BLOOD DOESN'T LIE~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

June 29th: Sunday was the start of the 4th of July 📜 Week.

Drinking my morning coffee ☕️, the headlines were  announcing - that as usual … the demonrats are doing all they can to ruin it 🤦🏻‍♀️

And the Repubs are trying to clean the demonrat mess, up …

Scrolling through my FB pop-ups, I did get a laugh 🤭 about the absurdity of the demonrat mentality:

We are half way through 2026 - and I am definitely still alive and kicking.

But some are not; Father Time finally caught up with them and stopped their tickers. Some, I won't miss at all … some - I was sorry to read, as I did internet searches ,🧐 had been gone for half a year; their FB Pages are still up, and there is no obit notice, but there are funeral home notices. I also saw that the internet 🌐 was giving out quite a bit of their personal information 👀; and that piqued my curiosity 🤔 Was the internet putting out MY personal info; info, that I had not [put out there]: I checked into that and was surprised at what I read. There was information posted online that was nobody's business … and there was some info posted that was a startling confirmation of suppositions, assumptions, and queries that had dogged me for decades 🤷‍♀️ - and had been soundly denied. Denials that are ridiculous 🤨 Ridiculous because blood doesn't lie 🤦🏻‍♀️ DNA is all conclusive and always trumps a stoic poker hand.

But, I thought I'd try 1 more time to get to the root of the issues. I contacted my middle sister 💻💬 and asked her to contact our Aunt Karen, who is my deceased mother's only living sibling. I was hoping that since she is close to 90 years old, she'd come clean about our ethnicity:

WHAT???

Blood doesn't lie.

I was reading that not only did we have blood ties to paganist africa … it appears now, that we also have blood ties to the cultic, blood-thirsty, middle east countries. I was not happy to be facing that dilemma! I was hoping for answers to dormant queries.

Instead, Karen stuck to the family story BS 💬🤨📜🤦🏻‍♀️

Grandpa's looks are similar to Holland's Armenian friend … & his nephew Jake's, 1/2 Armenian sons.

My Grandmother Ball's family may have lived in Czechoslovakia before they escaped the socialist-communist-nazi coups, to settle in America, & go through the citizenship courses to become citizens … but a genealogy report tattled that they hailed from Hungary. It doesn't matter where they lived, or what culture they adopted - their bloodline ethnicity is Hungarian.

My Grandfather Ball's family may have have come from England during the colonization era of American before America was America 📜 … but his bloodline tattles that his ethnicity is more than what the family is claiming: it is a fact that most of Europe during the 600's was under muslim ottoman rule; my mother told us that our relatives came "from the country that looks like a boot" = Spain.

Spain is not Czechoslovakia, or Hungary.

Spain is not England, Ireland, or France.

Spain is not mentioned in the country line-ups - but, it is a definite, factual, part of our Life Story. Karen may not mention it, but my mother talked about Spain, our family connection to that country, & would point it out on maps - and even show us how to do the Flamenco dancing steps.

And while it is possible that claims can be made that family ancestors did live in all those places … the one fact left out, is that the moors were also dwelling in those countries; it is also more than possible that dalliances took place between ethnic groups while relatives were living in those places - and those dalliance's are showing up in the here-and-now present.

Someone has not been truthful in spinning the tale of familial history that shifted ethnic connections.

Blood doesn't lie ⚕️

DNA doesn't lie 😱

Physical characteristics will tattle - and override staunch denials 🤔

My mother's sister, Karen, has spent her entire adult life in the medical field, working in hospitals as a licensed nurse! She knows better than this … and yet, will stick to the parroted lie.

Aunt Karen was acting like a BSing karen 😑🤯🥴

I was trying not to get too frustrated pissy 🤨 

Someone, somewhere along Grandpa Ball's DNA chain wandered off the stated ethic pathway … and introduced the Middle eastern bloodline:

{{Is MENA a Separate Ethnic Census Classification?

Yes — MENA (Middle Eastern or North African) is now an official, distinct ethnic category in U.S. federal data collection, replacing its previous inclusion in the “White” category.

