Hi 👋 We're Val & Holland Redmill … living our Life Story as silver-haired Road Gypsies in our 5th wheel RV Home~40 months married & 60,000 miles traveled across America; covered in grace every Day & trying mightily not to lose our sanctification during the bad & ugly times. I post everywhere - about 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. Trusting Elohim every step of the way.
We like our space at The Pit Stop, in Quartzsite-AZ; for being an active place where RVr's come and go pretty much around the clock, it's relatively quiet.
Heading upstairs to bed, last night, Holland said, "If we could breathe easy, this is the place to be - at first, it didn't seem like much, but it grows on you, you know? We always find our way back here. I'm gonna miss it."
Today, though was not quiet.
Morning Coffee
There was a lot of activity going on today - pretty noisy activity.
And we watched it play out, from our livingroom window 😉
Morning humor ;-)
Road work starting here, at The Pit Stop … Quartzsite-AZ
This is very noisy - but, it is also very needed; the road has been trash for the past 2 years we've been coming here. We are glad to see the road being torn out and resurfaced 👏
Intermediately, I posted a pattern to some links … and saw that my slipper pattern that I had made for Holland, had been featured on one of my Bog Hop Links 😁
Knitted half-socks to keep the plastic thong straps off my skin - I'm dealing with the gritty desert sand inflammations, I really do not need the extra angry red rash from plastic allergic reactions.
THONG 3 x 2 RIB HALF-SOCKS PATTERN & MOD CROCHET TOE POST COVER PATTERN:
MOD Knitted Slippers for Holland, was featured on the 'Love Your Creativity' Blog Hop.
And - Tulsi was confirmed:
TULSI GABBARD CONFIRMED & SWORN IN AS DNI~2025: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/02/tulsi-gabbard-confirmed-sworn-in-as.html)
The DC snakepit is going to hiss and attempt to strike Trump with a lethal bite … but, they'll lose, and they know it. They are miserable people, that can't stand to be miserable alone.
But, The people have spoken and they want change in DC.
Slowly, but surely, the changes will happen, and everything will be coming up roses 👊
Ethel Merman Live - Everything's Coming up Roses: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9SxlO7tQLc)
It was a c.o.l.d. morning, here, in Quartzsite-AZ; so, I planned to do my walk sometime around suppertime - when the temp's will rise into the 70's (yes, I know that's backwards, but I am not the Creator, Who designed the way things are 🤔)
While waiting for the heaters to warm Independence up, I wore a light coat this morning … and watched RVr's pulling/out of The Pit Stop before parking in the desert: I like people watching - not in a weirdo way, but in a curious way: wondering what their background story was/is/hope to be; wondering where they are coming from; and wondering where in the desert, they will be parking to enjoy the warmth-sunsets-and sunrises 😉
The snowbirds are arriving, in droves; steady RV traffic.
Also a steady stream of ATVs, quads, and 4 wheelers; headed for the desert trails.
The RV traffic kept dust spinning in the air; so, my walking plans were put aside, and again worked my indoor stepper, instead ;-)
I also worked on a couple more preemie hats:
And made a snap decision to shift the items I have made up for Rachel's Gift (an Angel Baby organization I have been working with for the past 5 years) to a different Angel Baby organization: I was dismayed to receive a FB notice this morning notifying me, "we are proud to announce that we will be asking everyone to work gender neutral blankets in pink & blue mix, only, trimmed in pastels of green, yellow, and white."I was not happy to read that; dying babies should not be politicized.
So, I will be shifting everything ready to ship to Rachel's Gift, to Angela's Box, where those working the assembly line understand that babies enter this world, male or female - and exit, the same.
I did not go walking today - The Pit Stop had scheduled Park water to be shut off for maintenance from 9 AM to 10 AM … so, I slept in to avoid the annoyance.
When I woke up, I remembered that Holland had mentioned last night that he wanted to check out a store across town; so, I dressed in street clothes and put a little color on my face.
There's something about a woman that makes her want to put her best foot forward when meeting Joe Public ;-)
Seeing me dolled up, Holland mentioned perhaps we'd take a longer drive - I was readily agreeable.
