good news is that contrary to what I thought … it isn't that intrusive in my mouth & it will keep my teeth in check following the tooth removals … however, the frustration is, that with all the cautions of using it - it can be a bit of a hassle. That said, I am grateful that I still have the majority of my teeth firmly in my mouth; I do not take that blessing for granted. So, with patience I will appreciate the shiny little bit of metal apparatus & wear it every Day; all day, except for when I go to bed at night.

Back home again, I brewed a small pot of flavored coffee - and did a mild cardio workout. My tongue & spirit were grateful for the flavored coffee … and I moved through my exercise sets, with gratitude for my body's willingness to bend to my will without much groaning protest - [Old Arthur] is trying to put a crimp into my fun time, but so far, Yeshua is graciously allowing me to still have the upper hand; in bending and shaping this aging vessel.

Though the Mantis Workout is a low-impact, standing cardio and toning exercise sets, it demands coordination, balance, and shoulder mobility. For seniors, a short 5-minute mobility-focused warm‑up to increase blood flow to muscles and joints, improve range of motion for hips, shoulders, and spine, & enhance stability and reduce fall risk is important. Move slowly: Focus on form over speed; avoid rushing into the Mantis Workout. Stay hydrated: Drink water before and after your warm‑up.

You can do these Warm Up moves before starting the Mantis Workout:

(1) March in place – 1 minute

WARM-UP~March-in-Place; a ct. of 60, to engage legs and increase circulation.

(2) Side Steps with Arm Circles – 1 minute

WARM-UP~Side Step with Arm Circles - step side‑to‑side, making small arm circles (forward and back) to mobilize the shoulder joint; a ct. of 60

(3) Gentle Knee Lifts – 1 minute

WARM UP~High Knee Steps Exercise; a ct. of 60

(4) Light Bicep Extensions – 1 minute

WARM UP~Modified Jacks with Biceps Extension - This primes the upper back and shoulders; a ct. of 60

ALTERNATIVE WARM UP~Overhead Biceps Extension - This primes the upper back and shoulders; a ct. of 60 

(5) Balance check – 1 minute

WARM UP~Balance Check - Stand on one leg for a ct. of 30, then switch legs. Keep a sturdy chair or wall nearby for support, if needed.

ALTERNATIVE WARM UP~A Variation on the Balancing Leg-Reaches Exercise; a ct. of 30, then switch legs.

Transition into Mantis: After the warm‑up, you can begin the Mantis Workout with better readiness, stability, and comfort, making the session safer and more effective.

Keep movements deliberate, breathe steadily, and maintain upright posture.

Darebee Mantis Workout is a no‑equipment, standing cardio and toning exercise routine, designed to improve coordination, balance, and muscular endurance. Workout Structure: the sets alternate between standing core work, and arm movements - keeping your spine upright and arms in constant motion. There is no jumping, or heavy weights involved. Rhythm: Ten reps at a time; avoid rushing or wobbling. Benefits: (1) Improves coordination, mobility, and muscular endurance (2) Cross‑trains balance and upper‑body activation (3) Low‑impact, joint‑friendly, and adaptable for all fitness levels (4) Can be done as a standalone session … or as a dynamic warm‑up.

This workout is ideal for those seeking a low‑impact, high‑coordination routine that can be done at home with no equipment.

WORKOUT~as instructed on worksheet.

Muscles Worked

Standing Alternating Knee-to-Elbow Crunch~Aim for 5 reps EA Leg (10 reps total) x3

ALTERNATIVE~Bodyweight Elbow-to-Knee Twists~Aim for 10 reps x3

Arms Circle Marching On Spot~Aim for10 reps x3

Shoulder Tap Biceps Extensions~Aim for 10-12 reps x3

And that was [it] for today's activities.

Tenino.

Home & workout.

The rest of Day's time was spent in adjustment - to coaxing my mouth to the partial's strangeness.