Under the updated Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (effective 2024), MENA is one of the seven minimum reporting categories for race and ethnicity on the U.S. Census and other federal surveys

The MENA category covers origins in North Africa, the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, and Iran (Persia), including both Arabic‑speaking and non‑Arabic‑speaking groups such as Lebanese, Egyptian, Syrian, Iranian, and Israeli. It is designed to be inclusive of diverse ethnic identities within the region, such as Kurds, Copts, and Imazighen

In summary: MENA is no longer just a subset of “White” — it is now a separate, official ethnic classification in U.S. federal statistics, reflecting the distinct identities of Middle Eastern and North African populations.}}

Holland & I discussed this new discovery.

Then we ate supper - and I did a dumbbell workout; it felt good to work with weights, again. For the past 2 weeks I've been walking a mile every other day; and doing step-ups & stretches several times a day (not posted, but done):

Do reps for EA set as indicated x3; easy to do - even for a senior woman.

3-, 5-, & 8-lb weight used interchangeably as sets progressed.

Dumbbell Hand-assist Overhead Triceps Extensions~Aim for 10-12 reps x2

Dumbbell Front Raises~Aim for 10-12 reps x2

Dumbbell Overhead Front Raise~Aim for 10-12 reps x2

Dumbbells Overhead Triceps Extensions~Aim for 10-12 reps x2

Dumbbell Standing Kickback~Aim for 10-12 reps x2

I posted some post links to a couple blog hops, and saw that one of my posts had been featured on one of the Blogs I visit:

My May Post, was featured on 'You're A Star' @ God's Growing Garden Blog Hop.

'FROWNING BARK FACE; Castle Rock-WA':  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/05/frowning-bark-face-castle-rock-wa.html)

My May Post, was featured on 'You're A Star' @ God's Growing Garden Blog Hop

It's been an interesting  Day.

I'm going to take my tired self upstairs to bed, and rest my thoughts.

ENGAGEMENT & ENCOURAGEMENT~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

I woke up this morning to raindrops pelting Independence's roof ☔️; and my husband softly snoring 💤 to the backbeat of each raindrop: while I sneezed back-to-back whiplash allergy sneezes 🤧 brought on by the cottonwood fluff carried on the winds here 💨

Soft sounds on this Wednesday morning.

I slipped a coffee pod into the Keurig Coffee Maker, & started my coffee dripping. While it dripped, the rain fell, and the soft snores played harmony … I was thankful for Elohim's grace and quiet peacefulness that fills our home & hearts 🤲🏠❤️

His grace ☝️ arrived before the Day began; and His peace quiets every restless thought 🕊️ - to fill our hearts with courage to face what we, on our own, cannot control. And blesses us with wisdom to cherish the blessings often overlooked when our attention gets snagged by closed doors.

Stirring acid curbing sweetness into my hot joy juice ☕️, I am encouraged by engaging reminders that every time Elohim closed a door, He redirected me ➡️ towards something better than I could have imagined, & greater than I could ever anticipate 😁

Sitting down at the dining table and watching my husband's chest rise & fall, I pray that kindness would flow from our mouths today, that love would guide our actions, and that gratitude would color every moment 🙏🥰

And I prayed relaxation - and a deep, peaceful sleep, would cover my husband as he slept on 😴 Holland does not sleep like normal people - his brain struggles with a traumatic brain injury which occurred when he was a young child. His sleep pattern is sketchy at best, and his brain circuits - when over stimulated,  get stuck sometimes. He stays up practically around the clock feeding his brain on one internet media after the other 👂🌐💻🎙️; and most are really dramatic in their "the sky is falling!" videos & reels.

I am always thankful when I see him actually sleeping.

And I hope with every whiplash sneezing episode, that he will not wake up. He really needs a substantial amount of sleep.

One of the hardest things about TBI, is having an anxious mind that is always [on] 🧠💬, & always looking ahead for possible worst-case scenario's 👀🤔 Holland's brain works like that: he is always on high alert. He's exhausted practically around the clock 🌞🌟⏰; trying to predict every possible outcome to any given situation we may … or may not … encounter "at some point" 🦁 He shoulders the weight of tomorrow before it even gets here.

I know that we must stay informed about what’s happening in the world 🌐📜📲💻;  but I also know that too much constant information is simply more than our hearts, minds, and nervous systems can juggle 😵‍💫

There’s a difference between being aware and being consumed.

For me, small doses are healthy. Endless scrolling, constant breaking news, and taking in the weight of the whole world all day long is not. I'm more into protecting my peace - the world will still be there after I’ve taken a breath, finished my coffee, listened to the birds, and reminded myself that life is still happening right here in front of me, too.

