A DREAM - THE COST OF FREEDOM~USA 250; Castle Rock-WA

250 years ago.

The colonists dared to dream.

They dreamed of freedom.

They dreamed of a country of their own; where they could reap the benefits of their hard labor and harvests - instead of having it stolen from them to feed the aristocrats across "the pond".

They dared to dream their children would learn to read and write … and be able to openly state their opinions and make choices for how they chose to live their lives - without having Britain's knee on their necks.

They dared to dream that their mothers, sisters. girlfriends, daughters, cousins, and nieces - the girl next door - could walk the highways and byways without fear of being harassed or sexually violated by the Tories that bullied and brutalized the colonists: just because they could. Without fear; they believed themselves untouchable.

But the colonists were fed up.

They were meeting in secret.

They were building a small army.

They were designing and sewing a Freedom Flag in secret.

They were being careful in what they said and how they said it when in company of friend's or family they weren't sure would stand by them if push came to shove in the daring plan to forge a future of freedom and dared for promise.

They boycotted British goods - and refused to eat or drink anything that carried a tariff tax. Britain was already taking more than was agreed to … and the tea, flour, and fabric taxes were outrageously unfair.

Under the cloak of darkness, the brave colonists declared war.

Britain retaliated.

A signal between the colonists was agreed upon - a torch would be lighted to announce the way war would come to the shores of  this great land; "1 - if by land: 2 if by sea".

Paul Revere watched.

When the signal was given the evening of April 18th, 1775, Paul jumped on his horse and rode to alert the rag-tag militia of the happening by hanging 2 signal lanterns from Concord's church steeple.

The colonists were excited.

They were frightened.

They were ready for the fight!

The militia didn't have much - the men were farmers, shopkeepers, blacksmiths … they were not men of war: BUT THEY LEARNED.

On December 3rd, 1775, John Paul Jones - a merchant marine sailor who sided with the colonists, and became the father of the newly established naval force of the blooming America - hoisted Old Glory.

The intent was clear to the British forces - there would be no cease in the push for Freedom.

The Revolutionary War lasted 7 long years.

By the time French assistance came alongside the Continental Army of the colonists at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781, the colonists of the small army were barely alive - having suffered starvation, lack of adequate clothing: most of them were shoeless, having only bloody rags tied around their frost-bitten feet. There was little $$$ to give to the militia as businesses went bankrupt under Britain's assault/theft … and all the able-bodied-men of the colonies were engaged in fighting for freedom.

AND THE PATRIOTS WON!

Through perseverance and the desire to be FREE, America was established in 178

It is shameful the way the demonrats are intent on taking our freedoms away from us 1 by 1.

It is scandalous that Americans are sitting still and staying silent as the demonrat House is blatantly ignoring our Constitution and handing our Nation's power over to foreigners they seat in DC.

It is frightening that Americans do not understand what is going on with the obama's and their muslim themed black liberation religion, the socialist-communist coups … taking root in our schools, churches, communities, civil offices, Congress and in every high seat of power in every blue state across this nation.

We are on the cusp of losing America because Americans have been so dumbed down by the obamanite freeloading & lopsided "equality for all" racist bullshit rhetoric - that they do not understand what America means … or why national pride & America's work ethic - which is true equality - is so very important.

SELF-PRIDE DOESN'T LOOK GOOD ON ANYBODY; Castle Rock-WA

There is a disturbing trend going through the religious sector today: toxic masculinity - that encourages rude, obnoxious, and downright abusive  behaviors in "godly men" … & self-righteous femininity - that preaches prudity, a closed-off mentality, and an overt prideful spirit in "godly women". BOTH are a stink in the nostrils of Almighty God.

While it is true that men today, have been pussified and have had no guidance in how to be a man because actual men are far and few between in today's society - giving rein to pride won't offer wisdom, and will actually do more harm than good. No woman in her right mind will want a male in her life who seeks to dominate her by emotionally & spiritually abusing her: physical abuse usually follows quickly when pride takes root in a man's life & subjugation is forced on a woman.

