MATURE BOND~National Marriage Week #6-2026~Self-Care; 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."

Mature Love Stage: In this stage of your evolving marriage, couples develop a deep, enduring love characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and companionship 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨  The relationship is marked by a strong emotional bond and a commitment to supporting each other through life's ups and downs.

So, what does a mature relationship look like? Well, maturity in relationship doesn’t probably have a set definition. “Mature" relationships are the ones where there is a sense of emotional well-being. And where you feel that the cumulative positives in your relationship are more than the cumulative negatives.

The Association - 'Never My Love' 'Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDDUWC6CU7g&list=RDhtc9S2PsNkg&index=5

The mature love stage is defined by trust, stability, and a lasting bond.

You Have Little to No Arguments - But if you do argue, your arguments are productive instead of destructive. There is more focus on resolving conflicts in a healthy way; since there is little or no build-up of resentment, a new conflict doesn’t open a ‘Pandora’s box’ of older issues … sucking you into a rapidly expanding whirlpool of accusations and blame-shifting, until you lose track of what the immediate conflict was about. In an emotionally mature relationship, arguments stay on topic: at the end of an argument, there is a feeling of the satisfaction of being heard and understood by the other partner.

You Trust Each Other Completely - You know your partner will never do anything to jeopardize your relationship. You both actively pursue and preserve relationship security, stability, and trust. Example: because we both have a strong morals streak running through us, we trust each other not to step out of marital bounds when we are taking a solo lobo self-care day to indulge individuality: we do not have shared friends - there are days we spend hours with friends; we do make it a point though, to visit opposite sex friends together; this is a safe-gap we agreed to early on in our relationship.

You Feel Good About Where You’re Heading - You & your spouse are moving forward together to build and preserve a safe place to be individuals in a unified relationship; your union is much more stable. You and your spouse are now thinking and responding in terms of “We” instead of “I”.

John Michael Montgomery - 'Hold On To Me' Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lMAIe1n2ps&list=RD9lMAIe1n2ps&start_radio=1

You Have No Regrets About The Spouse You Committed To - You may think this is a no-brainer when you marry … but the cold, hard, facts are that no one knows anyone until they actually commit 100% and move in with them; people shacking up never get to this stage - married people do.

It is a real eye-opener and a true test of commitment: here is where personal responsibility comes into play. You will see each other at their worst. You will be treated to behaviors, attitudes, and disillusionments that were not on 24-7-265 display while you were blissfully dating; or rebelliously & ignorantly playing house. Marriage is the true test of a loving, long-term relationship.

Part of taking personal responsibility involves letting the other person be. People come with baggage - in marriage you get to experience all that baggage with them; allow time for personal space self-care … it's okay for spouses to agreeably carve out some "me time" while sharing the same living space.

Communication Is Improving - All channels of communication open … even passionate disagreements & resolutions are respectfully worked out. Emotionally intelligent marriages really ‘know’ their partners. They have “dedicated cognitive room for their marriage.” They know what is important to them, what is happening in their lives currently, what are their major worries these days, and where they stand with regard to important issues and similar things.

Focus on daily relationship rituals: Small acts of appreciation and attunement move couples toward mature love.

People in mature relationships have spent so much time observing their significant other & conversing with each other, that they remember the major events in each other’s history, and they keep updating their information as the facts and feelings of their spouse’s world evolve.

A mature relationship, in other words, is a mature friendship, where your partner can fill in the empty spaces between what you say and what you don’t.

Remember, a happy and healthy relationship is nothing but a mature friendship, in which both partners are not only aware of each other’s shortcomings, but are also willing to adjust,  communicate, and compromise. In such relationships, a partner is ready to accept you for who you are and is open to resolving conflicts. Your future goals are more important than your individual egos. This is why a mature relationship lives longer. Making a marriage work isn’t rocket science when both partners are mature. Maturity in love creates a wholesome connection and a bond that enriches both you and your partner.

Earlier this afternoon, the rain let up - so, we drove into Coalinga to get a couple groceries 🛒 …

Climbing in and out of Betsy x8, mimicked a Glute Step-up workout.

