MEMORIES LIGHT THE CORNERS OF MY MIND; Castle Rock-WA

This Memory came up on my FB Feed this morning …

Memory: Bob planned this hiking trip on the sly & surprised me one morning, when he whisked me off to enjoy a Day on "my mountain"; Mt. Rainier National Park~2014

Beginning the hike on the trail head leaving Sunrise Lodge, a very wide snow bank covered the trail a ways. My sneakers were soaked, after crossing that snow patch. I didn't care 🙂

My gentle giant waiting for me to catch up; I kept getting sidetracked with the chipmunks. LOL

The trail just kept going up, and up, and up ... it was a pretty steep incline for 2 old duffers - but we were determined.

Beautiful panoramic view, seen from the Wonderland Trail; Mt. Rainier National Park~2014

The view of Mt. Rainier's crown was pretty cool. Box Canyon is directly behind that peak.

Bob made pretty good time with his bum leg; I was proud of him. And my heart was full of love because I knew he was doing this for me, and it was difficult for him.

NO WAY I was crossing the snow bank! Bob was the daredevil. It was straight off the edge on the other side, and Bob toed it to get a look at what lay at the bottom: and teased his chicken little (moi) when he snapped this picture 😉

He took this picture of the lake at the bottom so I could see it later on at home. He was always a thoughtful and loving husband to me.

Walking the loop in Box Canyon - just over that tallest peak of Mount Rainier is where we just came from. I love this place. But I don't think I will ever be going back alone.

I did go back to Box Canyon, solo lobo; 2 or 3 times before Holland came into my Life - however, I avoided the Sunrise aspect of the trip: NOTHING could compel me to try the Sunrise Lodge Road again! That was hair-rising enough the 1st time around, with Bob!

I did the 1st return as a dare to myself: I was missing my mountain, and pulled my big girl panties on & turned the Highlander's ignition with Bob's remembered encouragement echoing in my thoughts, "You can do it. Baby. You & I both know that you can do anything you set your mind to." I set my mind to "GO!" and off I went, in the full confidence Bob always inspired me with.

September 15, 2021~WINGS ~ Mt. Rainier Solo Lobo Daytrip: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/wings-mt-rainier-solo-lobo-daytrip.html) * There is a vid in this post with a salty message; proceed as warned.

The subsequent return visit wasn't so scary; and as always, was enjoyable.

August 20, 2022~NEW ADVENTURES FOR MY NEW LIFE ~Shabbat Blessing: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/08/new-adventures-for-my-new-life-shabbat.html)

But now, my lungs aren't as strong as they used to be - and even though Holland also encourages me in things I want to do … Life has changed & is taking me in different directions, now: and with each passing year, high elevations are too tricky to do solo lobo.

I miss my majestic mountain.

But, if I close my eyes and focus on it - I can feel the coolness of the atmosphere, I can smell the crisp & pungent alpine air, and in my mind - I am again walking the trails & enjoying the beautiful scenery.

I had a Good Life.

I have a Good Life.

I am a fortunate woman.

SUNDAY GRACE~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

Grace was definitely needed today: I'm was a walking zombie, this morning.

I was up all night long scratching an itch that only got worse with the scratching.

I am allergic to something in the asthma inhalers: and it kinda freaked Holland out when I said this morning, that I can't use them anymore. He said, "What are you going to do? You need to breathe!"

He's right. But, when I explained to him that there are holistic alternatives … and that I had been using them successfully before we were a thing; he settled down.

He asked me about the holistic thing, and I told him about the herbs, the food sources, the environment, and the mindset I would need: my body is weird anyway on how it handles all those things - and he listened when I said, "And I need a peaceful environment, Holland. I mean it. I need p.e.a.c.e. to outweigh stress - stress causes an asthmatic reaction. I have environmental asthma. That means that my flareups are directly linked to what I eat, how I live, and how I manage my atmosphere. And, I am going off the inhalers because the itching is going to drive me crazy & if they make me itch that's a [severe] reaction to them that could also lead to anaphylaxis. It's a hell of a thing when what is designed to keep you alive, is the very thing that will work against keeping you alive. I'm not like everybody else, Holland; you need to understand that."

He nodded to let me know that he had heard me; then, he put his shoes on and drove into town to gather some of what I needed to go off the inhalers. So, after I finish my coffee, I got busy making up a few DIY holistic alcohol-free concoctions: I just want my airways open to stay alive, & to ease my husband's mind … I don't want a Day-long buzz.

ALCOHOL FREE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HONEY CONCOCTION; Castle Rock-WA: 

(https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/06/alcohol-free-anti-inflammatory-honey.html)

Honey is not a cure for asthma - there is no cure for asthma; but honey does help ease some symptoms of asthma. However, this honey concoction alone, can't effectively manage asthma. Asthma is closely associated with allergies, and in some situations, coming into contact with an allergen can trigger asthma symptoms. Honey also reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes, and regular intake of honey can help reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections - aiding in a holistic protective shield for asthmatics.

I need that aide.

And grace.

A LOT of grace, today.

I finished up this little air freshener cover, last night, before bed - just in time for Flag Day, today:

MOD Cover made for a Renuzit Gel Air Freshner.

MOD AIR FRESHNER COVER/Flag Day USA~2026; Castle Rock-WA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/06/mod-air-freshner-coverflag-day-usa2026.html)

And that was all I had energy for, today.

Thank the Lord, I have an understanding husband - and a graciously faithful Father.