I HOPE I MAKE THEM PROUD; Castle Rock-WA

Grandma Brockway, Timmy, Grandma Smalley, John, Marla, Bob Sr., Bob, Greg, Becky, Brenda … just off the top of my head; I don't know exactly where everyone "ended up" because I am not Elohim or Yeshua & I wasn't there in that split second of personal "Eternity decision time" … but I do know I will see some of these loved ones, again.

THOSE, I know are among the "great host of witnesses"; & they see me. Hear me. Cheer me on - and wait for me to arrive.

I hope I make them proud of who I am because they shared space in my space, while we were all together. I hope they see that some of their essence is still carried in my evolving Life. I hope they are proud of what they witness. Not proud in an ego way - but proud as a parent would be with a child who accomplishes a hard thing.

I am trying ❤️

'OWE'

No one "owes" anyone anything.

Kindness is not kind when forced.

And respect is earned - not a given.

People are creatures with personal lives & they have the right to live it as they see fit.

Everyone does not get to exist within a personal space.

Everyone does not get a seat at a personal table.

Everyone does not get a Free Pass.

ALL those "kindnesses" are optional: not a requirement.

Personal peace, safety, and the pursuit of happiness is Life's ultimate goal: IF I CHOOSE to share my personal space with another … they will have to match that energy.

Everyone does not get to exist within my personal space.

Everyone does not get a seat at my personal table.

Everyone does not get a Free Pass to walk sloppily through MY Life.

If that makes me a bitch - I can live with that: better a bitch than a mushroom.

I live my Life for me; it is not my responsibility to validate anyone else's life.

As an aside … I have found the most "tolerant people" to be the most hate-filled & biased people I've ever come across.

EFFORT

Effort = that's the game changer.

Words can come out wrong when the mind is a tangled mess.

Promises are made in good faith … but they are often made spur-of-the-moment while wearing rose-colored glasses.

Intentions can quickly go south when Life throws a curve ball.

But Effort - takes effort; action is required for effort. Effort overrides  words, promises, & intentions: effort puts in the action that shows what matters MATTERS ❤️

Effort can be trusted

FIRST DAY OF FALL 2026~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA

Happy First Day of Autumn 🍁☕️ 

That first mug of morning joy juice; scent lovely & savored almost reverently during that soft in-between space … when twilight hasn’t quite let go and the Day is quietly beginning - and time is quiet and mellow. Basking in the serene moments for a while ✨ We were never created to carry the weight of the whole world; just to live faithfully in the small place we’ve been given 💛

While Holland - and unknown strangers also slept in these quiet morning moments, I brewed another small pot of coffee & visited my Web Friends (Blogger, FB, ect.). One friend's post resonated with me; so, I lifted it & reposted it with my own thoughts & title, tagged to it:

SOMETIMES - THE WORDS~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/09/sometimes-wordsself-care-castle-rock-wa.html)

I also saw that my MOD PUMPKIN SPICE COFFEE COASTER Pattern, was featured on Teresa's Blog Hop Link Party …

My MOD PUMPKIN SPICE COFFEE COASTER Pattern, was featured on Teresa's Blog Hop: (https://keepingitrreal.blogspot.com/2026/09/the-really-crafty-link-party-525.html)

And, my Senior Exercise Plan 2026 post, was featured on Angie's Blog Hop Link Party:

My Senior Exercise Plan 2026 post, was featured on Angie's Blog Hop: (https://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/2026/09/youre-star-week3-family-september-2026.html)

I did a lower body workout - with a warm up routine, before the actual targeted muscle zone:

For older adults, muscles take longer to warm, joints need more time to lubricate, and the cardiovascular system must adjust gradually. A proper warm‑up: increases blood flow and muscle temperature; improves joint mobility and reduces stiffness; activates balance and coordination systems; & prepares the body for the specific movements in the lower body session. Tips for Safety and Effectiveness: Start light, increase movement range as you warm up. Dynamic over static: Use moving stretches, not holds, before exercise. Match the workout: End with movements similar to your lower‑body routine (e.g., squats, lunges); Example: Before a seated leg press or standing squat set, march in place, do hip circles, side steps, and mini squats to ensure hips, knees, and ankles are ready. Stop if you feel sharp pain: Discomfort is normal; sharp pain is not.

