EVERYDAY GRATITUDE~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

November 2nd: It was 36-degrees this morning 😑, when Bleu ran me outside to sniff & take care of his bodily functions 🐾 I pulled my old mitts out 🧤, and slipped my hands into them: this is my own 2020 design (no written pattern), and I haven't needed them since 2023, because we've been hunkered down in warmer climates down south; but here, in WA State, they are needed.

While Bleu was sniffing the scent of the feral cats 🐈 that make their rounds here, I noticed that mushrooms had popped up in a circle formation a few paces from Betsy's front bumper, where she is parked close to our front door, creating a fairy ring formation -  it was a full moon the other night & the chilled wet weather has been perfect for the sudden formation; so, I ran back inside Independence to grab my camera and snap a pic of it before he trampled it to bits 📸 There are several folklore myths about fairy rings … but, they are just interesting mushroom formations, to me 🧐

A hop, skip, & a jump from the fairy circle - was a couple of fleshy, large mushrooms, about the size of a medium feather pancake: and of course, he had to explore that area, too.

Behind Betsy's back bumper, & at the back end of Independence, Bleu churned up the rain-softened ground by running in frenzied circles 😵‍💫 … with a brief sniffing rest period before starting the frenzied circles again. When I stopped laughing at his antics 🤭, I promised him some off-leash time after Holland woke up & downed his morning coffee.

I could use some nature therapy, myself 😉

Morning vibrancy; Toutle River RV Resort, Castle Rock-WA

Fairy Ring in our space.

Large mushrooms, in our space.

Bleu's morning P & V burnouts.

Back inside & enjoying a mug of Caramel Apple flavored coffee, I surfed the internet pages I frequent 💻🌐👭, & smiled so big seeing Bleu featured on Stephanie's Blog Hop Link Party page - that the coffee I had just filled my mouth with, threatened to fall out & embarrass me by dripping down the front of my p.j.'s. tee 😁☕️😉

My Rivertrail walk with Bleu, was featured on Stephanie's Blog Hop @ (https://crazylittlelovebirds.blogspot.com/2026/10/the-crazy-little-lovebirds-link-party-164.html)

While I was putting my mug in the kitchen sink, Holland woke up - did some internet surfing himself while drinking his coffee 💻☕️; and suggested we take Bleu to run at the Gearhart Gardens Boat Ramp after we drop some boxes & bins off at the new U-Haul Storage in Kelso; that location would work.

He was a good little dog while we were shifting boxes & bins from Betsy to our storage unit … but he was not able to be off-leash at Gearhart, because he turned a deaf ear to mommy and kept wandering out of the boundary pillars, refusing to hear my voice - making me run after him on up-hill & uneven ground. My glutes were worked, & I got a cardio workout (that's a good thing), but neither one of us were happy when I finally caught him & snapped the leash in place 🤨 (he actually growled at me - but simmered down when I raised my eyebrows & gave him "the eye"). He learned some bad habits at Lana's - that's going to change. By the time we worked our way back to Holland, he was in a jovially mood, again. Maybe next time, he'll be better mannered & allowed to wander freely.

Gearhart Gardens Boat Ramp; Kelso-WA

A little fallen Fall pretty …

So MANY scents & new sounds to investigate.

Daddy patiently waiting at the bottom of the natural formed amphitheater hillside.

Typical Fall 'sunshine' in Longview-WA; seen at Gearhart Gardens, on the backside of Swanson Bark & Wood Products Inc.

Back home, we all relaxed in our own ways: Holland cruised the airwaves - checking out new home possibilities 🤔, planning future cross-country/road gypsy adventures ⛽️🚘🧳🗺️🏔️💞 , & enjoyed a short siesta 💤; Bleu sprawled at my feet & eventually crept closer and wiggled himself into a toe-massage position - he likes physical contact; I pulled together a steamed meal 🥔🧄🥕🥬🥓🍃 & scrolled FB reels while supper cooked - one reel caught my attention, making me feel gratefully blessed 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Blue, getting cozy, with Mom

Gabby Barrett - "One Of The Good Ones" Lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEuddKEdXw4&list=RDKEuddKEdXw4&start_radio=1)

Holland, absolutely 👍

When my lungs were acting up - but I wanted to go to Fellowship Bible Study … he drove me the hour's distance, & waited in Betsy: "If you need me, I'm here & can have you at the nearest hospital asap". He would have broken every speed record  to get me there. The ladies thought he was being a man who had his thumb on me … but, he was just being my husband; a man who loves me 💕

When I want to go on a walk-about & my body is dealing with angina & bronchial flareups … he listens to me say where I want to be - drives me to the agreed drop-off point & patiently waits for me at the other end of the trail, saying, "Be sure you have your phone with you & I'll keep my phone on alert." We both know that this is simply a safety precaution: if anything serious happens, he won't physically be able to get to me … BUT, he will call 911 & give them my location 📱💬 And now, Bleu is back home, & that gives me a walking companion & eases his mind, too. If I go walking around the perimeters here, I will hear the same speech, BUT, HERE he will jump in Betsy and drive one of the intertwining roadways to where I am.

