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.

TILLAMOOK-OR (Pt. 2)/Shabbat~Self-Care

August 29th: Leaves are turning.

So are the wheels of Life unfolding.

Trying new things while remembering past things is okay.

And we need to DO new things in the Present – we can’t keep living in the Past.

Holland's entire Life has been lived jockeying between relatives (homes, jobs, visitations) - and dwelling on Past experiences (musing about those experiences at home; or rehashing them over Kelso kitchen table coffee chats). Courting, dwelling, & focusing 95% of attention to the Past, is not healthy; that activity actually stymies growth & throws shade over outlook on life in general. MPO

I do touch base with relatives and friends … but I live my Life in the Now. I do, on occasion, revisit memories, but on the whole - I incorporate new experiences, new people, and making new memories into my Life. I balance my Life with keeping the Past & the Present in their own lanes, to make room for the Future (though that is flexible because a future is never guaranteed).

And  sometimes … the Past crowds the present without our permission.

Like Last night: a bad memory tripped by Scott's death (and all the dramatizing fallout) was interfering with my sleep. I was debating getting up and drinking some cocoa in hopes of enticing the Sandman - when tears came unbidden. Unwelcome. They do not belong in my New Life. My New Life has enough hurdles to jump, without juggling painful & heart-wrenching old memories I thought had been laid to rest. Holland shifted, and asked, "Are you okay, Baby?" I sniffled and said, "Yeah. Just a bad memory." He reached an arm over and pulled me to him. He didn't ask. I didn't reveal. His shoulder got soaked; and in that moment … he was the gentle, empathetic friend, my heart fell in love with.

He really is a good, kind man, when he's not fighting against the tender side of himself.

Juice Newton - 'The Sweetest Thing' Lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EScsvMU-wmY&list=RDEScsvMU-wmY&start_radio=1)

When we woke up this morning, we drank our morning coffees, then hopped into Betsy to do some backtracking explorations. We didn't have time - nor were there big enough spaces along the route to pull over, when we drove the coastline to Tillamook yesterday; so, today, we set out to explore the places we couldn't explore yesterday when Betsy was tethered to Independence … and Holland focused on the Present with an eye towards the Future.

I was thankful the Past was getting a rest: from both of us.

Today's Plan …

We drove first into Tillamook - there were several things we wanted to visit. Straight off, we drove to the Tillamook Air Museum … and it was too massive to fit the picture taking frame, so Holland drove down a side road - and I snagged a few pictures from the paved roadway, there.

Tillamook Air Museum-OR

Holland tells me these pillars are 'Blimp Supports' to cradle the flying behemoth when it's parked here.

A few  minutes later, as we passed through downtown Tillamook; Holland obliged me by turning off onto a backstreet to check out 2 buildings that caught my attention.

The steeple of this building caught my eye as we drove by.

Community Church; Tillamook-OR

Then, we drove to the Tillamook Cheese Factory … but that was quickly scrapped when Holland said he doubted he could walk the walk even with the cane (the building is huge, and we'd have to park a half a mile away, in the designated parking lot); he'd sit in Betsy and wait for me. I said I wouldn't want to do it without him. It was a nice thought, but I really wasn't that interested (my body is lactose intolerant & I'm pretty sure the restaurant there would be filled with cheesy, creamy, milk-based foods: it's a dairy operation, after all; they will be selling their product), and I'd be perfectly happy with drive by adventures that we could experience together - things off the tourist radar. I'm kinda weird that way. Normal touristy draws do not interest me - I would much rather scout out low-key things that pique my real curiosity.

So, that's what we did 😊👌

Along the way I saw an A-frame house, and commented on it - which led to me learning more about my husband 👍 Holland said, "That A-frame in Lexington-WA … my grandpa and father built that." I said, "No way!" He said, "Yeah. Way. In fact my family built all the houses in that tract of housing." I said, "Wow. I've hiked past that A-frame for decades, when I walked the dike behind it. Bob and I knew the people that bought that A-frame. Wow." It's freaky when I think of all the times Holland's, and my, paths have crossed … and it is confusing to me, thinking that now - since out paths have converged and formed a straight line, it's a real struggle to keep this marriage on an even keel 💕😳🙏

But it was fun to listen to him talk about those days of his early life in Cowlitz County-WA … the community growth; the river life back then, compared to now; the dike that wasn't there before Mt. St. Helen's blew her top; the Allen Street Draw-bridge we both remembered crossing, before it was replaced; the little Lexington church we both attended - and did not notice each other (we were both married to our 1st spouses, then); the houses we both lived in, on Nevada Drive, literally a block from each other - and did not notice one another; ect. It was an interesting conversation.

