PLAY THE HAND YOU ARE DEALT: Coalinga-CA

We basically just lazed around; drinking coffee, resting our bodies – relaxing our minds. Unapologetically not doing much of anything else, but moving in slo-mo, and healing.

We both have a lot of baggage to unload.

Yep; Russell summed up my own thoughts, exactly …

We both are working on ourselves - for each other.

Individually, as well as together.

Gary Allan - 'Learning How To Bend' lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQwEbbnsK5g)

I've always been an independent woman who doesn't need a man to boost my personhood: I get along quite well solo lobo. If a man is in my life on a steady basis, he's in it because I want to share all of my life with him - not because my life is meaningless without him. I choose to make a place for him in my life. Just sayin.

I've only opened my life to 2 men: Bob and Holland; each fitting my life completely, in two totally different scenarios. I loved Bob while he walked this Earth with me for 44 years. I love Holland as equally deep - and I will walk this Earth beside him, for the rest of whatever timeframe of life Elohim grants us.

But, this walk with this Life Partner is not a cake walk … it's a tightrope walk:

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - 'Tightrope' song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu7haLxD2WM

We were doing good - then, the inevitable Kelso phone tag started.

Just the thought of going back to WA State trips me up. There is nothing there for me, but sad feelings & bad memories (siblings & kids). When WA is mentioned, unwanted thoughts insist on running through my gray matter, like ticker-tape snippets: memories I do not want to relive - or emotionally trip over, when they rampantly run through my thoughts on days my guard is down. Constantly trapped on the redmill hamster wheel keeps my guard down because I am worn down with the ensuing arguing that always follows those "touching base" calls that seem to hinge on the doomsday commune his uncle bob wants to form "on the ranch" - which really isn't a ranch at all, but a run down redmill shanty community atop a hillside along Westside Highway.

I know eventually Holland will  move us back there to stay regardless of the damage it will do to my psyche & heart; and the joint pain that inevitably comes with the arrival of the PNW's cold wet winter months. I have tried to explain this to my husband … but he tunes it out. I really wish the phone calls to and from Kelso-WA would stop. There is angst fallout in our home when those calls occur; from Holland because he feels guilty he is not there - and from me, because I am really sick and tired of the craziness; I don't want the intrusive memories linked to WA, and I really don't want the winter aches. I'm working through my own problems, I do not have the energy or the time to take on anyone else's. If that makes me a "hateful person", so be it.

All I care about in my immediate present, is creating my own calming environment in this Season of my life, in my Autumn years.

I want a life of peace, love, and joy … and a little less radiating physical pain.

I don't want to hear about the world's woes - family, global, ect.; I'm dealing with enough struggles of my own.

My trust issues aren’t with things … my trust issues are with my heart – with my emotions. Things can be replaced; and most things are meaningless … just window-dressing in this life journey. It’s not things I have trust issues with.

When the next sibling death call comes … my husband will need me like never before; help me Lord to stand strong among the flames & our union is preserved.

So, I am working on me … working my way back to a peaceful frame of mind in the midst of my husband's courted chaotic turmoil. Learned behavior can be unlearned - but he has to let go and let Yeshua: he's not ready to do that, yet.

I don’t want to go back to building walls around my heart.

I don’t want to learn to couch my emotions again.

I want to live joyfully, in the fullness of whatever time I am granted here on Earth.

I don't want anger towards undisciplined strangers to run my emotions.

I don't want anger over unfulfilled dreams to rule my days.

I let anger run wild while dealing with widowing issues … and I allowed it to control these 3 years of being a senior newlywed, spliced into a seriously dysfunctional network of questionable characters of cultic proportions.

I'm tired of doing the crab-walking-side step around the tiger in the room: jungle love is losing it's appeal.

Steve Miller Band - "Jungle Love" Lyrics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8B7BE-f5yc&list=RDU8B7BE-f5yc&start_radio=1

To those who are reading my posts and thinking, “I thought she said she was a Christian.” Let me say this, “I AM”. 100%. I am also human. 100%. Yeshua created me with emotions; he expects me to utilize those emotions. He is not shocked, or offended, by what I am feeling … or saying, in the moment. Yeshua also created me with free will; meaning He doesn’t control me. BUT He always LOVES me. No matter what. I never have to explain myself to Him because He “gets me”; He KNOWS me. Being saved means you recognize Elohei as the One true God/You love Elohim with all your body, soul, and mind/You recognize Elohim’s Son, Yeshua, as Lord & Savior/You live your life FOR Elohei. Period – that’s it. There are no other requirements.

