NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK #1~Self-Care 2026; Coalinga-CA

National Marriage Week 2026 will be observed from February 7 to 14. The theme for this year is "Man and Woman He Created Them: Together With Purpose."

Marriage - a Christian Marriage - is a Sacred Covenant.

A Covenant Marriage is much more than a blending of 2 lives & a setting up of a home … it is a spiritual union ideally suited to help you know Elohim's character more fully and intimately; it is a disciplined life that draws you and your spouse closer to Yeshua in ways that will hone your character to more fully example the life and love lessons He lived, exampled, & taught. The sacredness of this special intimate covenant is enriched by the guidance of the Ruach HaKo'desh as He guides you both into a deeper understanding of merciful love that reaps humble gratitude and profound thankfulness. Whether it is delightful - or difficult, your unfolding, enriching, and rewarding 3-cord-marriage will become a closer walk with Hashi'lush HaKo'desh (the Trinity). Everything about your marriage; from the history you and your spouse are creating, to the love you share, & ultimately to the forgiveness you both will learn to offer and seek - will be favored with the sacred capacity to help you grow in Yeshua's character: thus fulfilling Elohim's purpose for your Union.

During Holland's bachelor years, and during my widowing years, we had bot been praying that our lives would not settle into a boring landscape as our senior years were creeping up on us - and man! Elohim delivered in a big way!

John Michael Montgomery - How Was I to Know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx2ToUji1Wo&list=RD1o4s1KVJaVA&index=10

Holland was a major surprise - with more machismo than I had ever experienced before. He was mega macho - tenuously balanced with a big heart full of big love.

My 5'2" self was not a surprise to Holland (he'd visually seen me decades ago & had patiently been waiting for me to show up, in the flesh) … but my 6' attitude was not foreseen; nor was it appreciated when it entered his life.

The macho driven machismo, & the short shot of whiskey in a tea cup, set us both back a pace; and seriously put out marriage in jeopardy. Holland wanted a traditional "Biblical Wife!" -  an I wanted a gentler giant to submit to. Needless to say: tensions were high, triggers were tripped, and both of us were behaving badly during those flareups.

Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash - Jackson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpPzk-41RJI&list=RDTpPzk-41RJI&start_radio=1

Holland was not the kind of man I was used to - he didn't give ground. on anything, for any reason. His word was Law.

I was not the kind of woman Holland was used to - I didn't step back, back down, or tremble when his voice rose & shook the rafters. I stood ground; and sometimes, gave back tit to his tat (no pun intended; this was no joking matter).

The first 2 years were rough. But I never doubted that with him, I'd always be protected, sheltered & looked after: even when he was frustrated, or angry with me. And he never doubted that with me, he'd be looked after, sheltered - hands down, and tended to: even when frustration was high and my eyes were shooting daggers.

I'd been a Wife for 44 years before widowhood demoted me: my understanding is that marriage is a sacred undertaking.

Holland had been a bachelor for decades - and raised in a testosterone driven atmosphere all of his Life: his understanding of marriage was totally clueless all the way around.

We had a LOT to learn about each other.

We had good friends who came alongside us and offered words of loving encouragement, and reminding us that the first two years of a new marriage are the hardest; and most trying on the nerves.

We also knew that Elohim Himself had orchestrated our coming together … knowing He was "for us", we anchored ourselves in Him, His unfailing Word, and trusting Yeshua's healing power.

We are building our Home's foundation this year, on the  Solid Rock: 3 CORD = Us, Elohim, & His Word. In sliced pliancy, strength is built.

We are friends. We love each other - and keeping that front and center during those 24 months of baptism by fire, we hung on.

Sometimes with fingernails that threatened to fail.

"Forgive-Forget-Move Forward" became a looping mantra.

I am - and will always be a Daughter of the Most High God first; after that, I am Holland's Wife. And being Mrs. Holland Redmill is an assignment from Heaven - a devine trust we both feel honored to be favored with.

So, when we celebrated our 3rd Year Wedding Anniversary, a month ago, Holland said, "This is the year we will begin to build a new life. I love you, Baby."

We started our New Life together 37 months ago, with hope towards a happy future; and despite the cold winds that occasionally blew through & disturbed our blissful bubble, the hope held.

February 10th, 2023 Post: ONE MONTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2023_02_10_archive.html

I'm okay with kickstarting the New Life Dream and building a refreshed New Life. That's what a covenant marriage is - commitment, dedication, & restarts if necessary.

So far, 2026 has been very good to us.

