PROGRESS IS HAPPENING: Coalinga-CA

When Holland left for Hanford this morning, I said to him was he was walking out the door, "Call me when you get to George's - I want to know you made it safely through that crazy freeway traffic." I got a call notification on my watch: he was calling to ease my mind. He had heard me, when I was describing to him the other day how I am hardwired - what keeps my thoughts calm, and my whole being balanced.

He called 💖

I really didn't expect the call.

I'm glad it came.

Progress is happening.

I perked a pot of Pumpkin Spice coffee: OH!m.y.y.e.s... the pungent aroma smelled so good.

It was warming up here around 9 AM; so, I pulled on a pair of shorts & a spaghetti-strap top to work in, and got busy.

Seasonal Coffee fit the bill, today 👍

YAY! The shorts fit 👏; last time worn was 2 yrs. ago. Toned legs - not bad for an old lady. Progress is happening 😉

The 'White Variegated English Ivy', I bought in Tillamook-OR a couple weeks ago, died due to the extremes of CA weather lately - so, into the trash can it went 😟

Carpet shampooed.

Carpet shampooed ✅ & making the bed activities; time & calories count.

I had just finished making the bed, and was getting started on his bathroom cleanup … when Holland walked through the front door; with a bag of In & Out Hamburgers in his hand. I said, "I thought you'd be gone all day - the carpet is still damp; so, you'll have to eat sitting on the bed in the bedroom." He said, "I got one for you, too. Take a break." So, we ate our 'burgers sitting on the bed's edge. While I was throwing the bag in the trash can, Holland said, "Let's go for a little drive while the carpet finishes drying. You need some fresh air." I readily agreed.

Holland headed towards Huron first - there was a fella selling honey at the 4-way junction, so we bought some. Then we turned right and took a road that led over a short hilltop; we hadn't driven that way before & we were curious …

A short jump-drive while the carpet finishes drying.

The jump road led to Avenal - Holland looped back home via Coalinga.

… it turned out to be a jump road to Avenal: we continued driving that way anyway, and looped back home via Coalinga. It was a nice, pleasant, sunny drive; and the carpet was dry when we got back home - it was vacuumed & the chairs were placed back in place.

Holland took a nap. I finished cleanups in both bathrooms. Supper salad was made, using canned salmon from David, in WA; and I was inspired to start crafting an extra-large hot pad for my Pyrex oven baking dish, because juggling my smaller wooden & cork ones to accommodate, is ridiculous.

Supper Salad with canned salmon, from David-WA

Jewel hued yarn for Fall colors.

There are no exercise examples to post today … I figure I got a full-body-workout cleaning the carpet & bathrooms; I'm feeling muscle burn all over.

Progress is happening 😉

LIVING ON A DREAM; Coalinga-CA

September 27th: Holland is going to Hanford tomorrow morning; I am staying home, and will be doing catch up on house work - this is my choice. I'm peopled out, and the domestic tasks need doing: they get done when Holland is out of house.

He is a people person.

I am not.

Tomorrow's personal activities work for both of us, at this time.

This morning, he had to refuel Betsy; while he was out and about, he decided to drive again to Coalinga - he drove there to find carpet cleaner. He did this for me because he knows that I'll be vacuuming the carpet tomorrow, and I'd prefer it was also properly cleaned and smelling fresher. Carpet cleaner suddenly became his focus this morning; and coffee too. On the way home, he spotted a huge herd of goats and thought, "Val would have thought this would make a good picture" … so, he pulled over, shot a good picture. At least he is thinking of me in a positive way instead of thinking of me as [a pain in the ass]; normally, he would not stop to snap a picture: this is progress 😉

He arrived home with pictures, carpet cleaner, & holiday coffee:

He is also now wanting to stay here through January 2026 🙄; I'm not sure how to react. I like it here, I do; I don't like the constant foul moods that lead to verbal attacks when calls and texts come in from Kelso-WA, and he starts missing the kitchen table gossip & running everyone's life up there because [he knows best what's best for them]. I think it's good that by staying here for a few months, he's going to be able to see his cousin Bruce, after all … but the continual emotional roller coaster yo-yoing 😵‍💫 of 'should we stay or should we go', is driving me crazy 🤦🏻‍♀️

Today, he saying we are staying - tomorrow, he could be singing a different tune. I need emotional consistency 🕊️

I'm just trying to weather 2 realities.