He doesn't put a thumb on me.

I'm fee to go anywhere I want to & do anything (within reason) I want to do.

At 70 - I'm learning how to deal with my my physical limitations. I don't like it 😒; but I'm adjusting to the slowing down walks, the angina vertigo (if I move too quickly, or get too active), & the increased asthmatic breathlessness. I'm learning that I am no longer an island onto myself.

He's just always in protection mode: "I don't want anything to happen to you, Baby. You're special." Depending on where we are in the moment in our relationship, [special] can have different meanings 😂🤣 But, no matter what meaning it holds … I know he's got my back 🤝

And that's a good feeling ❤️

November is a month to be grateful ☝️🙏, a month to count up all of the good things you are grateful for… maybe it’s the way your coffee tastes just right ☕️, or the warm oversized seasonal sweater you’re wearing; maybe it’s nuzzles & snuggles from your furry companion 🐕🐈. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight hits the jeweled-hued leaves ☀️🌳🍂🍁: or, the simple comforts of home 🏡🏰

Start with something that you are grateful for each day, and watch how beautiful November can be 😘

VAL'S MIXED MEATS PAELLA Recipe; Castle Rock-WA

Val's Mixed Meats Paella

There are as many Paella recipes as there are cooks 🤔 - this recipe is my version … husband tested 😎 & a tasty repeat meal 👌

We both like tasty, appealing casserole style meals.

I like fowl, fish, & veggie packed dishes 🍗🦐

My husband likes bacon 🥓

We both like rice 🥢

This rice, veggies, & mixed meats meal fits the bill 🥘

Paella, of itself, is fairly basic and minimally seasoned - but, I like flavor & color in my supper fare, so I've added onion, peppers, & chicken broth. We both like a liberal use of onion in our cooked dishes, & I like chicken bone broth whenever it can be swapped out to replace the water content: the onion & chicken broth are both nutritional & medicinal; together they are akin to penicillin in staving off winter ailments. Colorful Bell peppers pair beautifully with green beans, adding sweetness, color, and extra flavor without overpowering the dish.

Chicken Breast, cut in half - and cut again length-wise … works best if meat is still half frozen.

Chicken Breast; then sliced cross-grain into thin bite-size bits.

Ingredients prepped ahead of time, saves time in the kitchen.

Val's Mixed Meats Paella ~ serves 4

4 ounces skinless/boneless Chicken Breast, cut in half length-wise, then sliced cross-grain into thin bits * 9 ct. slices of thick-cut Bacon, sliced * 5 ounces Shrimp, shelled & deveined (about 10-12 ct. Large) * 1 c. long-grain white Rice * 2 TBSP Olive Oil * 1 sm. Yellow Onion, chopped * 3 Garlic cloves, pressed * 1/3 c. EA of Red, Yellow, & Orange Bell Peppers, chopped for a colorful medley * ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt * 1/8 tsp.  Turmeric * 1 cup frozen Green Beans, thawed * 2 cups Chicken Broth

1 Lrg. Skillet, w-lid * 1 Cutting Board * 1 Lrg. Kitchen Knife * Measuring Cups & Spoons * 1 Garlic Press * 1 Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cup * 1 Cooking Spoon, slotted * 1 Serving Spoon * Supper Plates & Silverware

1) In large non-stick skillet heat the oil on medium heat and sauté chicken & bacon until chicken is no longer pink …

Add onion & garlic - continue cooking until onions are soft & translucent:

2) Add rice, seasoning, and broth; bring to a boil – cover, reduce heat, and simmer about 5 minutes.

3) Stir peppers & beans into the rice mixture; cover and cook over medium-low heat about 10 minutes.

4) Add shrimp - cover and cook 5 to 6 minutes more … or until shrimp are opaque and firm.

When shrimp are done, turn off heat - dish up, & serve with a side of honey biscuits. YUM!

AMBER WARMTH; Castle Rock-WA

Yesterday we drove into Longview to grocery shop at Safeway, & Holland surprised me by saying, "Be sure to get some candy for the trick or treaters, that may or may not show up." My head did a sharp swivel: Holland has been very vociferous our whole marriage to date, in his avoidance of Holidays - except Thanksgiving. There are kids on the grounds, and they may show up; so, I agreed & we came home with a bag of candy 🍁🍬🍭🎃

Bob was always opposed to Halloween. But, I grew up with it. So, when he worked away from home during October, I let the kids carve pumpkins & go from house to house with their treat bags (I wasn't being sneaky - Bob knew I would do it): the costumes were not gory and heathenism was not encouraged, but they did go. And when the grandkids came along, I did small-scale lawn decoration, too … and Bob kept his peace about it.

There are several spaces here with holiday decorations littering their grass: but, I'm pretty sure Holland would not go in for lawn decorations, even if he is allowing the candy bag.

For myself - this is the time of year, when the air turns crisp and leaves shimmer like sunlit jewels. Evenings stretch longer, calling for pleasant scented candles, blankets, vintage holiday movies, & relaxing book time. The kitchen smells of spice and carries coziness on the scent; while laughter mingles with gentle lighting - and October leans in through the windows. Everything feels slower, sweeter, & touched by amber warmth.

