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.
Holland had gifted himself … finally. He rarely spends $$$ on himself, so I was glad packages arrived for him.
Holland gifted me: a couple days ago, my headphones gutted out on me … and immediately, Holland went online and ordered me a new set - it was good of Elohim to make sure that everything arrived at the same time.
And my current Cussler-Fargo storyline is about thwarting greedy thieves; and gifting South America with their own artifacts, by the Fargo duo working with the governing leadership to stop black market criminals.
After coffee, we drove across the Columbia River to retrieve waiting packages:
Rainier-OR Post Office from Toutle River RV Resort, in Castle Rock-WA~via I-5 S; 23 min (20 mi)
Holland's piece for Betsy arrived - he's happy.
A water filter, so we'll be able to cut down on the bottled water; no matter where we go. And the added water softener to city water systems will be filtered out, thus skin irritations will be curbed.
He's also happy with his new shower head.
My new headphones also arrived - no more crackling static, or cut out dead silence. YAY!
Movies, documentaries, music - all coming thru loud & clear - I'm happy.
Various Artists - Adonai: The Power Of Worship From The Land Of Israel: (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMyk37WZD9hqVNdbeGOY2xgX9BrI7IwYW)
And, they fit my Tablet, too! Bonus - I use my Tablet a lot, on the road.
Today is basically a Day of Rest, so the morning drive was the extent of busyness. The rest of the Day was pretty laid-back, with lounging, napping, personal choices of low-key activity: we gifted ourselves with just "being".
My choice was getting back to the jungle adventure, in South America, with the Fargos …
Cussler-Fargo Novel~The Mayan Secrets
Last night, the Fargos left Valladolid-ES, to return home, in San Diego, CA
Today's adventure begins with them leaving La Jolla-CA to travel to an ancient mayan compound, in Belize.
Polochic River, Guatemala = The Polochic River is one of Guatemala's main rivers, draining into the Caribbean Sea. The river has a fairly cool climate - but also experiences excessive rainfall during the winter months, which generates a lot of humidity.
Polochic River, Guatemala
Guatemalan Highlands hillside.
Guatemalan Highlands.
Towering La Danta Pyramid rises from the jungle floor, of Guatemala's highland region.
From Belize, to Guatemala City & onto Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico
Calakmul's murals and frescoes.
Establishing ownership of Calakmul's discovery - to thwart the murderous thievery.
{{La Danta: One of the Largest Pyramids on Earth is Hidden Beneath the Forest
I've only posted interesting tidbits of this original article; focusing on the facts touched on in Clive's novel.
~Ivan Petricevic
Built thousands of years ago in present-day Guatemala are the remnants of a lost city called El Mirador. This ancient metropolis thrived from approximately the sixth through the third centuries BC, wholly abandoned around the ninth century. During its heyday, the ancient Maya civilization built within Mirador a pyramid that would stand the test of time. But not just any pyramid. They built a massive superstructure (or better said, complex structures), rising a towering 72 meters into the air. Today, one could pass by it and barely notice a behemoth structure even larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza in terms of volume. But, in fact, some of the largest, most impressive pyramids were not built in Africa but in North, Central, and South America.
Found in 1926
The ancient city was revealed in 1926 by Percy Madeira. A brief survey of La Danta was done by a Carnegie expedition in 1934, but it only lasted a few hours due to a lack of water in the area. In 1962, archaeologist Ian Graham produced the first map of the site where the area identified as La Danta (1967) is known. Later from 1978 until 1983, the Mirador Archaeological Project, led by Ray Matheny and Bruce Dahlin, conducted the first intensive investigations. During exploration, archeologists found, surprisingly, that a large number of constructions were not contemporary with the large Maya classic cities in the area but rather from centuries earlier, during the pre-classic period.
The Ambition, Power, and Downfall of the great Calakmul
I've only posted interesting tidbits of this original article; focusing on the facts touched on in Clive's novel.
~By Carlos Rosado van der Gracht
Calakmul is an ancient Mayan city found deep in the jungle of the southeastern Mexican state of Campeche, near the border with Guatemala. The site is also in the heart of the biosphere of the same name which covers an area of 700,000 hectares. The archeological site itself is well over 70 square kilometers and is home to approximately 6,000 structures that range enormously in size.
Calakmul was first documented by the biologist Cyrus Longworth Lundell in 1931. But it is widely believed that the existence of the ancient city had become an open secret of sorts between the few people living in this remote territory and workers who would delve into the jungle to harvest chicle trees.