When Holland woke up around 10 AM, he drove into Castle Rock to grab some supplies 🚘🛒 … and I went into the spare room to engage in a light cardio workout 💓⏱️: strong enough to leave me a bit breathless 🌬️, but light enough to stave off a heart attack 😉

For older adults, a proper warm-up routine is essential to staying active and avoiding injuries, and effective for preparing the body for  workout activity.

Warm-up Bodyweight Hand-Assist Neck Stretches can be safe for many older adults when done gently, with proper form, and without pushing into pain or weakness. However, safety depends on your current neck condition, strength, and any medical history. Low-impact and gentle: Many senior-friendly neck stretches are designed to improve flexibility and circulation without high strain. Hand-assist variation: Using your hands to gently guide your head can reduce the load on neck muscles and ligaments, which are more fragile with age. Avoid overstretching: Hold each position only as long as you can comfortably, and never force your head into an awkward position. Start slow: Begin with 5–10 repetitions of each stretch, and increase  gradually if tolerated. Maintain good posture: Keep your spine aligned and avoid arching your back or tilting your head too far. Neck retraction: Place two fingers on your chin, gently push your head back, feeling engagement in the front of your neck. Benefits: Regular gentle stretching can help relieve stiffness, improve blood flow to the brain, and reduce the risk of injury from muscle tightness. Always prioritize comfort and stop if you experience any warning signs. Stop immediately if you feel pain, numbness, tingling, or dizziness during or after a stretch.

Neck Retraction Stretch: Place two fingers on your chin, gently push your head back, feeling engagement in the front of your neck.~Aim for 10 reps x2

Warm-up Bodyweight Elbow-Arm Circles are generally safe and beneficial for a 69 year old woman to do when done slowly and without pain. This exercise is considered a low-risk, low-intensity mobility exercise that can improve shoulder and upper arm mobility, circulation, and range of motion … and can be done anywhere, anytime without equipment. Benefits: Improves shoulder mobility and upper arm flexibility. Enhances circulation in the arms and hands. Supports joint health by maintaining range of motion in the shoulders and elbow. For a 69-year-old woman, the main safety concerns are: Neck strain: Full neck circles (as in some “elbow–arm circle” variations) can compress the cervical spine and irritate discs or nerves, especially if done aggressively or repeatedly. This is more relevant if the movement involves large head rotations. Repetitive strain: Overdoing the exercise without rest can irritate tendons or muscles. Elbow or shoulder pain: If there is existing elbow tendinitis, arthritis, or shoulder instability, the stretch should be gentle and avoid pain. If you want to keep the exercise but reduce risk: Limit range of motion: Keep arm circles small and controlled; avoid full head or neck circles. Do both arms equally to maintain balance. Start slowly: 1–2 minutes of gentle circles, then increase duration if comfortable. Dizziness: Large head or arm movements can trigger dizziness in some people, especially if they have balance issues. Avoid if you have recent neck or shoulder injury, severe arthritis, nerve symptoms, or balance problems. Stop if you feel pain, numbness, or dizziness - these are signs to stop and reassess. Stop immediately if you feel sharp pain, swelling, or weakness in the arms or hands during the exercise. 

Bodyweight Elbow-Arm Circles~10 total reps (5 forward + 5 backward = per set) x2

Warm-up Bodyweight Standing Ankle Circles are generally safe for a 69 year old woman to do. This exercise is low‑impact, & joint‑friendly. However, safety depends on her overall health, mobility, and any existing conditions. Benefits: Improve ankle mobility, circulation, and balance; can help prevent stiffness. Overdoing them can strain ligaments or worsen joint pain. Perform slowly and control the motion. Risks: If she has recent ankle injury, arthritis, or poor balance, she should avoid rapid or deep circles. Use a stable chair or wall for support if balance is a concern. Avoid if there’s active inflammation, recent fracture, or severe arthritis. Stop if you feel sharp pain, swelling, or instability.

Bodyweight Standing Ankle Circles~Aim for 20 total circles (10 per ankle) x2

Warm-up Bodyweight Hip Circles Stretch can be safe for  69 year old woman to do, if done with proper form, controlled movement, and without pain - but there are important considerations if you have hip pain, osteoarthritis, or recent hip surgery. Benefits: Hip circles can improve hip mobility, reduce stiffness, and help with daily activities like bending or reaching. Safety tips: Perform slowly and smoothly, avoiding jerky movements. Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back. Avoid if you have instability, severe arthritis, or uncontrolled balance issues. Stop if you feel pain, numbness, or dizziness.