I can't change my husband's habitual yo-yoing patterns; this is how he has governed his life ever since forced to leave home at 14 and make a life for himself, by himself; relying only on himself, and always in survival mode - literally until we married January 7th, 2023.

Basically he's doesn't know how to settle and be still. All he knows is continual familial chaos, and personal turmoil.

I've known all that too - but I choose to stop the chaos and chose cultivating a peaceful environment in my immediate surroundings. I need emotional consistency.

So, I'm learning to let go.

I'm learning to let go of toxic fallout without ditching the person.

I am only responsible for ME - and they are responsible for themselves.

Polished diamonds take t.i.m.e. & most of that time is spent undergoing extremes pressure and a stripping away of filth. Holland told me himself, a few weeks ago, that this is where he is at in his own life right now:

{{Passing through Eddyville-OR on August 30th, 2025; Holland told me he knows God is chipping away the rough edges to polish him into a diamond finish; so, "don't pay any attention to my spouting off, Baby - I know God's working on cleaning up, and polishing, my rough edges. You & I both know that polishing is never easy. I'm in this thing for the long haul. I know diamonds aren't your thing, but I can guarantee you'll like THIS diamond when I'm smooth and all polished up". 😘}}

He's working on himself.

Holland's Bible was pulled out of hiding.

Bon Jovi - 'Livin' On A Prayer' Lyrics:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ognf_oRQWM&list=RD2ognf_oRQWM&start_radio=1)

I'm working in me. I have unstable angina, & can't be subjected to 24/7/365 stress without causing galloping palpitations. Asthma is hard to live with - it's basically a death sentence I carry with me every second of every day; stress exasperates asthma symptoms. My body is in the process of expiring - I do not want to rush to WA to sit around for years watching people engage in suicidal tendencies. Life is too precious, and I want to live as fully as I can without courting stresses that could literally steal my next breath. I want to see the beauty of nature in every State of the USA. I want to explore rural America, abandoned ghost towns with rich histories. I want to meet new people in new locations. I want to live. I do not want to wait to die while watching people kill themselves with risky activities.

Chaotic lifestyles, risky activities, and waltzing with the Grim Reaper is all Holland has ever known - worrying over stupid people, side-stepping familial murderous attempts, interfering in sibling lives in hopes of saving lives, & sitting death watches is familiar to Holland: I don't think he knows how to function any other way. I can't change my husband: but, I can change the way I respond to his misguided attempts & testy behaviors.

It is possible to get past the toxic fallout of human love bombing & bullshit gaslighting, without ditching the person. Yeshua does it all the time - and Yeshua is to be a Christian's Life Example: if He can do it (and He did/does), then we can do it, too ❤️

One Tough cookie.

A 1,138 ct. single-crystal natural diamond, in the rough; it's value comes after the cleanup & polishing.

{{The specimen’s strong surface dissolution provided a visual document of its journey from deep in the earth. At the high temperatures in the earth’s interior, a diamond can remain stable only under very high pressure. As the diamond was transported to the surface, the decrease in pressure would have dissolved the stone unless it made the journey rapidly. The surface of the 1,138 ct crystal speaks to the change that took place during its journey and represents the fine line between our experiencing this rare item and never having known it at all.}}

Holland has to push his spirit up from the deep depths of familial turmoil that has ruled his Life all of his life; he needs Yeshua's healing love to accomplish that. It's only by the grace of Elohim that he has survived the life-sucking chaos the rest of his family have succumbed to - and he does realize that. Holland really is a gem when he's not wallowing in the redmill filth; he is a rare man among the redmill savages … and someday he'll realize that and start being the man Elohim & I know he can be. Elohim would not pair me with an untamable dog - whether my husband wants to admit it, or not, he is being domesticated, and I can't wait to make the acquaintance of the man in the making. He can bark and strain at the leash all he wants to … but eventually Elohim will have His son in His fold, and I will have a husband who is glad to be a husband, in all respects. It's a devine [given].

At some point, we agree that the 2 of us trauma damaged people, will make it into the light: either here on Earth, or beyond he clouds.

