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.
GOD KNEW I NEEDED YOU
Showing posts with label bucket list goal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bucket list goal. Show all posts
This morning, Holland got Independence's batteries switched out - he's been wanting to do that for some time, but was reluctant to spend the big $$$$ required: I'm glad he finally did it:
I'm glad Holland finally broke down and got the battery he's been talking about since we started this venture … the old was switched out this morning 💪👍
Afterwards, we drove to the recycling bins down the street and got rid of the cardboard - then, it was to the beach we went: my husband has to have his daily [ocean fix] 😁
Ocean Park Beach Access is maybe 5 minutes from where Independence is set up, in Ocean Park-WA
While there, we saw that huge dumpsters had been place at the upper end of the beach to collect last night's firework's:
Dumpsters on the beach to collect fireworks debris; Ocean Park-WA
We also saw that this end of the peninsula beach was packed with people, vehicles, kites, paragliders, seagulls & pelicans …
Very breezy & murky - a lot of sand kicked up by wind & tires; Ocean Park-WA
The beachfront is very busy, today.
Warm - but very windy; the bustled air resembled a mirage.
Iron Butterfly - 1968 'My Mirage':
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_NQbcmA-aM)
This kite looks like an over-sized Guppy.
That thing in the distance only showed up after this picture was snapped off - Holland thinks it's a boat in a wave trough …
So, the thing in the ocean distance - can't be seen with the naked eye (this picture was zoomed out to see the kids stretched out on the sand), but Holland says the "pillar-arch thing" probably belong to a fishing boat, or a trawler boat, that was down in a wave trough and crested just as I snapped the picture off. That makes sense … but it sure looks weird 😉
Powered paraglider; Ocean Park-WA
And my husband inadvertently messed up the 'picture-perfect-moment' 😟
All calm again - but I missed the paraglider landing 😕
Brown Pelicans; Ocean Park-WA
I've never seen any part of this beach, this busy - ever: but Holland has, many times. Today's business is "not that busy" to his way of thinking; Ocean Park-WA
We spent at least 2 hours just sitting in Betsy watching all the various activities, before heading back home to relax and enjoy each other 👩❤️💋👨
We are working at taking our Life in a new direction … kinda on the same path, but with a little twist :-D
Holland has been talking about "getting a job", for a while: he isn't the kind of guy who likes to sit on his duff watching the grass grow … he needs to be actively working.
He needs to be earning an income; it grates on him that he isn't.
I'd rather he learned to enjoy the "good life" - and he has been trying to do that since we married and started being Road Gypsies. But now, he is adamant … and I am supporting him in his decision.
He has made major adjustments recently for my benefit: it's only fair, and right, that I return the favor. He asked me before we went to bed last night if I was {really okay} with this new direction. I said, "It's all good with me - I'm just visiting no matter what we do; this motel room, this town, this Earth. For me, life happens in the moment. If this is what you have your heart set on, then let's do it. You've done righteous by me - I'll match that effort."
We are charting a new course; I think it will be fun ;-)
I can do this.
I will do this.
Chris Stapleton - 'Starting Over' Lyrics:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPk00vcUysQ)
Holland is passionate about getting a job; I am passionate about adventure - and this venture we are embarking upon really does sound like a lot of fun. Profitable fun, too ;-)
A couple years ago as I was spreading my wings and learning to fly Solo Lobo, I asked Elohim for new experiences - and He gave them to me in spades when He placed Holland squarely in my path forward.
Holland has deliberately sought something we can do together & make sure I get my gypsy feet adventures … while someone else pays the tab. And if it dovetails with Elohim's Plan for our Life, we will even be able to pad our Golden Years Nest with a comfortable lining :-)
Yes, it is difficult for me to meet new people; but I'm getting more comfortable in unfamiliar territory. My thought as I drifted off to dreamland last night, was that I think this new venture will be very good for Holland - and very good for US, too.
So, this morning, we were up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed by 6 AM; and on the freeway setting his Plan in motion by 7 AM.