I DO recognize Elohei as the One True God. I DO love Elohim with ALL of me. I DO recognize Yeshua as the Son of God, my Lord & Savior (where would I be without HIM?). I DO live my life for Elohei. Period. That’s it. I AM saved – I AM a Christian. I may not {be} the Christian you assume Christians to “be”, but I am the Christian Elohei KNOWS me to be: He loves and accepts me right now, where I am in my life; and that is good enough for me, at this particular moment. Tomorrow I may be in another place in my life … a calmer place that will have a calmer reaction. But I can't guarantee that - every day right now is a wild card draw: I play life now with a hope & a prayer, I never know what card will show, and I play the hand dealt; best I can.

Elohei knows what I am dealing with every second of every day of my life: I appreciate that He loves me no matter what stage of life I am walking through; I like that He cuts me some slack to grow & mature in hostile environments and unfamiliar territory. Yeshua created me – He knows my character; He looks beyond the outer person & sees the inner me that no one else sees. Yeshua KNOWS ME … and He knows I am more than what others see with their assumptive & conclusive eyes.

I'm not sorry for being selfish right now - selfishness leads to healing; you cannot pour from an empty cup.

I'm no good for anyone else, if I'm no good for me because I'm running on empty.

The weekly chaos of the past 3 years has significantly drained me: all the headway I managed to make following Bob's death has been totally undone by the continual redmill chaos stirred up by aging people who refuse to grow up - and a husband who feels it's his personal duty to "save!" people from situations they do not want saving from.

If I'm going to stay "in the game" … and I am, because no matter what anyone else thinks, it is my calling, then I have got to make myself a priority so I am alert enough to win the Game.

If Elohim is seriously displeased with me, He knows where I live: He knows how to get my attention to turn me around quick. Elohim makes house calls, and he doesn’t bother using the doorbell.

So, I am taking some [space] from the churned up chaos, taking some down time to work on me … practicing touch-n-go tactics with social media interactions, pulling back with peopling activities, enjoying the quiet creative activities that soothe me and redirect my thoughts - in general I am being "impossible!" in how I choose to work my way back to a peaceful frame of mind. And I'm okay with that, because I know I am not impossible: what I am is selective in how I allow my emotions to be played. And that's okay, too.

STAY STRONG~Shavua Tov 2025; Coalinga-CA

Oh 😔

The first thing that came up on my laptop news feed this morning was another death notice:

Mark Volman, The Turtles Co-Founder & ‘Happy Together’ Singer, Dies at 78: 

https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/mark-volman-the-turtles-co-founder-happy-together-singer-dies-at-78

Mark was a clown - it wasn't surprising that he also was part of Frank Zappa's band members: Frank was decidedly weird, also.

Before there was the comic duo, Cheech & Chong … there was Flo & Eddie, who were the vaudeville pop rock comedians.

R.I.P. Mark; your antics kept us laughing, and your music kept us young.

The Turtles "Happy Together" on The Ed Sullivan Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3x56WQlG_0&list=RDh3x56WQlG_0&start_radio=1

The Turtles - You Baby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEmRgvhT6fE&list=RDIEmRgvhT6fE&start_radio=1

The Turtles parody themselves, 1968, nobody notices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhsmcL8Y57w

Flo & Eddie - You Showed Me / The Kung Fu Killer - 10/29/1975 - Capitol Theatre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoGbETzTCVY&list=RDMoGbETzTCVY&start_radio=1

Flo & Eddie - Cheap - live - 1978.avi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsFjAv2XF3E&list=RDfsFjAv2XF3E&start_radio=1

Zappa And The Mothers "200 Motels" - Mystery Roach / Magic Fingers (Bizu Mix): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAqaSXrykdc&list=RDqAqaSXrykdc&start_radio=1

Flo and Eddie - Alice Cooper Joni Mitchell Yoko Ono Jimmy Page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADufHrMVXzk&list=RDADufHrMVXzk&start_radio=1

Mark Volman (The Turtles, Flo & Eddie) Interview (2000): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie_HCZ4-4eU

After listening to a couple songs while finishing up my coffee … I got busy with self-care; today I stretched. That's it. But it's just as effective - and just as important 😊👌

As we age, the spine undergoes degenerative changes that can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Regular stretching helps maintain spinal health by preserving flexibility, promoting proper alignment, and reducing the risk of degenerative changes.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis: 

 https://spinehealth.org/article/neck-pain-spinal-senosis/

Muscle imbalances (when certain muscles are stronger or tighter than others) can contribute to spinal degeneration because they place uneven stress on the spine. Stretching targets both tight and weak muscles, helping to restore balance to your body and its structures. It also minimizes the wear and tear by countering the compressive forces on the spine and can help reduce the risk of conditions like disc herniation and spinal stenosis.

