TYING UP LOOSE ENDS; Ocean Park-WA

Since we came back to WA State, Holland has been tending to things that need to be done with Betsy, & Independence, before we hit the road again. He only has a few more loose ends to tie up 👌

I have a few loose ends to tend to, too; and they are getting done 😊

Drinking my morning joy juice, and musing over morning contemplations (FOCUS ON THE BLESSEDNESS: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/07/focus-on-blessedness-ocean-park-wa.html); I saw that my Sloppy Joes Recipe was featured on Paula's Sweet Tea & Friends Linkup …

… and I posted a FB prayer petition.

I don't need to replace my glasses this year, praise the Lord 👏 … but I do need to have a tooth taken care of; and I started that process this afternoon 👍

I would normally go to the dentist I have been seeing for the past 3 decades - but, Kelso is a good 2 hours away: and Seaview is mere minutes down the peninsula highway. So, I chose to visit a new dentist 🤞, this afternoon.

Willapa Dental from Ocean Bay RV Park; 18 min (11.5 mi) via Sandridge Rd

An interesting lounge décor piece at the dentist Office, this afternoon.

Willapa Dental is listed online at #205 12th St S, Long Beach, WA - but it's actually closer to Seaview than Long Beach.

My friends covered me in prayers 🙏

The dentist & his staff are very friendly 🤝😊

I got relatively good news concerning the tooth that concerns me: it does need attention, but there is a good chance it can be satisfactorily salvaged 😁 without a pricey cap that will eventually fall off … and without months of in-&-out office visits 👏

I have a scheduled appointment on the 22nd, to get that loose end tied up.

Exiting the dental building, and climbing into Betsy, Holland pointed across the street and said, "Look at that interesting VW Camper: I've never seen anything like it, before." We both thought it was pretty cool, as well as interesting; so, we got closer to it for a picture - and I researched it online when we got home 🧐💻

Holland spotted this interesting VW Van Camper; he thought the winged decals may have been stickers. Seaview-WA

What I learned while tying up that loose end, was interesting:

This very interesting thing was featured on-line: on Redditt. This 1976 VW Jurgens Autovilla, was made in South Africa & imported to America in 1978 - it is believed to be the only 1 of it's kind in the USA. And here it is, in Seaview-WA where we got a first hand look at the only 1-of-a-kind traveling around America. WOW

Then, I thanked my friends who had prayed me through my dental visit (I really hate dental visits, but I'm learning to relax while in the torture chair - prayer definitely helps) ❤️🙏😘

And I wrapped up the evening by relaxing while watching a black & white noir movie - and continuing my knitting project: I should have it completed in a few days.

My knitting WIP project is getting so long, it wanted to drag the floor; so I placed the edge in a large Lawn Bag to keep it clean & corralled.

Slowly but surely, things are getting done ✅ and loose ends are being tied up.

YOU & I = COMPLICATED; Ocean Park-WA

Even though we are stepping back from marriage complications, Holland and I are retaining our friendship bond.

It's complicated.

The main thing Holland keeps carping about is religion - we both have pretty strong opinions concerning what we believe. Personally I have come to the conclusion that Holland was literally born into a cultic religious atmosphere, and never really had his own personal {come to Jesus moment}; every time he starts talking about the redmill religion, my conclusion is reaffirmed anew.

I, on the other hand, "came to Jesus" in the Winter of 1964 while hearing a sermon in Grand Rapids-MN, on the love of God … and knew I wanted that: I gave my heart to Jesus right then and there; and was water baptized at Bible Summer Camp in the summer of 1965. I knew what I was doing - no one else in my family were Christians, so I was not influenced, coerced, or birthed into a religious home atmosphere. My salvation was purely the real deal.

I am not stretching the truth when I say that 95% of all of the arguments between Holland and I stem from Holland's twisted religiology. And while I understand also his reluctance to face the realities of the redmill religion (both his parents, his grandparents, and 4 of his siblings have since passed from this life to the next - without actual salvation knowledge) … because then he'd have to face the very real realities that they may be lost forever if they weren't able to square things up with Jesus before their last breath  - I can't in all good conscience acknowledge the redmill religion as valid, simply to keep the peace between us.

So, Holland says "we will agree to disagree" - and I say, "we will agree not to speak about religion; Christianity, yes: religion, no." Of course, he will still try … but I will no longer engage in vineyard-related wordfare; it's an endless loop argument that only sparks a wildfire of raging emotions.

Hence the current in-house separation situation where we are living together under the same roof; yet falling back on our best friend status until Holland feels more comfortable in a deeper committed marital relationship that does not involve ultra-right conservative vineyard BS. It sounds weird because it is weird. But it also makes sense to me because I understand how Holland's mind works = his really does believe that marriage is a battlefield where men are victims of a nagging woman who is untrustworthy: but best friends are compassionate and "all in". He was reared in a bad marriage(s) environment, and only a revelation from Elohim will snap him out of it.