And on the other hand, while it is true that women today, have become hard & brittle caricatures of womanhood - generations of femininity was lost during the rise & subsequent upheavals of the 1960's & 1970's "women's liberation" movement that swept the land and got a firm grip on the globe. But swinging to far to the other side in an attempt to balance the scales is not wise, and will actually do more harm than good. No man in his right mind will want a woman in his life who will make life harder by attempting to be holier than God, Himself: that was tried, and failed in the Victorian Era. It was disastrous then … and will be disastrous, now. When pride enters a life, it usually snuffs out all common sense - and sucks the joy out of Life, in general.

The reel, below, that paraded itself through my newsfeed today, really annoyed me.

It annoys me because it screams "self-pride!"

And the entire attitude is not beneficial to a Christian woman. A Christian woman relies on Elohim's Will … not her own - not the opinions of those around her, whispering in her ears, coaching her in holiness. To her detriment.

The way Elohim sees a situation -  and the way everyone else sees a situation can, and often, are very different. The ways of Elohim are a  mystery; His wonders to perform.

Women can change.

Men can change.

Change can be very good for those involved in the game of life.

Self-pride has no place in a 'daughter of God' Life. None - nada.

BUT … he CAN learn to appreciate, and get on the right side of things.

Delilah & Jezebel lose their luster when he's in the presence of a Godly woman: Ruth didn't run … she knew her worth, yet she humbly pledged herself to the man who first paid her no attention. Elohim brought him around, and Boaz eventually saw her worth and brought her under his protection. Their marriage was good & strong. Yeshua's earthly lineage was a direct link to Ruth & Boaz.

Esther came from humble beginnings, but rose to be Queen over an empire. The woman before her had held the King's heart … until she didn't any longer; her self-importance did her in & the King, once smitten by her beauty, soured of her ego - enter Esther. Esther was a Jew: Elohim chose for her a man who did not know her God; a man who did not follow her religion. A man that basically ignored her until he needed arm candy. Her husband was a busy, worldly, man - a man of supreme rule: to enter his presence without a direct invite was a death wish. His word was rule; no one questioned his supremacy. She dared. He gave her audience and listened. A nation was saved because her courage refused to be ignored. Esther did not rely on her physical attributes - she relied on Elohim with her, guiding her, going before her to prepare the way.

Worldly ways may captivate for a season … but Elohim's Ways secure what the world obscures. Beauty may last for a season, "but a good wife? Her worth is above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10)

A wise woman knows her worth.

And the man Elohim chooses for her, eventually understands that concept, too ❤️

Maybe you were born, for such a time as this: for such a man as this. For such a purpose as this.

In seeking a holy life, be careful not to overstep Elohim's Plan with a prideful spirit - it is that prideful spirit that was the downfall of Delilah & Jezebel.

It was holy courage that spurred the godly women of ancient days (like Ruth & Esther) to bravely embrace the men Elohim had hand-picked for them. For such a time. For such a purpose.

I'm not advocating to go out and find a bad boy to win for Christ - that is foolhardy and will end in a mess. But what I am saying, is that Elohim brings 2 people together for His glorification … and most of the time that glorification comes about through perplexing and trying times.

Every situation in this Life is a lesson, leading to holiness for the heirs walking in His ways and trusting in His outcome for their lives.

It behooves us to keep our eyes on Him, and trust Him in all situations.

He knows what is best for us - and we will have the best, when we trust for the best.

Self-pride doesn't look good on anybody.

Be wise.

Seek Elohim's direction when interest is piqued.

Wait on the Spirit's leading - do not rush in where angels fear to tread … and don't hang back out of fear. If he's "the one", he'll wait. He'll weigh the change necessary - and act accordingly. If he walks … he's not the one.

Understand what you are getting into; give ear to wise counsel.