We arrived early, so we sat in Betsy's cab and talked more about this exciting venture; and before he went inside, I said, "You got this. You can do this."
Morning humor along the freeway route.
Jubitz Truck Stop-OR from Woodland-WA; 40 min (24.7 mi) via I-5 S
Jubitz Truck Stop; #10210 N Vancouver Way, Portland, OR 97217
I had brought a new Read along, and I started reading it while Holland was doing what he needed to do to get this thing rolling.
While I waited in Jubitz's spacious parking lot (this truck stop is like a trucker's mall!), I also drifted off as the sun's warmth infused Betsy's cab with summer comfort: I snapped awake when the door locked released as Holland finished up and joined me in the cab.
I started a New Read; I like Dean's ODD books - they are threaded with light-hearted humor. Truly.
The Sandman caught up with me, around the 9th Chapter …
He just has to have the Dr. fax back on the tremors. HE'S GOT THIS.
Another waiting game - but, I'm pretty sure he's 'in like Flynn' ;-)
Holland has had these tremors in his hands pretty much all his life, and he's never taken medication for the situation since I've known him; there's no need to do so.
He is an excellent driver: any driving company would be lucky to have him on their team.
We're going to get ahold of his Dr. tomorrow (the tremors are nothing new to her), and hopefully this thing will be settled in the next few days.
We are passionately excited to 'get on down the road!' :-)
April 1st: Holland had planned for us to go to the Joshua Tree National Park, this morning … but first he wanted to get Betsy's oil changed - so that was the first order of the Day.
He bought the oil at O'Reilly's … and had Jiffy Lube get the job done ;-)
Oil bought …
Blog background Info …
We are going to be including some National Parks too, in our journeys.
Parking in the National Parks is a crap shot.
Oil switched out, down the street.
That completed, we headed to the Park.
Beautiful blue sky; double-heart cloud ;-)
This exploration is a first for both of us; Holland has been to several National Parks, but he has never been to this National Park. I'm glad we are exploring it together.
I like these first time experiences, in which we create memories for our New Life, together :-)
We were doing drive-by touring this trip: the altitude had my lungs struggling for oxygen, so Holland was flashing his Husband Card - and I was acquiescing to his request to, "slow down; take it easy, and breathe."I did hop in and out of Betsy on occasion, but most of the drive, I stayed in the 4x while snapping off my pic's.
We both have lung issues, so we shared the emergency inhaler - but it seems like my lungs are the worst at struggling for air in high elevation territory, and Holland really debated about doing this National Park: but I know it is on his Bucket List, and I do not allow my physical limitations to handicap my life. Because the oxygen decreases in the air as altitude increases, we both watched each other for signs of breathing distress, and agreed we would immediately leave if things got seriously painful: if Holland was struggling, it did not show in any way; I, on the other hand, was breathless most of the time; and sometimes light-headed, but it wasn't dangerous either way.
Joshua Tree National Park sits at 3081 feet above sea level … but the elevations of the Park Loop fluctuate depending where you are; and go as high as 5,816 feet at Quail Mountain. The loop drive is 75 miles in totality.
I'm thankful to Elohim for providing us the means, and the time, to explore Yeshua's creation before we - or it - is gone from the face of this Earth. This viewing of creation in the moment is all we will ever get: none of this will exist in the next Life because it was designed and created for Earth's purpose; and Earth is wrapping up. I am grateful for today's exploration.
Joshua Trees May Not Survive by 2070: https://www.earth.com/news/joshua-trees-climate-change/
We were able to enjoy the outing, complete the Park drive (which topped out at 4,500 ft. elevation); and be awe-inspired by Yeshua's creation, and nature's shape-shifting experiences :-)
Up close, and personal … these things are very tall; some are also very wide!
They stretch into the far horizon - there must be thousands of them, here.
Mojave Desert:
(https://www.desertusa.com/mojave-desert.html)
These are the {small} rocks ;-)
Holland spoils me - and I like being spoiled ;-)
Some of the rocks have been fused with weird rocky designs … like the snake-looking design.