… some bakery donuts 🍩; and bring home some authentic mexican food 🌮 My husband loves mexican food, and we've had a hard time finding authentic mexican food anywhere down south - where one would expect authentic food with such a huge mexican population! But, today - after 3 years on the road, traveling southern states - we got lucky.

We had noticed the little restaurant next to the donut bakery - but today, we stopped to sample what they had to offer; it was delicious 😁

On the way home, I noticed a heart shaped cloud above a wide-open field … and worked a few muscles, hauling groceries from Betsy to Independence (Holland wanted to do it, but I begged to do it - claiming "it's a mini workout" & I don't want to skip a workout day of I can help it") 👌

Tacos Y Mariscos Sergio Taqueria~Aunthentic Mexican Food.

Tacos Y Mariscos Sergio Taqueria; #320 E Elm Ave, Coalinga, CA

Heart-shaped cloud.

Lifting, hauling & shifting (from store shelving to cart) the two 40 ct. water bottle cases x3 (from cart to Betsy; from Betsy to house) was similar in action … Dumbbell Bar Grip Sumo Squat

Holland's giant burrito; stuffed with a good layer of cooked rice, refried beans, a hefty portion of chopped beef, a generous helping of shredded cheese & hot sauce - he had a hard time finishing it off, it was so HUGE.

My fragrant Street Tacos - YUM!!

After our take out supper, I did laundry; and worked a few more muscles 😉

Up & down the stairs x10 mimicked this exercise; Calf Stretch with stairs

Folding clothes was similar in action … Bodyweight Wrist Circles

Hanging clothes to dry employed this type of stretching; I'm short … I do actually stand on my toes & throw my arm upward to hang the hangers across the bar~Overhead Biceps Stretch

Hanging laundry; I like seeing those manly tees next to my feminine tops. Marriage is an blessed honor; and I am glad in mine.

*February 7, 2026 - NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK #1-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/national-marriage-week-1self-care-2026.html

*February 8, 2026 - CHAPTER 2~National Marriage Week #2-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/chapter-2national-marriage-week-2-self.html

*February 9, 2026 - LOVE~National Marriage Week #3-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/lovenational-marriage-week-3-2026self.html

*February 10, 2026 - TEAM UNITY~National Marriage Week #4-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/team-unitynational-marriage-week-4.html

*February 11, 2026 - DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER~National Marriage Week #5-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/diamonds-are-forevernational-marriage.html

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER~National Marriage Week #5-2026~Self-Care; 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."

Sometimes marriage can seem like a never-ending see-saw ride, where couples came together, fell apart, broke each other's heart's, came back together, ect.

Couples begin to think "can you start over in a marriage?"

The answer is YES!

A “marriage reset” can feel like a breath of fresh air.

An opportunity to rediscover what made it all so special in the first place.

Gladys Knight - 'The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me' Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lGrShe7t7c&list=RD1lGrShe7t7c&start_radio=1

Every relationship faces its ups and downs - marriage is no exception; differences between two people can sometimes lead to disappointments and distance - but this does not mean the marriage bond is broken … it simply means you've come to a rough patch in your journey together.

Sometimes life crowds our time together, responsibilities once considered a blessed purpose come to feel like a burdensome responsibility, and the spark that once lit everything up seems like a distant memory. It is not that love has vanished, or that the marriage is broken; it just feels buried under the weight of time, responsibilities, and unspoken emotions. Every marriage has its seasons: moments of sunshine, a few storms, and sometimes long stretches of calm that can feel a bit too quiet ... nothing seems to be happening - a disquiet that seems suddenly very loud.

Love evolves, and so does a relationship; the reality is that we all have expectations of what marriage will be like, but our partners can never live up to all of these expectations. At the same time, our partners have expectations of us that we may not always meet - this is normal. As the marriage unfolds, expectations loosen up - reality sets in … and spouses learn to give each other grace; to learn more about each other's wants, needs, desires; and to grow at their own pace through these learning phases.

Reconnection Stage: This stage involves making a conscious effort to reconnect, prioritize quality time together, and rekindle intimacy.

