Our lives have changed so much since January 7th, 2023 ... New Marriage/New Life: the blending of two into one, gets dicey at times - daily life on the road adds more dicey complications. This is our story of our life in our 5th wheel RV Home. I post about anything & everything, and if what I post can help someone else, I'm glad for the experience. But from sunrise to sunset, we live our Life for US.
This morning, Holland got a jingle from Terry, the landowner here, asking when we'd be moving - Holland told him we'd be gone the afternoon of February 3rd. I've been praying that there would be another renter moving in as we moved out ... and that will be happening. Holland is relieved that we will not be leaving Terry in the lurch; I'm glad we're escaping the flying grit that has our lungs inflamed - and I'm grateful Elohim heard all our prayers and faithfully provided for everyone involved 🙏 😊
Around lunch time, Holland started talking about travel plans (his macho man persona apologizes in action - not words; yet), and I started laughing and said, "I like those plans … and, I accept your apology." He laughed too. Then he said, "We're always gonna have issues, Baby; but we both know neither of us are going anywhere, unless we go together."
The mexican stand-off came to an end: he can't stand the silences 😉
Happy Days are here again, and Shabbat Shalom carries us forward ❤️
I do love my Gift, and I am thankful for Elohim's gifting … but sometimes, Mr. Complication can make the Day a challenge.
Today was challenging.
Neither one of us feel very well at the moment, and testiness was sparking; so, I gathered my stuff and retreated to the spare room that I am using as my {creative space}: where I can shake the challenging moment off 🙏, veg out, listen to some old school tunes (today's selection was 'The Doors', 'Iron Butterfly', 'KC & The Sunshine Band' & 'Wild Cherry'), and keep my hands busy with something productive until the friction settled ✌️
I also watched the Tulsi Gabbard interrogation, where the shameless demonrats highlighted their hypocritical selves to the nth: they intend to make this second President Trump Term, as difficult as they did the 1st. All they are focused on - as they have been with e.v.e.r.y.s.i.n.g.l.e. nominee to date - is angrily grilling the nominee to find out if they are going to be prosecuted the same way they prosecuted President Trump in and out of the White House, the past 8 years. It's sad that this is what the world is seeing of our Government: uncontrolled NWO obamanite brats in full-throttle-bratty meltdowns - the obamanites and rhinos all need to be spanked soundly and sent to bed for long naps (God knows, the majority of them are walking cadavers, only kept alive by the sparking lust of political power that generates those political asses). It was clear to me that the Trump Derangement Syndrome is not going to go away any time soon. I couldn't take any more of the hypocritical hype (with one old fart shouting so furiously at Tulsi, spittle flew towards his hot mic), so I made a lunch sandwich, and found a movie to watch 😊
BLT Lunch Sandwich, with garlic on the side ;-)
I just don't have the time to give to nonsense - we are dealing with real life situations here: I'm not going to get sucked into a political brawl over tarnished crowns: all politicians swim in the same pond - one portion of the pond may be murkier and muddier … but, it's still the same pond. And though I do support President Trump because I believe he really does have the best solutions to what ails America; but I am not happy with all of his decisions. I am nobody's fool. I watch. I listen. And time always tells.
Speaking of time … thank Elohim for the dust storms that kept us from getting to Brownsville-TX!
We have both been watching various news sources for information about gang activities, border jumpers that use power saws to cut through the Border Wall, and drug cartels with itchy trigger fingers: we currently are about half an hour from the border: in Brownsville-TX, where we were wanting to go on our recent Holiday Road Trip, we would have been ON the border … where it is now being reported that drug cartels have placed live bombs, waiting to be triggered by movement.
WARNING ISSUED LAST NIGHT: "Travelers urged to be cautious as Mexican drug cartels plant explosives along Texas border."
A flyer, posted in Spanish, shows photos of the explosives and reads, "Don't touch, don't move, don't manipulate."
Patricia Driscoll, CEO of Cipher Group and a military contractor, expressed her concern.
"It's a shame that those are images I thought I left behind in the combat zone in Iraq and Afghanistan," Driscoll said. "Never in a million years we really thought that we would be seeing that so close to home."; reports also raise questions that the explosives could be a form of retaliation or warning, especially following President Donald Trump's recent executive order designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Thank Elohim for the dust storms that kept us safe - our lungs do struggle, and we are energy-drained; but we are alive 👍
After I finished off my sandwich, I got to work.