Here are 6 easy stretches that are shown to help alleviate and prevent back and neck pain. Incorporating these into your daily routine - especially if you sit for a lengthy time -  may be helpful to eliminating and preventing pain, while allowing for greater range of motion and mobility so you can live your life on your terms.

Hold stretches for about 15-30 seconds to allow muscles to lengthen.

Regular stretching can improve flexibility, which is key for proper muscle support and reducing injury risk. Gentle stretches can help correct muscle imbalances and improve your posture, a common cause of back pain.

As the primary hip flexor, the psoas connects the lower back to the legs. Prolonged sitting can shorten and weaken it, leading to pain because it pulls on the spine.

The paraspinal muscles are a group of deep muscles that run vertically along both sides of your spinal column, from the base of the skull to the hips. Also known as the erector spinae group and other smaller muscles, they are essential for maintaining posture, stabilizing the spine, and facilitating movements like bending, twisting, and arching your back.

Paraspinal Muscles - the muscles next to the spine. They support the spine and are the motor for movement of the spine.

Stretching exercises engage a variety of back muscles, including the latissimus dorsi (lats), trapezius (traps), rhomboids, erector spinae, and quadratus lumborum (QL), which are located in the upper, mid, and lower back regions. Stretches like the supine twist target the lower back and glutes, while QL stretches (side bending and rotation of the torso to target the deep quadratus lumborum muscle, which runs from the pelvis to the lower ribs) focus on the lower back muscles on the sides of the spine.

Listen to your body: Stay within a pain-free range of motion.

9 Stretches to Help Relieve a Tight Lower Back:

https://www.healthline.com/health/lower-back-pain-relief#hip-circles

Holland whipped up some of his healthy smoothie concoctions that are helping him with inflammatory pain - and I saved the lemon, orange, and lime peels to dry and use for cooking, baking, and medicinal purposes 😉 

Grated lemon peel, & orange peel; sliced Lime peel; drying for storage.

In this heat, the peels are drying very quickly:

Lemon peel packs a high amount of fiber and vitamin C, providing 9% of the daily value, in only 1 tablespoon fresh peel (or 1 teaspoon of dried). Additionally, it boasts small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

D-limonene, a compound from citrus peels, has potential health benefits including supporting digestion, acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and potentially aiding in mood enhancement and liver detoxification; and help with indigestion, acid reflux, and bloating. It can also neutralize gastric acid. D-limonene may help lower blood sugar levels, slow weight gain, and improve insulin resistance. D-limonene may act as a natural antiviral and antibacterial agent, supporting the immune system. Early research indicates that d-limonene might reduce triglycerides, lower blood sugar, and help increase "good" cholesterol levels, all signs of improved heart health. Lemon peel can also boost bone health due to its calcium content.

You can boost your lemon peel intake in a variety of ways, such as: adding gated lemon zest to baked goods, salads, or yogurt; sprinkling it on soups, drinks, dressings, and marinades.

You can also cut peels into strips and dehydrate them at 200°F (93°C); then adding them to tea.

Orange peel offers a variety of health and wellness benefits, including: rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health; Vitamin C in orange peels also helps boost collagen production, reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. Vitamin C supports healthy blood vessel function. Orange peel promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. The antioxidants in orange peels may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, lowering the risk of heart disease. Orange peel also contains good amounts of provitamin A, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, and calcium.

Orange peels help increase your metabolism and burn fat from your body. Many medical experts recommend orange peels as a cure for weight loss.

Orange peels can help fight cavities and keep your breath fresh.

Orange peels are rich in vitamin C and A. This makes orange peels a natural antioxidant that helps boost your immune system and fight off germs and viruses.

Orange peels also help remove phlegm, and helps alleviate asthma inflammation.