If your union has reached a place where you find neither of you can agree on anything … chances are that you are not really fighting about what to eat for dinner but rather are stuck in a cycle of negativity. It is easy to blame your spouse for everything that goes wrong in the relationship, but the reality is that it takes two people to make a marriage. Taking time to reflect on your own actions, habits, and areas for growth can strengthen your role in the relationship and create space for positive change (this approach has been very beneficial for me, and Holland). Peace can become a lens through which you see the world. Be it. Live it. Radiate it out. Peace is an inside job that creates a a warm, welcoming, living space around us.

When I was a teenager, I read two things that stuck in my mind - and I rule my life by them: "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today" & "Remember the past, plan for the future, but live for today, because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come." Life is limited - wasting it on pettiness is ridiculously pointless.

We know our minds are powerful tools - and when used effectively, they can offer the means to create the Life of our Dreams; daily reminders to be grateful where we are today - and to know that where we are is part of the journey to  our dreams.

A simple intentional thought.

A simple supportive action.

A simple reconnection message.

Gerry Rafferty - Right Down the Line: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR8RiBMecx4

Offering positive affirmations is a simple undertaking that often reaps substantial rewards.

A little love goes a long way …

Feelings of happiness, joy and abundance grow when we make up our minds to be happy. Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every task, your relationship, your home environment; it’s your responsibility to love it, or change it.

The path to getting where you want to be isn’t always going to be easy;  but as long as you show up each day and keep focused on your dreams and goals … you will get there. It may not happen overnight - and in fact it may take longer than you had hoped - but you can get there. Consistency and believing in what you have together are key.

Intentional reconnecting will get where you want to be 💞

On other topics today …

While drinking my morning coffee, I noticed that the predicted rain had arrived; and that my night-owl Taurus had drifted off to the backbeat of the rain maker clouds:

The predicted rainfall has begun in earnest …

Raindrops picking up speed & my bull taking things slow 😉

Chuckling to myself at the sight of his Q-tip "nose ring" (his nose has been broken so many times in his young adult years [cowboy, oil rigger, young & stupid], that he swears by this method when sleeping). Then I finished scrolling FB silliness - and slipped into the back room for a quick workout …

My eyes saw 'Gratitude', 'Love', 'Man', 'Health' = I'm gonna be running with it & giving it full reign.

I've posted my workout - along with examples of how to proceed with each exercise set. I am sorry about the poor quality if at least 2 of the exercise examples … for whatever reason the internet geeks {making things better for you!} decided to break the link between Blogger & YouTube uploads, I could only do what I could do with what I have to work with. I hope at some point, links will be allowed to flow between Blogger & YouTube again. Things flowed  much easier that way.

The Darebee Feel Good Now Workout is a mostly cardiovascular-activation type of workout. It will make you move your body, it'll work your heart and lungs and it will leave you feeling better after you finish than you did before you started. And that is, actually, exactly what makes exercise good for us.

Muscles Used.

March Steps w-Arm Circles~10-15 reps x2; Windmills~8-12 reps x2; Raised Arm Twists~10-15 reps x2; Side Jacks~12-20 reps x2

The Arms Circle Marching On Spot exercise is safe for a 69-year-old woman to do. These exercises are designed to be low-impact and suitable for various fitness levels, making them ideal for seniors. They help improve shoulder mobility and reduce stiffness, contributing to overall well-being and independence. It is important that you maintain a steady marching rhythm while keeping your shoulders relaxed and engaged. This exercise is designed to strengthen and tone your upper body, particularly your arms, shoulders, and back muscles. One common mistake to watch out for is swinging your arms too forcefully. Instead, focus on maintaining controlled movements and keeping your arms at a comfortable height. Another mistake is tensing up your shoulders, which can lead to strain and discomfort. Remember to keep your shoulders relaxed and engaged throughout the exercise. Always prioritize safety; if there is excessive pain, stop.

Arms Circle Marching On Spot~10-15 reps x2

The Touch Touch Windmill exercise is generally considered safe for a 69-year-old woman to perform, provided she has a good range of motion and sufficient strength. It is a multi-planar exercise that can help strengthen the core, hips, and shoulders, which are important for overall stability and balance. However, it is crucial to listen to your body and stop immediately if you feel pain, dizziness, or discomfort.

