GOALS LOOP DRIVE~Woodland-WA

JULY 12TH: Holland has been studying and working on an agenda - and it sounds like fun; I am in agreement with him, on this topic ;-)

So, this morning we got up bright and early to get to where we needed to be in St, Helens-OR before the freeway became a frantic Friday parking lot.

The swelling in my leg has gone down, and my jeans slid up my legs pretty easily … but I noticed, as I pulled my sleeveless top over my head, that I had an allergic reaction to the heart monitoring adhesive from yesterday's Salmon Creek debacle.

I am allergic to adhesives … I started getting allergic to Band-Aids a few years ago.

Off we went … with Holland jokingly quipping, "Now I'll never be able to go off on my own, for fear you'll die on me of a heart attack or a stroke." We laughed, but I say that to him all the time about his high blood pressure and COPD concerns.

We are at the age where we need to adhere to The Buddy System.

Holland asked me if I'd like to stop at the Goodwill in Scappoose to grab a few more books, and I happily replied (((YES!))); I like to read … and the internet connection here, in Woodland, is ify at best - nonexistent most of the time.

Scappoose-OR from Woodland-OR; 50 min (46.5 mi) via I-5 S and US-30 W

I jumped back into Betsy's cab with an armload of paperbacks covering a wide range of interests, and off we went towards today's real goal ;-)

St. Helens-OR from Scappoose-OR 10 min (7.7 mi) via US-30 W

We grabbed the mail on the way through Rainier-OR … and I was instantly miffed: some unscrupulous minion had sold our mailing address - and a clueless moron thoughtlessly opened a wound that took a long time to heal.

UNBELIEVABLE; Bob & I never had THIS address; this address is my New Life address - with my New Last Name. This query does not belong here.

I sold the house at Heron Pointe to get away from moments like this.

This P.O. Box belongs to my new life with my new husband: I loved Bob very much and memories of him will always hold a special part of my heart; but this part of my life with this man does not deserve to have the Past intrude on it. I was justifiably miffed.

But I refused to let the irritation steal this afternoon's good vibes.

When we crossed the Columbia River from Oregon to Washington, we decided to visit Bleu in Kelso: I'm glad we did :-)

Kelso-WA from St. Helens-OR; 36 min (25.5 mi) via US-30 W

Bleu was so happy to see me - it's been months.

We all enjoyed each other for a while before heading back to Woodland. Along the way, we stopped to take a look at the newest building on Kalama's waterfront; the paddlewheel cruise ship was docked there.

Woodland-WA from Kelso-WA; 21 min (19.6 mi) via I-5 S

We drove down by Kalama's waterfront to check this new building out … 

Public Market in Kalama, WA: 

(https://www.pcs-structural.com/projects/mountain-timber-market & https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/feb/09/marvelous-market-mountain-timber-market-now-open-in-kalama-serves-up-sweets-wine-and-more/)

The Paddlewheel Cruise Ship was docked alongside the building.

Queen Of The West: 

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_of_the_West)

Today, by and large, was a good day :-)

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Spousal Date Wednesday

We're taking things slow today: yesterday had Holland concerned when my left arm - shoulder and upper back, and jawline ached; he immediately got me an aspirin and watched me swallow it before he relaxed. I assured him that we didn't need to make a trip to ER … and said, "It's probably angina - but I have been lifting and moving things too, Babe. And I spent all day yesterday working on that little project I got going. I'm sure everything is sore from being my arm being overworked."

The {little project} pattern I have designed, am writing, and working up … is being worked double, for extra warmth: it's heavy - and I did a lot of lifting & turning it, while working it ;-)

I talked with Elohim, "Thank You for this man in my Life. Please help Holland to relax. You brought Holland's decades-old-vision into being; and against my will, You made sure we met - You prepared my heart to agree with his heart. We're still newlyweds … I know You won't call me Home, yet. I love You - thank You for the love You have brought into our lives; help us to live it fully, until the set time."