Warm Up 5–10 Minute Routine: Perform each move for 30–60 seconds, moving slowly and with control. Use a chair or wall for support if needed.

March in Place – Light cardio to raise heart rate and blood flow. Lift knees slightly, arms swinging naturally.

WARM UP~Marching in Place; lift knees slightly, arms swinging naturally~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Standing Hip Rotations – Warms hips for squatting, lunges, or walking.

WARM UP~Standing Hip Frontal Rotation Arm Sways~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Side Step Jacks with Arm Swings – Engages hips, thighs, and core. Step side‑to‑side, swinging arms with each side step.

WARM UP~Side Step Jacks; step side‑to‑side, swinging arms with step~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Walking Lunges (Low or Modified) – Prepares legs for lunge‑type lower‑body moves. Step forward, bend front knee, then return.

WARM UP~Walking Lunge; step forward, bend front knee, then return~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Knee Lifts – Activates hip and thigh muscles. Lift one knee toward chest, switch sides.

WARM UP~High Knee Steps; lift 1 knee toward chest, switch sides~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Ankle Rolls – Improves ankle mobility for stability. Lift one foot, rotate ankle clockwise and counterclockwise.

WARM UP~Bodyweight Ankle Rolls; lift 1 foot, rotate ankle left & right, switch feet~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60 if you can

Mini Squats – Eases hip flexor muscle activity. Feet shoulder‑width apart, bend knees slightly, then return upright.

WARM UP~Bodyweight Bench Squat-Mini Squats only lower halfway~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60 if you can

This sequence helps seniors enter lower‑body training with better mobility, balance, and reduced injury risk.

WORKOUT~as instructed on worksheet.

Muscles Worked

I read a couple chapters of my most recent Cussler-Fargo adventure, & let the fact/fantasy storyline carry me away to the lofty heights of foreign mountain terrain …

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do, is relax.

Today's adventure takes the Fargo's from Kathmandu, Nepal to Langtang Valley, Nepal

Sam & Remi's Covert surveillance uncovers yet another mystery.

Giant Ammonite fossil.

Covert Skullduggery

{{Goliath Ammonite and Ammolite

A “goliath” ammonite” refers to a very large fossil ammonite, while “ammolite” is the rare, iridescent gemstone made from the fossilized shells of such extinct marine mollusks.

Goliath Ammonite

What is an Ammonite?

Ammonites were extinct marine mollusks related to squids and octopuses, living during the Mesozoic Era (roughly 240–65 million years ago). They had spiral shells and are found worldwide in fossil deposits. The term “goliath” in this context usually means an unusually large specimen, sometimes several decimeters in length, which can be of paleontological interest.

What is Ammolite?

Ammolite is a biogenic gemstone formed from the fossilized shells of ammonites, primarily from the Bearpaw Formation in southern Alberta, Canada. It is composed mainly of aragonite (CaCO₃), the same mineral found in pearls, with a microstructure inherited from the original shell.

Formation

Over millions of years, tectonic pressure, heat, and mineralization replaced the organic material in the ammonite shell with aragonite, preserving the shell’s layered structure. These thin layers cause iridescence — a rainbow-like play of colors — due to light diffraction.

Rare Giant Ammonite-Ammolite

Properties - Hardness: 3.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Red, green, blue, violet, and other hues, depending on layer thickness. Rarity: Only ~5% of ammonite fossils are gem-quality; high-grade stones are extremely rare.

Distribution: High-quality ammolite is found almost exclusively in Alberta, Canada.

Cultural and Gemological Significance

Ammolite was officially recognized as a gemstone in 1981 by the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO). It is valued for its unique, one-of-a-kind color patterns and is used in jewelry, decorative inlays, and as a collector’s item. Indigenous peoples, such as the Blackfoot, historically called it Iniskim (“buffalo stone”) and used it in talismans.