Proceed with caution: the heart is exceedingly deceitful. Always move forward with much prayer, leaning on the Holy spirit's wisdom.

Enter with courage and bravely forge ahead - trusting Him, in all things.

POLITICAL SUPREME COURT~USA Citizenship; Castle Rock-WA

Very disappointed in this Supreme Court - it seems they constantly misrepresent the original intent of the original writ. None of them are worth a hill of beans 🤬

The obamanite "judges" were placed in the Supreme Court lineup, specifically to hamstring and stir up trouble … which they do. They are lifetime appointees - so, the headache will go on and on and on until they die & as we can see with the dramas playing out in DC, they don't simply die anymore so American can get some kind of reprieve: they are kept on life support and wheeled in and out of Congress in wheel chairs with their handlers trailing behind them. Biden had actually lost his mind - and his stupid wife was speaking to him like he was a 2 year old toddler, but the demonrats kept him in Office so they could push their agenda through. There are 3 black robed old crows sitting in the Supreme Court chairs that won't defend America's Laws & can't describe what a woman is. It's ridiculous!

And on the other side, the black robes appointed because they were supposed to be conservative - are anything BUT! They toe the liberal line very closely, & go against The People on a regular basis. WHY are they there??? Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett have been a thorn in our flesh since they were seated: they side more with the obamanite appointees than they do with The People who put them there & expect them to DO their jobs FOR The People. Personal preferences are not part of the deal: they are there to read the Law and make judgements according to the writ. They are not going that route; they are taking political stances in popularity games. It's shameful, & the Supreme Court is in shambles. They are lifetime appointees - so, the abdication will go on and on and on until they die.

Here's what the author of the 14th amendment concerning Citizenship wrote, and meant it to be:

The liberal supreme court justices (that includes traitor Amy Coney Barrett) completely violated its purpose and twisted it to grant citizenship to millions of anchor babies whose mothers are illegal aliens.

The more important words “born within the limits of the United States, and subject to their jurisdiction” which, at the time, their jurisdiction meant the laws of the US.

People here illegally and those who travel to America for the purpose of birth tourism are not here “subject to the jurisdiction of the United States” so they are excluded.

Finally, in “United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649

(1898), the Supreme Court laid out the requirements for birthright US citizenship in 1898.

The first requirement is a person's parents must be in this country legally and the second requirement is that they have a legal residence within the United States at the time of their birth.

A hospital bed is not a legal residence.

Every person who DOES NOT meet those 2 requirements IS NOT a citizen of the United States.

It doesn't matter what bleeding hearts "think it means"; what matters is the interpretation of “in this country legally” and “have a legal residence within the U.S. at the time of birth.”

There is nothing [hard] to understand about simple language!

ACTION PACKED DAY; Castle Rock-WA

I woke up early this morning; so, I quietly grabbed my book 📕 on the way out of the bedroom - so I wouldn't wake Holland 😴, and read a couple chapters 📖 while eating a potato patty & bacon strips 🥓 breakfast with flavorful morning joy juice ☕️

The Day started with The Fargo's & a South American adventure; I'm in the final chapters of this story, now.

When Holland woke up & joined me downstairs, I asked him what he'd like me to take out of the freezer for supper - he said he just wanted a "light supper" … so, I asked, "Will a loaded baked potato 🥔🧈🍃🥓🧀 be light enough?" He said it would.

And thinking of those delicious hot potatoes, that got my thoughts going in the direction of a yarn craft design 🤔📏🧶✂️📝

So, the Fargo's were put aside, while I listened to a couple podcasts 💻🎙️ while designing & working up a pair of microwave hot pad mitts to fit my need:

A design born of a present necessity.