In Mayan, Calakmul means “the city of the adjacent pyramids,” but in antiquity the city was known as Oxte’Tun, meaning three stones. The date of Calakmul’s foundation has been lost to time, but most scholars agree that the city first rose sometime between 700 and 350 BCE. During excavations, archaeologists discover a network of Mayan roads or Sacbés connecting Calakmul with the powerful pre-classical age cities of Mirador, Nakbé, and Uaxactún. This fact, even taken on its own, hints at an extremely early foundation date, power, and prestige.
During the classic age, starting in the second half of third-century BCE, Calakmul had risen to considerable importance. But it would not be until several centuries after that the city would reach its greatest splendor. During the fifth century CE, Calakmul had become bold and strong enough to begin challenging the city which would become its greatest rival, Tikal. Hostility turned to war in 562 CE under the leadership of the king of Calakmul, Sky Witness, who launched an all-out invasion of Tikal. The battle was hard-fought, but in the end, Calakmul managed to capture Tikal’s ruling class, including its king who they put to death, and turned the once hegemonic power into a vassal kingdom.
Parkfield-CA is 1 hour away from Coalinga-CA: so, the main threat to our area is smoke haze - which, to people who have lung issues, is a real threat when the atmosphere is seriously murky.
Parkfield-CA is a small, remote, community of about 18 people, most of whom are ranchers and farmers; it sits directly on the San Andreas Fault and is famously known as the "Earthquake Capital of the World" due to seismic research and monitoring. It looks like a nice place to visit … too bad the wildfire will destroy much of it 😔
Escape to Quaint Parkfield: California's Tiny Slice of Country Life:
While I was looking at internet pictures of Parkfield, Holland decided to take a drive around the immediate area to scope things out; he did ask me if I wanted to go with him, but I declined. My lounging PJ's are comfy 😉 … and unless we are going to be out-of-house longer than 15 or 20 minutes, I'd rather not go through all the hassle of wiggling myself into clothing that will fight being yanked every inch over a perspiration-soaked body 😒
So, I stayed home … and tackled a project that needed tackled.
I went upstairs to make the bed, and decided to first replace the ratty, worn out, foam buffers along the bed platform edges; wanting to surprise Holland when he got back. He arrived sooner than anticipated - but it was a nice surprise anyway 😘
He's been doing so much already, in this hellish heatwave temperature.
And I am a capable wife 👍
These worn-out foam buffers need to be trashed, & the bed platform's rough edges need to be softened.
I will use the Pool Noodles - bought in Coalinga, a couple days ago. I Sliced a noodle open with a box cutter …
I used 1 full-length & 1 12-inch length, cut at an angle along one end …
The angled edges lined up to dovetail.
I laid the pieces out in placement; & taped them to the platform with White Duct Tape.
Protection against scraped legs; the improvised foam buffers make it safe to walk around the bed frame.
No taped-down-foam showing …
No taped-down-foam showing; not even from a downstairs viewing.
While I was finishing up the bedroom tasks, Holland called his cousin Brenda to let her know we're in the general vicinity - and a Cousin Day has been tentatively planned: it's a definite [do], and when the dove-tailing has been worked out, we'll point Betsy's nose in that direction.
During the convo, Holland had asked about fruit & produce stands & Brenda said she'd check to see what's still available.
She texted back almost immediately, saying she had managed to grab a box of peaches for us from a lady she gets her fresh stuff from 🤗 The gesture is greatly appreciated - and we are thankfully anticipating the peaches ❤️
Then, on a hunch, I went online to see if there were any Farmer's Markets closer to our location: there was… and it is operating later this afternoon, at 4 PM. So, I will be wiggling myself into clothing that will grudgingly protest being yanked every inch over a perspiration-soaked body, after all 😂🤣
Leaving the Park to drive to Huron, Holland took me around the backside of our street to show me a miniature pony corralled in the end space 🤔 It was cute, but I am still wondering … where do they stash it, as well as the cyclone fencing, when they are on the move? They arrived 2 days ago (that's when Holland first saw it). Surely they don't put it in the RV; and I don't think it will fit in their vehicle - even if it did, the fencing won't.
A miniature Horse! At our RV Park.
We found the Farmer's Market in Huron-CA, & came home with some pretty good eats 👏 I even tried a Prickly Pear fruit that I saw laid out on one table … the man selling them showed me how to split the skin with a fingernail, and push the pulp out to enjoy: it was so sweet! I bought some. I have been curious about this "food" ever since I read that the prickly cactus, so prevalent in the Southren States, has edibles fruits as well as edible pads - I didn't see any pads for sale, but when I do, I'll but some and find out how to prepare them for a food source.
Coalinga-CA Farmer's Market, in Huron-CA; 12 min (8.1 mi) via W Jayne Ave and CA-269 N Lassen Ave
I think Holland will like 🤞 these tasty things, too, when he tries one 😉
It was so hot, we bought Supper up the street, to eat at home; my Shrimp Quesadilla was yummy 😁; and so were the oranges we enjoyed, following our meal - I shredded the peel, and it should dry for storage quickly in this heat.