I patterned this knitted man's slipper after the vintage, "The Bootie" pattern - with a few modifications of my own, to fit my man 😉
My man likes to wear camo … so, that is the color I used to make this gift for my Gift 😘
BIG MAN SEED ST HOUSE SLIPPER~MOD Revised "Bootie" Pattern: Fortuna-AZ:
This knit slipper set will be good for him to slip on his feet in the warmer months … but, he prefers the heaver crochet Slipper Socks set in the cooler season; so, as I had some leftover yarn, I whipped up a new pair of those for him, too ❤️
BIG MAN HOUSE SLIPPER SOCKS~MOD Revised Unisex Slipper Socks: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/01/big-man-house-slipper-socksmod-revised.html)
Yes, Mr. Complication is a complicated Gift- but, I want every blessing from this gifting that Elohim has for me.
Life is a Gift.
Love is a Gift.
Sometimes both get messy; and that's okay.
I'm going to continue to trust Elohim's Plan as I infuse our home with comfort 🙏 - He knows what's best for me & He' never steered me wrong 😁
I patterned this knitted man's slipper after the vintage, "The Bootie" pattern - with a few modifications of my own, to fit my man 😉
My man likes to wear camo … so, that is the color I used to make this gift for my Gift 😘
This slipper pattern uses a double yarn throughout.
Materials: 1 skein each MC & CC in worsted-weight yarn (I chose Camo & Beige); 1 pair #8 knitting needles; aluminum crochet hook #J; scissors; tapestry needle
Terms Used:
CO = cast on
sts = stitches
MC = main color
CC = contrast color
dec = decrease
RS = right side of work
WS = wrong side of work
EO = end off
Seed Stitch Pattern:Row 1: *K 1, p 1* - repeat across row; Row 2: *P 1, k 1* - repeat across row. Repeat these two rows for the entirety of the pattern.
Slipper Body: With 1 strand of MC & CC yarns held together, measure a 12" length of yarn and tie loosely - leaving a loop to slip onto knitting needle (this will be used to sew up slipper back when work is done) = CO 46 sts.
Work in seed st pattern for 6".
Cuff Shaping: Keeping to pattern, bind of 5 sts at the beginning of next 2 rows; work even on remaining sts, until piece measures 9-1/2" from beginning. CO sts.
Toe Decrease: Keeping to pattern, dec evenly across row until 28 sts remain. Work these sts for 2".
With WS facing, cut a length of yarn that will be used to gather toe sts and whip stitch up slipper upper - leaving 1 " free, for easy pull on. EO yarn, and weave in loose ends.
Untie the loosely tied yarn, and whip stitch the back of slipper; EO yarn and weave in loose ends: turn slipper RS out and fold cuff neatly down. Repeat with second slipper.
This knit slipper set will be good for him to slip on his feet in the warmer months … but, he prefers the heavier crochet Slipper Socks set I made for him last winter, in the cooler season; so, as I had some leftover yarn, I whipped up a new pair of those for him, too ❤️
BIG MAN HOUSE SLIPPER SOCKS~MOD Revised Unisex Slipper Socks: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/01/big-man-house-slipper-socksmod-revised.html)
How Great Thou Art w/ lyrics By Alan Jackson: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYTKYpnRnAQ)
I first heard this song in 1965, in Grand rapids, Minnesota … at Bible Camp: I asked to be water baptized when Sunday came.
I was 9 years old.
I always tear up when I hear this song because I am always amazed that a Yeshua El Elyon - Melchizedek, High Priest of Elohim El Echad … loves me with such a great and unwavering love.
ME.
Me: who has nothing at all to give in return but all of what I own outright = basically, me.
Yeshua is my first Husband; and He has gifted me with 2 good men to walk this Earth with - but, Yeshua, is first and foremost Husband.
He wraps me in the wings of his enduring love, and sings over me with joy.
I am greatly blessed and loved beyond measure.
People ask me why I sometimes cry when I talk about God: I cry because there are no words in human language to describe what I feel, and my heart is overwhelmed trying to convey how great my God is … and how wonderful it is to be so loved by Him.
Someday I will meet Him face to face and my joy will be complete ❤️
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I first heard this song in 1965, at a small fellowship in Minnesota.
I was only 8 years old, but I knew I wanted that person … and that love in my life.
MERGATTROYD. Do you remember that word? Would you believe the spell-checker did not recognize the word Mergatroyd?