Windmill Toe Touch~8-12 reps x2

Get ready to tone your core with the Standing Torso Twist. This exercise targets your obliques and helps improve your overall stability. The safety of performing the Torso Twist Arm Swings for a 69-year-old woman depends on her overall health, fitness level, and any specific health conditions she may have. Listen to your body: if you experience pain or discomfort, stop immediately.

Torso Twist Arm Swings~10-15 reps x2

Side Jacks are a variation of jumping jacks where you take a step sideways with one leg instead of jumping outward with both legs. This movement makes side jacks easier on your knees but less intense than regular jumping jacks. Side jacks can be useful for warming up, dynamic upper back stretching, or improving coordination. They work a few more muscles than more typical low-impact cardiovascular exercises like cycling or walking. The safety of Side Jacks for a 69-year-old woman depends on her overall health and fitness level - it is crucial to listen to your body and stop immediately if you feel pain, dizziness, or discomfort.

Step Side Jacks~12-20 reps x2

As with marriage, so it is with your health and body toning - the rough edges are being worked on to hone a beautifully shaped diamond.

Diamonds are forever.

*February 7, 2026 - NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK #1-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/national-marriage-week-1self-care-2026.html

*February 8, 2026 - CHAPTER 2~National Marriage Week #2-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/chapter-2national-marriage-week-2-self.html

*February 9, 2026 - LOVE~National Marriage Week #3-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/lovenational-marriage-week-3-2026self.html

*February 10, 2026 - TEAM UNITY~National Marriage Week #4-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/team-unitynational-marriage-week-4.html

TEAM UNITY~National Marriage Week #4-2026~Self-Care; 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."

I'm not feeling too swift today ⚕️

I was drinking my morning coffee, and gazing out the window … when I noticed Park Maintenance walking the grounds & spraying the ground. Whatever they were spraying to combat the gnat swarms has made me a little loopy, so I hope this post comes together in a coherent fashion 😉

"Take one for the team" is more than a slogan - it becomes a motto when a married couple reach the cooperation stage.

Overview of the Stages of Marriage

Honeymoon Stage 🥰: This initial phase lasts from a few months to about three years. Couples are often deeply in love, experiencing intense passion and excitement. Everything about the partner seems perfect, and the focus is on building intimacy and trust. 

Realization Stage 🤔: As the honeymoon phase fades, couples begin to see each other more realistically. This stage involves recognizing each other's flaws 🔍 and differences 🤷‍♀️ , which can lead to disappointment 🤨 and conflict 😡 Communication becomes crucial as couples learn to navigate these challenges.

Rebellion Stage 😈: In this stage, individuals may assert their independence more strongly, leading to power struggles 😤 and disagreements 😟😪 Couples must learn to resolve conflicts peacefully ✌️ and negotiate 🤝 their needs to maintain harmony 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

In our marriage, the Honeymoon Stage, the Realization Stage, & the Rebellion Stage of marriage occurred simultaneously 😵‍💫; pretty much from the start 😱 

Joan Baez - 'Diamonds and Rust' Lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ST9TZBb9v8&list=RD1ST9TZBb9v8&start_radio=1)

Cooperation Stage 👌: After navigating the rebellion stage 🔄, couples often reach a point of cooperation 💕 They learn to work together as a team, balancing their individual needs with those of the relationship 💞 This stage emphasizes compromise and mutual support. We reached this stage about 6 months ago - it's a continual work in progress.

Marriage hinges on team cohesiveness = a harmonious whole = unity.

Team unity 💎 begins with self-sacrifice.

With the small acts of service my husband does, he goes out of his way at times to make sure my life is as easy as possible, in acts of service he can manage without spiking his pain level beyond tolerable - I say small because we are retired; he no longer has to put in long, grueling physical labor. We do not have children together, so he doesn't have to field child-rearing landmines … and my children vacated my life years ago. Our life is pretty laid-back and carefree; the heavy-lifting, stress-filled days, are behind us. His acts of service now are shouldering the hook-up, maintenance, and security of our home on wheels: and taking on the "responsibility" of me (I don't like that mindset - it's makes me sound like a liability instead of an asset; but it's how he was raised - it's the macho cowboy way 🤠 of gender roles; he comes from genuine cowboy stock - himself worked on a ranch doing range patrol, cattle drives, and fence line work; & some of his cousins' children still do the rodeo circuit).