I was also noticing that most of the buildings was highlighting a patchwork quilt design, on them - and then I noticed a sign mentioning a local quilting & textile center: then, the blocks of quilt patterns decorating various buildings, made sense 👌

Latimier Quilting & Textile Center; Tillamook-OR: https://www.orartswatch.org/latimer-quilt-textile-center-a-little-known-hive-of-fiber-arts-activity-near-tillamook/

And, on our return drive back towards the RV Park, Holland & I simultaneously noticed that what was previously thought to be a train trestle bridge cover … was instead, a breezeway over the highway, by which people could access the beach on one side - and housing complexes on the other.

An over-road-breezeway; Tillamook-OR

When Holland was explaining it to me, it made sense: I never would have considered that reasoning. But he did, because he was born in a beach-theme town, lived-worked-& generally fooled around in beach-themed towns; he knew what it was used for. That thing has had me stumped, and AI is clueless, but the way Holland explained it to me makes sense.

Then we stopped at a Taco Wagon in Rockaway Beach-OR, and bought a tasty lunch combo. So good! The short-grain-rice tasted like Basmati Rice, but I know Basmati Rice (it's my favorite cooking rice), and this rice wasn't Basmati. The food was wonderful and the people serving it was friendly & courteous. I even thought the price was okay - this was definitely worth stopping for. We highly recommend this Taco Wagon 👍

While waiting for our food order, a stranger struck up a convo with me - and Holland realized that I don't "hate everyone!": I'm actually quite chatty and relaxed 😉 when I feel [safe] around certain people; even strange men who send off calm and peaceful vibes ✌️ Holland was amazed to see the [old] me in a social situation 😊

Lunch break; Rockaway Beach-OR.Rockaway Beach-OR:  (https://tillamookcoast.com/where-to-go/rockaway-beach/)

SO good! The enchilada's were solidly stuffed with pulled beef & the rice was deliciously flavored & scented.

I could be that relaxed and talkative around his family and friends too, if they would behave. But they don't - so, I'm not. Ditto for my husband, too: if he would relax in this married relationship, he'd find me more relaxed, too.

And the Past memories that squeeze my heart & bring tears to my eyes wouldn't be triggered, either. They only encroach on my New Life when chaotic turmoil is dragged into it - and all those painful memories that ride the turbulent winds of uncertainty, spring with a vengeance 😔💔😪

Anyway.

We spotted another old steam engine … so, we turned down the driveway to to check it out:

Steam Engine #90 is a historic 90-ton steam locomotive in Tillamook, Oregon, undergoing restoration by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (OCSR). Engine #90 was originally built for the Polson Logging Company. After Polson was purchased by Rayonier Inc. in 1948, the locomotive was also operated by Rayonier.

Back on the main highway, Holland said we'll drive down to Newport-OR, then cut over Hwy #20 (the longest highway in the USA) to I-5 in Corvallis-OR, then to Eugene-OR where if here is no wildfire smoke in the air, we can hunker down overnight; before driving on to Coalinga-CA where a spot has been secured to park Independence through November - Holland's Colorado cousin will be in that region with is bees, and we are hoping for a hook-up then. Where we end up after that, is in Elohim's hands; we're running out of options with warm climate States.

Holland just informed me that we will be pulling stakes here, tomorrow …

Back home, I walked around the Park - enjoying self time with the Almighty. Opening my senses to Yeshua's creation (this is a country lot Park; there are trees, lots of grassy areas, a river along the back end). Occasionally meeting new people - striking up a short convo, or nodding in passing (2 people were walking dogs - hello's were exchanged in passing's); and found that the Park walk was smaller than anticipated. I thought a mile walk … it was 'just' under half a mile.