Also, nearly 90% of the essential oils in orange peels are composed of limonene, a naturally occurring chemical that has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, including against skin cancer

Just 1 tablespoon of fresh orange peel (or 1 teaspoon of dried, grated orange peel) provides 14% of the Daily Value of vitamin C — nearly 3 times more than the inner fruit. The same serving also packs about 4 times more fiber

Lime peel contains various nutrients and bioactive compounds that provide several health benefits, including: the fiber content in lime peel promotes regular bowel movements and supports gut health. The flavonoids and essential oils in lime peel have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce pain and swelling. Studies suggest that lime peel may improve cognitive function and memory. Some studies suggest that lime peel may help prevent kidney stones by increasing citrate levels in the urine. Lime peel contains pectin fiber, which can help support heart health

Other uses for lime peel, is that it can be used as a flavoring agent in various dishes; such as desserts, drinks, and marinades. It can be ground into a powder and used as a spice or garnish. 

Use a small amount daily = consider the fresh peel of half a lime (or 1 teaspoon of dried) as a general guideline. If you have a history of acid reflux or other gastrointestinal issues, pay attention to how your body reacts and adjust your intake accordingly.

Tomorrow morning, we'll be up early and on the road to Hanford-CA to visit with Holland's Harris relatives - these people I like. They are the total opposite of the redmill relatives. The Harris branch of his Family Tree love my husband. They have always been welcoming to my husband. For that reason alone, they get a passing grade from me. But, they are also very nice, and very friendly people. And they have welcomed me warmly. I like being around them; I like spending time with them.

Finishing laundry tonight, I smiled as I hung the hanging clothing to dry - I smiled because when I asked Elohim 🙏 for a traveling companion so I could indulge my gypsy bone desire to see all of America … I never dreamed of the added blessing 💘 that He would send into my Life. I never even entertained the thought of remarriage; I figured that at 66, romance was a thing of the past and I would live out the remaining years if my Life solo lobo, warmed by memories of a love that exited my Life in the winter of 2018 with Bob's physical death.

It never occurred to me that someone was waiting for me to show up and fulfil a 35 year old vision-promise 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 I wasn't aware of how my Life would be changed with a chance meeting.

But Elohim knew 💕

A direct answer to prayer - with a bonus blessing I never expected.

Holland is exactly what I need. And he tells me that I am what he needs, too. Except for his TBI & PTSD that triggers my own PTSD dustups that are stirred every now and then, we are a perfect match.

My childhood abandonment issue traumas are not his fault. It's not his fault that Bob no longer walks this earth. It's not his fault that my children abandoned me following Bob's exit. It's not his fault that I had to resurrect anger to deal with widowhood adjustments. It's not his fault that I constantly feel like I am walking a tightrope with a risky balance.

Holland, also, is dealing with his own trauma issues that have nothing to do with me: sibling rivalry that resulted in severe head trauma, childhood abandonment issue traumas, sibling deaths - the most recent one, a month ago; none of these emotional battles are my fault, even though I feel the brunt of them when the black mood comes on him.

We both know these facts.

We both understand each other's struggles.

We are - in our own ways, working on handling the stressors better. There will be fireworks … but by relying on Yeshua's healing 🕊️, and leaning heavily on Elohim's grace to make polished diamonds from lumps of rough & gritty coal, our marriage does not need to go up in flames 😘

That said, while we are set up here in Coalinga-CA, we have decisions to make.

Holland has his hands full, juggling obligations - trying to stay present in all circumstances. Trying to look ahead and gauge the risks of moving in either direction. Trying to figure out what works best … and what will keep US safe on every level, in every situation.

I am learning to relax and let a man take up the slack - this is something I've never done before. I'm trying to stay focused in the now - not ignoring future infringements, but not wigging out about any of it, either. Holland is picking up, and running with, the heavy stuff: I'm doing my best to stay in [wife lane] & shore up support, honor his decisions, and stay true to bending to Elohim's Will in all of it.

I am learning to trust a man 100% - because the situation requires it.

Holland is learning to trust a woman (he's never done this before); and he is learning to trust Elohim 100% - because both situations require it.

PEACEFUL SANDBOX ~WA Coast

September 6th: We are not the only people set up on this lot - there are five more people here (2 more couples and 1 solo lobo): I've known all of them all of my life here in WA State. It is fun to interact and chit-chat with them all again. There is safer accountability with them; good and sound advice when needed, and friendly constructive criticism - also when needed ;-)

This is a good place to {sit} for a while.

And they like - and welcome - my new husband; they all knew Bob, and they can see that Holland makes me smile again after the empty years of missing Bob, after his body died.