Poor Holland - I do keep him on his toes.

I am at the heart attack age (67 yo), and Holland is justifiably concerned. But with angina and asthma, it's hard to discern a heart attack because the symptoms are pretty much the same when it comes down to feeling each "attack".

So, I basically just lazed around all day yesterday, studiously avoiding a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. that would include using my left arm. I don’t like to be restricted in my movements … but I don’t like the pain generated by inflamed muscles either. And I don't like my husband being worried.

I played with my Tablet for a while, under Holland's careful watch.

I watched a movie - and longingly glanced at my half-finished crochet project, my fingers itching to get back at it. But I held off. The over-used muscles needed to relax the inflammation; so I could get back at it.

Project in progress; put on hold for a few days ;-(

I made cookies - all I had to do was open the bag, pour the dry ingredients into a bowl; add an egg and a bit of water … and bake the cookies. Easy-peasy, with no hard use of my arm ;-)

I watched Holland research things on the Internet that would make our road gypsy life more enjoyable.

Holland doing research.

And I listened to Holland tell me about a seafood restaurant in Astoria that he wanted to treat me to; he said, "We'll try it out tomorrow, if you're up for it: for myself I don't care, but I know things like this are important to you. You like seafood. I think you'll like this place - it's not fancy, but it's not DQ, either."

Hmmm.

It sounds interesting (and I'm glad it's "not fancy'); I'm not a fancy girl ;-)

We enjoyed a good night's rest.

My arm did not hurt this morning when I woke up.

It was raining; but off we went anyway.

First to Warrenton to get a couple things; then, backtracked to Mo's - on the Astoria Wharf.

Rain today, on the PNW Peninsula.

Warrenton-OR from Long Beach-WA; 33 min (21.7 mi) via US-101 S

Mo's Seafood & Chowder Restaurant, Astoria-OR from Warrenton-OR; 13 min (5.6 mi) via US-101 N and W Marine Dr

Mo's on the Wharf ;-)

Internet pictures @ moschowder.com

Mo's Astoria; #101 15th St, Astoria, OR

Mo's front door foyer …

Cozy atmosphere.

I like Aqua Glass Floats; I had a little one, for decades - but it would have gotten broken in Independence, so I no longer have it.

Glass Fishing Floats: 

(https://echoesoflbi.com/lost-at-sea-glass-fishing-floats/ & https://visitrockawaybeach.org/the-story-behind-glass-floats/)

All the seating was on backless benches.

We both got the Combo Plate - great minds, think alike ;-)

I got a 'Shark Bite' because I was curious; it tasted like coconut, so I was pretty sure they used 'Malibu Rum' instead of regular Rum - Holland had coffee.

And we brought a 'Family Size' Clam Chowder order home with us, for later. The chowder is delish :-)

Long Beach-WA from Mo's in Astoria; 29 min (18.9 mi) via US-101 N

The atmosphere was friendly; the Gift Shop is full of nice things (we just have no where to put any of it, in Independence).

The food was good - and the waitress was observant and attentive; and it was nice to enjoy a "sit down and dine in" environment. I do like to sample local restaurants now and then - and I do like seafood. I appreciate my husband's willingness to try this new thing out, with me; and I am especially thankful that the place was not packed with people (neither one of us like large crowds, no matter how cozy, or how tasty).

But, I don't think we'll be going back: the parking lot is postage stamp size … and Beast Betsy is not; Holland jack-knifed us into a parking slot, but it was tight getting in, and tight backing out. Parking on the street, and hiking a half mile to Mo's front door, is not workable for Holland.

But we did enjoy our "US time", there, and I would recommend it to anyone with a small compact car.

Before we left Astoria, Holland filled Betsy's tank so I can get to Rosburg tomorrow for my Bible Study time with the girls :-)

He knows I've been missing the Study, and the girls: I haven't spent time with either since this time last year.

I'm excited for tomorrow.

Holland is a good husband, and really does righteous by me; Elohim gifted me well.