My acts of service are making a comfortable home 💕 & create a serene environment 😇; preparing healthy, tasteful, & purposeful meals 🥗🍲🥣🥧🐟🍗🥩🥖 (body fuel with medicinal benefits); smoothing the rough edges without undue exertion 💎; & meeting him halfway with emotional understanding 💝 - while trying to decipher the needs, wants, & desires, he's not communicating very well 🤔

His presence in my Life makes my life easier 😎; my presence in his life makes his life easier 😘

His height makes my life easier; my short stature makes it easier for him to feel needed 🦁 - beyond the basic every day acts of service he shoulders to keep our free-wheeling lifestyle rolling smoothly along. His quiet ways of getting me out of my head and out of house … makes my life easier - sometimes this comes in the form of an order-to-go meal 🥢🍕🌮; or in the form of an impromptu short, local, drive 🚘 (surprising me with an uploaded playlist of my favored tunes 📀): other times, it involves him not knowing what to say or do … so, he quietly gets busy doing a job 🛠💼 around the house that he's been putting off for a while (like switching out the microwave; leveling the washer-dryer combo; resetting the bedroom sliding mirror closet doors; resetting the sliding farmhouse doors; switching out switches & switch plates; ect.: things he gets busy doing in the moment that he's aware will make my hausfrau tasks easier) - things he understands with his manly brain 🧠 that will convey to me by example that he loves me the best way he knows how 💝; my quiet ways of allowing him space to unwind at his own pace 🐢, in his own way 🎧💻🤘; of observing 👀, taking note of limitations 🤔, & guiding him into a restful state without making it obvious that he needs to take a break 😘 His dinking around inside and outside of Independence, to make life on the road safe and worry-free, makes my life easier; me taking care of interior necessities that make life on the road safe & worry-free, making his responsibility tasks easier & attitude lighter when it comes time to move on.

Even though Holland is an original vagabond legend who had already spent the bulk of his life on the roads we've traveled together these 34 months 🚘⛽️🗺️🧳🏔️👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨, he promised me he would take me to those places - so the gypsy in me  could experience them, myself. His agreeing to Road Gypsy with me, seriously makes my life easier; and I gently prod him into tourist mode so he, too, can enjoy road gypsy retirement enjoyment 😎 - easing the decades old road-weary-work-horse mentality of racing from one job to the next. Life, for both of us is to be enjoyed, not simply endured. So, it is easy to thank him for all the noticed things - and the other things he isn't even aware of that he does to make my life easier. Under all the gruff bluster 🦁, and macho attitude 🤠, he really is a good man 😘 - and he deserves recognition for that. And, on the flip-side, he is becoming more vocal in appreciation for the little things he notices I do, to make his life easier, too.

And because we are a team … I am careful to keep the scales balanced: I've learned to be careful saying what I liked, or where I'd like to be - because he would file those words away, and start researching the best ways to make those things come about: he never forgot a single word I ever uttered - he'd always surprises me, saying, "See Baby? I always hear what you say, even though sometimes you don't think so. I hear you & I remember everything you say."

Every decision Holland made, he considered me: even when he was frustrated, or angry with me - whether it was researching and planning a scenic route from A to B, he'd rather have skipped; broadening his food intake to include exotic dishes I enjoy (like Chinese, Thai, Indian (Asia), & Jewish dishes); the music that bounces off Betsy's cab walls while on the road … all these things are love concessions.

Bryan Adams - 'Everything I Do, I Do It For You' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0pdQU87dc8&list=RDY0pdQU87dc8&start_radio=1

I am appreciative & I keep the Team  Work balanced, so my husband never has need to feel the weight of unified responsibility rests solely on his broad shoulders.