The 'Split Rock'.
Morion (helmet):
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morion_(helmet))
An arched rock in the 'Split Rock' picnic area.
A lopsided fat heart-shaped rock …
'Split Rock'; it reminded me of a giant Spanish Conquistador helmet. LOL
Procol Harum - 'Conquistador' 1972:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbF_G0XFTK4)
After we left the 'Split Rock' area, Holland drove directly across the roadway to the 'Live Oak' rock area; and here we saw some interesting sights :-)
A little pile of colorful rocks; I like the sulfur yellow one ;-)
This jumbo rock pile was heavily banded with quartz; it is a common occurrence that gold will concentrate within a quartz vein. Six rocks that can contain gold, are quartz, granite, slate, basalt, schist, and iron pyrite.
Heavy quartz-veined pile of Jumbo Rocks.
As we were leaving the 'Live Oak' rocks area … I glanced out the passenger window, and was surprised, then excited when I saw the Hebrew chet sign showing brightly on the boulder!
A sure sign of Elohim's presence ;-)
"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest"
(Exodus 33:14)
The mark of chet is the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet; it's numerical value is 8 = eternal, infinity. The pronunciation is the sound "KH". Meaning: Life. The significance of the chet is affirmed in the expression "chayeh chaim" = "Life of Life", meaning God. This refers to the highest of the three levels of loving God, where the Divine Presence is fully revealed.
I love being loved, and shielded by the Most High God; in one way, or another, Elohim always lets me know He is riding with me through this Life :-)
The huge rock formations are interesting … but it's the unique furry trees we came to see :-)
Joshua Trees as far as the eye can see - both sides of the road.
H.u.g.e. Joshua trees; this is an ancient patch of these things.
A brief rainfall - maybe a minute or two: it was over almost as soon as it started.
The broken limb of these strange things looks similar to solid wood tree limbs …
Joshua Trees with snow-topped Big Bear Mountain Range in background.
Joshua trees are hard to describe. Some scientific analysis says they are a type of succulent("the Joshua tree = Yucca brevifolia, is a member of the Agave family. Until recently, it was considered a giant member of the Lily family") … other scientific analysis says they are actual trees("You often hear that Joshua trees aren't actually trees, but they're as much a tree as a palm tree is. In the Yucca genus, they're a type of grass-like flowering plant called a monocot. Technically, a palm tree is neither a softwood nor a hardwood - it is similar to bamboo in fiber strength, and similar to a palm, meaning it has no growth rings, heartwood nor branches"): however, just by looking at a Joshua Tree, you can clearly see that the strange shaggy tree trunks clearly have limbs… and broken limbs show that they are more like a softwood tree, than a strong, hollow grass, like bamboo.
I don't think scientists actually know what it is, since they misclassified it, before.
All we know about the Joshua trees based on what we have seen, is that the strange furry-trunk/limb trees with stunted palm-like tips, and fibrous palmy-succulent leathery leaves are more tree-like, than succulent-like … and they only seem to grow in the southern border region of CA and among the saguaro cactus in the AZ desert.
Nearing the end of the looping drive, we noticed rock climbers all over the place as people were waking, getting animated, and setting out to enjoy today's pleasant Spring weather …
We spotted rock climbers all over the place …
We had entered the Park early; and got to enjoy our outing without pressing afternoon congestion ;-)
That was fun!
(((THANK YOU Husband - THANK YOU Elohim)))
Exiting the Park, I spotted a sign advertising 'Cactus Candy', and that sounded interesting: so, of course I wanted to try some ;-)
Ready for another new experience …
Holland pulled over, and I bought three packages of different flavors ($4/pkg.); at first these things are not that tasty … but, the taste grows on you. I actually liked them, and wished I had bought more.
The dry sticks of health food really wasn't 'candy' in any way, shape, or form …
These little things are packaged superfood.
I liked them; they aren't so tasteless once you get used to them.
At home relaxing, Holland leisurely surfed the internet while planning our next big adventure ~OX
Holland planning our next adventure's road route ~OX
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