LIFELINE PRAYER

I am a Prayer Warrior.

My spirit is just naturally attuned to the prompting of the Ruach HaKo'desh - when someone is constantly in my thoughts … I start praying for them; sometimes, I will track them down and ask how I can be of help.

I am grateful for those people who held me up in prayer when all I literally could do was fall at Yeshua's feet and whisper, "Help me, please. Help me."

If you are a Christian, and someone is on your mind 24-7, PRAY!

Yeshua is using you to be their lifeline.

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

4 Years ago FB Post/January 4th, 2020

THANK GOD FOR THAT PERSON That prayed for me!

I would not have survived otherwise.

There were days I could barely function … prayer wasn't even on the agenda. And I am a Prayer Warrior! But, I just couldn't. On those rare days when I tried, all I could eek out was, "Help me Yeshua. Please. Help me. Thank You."

I was a walking zombie.

For the 1st time in my Christian walk, I was lost.

Floundering,

Drifting.

Missing Bob with a pain so acute and so deep, I numbed myself to survive the loss of his presence in my new life.

I didn't want to feel.

Prayer involves feeling …

Later - in March - when I started venturing out of the house; and started shaking off the numbness, friends (and even strangers neither one of us knew), would hug me and say, "I've been praying for you."

Yeshua had helped me, as I pathetically eked out in my weak cry for help: He pricked those people's thoughts and opened up their hearts to me - to keep me always in their thoughts and prayers.

Though I was unaware of their prayers, the prayers strengthened me and nourished my soul.

They literally saved my life.

I am grateful.

IDAHO TIRE BLOWOUT! Cody-WY; Shoshone National Forest & E Yellowstone

We both woke up struggling for breath, so Holland suggested we pull stakes and move on to a cooler climate at a lower elevation.

I was all over that!

So, we both tended to our house moving chores … then, I put a dab of makeup on, and pulled the slide-outs, in.

And we were moving down the road :-)

Getting ready to slay the Day.

Not bad for an old broad. LOL

Leaving Cody-WY; seeking a cooler climate.

Downtown Cody-WY, headed towards East side of Yellowstone National Park.

Colter's Hell Trail

Bill Cody's Town ~ Historical Info

Visiting v.s. Dwelling in the mountains …

Leaving Cody, we passed through tunnels before entering the Shoshone National Forest - which butts up against the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

There were a lot of lakes in this portion of Yellowstone National Park - I saw at least 5, within an hour and a half timespan.

Twin Tunnels.

Correction - THREE continuous tunnels ;-)

Steampunk house in Wapiti-WY

Shoshone National Forest; Wapiti-WY

Shoshone National Forest Area; Wapiti-WY

Shoshone Indians:

(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shoshone-people) 

This hill looks 'crowned'; LOL

Interesting rock formations - they look like peaked icing points.

Sculpted rock formations and huge caves-Shoshone National Forest-WY

Pretty wildflowers & Bleu trying to figure out who had passed this way before him; E Yellowstone-WY

Snow patches in higher elevations.

East entrance to Yellowstone National Park-WY

Sylvan Pass; 8,524′ elevation; Yellowstone-WY

Sylvan Lake:

(https://www.yellowstoneexplored.com/sylvan-lake-picnic-area);

Yellowstone-WY

Yellowstone Lake is a large natural lake in Yellowstone National Park, northwestern Wyoming, U.S. It lies at 7,730 feet above sea level, and is the largest body of water in North America, and the second largest in the world, at so high an elevation; Yellowstone-WY

Sedge Bay ~ Yellowstone Lake:

(https://www.nps.gov/places/000/yellowstone-lake-sedge-bay.htm); Yellowstone-WY

God always answers us; a.l.w.a.y.s.

The Tally Trio - 'On Time God' song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlR9TRs-cbM)

Thank God for unanswered prayers …

Our route … from Fishing Bridge to Madison.