I don't know what will be happening with us day to day, but I do know this: the grass is not greener on the other side. Its greener where you water it.

So, I am working on myself - by myself (relying on Elohim's grace, of course), for myself. Regardless of whether or not my husband stops being a selfish ass.

We had a light supper …

Light Supper; BLT with chips.

… then I worked on body toning. Exercise relaxes me:

The Step Jacks exercise, engages your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and core muscles for the stepping motion, while the shoulder and back muscles are worked by the arm movements. The exercise also strengthens hip abductors and adductors for the side step and smaller ankle and foot muscles for balance, making it a full-body workout.

Step-jacks are a generally safe and effective exercise for senior women, but safety depends on their individual fitness level & joint health. As a low-impact alternative to traditional jumping jacks, step-jacks reduce stress on the joints while improving cardiovascular health, bone strength, and overall stability. However, anyone with pre-existing joint issues, muscle injuries, or other health concerns should consult a healthcare provider to ensure the exercise is appropriate for them.

How Step-Jacks Provide Benefits

Low-Impact: By stepping one foot at a time instead of jumping, step-jacks significantly reduce the impact on the knees, ankles, and other joints, making them suitable for seniors. 

Cardiovascular Health: Like traditional jumping jacks, step-jacks are a form of weight-bearing exercise that can improve circulation and contribute to heart health. 

Bone Strength: The impact from stepping can stimulate bone growth, which helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. 

Balance and Stability: Performing the coordinated movements of a step-jack helps improve lower-body stability and overall balance. 

Lower Body Muscles

Quadriceps: Located at the front of your thighs, these muscles are activated to extend your leg.

Glutes (Gluteus Maximus): These muscles work to control the movement of your legs as you step out.

Glutes Muscles

Hamstrings: The muscles at the back of your thighs also contribute to the movement.

Calves: The gastrocnemius and soleus in your calves are engaged as you move your feet.

Hip Abductors and Adductors: These are crucial for the sideways stepping motion, pulling your legs apart and bringing them back together.

Glutes Muscles = Hip Abduction.

Adductor Muscles

Upper Body Muscles

Shoulders (Deltoids): Your shoulder muscles are worked as you raise and lower your arms in a jumping jack motion.

Back Muscles (Lats, Traps): These muscles help stabilize your body during the arm movement.

Lats Muscles & Traps Muscles

Core and Stabilizer Muscles

Core Muscles (Rectus Abdominis, Obliques): Your abdominal muscles work to stabilize your torso and prevent swaying.

Ankles and Feet: Smaller muscles in your ankles and feet are engaged to maintain balance throughout the exercise.

Foot Muscles; upper side of foot

Foot Muscles; underside of foot

Consider Alternatives: If you have severe knee pain or other serious joint issues, other low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming may be more appropriate.

Step Biceps Extensions is a non-standard exercise and a variation of the bicep curl or a triceps extension performed while stepping, the primary muscles worked would be the biceps, brachialis, and brachioradialis.

Risks to consider for anyone with pre-existing joint issues, muscle injuries, or other health concerns:

Osteoporosis: Senior women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. This makes them more prone to fractures of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

Bicep tendon rupture: When the bicep tendon is overextended or overused, it can tear or rupture. This is more common in seniors due to age-related wear and tear.

Overuse injuries: Repeating the same motion can cause stress on the joints and tissues, which can lead to tendinitis or bursitis.

Poor form: Using momentum instead of controlled movements can strain tendons and joints, increasing the risk of injury.

Bicep Extensions:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5dfkW6w5qI)

Primary arm muscles

Biceps brachii: The large, two-headed muscle on the front of your upper arm is the main target during a curl. It is responsible for flexing the elbow and rotating the forearm upward (supination).

Long head: This part of the bicep can be emphasized with certain curls, such as hammer curls, or incline curls, where the arms are behind the body's midline.

Short head: This head is more active during curls where the elbows are in front of the body, like preacher curls.

Brachialis: Located beneath the bicep, this muscle is a powerful elbow flexor that contributes significantly to arm size and strength. It works in synergy with the biceps and is less affected by the rotation of the forearm.

