UNEXPECTED; Castle Rock-WA

September 2nd: Woke up to chilling rain & a bit of wind ☔️💨 this morning - it fell pretty steadily through the night.

I was anticipating a lazy day at home, with the only activity being the lifting of my coffee mug & the turning of book pages ☕️🍩📖, quiet sounds of relaxed domesticity, and occasional sporadic physical activity:

Wet & breezy here, this morning.

Cussler-Fargo  Adventure Novel, following the trail of Attila The Hun treasure.

Today, the Fargos are following a lead from Berlin to Szeged, Hungary.

Gaining an Hungarian partner.

The heavens opened with a vengeance.

Remi gets a faithful companion.

With the help of Zoltan, the Professor was freed & the tomb's mystery, is still the end game.

Lore has it that the river was rerouted to cover the tomb; it has since been rerouted numerous times by man & Mother Nature.

{{The Fearsome Attila the Hun Died of a Nosebleed on His Wedding Night

~Cecilia Bogaard, for Ancient Origins

While Attila was expected to die in battle, in the end it was his wedding night that did him in.

Little is truly known about the life and death of Attila the Hun, as the only written records were created by his enemies. Amongst these ancient chroniclers was Priscus, a Roman diplomat and historian, who left behind the only eyewitness account of Attila, leader of the Huns, Eurasian nomads who migrated into Europe in the 4th century AD.

In what must have been one of the worst honeymoons in history, Attila the Hun, the brutal nomadic warrior of the 5th century AD, was found dead in his nuptial bed, drenched in blood the morning after his marriage. Whether in the arms, or by the hands, of his beautiful new bride Ildico, his unexpected death has been the subject of conjecture for centuries.

Trying to figure out exactly how Attila the Hun died isn’t the only mystery to have been generated by his death. Legend has it that his body was buried in a triple coffin, made of iron, silver, and an inner layer of gold, filled with treasure. Stories claim that the servants charged with his burial were then murdered to ensure its whereabouts remained secret. In one account, the course of the River Tisza was temporarily rerouted in order to bury Attila in the riverbed. Even today, treasure hunters continue to hunt for the legendary tomb.

https://www.ancient-origins.net/weird-facts/attila-hun-0017391 }}

Periodically, I did put the fantasy aside at times, to take care of reality …

The weather since we've been back in WA State has not been kind to my Fishbone Cactus (I was not expecting to be here through the cold season, when I bought this tropical plant last Fall); it is barely hanging on. A plant that started out so prettily fleshy - has dwindled down to 2 meager skinny shoots.

Trying a last-ditch-salvage-repotting, with my Fishbone Cactus; with a hope & a prayer … my Coalinga-CA keepsake, has whittled itself down to 2 sprigs in a year's time~THIS YEAR

Trying a last-ditch-salvage-repotting, with my Fishbone Cactus; with a hope & a prayer … my Coalinga-CA keepsake, has whittled itself down to 2 sprigs in a year's time~LAST YEAR

Changed out the Summer afghan, for the Winter …

And then - the unexpected happened: in more ways than 1.

Holland needed to go into Longview, to the hospital 😕

I grabbed our phones, my Tablet, and my book. I put out an S.O.S. post to my FB Prayer Warrior Friends 💻👭🙏 - then, we drove off 🚘⚕️🩺

He was struggling with his COPD, but according to the skeleton staff 🩺 at Peace Health, there's absolutely nothing wrong with him.

They basically held him hostage for 8 hours 🤨 because they could - as long as he had that port in his arm, he had to stay (1 of the admitting talking heads was quick to inform us that "the police will be called if you walk out with the port in your arm"). We were there for 8 hours … but he was only seen (when he was eventually seen) for a total of 20 minutes. After 8 hours of nothingness, he walked to the zombies in the nurses station and said he was in too much pain to sit any longer in a lit room at the end of a long dark corridor (seriously NO LIGHTS at all except in the cubby they dumped him in), he couldn't wait any longer for a doctor, and he was walking out the door. THAT activated some life in that dreary dungeon that calls itself a hospital.

I read 📖 while Holland, worn out from fitful coughing & strained breathing, tried to snatch a couple zzz's 🥱 

Sorry to sound so bitchy, but the whole experience was ridiculous. We arrived at 8 PM - wasn't seen by anyone for 6 hours - except for the admitting talking head parrot hospital protocol (and the steady stream of people walking in off the street - and walking back out, an hour later; also not seen by anyone but the admitting talking heads); then he was dumped into a cubby for another 2 hours ⏰; until he said he was leaving. The port was then removed at 4 AM … we came home & crashed.