A couple cabins for rent …

Bob & I knew the Ferrell heir, in Raymond-WA. We met him in Fellowship, there.

The Park waterwheel feature.

This is a mobile home park model - not an RV.

And there WE are - 2 streets over.

My walk results …

And I laughed when I lit a scent candle next to the potted plant sitting on the kitchen counter: I had come home from our shopping in Tillamook with some groceries & a pretty ivy plant … but we could not find Tillamook Cheese of any kind in Tillamook! There were other brands - but none of them were stamped with the Tillamook brand 🧐 So, I guess the only place to buy Tillamook Cheese in Tillamook, is at the Cheese Factory 😕

The pretty Ivy I bought grocery shopping in Tillamook-WA

Tomorrow, we pull stakes here; so, tonight, I'm going to ease into the intentional space of Shabbat through some preparatory 'moving teardowns' before sundown, and doing a little self-care ✨🌹 before my eyes close in slumber 🛌😴

=August 31, 2025 - TILLAMOOK-OR; Pt. #1: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/08/tillamook-or-pt-1.html)

=September 1, 2025 - TILLAMOOK-OR (Pt. 2)/Shabbat~Self-Care: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/09/tillamook-or-pt-2shabbatself-care.html)

GOOD; Ocean Park-WA

Holland really is good for me ❤️ & I know I'm good for him 😉

I'm glad he's getting past his Past angsts (serious Redmill familial dysfunctions), & sticking around to make US work; for the benefit of us😘

********************

Honest.

I never believed I could ever love anyone again, after Bob left earth to walk with Yeshua beyond the clouds.

Those of you who have been on my Page since that horrible Fall/Winter of 2018 went through the baby steps of my Solo Lobo growth - the learning how to live without the man I had loved since I was 10 years old; the man I married at 17, and shared my life with for 44 years.

Then, 30 months ago, Elohim led me to the Oak Point Grange meets … where Holland and I met and became fast friends. I was still missing Bob & wasn't interested in romance: I talked about my husband all.the.time.; sometimes I cried when speaking about the missingness.

Holland was there through it all.

I knew he was flirting😉 But, he never crowded me - he waited patiently while pursuing my heart 😍

I'm not even sure when I fell in love with him … love snuck up on me 🥰. But I knew, when he ended up in the hospital, that  eventful November of 2022, that my life would be empty without him in it; if things went south. I waited on pins and needles for the hospital to release him - and as soon as he got home, he sent me a text saying, "We need to talk."

Talk led to coffee. Coffee led to Reno, in January 2023 😁😘

I really never thought I'd fall in love again.

I'm glad Elohim had other Plans for this portion of my life. Holland is the BEST thing that has happened to me since my life with Bob ended the morning of December 14th, 2018.

I'm glad Elohim kickstarted my heart the Fall of 2022.

Newly married~January 2023

I'm happy Holland is in my life, loving me through the messy parts (marrying a widow is not easy - widows come with baggage labeled PTSD, and it is hard to deal with: for them, for their new spouses) and encouraging me through the rest.

Elohim has given me another chance and a second shot at true love. I swear (with hand on heart) that I WILL BE the best wife Yeshua will help to me BE for my loving husband, Holland 😍🥰

He waited a lifetime for me 😁

Life in our small corner of the world is good 😘

WE'RE NOT LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE; Ocean Park-WA

Today dawned foggy - dirty foggy: and stayed that way all day, so, we stayed home.

The day remained foggy; we stayed home today.

We're not like everybody else.

We have to protect our lungs; from grit on the breeze, & from moisture on the breeze that could possibly lead to an ER visit for Holland. The air here has been nearly as bad as it was in Arizona … and Holland has been using his nebulizer machine every day. We've been married 30 months, this month, and I've never seen him use it until recently.

I don't know whether to be glad the macho-man side of him is sliding - or if I should be scared that the COPD appears to be getting more aggressive. I think I'm probably a little of both.

I've had to use my asthma inhaler more than usual, too - which leads to mid-day naps, and all-night-hoot-owl episodes. Between the both of us, we have been burning the midnight oil, and falling into bed in the very early wee hours of the dawning morning: daytime activities haven't been happening until sometime around noon for Holland; sometime around 10 AM, for me.

