God Knew That I Needed You

Saturday, March 29, 2025

'BECOMING' BLOOM; Kingman-AZ



Everything is happening quickly - and yet not fast enough; and people (here and there) are blooming, in one way or another.

We drove a hop, skip, and a jump … down the road and over to Aunt Gaye's this morning, to see how she's doing; we were happy to see she was up and looking spry 👌 And when she told us that she wants us to go look at an Assisted Living Complex with her, Monday afternoon, we were excited for her. This is a good decision. It took her a while to accept the changes she is dealing with, and it took a lot of bravery on her part to loosen the grip on her life-long independence steak.

She already has a friend at this place she is interested in. She can take the furniture she wants to furnish her apartment, and leave the rest to sell with her home; listing it as "furnished" (as I did, 2 years ago); she can take her plants, and books; she can take her fancy coffee machine; she can still have her friend circle over for weekly gatherings … and she will have round the clock staff on site (not hovering, but close by) to make sure she doesn't fall and isn't left injured for days until someone comes along to check on her, or drop in for a visit. She will have meals delivered - people will make sure she eats regularly. Her apartment will have a spacious livingroom, a reasonable sized kitchen complete with a full-size 'fridge, a large size bedroom with attached master bath (she could even have 2 bedrooms, if she choses), either a patio or a balcony (her choice), a craft room, a recreational room, some have on-site salons and barber shops, an entertainment center, a library, ect., an on-site room cleaning staff (if she wants that): these complexes are very nicely laid out; and kinda like a spread out community under one large roof.



It was obvious to us, as we listened to her, that she has given this change of heart a great deal of thought, and has made her decision to sell and move. This switch about wasn't even on the table the other day - and we were concerned, knowing we would be leaving April 2nd. She has friends and family … but they cannot be with her round the clock in case she falls, her hearing aids fritz out, her joints give her trouble, ect. And she really should not be driving.

Her decision is easing her mind, knowing she won't be a burden to her children. I think she is even liking the idea that she won't be alone - like she is now.

Her [over night] decision eased our minds and hearts, too; knowing she can live freely and enjoy a pretty independent life … while having someone in her general vicinity with a 24 hour on-site-staff 😁

After we left Aunt Gaye, we drove over to DQ to celebrate this answer to prayer with ice cream blizzards 😉

And I spotted a niffy '50's car, so we drove over there and asked the owner if I could take a picture of it …

Unique colored 1955-56 Chevy Bel-Air 2-post car.

When I got back home, I logged onto FB, and was thankful to read that my friend Becky passed from this life into everlasting Life peacefully. Elohim is good, and Yeshua is faithful ☝️

{{We lost my beautiful mother early this morning. Expressing words and emotions are extremely difficult right now. She was surrounded by my dad and ALL of us girls, whether in person or on video call. We prayed with her, hugged her, kissed her, and sang to her as she went peacefully and without pain to go meet Jesus. We will miss her dearly, but we will see her again! Love you, mama! ❤️}}

My friend Becky - R.I.P.

She was always smiling or laughing. She had a goofy personality = always bubbly & fun. A good friend. A faithful Daughter of the Most High God. Loved her husband, 6 daughters, & grandchildren. Always ready to help others in any way she could. She will be deeply missed.

James Taylor - 'Fire and Rain' song: 
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPA2S0pr6B8)

Change is always inevitable.

People are always in a blossoming evolution.


Life always moves forward.

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY~2025


The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by President Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Today, I am honoring my stepfather, John Ralph Emerson, who was drafted after graduation and spent years in a Vietnam POW camp: he was caged like an animal in a 4' x 4' bamboo cage, & tortured mercilessly. He lost an eye (and wore a glass eye stateside). He had a permanent hunch due to being caged for years. He wore false teeth because of malnourishment.

But he had a big heart and love to give when USA Troops eventually found him, freed him, and brought him back to America … where he met my mother - married her and adopted her 5 hellions (1 teenager (me), 2 on the verge of teen years, and 2 youngsters). John's DNA does not run through my veins, but he is the man who manned up and fathered us.

He is the one I honor with the Father title ❤️

Grand Funk Railroad - 'Gimme Shelter' song:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzYbSS2YNIU)

THE HILLS ARE CALLING; Kingman-AZ


We'll be leaving AZ in 5 days; this morning, Holland & I drove over to Aunt Gaye's … then took a little side trip drive on our way home.