Finishing my morning coffee - and shifting my potted plants to a sunny window … I noticed a newly emerging stem emerging from the potting soil; eventually these spindly growths will flesh out to become another interesting zig-zag shape resembling a fish skeleton. The Fishbone Cactus is not a desert cacti plant - it is actually a succulent jungle plant that grows on trees, in the crotch of jungle trees:

New growth pushing up through the potting soil.

And turning from the dining table - I caught sight of a cute little song bird touching down to perch on the hand rail alongside the front door … but flew off before I could get my camera. This is what it looked like - and this is the birdsong I wake up to every morning:

California Towhee; Almond Oasis RV Park-CA

Spring Song of the California Towhee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZeft08Mrb8

Then,  I engaged in some lower body toning exercises. The Darebee Demeter Workout is designed to be a lower body workout that helps develop strength in muscles and tendons, ligaments, and support muscle groups. It is suitable for individuals of various fitness levels, including those who are 69 years old. The workout is non-equipment and focuses on strength training, which is generally safe for older adults. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new workout routine, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns;  listen to your body & stop if pain is excessive.

Muscles used.

This workout is generally safe for most individuals, but if you have knee or back issues, it's best to consult a fitness professional for personalized guidance. Form & technique for each exercise is shown below. Aim for 10 reps x2 EA exercise.

Bent Leg Extensions Kickbacks

Bent Side Leg Extensions Kick

Double Glute Flex Lift

Double Glute Lift exercise video: 

(https://workoutguru.fit/exercises/lying-double-glute-lift-female-video-exercise-guide-tips-641512/)

Glute Bridge

Half-Wipers

V-Extensions  Adductor Stretch

Side Lying Clamshells

My hands have been aching with overuse (because I always push the envelope when designing & working on a project), so Holland suggested we seize the sunny day, enjoy a day out of house, & bring pizza back for Supper: YES!

After supper, we were treated to a pretty sunset - and the Day was so pleasant, we left the front door open until darkness settled & the moon rose:

Lovely ending to a lovely Day; Almond Tree Oasis RV Park; Coalinga-CA

While my husband was sprawled on his recliner enjoying a short snooze, I noticed the leaves on the Amaryllis bulb are proliferating and lengthening - so, I pulled some old knitting needles, and used those as stakes to hold the leaves upright & corralled …

Amaryllis leaves staked & contained; and a Spring Book Cover slipped over tonight's read.

A Clive Cussler Novel; tonight's choice.

And when I felt my sore hands itching to reach for my WIP; I quickly grabbed a book to read and headed upstairs to lay down - keeping my self-care covenant, and treating my hands kindly.

THE NEXT 36 HOURS~Shabbat Eve; Coalinga-CA

I am resting my hands today - I overworked 😟 them yesterday & into today's dawning: didn't put it aside & get into bed until 8 AM 😳⏰ : I know … but, I wanted to get the entire striped afghan panel done. The panel is done; and so are my poor aching hands until Monday 📅📌. I'm carving out my 24-hr. Shabbat Island of Rest ☝️🏝️✡️🕯️ & Holland's Sunday routine ✝️ for [down time] = and that's all I'll be doing for the next 36 hours 💖

The Day played out beautifully with glorious bird-song-sunshine warmth 🌞🐦😁: I was glad for my transition lenses 👓

Another open-door Day; 75-degrees this afternoon. The sunshine was so bright, I was glad for my photochromic eyewear lenses.

Before the Day moved into it's rest period … I slipped into the bunk room for a little body toning session; hand usage was very minimal, but the payoff will be very beneficial 💪😉👌

The Darebee Fab Abs workout is designed for upper body power, & delivers a strong abs, and a strong core. The cross-mix exercise sets deliver a potent abs workout that demands you raise your knees to waist height during High Knees and keep your body as absolutely straight as you possibly can during the  plank. Planking burns more calories, when done every day, than other core exercises like sit-ups. More importantly, planks help strengthen massive muscle groups in your body. Having strong muscles means you burn more calories, even when you’re at rest. Many experts now recommend planking rather than crunches or sit-ups, since planks put less strain on your spine and hip flexors.

Planks don’t just work your core: They work your entire body. Planks require your arms, your legs, and all of your abs, making them an all-encompassing workout and a more efficient way to exercise.

Count EA set this way (without rushing the count)~One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potato', ect. EA count approximates a second. Form & Technique explained and exampled below.

This workout is a perfect program for seniors who are not used to exercise … and anyone who is trying to stay active without overloading the body (which is me). The program only includes standing exercises and can be scaled up or down - depending on one’s fitness level.

