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 😉

SLO MO SUNDAY~8th Night Hanukkah; Coalinga-WA

8th; last night.

The Day came and went in slo mode 🐢

Neither of us did much more than basic domestic activities.

I opened the front door this morning (it was that warm, today) & smiled when I saw that someone feeling the holiday spirit 🎄✨, had decorated the agave plant across the way 😊

Someone has the holiday spirit ;-)

Over the hours, between sporadic domestic activities, I worked on little ICU chest warmers & matching beanies 🎀 … and finally revealed the scratch card surprise from the cards Holland had bought me days go:

ICU Beanies

$20 winning card.

This Sunday - and this last Day of Hanukkah 2025, came and went peacefully 🕎🕯️

Be Still and Know~Psalm 46:10 Messianic Worship Song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dryifGLC_E)

We are blessed.

YOU GET WHAT YOU WORK FOR; Ocean Park-WA

Betsy & Independence; Ocean Park-WA

The Domestication Bug has really put the bite on me, lately 😉

I've been creative with crafting, & cooking: and we are both enjoying the benefits of both undertakings 😁

Chicken Supper was underway around 10 AM … this is for both of us.

VAL'S EASY-PEASY CROCKPOT CHICKEN SUPPER:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/07/vals-easy-peasy-crockpot-chicken-supper.html)

I am going to remove the straps off this backpack with a broken zipper … and place them on another - this is for me.

Cotton Yarn, Hook #F - Ch 5; 4 dc x 3 rows. Dc in rnds up the length of the strap; remove metal & tack upper straps pieces together - end length of rnds with dc.

Sew upper strap in place.

Sew lower strap in place.

Ta-da! Done; these straps will feel much better on my shoulders on sleeveless days 😊

MOD Bath Brush Rope using pastel hued yarn = I made a man-hued rope for Holland's bath brush; Cotton yarn, #G Hook - ch 70, work backwards sl st. EO & weave in loose ends. Thread rope through handle opening, and tie snuggly.

And, knowing Holland likes snacking, I kept rolling with the Day's creative vibe, to put together an 'Avocado Salad' that we ate with Chicken Biscuits.

VAL'S GUACAMOLE SALAD WITH CRACKERS:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/07/vals-guacamole-salad-with-crackers.html)

In between all of this creative activity, I was also busy with a few loads of laundry. As I was hanging the clothing items that require hanging to halt dryer shrinkage; I smiled when I hung the tie-dyed hoodie. We were visiting Oatman-AZ for the first time this past December - and on a whim, I bought the hoodie. I liked it. I wanted it. I looked at the size and thought, "It's a size too small, but I can be into that by summer" - so, I bought it: and it does fit, now 😊👌

I've shed enough fat to wear that tie-dye hoodie I bought in Oatman-AZ 😉

Building a marriage.

Setting up a Home.

Creatively crafting.

Or shedding pounds to lighten up the load on aging bones & joints … it is true that you get what you work for 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

DOMESTICITY IS A WILD ADVENTURE

Friday, June 6th: Domesticity may be a quiet & calm thing when you're flying solo lobo - but, when you hitch your wagon to someone else's wagon, the result is not always a smooth, or agreeable teamwork undertaking 🥰😘👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨🤝 … it more often resembles a wild adventure through unfamiliar territory, featuring stubborn mulishness and wild broncos 😳🤔😬😟😡🖕💔🤦🏻‍♀️🙏

I was up at 7:30 A.M., this morning.

I needed to go grocery shopping today: the closest place to accomplish that without a royal fleecing, was Warrenton-OR.

I would need to cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge; I've never done that on my own, in Beast Betsy. Betsy is big & wide. She is a turbo powered machine. I can drive the Beast, and I do dive her - but I do not like that bridge: I was not liking the prospect of driving her over that bridge by myself with the very real possibility of manhandling her through strong, gusting, winds blowing on off the ocean & slamming against her broadside. My first husband, Bob, in his 53 years of driving had driven across that bridge many, many times … and one time that I know of, in a semi blown sideways across both lanes.

No, I was not looking forward to that possibility. On good days, I do not like facing the prospect of driving across that bridge 😕

Holland offered to do the driving.

I agreed … provided we agreed to a truce until after the shopping was completed (peaceful vibes forever, would be a wonderful blessing). It would be a long day spent in 3 different stores - and a long evening putting things away when we got back: I did not want to fight about anything, at any time.