I have been curious since we got here, where the road off the right turn from Andy Divine Avenue, goes: the hills have been calling, and today, I found out 😁

We enjoyed a sunny mountain drive - and explored a new area:

Lingering snow on the mountain …

We didn't get out of Betsy because even though the air looks clear … it is not: dusty sandy grit always hovers in the atmosphere. We do not want to inflame our lungs anymore than they already are. We need to be healthy enough to leave here, Monday morning; so, we just drove and enjoyed the scenery.

On our way back to Independence, I received a delayed text - there was no cell service while we were in the mountainous area, but service kicked in when we dropped back down into Kingman. The text seriously concerned me 😟🙏

Oh no!

It seems that hills of another kind, on another level, are also calling ☝️

I love Becky.

I like her husband, Bobby.

My heart hurts for them, and their family members.

My heart hurts for our mutual friend, Ramona - who has been keeping me updated.


My heart hurts for me: I know she is going to a much better place, and to a much better life; but I will miss her presence here 😔

My life will miss her smiling face. Her infectious laughter. Her goofy silliness. Her tasty dishes. Her insights & encouragements. She has been a good friend to me - and I hope I was a good friend to her, too.

When we got home … I jetted off a texts, made Supper, worked on finishing up the afghan I completed last night - and read incoming text replies.

Working on my project - and reading incoming texts.
Text update.; a little after 6 P.M.
MOD Stash Busting Afghan, 68-in x 68-in:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/03/mod-stash-busting-ripple-afghan-kingman.html)

And through it all, the old hymn, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" echoed in my thoughts … as well as "The Holy Hills Of Heaven Call Me".

Kim Hopper - 'The Holy Hills of Heaven Call Me' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJtVLSBtWj8)

Becky is going Home.

I won't be seeing Becky when we get back to WA State … but, I will see her again when Elohim issues my Call, and beckons me to the Holy Hills of Heaven.

Possibly sooner - if the Rapture happens before my body gives out.

Friday, March 28, 2025

MOD Stash Busting Ripple Afghan; Kingman-AZ

MOD Stash Busting Ripple Afghan

I had some left-over yarns that I needed to use up before buying more … so, I decided to make an afghan with it; ocean breezes can get a bit nippy in the evening - even when summer days are hot & sunny 😉

In my solo lobo days a few years back, I had made two lapghans that worked for me … but I have a 6'4" man in the house now, and what worked for me will not work for him 😕

This stash busting afghan will satisfy both of us: it will comfortably cover my husband's body … and I can now replenish my empty yarn cache with new skeins of colorful yarn 👏😊

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Materials: Worsted weight yarn in colors of choice – (I used Ecru, Marble, Reds, Gray, Green, & Black); Size I hook; tapestry needle; scissors.

Terms Used:

ch = chain

sts = stitches

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

EO = end off


PATTERN: With Ecru, ch 238.

Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in each of next 6 ch, *3 sc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 7 ch, skip 2 ch, 1 sc I each of next 7 sc; repeat from * and end last repeat with 1 sc in each of 6 ch, skip 1 ch, 1 sc in last ch: drop Ecru & attach Marble.

Row 2: Ch 3 & Turn – skip first st, *1 dc in back loop of each of 7 sts, 3 dc in back loop of next st, 1 dc in back loop of each next 7 sts, skip 2 sts; repeat from * and end last repeat with 1 dc in back loop of each next 6 sts, skip 1 st, 1 dc in back loop of last st; ch 3 & turn.

Row 3: Ch 3 & Turn – skip first st, *1 dc in each of 7 sts, 3 dc in next st, 1 dc each next 7 sts, skip 2 sts; repeat from * and end last repeat with 1 dc in each next 6 sts, skip 1 st, 1 dc in last st; ch 3 & turn.

MOD Double crochet ripple.

Rows 4 & 5: Repeat rows 2 & 3; drop Marble and attach Red.

Repeat rows 2 thru 5 alternating dc stripes in following sequence: (**4 Rows dc Red – R dc Gray – 4 R dc Green  –  4 R dc Gray  –  4 R dc Black  –  4 R dc Gray  –  1 R sc Ecru  –  4 R dc Marble**) repeat color sequence ** - ** until lapghan measures 68-inches in length from start; EO with 1 R sc Ecru. Weave in loose ends.