'Hype' browline & 'Lt. Sculpt' for eyelid color; Orange, for lid accent & eye liners.
Holland has been researching some really good Daytrip Adventures, to whisk me off to - I like that I'm always in his thoughts ;-)
The store was basically a gift shop and arcade games retailer; we did a quick walk through … then spent a couple hours driving desert roads: I like doing that, so when Holland gets curious about cruising down a dirt road spur off the main drag, I'm game :-D
Coming back into town, I suggested we stop at the Sunset Grill and get that hamburger Holland passed up a couple days ago in favor of the hamburger-tater tot casserole I was hungering for.
We did that - and we'll definitely be going back! The hamburger beef wasn't the greasy things you get at pull-thru fast food joints; these burgers were juicy, hand-shaped, and smelled like old-school burger's we drool over in our dreams - the fries were hand-pressed, too, and perfectly delicious ;-)
The owner is friendly, and I'd rather support a friendly local business, than funnel $$ into corporations that have no connection to local communities.
Lunch was on me, today ;-)
Sunset Grill; about 50 paces from The Pit Stop.
Kokopelli; American Indian Lore. To the Zuni ( American Indian tribe from the Zuni River Valley region in New Mexico), Kokopelli (cocoa-pell-ee) was a rain god and a spiritual priest with healing powers. Many tribes believed Kokopelli carried songs on his back while his flute playing brought happiness and joy. His magical music can also make the sun come out to listen and soothe the earth to make it fertile for planting.
Holland & I do not agree, when it comes to coyotes.
The BEST 'burgers in town! Hand shaped patties, and hand pressed fries: looks like handmade buns, too.
My handsome Husband
When we finished eating, I asked Holland if he would mind driving me down the backstreet so I could see how it would loop back around to main street, because I am thinking about adding another mile to my daily walk - he did … but I said I'd pass on walking that way: it was too "ify", and the junction end didn't look any more safe. I would be walking alone, and prefer wide-open spaces instead of walled alleys and byways. I may be an elderly woman, but I am still a woman - and there are freaky geeks out there, that wouldn't think twice about dastardly deeds played out on a woman old enough to be their grandmother.
On our way back home, Holland said he had an idea: "I think there is a sidewalk that runs past The Pit Stop - if it does, it may loop around to a backstreet to where you have been walking your morning walk. Let's check that out."
So, we did … and it does :-D
I was excited to get started walking that loop, tomorrow morning: the sidewalk runs entirely to the end of the block, where a paved bike trail picks up, and runs straight to the Freedom Park; where I have been walking to & fro, lately.
And internet connection was strong, so, I'll be able to call Holland's cell phone from my watch connection if I ever need him at any point, for any reason, while I'm out and about.
I'll time the distance, but I'm thinking it will probably be the same hiking distance as lake Sacajawea, back in Longview-WA: a good stretch of the legs ;-)
The backstreet is wilderness … but it's wide open, and I'd feel safe walking alone, this loop route.
I can walk this sidewalk from The Pit Stop … around to Freedom Park, and back home ;-)
There is something about a woman that gives her man a perfect idea, at the perfect time ;-)
Thomas Rhett - "Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman" lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QKRAIBwijQ)
Before we parked Betsy, we fueled her up because we are planning to drive to Oatman-AZ next Monday (Holland has been there before, Monday's adventure is for me) - then swing by to visit Aunt Gaye in Kingman-AZ (this is for Holland), before driving back home to Quartzsite-AZ.
When we got to the Fuel Station, Holland had to muscle Betsy into the lot, because semi's were hogging the street: this is a regular occurrence, here at this particular Fueling Station. But this is the best diesel price in Quartzsite, so position jockeying was the name of the game today.
And Holland, who has fought his way through life all of his life, isn't backed down by a challenge ;-)
I hope I get to see some wild donkeys!
Planned route for Monday's Adventure.