Balance exercises like Standing High Knees become more important as you age. High knees are a popular cardio drill, but you don’t have to worry about speed to see mobility benefits from this exercise. You don’t need a lot of time or space for high knees. This drill, like other balance exercises, can fit into different parts of your day. Try doing high knees while standing in your kitchen in the morning or while brushing your teeth at night.

If you need to, hold onto something while performing balance exercises, stand near a chair or counter for support. You can do high knees every day, but if you start to notice any pain or discomfort, take a break.

Standing High Knees~Aim for at least 12 reps on EA leg

The Standing Elbow Plank Hold can be safe for a 69-year-old woman to do, provided she has proper form and technique. It is a low-impact exercise that can help improve core strength, balance, and posture. However, seniors with pre-existing medical conditions or injuries should consult their doctor before attempting planks. It is also important to start with shorter hold times and gradually increase as strength and comfortability improve. Seniors should listen to their body and stop immediately if they feel any pain or discomfort.

The primary purpose of the plank is to burn belly fat, so if you allow your stomach to relax and hang lose while holding the plank position, you won’t get the desired results. Therefore, keep the stomach sucked in, and make sure your shoulders, back, and butt are evenly in line.

SHORT VERSION; Standing Elbow Plank Hold~hold 15-30 secs.

EXTENDED VERSION; Standing Elbow Plank Hold~hold 15-30 secs.

For a 69-year-old woman, it is generally safe to hold a plank for 15 to 30 seconds with good form. This duration is considered an excellent marker of strong functional core endurance at this stage of life. It is important to maintain proper form and technique to avoid strain and injury. If she can hold a plank for 30 seconds, it is a sign of strong core stability and endurance.

The Standing Mountain Climber Planks can be safe for a 69-year-old woman if she follows proper form and technique. It is a low-impact exercise that can improve core strength, balance, and posture - assisting with stability, posture and spinal alignment. However, it is crucial to start with shorter hold times and gradually increase as strength and comfortability improve. If she has any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries, she should consult her doctor before attempting planks. It is also important to start with modified versions of the exercise and gradually work up to more advanced versions. Seniors should listen to their body and stop immediately if they feel any pain or discomfort.

Standing Mountain Climber Planks; Muscular strength~10-15 reps x2 (controlled with your core engaged).

Stretches (like mountain climbers) can elevate your flexibility levels and reduce injury. Every time you repeat the mountain climber motion, you loosen up your hip and knee joints, improving range of motion and enhancing overall function.

I hit the "recommended 6,000-8,000 steps" goal (8,048 😊) today; I racked up 3.3 miles in walking; I'm on target for my exercise minutes/daily = 30 minutes recommended; I'm burning more calories on average than previously (double, actually); my heart rate is at a healthy tempo; on the hole, my respiratory rate has improved; I'm doing okay in the [6 minute walk] estimation = not good, not bad; middle of the road = my cardio fitness readout says I'm below average … but I'm not average 😉: considering that I am dealing with heart arrhythmia & asthma, I think I'm doing well at ranking a little over the halfway mark to "average" 👌 

Before the sun set, I gave a listen to Shalom in Messiah Ministries 💻🎧

Is the Remnant Church Crumbling Under Pressure? | Brandon Holthaus: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4kY-76PhEk

The normalization of antisemitism 👹 in America, is alarming 😔 - that it has taken root in people who claim to be "a Christian", warming "church ⛪️" seats is horrific & scandalous. Career pastors 👺, hired to speak what is palatable & trendy are not Christian in any sense of the actual meaning - and they are not teaching actual Scripture ✝️📖: they are mouthpieces for the government, and are teaching government propaganda: it is shocking to see people who do not know the Word, elevated to leadership positions 👺 It is shocking to realize how many people "gathering to worship" have no idea why they are gathering - and sniff offendedly at the "very thought!" that they are dangerously open to unsound teaching voices and devilish conclusions 😈

The Scriptures, and the Gospels, clearly convey the understanding that is a person is an anti-Semite, they are not walking with Elohim & they are not Christians; they are not followers of Christ. Christ obeyed Elohim in all things - including the inclusion of Jews. Yeshua is Messiah 👑 He founded and established the First Church = Messianic Body of Believers = JEWS & Gentiles; "to the Jews, first" ☝️🕎🕊️✝️

Replacement theology ✍️😈 has been around for generations. It rose up in America with a vengeance in the 1960's, and spread it's toxic message to 95% of modern christendom in the 1980's. Entertainment became more important than Elohim's clear message. Ego bred selfishness, which led to wickedness 👹 People no longer guarded thier eyes, ears, or tongue; feeding on garbage led many down the primrose path to destruction 💔  Scripture teaches that we, who call ourselves Christians ✝️👑, are to guard our eyes and ears = tune out the world and tune into Elohim's word & Yeshua's example.