I haven't had a {friends with benefits} relationship … but if that mindset will work between us and maintain a peaceful atmosphere in our home, I'm game. We are first and foremost Best Friends, so falling back into that familiar groove is not a hardship for either of us. We know we're married, and we have the paper to prove it when flashing the paper is necessary. Plus, I know that he'll never betray me by stepping outside the marriage boundary lines - he may falter in faithfulness to Elohim & His Word, but I know Holland will never be unfaithful to me. And I know too, that Holland will eventually be 100% saved; I can play his relationship game until he's ready to be "all in" in our marriage without feeling like he's fighting against a choke collar ;-)

The silence was getting to him, so he asked me to go for a drive with him this afternoon: I agreed. My leg is feeling better, and I wanted to get out of the house. We have Independence scheduled for an inspection appointment Thursday morning; so, we tracked down that address first, before heading to the beach.

We drove all the way down the beach, from Seaview beach approach to Beard's Hallow in Ilwaco. Neither of us had been there in years; it was fun, all the way around :-)

Beard's Hollow; Ilwaco-WA from Seaview Approach

Kites; Seaview Beach-WA

ALL the seagulls on the beach - coming and going - were sitting or walking on the sand - none were flying; Seaview-WA

Orleans - 'Still The One' lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5aMMRes2u4)

I was glad my leg was behaving, and that I was able to get down the house steps (and back up, again) - and in and out of Betsy with ease.

Holland made a great tasting BLT for supper; and I started another angel baby blanket.

There is always Hope, backed by love.

There is always a blessing in every Day.

THE DEPOT~Seaview-WA

May 2nd: I've been sleeping pretty much around the clock; asthma is seriously draining me :-(

So, this morning when Holland saw me looking out my window, he knew I was missing my Bible Study gal pals. He said, "How about we get you out of the house, and get some fresh air for you." I am so worn out from trying to stay alive … but, I agreed. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired; some fresh air sounded wonderful.

We originally drove down the road a bit to the Ocean Park Beach Approach - about 5 minutes from our front door, and Holland's favorite waves viewing spot ;-)

As we were getting into Betsy, I noticed busy bees flitting among the little white flowers I assumed to be ground daisies … they were wild alpine strawberries instead.

And I spied a heavily blooming Lilac, across the street.

Strawberries, out our front door!~Ocean Bay Mobile & RV Park; #2515 Bay Ave, Ocean Park, WA

Wild Strawberries of the PNW: 

(https://www.wnps.org/blog/wild-strawberries-of-pnw)

Lilacs blooming, across the street.

A calm ocean today; Ocean Park Access-WA; #1100 Bay Ave, Ocean Park, WA

The waves were so calm today.

That made me curious.

So, I asked Holland if we could drive to the Seaview Approach and see what the waves looked like there: to me, they seem to be wilder at that end of the beach.

There were surprises waiting for us there ;-)

A little wilder - but still mild; Seaview Approach-WA

What is that, on the beach; Seaview-WA

A dead baby whale; and people vultures were already picking it clean.

We noticed something on the beach - and people milling around; Holland said it was probably a beached whale: he was right. The stench lingered on the ocean winds, for miles up and down the beach: a salty, ocean-briny-rot odor. Very ripe.

Then he told me about a dead beached whale that had been blown up around Coos Bay-OR; seeing my raised eyebrows, he said, "Go research it. It really happened". And I burst out laughing at the sheer spectacle of flying whale fat.

But, nothing could have prepared me for the actual footage.

OMG

It really wasn't funny; it was actually pretty seriously dangerous for the spectators - but, I am still laughing.

Exploding Whale 50th Anniversary, Remastered!: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPuaSY0cMK8 & Exploding Whale; Florence-OR: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploding_whale)

Beach drive …

Beard's Hollow, in the distance.

A Bald-headed Eagle, and his mate.

And there, at that rocky point, is where my life nearly ended in the Summer of 1971.

My new POW stepfather swam out to retrieve me - he was chest deep in waves when he grabbed me, and seriously said, "If you struggle on the swim back, I will knock you out". The waves definitely were not safe, for either of us - and John wasn't being mean spirited: he said it very calmly. He knew I was uncomfortable in deep water, and I knew that if I panicked, both of us would have perished. I had been teenage stupid, and he would have been justified.

Seaview Approach-WA

As we left the beach behind, we spied The Depot Restaurant … and Holland nipped into their parking lot: he remembered the convo with locals the other day.