Semi's here literally park in both lanes of the highway; very inconsiderate. Holland 'bulled' his way into the Fuel Station …
Quartzsite-AZ is known throughout the States (and even into Canada, which is British territory) for being the preferred migration magnet for snowbird winter nesters - but Quartzsite is also rich in Historical timelines, little known outside of Quartzsite.
The transformation of Quartzsite from a small mining town to a winter RV haven is a remarkable story of stubborn adaptation and growth; currently, reflecting the changing face of American tourism and leisure.
Quartzsite is centered of the intersection of Interstate #10 and US Route #95, in AZ; and has always been a strategic location for travelers. The town’s history is richly associated with the spirit of adventure … early settlers including miners and prospectors, as well as this century's historical intrigues.
In Old West Days, Wyatt Earp - one of the Old West's famous lawmen, apply to secure a job as Sheriff in Quartzsite: he was turned down because he was too young for the job! He was 19 years old, at that time. Wyatt Earp later became Marshall of Tombstone-AZ, and became a legend when he and his two brothers was - along with his friend Doc Holliday, shot it out with the Clanton Gang at the famed Gunfight at The Okay Corral. The Clanton brothers were killed, and Wyatt's brothers and Doc were wounded … but Wyatt himself, was never wounded in any of the gunfights he was party to.
When the days of gunslingers and rouge lawmen ended, Wyatt Earp who had achieved iconic status in the History of the American West because of his famous gunfights - and the last of the surviving participants of the Tombstone shootout, became a consultant on Hollywood silent westerns, and was friends with many directors and actors. Tom Mix, a successful cowboy-star in silent western movies, was one of the pallbearers for Earp's coffin, when he died; Wyatt had a common-law wife for 4 decades, but he had no children.
In more recent history - like the late 1980's - Quartzsite was again at the center of historical importance, when Richard Ramirez (known as the Night Stalker) passed through Quartzsite, on his way to Los Angeles; where he was finally captured and imprisoned for several demonically-inspired serials killings. I'm not even going to post a link because I remember when all this was actually going down and being reported on national news channels: the killings were horrific and it serves no purpose to post the details - it was an spree of pure evilness.
Currently, Quartzsite-AZ, transforms into a bustling RV hub during the Winter RV Extravaganza every January. What began as a gathering place for rock hounds and mineral enthusiasts has evolved into a magnetic pull for RV enthusiasts from across the nation, who are drawn here by the appeal of easy mobile living, and the sense of friendly community cultivated among those returning here year after year.
The transformation of Quartzsite from a small mining town to a winter RV haven is a remarkable story of adaptation and growth, reflecting the changing face of American tourism and leisure.
And I, for one, am glad to be part of the current stubborn growth :-D
I woke up this morning … stretched the kinks out, and promptly went for a walkabout before having my morning coffee: while researchers say drinking coffee can improve skin elasticity and delay some signs of aging (such as hydrating wrinkles); coffee causes the bladder to go into overdrive - not good when walking in areas where pit stops are non-existent, away from home ;-)
I dressed and quietly left Independence; Holland was up most of the night, and I didn't want to disturb what little rest he manages to get.
The weather was perfect.
The walk was low impact, peaceful, and enjoyable.
I met strangers, and struck up friendly convo's in passing.
First left, after leaving Independence - Sunset Grill; #335 N Central Blvd, Quartzsite, AZ
Turned left & headed down street towards those yellow arrows, in the distance …
Beautiful blue sky, above Quartzite-AZ
Found the 'wash' behind our current location; I don't think I'll use it; there's the RV directly across from our Independence.
A right turn here, took me straight to where I was aiming for ;-)
A quartz designed star - there were several along this street's parking spaces.
Horse-drawn Amish-style Spring Wagon; lariats & a saddle.
Steel-crafted Quartzsite mascots ;-)
I'll have to check this out when they are open … Holland says there is an Exercise Gym, here.
I met 2 people here; 1 male I exchanged 'good morning' with, & 1 female from Vermont, who was a speed walker.
Tom MacDonald ft. Nova Rockafeller - "Goodbye Joe" song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQOqExemZvk)
Quartz runs through every rock, here.
