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 🤭

MOD HOLD THE LINE FREEDOM 250 Plant Pot Cover; Castle Rock-WA

MOD Hold The Line Freedom 250 Plant Pot Cover; Castle Rock-WA

I worked my last Freedom 250 plant pot cover, today 🌱🧶✂️

My design is worked using a crochet linen st design - like it for it's simple st work, as well as it's fitting design for what I envisioned; I would be working my design around the 1776 Patriots' clothing.

Materials: Worsted yarn in Brown, Chamois, Red, White & Blue; size #I regular crochet hook; size #I Double Ended Crochet Hook; scissors; tapestry needle; Sewing Needle; White Sewing Thread; Plastic Container (7" tall x 24" diameter, x 7-12" across top)

My husband likes Red Licorice - so, when the last rope was taken out, I snagged the tub container 😉

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

BOTTOM Piece: With Brown & regular crochet hook, ch 2 - make 9 dc in 2nd ch from hook (10 dc): jn with a sl st. DO NOT TURN, you will be working in rounds for this piece.

Row 2: Ch 3 & working in back loops only, work 2 dc in EA st (20 dc); jn with a sl st.

Row 3: Ch 3 & & working in back loops only, work as follows - *2 dc same sp, 1 dc next st*; repeat around (30 dc); jn with a sl st.

Row 4: Ch 3 & & working in back loops only, work *2 dc in same sp, 1 dc x2* - rpt around (40 dc); jn with a sl st.

Row 5: Ch 3 & & working in back loops only, work *2 dc in same sp, 1 dc x3* - rpt around (50 dc); jn with a sl st.

Row 6: Ch 3 & & working in back loops only, work *2 dc in same sp, 1 dc x4* - rpt around (60 dc); jn with a sl st. EO

Bottom piece finished.

SIDE Piece: With Chamois & double-headed crochet hook, ch 73 & work 2 rows of the afghan st, as shown in the illustration:

Afghan st.

Staggered St Pattern~Row 3: *Slip hook under 1st vertical bar of previous row - right to left, put yarn over hook & make a st (Tunisian simple st), slip hook under next 1st vertical bar of previous row - left to right by hooking under the bar from the left side and giving the bar a light twist to the right - then put yarn over hook to make a loop (Tunisian twisted st)*; rpt from * to * across row.

Slip hook under 1st vertical bar of previous row - right to left, put yarn over hook & make a st (Tunisian simple st)

Slip hook under next 1st vertical bar of previous row; hooking from L to R & giving the bar a light twist to the right - then yo (Tunisian twisted st)

Slip hook under next 1st vertical bar of previous row; hooking from L to R & giving the bar a light twist to the right - then yo (Tunisian twisted st)

When you reach the last st at the end of the row, insert hook under the end vertical bar & at the same time into the the back of the end st also.

Row 4: Hold yarn at back of work, yo & draw hook through 1st loop *yo & draw hook through 2 loops* - repeat from * to * to end of row.

Row 5: Start by working first vertical bar *left to right by hooking under the bar from the left side and giving the bar a light twist to the right - then put yarn over hook to make a loop (Tunisian twisted st), then work the following vertical bar Slip hook under 1st vertical bar of previous row - right to left, put yarn over hook & make a st (Tunisian simple st)*; rpt from * to * across row. When you reach the last st at the end of the row, insert hook under the end vertical bar & at the same time into the the back of the end st also. You should at this stage begin to see the [staggered inverted V st] pattern.

Repeat rows 4 & 5 for a length of 7" (or desired length considering the trim you choose to use) EO.

With tapestry needle, sew edges together, to form a textured tube - try to match st pattern for a neat finish.

Loosely gather along lower edge, aiming for a tidy, evenly spaced gather, & sew bottom in place.

Repeat rows 4 & 5 for a length of 7-inches; secure edges for a tubular shape.

Loosely gather along lower edge & sew bottom in place.

TRIM: With Chamois & regular crochet hook, make 1 sc in each st as follows: slip hook under vertical bar, draw loop up & make a sc. Repeat around (73 sc); jn with a sl st. EO

Row 2: With Blue, make 1 sl st in each st (73 sc); jn with a sl st. EO

Row 3: With White, make 1 sl st in each st (73 sc); jn with a sl st. EO

Row 4: With Red, make 1 sl st each st (73 sc); jn with a sl st. EO

Slip your plant into your patriotic pot cover & celebrate the 250th year of America!

Slip your plant into your pot cover; celebrate the 250th year of America 🗽🦅

KEEPING AN AMARYLLIS BULB FOR REBLOOM; Coalinga-CA:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/01/keeping-amaryllis-bulb-for-rebloom.html)

TURKEY-WHITE BEAN SOUP; Castle Rock-WA

Turkey-White Bean Soup

Rainy days are soup days ☔️🥣; today's soup choice, is a "clean the fridge & freezer" kinda thing - pulled from the freezer were the last of November's turkey bits 🦃🍗, and the handful of frozen veggies I use in my top ramen bowls; and from the 'fridge, the last of the celery & I'll top the soup with some sliced lettuce that needs to be used.

I had bought some mayan white beans for soup … and Holland has never sampled those; so today, with the raindrops tap dancing across Independence's rooftop, it seemed the perfect time to pull a turkey & bean soup together 👩‍🍳 & slow cook it all day long ⏲️ for a cozy homestyle vibe 😊 

1 cup of dried white beans will make about three cups of cooked beans.

Lettuce can add an interesting taste & texture to a soup. Iceberg lettuce can become watery in soup, so it's best to add right at the end - just before serving, as a finishing touch: slice it thinly & sprinkle it on top of your soup for a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm broth.

Turkey-White Bean Soup ~serves 4

1 c. White Beans, dry-sorted * 2 c. Turkey, leftover-cubed * 2 c. Turkey Broth * 4 c. Water * 1 cup Celery, diced * 1 cup Onion, diced * 1 c. Mixed Vegetables, frozen * 1 Bay Leaf * ½ tsp. Basil, dried * ½ tsp. Rosemary leaves * 3 cloves Garlic, pressed * ½ tsp. White Pepper * ¼ c. butter * 5 large leaves Iceberg Lettuce, tough stems removed

8-qt. Slowcooker * Cutting Board * Lrg. Kitchen Knife * Lrg. Slotted Cooking Spoon * Garlic Press * Measuring Cups & Spoons * Soup Mugs & Silverware

1) In the slowcooker, place the turkey, veggies, & seasonings.

Place the turkey, veggies, seasonings, and broth to the slow cooker.

2) Stir. Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook for 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW.

3) Serve and enjoy!

Turkey-White Bean Soup; mildly tasty. Husband says 'it's a repeat' 👍