RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Thai Food, Long Beach-WA

April 29th: This morning Holland had an early appointment in Longview to get cortisone shots in both knees; I opted to stay home. I am not a morning person in general, and I didn't sleep well at all, last night.

I was surprised when I woke up and saw him sitting in his recliner - I was sleeping so soundly, I didn't hear him come in: and I had thought he'd spend the better part of the Day in Longview, visiting friends and family members.

I was wheezing (Holland could hear the wheezing clear across the room) so I blew into my Peak Flow Meter Reader - and was not happy with what it read; so, I blew into it two more times and adamantly refused to go to ER. Holland prayed while going after his emergency inhaler (which is significantly stronger than mine). I took a few puffs … and drank a strong cup of coffee to open my airways, and help clear the mental cobwebs.

A dangerous reading, this morning …

Caffeine is medically proven to improve airways function, for up to 4 hours, in people with asthma.

While I was unwinding and working on getting my lung power up to sniff, Holland called around to find an RV Park that could fit Independence - and found one in Ocean Park: we need to empty the black tanks, and getting back into place on David's Lot will tear his wet yard up … and we don't want to do that; so, we need someplace else to set up until things dry out. We can stay at the RV Park for 14 days: looking at the weather forecast, it doesn't appear that 14 days will be long enough, but it's the best we can do at the moment.

Hopefully, the rains will stop and the sun will come out soon.

Anyhow, Holland secured a place for us tomorrow; we'll see what happens after that.

Draining the mug, there was a break in the rain … so, we got out of the house :-)

I was breathing easier - which had Holland breathing easier.

Getting out of the house …

We first drove to Ocean Park to check the RV Park out: it is clean, and looks like an easy in/easy out set up.

Then we decided to drive the opposite direction to Seaview, to watch the waves, and bring take-out home.

On our way to the Seaview Approach, I noticed that the Thai Restaurant was open! We have been wanting to try this place out every time we are hunkered down here … but every time we drove past the building, it was dark as a tomb and the window sign read, "Closed". We decided to check it out on our way back up Main Street ;-)

Seaview Beach Approach-WA

This beach is closed to vehicles - but, obviously jackasses cannot READ clearly marked signs.

On occasion, Washington State closes sections of the Long Beach Peninsula to vehicle traffic, to protect the vulnerable snowy plover - a small wading bird.

The western snowy plover is a federally threatened and state endangered shorebird in Washington State. Only about 100 birds are thought to be in the state and only in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, where they nest directly on the beach sand: (https://interpretivecenter.org/western-snowy-plovers-and-washington-states-protection-efforts/)

Rough water, this morning; Seaview Beach Approach.

Clam digging is allowed, but NO DRIVING to a dig site.

We stopped here on our way back up Main Street; Long Beach-WA.

Malai Thai Restaurant; #509 Pacific Ave S, Long Beach, WA

Finally, it is open! We've been curious …

I like this colorful wall fan ;-)

No in-house seating, & very cramped quarters; but the workers were friendly, and service was quick.

A Fall Chinook Salmon mosaic in the sidewalk; Long Beach-WA.

The Fall Chinook, often referred to as "a silver" (because their meat is white at maturity) is the largest salmon, and can weigh in at 70 pounds … and 3 or 4 feet long. Holland says that by the time they are mature, they are black and shedding skin (then referred to as "tules = too-lees") - and all they are good for then, is fish bait because they stink and taste very gamey.

The pretty rainbow color is when they are the best to catch and eat.

Pelicans, Chinooks, and Sand Pipers decorate this streetside obelisk; Long Beach-WA

Iconic Long Beach 'Draws'.

Orcas wooden carving; PNW Razor Clam; designed and crafted using driftwood; & 'Paul Bunyan's Skillet'.

The 'World's largest Spitting Clam' is interesting. I understand that if one inserts a quarter, it will actually {spit} water on demand. But, it also spits freely every hour, on the hour.

We had hot food - and wanted to enjoy it hot: we did not have a quarter, or an hour to spare ;-)

I remember this frying pan from my childhood days, here at the Beach; this giant cooking utensil is not just any frying pan; it is a Guinness World Record Official frying pan.

This 20-ft. frying pan was actually used: crafted in 1941, this enormous 1,300-pound cookware (14 feet long from the bottom to the top of the handle, and 9 feet 6 inches in diameter at the rim) was commissioned to promote the first annual clam festival. It was used to make a clam fritter that required over 200 clams, with nearly 20,000 people showing up to enjoy a bite.