Bodyweight Hip Circles Stretch~Aim for 5 per direction (clockwise and counterclockwise) for a total of 10 repetitions x2

The Darebee Good Morning! workout is a good start to the day you really need a workout that will get your heart pumping, raise your body temperature and make you feel good throughout the Day … plus the moment you add EC (1 minute rest between sets) it will also increase the energize of your muscles, heart and lungs without draining your batteries.

I have also included alternate exercises (marked with a #) that may benefit those with limited flexibility.

I started my Day here, with allergy related whiplash sneezing, a runny nose, & coughing - and was able to go 3 sets of this Darebee workout routine, as well as some time on my stepper for a well-rounded, full-body cardiovascular workout.

Muscles Worked

Side Step Jacks are generally safe for a 69 year old woman to do. This exercise is a low-impact exercise option for seniors. The safety of performing the Side Step Jacks exercise for a 69-year-old woman depends on several factors; Joint Health: If she has joint issues or has had previous injuries, she should exercise with caution and consider modifications to reduce impact. Balance and Stability: Assessing her balance and stability is crucial before attempting side step jacks. It is essential to listen to your body and stop if you feel any discomfort or dizziness.

Side Step Jacks~Aim for 10 reps x3

Knee-to-Elbow exercise may pose risks for some senior women, especially if she has joint issues, osteoporosis, or balance concerns, and should be approached with caution or modified. Considerations for Older Adults: The knee-to-elbow exercise involves twisting the torso and lifting the knees, which can place stress on the spine, hips, and knees. For older adults, particularly women over 65, these movements may increase the risk of joint strain, falls, or vertebral fractures if bone density is low or if there is pre-existing arthritis. Rapid or jerky movements should be avoided, and exercises should be performed slowly and with control. Bone and Joint Health: Women in their late 60s are at higher risk for osteoporosis and sarcopenia, which can make twisting or high-impact exercises unsafe. Exercises that involve bending forward or twisting at the waist, like knee-to-elbow, may increase the risk of spinal fractures in those with weakened bones. If bone density is unknown, a medical assessment or consultation with a physical therapist is recommended before attempting this exercise. Safer Alternatives: Older adults can achieve similar core strengthening benefits with low-risk modifications - Seated Knee Lifts: Lift one knee at a time while seated in a sturdy chair to reduce spinal and balance stress. Standing Marches: March in place while engaging the core, holding onto a chair for support. Monitor pain or discomfort: Stop immediately if there is joint pain, dizziness, or back discomfort. 

Knee Cross To Elbow exercise~Aim for 4 reps x3

#Seated Knee Lifts can be safe and beneficial for many older adults when performed with proper form - strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes supports daily activities like standing, climbing stairs, and walking. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee without putting full body weight on the joints, making them a low-impact option for seniors. Low joint stress: Done from a sturdy, nonwheeled chair, they avoid the strain of standing or squatting, reducing risk of knee injury. If you have balance problems, use a chair with armrests for added support. Maintain proper posture: Sit upright, feet flat, knees at 90°, and core engaged (suck stomach muscles in). Control the movement: Move slowly and smoothly; avoid jerky motions. Start light: Begin with 10 reps per leg, gradually increasing as strength improves. Avoid if you have severe knee instability, recent surgery, or uncontrolled arthritis. Stop if you feel pain: Discontinue if you experience sharp pain, swelling, or instability in the knee.

Seated Knee Raises~Aim for 10 reps EA leg x3

#Marching in Place is generally safe for a 69-year-old woman to do. It is a low-impact exercise that can be modified to suit different fitness levels and mobility needs. As long as the individual is in good health, marching in place can be a safe and effective way to boost cardiovascular health. It is recommended to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity as tolerated, focusing on maintaining good posture and engaging core muscles.