MOD Crochet Microwave Hot Pad Mitt:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/07/mod-crochet-microwave-hot-pad-mitt.html)

While I was engaged in that activity, Holland decided to go into town to grab some things 🛒 we'll need for our planned 4th of July activities 🗽🦅: nothing fancy - just a drive into the back country behind the family ranch compound 🚘

We've been invited to a couple festive events, but Holland's pain level is unpredictable 🤨; when it flares up ⚡️😩, he just wants to be home, relaxing 🛌🩹 - so, we don't want to be to far from Independence 🏡

He has a scheduled appointment ⚕️ in 2 weeks with a new medical center we are hoping will actually be able to help him ♻️

While he was gone, I put the mitt work aside just long enough to do a quick, simple workout 🧘:

Toe Touch Exercise~Aim for 10-15 reps

Lower Body Workout~Aim for 15-20 reps EA set x2; Use wall support. Skip the bend-over exercise if vertigo or balance is an issue.

The mitt was finished in time for supper 👍 - and there was no awkward grappling with steaming hot potatoes, tonight 😁

Loaded Microwave [Baked] Potatoes Recipe:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/07/loaded-microwave-baked-potatoes-recipe.html)

Today was a good Day: we both felt blessed in many ways 💕

LOADED MICROWAVE [BAKED] POTATOES Recipe; Castle Rock-WA

We ate light tonight … a microwaved potato with yummy toppings 🥔🧈🍃🥓🧀; simple, but satisfying.

Loaded Microwave [Baked] Potato

And I worked up a light weight microwave hot pad mitt, to handle the baking potatoes:

MOD Microwave Hot Pad Mitt: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/07/mod-crochet-microwave-hot-pad-mitt.html)

Loaded Microwaved [Baked] Potatoes ~2 servings

2 lrg. Russet Potatoes, same size = washed & pricked with fork tines * Butter * 3/8 tsp. Pink Himalayan Salt * 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper, grnd * 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder * 1/4 c. Red Bell Pepper, diced * 1/4 c. Yellow Onion, diced * 4 slices Bacon, cooked & chopped * 1/2 c. Cheddar Cheese, grated * Parsley flakes (opt.)

Microwave Oven * Measuring Cups & Spoons * Press & Seal Glad Wrap * Hot Pad Mittens (MOD Pattern: see above) * Lrg. Soup Bowls & Silverware

1) Mix together the butter & spices - whip thoroughly to blend; add the parsley & set aside.

Mix tog the butter & spices - whip; add the parsley & set aside.

2) Slice & dice the Bell pepper, onion & pre-cooked bacon; set aside.

3) With a spaghetti cheese grater, prepare cheese; set aside.

4) Thoroughly wash potatoes; blot dry with paper towels. Poke some holes all over the potatoes with a fork so that the steam can escape. Individually, wrap each potato semi-tight in a sufficient piece of Press & Seal Glad Wrap & place both wrapped potatoes in a 800-watt microwave:

Individually, wrap each potato semi-tight in a sufficient piece of Press & Seal Glad Wrap - this is the way my husband likes them.

Cook wrapped potatoes in the microwave, for 10 to 12 minutes ⏲️ … with hot pad covered hands, check their doneness by gently squeezing potato sides when timer goes off. The potatoes should be very soft - if not, resume baking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes; periodically checking on them throughout the additional cooking time: DO NOT OVERCOOK because the microwave heat will suck the juice out of the potatoes, hardening the flesh.

5) When potatoes are cooked to satisfaction, carefully remove them from the microwave - slice them open & fluff up the insides. Spread with flavored butter.

Top with Bell pepper, onion, bacon & cheese. You can eat your loaded potato as is … or you can melt the cheese by popping it back into the microwave for 30 seconds.

Spread potatoes with butter & add toppings.

Enjoy!

My microwave mitt worked wonderfully 👍, & the potato was delish 😊

MOD CROCHET MICROWAVE HOT PAD MITT; Castle Rock-WA

MOD Microwave Hot Pad Mitt; Castle Rock-WA

This mitt is NOT FOR REGULAR OVEN USE!