Today, you can’t cook in it … and over time, it has been surpassed in subsequent years by other towns with ambitious tourist pulls: but it’s a local icon ;-)

On our way home to enjoy our tasty meals, we dropped a case of water off at a neighbor's house; Holland had picked it up while in Longview this morning: Denise uses bottled water for her parrots - and her truck is currently on the fritz; a case of water is heavy - too heavy to haul home on the transit bus.

We don't mind lending a helping hand.

Dropped a case of water off at Denise's - I love her truck!

Springtime on the PNW Peninsula; Rhododendron blooming.

Rhododendron - WA State Flower:  (https://interpretivecenter.org/washingtons-state-flower-the-pacific-rhododendron/)

Once home, we opened our meal boxes … and enjoyed a tasty meal :-)

Holland's meal; 'Malai Noodles' - he liked it; and he always douses everything with black pepper: yakisoba noodles, cabbage, carrots, onions, celery, beansprouts, crispy chicken bits, & sweet-sour sauce.

My meal; 'Pineapple fried Rice': rice, shrimp, ham bits, pineapple, raisins, onion, bell peppers, cashew nuts, scrambled egg bits, & oyster sauce - I LIKE ;-)

Holland watched YouTube vids; and I watched an online movie.

This is a holy week, and I like testimonials; this documentary based on a real Life situation, was also made into a movie that I enjoy watching whenever it is available to view:

Gladys Aylward: Documentary - The Small Woman With A Great God (2010) | Full Movie | Carol Puves: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jX09pOlolE & The Inn Of The Sixth Happiness 1958: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8UR0G7dEEs)

Afterwards, I blew into my Peak Flow Meter Reader, and was gratified to read that though my airflow is still low - it's better than it was earlier :-)

But the inhaler is still needed until the reading climbs higher :-(

A little better reading - out of 'the critical zone'; thank You, Lord.

I also asked Holland how his Dr. visit went: Holland says the knee shots really aren't working, so his doctor is scheduling a consultation with a surgeon … so, we'll be sticking around in WA for that.

And that's okay with me: Holland's knees hurt him - if he can get some kind of relief, that is more important than anything else.

He also talked to her about the oxygenizer; and no decision was reached on that issue.

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Testimony of Faith in Christ/Richard Wurmbrand

It was 1978 when I heard Richard Wurmbrand speak on the Gray Randall Show, which aired out of Portland-OR, every morning at 6 AM.

Wurmbrand's testimony was riveting.

I bought his book, and read it: it was a true testimony of Faith unshakable.

Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand: The Underground Pastor and His Wife | Full Movie: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyG_zXfwhSc)

Christianity is free … but it costs a great deal to walk the talk.

Yeshua walked the talk.

Wurmbrand walked the talk.

I walk the talk.

Communism is bondage.

Socialism is bondage.

Living to please the world, is bondage.

Yeshua is Life.

Life is what the Passover/Resurrection Week is about.

Choose Life.

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Olive Tree Ministries/I’ll Keep You From the Hour of Testing

RESURRECTION WEEK~Shabbat 2024, Long Beach-WA

I'm still taking things easy, resting my left arm: I'm hoping to get back to my crochet project sometime next week.

This morning, we had to make a run to the Pioneer Market, and planned to do some wave watching before coming back home.

Holland needs time to fully wake in the morning; so, I had time to polish my nails … and switch out my purse, before we walked out the door ;-)

My nails are finally 'polish length' again. LOL

My first Road Gypsy purchase; bought at a Love's Truck Stop in Utah, last May; my full-size Bible fits ;-)

Yesterday, Holland found the time to get Shay's 'Go Pro' Gift on Betsy's dash … we're trying it out, today.

Watching the waves on Cranberry Rd, Long Beach-WA; the one beach in WA, where you can drive right up to the water:  (https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/washington/drive-up-to-the-water-long-beach-wa/)

Fishing off shore! I've never seen this here, before.

Watching this 'surf fishing' was making me increasingly uncomfortable - Long Beach waves are dangerously unpredictable.

Long Beach-WA is a NO SWIM Beach:

 (https://www.visitlongbeachpeninsula.com/tips-tools/beach-safety-driving/ & https://seatemperature.info/united-states/washington/long-beach-waves-forecast.html)

3 fishermen; waves coming in fast, closer, and higher with each turn. I didn't want to watch, anymore.

We didn't stay long at the Cranberry Road beach - I was getting antsier and antsier watching the waves roll in and rock those fishermen; I finally asked Holland if we could go to another place to watch the waves.