Enjoy the cozy warmth 😁

Thursday, March 27, 2025

MOD TALL GRASS & BEACH DAISIES KITCHEN TOWEL SET~Quartzsite-AZ

MOD Tall Grass & Beach Daisies Kitchen Towel Set

While in Quartzsite-AZ two months ago, Holland & I were enjoying a desert drive - and discussing Ocean Park-WA, and Brookings-OR: the 2 places we'd be parking Independence for lengthy stays in 2025. The desert climate … though we both love AZ … does not work for us with the continual dust devils that are whipped up daily.

This Tampa-FL country rock band was playing … and while it played as we drove, the title seemed to {fit} the beachy vibe we're aiming for; and I got to thinking that it would also be a theme I could work a new kitchen towel, around 🤔

The Outlaws - 'Green Grass & High Tides' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhiyKZsAW44)

Desert themed kitchen towels will not work for coastal beach locations: when we leave AZ the first week of April, we will not be coming back. New kitchen towels are needed - that's my story, and I'm sticking to it 😁

So, when we got back to Independence, I dug out an old pattern stitch book and found the Daisy St. I wanted to work into pattern mentally forming, in my thoughts 😉

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Materials: Cotton yarn in 4 colors of choice: I used Sunshine (1 skein), Green (maybe an ounce), White scrap yarn, & Green Stripes (1 skein); # 10-1/2 knitting needles; #J/10 crochet hook; MOD Daisy St. Graph; 1 Tapestry Needle; 1 medium Daisy resin button

Terms used:

g st = knit every row
st. st. = stockinette stitch (1 K row = RS - 1 P row = WS)
k = knit
p = purl
sp = space
EO = end off yarn
CO = cast on stitches
EA = each
inc = increase 1 st (make 2 sts in same st)
dec = decrease 1 st (work 2 sts together)
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
rpt = repeat
tog = together

With Sunshine, CO 73 sts & work 4 rows in g. st.

Rows 5 thru 14: work in st. st. - drop Sunshine and attach Green.

Row 15: K 1 st, *P 1, K 1*; rpt across row.

K 1, P1 across row …

Row 16: P

Begin to work the Daisy Stitch Pattern …

Daisy Stitch Pattern:

Rows 17 & 18: Work in st. st.

Row 19: K 4 - then attach White and *place point of right hand needle into the 3rd st from beginning of green row; and draw up a loop, K 1 Green, in same place as first loop - draw up another White loop, K 1 Green, repeat loop process (3 loops made) & K 5 sts*: rpt pattern across row - end with K 4.

MOD Daisy St. Graph
Daisy Stitch

Row 20: P 4 *P next st & loop st tog, P 1, P next st & loop st tog, P 1, P next st & loop st tog, & K 5 sts*: rpt pattern across row - end with P 4; EO White.

Rows 21 & 22: Work in st. st.; drop Green and attach Sunshine.

Row 23: K 1 st, *P 1, K 1*; rpt across row.

Row 24: P

Rows 25 & 26: Work in st. st.; drop Sunshine and attach Green Stripes.

Row 27: K 1 st, *P 1, K 1*; rpt across row.

Row 28: P

Rows 29 thru 61: Continue working in st. st.

Row 62: Decrease as follows: P 2 – P 3 tog across row to last 2 sts: end P 2 sts.

Change from knitting needles to crochet hook and work in sc as follows: dec 1 st EA end until 8 sts remain; EO Green Stripes and attach Green.

Crochet Topper …

Working on the 8 remaining sts, alternately work 1 row sc & 1 row dc, for 13 rows.

Sl st x3 sc; ch 6 and sl st in same sp; sl st to end. Turn.

Dc x12 in chain loop; EO.

Add a decorative loop edging of your choice (or leave plain).

MOD decorative loop edging.

Sew button in place and weave in loose ends.

MOD GARTER ST SQUARE DISHRAG:

Matching Dishcloth; MOD

Cast on 2 stitches.

Row 1: Knit 1-Inc 1 st in next st.

Row 2: Knit 1-Inc-knit across the row.

Row 3: Knit 2-Inc-knit across row.

Row 4: Repeat Row 3 until you have 50 stitches on the needle.

Row 5: Knit 1, Knit 2 together, knit to the end of the row. Repeat Row 5 until you have 3 stitches left on the needle; K 3 sts tog - EO off and weave in loose ends.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

WEDNESDAY THOUGHTS~Let Them Be Wrong; Kingman-AZ

March 22nd: Today we went over to Aunt Gaye's house, to visit a while with her: we loved her very much - and want to spend as much time with her as we can, while we are here in Kingman-AZ

She's not doing well, and wants us to stay here … but Holland says we need to be up North. He says we need to be there, instead of here, "because there's no sand dust up there": there is, but not so bad. And I agree with that stance. However, it's more than that. Lana, Mark, Scott, Tim, Cal, Pete, Sonny, his Dr., and Oak Point - are [up north]; with no changes being made, in regards to any of it.