It is vital to be actually walking through this Life with guidance the Ruach HaKo'desh 🙏🕊️

And with that last thought, I am now shutting the world and all it's distraction out 🤦🏻‍♀️😵‍💫🔌

At least throughout this 36 hour period of Earth time ⏱️

CYCLING + My Senior Exercise Plan; Coalinga-CA

I woke up to sunshine so bright this morning, that I was momentarily blinded when I looked out the front door window. Sitting at the kitchen table, I was serenaded 🗣️🎶 by birds - also happy with the sunshine 😊

Woke up to sunshine and happy bird song, this morning; both, very welcome.

When the sleepy cobwebs were cleared, and I could see again without sun spots dancing before my eyes … I started strength 💪 & body toning 🧘🏽, exercises - stretching being the focus, today 👌

Mountain Pose Stretch~8-12 reps x2

Middle Back Stretch~8–10 reps, 3 times per week

Leg Raises~10-15 reps x2; Dog Stretch~hold downward position for 2-3 breaths x3, then slowly float towards mat; Knee-In's~4–6 reps x2 for strength; Side Leg Raises~15 reps x2; Air Bike~10 to 30 reps x3 (*NOTE below); Abdominal Crunches~10-20 reps x2.

*NOTE: I opted out of the air bike exercise - and instead utilized my cardio mini cycle exerciser for a cycling count of 100 reps. I also cut a square from my yoga mat, to keep the mini cycler from sliding. The mat was too long for me, anyway - and I needed the mat stabilization under the mini cycle exerciser.

The "Workout That Happened" is a full-body workout designed to be moderately difficult and effective for building functional fitness to help seniors maintain mobility, balance, and independence in daily life. It targets virtually every major muscle group, making it suitable for individuals looking to improve their overall fitness level without draining your batteries or being unable to get through the rest of your day. These workout exercises provide a time-saving activity that delivers excellent functional fitness results. The workout is characterized by 1 minute rest between sets, allowing for a more efficient workout session. The result is a workout that helps you build on your current level of fitness without draining your batteries or being unable to get through the rest of your day.

Cycling is a great way to boost circulation and strengthen the muscles in your legs. The pedaling motion helps stimulate the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints and allows them to move more easily - this motion also stimulates blood flow and helps prevent venous insufficiency.

Unlike high-impact activities, cycling with a pedal exerciser doesn't put excessive stress on your knees, hips, or ankles. Regular use builds strength in the muscles around your knee, providing better support and reducing pressure on the joint.

How to Boost Synovial Fluid and Support Healthy Joints: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-increase-synovial-fluid-5114374

Last night, my husband showed me what the weather in Florida looks like right now 😲🥶 I'm GLAD 👏 we skipped Florida! Honestly, the BEST place for us to BE right now, is where we've been since August 30th, 2025: during this period of sketchy Earth Cycling (the [reset] demonrat screeching shills never consider), Yeshua's hand of mercy 🤝 has been over us 💖, here in Coalinga-CA; where we have been sheltered from the raging wildfires 🔥 that devastated CA regions; raging floods 🌊 that ravaged the PNW; hurricane force sand storms 🌬️ that scored their way across AZ ...  unprecedented rain storms ☔️ that sent record-setting water racing through AZ washes and neighborhoods; & historic snowfalls ❄️ on the East Coast. It has been cold here 🧦👕🧣, and our electricity bill has matched our space rent 😱 - but, we've been righteously shielded & our home is secure.

We are greatly blessed & eternally thankful 🙏

Earlier this week 📅, Florida experienced a record-breaking 117-year-old cold snap in cities like Daytona Beach and Vero Beach 😲 The freeze caused snow flurries and freezing iguanas, with temperatures dropping into the 20s°F and 30s°F in various areas 😱 The cold weather also led to power outages and stress on infrastructure, as many residents turned on heating systems to combat the extreme temperatures. Florida's is not accustomed 🤦🏻‍♀️ to such severe winter conditions - though there have been occasional severe freezes; reported since the 1980's.