The Fargos & associates, were buried alive by a mobster thief's hired thugs, in Kiskunhalas, Hungary; a murder attempt that failed.

The treasure hunt continued from Kiskunhalas, Hungary to the Po River region, in Italy.

Chapter 14~A portion of Attila's Treasure is unearthed in a field;  at the convergence of 2 rivers.

In so much pain from his disability injury, no back support, & no doctor's presence. After 8 hrs. of being ignored, he's ready to leave.

He NEVER WAS examined for WHAT he went IN, FOR. That was unexpected.

The staff basically updated his File: when he walked in they saw (1) an elderly man (2) someone who had not been to the hospital in years (3) a guinea pig = legal hostage (4) $$$$$$ for the seriously depleted hospital coffers.

Being completely ignored by people who are supposed to be your [help] between life & death, was unexpected. Being 100% gaslighted was unexpected.

And God willing, being covered in prayer, we did not bring anything contagious home with us 😉

TENINO & ATTILA~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

Morning coffee.

And a good book.

Today's Cussler-Fargo adventure 📖 is gonna be fun to read 👀 & research 🔍: I like Attila the Hun. And, I said as much to my husband, "You know - I've always had a soft spot for manly men … I just never considered living with one. Knowing me & understanding them, it would be like oil & water." He said, "What are you talking about?" I said, "I was always drawn to men like Attila the Hun, Geronimo, John Wayne, bad boys … you - you know, men fueled by testosterone. But, I gotta say, living with one is not a cake walk; reality is nothing like fantasy." He thought on that for a minute 🤔 then said, "Oh. I see; you're gonna be a smart-ass, today." And we both laughed 🤭 as I reached for my new read 📗:

The seasonal Fall paperback cover I designed & crafted, last night; to temporarily cover the new Cussler-Fargo adventure I'm opening up, today.

MOD CROCHET FALL-THEMED TUNISIAN LATTICE ST PAPERBACK COVER~Pattern; Castle Rock-WA:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/09/mod-crochet-fall-themed-tunisian.html)

Around noon, we drove to Tenino - to the Denture Clinic there, to be fitted for my lower partial. Holland is the one that found this place for me, a couple weeks ago. When he came across it on the internet, he said, "This will be perfect for you, Baby - the place is owned & run by women."

Tenino Denture Center, #296 Sussex Ave W, Tenino-WA from Toutle River RV Resort, #112 Happy Trails Rd, Castle Rock-WA: 43 mins. via I-5 N (44.4 mi)

A devine message - Tsadeh - in the sky, alongside the freeway.

Tsadeh Meaning = Hebrew; pronounced as ts-dee (ts, as in cats - dee); Spiritual meaning ~ it is often associated with humility, devotion, and living in accordance with Elohim’s righteous standards.

I've always liked Tenino: it's an old town, and old architecture lines both sides of main street. It's rich in History. It has a laid-back ambiance & comfortable country scenery. Before this past Thursday's scouting drive, I had not been through there in 8 years. It felt good to be back there, again.

I'm thinking of going back - just to walk the sidewalks & gawk at the buildings … maybe duck inside the Time Machine. Take my time exploring History, and taking pictures I couldn't get today due to the time schedule.

A bit of whimsical humor had me laughing, as Betsy came to rest alongside the Main Street curb. Dinosaurs, aliens, & a retro Lava Lamp.

Tenino Time Machine, #272 Sussex Ave W, Tenino-WA

Main Street, Tenino-WA

Tenino Denture Center, #296 Sussex Ave W, Tenino-WA

The Denture Clinic a small place - in a small town.

And, I like it.

The women are friendly; don't rush you through the process & are flexible. I like that. There was an unforeseen 'thing' though - another trip to my local dentist & 2 more visits to Tenino. Those dental visit will pretty much cover all of September. Holland treated me to chicken & ice cream on the way home, through Centralia. I came home & promptly took a nap (the freeway will do it, every time); woke up refreshed, thinking, "I can't believe that after 3/4's of my Life has gone by, someone is finally going to put a metal bit in my mouth" & "my mouth work is going to put our schedule, way behind schedule". Then, an old hymn ran through my thoughts.

And it seems to fit with the earlier cloud message in the sky:

Farther Along - Beautiful Traditional Hymn - CMA Official Music Video:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAsondjXjYE&t=224s)

And I managed to squeeze a workout in, before I buried my nose in the unfolding Tomb narrative & snuggle up cozily with Attila.