I pay attention to what he says; I pay attention to the vibrations of a wounded heart shared with me in unguarded moments; I learn his likes & dislikes - then, I do what I humanly can to make his life easier, to shower him with love to soothe, and to surprise him with unexpected preferences & interests he, as a bachelor would not indulge himself with. Because he does so much for me, and gives me freely what is within his power to give - I return the favor.

Traveling Wilburys - 'Handle With Care' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBkN03eF1x8&list=RDTBkN03eF1x8&start_radio=1

That's Team Unity 🤝

My Senior Exercise Plan today worked lower body muscles … and was done to the raindrop tempo on Independence's rooftop 😁

The gluteus maximus doesn't just help fill those back pockets in jeans and shorts, it also helps with posture, sprinting, jumping and kicking. As a matter of fact it powers so many of our upright movements that it's a wonder we haven't got more workouts dedicated to working out this particular muscle group. The Darebee Butt Lift Workout lives fully up to its premise and promise. The exercises will help lift your butt.

The safety of the Darebee Butt Lift Workout for a 69-year-old woman depends on her individual health and fitness level. It is generally recommended that seniors engage in exercises only if they are comfortable with the movements and can perform them correctly. The workout includes exercises that may be challenging for some seniors who experience joint health & vertigo (balance dizziness), so always prioritize safety; if there is excessive pain, stop.

Side Kick~8-12 reps x2; Bridges~5 reps x3; Back Kicks~8-12 reps x2; Donkey Kicks~12-15 x2

The Side Kick exercise targets the glutes, hips, and thighs, promoting strength, stability, and flexibility; the core muscles are also engaged. The safety of Side Kicks for a 69-year-old woman depends on her overall health and fitness level. Side kicks, like other high-impact exercises, can be particularly risky for seniors due to the potential for joint strain and muscle soreness. It is crucial for individuals to assess their fitness level and consult with a healthcare provider before engaging in any new exercise routine. Side kicks, along with other high-impact exercises, should be approached with caution and may not be suitable for all seniors.

#Below are a couple low-impact alternatives to the intensity of a regular side kick - do the bodyweight diagonal punch & a choice of 1 side kick exercise shown:

Bodyweight Diagonal Punch~10-12 reps x2

Side Lunge Kick.gif~8 to 12 reps x2; if vertigo is an issue you can use a chair, or counter support, if necessary.

Standing Side Kicks exercise~8 to 12 reps x2; if vertigo is an issue you can use a chair, or counter support, if necessary.

It is generally safe for a 69-year-old woman to do the Bridge Exercise. The bridge exercise is a low-impact, functional movement that strengthens the core, glutes, and lower back, making it a perfect exercise for seniors looking to stay active and reduce injury risk.

#Here is an alternate Bridge exercise that may be easier on some backs:

Bodyweight Glute Bridge Walk~5 reps x3

The safety of performing the Push Extensions Back Kicks exercise for a 69-year-old woman depends on her individual health condition and fitness level. Factors such as joint health, balance, and any underlying health conditions should be considered; it is essential to listen to the body and not push beyond one's limits to avoid injury. Always prioritize safety; if there is excessive pain, stop.

#Here is an alternate standing extensions back kicks exercise that may be easier on the hip flexor joints; if vertigo is an issue you can use a chair, or counter support, if necessary:

Standing Back Kicks Exercise~8-12 reps x2

The safety of performing leg extensions, including Leg Extensions/Donkey Kicks, for a 69-year-old woman depends on her individual health condition and fitness level. Leg extensions can place stress on the knee joint, and those with pre-existing knee issues should be cautious. It is crucial for individuals to listen to their bodies and stop any exercise that causes sharp pain.

#Here is an alternate standing donkey kicks exercise that may be easier on the knee joints; if vertigo is an issue you can use a chair, or counter support, if necessary:

Standing Donkey Kick~12-15 x2 

*February 7, 2026 - NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK #1/2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/national-marriage-week-1self-care-2026.html

*February 8, 2026 - CHAPTER 2~National Marriage Week #2/2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/chapter-2national-marriage-week-2-self.html

*February 9, 2026 - LOVE~National Marriage Week #3-2026~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/02/lovenational-marriage-week-3-2026self.html