Holland showed me this news report of this year's Florida Freeze~February 2026

Florida farm drenched in ice amid freezing temperatures:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjGHCPc1Ur8)

And Earth's weather cycling just kept on cycling 🌎👀

{{Cuba Just Had Its First Freeze On Record

The same cold outbreak that smashed records across Florida and the Southeast earlier this week also toppled some all-time records in Cuba, the Bahamas and Central America.

By Jonathan Erdman•20 hours ago

Cuba just had its first freeze on record, and other records were smashed from the Bahamas to Central America from the same cold outbreak that left Florida and the eastern U.S. shivering last weekend.

On Tuesday morning, the Indio Hatuey weather station in Perico, Cuba, reported a low of 32 degrees, a new national all-time record low, according to Cuba's weather service, the Instituto de Meteorología Cuba (INSMET). The previous record of 33 degrees was set in Bainoa almost 30 years ago on Feb. 18, 1996.

Frost was apparently seen on crops around the weather station, according to a Tuesday Facebook post from INSMET.

It appears four other stations in Cuba tied or set new all-time record lows in this cold snap, according to INSMET and weather records expert Maximiliano Herrera:

- Aguada de Passengeros: 37 degrees (3 degrees Celsius)

- Jucarito and Santa Cruz del Sur: 44 degrees (6.8 degrees Celsius)

- Guantanamo Bay: 57 degrees (13.9 degrees Celsius) tied

Six other weather stations tied or set new February records, ranging from 43 to 46 degrees.

More Cold Records

Cuba wasn't the only place shivering.

On Sunday, the high in Freeport, Bahamas, reached only 51 degrees, the coldest high temperature on record anywhere in the Bahamas, according to Herrera. That's more typical of early February in Nashville, over 800 miles northwest of Freeport.

Herrera also found Flores, Guatemala, tied its all-time record low of 48 degrees, while a mountain station (Finca Los Andes, elevation about 5,500 feet) in western El Salvador set its February record of 38 degrees.

Belize had its coldest low since 1968, dropping to 42 degrees, Herrera noted.

Cold Fronts Aren't Unusual

This was from the same cold outbreak that smashed records in the eastern U.S., from Ohio and Pennsylvania to Florida and the Southeast.

But winter's arctic cold fronts often don't stop once plowing through Florida.

The Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula and Belize are usually close enough to the U.S. to witness a few cold fronts make it that far south each winter, plowing southward from the Gulf into the western Caribbean Sea.

Last Saturday was the eighth such cold front of the season in Cuba, according to INSMET, accompanied by 40- to 50-mph wind gusts.

These winds pushed water from the Gulf into the waterfront in Havana on Sunday, crashing over the seawall and flooding several city streets.

https://weather.com/news/weather/news/2026-02-04-cuba-record-cold-first-freeze?fbclid=IwY2xjawPxRzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEezK_Vi3t7fPFK7btOpo9VbDltDfkTTbpgJXTn2M12HjRobDItkWOKpyhWWbE_aem_ZRjJ9St4N7wrveIKvmWf7Q}}

What is happening (weather-wise & otherwise) is nothing new to Earth's Cycle; just new to us, who happen to be living through it 🤔🤷‍♀️

AS EARTH CYCLES, SO DO WE

Red Hot Chili Peppers - 'Can't Stop' Lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a-9Sd35HNI&list=RD8a-9Sd35HNI&start_radio=1)

TODAY'S "DO LIST"; Coalinga-CA

We both had low energy out-put today … orchards & farmland being turned over, & fertilized; crop dusting flyby's; bee boxes are set out, so pollen is on the breeze: there was a lot of stuff in the air. Neither of us felt 100% today - not even 50%, truth be told.

So, activity was low-key & carefully chosen. Basically we just lazed around, smiling weakly at each other; when we were both awake at the same time.

I did manage a few flexibility stretches though, while working on my WIP:

Inch by inch & row by row …

Looking at screens all day, hunching over a keyboard, or occasionally bending forward while working handcrafts;  frequently leaves our shoulders, and neck, feeling stiff and tense. The Darebee Neck & Shoulder stretches is designed to help relieve the stiffness and ease the tension; hold each stretch for 30 seconds.

Whether we are sitting down, or standing all day … our feet are subject to wear & tear, soreness, aches and pains; and get less TLC than any other part of our body. The Darebee Sore Feet exercises helps make amends to all that; it is recommended to repeat each exercise 10 times. This exercise routine is designed to alleviate soreness and tension in the feet, promoting improved circulation and overall well-being. The workout can be performed every couple of hours to maintain the effectiveness of the exercises.

Hopefully tomorrow, we can get out of the house for a bit.