Vibrant red-yellow-orange leaves; leaving … & returning; Toutle River RV Resort-WA

Tonight, while waiting for the timid knocks on our front door, I switched out my October book cover for my November design:

61 Days until 2026 ends.

How the Days have flown!

HOLLAND = FREEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE; Castle Rock-WA

Holland is the freest relationship I've ever been in.

I've been in relationships which had open ends = my choice; the guys were fun to be with, but they were easy to let go of, too. So, I did.

I had a 44 year old relationship, married to the love of my life. I waited for him - I always knew he was mine, always. So, I waited for him to realize that. Bob was my "it" man. But with pressures on all sides (ex-wife, stepson, mother, our daughter) I never felt like I belonged (I was actually TOLD that, by stepson, mother, & daughter) - it seemed to me, that I was always on the outside of my Life, looking in. At 17, I finally landed the man who stole my heart at 10 … and I was happy to be his wife for 44 years (95% of that time very happy) but I never felt free in that loving marriage. I always felt hobbled from being ME; because being me upset too many people making claims on Bob. Bob did love me, there is no doubt of that … but I had to shrink myself for decades to keep everyone else happy. And in the end - Bob is gone, and they are all still miserable people. The only one who is enjoying a life of freedom, now, is ME.

Holland, is the freest relationship I've ever had. YES, he can be overbearing some Days - BUT 100% of the time, I KNOW I'm wanted, loved, & protected: 99% of the time, he is open-handed in generosities. YES, some Days are difficult … but, I can be a bit of a live wire, myself, some Days. Marrying Holland was not hard for me to do = by the time I said "yes", stopped running & agreed to join  my life with his - I felt like he had always been a part of my life (sounds weird, but strangely true). He made my heart feel comfortable (even when the heat is on, full force). Laughter comes easy (there is a joyful lightness in freedom). He likes it when I "doll up" in my bold, colorful outfits & sparkly makeup ("enjoy your day shopping - buy what you need & want, I'll like whatever you wear"). When possible & feasible, he goes out of his way to make my dreams & wishes come true (he never questioned my want for a life on the open road, he just hitched his wagon to mine & off we drove: 21 States in 3-1/2 years). He is protection alert; always on guard & stresses to me what I need to be on guard about, myself (and I listen, because he's been around some pretty rough & sketchy people, and understands the underbelly of society much better than I ever could). 

Holland is an experience, that's truth; and most of the time, he's a good & pleasant experience. He gave me friendship when my life felt need to make space for friends. He gave me love when I wasn't aware that my Life needed more than comfortable companionship, He gives this "I can do it myself" woman, protection against the storms of life & unseen/unknown predators: with him by my side, I don't have to do it all by myself. For the first time in my entire life, I can set the heavy loads down, breathe easy, and simply rest without explaining to anyone, why.

Holland IS the most freeing experience I've ever indulged in.

And, I find myself enjoying it. It's a pleasant feeling to know that your mere existence puts the sparkle in someone else's eye, & the smile on their face. Freedom without conditions, is freeing indeed ❤️

HYGEE VIBES~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

I have been a bit under the weather this past week 🤧🤢😴 and rain is going to continue into the weekend ☔️

An understanding husband 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨, home comforts ☕️💻🌐🍵📖🎬🎶 & a furry little foot warmer have been my saving grace ✨

Drinking my morning coffee while making contact with internet friends via various internet connections, I saw that my crochet headphone sunflower pattern was featured on Sinea's Blog Hop Link Party - I'm glad people like my designs 👍

MOD HEADPHONES CROCHET SUNFLOWER STRIP BAND Pattern, was featured on Sinea's Blog @ 

(https://ducksnarow.com/2026/10/happiness-is-homemade-in-october.html)

During a brief break in the rainfall … we drove to Castle Rock & let Bleu off-leash to run one of the river 🦈 trails, there 🐕🐾

He's such a happy little fella; and I enjoy getting out, too - even feeling punk. I'm always up for a nature walk 😊

He's a happy little dog, again - and smack dab in the middle between us, too ;-)

Took Bleu for a short river walk; Castle Rock-WA

Back home, Holland fix supper in the pressure cooker; then we all just lazed around … and I got cozy in my little corner of the family room, with a robust warming tea, a lapghan across my lap, & read a good portion of my recent Cussler-Fargo Read, before turning in:

Cussler~Fargo Adventure novel with an Aztlan link uncovered in Zanzibar.

Regrouping & refocusing.

Movenpick Royal Palm Hotel~Tanzania

L'Oliveto Restaurant~Movenpick Royal Palm Hotel, Tanzania

Pilot - who, joins forces with the Fargos.

Sukuti Island, Tanzania

Recouping the mystery-laden bell …

Mud & crocodiles …

She's a mud & mascara kind of team player.

The Fargos jet from Sukuti Island, Tanzania to Washington D.C., USA to track down a complexing mystery.

There are no coincidences.

Today, despite the lingering punkiness & rainy atmosphere, was really a very good Day.

I am thankful & blessed.