I noticed, as we pulled around the building to park, that The Depot has it's own chuck wagon … if the food is good today, I will be looking for it among the other's :-)

This is the only depot still in its original location; and it is currently operating as The Depot Restaurant, which celebrates local history by maintaining the building; and filling the interior with railroad murals, memorabilia, and life.

This is the only Clam Shell Railroad Depot still in its original location.

The Depot Restaurant, located at #1208 38th Pl, Seaview, WA

This historic 132 year old Train Depot feels like a French Café, with it's cozy interior and retro vibe.

Tables are set up very nicely; dry statice flowers, dried teasel stems, and evergreen sprigs.

The Depot's Margarita … (((NO!))) I did not like it at all :-(

Beautiful Wall Mural.

Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company~Clamshell Railroad:

 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilwaco_Railway_and_Navigation_Company & https://www.chinookobserver.com/life/seaview-and-clamshell-railroad/article_4163f726-b522-5c23-a7b3-90a201f6887c.html)

Railway Poster.

The restaurant features a Display Kitchen, where you can watch your meal being prepared ;-)

The 'Clamshell' Engine, hung above our table.

Clamshell Railroad’s First Run Recalled:

 (https://www.chinookobserver.com/life/history/clamshell-railroad-s-first-run-recalled/article_1420f387-4a9c-5c48-96a2-8449fb7e93bd.html)

We both ordered the 'Tinker's Treasure' Burger with Tots; YUMMY! The burgers were fat and juicy-messy … but delicious; I wore my napkin as a shirt bib - and was glad I did ;-)

The food here is top cuisine, and the prices are reasonable.

The margarita was small compared to other places; on the steep side, and not very tasty; the large sized coke was priced right, & the burgers were reasonably priced.

The gourmet 'Tinker's Treasure' Burgers were a delight to the taste buds; made with a hefty beef patty, goat cheese, red onion, shallot, mushrooms, & baby greens - and a side of special house sauce with the tots.

I'm not going to lie: the total tally was spendy, but also worth every penny. The food was top-hat, the service was attentive … and informative. We learned a lot about the place, the ownership, and other local places to explore and enjoy ;-)

This was very good restaurant meal at a reasonable price when you consider that you will be forking out $21 for a Subway sandwich! NO

And $30 is the predicted price for a Hamburger at a fast food place! NO

Thank you, Husband, for a Day Out; thank you for treating me to a spoiling day, even when I look a fright & feel out of sorts ;-)

This trip back to WA, we've tried most of the food offerings, from Seaview to Long Beach.

We plan on checking this out too, at some point - it's literally 5 minutes away.

Today was a good Day, spent with my loving Husband; next Thursday though, I hope to be with the girls in Rosburg.

Holland understands - and is supportive.

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Thai Food, Long Beach-WA

April 29th: This morning Holland had an early appointment in Longview to get cortisone shots in both knees; I opted to stay home. I am not a morning person in general, and I didn't sleep well at all, last night.

I was surprised when I woke up and saw him sitting in his recliner - I was sleeping so soundly, I didn't hear him come in: and I had thought he'd spend the better part of the Day in Longview, visiting friends and family members.

I was wheezing (Holland could hear the wheezing clear across the room) so I blew into my Peak Flow Meter Reader - and was not happy with what it read; so, I blew into it two more times and adamantly refused to go to ER. Holland prayed while going after his emergency inhaler (which is significantly stronger than mine). I took a few puffs … and drank a strong cup of coffee to open my airways, and help clear the mental cobwebs.

A dangerous reading, this morning …

Caffeine is medically proven to improve airways function, for up to 4 hours, in people with asthma.

While I was unwinding and working on getting my lung power up to sniff, Holland called around to find an RV Park that could fit Independence - and found one in Ocean Park: we need to empty the black tanks, and getting back into place on David's Lot will tear his wet yard up … and we don't want to do that; so, we need someplace else to set up until things dry out. We can stay at the RV Park for 14 days: looking at the weather forecast, it doesn't appear that 14 days will be long enough, but it's the best we can do at the moment.

Hopefully, the rains will stop and the sun will come out soon.

Anyhow, Holland secured a place for us tomorrow; we'll see what happens after that.

Draining the mug, there was a break in the rain … so, we got out of the house :-)

I was breathing easier - which had Holland breathing easier.

Getting out of the house …

We first drove to Ocean Park to check the RV Park out: it is clean, and looks like an easy in/easy out set up.

Then we decided to drive the opposite direction to Seaview, to watch the waves, and bring take-out home.

On our way to the Seaview Approach, I noticed that the Thai Restaurant was open! We have been wanting to try this place out every time we are hunkered down here … but every time we drove past the building, it was dark as a tomb and the window sign read, "Closed". We decided to check it out on our way back up Main Street ;-)

Seaview Beach Approach-WA

This beach is closed to vehicles - but, obviously jackasses cannot READ clearly marked signs.