Holland makes me happy, and enriches my life :-)

Another thing that makes for happiness is the headphones Holland bought: originally purchased so he could watch his favorite YouTube vids, and listen to his music: I don't particularly care for any of it … so, headphones were purchased.

But lately I've been utilizing them, because I've been getting up with Bleu at 5:45 A.M. (Bleu never deviates from this 'on-the-dot' timeframe), and listening to my YouTube and music choices ;-)

I used them today while working on a new towel design.

Using headphones makes for 'harmonious balance' ;-)

Keeping with the 'man in house' theme ;-)

Finished Set; MOD 'Chevron' Kitchen Towel Set.

And so … peace reigns in our home :-)

LAZY SUNDAY

I was so exhausted last night that I was in bed before 9 PM (the fur-babies had kept me up most of the night, before); Holland stayed up for a bit with the fur-babies. There was train traffic off-and-on throughout the night and morning hours, but it wasn't disruptive. It was actually kinda soothing ;-)

Because I went to bed so early, I was wide awake by 5 A.M. So, I carefully got up so I wouldn't wake Holland - he needs the sleep.

I drank a couple cups of coffee, spent time with Elohim, ran the pups out two or three times, and surfed the internet while Holland's body rested.

After Holland got up … I went back to bed for a bit.

I think this may become a routine. The pups need to relieve themselves in the early morning hours - and once Holland's up, he's up: he needs more sleep than he's been getting. I don't mind getting up with the pups and letting my husband sleep, and then going back to bed for a hour or so - Holland needs at least 2 hours to fully wake up anyway - and he doesn't like a whole lot of activity or chit-chat while he's clearing the cobwebs. This routine will work for everyone ;-)

When I woke up again and rejoined husband and pups, Holland said, "Why don't we just be lazy today; it's Sunday, and we're retired. Let's take a lazy day break. We'll take the dogs down to the river … how about we leave the kennels at home and let them ride in the back cab?" Then seeing my eyes widen: I was thinking that Sonny is not trustworthy yet; Holland said, "You have to let them grow up, Baby. Trust me - they'll be okay." I finally relented, but I insisted we take two beach towels to spread on the cab floor, {just in case}.

And both pups were very good on the way to the river … and on the way back home :-)

The boys were in the back - kenneless - and they were trustworthy: NO messes.

Sonny will be the easy-going one; Bleu is more cautious and territorial.

4-wheeling at Camelot Shore, along the Cowlitz River.

When we got back home, there were two FB posts for me - I'm going to make time to see these friends before we head South ;-)

Ramona's post.

Chrystal's Post; I'll collect the books & visit tomorrow morning.

And … I cooked my first Supper meal on the RV stove. 'What's the big deal', you may be asking yourself. Well - Holland has been doing most of the cooking since we got married five months ago (1) because he likes to cook (2) he likes to BBQ/grill (3) he likes to spoil me. But tonight, I pulled the Wife Card out and waved it around saying, "Just relax. Be lazy this Sunday, and let me spoil you for a change."

I also filled some reusable coffee filter cups: Holland likes the strong stuff. I like flavored coffees ;-)

We were feeling the unhurried newly married vibe. The whole day was a relaxing, peaceful, advertisement of domesticity :-)

Cooking for the first time on this gas stove … Holland normally BBQ's with the smoker-grill.

We are trying one of the Patriot Food packages to see if they are worth the money spent on them; this meal smells good. It was okay - it will do. Next time we will eat only half a package, and I'll add cooked hamburger bits to it.

Filling the reusable coffee filters for the K-Cup Coffee Maker.

Ready for Holland's morning coffee …

Bedtime shattered the peaceful atmosphere.

I had a severe asthma attack a few minutes ago; I seriously thought Holland would watch me suffocate to death on mucus (this is not a pretty sight to see - an asthma attack gives you a swollen face, uncontrollable tears as your body fights to stay alive, strain marks on face & neck from struggling to inhale, a sore throat from the coughing fit WHILE struggling to breath, and eyes that transmit a realization that you are dying).

Holland knew just what to do: he started praying for me; found an inhaler, and made me a strong cup of coffee. I have not had an attack in a looooong time, and I was surprised at this one showing up.

My bridegroom wants me to keep inhalers at hand at all times, now: he pulled his Husband Card out and gently waved it around, saying, "I am your Husband - you promised, of your own free will - to obey me. Obey me in this. I love you, and as much as you want to go Home … you are not going to die on me." He does not want me to be lazy with my attitude about asthma, anymore. So, I guess besides carrying an inhaler in my purse, there will be one in the bedroom/both bathrooms/livingroom/and truck - I do have enough inhalers to do as he says.