Adjustments to social activities have had to be made.

Plans to look at the beach artwork and get a few pictures of the sand sculptures this afternoon, fell through: pictures are not worth a trip to ER.

I'll have to wait some more before trying out my new camera pouch 😕

The Bible Studies I had hoped to get to with a reliable frequency, have been put aside. The meeting is a hour away on good days, and a bit further when the winds are up and fog is thick. The sketchy ocean atmosphere has had the warning siren going off more than we've ever heard it - and that keeps us a little closer to home, and to each other; neither of us wants to be an hour, or two hours away from each other if the precautionary warning suddenly morphs into a reality situation.

Visiting with friends (his, mine, ours) has been pretty lax this year; our energies have been pretty drained just trying to stay alive - visiting anyone, for any real length of time has been very spotty. Struggling to breathe makes one lethargic, and attention span lags.

We're not like everybody else.

Some people understand; some people don't … and we can't help that. 

THE KINKS - 'I'm Not Like Everybody Else': 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y76ilaVZ5FM)

Our Life is what it is - our social life is pretty much determined by how Mother Nature treats our lungs, and currently she hasn't been too friendly. And it's not just here in WA State, where she's kicking up a fuss 😵‍💫: she's going on a rampage, nationwide 😳

Holland has been checking weather reports everywhere, trying to find us a safe harbor when we leave here in September. Brookings-OR, is still on the docket, but afterwards is anyone's guess. He feels bad that he can't promise me anything in regards to exciting and adventurous explorations - and I assure him that everything is fine; he's doing what he can, and all we can do is just go with the flow, and ride this time of uncertainty out, knowing that Elohim has everything under control.

Holland has done righteous by me, always looking for ways to make my Road Gypsy Dream come true.

Elohim has done righteous by me in all ways, at all times: even when I don't understand. He had never let me down. I can blindly trust him - and I do.

Yeshua does righteous by me, every Day. Regardless of the tempestuous weather … He still breathes life into my body so I can enjoy Life with my new husband.

I am truly blessed.

I am daily thankful.

And I am eternally grateful.

We enjoyed our mugs of warming, eye-opening joy juice that allows us to function at adulting.

Holland spent some time outside fiddling with stuff that needs to be taken care of before time runs out to take care of it. Thankfully, he wasn't out there all day long.

I really wasn't that upset to have missed today's big event - it is Shabbat, after all - a Day of Rest = the ultimate Health Day. Shabbat is a reminder that there is an alternative to being upset: there is a world of peace that comes at least once a week if we lend ourselves to it.

I enjoyed working my body 🏋️‍♀️ keeping "the temple" operating smoothly & efficiently, is important. Yeshua, Himself, walked all over the place on Shabbat - gritty fog may keep me from outdoor exercise, but it needn't keep me from indoor exercise; I puttered around in the kitchen preparing a meal that was more than a protein drink & ramen noodles 😊; and I even had time to fiddle around with a yarn project ✂️

Chicken-Rice Casserole & Biscuits, for Supper tonight.

CHICKEN-RICE CASSEROLE; Shavua Tov~Ocean Park-WA:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/07/chicken-rice-casserole-shavua-tovocean.html) 

MOD Crochet Dragonfly Plant Pot Cover. 

MOD COCHET PLANT POT COVER Pattern; Ocean Park-WA:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/07/mod-cochet-plant-pot-cover-pattern.html)

And when my tired hands couldn't summon up enough strength to move the lid even a tiny bit off the honey jar … I was thankful there was a big, brawny man 💪😊👌 in the house.

My hands were worn out from weights & busy work … I needed my man's strength; & took the ribbing 😉

My man is a good man; and some day, he'll realize what I know 😘

US~Newlyweds, January 2023; Lexington-WA

Despite the rough beginning of this marriage, we are truly thankful Elohim put us together ❤️ All things considered, I have a good husband. And Holland knows he has a good wife.

We know we're not like everybody else, and we know we have a good Life.

We're building a Home: aware that we're not like everybody else.

We're building it our way - for US.