Aging does not automatically mean losing strength or independence. Senior fitness workouts must focus primarily on functional strength, balance, joint flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Adults over 60 should aim for low-impact, full-body routines performed consistently 3 to 5 times per week, committing to short, daily 10-minute sessions can drastically improve mobility, reduce the risk of dangerous falls, and boost overall well-being. Always consult your physician before beginning any new physical regimen.

For a 70-year-old, a 10–15 minute warm-up is recommended to prepare the body, reduce injury risk, and improve performance. The Darebee The Maid of Tarth Workout involves dynamic movements, so focus on light cardio, joint mobilization, and dynamic stretches that mimic the workout’s motions: I've also included alternate exercise movements that may be beneficial for those with limited, or restrictive, motion.

Warm-Up Plan; hydrate before and after the workout.

1. Light Cardio (3–5 minutes) - Walking or marching in place on a flat surface to raise core temperature.

2. Dynamic Stretches (5–7 minutes) - These should be done slowly, with controlled movements, and only to the point of mild tension (not pain):

3. Breathing and Mental Focus (1–2 minutes) - Inhale deeply through the nose, exhale slowly through the mouth.

4. Optional Chair Support - If balance or joint stability is a concern, perform some moves seated or with a chair for support'

Safety Tips - Modify movements if you have arthritis, heart conditions, or balance issues - consult your doctor first. Stop if you feel pain or dizziness.

By following this structured warm-up, you’ll prepare your cardiovascular system, muscles, and joints for the Darebee The Maid of Tarth Workout, reducing the risk of strain and helping you perform more effectively.

March-in-Place to engage legs and increase circulation~1–2 minutes = 1 minute is a ct. of 60

ALTERNATIVE WARM-UP; Seated Marching in Place~1–2 minutes = 1 minute is a ct. of 60

Goblet Squats~Repeat 1 minute = ct. of 60

ALTERNATIVE WARM-UP; Bodyweight - Potty Squat with support~Repeat 1 minute = ct. of 60

Reverse Lunges~Repeat 1 minute = ct. of 60

ALTERNATIVE WARM-UP; Chair assist Lunge~Repeat 1 minute = ct. of 60

Side Bend, EA side~Repeat 1 minute = ct. of 60 TOTAL (30 ct on each side)

ALTERNATIVE WARM-UP; Seated Side Bend, EA side~Repeat 1 minute = ct. of 60 TOTAL (30 ct on each side)

Bodyweight Hip Circles Stretch~1 minute = ct. of 60

Bodyweight Standing Ankle Circles~1 minute = ct. of 60

March & Arm Swing~Aim for 1 minute = ct. of 60

Darebee's The Maid Of Tarth Workout is a workout designed to sculpt your upper body and abs. Change your grip during push-ups on the fly and keep the plank during the transition all the way to shoulder taps.

If this Darebee routine is done with moderate-intensity, full-body workout with controlled movements, light resistance, and rest periods, it can be safe for a 70-year-old woman in good health. Safe adaptation tips: (1) Use a chair or wall for support during complex movements (2) Add more rest between sets and exercises (3) Focus on form and controlled breathing to protect joints. A modified, slower-paced version with balance and flexibility work integrated, is the safest approach for older adults.

The close-grip push-up places hands closer than shoulder-width during push-ups, shifting emphasis from the chest to the triceps (back of the arms = good for upper arm toning). The narrower the grip, the more triceps-dominant the exercise becomes.

The Maid of Tarth Workout How-To/One Set: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1sLop4zknA)

Muscles Worked

Floor Push-Up~Aim for 5+ reps x3

ALTERNATIVE1; Bodyweight Close-Grip on knees Pushup~Aim for 5+ reps x3

ALTERNATIVE2; Bodyweight Incline Push Press~Aim for 5+ reps x3

ALTERNATIVE3; Bodyweight Wall Push-Up~Aim for 5+ x3

Floor-Shoulder Taps~Aim for 10 reps x3

ALTERNATIVE; Incline Planks Shoulder Taps~Aim for 10 x3

Seated Crunch Kicks~Aim for 5+ x3

ALTERNATIVE; Lying-down Crunch Kicks~Aim for 5+ x3

Lying Leg-Raise~Aim for 10 reps x3

ALTERNATIVE; Seated Leg Raises~Aim for 10 reps x3

Bodyweight Glute Stepup~In & Out of Betsy, x6

Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise~Up & Down steps, x12

Workout completed, I looked out the window and saw a pink sunset:

A lovely pink sunset to enjoy - along with my current Clive Cussler novel.

Attila & a perceived Hun encampment.

Cussler-Fargo, 'The Tombs' Story background.

Grand Isle, Louisiana location.

Grand Isle, Louisiana = to the Right.