I said, "Don't those men understand that the waves here are the most dangerous waves in the world? They may not look treacherous, but the rip tides are always present. These are killer waves; Long Beach is a "no swim" beach because the water is deadly." Holland was surprised, "Is that so?" I said, "Yes. There are signs up and down this beach warning about the waves - there are no lifeguards here. Those men are up to their thighs in greedy waves - I don't want to watch one of them die, Holland." And then, I choked up with a memory, and said, "You see beauty - I see danger. You've never watched a wave roll in and suck a person out to sea … I have: I watched a wave sneak up the beach, grab ahold of my granddaughter Alyna's little rubber boot (she was 3 years old, at the time), yank her off her feet and very speedily drag her into the surf: Tyson was barking madly at the wave, I was running after her as fast as my little legs could pump - screaming for Bob and hoping he heard my panicked voice on the wind. Scared to death to take my eyes off her little puffed coat and flailing legs. I was crying, feeling my lungs gasping for air, slowing me down - pleading with God to give me enough strength to keep after her. I finally saw a blurred Bob rushing past me on his long legs, and then he was bending down, and reaching out his long monkey arm to grab her puffed up coat. He yanked her out of that greedy wave in the nick of time. But, Holland! I'll never forget that awful sight. Or that feeling of hopelessness. I can't stay here, and watch those foolish men playing with their lives. And I can't imagine what kind of fish would make them want to risk their lives."

So, we left.

Water makes me nervous, in general. The Toutle River, in 1966, nearly claimed my life when I was swimming with my cousin Timmy; he noticed I was in trouble, and saved me before I drowned. The ocean at Beard's Hollow, Ilwaco-WA, almost claimed my life in 1971 during a family picnic on the beach … and my new stepfather saved my life, that day. Water and I are not friends.

And both of my husbands (Bob was & Holland is) water babies who can't get enough 'water time'. Go figure. I tried - and do try, for their sakes; but water really makes me nervous. I can swim - I choose not to. Water and I are not friends.

Holland knows this about me; we've talked about this, many times.

So, we left: and aimed for the Ocean Park Access, on Bay Avenue. I want Holland to be able to enjoy his wave time - he goes out of his way to make time for things I enjoy. Holland physically relaxes (I can literally see the change come over him) when he is near water: a creek, a river, the ocean. Spending time around any of them, relaxes him.

Driving along towards Ocean Park, we saw a beach access sign we hadn't noticed before … and Holland make a backtracking U-turn to check it out:

Holland did a U-turn, and we tried a different beach watching approach …

Klipsan Beach Access Road - something new for both of us ;-)

Klipsan Beach-WA

James Gang - 'Funk 49': 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zENS6T_fZxA)

While Holland watched waves, I checked my phone - and saw an interesting article come up on the newsfeed …

New deep-sea species found: 

(https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article288010815.html)

When we got back home, Holland went back to Internet researching; and I watched a movie that fit this week's purpose :-)

The Life of Jesus | English | Official Full HD Movie:    (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mgUPt2KI08)

It's a pretty good movie - and stays true to Scripture: but, the acting was poor. The main character was quoting script by rote … and lacked soul depth; there was no emotional connection by any of the actors in trying to reach the audience, to be quite frank.

But the message is good, and accurate.

And the main thrust fits this holy week ;-)

L'Chiam! = "To Life!"; I added some red wine to my water - wine in the Scriptures symbolizes life, vitality, joy, blessing, and prosperity. In the New Testament, wine represents the blood of Jesus Christ.

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Thursday With The Girls

Today was a great Day :-)

It started out wet and wild … but ended wet and wonderful.

I was up early, and out the front door around 9:30 AM to spend some time with my favorite gal pals; Ramona & Becky.

Rosburg-WA from Long Beach-WA; 37 mins (29.2 mi) via US-101 N & WA-4 E

Today was Ladies Bible Study Hour in Rosburg, and I am thanking Elohim profusely that He cleared the way for me to get there; I have missed these friends - last time I saw them was a year ago.

We have been in constant contact via FB … but that is not the same as quality 1-on-1 face time, in the flesh. It was good to touch them, see their eyes sparkle with laughter, and hear their voices.

The Study Chapter today was Matthew 21.

It fits this Resurrection Week.

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Spousal Date Wednesday

We're taking things slow today: yesterday had Holland concerned when my left arm - shoulder and upper back, and jawline ached; he immediately got me an aspirin and watched me swallow it before he relaxed. I assured him that we didn't need to make a trip to ER … and said, "It's probably angina - but I have been lifting and moving things too, Babe. And I spent all day yesterday working on that little project I got going. I'm sure everything is sore from being my arm being overworked."