This hot pad mitt was designed out of necessity - the cloth ones I had purchased, are nice; but they are pretty stiff and awkward to use. I want something more pliable for microwave use.

So, this morning, I designed & whipped a pair up for myself: and if I can talk Holland into using one, I'll make 1 for his hand.

I made traced hand tracings for pattern guides - but really didn't need to use them.

I used an acrylic worsted weight yarn, single thickness … and it works just fine. I don't want anything heavy - just something to guard against the generated heat of testing a microwaved 'baked' potato.

I'm a small woman, so my hands are small: 

MOD Crochet Microwave Hot Pad Mitt

Materials: Worsted Yarn, chosen color = make a separate small ball of yarn from this skein before commencing work (this ball will be used for the thumb work); a 12" length of Scrap Yarn for a marker #H/8 crochet Hook; Scissors;  Tapestry needle

Terms Used:

ch = chain

dc = double crochet

sc = single crochet

inc = increase

dec = decrease

sl st = slip st

beg = beginning

EA = each

x = repeat sequence

EO = end off

This pattern is worked from the top, down.

Oven Mitten Portion: With hook & yarn, ch 3 - and work 9 dc in circle; jn (10 dc's) and begin working in rounds from this point on.

Row 1: Holding scrap yarn in place, work a row of sc, inc'g in EA sts around - 20 sc; do not turn work, just keep working in rounds - moving marker yarn upwards each row.

Row 2: Inc in 1st st, then *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in following st *; rpt * to * around - end sc x1: 30 sc

Row 3: Inc in 1st st, then sc x7, inc, sc x6, inc, sc x7, inc, sc x6: 34 sc

Rows 4 thru 22: Sc evenly around: 36 sc; ch 6 … skip 6 sts & sc about 5 sts ahead - loosely tie off (you will return to this row later to finish mitt).

Sc evenly around.

Ch 6 … skip 6 sts & sc about 5 sts ahead = for thumb placement.

Checking for pliability & correct thumb opening placement.

Thumb Portion: Attach separate ball of yarn at corner of thumb & work 1 sc in same space, 1 sc in EA ch, 1 sc in corner st (the beg st of ch 6), & in EA skipped st: 14 sc.

Rows 2 thru 8: Work in rounds.

Row 9: Work a round of dc; EO with a length long enough to thread through tapestry needle & draw through sts, pulling tight and securing on back end.

Dc around thumb portion.

Run tapestry needle around tops of dc & pull tight, for closure.

Finished thumb portion.

Finishing: Return to the tied off portion of the mitt body & continue working in rounds for an additional 5 more rows (count these rows from bottom of thumb portion). EO and weave in loose end.

Trim (opt.): The mitt will be closer to your wrist without the trim; but I like trim on everything … so, my mitt, got trimmed.

Pattern: *Slip hook through the backside of next st & pull yarn backwards through st, yo and make a sc, ch 1*; rpt * to * around

Slip hook through the backside of next st

Pull yarn backwards through st ...

Yo, and make a sc

Ch 1, & rpt sequence around mitt bottom edge.

Mitt finished: 7-3/4" length - 6-1/2" width, including thumb portion, 4-1/2" width (without including thumb)

A WITNESSING THAT COMFORTS; Castle Rock-WA

The other day I was asked about remarriage.

The person asking had known me in my previous life with Bob - she is considering remarriage herself: she knows how much I loved Bob and how devastated I was when wife morphed into widow. She heard me say that I could never see myself with anyone but Bob - she was surprised when I did remarry … I was surprised at how easily remarriage transpired when it arrived on the scene of my new life's turning pages, unscripted & unexpected.

She is wondering how I compartmentalize that life with this present life.

Forgive the type-o's:

Looking at my life, I see blessing after blessing. MPO is that this life feels like answered prayers.

Grand Funk Railroad - 'Some Kind of Wonderful' lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTuIXtXUEw4&list=RDxTuIXtXUEw4&start_radio=1)