Heavens to Mergatroyd! (I loved snagglepuss ;-))
The other day a not so elderly (I say 75) lady said something to her son about driving a Jalopy; and he looked at her quizzically and said, "What the heck is a Jalopy?" He had never heard of the word jalopy! She knew she was old … But not that old.
Well, I hope you are Hunky Dory after you read this and chuckle.
About a month ago, I illuminated some old expressions that have become obsolete because of the inexorable march of technology.
These phrases included: Don't touch that dial, Carbon copy, You sound like a broken record, and Hung out to dry.
Back in the olden days we had a lot of moxie. We'd put on our best bib and tucker, to straighten up and fly right.
Heavens to Betsy!
Gee whillikers!
Jumping Jehoshaphat!
Holy Moley!
We were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley; and even a regular guy couldn't accuse us of being a knucklehead, a nincompoop or a pill. Not for all the tea in China!
Back in the olden days, life used to be swell, but when's the last time anything was swell?Swell has gone the way ofbeehives, pageboys and the DA.; of spats, knickers, fedoras, poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and pedal pushers.
Oh, my aching back!
Kilroy was here, but he isn't anymore.
"Kilroy Was Here" is one of the most enduring pieces of graffiti from World War II, symbolizing the widespread reach and resilience of American forces during the conflict.
We wake up from what surely has been just a short nap, and before we can say, "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!" Or, "This is a fine kettle of fish!" We discover that the words we grew up with, the words that seemed omnipresent, as oxygen, have vanished with scarcely a notice from our tongues and our pens and our keyboards.
Poof, go the words of our youth, the words we've left behind. We blink, and they're gone. Where have all those great phrases gone?
Long gone: Pshaw, The milkman did it.
Hey! It's your nickel.
Don't forget to pull the chain.
Knee high to a grasshopper.
Well, Fiddlesticks!
Going like sixty.
I'll see you in the funny papers.
Don't take any wooden nickels.
Wake up and smell the roses.
It turns out there are more of these lost words and expressions than Carter has liver pills. This can be disturbing stuff! (Carter's Little Liver Pills are gone too!)
We of a certain age have been blessed to live in changeable times. For a child each new word is like a shiny toy, a toy that has no age. We at the other end of the chronological arc have the advantage of remembering there are words that once did not exist and there were words that once strutted their hour upon the earthly stage and now are heard no more, except in our collective memory. It's one of the greatest advantages of aging!
Leaves us to wonder where Superman will find a phone booth...
See ya later, alligator!
Okidoki.
You'll notice they left out "Monkey Business"!!!
We came from another time and childhood. NO ONE WILL EVER HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY AGAIN … WE WERE GIVEN ONE OF OUR MOST PRECIOUS GIFTS: LIVING IN THE PEACEFUL AND COMFORTABLE TIMES, CREATED FOR US BY THE "GREATEST GENERATION!"
Hack, cough, sneeze, spit, nap, & internet surf- in that order … in a continual lapping order; we'll be glad to leave here, on the 3rd.
When we were awake, and alert enough to notice our stomach's growling, we finished off the potato soup I have made the other day; doing dishes, I noticed something new with my holiday cactus:
New growth on Thanksgiving cactus while washing dishes.
THE OATH KEEPER Dinesh D’Souza Podcast Ep1008: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jk-taBQxY0)
With the obamanite demonrats, it's NOT about "safety" … it's about control.
In America, we - The People - have the RIGHT to QUESTION the government.
In America, we - The People - have the RIGHT to CHOOSE what we believe - NO EXPLAINATION necessary 🤬
In America, The People control over-reaching government: local and National … obama, the hellish kenyan prince, does not recognize that FACT, and the self-serving obamanite demonrats have forgotten that FACT in the rush to crown themselves as reigning DC royalty kissing obama's ass.
In America, we - The People - are FREE People.
President Trump … despite e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. (illegal and demonically inspired: the raw hatred still pulsates in DC as they gear up for a 2nd "impeachment"), the obamanite controlled sector of society tried (and continues trying) to do to him … is America's SITTING PRESIDENT VOTED INTO OFFICE BY A LANDSLIDE VOTE.
However, though I do cheer for President Trump, I do not carry the banner of any political party.
Time will tell how this presidential term will play out.
I am first and foremost a Christian - my ONLY allegiance is TO ELOHEI. Full stop. No wavering.