Back home … and I didn't even break a sweat the entire walk ;-)
When I got back to Independence, Holland was up - and had done some internet surfing … he asked if I was interested in another adventure: I said I was, and off we went ;-)
First we checked out an ancient stubborn growth: that this tree could still be pumping life into it's limbs for as long as it has been doing so in such a place as hot, windy, dry Quartzsite-AZ, intrigued me. Holland waited in Betsy while I walked my way to the gnarled methuselah Arizonian giant.
And I petitioned Elohim for the funds to get Holland an electric bike, so he could share these types of adventures with me.
Freedom Garden Park; #Plymouth Rd, Quartzsite, AZ
The ancient tree's marker - directly across the street from the Park.
#555 Plymouth Rd, Quartzsite, AZ
Follow the outlined path …
And there it is, across the 'wash'; magnificent in all it's ancient glory.
Olneya tesota~Desert Ironwood:
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olneya)
Fresh, clean green growth.
Blood Red Hermatoid Quartz; always reminds me of a chunky piece of fatty beef roast ;-)
Looking at the ancient tree, I thought of the World History being made as this tree had sprouted, sunk deep roots, and stubbornly survived against all odds in this Mojave Desert environment (the smallest and driest, of AZ's regional deserts); I thought of all the timeline histories (I love History, and I wove a lot of historical moments into the Home Education studies I put together for my children, while they were still under my roof) being made during this tree's lifetime.
Key points about the world 1,050 years ago:
Europe: The process of Christianization was actively happening in Scandinavia.
The feudal system was becoming established across Europe, with lords and vassals forming complex relationships.
The Byzantine Empire in Constantinople was still a major political and cultural force.
Middle East: The Islamic Caliphate was on the rise.
The Silk Road remained a vital trade route connecting East and West.
Asia: The Chinese Song Dynasty was in power, marked by significant cultural and economic development.
The Japanese Nara period was taking place, characterized by strong Chinese influence.
The Korean Goryeo Dynasty was established, unifying the Korean peninsula.
When I got back to Betsy, I showed Holland the pictures I had taken.
He asked if I had eaten anything yet; and I said I hadn't - he suggested we stop at the red restaurant near The Pit Stop.
So, we did.
We … like that gnarled tree … are stubbornly hanging on, sinking deep marital roots, and stubbornly thriving with dogged determination. New growth is sprouting in both of us, as well as in the building of US; and we are encouraged.
Lunch today, location; Holland wants to sample every foodie establishment, while here.
Sunset Grill Chuck Wagon.
Reading the posted sarcasm, I knew we were in the right place ;-)
Tater Tot Casserole with Veg's.
I had been hungering for Tater Tot Casserole, and the added veggies were something new to experience (I like the original made with dry onion soup better); I don't think Holland liked it, at all. We had a nice long chat with the owner, and she was very informative as well as very friendly. She also says she handmakes her hamburgers and fresh cuts her fries: next time we will order an old-fashioned hamburger with fries ;-)
Tonight, I dug out my fancy fanny pack to use tomorrow - and I may push the walkabout a bit further afield; It's impossible to get lost IN Quartzsite because all the roads loop back to Main Street, and we are located just 2 blocks up from Main Street's traffic light. I'd really like to do a 3-mile hike daily - and I'd like my skin to start highlighting that I live in the land of constant sunshine.
Ready for tomorrow's walkabout.
Quartzsite-AZ, is also where the freestyle filming of the "Nomadland" movie of stubborn tenacity in the face of stubborn adversity, was filmed - which I am going to watch as soon as this post, is posted.
Speaking of freestyle movie ventures … Holland has been listening to this YouTuber since we started our road gypsy adventuring - and he spotted Independence in a recent posting: the "Hey! That's us!" shows in frame 18:45(just our home, not our vehicle; we must have been doing a little Daytripping of our own, that particular day) ;-)
Here is the link:
RVrTV video~Quartzsite New Visitor Center For Tourism 2024: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70uuCEJM070)
It's been a good day of good times and good vibes.
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