Marching in Place~Aim for a ct of 10 = 1-2-3, ect.; x3

The Overhead Arm Reach Side Bend Stretch can be safe for a 69 year old woman to do, if done with proper form, controlled movement, and awareness of her health status. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Overhead arm reach is a gentle upper‑body stretch that increases shoulder and upper back flexibility, helping with daily tasks like reaching shelves or opening doors. Side bend (leaning to one side) can improve spinal mobility and relieve stiffness, but it must be performed carefully to avoid strain. Keep the movement slow and controlled; avoid bouncing. Balance or dizziness: Leaning to one side while reaching overhead may affect balance, especially if the person is on a slippery or uneven surface … a safer alternative for you could be an overhead reach without side bend - Just raise arms overhead to improve shoulder range of motion.  Avoid if you have a history of spinal fractures, osteoporosis, osteopenia, arthritis, or balance issues. Stop if you feel pain, dizziness, or instability.

Overhead Arm-Reach Stretch~Aim for 4 reps EA side, x3

Standing Rotations are generally considered safe and beneficial for senior women over 60. These movement helps restore spinal mobility, reduce stiffness, and support daily activities like turning in bed or reaching behind you. Key Safety Considerations - Start small and slow: Use a small range of motion and avoid forcing a deep twist. The goal is comfort and control, not intensity. Keep knees soft: Soften your knees slightly and avoid locking them, which can strain the lower back. Breathe normally: Do not hold your breath; relaxed breathing helps prevent tension and injury. Use support if needed: A stable chair or wall can provide balance and reduce strain. Listen to your body: Avoid if you have recent back surgery, osteoporosis, heart disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, or instability.

Standing Rotation~Aim for 8 reps (4 EA side) x3

Exercise Minutes = I'm on [recommended] target.

Mini Steppers are great for older adults - they're easy on your joints, which means they help avoid the kind of injuries you might get from tougher workouts. When you use a mini stepper, it doesn't put much pressure on your knees, ankles, and hips. They're also great for mixing up your workout routine. By adding low-impact exercises with a mini stepper to what you usually do, you can avoid injuries from doing the same thing too much. This is because you're not always working out the same muscles and joints in the same way: very important for those who want to stay active but not hurt their joints. The ideal frequency depends on your individual fitness goals, current activity level, and how your body responds, so start slow (maybe 5 minutes daily) and over time as your legs get stronger, gradually increase time spent on your stepper to 30 minutes 3 to 5 days a week. Listen to your body and adjust as needed: stop immediately if you feel intense knee pain while using a mini stepper.

Stepper = 10-15 mins.; can be broken down into 5 min. portions throughout the Day, to equal 10 or 15 minutes.

Steps = includes Side Step Jacks & Knee Cross To Elbow exercises footwork; I'm on [recommended] target.

Then, I ate a sandwich, swallowed some Dayquil with a cup of tea 🍵; & ended the Day working a few rows of my WIP ✂️🧶 and watching movies 💻🎬 - pleased the Day had wrapped up with engaging encouragements … and going to bed 🛌 before midnight, because I really was quite worn out 😌 with all the whiplash sneezing.

LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS EASY~Self-Care; Coalinga-CA

While drinking my morning coffee, I watched a pastor friend's morning service: we have been friends for about 23 years. The other day, I watched the internet sharing of his wife's Celebration of Life service, hearing his pain & heart-felt declarations - a pain and sentiment that I could identify with … I reached out to him the only way I can at the moment with him being there and me being here. I wanted to let him know that I am aware & that I care. And though he is not yet in a position to hear some of what I posted to him; I am asking Elohim to send the Ruach HaKo'desh to him to minister to him Yeshua's presence in his life's void, a soothing peace for his broken heart - and to prepare his healing heart for possible unknown blessings coming his way: {{So sorry for your sorrow, Jay. A Christian Home Going is such a beautiful experience - and I do understand your passionate declarations, however, please keep your heart open to whatever Elohim has for you. I remember the heartbreaking sorrow, and I remember making the same statements following Bob's graduation in December of 2018. Aside from Elohim & Yeshua, he was my whole world. He told me in the hospital, before he couldn't speak anymore, that he wanted me to marry again: I couldn't even imagine that! Bob was my "it" man - no one can compare. Even though I knew Bob was in Heaven … I missed his physical presence. I grieved hard for years. I told everyone I would never remarry. I wasn't interested in remarriage. Men were not even on my radar. However … Elohim had other Plans. Long story short, Elohim put a new husband in my Life in November of 2022 & we married January 7th, 2023. My new husband is the total opposite of Bob - but he is perfect for me and the life Elohim is blessing me with, now, in the moment. I am still surprised I am remarried - I never wanted it. I never sought it. It came to me suddenly & 100% "a God Thing". Never say never. Always be open to unknown blessings. It is possible to love 2 people at the same time and be faithful to both. I will be praying for you & your children.}} Maybe he'll be angry (I was when someone said pretty much the same thing to me, at Bob's Celebration of Life, in August of 2019); maybe he'll remember reading these words in a year, two years, three years - and smile a bittersweet smile as he steps into his new life with perhaps a new wife … and sends an air kiss to his friend who cares about him and his happiness - and let him know that in the only way she knows how.