Brachialis Muscle & Brachioradialis Muscle

Brachioradialis: This muscle in the forearm also assists with flexing the elbow. Its activation varies depending on the grip used, with a neutral, "hammer" grip engaging it most effectively.

 

Core and stabilizing muscles

Core and glutes: When performing the exercise while standing, your core and gluteal muscles activate to provide a solid base and stabilize your torso.

Core Muscle & Glutes Muscles

Safety Modifications & Tips For Senior Women

Perform the exercise seated: Sitting in a sturdy chair with a straight back can help with balance and provide support while performing the exercise.

Control the movement: Avoid swinging or jerking motions, which can strain muscles and tendons.

Keep the core engaged: Engaging the abdominal muscles helps support the spine and maintain good posture throughout the exercise.

The Darebee Step Side Jacks primarily work your lower body muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, with the core (abs and obliques) stabilizing the movement. The exercise also engages your shoulders and chest as you raise your arms overhead.

The Darebee step side jacks exercise is likely okay for a senior woman, as it is a low-impact and joint-friendly alternative to regular jumping jacks. However, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before starting any new exercise routine, especially if there are underlying health concerns.

Specific Legs Muscles Worked

Quadriceps: (front of thigh) 

Hamstrings: (back of thigh) 

Glutes: (buttocks) 

Calves: (lower leg) 

Hip adductors: (muscles on the inside of the thigh)

Core Abdominals Muscles Worked

Obliques: (side abdominal muscles)

 

Upper Body Muscles Worked

Deltoids: Your shoulder muscles, or deltoids, work to stabilize the joint and support your body weight as you hold the side plank position. The movement is a balance challenge that requires continuous engagement of the deltoids to prevent sagging.

Serratus Anterior: This muscle, which runs along the rib cage and is responsible for protracting the scapula, is engaged to help stabilize the shoulder blade and keep your shoulder strong and secure in the side plank.

Serratus Anterior Muscle

 

Why This Exercise Is Beneficial

 

Full-Body Engagement: While the legs are the primary focus, the step side jacks provide a good overall workout by incorporating upper body and core muscles.

Low-Impact Cardio: As a variation of jumping jacks, step jacks offer a lower-impact way to improve cardiovascular fitness without putting excessive stress on the joints.

Improved Balance and Coordination: The lateral movement helps to improve balance and spatial awareness, contributing to better coordination.

The Standing Knee-to-Elbow exercise, primarily works the abdominal muscles (abs) and obliques, while also engaging the hip flexors to lift the knee. It also includes secondary muscle activation from the glutes and quadriceps for stability and balance, along with the shoulders and arms to guide the movement.

This exercise is generally safe for a senior woman to perform the standing knee-to-elbow exercise, as it is a low-impact and effective core and balance workout. However, it should be done with modifications and care to prevent injury, especially for those with balance issues, back pain, or joint problems. 

Primary Muscles Worked

Abdominals (Rectus Abdominis): This muscle is responsible for the crunching motion of bringing your knee and elbow together. 

Obliques: The twisting motion in the exercise engages both internal and external obliques, which are the muscles on the sides of your torso. 

Hip Flexors: These muscles in the front of your hips are crucial for lifting your knee up towards your elbow.

 

Secondary Muscles Worked

Glutes: Your glutes are engaged to help stabilize your body and maintain balance as you lift one leg.

Quadriceps: Your thigh muscles (quadriceps) also provide support for your standing position and contribute to balance.

Shoulders and Arms: These muscles are lightly engaged in controlling the movement of your elbow as you bring it to your knee.

Benefits: Strengthens your core, Improves balance and coordination, and Enhances hip and lower body stability and mobility.

Alternative core exercises for seniors for those who need a different approach, other exercises can strengthen the core safely:

Seated marches: While sitting in a chair, lift one knee at a time toward the chest. This is low-impact and works the core.

Bridges: Lying on the back with knees bent and feet flat, lift the hips toward the ceiling. This strengthens the lower back and glutes.

Wall push-ups: Pushing against a wall can strengthen the core and upper body without putting stress on the joints.

Slow Life down.

Step away from the global spin and relax your whole being. Be present in any and every moment that you can, because life goes by fast. Too fast.

Work on making your dreams a reality.

Shavua Tov