Shrimp Quesadillas. YUM!
Shredded Orange Peel will add a nice flavor to Winter dishes.
On his way upstairs, Holland was shutting the screen door and called me over to see the pretty moon - so full, so bright:
A very full and bright moon
While he slept, I did my body toning exercises, & watched an old Robby Benson movie. It's still too hot for me to attempt getting restful sleep.
I like working my body, & I like using weights: I've been doing both for decades. I do not exercise, or use weights to build muscle … but rather, to gently shape, & tone muscle. Looking like a female Hulk does not appeal to me (or to my husband - either one; I am a remarried widow).
Beginners: Seniors who are new to strength training might start with lighter weights, such as 1 to 5 pounds.
Intermediate: Those with some experience might use dumbbells in the range of 5 to 10 pounds.
Split Lunges primarily work the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings, with additional engagement of the core muscles (like the abs and spinal erectors) for stability, the adductors and abductors (inner and outer thigh) to stabilize the hips, and the calves for ankle movement; while they also help improve leg strength, balance, and stability.
Split lunges are an excellent exercise for senior women when performed with proper form and modifications. They offer significant benefits for strength, balance, and overall functional movement, which are all crucial for aging adults. However, the exercise should be approached carefully, with modifications made based on individual fitness levels and joint health.
Glutes Muscles
Core muscles; abs and spinal erectors.
Dumbbell Deadlifts are a compound exercise that work many muscles, primarily targeting the posterior chain, which includes the glutes, hamstrings, lower back (erector spinae), and traps. The exercise also engages quadriceps, core (abs and obliques), latissimus dorsi (lats), and forearms for grip strength, making it a full-body movement.
External Abdominal Oblique Muscles
Traps Muscles
Dumbbell deadlifts are good for senior women because they are functional, build strength in major muscle groups, and help maintain bone density and balance, which can reduce the risk of falls. To avoid injury, it's crucial for senior women to learn proper form from a qualified instructor, use appropriate weights, and focus on consistent, safe training rather than heavy lifting.
Two sets of deadlifts will be enough if your goal is to maintain strength, focus on form, or you are a beginner, especially if those sets are challenging and are done with good technique.
Forearm muscles are essential for everyday activities, such as grasping objects, writing, using a computer, and performing sports movements. Strengthening these muscles can improve grip strength, enhance wrist mobility, and reduce the risk of injuries related to the upper extremities.
The biceps muscle's main functions are to bend the elbow (flexion) and to rotate the forearm so the palm faces upward. It also contributes to stabilizing the shoulder joint. These actions allow us to lift objects, carry things, and turn doorknobs or keys.
The primary function of the triceps is to extend the elbow, which is necessary for activities such as pushing, pulling, and throwing. The triceps also assist in stabilizing the shoulder joint. The muscle is connected to the humerus (upper arm bone) at the elbow and inserts into the scapula (shoulder blade).
Triceps Muscles
The extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) is a muscle located in the back end compartment of the forearm. Its main function is to stretch out and bend the wrist joint.
Forearm Muscles
The extensor carpi ulnaris muscle serves two primary functions: it extends the wrist (bends the hand upward) and adducts the wrist (bends the hand toward the pinky side of the arm). It also plays a role in stabilizing the ulnar (inner) side of the wrist, especially during activities like clenching a fist or performing sports actions that involve swinging - like in golf.
The purpose of the extensor digitorum muscle is to extend the joints of each finger, it helps control hand movements and provides stability during grip movements, & it assists in lifting the wrist upwards, which is a straightening action that increases the angle between body parts, as seen when opening your hand or waving. It is a crucial muscle for many daily activities and plays a key role in maintaining hand dexterity during fine motor tasks.
The primary actions of the extensor carpi radialis muscles(both the longus and brevis) are wrist extension (bending the hand backward) and radial deviation (moving the hand toward the thumb side of the wrist). These muscles also assist in flexing the elbow and are involved in activities requiring a strong grip.
The Bridge exercise is one of the best glute exercises for older adults. But this simple bodyweight move actually works your entire backside, including your hips, hamstrings, and lower back. The result: You'll improve your balance and power, making it easier to bend, walk, and climb stairs.
Holland has trouble sleeping, so when he winds down enough to go to bed, I don't like to disturb him: he needs to sleep when he can 🛌😴: I don't want to be up there tossing and turning - so, I'll go upstairs after the movie plays out:
The Chosen~1981 Movie - 'The Chosen' 1981:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZk_YoIuRJw)
From start to finish, Sabbath shalom carried the Day 👩❤️💋👨🕊️
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