BUT … I still trust Elohim (not an inhaler) to keep me alive until He calls me Home beyond the clouds. An inhaler is worthless when I cannot draw air IN. It is Elohim's compassion towards us that opened my throat and lungs to inhale. Someday it will be time to go Home, and that will not happen; and I need Holland to understand that - and be okay with that. To have overwhelming peace when that day arrives.

I love my husband.

I love being married to my best friend.

I love this Chapter of my New Life.

But my ultimate Goal is to get Home: I'd just rather not know my body is dying. I rather Holland not watch my body die.

GETTING STUFF DONE

The 'To Do List' seems endless.

So does the waiting.

And the chronic pain.

There is stuff that needs to get done … and a limited time-frame in which to accomplish everything.

We were sitting around drinking our coffee and discussing the things each of us needed to get done - at least by Friday. We will be moving again Friday morning.

We don't mind being on the move; we mind being held hostage by someone else's scheduling, and by the pain that enflames Holland's shoulders/arms by mid-day. I want him to get an X-ray next time he sees his disability doctor … and he says, "No. If I get an X-ray and need surgery, that could upset our travel plans for at least 6 months - maybe longer." I say, "Wouldn't it be prudent to know what we're dealing with? I think it's severe arthritis, but it is possible you have torn something with all the heavy lifting you've been doing. Please: you are in severe pain - find out. At least then we'll know how to pray effectively. And if we end up sitting in an RV Park for months while you heal, that's what we'll do. We won't like it, and it will be spendy: but we'll do it. I am your wife Holland, you aren't alone anymore - I'll support you in your decision one way, or the other."

We looked at The List: there were five {necessary} stops we needed to make before Supper time. It was 10 AM, and Holland's shoulders start burning like fire around noon. So, I said, "All this needs to get done today - I'll drive, and that will take some of the pressure off your arms. But, I can't listen to big hair bands from the '90's today, Holland (that's all he listens to when he drives). I don't want those depressing lyrics running through my mind, and I don't want to hear falsetto screeching today (that includes my preferred 70's rock and roll). The babies kept me hopping all night long; I barely got any sleep - I need low-key music today." KUKN was the music channel agreed to: Holland hates country music, but he was going to be the passenger today - the driver chooses the music ;-)

First order of the day was to stop at Scott & Lana's, and see if there were any packages delivered for us; we have been waiting for a food shipment, and anticipate it arriving before we pull stakes, here.

Then we would steadily work our way through the listed items as we drove from one end of town, to the other; and up over Delameter back to Home.

Thankfully KUKN played decent modern country songs, and Holland was okay with it (though he did switch stations while I was in WinCo buying groceries - I heard it booming out the open windows as I exited the store ;-)); but for the majority of the day, KUKN was burning up the airwaves. And at one point, when it was announced that Diamond Rio would be playing at the Cowlitz Fairgrounds and I expressed disappointment that I'd miss them a.g.a.i.n. … Holland said, "Why don't you look up their itinerary online when we get home, and if they happen to be where we are at any given moment on the road, we'll go see them." I just stared at him for about a heartbeat before saying, "You don't country music, Holland; I couldn't put you through that - you'd be miserable." He said, "I could sit through it Baby, if it means that much to you."

HE'S THE GREATEST :-)

Diamond Rio - 'Love A Little Stronger' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubMxuhkBdeo

Diamond Rio - 'Beautiful Mess' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4oZ90_24_M

Diamond Rio - 'I Was Meant To Be With You' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJxSMcrVaSI

Diamond Rio - 'I Believe' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcgb1xS6OLw

It was an enjoyable day out.

Elohim showered us with grace all day long: Holland's pain wasn't sending him to his knees with sharp groans, and e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. on The List got done … both fur-babies behaved, and Sonny did not get car-sick :-)

The dehydrated food packages arrived; long-term food storage in an RV is very limited, this seems the wisest choice to eat healthy.

It all looks good. I think this will work for a while; ALL packages say "8 serv.", which realistically is 3 or 4 servings for adult portions.

The boys got new leash halters - Holland hates the color, but there was no black available in their size.

They do look sissified, but they are growing fast; they will soon be wearing black … or camo - if available … halters ;-)

This Shabbat was blessed from beginning to end.

It is good to be greatly loved and highly favored by The Most High God :-)