On occasion, Washington State closes sections of the Long Beach Peninsula to vehicle traffic, to protect the vulnerable snowy plover - a small wading bird.

The western snowy plover is a federally threatened and state endangered shorebird in Washington State. Only about 100 birds are thought to be in the state and only in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, where they nest directly on the beach sand: (https://interpretivecenter.org/western-snowy-plovers-and-washington-states-protection-efforts/)

Rough water, this morning; Seaview Beach Approach.

Clam digging is allowed, but NO DRIVING to a dig site.

We stopped here on our way back up Main Street; Long Beach-WA.

Malai Thai Restaurant; #509 Pacific Ave S, Long Beach, WA

Finally, it is open! We've been curious …

I like this colorful wall fan ;-)

No in-house seating, & very cramped quarters; but the workers were friendly, and service was quick.

A Fall Chinook Salmon mosaic in the sidewalk; Long Beach-WA.

The Fall Chinook, often referred to as "a silver" (because their meat is white at maturity) is the largest salmon, and can weigh in at 70 pounds … and 3 or 4 feet long. Holland says that by the time they are mature, they are black and shedding skin (then referred to as "tules = too-lees") - and all they are good for then, is fish bait because they stink and taste very gamey.

The pretty rainbow color is when they are the best to catch and eat.

Pelicans, Chinooks, and Sand Pipers decorate this streetside obelisk; Long Beach-WA

Iconic Long Beach 'Draws'.

Orcas wooden carving; PNW Razor Clam; designed and crafted using driftwood; & 'Paul Bunyan's Skillet'.

The 'World's largest Spitting Clam' is interesting. I understand that if one inserts a quarter, it will actually {spit} water on demand. But, it also spits freely every hour, on the hour.

We had hot food - and wanted to enjoy it hot: we did not have a quarter, or an hour to spare ;-)

I remember this frying pan from my childhood days, here at the Beach; this giant cooking utensil is not just any frying pan; it is a Guinness World Record Official frying pan.

This 20-ft. frying pan was actually used: crafted in 1941, this enormous 1,300-pound cookware (14 feet long from the bottom to the top of the handle, and 9 feet 6 inches in diameter at the rim) was commissioned to promote the first annual clam festival. It was used to make a clam fritter that required over 200 clams, with nearly 20,000 people showing up to enjoy a bite.

Today, you can’t cook in it … and over time, it has been surpassed in subsequent years by other towns with ambitious tourist pulls: but it’s a local icon ;-)

On our way home to enjoy our tasty meals, we dropped a case of water off at a neighbor's house; Holland had picked it up while in Longview this morning: Denise uses bottled water for her parrots - and her truck is currently on the fritz; a case of water is heavy - too heavy to haul home on the transit bus.

We don't mind lending a helping hand.

Dropped a case of water off at Denise's - I love her truck!

Springtime on the PNW Peninsula; Rhododendron blooming.

Rhododendron - WA State Flower:  (https://interpretivecenter.org/washingtons-state-flower-the-pacific-rhododendron/)

Once home, we opened our meal boxes … and enjoyed a tasty meal :-)

Holland's meal; 'Malai Noodles' - he liked it; and he always douses everything with black pepper: yakisoba noodles, cabbage, carrots, onions, celery, beansprouts, crispy chicken bits, & sweet-sour sauce.

My meal; 'Pineapple fried Rice': rice, shrimp, ham bits, pineapple, raisins, onion, bell peppers, cashew nuts, scrambled egg bits, & oyster sauce - I LIKE ;-)

Holland watched YouTube vids; and I watched an online movie.

This is a holy week, and I like testimonials; this documentary based on a real Life situation, was also made into a movie that I enjoy watching whenever it is available to view:

Gladys Aylward: Documentary - The Small Woman With A Great God (2010) | Full Movie | Carol Puves: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jX09pOlolE & The Inn Of The Sixth Happiness 1958: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8UR0G7dEEs)

Afterwards, I blew into my Peak Flow Meter Reader, and was gratified to read that though my airflow is still low - it's better than it was earlier :-)

But the inhaler is still needed until the reading climbs higher :-(

A little better reading - out of 'the critical zone'; thank You, Lord.

I also asked Holland how his Dr. visit went: Holland says the knee shots really aren't working, so his doctor is scheduling a consultation with a surgeon … so, we'll be sticking around in WA for that.

And that's okay with me: Holland's knees hurt him - if he can get some kind of relief, that is more important than anything else.

He also talked to her about the oxygenizer; and no decision was reached on that issue.