September 2nd: I had stayed up this morning when Holland shuffled off to bed in hopes of catching up on my Blog Posts about our Road Gypsy drive from Ocean Park-WA to Coalinga-CA 📸✍️
I did manage to get them caught up 👏😁👍
While videos were uploading, I also did a couple exercises between the uploads …
The atmosphere was cooler.
The quiet time could be solely [my time].
I want to stay consistent with my daily body toning routines 💪😊👌
As I was finishing up the last Blog entry, I saw a notice pop up on my laptop taskbar. RAIN showed up around 2:45 AM this morning; and a pretty powerful thunder storm blew through here around 3 AM - it shook Independence, lit the Park up as it passed over Independence, made me jump about a foot, and the loud (((BOOM!))) set car alarms off 😳
By now, Holland had been shaken awake - and was staggering sleepy-eyed downstairs, to experience this unexpected experience with me 👩❤️💋👨 😘
RAIN; CA does need the rain - but, my first thought was, ":Holland is going to have a cow": wet & humid environment is why we left the PNW. It was about an hour later, that the thunder arrived - directly over our humble abode.
The spectacular light & boom show also started a wildfire 9 miles from us (Fresno direction); winds blowing SE. The smoke won't be a direct hit … but we'll get some of the fallout haze.
{{Fresno County Wildfire Burns Near Coalinga, CalFire Reports
A wildfire dubbed the Salt 14-2 Fire ignited near Jacalitos Creek Road in Fresno County early Tuesday morning, CalFire reported.
The fire, reported at 3:00 a.m., is active and currently estimated at 60 acres with zero containment, according to CalFire Fresno-Kings Unit.
Officials said forward progress has stopped, but the blaze remains completely inaccessible to dozers and engines.
70 Personnel on the Scene
Firefighters from two engines, four hand crews, and 10 additional units are on scene, totaling 70 personnel.
Air tankers from across the state are conducting fire suppression missions as conditions allow.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
~Anthony W. Haddad/GV Wire, September 2, 2025}}
Our 1st Full Day here, sure has been eventful 😉
I was reading about Graham Greene's death last night …
… when my feet started itching. Bending down to rub the itchiness away, I noticed my feet & ankles were puffy … not grotesquely, but noticeable because my sandal straps were feeling a little tighter; so, I went online to find out why. I'm fairly healthy for my age - aside from the angina & asthma issues, which I stay on top of so they don't spiral out of control.
{{When you move to a hot desert climate, your feet and ankles may swell due to a condition called heat edema. This occurs because heat causes blood vessels to expand, and gravity pulls the leaking fluid downward into your lower extremities. As your body adjusts to the heat, the swelling usually resolves on its own. Certain groups are more at risk, including older adults and those with vascular issues. Feet & ankle itchiness from heat edema, is a result of the skin being stretched.}}
I was relieved to read that the swelling is not worrisome 🤔 to the point of overthinking 😉
Why heat causes swelling
Vasodilation: As a natural cooling response, your body expands (dilates) your blood vessels to release heat through your skin. This process can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue.
Gravity: When you stand or sit for extended periods in the heat, gravity can cause this excess fluid to pool in your lower legs, ankles, and feet.
Dehydration and salt retention: When dehydrated, your body holds onto the fluid you do have, increasing the salt concentration in your blood. This causes you to retain more water, worsening swelling.
Reduced movement: People tend to be less active in extreme heat to stay cool. Extended periods of sitting or standing without moving can hinder circulation and increase fluid buildup.
At-home remedies for relief
Elevate your feet: Lie down and prop your feet up so they are above the level of your heart for 20 minutes several times a day. This uses gravity to help drain excess fluid.
* If you notice swelling starting to happen, prop your feet up several times a day to help your heart pump fluids out of your feet and lower legs. While sleeping, you can prop your feet on a pillow for added benefit.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day = minimum 8-10 glasses of water each day; as the temperature increases, so should your water intake (if you use a lot of salt, large amounts of water intake will not go well). Though it may seem counterintuitive, proper hydration helps your body flush out excess salt and prevents water retention.
* Continuous, small sips: Drink water constantly throughout the day, rather than waiting until you are thirsty and then consuming a large amount.
* Monitor hydration level: Pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be pale yellow. Darker urine indicates you need to drink more.
* Replace lost electrolytes: During strenuous activity and heavy sweating, you lose electrolytes like sodium and potassium. For prolonged, high-sweat activities, consider low-sugar sports drinks or salty snacks to replenish these minerals.
* Don't overdo it: The CDC warns against drinking more than 48 ounces (1.5 quarts) of fluid per hour (or, in my case = no more than 2-1/2 bottles of water, or Propel beverages). For most situations, water is sufficient, and electrolytes can be replaced through normal meals and snacks.
Eat foods that act as diuretics: While taking in water is great, so is eating foods known to assist in eliminating excess fluids in the body. Good sources to try are green beans, leafy greens, pumpkin, pineapple, lemons, onions, and beetroot.
Choose magnesium: Taken in doses of 200 milligrams twice a day, magnesium can help you stay hydrated for lower water retention. Bananas, nuts, spinach, and avocados are terrific sources to seek for high magnesium levels.
Limit salt intake: Reduce consumption of salty foods, as high sodium levels contribute to fluid retention. Opt for low-sodium options and use herbs for flavor.
Wear compression socks: Medical-grade compression stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs to prevent fluid from pooling in your feet. Ask a healthcare professional for a recommendation.
Move regularly: Engage in moderate exercise like walking or swimming during cooler parts of the day. This keeps your circulation moving and prevents fluid from settling. When sitting for long periods, do ankle circles or foot flexes to promote blood flow.
Cool down: Take a cool bath or shower, or apply cold compresses to the swollen areas. You can also soak your feet in cool water with Epsom salts.
Choose proper footwear: Wear comfortable, breathable shoes or sandals that don't restrict your feet.
When to see a doctor
While heat edema is often temporary and harmless, persistent or worsening swelling can signal a more serious underlying health issue.
You should see a doctor if your swelling is:
Severe or persistent, and does not improve with home care.
Accompanied by pain, redness, or warmth, which could indicate an infection or a blood clot.
Affecting only one leg, especially if it develops suddenly. This could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. This could indicate heart or kidney problems.
Heat Edema:
https://texasvascular.com/blog/what-is-heat-edema/
So … I went upstairs, put the AC on, raised the foot end of the bed, and laid down for a bit. Within the hour, the physical relief was noticeable.
Also, when I went back downstairs, I set out 5 bottles of water (within eye sight & easy reach) as a reminder to get adequate hydration. Coffee, teas, and cola, does not provide proper hydration. Water is tasteless, so the reminder is necessary - or I'll bypass it for something more flavorful. Yeshua created out bodies with the need for water … I trust Him with my Life; if a healing be Elohim's Will, I know Yeshua can heal whatever goes wonky with mine 🙏
I watched a Graham Greene Movie as the sun set:
* September 2, 2025 - COALINGA-CA; Heat Wave 2025: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/09/coalinga-ca-heat-wave-2025.html)
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