So.

In a few days we will be pulling stakes here - and moving steadily there. It's debatable exactly "where", at the moment. The Plan was to go directly to Ocean Park-WA, and book space rent through Summer ... then, pack up there, and backtrack to Brookings-OR. But with Cal's recent blowing up his phone's PM app ... I'm thinking probably Woodland. Holland was checking RV Parks in that vacinity last night: even though he knows there are no Park openings to be found there. The next alternative is Castle Rock's RV Park, and that's close to the Kelso chaos.

I am understandably concerned about this move: the concerns are valid.

And after 2 years of continual fighting that centers around his need to haul ass back to WA - I'm just tired of the same arguments. I can let him be wrong.

Before we left the Park today, Holland caught sight of a pickup & RV he recognized: he has been following these RVr's YouTube videos, and now they were here, where he could talk to them personally. So, he did, while I shut off house lights before walking out Independence's door.

I received a text from Jake saying he missed us … so, I snapped off a selfie pic of US - and jetted it off to him via the airwaves: then, we were out of the Park and on our way to Aunt Gaye's:

Holland spotted the truck & RV of Youtuber's he follows; the fella's "famous Uncle" is Tom Hanks. Given the way Hanks has shamefully been behaving, I could care less about him - or their connection to him.
Fat & sassy US; Pic sent to Jake, who misses us & is not on FB; where most people get a glimpse of us.

We had an enjoyable visit with Aunt Gaye, despite her enthusiasm to share her Baha'i religious views with us. Holland was in agreement. I was not - but I stayed silent.

Holland's Aunt Gaye we loved her very much - and want to spend as much time with her as we can, while we are here.

I can love people who do not share my Faith; and sometimes they can love me back (my children do not, and cannot allow themselves to do so).

I can share space, and converse graciously with loved ones … while kindly side-stepping religious landmines.

I can "be like Jesus!" while being like Jesus: He loves people without entertaining their self-destructive behaviors. And, I am understanding that sometimes - like Yeshua - silence is golden.

I am done with rebellious religions, and fickle people who are set in rebellious ways. Holland was surprised I didn't counter argue religious points … but I'm done with that, concerning my husband and his associates. I have learned that to counter argue religious points with Christian truths in Holland's presence … is to invite a week's worth of anger aimed in my direction. I told him in December that I was done with that - and I mean it. Every single branch of Holland's family tree … (and friend circle) … is heavy with some flaky religiosity, or outright atheism. And every single religious point to tear down Christianity always ends with, "There's truth running through every religion - we are all united with religion" & "Who are they (meaning Christians) to tell ME that I'm going to Hell!" I've heard that from my own children for the past 40 years - and I now, am hearing the same thing from Holland when religiosity rears it's ugly head between us. So, because they are not dealing with realities and do not want to truly know what is what: I am staying silent and letting them stay wrong. I no longer cast my pearls before swine. Basically every single one of these people have left the Church and refuse Christianity because they are actively involved in rebellious sin and refuse to grow up and mature; rebellion has become their support animal. It's eating them alive, but they don't care - they'd rather die for their right to fight … than to turn before they burn.

1 John 2:19 strongly implies that those who departed from the community of believers were never truly part of it, and their departure reveals their true nature

I am no longer casting my pearls before swine: “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces" (Matthew 7:6-7). In Matthew 7:6, the "dogs" represent individuals who are hostile, unappreciative, and potentially dangerous when presented with sacred or precious truths, and the verse advises against wasting valuable spiritual teachings on such people; "swine" metaphorically represents people who are unappreciative of spiritual truths and who will reject or trample on them, rather than valuing them = can also represent those who are hardened and incapable of receiving God's truth, or those who will turn and tear at those who try to share it with them. Yeshua is not saying that people should stop sharing the gospel or sharing spiritual truths, but rather that they should be discerning and not waste their time trying to share valuable things with those who will not appreciate them.