Bleu talking a stroll along this fishy-smelling Lake. Holland said the fishy smell at the lake were Fall Chinook coming up the Snake River that feeds into Yellowstone; (Nez Perce Ford).

On our way out of Yellowstone National Park.

Where the wild things roam freely; probably the same buffalo we saw off-and-on, during our Yellowstone forays.

When we exited the Park, we grabbed some Chinese takeout to eat along the way: I'm glad we did! The leftovers came in handy later on, down the road ;-)

Around 4 PM we started looking for RV Parks, and found one that could accommodate our length; so, we set off in search of it.

It was not an easy undertaking.

A mile an a half from the RV Park … we had a tire blowout: and the spare tire was too big to fit! It was too tall, and add to that - our tires are 6-lug fit, and the spare was an 8-lug fit. WTHeck - what kind of idiot would confuse the two? I suspect that the 'inspector' really didn't inspect; he just wrote it off as inspected: too many things have gone wrong with this 5th wheel to have had an complete inspection. But, I am a daughter of the Most High God … and my Father is always looking out for me, and mine :-)

Elohim never promised us a rose garden - He just promised He would be for us in our hour of need.

We discussed pushing through Idaho & into Utah, tonight.

We will retrace our steps for a couple miles and plat a new route that will be new ground for both of us.

Diamond Ranch does guided horse trails.

Around 4 PM, we secured a parking site for the night. Neither of us slept much last night, and we were feeling the effects of burn-out.

GPS led us on a merry chase to find the RV Park.

Holland was not happy to be so far off the highway …

Blown tire. THIS is WHY Holland doesn't like to be too far down a country road; we're 2-1/2 miles in, at this point :-(

We were in a bad spot, driving uphill when the tire blew ; so Holland limped the 5th wheel forward, and pulled over in a driveway. We both hoped the rim had not been damaged.

I sent an SOS heavenward: Holland's shoulder was on fire, his ribs are still smarting, and his disposition was sour. He could have used some help - so, I prayed Elohim would send someone along to help him do the heavy lifting.

As the prayer was hanging in the air between Earth & Heaven, over the hill came 2 cyclist guys; a direct answer to my prayer. I considered them angels in disguise.

And another angel appeared; all were friendly, helpful, generous with information & physical aide that was helpful: they were truly God-sends ;-)

The Calvary is on it's way … the cyclists were very helpful though much couldn't be done with a mismatched spare; and we were thankful. Hugs were exchanged by everyone, and they went on their way. Holland called Les Schwab, and it was arranged for a fella to come up with a new tire, and replace the blown one.

Three guys from the Redrock RV Park drove by to ask if we were okay, and Holland said, "Yes"; that's God looking out for us. The people here are really nice - thank You, Elohim, for bringing us to this place of caring, compassionate people.

If you are going to have a tire blowout, have it in Idaho ;-) The people are friendly, helpful, and truly caring.

On the other hand, I mentioned to Holland again that I feel oak point devilry is behind everything that has been plaguing us since we started building our life together. Those  people are just plain hellish; starting with 'the board', and it isn't too much of a stretch (as far as I am concerned), for them to have slapped a whammy on us - me, in particular.

That's my thought, and I'm sticking with it.

Nothing else (considering all that has been happening - weird, unexplainable stuff) makes any sense. And I don't give a rip what anyone else thinks about what I think - correction: what I know.

I am familiar with the Book of Job … and I've read the back of The Book: I know they lose, and I win :-)

The Oak Point whammy can't seriously hurt us; jeannie paulson was just plain mean-spirited/cruel/malicious, and has a devil riding her - and she was angry I wouldn't let her touch, or hug on me: I didn't want the transference.

Another person from Redrock RV Park to ask if we needed anything.

God send comforters; angels with human faces.

Elohim brought us together for His purpose.

New tire in place; the rest will be switched out tomorrow morning.

7:30 PM: Safe and sound tonight - on the move again, tomorrow.

Redrock RV Park-ID is clean, & the people are very personable.