I am secondly an American - I will cheer for anyone who PUTS AMERICA'S AND AMERICANS' INTERESTS FIRST. No apology.
Throughout 2025, I'm going to be posting notes of encouragement at the start of every week: there are 52 weeks in the year. Today, I am posting this bit of encouragement because it fits our life in the moment. There are changes coming down the pike for us, and we are happily going with the flow. Those of you who read our Blog, know we are in a period of transition - and that can be a good thing. It is also a bit complex. But we know we'll end up where Elohim wants us to be.
Holland feels very strongly that we will be pretty much in the PNW in the unfurling months. But, for the moment, we are in AZ.
Holland drove into Yuma early this morning to return an item, and came back home with a loaf of garlic bread, and a package of thick cut bacon … and I instantly thought to make potato soup with some of the bacon 😉
The weather here is cloudy and nippy, with a rain forecast in it at some point: a cozy comfort food would be most welcome: Holland's thoughts were flowing in the same direction 👩❤️💋👨
So, I got it under way in the soup pot, while doing laundry upstairs 😁
Normally, I would use regular potatoes … but living in an RV - even an RV as large as ours, doesn't lend a lot of space; anywhere. Pantry and cooking space has been drastically curtailed. In the beginning of our Road Gypsy roundtripping, Holland bought 2 large tubs of 4Patriots Food Supplies - and I'm still working my way through them. Today, we are going to be sampling the Potato Soup, for the first time 🙏
June 2023~The dehydrated food packages seemed the wisest choice, for long-term food storage in an RV.
As I've mentioned in previous posts where I've used the 4Patriots Food packages - they are very basic and very simple: I prefer to add ooph to them when I use them; and my husband is enjoying the extra additions, too 👍
He spoils me with a life of travel I have always dreamed about 🥰 … and I, in turn, spoil him with tasty food dishes 😘
This basic 4Patriots supper soup was packaged as usual with a chicken bullion base - to that was added a dry cream-based thickener, and diced dried potato pieces: with the extra additions I added, it made up very nicely 👏
I also baked the garlic bread to serve with the soup.
Large Soup Pot * 10 ct. thick cut Bacon strips, sliced in pieces * 1 Red Onion, sliced * 3 stalks Celery (& some center celery leaves), sliced * 2 large Carrots, sliced into coins * 3large cloves Garlic, minced * Salt & Black Pepper, to taste * 1/8 tsp. grnd. Cayenne pepper * 1 pkt. 4PATRIOTS FOOD 'Cozy Potato Soup' * 8 c. Water (pkt. says 10 c; but we like our soup to resemble a chowder 😉)
1) Slice the bacon, and place in soup pot - cook slowly while you prep vegetable.
Sauté bacon pieces, on medium heat.
2) Slice onion & add to bacon; while these ingredients are slowly cooking, prepare carrot & celery - adding to soup pot as each is sliced into pieces: when celery is added last, turn heat down to a simmer and cook about half an hour.
My addition of 'extra' ingredients.
Carrot coins …
Sliced celery w-leaves.
Slow simmer bacon & veg medley until carrots are bite-tender.
3) When veggies are soft (not mushy, but tender), sprinkle with soup packet & slowly add water … blending thoroughly to dissolve powder lumps.
##Preheat oven according to Garlic Bread package instructions.
Turn back to soup mixture & turn heat up to medium; cook about 20 minutes - stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Soup thickens to a chowder-like thickness as it cooks (if you prefer a thinner soup, add another 2 cups boiling water to the mixture - cold water will significantly slow the cooking time down).
Blend all ingredients, and cook on med-high heat.
While soup is cooking, slip bread into oven; if bread gets done before soup is ready, turn oven off & leave bread inside to stay warm.
YUMMY!
I like this time in our Life.
It's good.
It's promising.
It's cozily purposeful.
It's graciously unfolding with intent.
Holland is enjoying retirement, and finding contentment in being a Husband.
I like that my husband is pleased with me … and finds me, at 68 yo, desirable 💘😍
Air Supply - 'The Power Of Love' Lyrics:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMiQ4e8Nzuk)
I like being a wife & homemaker.
I like being Holland's Wife, and making a cozy home for him; a relaxing refuge from the world's upheavals.
The kitchen radiates wonderful aroma's daily; gender roles have been agreeably sorted, & praises for individual strengths - as well as joint efforts, ricochet off the walls. Dwelling in unity is laying a firm foundation 🥰
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