In Summary

Goliath ammonite = a large fossil ammonite specimen, of paleontological interest.

Ammolite = the gemstone made from ammonite shells, prized for its iridescent colors and rarity.

Both are linked by the same ancient marine life, but one is a fossil specimen, the other a mineralized gemstone.

~Various Info Sources}}

Holland's cell went off went he woke up - so, after he finished his coffee, we drove off to Longview, to pick up his inhaler prescription.

He took the back roads route 🚘 … so, I grabbed a pumpkin spice coffee from the coffee shop 🥤 in Castle Rock as we passed through. While we waited for it to brew, I laughed when I saw the "Caramel Sasquatch" flavor, I haven't seen before. In Longview, the prescription pick up was quick … I bought a Fall-scented candle 🪔 (which I will not burn until Holland's lungs get the "all clear" from the recent pneumonia flareup); & I avoided stepping on a pretty red leaf - it was all alone, and it seemed a shame to destroy it. MPO

Thru Castle Rock, up over Delameter & Coal Creek Rds., & down Ocean Beach Hwy. to Wal*Mart

1st Day of Fall 2026; a spendy Coffee Shack Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Logging on the hills flanking Delameter Rd., outskirts of Castle Rock-WA

Leaves are turning & falling, in Longview-WA

Thru Longview, up over Cascade-City View (Holland showed me houses he had help build & finish); loop to Westside Hwy, via Fisher's Lane & follow West Side Hwy to Castle Rock.

After supper, I drank a mug of nighty-night tea, & dove back into the Cussler-Fargo novel before turning in early - tomorrow I have an appointment in Tenino, & I need to be alert to make sure the partial fit is correct. We have a lot going on right now, I do not want refitting appointments to eat up the time needed to accomplish what needs doing.

The plot thickens.

The Fargos have the upper hand & are wielding the power.

Nighty Night Tea~Organic; it stinks, but it works.

While we are riding out the months here until everything is satisfactorily accomplished, I am going to be leaning into creating a cozily seasonal, contented, home atmosphere.

Fall contentment or well-being isn’t just about candles, cozy blankets, books, and mugs of warm, flavorful, seasonal beverages - though as the leaves turn & the air gets crisp, I do enjoy my seasonal treats 😉

This afternoon, I treated myself to a spendy caffeinated seasonal indulgence - the rest will follow in short order as the holiday season kicks in, full force, while we are in the PNW …

🎃 Pumpkin Spice Latte – Creamy, spiced, and topped with whipped cream: a fall must-have, even if the coffee shack cost is outrageous 💸

☕️🍵 Spiced Coffees & Teas – Flavored Coffees or Teas, with a dash of cinnamon, clove, or a hint of orange for a soothing, cozy sip ~ I have my flavored coffees & fancy teas fingertip ready, to brew & steep.

🍫 Hot Chocolate – Rich, velvety, and perfect with a dollop of whipped cream or marshmallows = a PNW "must" during the "ber" months.

Sometimes slowing down, reducing stress, and finding joy in everyday moments is becoming comfortable in your own life: making peace with what has been & letting go of what no longer belongs. Choosing slower, softer, simpler; and realizing you don’t have to be who you once were.

Choices are being made.

Change can be a good and welcome thing.

There’s something beautiful about growing into a life that is evolving.

He’s not perfect. But he's real - & he cares deeply. He steps in to help with supper, laundry, and other shared space tasks when my physical battery is running low; he stays on top of the bills due & keeps finances out of the red; he is not overtly present sometimes, but he shows up for US in quiet ways: weekly "us-time" dates; thoughtful acts that may appear small - but are big in all the ways that matter; consistent love - sometimes covert, but always present. Faithful to God, as he understands relationship, & faithful to US as best he understands relationship. He doesn't always get it right, but he gets me.

And I love him. ❤️

A big part of who I am in this season of my Life … is who I am not, anymore.