In all things, it is important to understand, comprehend, and welcome the concept that Elohim knows our Life Story from beginning to end - we may be surprised at the twists and turns; we may buck against the happenings as they happen: BUT - Elohim knows how the story will unfold from start to finish. We can finish amicably, or we can finish hard; but whatever happens in or Life will happen according to His Will. His Will is the bottom line.

When Holland finished his morning coffee, finished his YouTube videos & FB PM scrolling's - he looked outside at the bright sunshiny day, and said, "How about we go for a drive before the rain arrives?" He didn't have to ask twice! I'm always up for a drive; and rain is scheduled to arrive sometime between tonight and tomorrow at dawn.

We didn't have a particular route planned, we were just driving and enjoying the sunshine. The almond orchards are in full bloom, and the scent on the warm breeze smelled like honeysuckle. When we got to the 4-corner junction, we saw the weekend vendors were back in place - so, we stopped to see what they had to offer. We walked away with 3 quarts of honey, 3 papaya's, & a bag of pistachio's.

Almond Orchard in bloom; the bees are happily busy.

4-way W Jayne Ave & CA-269 Huron-CA Junction from Almond Tree Oasis RV Park-CA; 11 mins. Via W Jayne Ave, S Glen Ave

Roadside vendors.

Turning towards Huron, Holland said, "How about we loop back home through Coalinga & grab another burrito and a couple street taco's?" I said, "Yes, please! But remember, it's Sunday - they may not be open." He said, "Well, we can try; and if they aren't open, we'll just go up the street to Taco Bell." My husband likes mexican food. Taco Bell is okay - but we both fervently hoped Tacos Y Mariscos Sergio Taqueria was open for business. We can always get Taco Bell food fare … we cannot always find authentic mexican food fare.

On the backside of Coalinga - out where the oil fields are; we saw a marker detailing the rolling hills of the Coalinga oil fields as "the headquarters of the mexican robinhood, Joaquin Murrieta Carrillo; we have driven this road many times and never saw the marker until today. Holland says we probably missed it because it blended in with the brown gritty landscape until the winter rains greened the grounds.

Our 55 minute loop drive route …

CA Historical Marker #344~Joaquin Murrieta Carrillo Headquarters; Coalinga-CA

Further down the highway, closer to town, is the marker we saw in September 2025; where someone had paid homage to the pillaging hombre, by leaving a fairly new pair of cowboy boots with the marker:

CA Historical Marker #33~Joaquin Murrieta Carrillo death; Coalinga-CA

Historical Marker along Hwy #33-CA

COALINGA-CA~History of Coal, Oil & Bandit:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/09/coalinga-cahistory-of-coal-oil-bandit.html)

Tacos Y Mariscos Sergio Taqueria was open, so we pulled up out front and we bought the same things as last time … plus a nacho's meal that was prepared by mistake for a customer who ordered something else  (so, I bought that, too; it looks different than any nachos I am familiar with, and I was curious); we had enjoyed our hour of sunny outing, and ate the burrito and tacos when we got back home.

Almond Oasis RV Park-CA from Coalinga-CA; 19 mins. Via CA-33, Jayne Ave

I also did some research on this sketchy bandit "robin hood" character - both articles were written with an obvious racial overtone towards "white gringo americanos"; so read these interesting articles with a grain of salt, as I did:

{{California's Golden Outlaw: The Lost Treasures of Joaquin Murrieta

The California Gold Rush of the 1850s was marked by an array of intriguing tales and characters. One of the most fascinating among them was Joaquin Murrieta, a legendary figure whose life and exploits have been subjects of countless fictionalizations and debates.