He agreed, pointing to the Bible he pulled from hiding last night, saying he was reading it (he was letting me know that he'd heard me a few weeks ago saying a Bible needed to be read & understood; not just put on display, or verses parroted) - and saying it was his mother's Bible.

Plus, neither of us are liking the way the Trump White House is leaning; paula white in the White House is not a good thing. Honing up on what Scripture has to say about this period of time,  is wise.

Apparently, Holland & I had the same petition 🙏 and hope ✝️🩹💕💯, while we navigate this wilderness period:

Don Williams - 'Lord, I hope this day is good' lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vou1a_br3yA)

Don Williams - 'I Would Like to See You Again' lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjS68CSKk8s)

Don Williams - 'My Heart To You' song: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCGrWz4Fn4M)

The day really did go smoothly; thank You, Lord 👌✌️🕊️

Warrenton-OR from Ocean Park-WA; 44 min (32.1 mi) via US-101 N and Sandridge Rd

Crossing the Astoria-Megler Bridge - on our way to Warrenton-OR

The lighter, deeper water in the distance, is 'the bar'; where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.

From top of bridge - Astoria in forefront; bridge to Warrenton in distance.

Bridge to Warrenton-OR

Tide going out … entering Warrenton-OR, around 12.30'noon.

Shopping today was pleasant teamwork; no stress, at all.

Tide was still going out around 3.30 PM, on our way home - we were between tides coming & going, crossing Astoria-Megler Bridge: 5 hrs. for tide to go out/1 hr. slack tide = no current; water standing still/5 hrs. incoming tide.

First off once we reached Warrenton, was a quick stop at the Goodwill store, there. I found the Pyrex casserole dishes & pie pan I was wanting - I had all these, but Holland thought they'd add too much weight to Independence's weight allowance, so they went by the wayside. Now, he is understanding that foil pans are not the best way to go (spendy with the constant replacement, and very flimsy in general), and didn't kick up a fuss when I placed those new purchases in Betsy's back seat area.

Then, it was over to the Wal*Mart Superstore for groceries. I also gave into a $5 frivolity again, and bought a trailing perennial ivy plant; I like greenery in my home … and now that we have pulled Independence off the For Sale market (we're looking into another way to finance the slide-in camper we are hoping for); I want our home on wheels to look & feel like a cozy home - I believe the greenery will help sooth the senses and give off a comforting ambiance. Surprisingly, I did not get the slightest hint of an argument when I slipped the Heartleaf Philodendron snippet next to my purse in the shopping cart.

Back home - I put the groceries away, got Supper underway & served, put the ivy where it's trailing tendrils will not impede our closed quarters living space, & visited a few Blogs I frequent. Holland surfed FB & YouTube.

My latest frivolity, bought in Warrenton-OR's Wal*Mart; placed atop the kitchen slide out - it's the perfect spot for it. 😊 I had thought to place it atop the cabinet above the coffee pot, but Holland was afraid I'd climb my little ladder, stand on my tiptoes to lift it up and down for maintenance, and end up taking a tumble when he was gone, sometime …

My 2022 Rosburg-WA Fellowship 'freebie'; thriving happily and sending out more freebie baby 'spiders'. This plant is a good air purifier.

My Parker-AZ Wal*Mart 2024 Holiday indulgence; this pot of color will sprawl, and will need to be kept pinched back to keep it manageable & tidy in our compact livingroom.

The nice Warrenton-OR Goodwill casserole dish find, was quickly commandeered by Holland, for a fruit cache to keep his smoothie ingredients corralled 😉

I tried a new coffee … but I don't think I'll buy it, again. It gets bitter as it cools.

I posted a recipe to a couple Blog Hops … and noticed that my chicken recipe was featured on 'Full Plate Thursday's' Blog Hop 👍

Domesticity is a wild adventure; but it doesn't have to be a trial.

Today was a good Day.

We both know we aren't going anywhere - and we agree to make our marriage work; and if that means [space] - then that's what will happen (right now, I'm taking some 'space').

That will take some hard work; admittedly we are in a wilderness period … but regardless of the proverbial devil winds stirring up the proverbial dust … we'll be here, for each other, in the morning 💕

Don Williams - 'I’ll Be Here In The Morning' lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XyiBMdb42U)