Christianity says in 1 Timothy 2:5, that "There is only ONE God, and ONE Mediator between man/woman and God (Elohim), and that ONE is Christ Jesus (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach)." There is NO "other" by which man/woman can attain everlasting Life. Holland's immediate circle of people seriously depend on every "other" out there: there is no room for Elohim, or for Yeshua. This causes friction between us when the subject is broachedso, now I just hang back and let them be all be wrong. Most of them are caught up in alcohol or drug addictions, some are seriously ill and dying, and some lives are just nearing their end; and regardless of their religious leanings, they are all afraid of dying. They are afraid because they know deep in their hearts that they are living a lie. Holland himself has told me that he "wants to be left behind to fight" (for whatever reason the wacky religion he was raised in, twisted his reasoning).

And so he will be, if he continues on the path he is treading. I would like him to walk with me, in the next life … but my bull-headed Taurus, is stubbornly (and very sadly misinformed religion-wise) resisting.

As for myself, I intend to be air-lifted out of here soon - considering the way things on Earth are unfolding.

And I am d.o.n.e. arguing with people - including my husband - over self-deluding religious points; whose main goal is to attack Christianity: "Two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left" (Luke 17:34-36). John 3:16-18 specifically states that anyone not saved through faith in Christ, will be thrown into the blazing furnace of Hell, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. There will be no muslim virgins waiting. There will be no catholic prayers for the dead. There will be no Baháʼí (Shiʻa Islam) Báb, Krishna, or Buddha prophecy-prayer-or fast to save them. There will no NAR (new apostolic reformation) concert atmosphere to hype them up. The gig will be up, and they will be lost in eternal hopelessness … and they will have chosen it out of self-serving rebellion because the world is their home; and they - themselves, are their god.

I am not saying, or posting anything I have not personally said to Holland when he starts arguing religion with me. Like his Aunt, he includes all religions & claims to be "saved". I stand on the Scriptures, believe the Gospel Message, and do not agree with his mindset. It's a complication that oftimes has me wondering why Elohim put me in this marriage to Mr. Complication.

All that said, it really was an enjoyable visit with Aunt Gaye. And she sent me home with some costume jewelry she doesn't use anymore - I was appreciative of the colorful pieces; and will be leaving Kingman-AZ with meaningful mementoes.

Wearing the gifted costume jewelry and listening to Holland's determined arguments about the need to live in the PNW; I am thinking that he is conveniently forgetting how sick & outright miserable, we get up there.

Given the "up north" madhouse activities, seasonal allergies, and chilling wetness that greatly limits my mobility 6 months out of every year; due to aching joints - I'd choose the AZ dust ups & PNW distancing. But, I have no choice. It has all been decided. My only saving grace is knowing that Elohim is looking out for my best interests, and HE will provide what I need, when I need it, wherever Holland parks Independence.

As you rightly think, reading this post - I am not happy about going back up north.

Holland's breathing will not get better: he is suffering with COPD, and the nicotine chews he is eating like tic tacks, is only exasperating the condition. He refuses to acknowledge that he did not hack and spit until he started with the nicotine chews. He always coughed, but it was not as severe.

I can let him be wrong.

I have always coughed - Bob understood, but the kids were always {disgusted!} and annoyed with the constant coughing - they failed to understand that I was not contagious, I was trying to stay alive by coughing the mucus out of my struggling, inflamed, lungs; especially in the winter months when bronchitis added it's burdensome infliction to my already asthma weary lungs. The heavy humidity that hangs over WA State like a shrouding soaking wet blanket … and the Spring allergens, are serious concerns for me. Dry climates are much better for my struggling body. Holland, is overlooking the seriousness of this move.

And I am trying not to be overly angry.

I cannot breathe, or move easily up north …

He cannot breathe, or move easily down south.

And there doesn't seem to be a neutral State between here and there that he will consider. He is set his sights on Brookings-OR; but I'm not convinced it will be much better that the WA coastline. I mean: it still "occasionally" snows there! Meaning the temperatures will be relatively close to WA's coastal winter weather. I could barely move when we were in Ocean Park-WA last Fall, without joint pain.

I'm working on a new crochet lapghan - I'm going to need it, up there.

New lapghan unfolding; Bleu tore the other one up, with his toenails.

And I know that Elohim goes before me, and will "make straight the way before me" - wherever Holland decides to park Independence.

I am not happy about this move northward. But I'm going to look for the silver lining, trust Elohim, and pray to God that the demonrat nonsense stops: I really, really want some peace in my future.

Maybe a miracle will happen, and this will be my last moving rant …

Working on a crochet item & listening to a newsfeed …
Hate-spurred Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS),  continues …