Aerial tour of Grand Isle, Louisiana: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjUmJ3U3iw0)

I always assumed Attila was a Mongol, but research is disagreeing. Whatever his ethnic roots were, it is undeniable that he was a testosterone-driven force to be reckoned with. And I admire that. As to the argument that he was a hedonistic killer - I'm not so sure about that assessment; he was a man of his times; those times were hard times, and the people had to be hard to survive as a people.

If he is Hungarian - that makes him all the more interesting, as I, myself, carry Hungarian DNA in my physical self.

{{Was Attila the Hun Turkish or Mongol?

Attila the Hun was neither Turkish nor Mongol. He was the ruler of the Huns, a nomadic people who originated in Central Asia but by his time had established their political center in Central and Eastern Europe.

Origins and Identity

Huns vs. Turks/Mongols: The Huns were a distinct group from both the Turkic peoples and the Mongols. While both groups were nomadic steppe peoples, they lived in different regions and had separate histories. The Huns became prominent in Europe in the 4th–6th centuries, whereas the Mongols unified in Mongolia in the early 13th century.

Possible East Asian Links: Some scholars note that certain physical features associated with Attila’s ancestors may resemble those of East Asian or Scythian peoples, and ancient DNA studies show that some European Huns had genetic links to the earlier Xiongnu of Mongolia. However, this does not mean Attila himself came from Mongolia; his birthplace is unknown, but he was born into the Hunnic ruling family in the region of Pannonia (modern Hungary).

Cultural and Linguistic Background

The Huns spoke a language unrelated to Turkic or Mongolic, though they interacted with Turkic and other steppe peoples.

Modern genetic research shows Hunnic populations were diverse, mixing with various Eurasian groups during their westward expansion.

In summary: Attila the Hun was a leader of the Huns, a Central Asian-originated but European-based nomadic confederation. He was not Turkish or Mongol, though his ancestors may have had connections to earlier East Asian steppe peoples like the Xiongnu

&

What Did Attila The Hun Look Like?

Do we have any idea what Attila the Hun looked like? Yes, the historians have described Attila's look firsthand.

What did Attila the Hun look like? It is believed that the Greek and Latin accounts written by the Huns’ opponents about the appearance of Attila the Hun are usually prejudiced. But they are the only ones that provide a comprehensive description of Attila the Hun’s look. Because only a few texts recorded by Attila’s contemporaries have made it to our times. Priscus was the only individual who was known to have documented Attila the Hun’s physical characteristics.

Priscus on Attila the Hun’s look

Attila the Hun’s physical characteristics were only documented by Priscus in his book, “At the Court of Attila“. As part of an embassy dispatched by the Eastern Roman Empire to Attila’s court in the 5th century AD, the Greek historian and rhetorician Priscus was there too. The diplomat Priscus describes Attila as having a simple and clean look, down to the latchets of “his Scythian shoes” and the unadorned bridle on his horse.

Multiple sources agree that the Scythians were culturally and linguistically similar to the Turkic steppe tribes from whence they originated. This gives us a better idea of how Attila the Hun probably looked like a Turkic or Central Asian person of the period.

In contrast to the lavish supper provided on silver plates to the other guests, Priscus said that Attila ate just meat on a wooden (rather than silver) trencher and was temperate in his habits.

Attila; wax sculpture.

Procopius on Attila

Procopius (c. 500–565) and Jordanes, two historians who lived in the sixth century, relied heavily on Priscus on the look of Attila.

The Byzantine historian Procopius (c. 500–565) described Attila the Hun in his book History of the Wars. Procopius describes Attila as a merciless conqueror who inspired terror in the hearts of his subjects. He says that Attila looked ferocious and intimidating, with a stern and harsh face. Attila’s ferocity and ruthlessness, in addition to his incredible power, are characteristics lauded by Procopius. Procopius paints a dark picture of Attila, focusing on the ruthless and cruel aspects of his character because he was biased.

The ethnicity of Attila and the language he spoke

The Huns, a nomadic group from Central Asia who eventually became Attila’s forebears, started conquering sections of Europe in the 2nd century AD. Where Attila was born and raised, to the north of the Danube, was where they made their home.

The Turkic language family, which includes Turkish and other languages spoken in Central and Eastern Europe, is thought to be what the Huns spoke based on the evidence. The Altaic and Mongolic language families, as well as others, are connected to the Turkic language family, which has its roots in Central Asia.

Overall, Attila spoke a Turkic language, which was spoken throughout Central and Eastern Europe in the 4th and 5th century AD by the Huns and other nomadic peoples.

~Various Information Sources}}