The {little project} pattern I have designed, am writing, and working up … is being worked double, for extra warmth: it's heavy - and I did a lot of lifting & turning it, while working it ;-)

I talked with Elohim, "Thank You for this man in my Life. Please help Holland to relax. You brought Holland's decades-old-vision into being; and against my will, You made sure we met - You prepared my heart to agree with his heart. We're still newlyweds … I know You won't call me Home, yet. I love You - thank You for the love You have brought into our lives; help us to live it fully, until the set time."

Poor Holland - I do keep him on his toes.

I am at the heart attack age (67 yo), and Holland is justifiably concerned. But with angina and asthma, it's hard to discern a heart attack because the symptoms are pretty much the same when it comes down to feeling each "attack".

So, I basically just lazed around all day yesterday, studiously avoiding a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. that would include using my left arm. I don’t like to be restricted in my movements … but I don’t like the pain generated by inflamed muscles either. And I don't like my husband being worried.

I played with my Tablet for a while, under Holland's careful watch.

I watched a movie - and longingly glanced at my half-finished crochet project, my fingers itching to get back at it. But I held off. The over-used muscles needed to relax the inflammation; so I could get back at it.

Project in progress; put on hold for a few days ;-(

I made cookies - all I had to do was open the bag, pour the dry ingredients into a bowl; add an egg and a bit of water … and bake the cookies. Easy-peasy, with no hard use of my arm ;-)

I watched Holland research things on the Internet that would make our road gypsy life more enjoyable.

Holland doing research.

And I listened to Holland tell me about a seafood restaurant in Astoria that he wanted to treat me to; he said, "We'll try it out tomorrow, if you're up for it: for myself I don't care, but I know things like this are important to you. You like seafood. I think you'll like this place - it's not fancy, but it's not DQ, either."

Hmmm.

It sounds interesting (and I'm glad it's "not fancy'); I'm not a fancy girl ;-)

We enjoyed a good night's rest.

My arm did not hurt this morning when I woke up.

It was raining; but off we went anyway.

First to Warrenton to get a couple things; then, backtracked to Mo's - on the Astoria Wharf.

Rain today, on the PNW Peninsula.

Warrenton-OR from Long Beach-WA; 33 min (21.7 mi) via US-101 S

Mo's Seafood & Chowder Restaurant, Astoria-OR from Warrenton-OR; 13 min (5.6 mi) via US-101 N and W Marine Dr

Mo's on the Wharf ;-)

Internet pictures @ moschowder.com

Mo's Astoria; #101 15th St, Astoria, OR

Mo's front door foyer …

Cozy atmosphere.

I like Aqua Glass Floats; I had a little one, for decades - but it would have gotten broken in Independence, so I no longer have it.

Glass Fishing Floats: 

(https://echoesoflbi.com/lost-at-sea-glass-fishing-floats/ & https://visitrockawaybeach.org/the-story-behind-glass-floats/)

All the seating was on backless benches.

We both got the Combo Plate - great minds, think alike ;-)

I got a 'Shark Bite' because I was curious; it tasted like coconut, so I was pretty sure they used 'Malibu Rum' instead of regular Rum - Holland had coffee.

And we brought a 'Family Size' Clam Chowder order home with us, for later. The chowder is delish :-)

Long Beach-WA from Mo's in Astoria; 29 min (18.9 mi) via US-101 N

The atmosphere was friendly; the Gift Shop is full of nice things (we just have no where to put any of it, in Independence).

The food was good - and the waitress was observant and attentive; and it was nice to enjoy a "sit down and dine in" environment. I do like to sample local restaurants now and then - and I do like seafood. I appreciate my husband's willingness to try this new thing out, with me; and I am especially thankful that the place was not packed with people (neither one of us like large crowds, no matter how cozy, or how tasty).

But, I don't think we'll be going back: the parking lot is postage stamp size … and Beast Betsy is not; Holland jack-knifed us into a parking slot, but it was tight getting in, and tight backing out. Parking on the street, and hiking a half mile to Mo's front door, is not workable for Holland.

But we did enjoy our "US time", there, and I would recommend it to anyone with a small compact car.

Before we left Astoria, Holland filled Betsy's tank so I can get to Rosburg tomorrow for my Bible Study time with the girls :-)

He knows I've been missing the Study, and the girls: I haven't spent time with either since this time last year.

I'm excited for tomorrow.

Holland is a good husband, and really does righteous by me; Elohim gifted me well.