Joaquin Murrieta was a charismatic figure who emerged during the California Gold Rush. The young Mexican immigrant purportedly came to California to seek his fortune but faced grave injustices. His subsequent transformation into an outlaw led to him being seen by some as a freedom fighter and a bandit by others.

While some see him as a Mexican patriot resisting Anglo domination, others view him as a vicious desperado. His story, however, is not just a tale of one man's struggle against racial prejudice. It's a narrative deeply rooted in the racially charged atmosphere of 1850s California.

California, once a Mexican territory, was ceded to the United States following the Mexican-American War. The discovery of gold deposits in 1848 triggered a massive influx of white settlers into the region. This influx, coupled with discriminatory laws like the Foreign Miners' Tax Law of 1850, marginalized the Hispanic and Native American populations.

This racial tension led to an increase in crime, with some Californios (Hispanic residents) resorting to banditry. Reports of outlaws named "Joaquin" terrorizing California began circulating in newspapers as early as 1850. Whether all these crimes were committed by a single individual remains debatable.

Murrieta's full name first appeared in the Los Angeles Star in 1852. Stories about Murrieta's vigilante origins began to circulate. He was supposedly flogged and robbed, which led him to a life of crime. He became the leader of a gang called "The Five Joaquins," blamed for most of the cattle rustling, robberies, and murders in the Sierra Nevadas between 1850 and 1853.

Murrieta was known for his audacious robberies and his knack for disappearing with the loot. Here are some tales of the treasures he allegedly left behind:

Joaquin Murrieta's Stolen Cache: One of the most legendary stories involves a wagonload of gold stolen from the northern mines. The gold, along with other items, was hidden in a burial cave under a projecting rock ledge after an ambush by Indians. The whereabouts of this cache remain unknown.

The Burney Treasure: Another cache estimated to be worth $175,000 is said to be buried somewhere between Burney, California, and Hatcher Pass.

The Susanville Cache: A third cache worth around $200,000 (then) is believed to be concealed between Susanville and Freedonyer Pass near Highway #36.

The Feather River Robbery: Murrieta and his right-hand man, Manual Garcia, known as "Three-Fingered Jack," are said to have robbed a stagecoach along the Feather River. The strongbox reportedly contained 250 pounds of gold nuggets, which they buried on the banks of the Feather River. This stolen treasure has never been recovered.

In 1853, the California legislature put a $6,000 reward for the capture of Murrieta. A band of California rangers, led by Harry Love, attacked an outlaw camp, killing eight men, including the alleged Murrieta. His head was preserved in alcohol and paraded around the state as proof of his death. However, debates about the authenticity of the severed head and the existence of Murrieta himself continued to swirl.

John Rollin Ridge, a Cherokee First Nation and the first Native American novelist, immortalized Murrieta in his book, "The Life and Adventures of Joaquín Murieta." This book played a significant role in shaping the narrative of Murrieta's life and exploits, creating a compelling folk hero whose legend has inspired numerous fictional characters, including Zorro and Batman.

The tale of Joaquin Murrieta, filled with injustice, revenge, and lost treasures, continues to captivate audiences today. His life and legend serve as a stark reminder of the racially charged atmosphere of 1850s California, providing a poignant commentary on the socio-political dynamics of the Gold Rush era.

While the treasures of Joaquin Murrieta remain elusive, his story continues to glitter in California's history, as radiant and enigmatic as the gold he allegedly stole. The legend of Joaquin Murrieta, whether fact or fiction, remains an integral part of the rich tapestry that constitutes the history of the American West.

Fact Check: History is often a blend of documented facts, subjective interpretations, and folklore. The story of Joaquin Murrieta straddles these categories, making it an enduring, albeit controversial, part of California's history.

~California Trail Stories: https://www.pacificadventureclub.com/blog/californias-golden-outlaw-the-lost-treasures-of-joaquin-murrieta

HEAD GAMES

~The Head of Joaquin Murrieta: https://stevenmcfann.substack.com/p/bring-me-the-head-of-joaquin-murrieta-d98

The fate of Joaquin Murrieta’s head proved less romantic and mysterious than that of Procopio. In need of money and unable to find someone to store the head, Patrick Connor auctioned the head off for a price of $36. It bounced around owners for ten years before being purchased in 1865 by S.J Jordan with the aim of displaying it in the Pacific Museum of Anatomy and Science. Halfway between Ripley’s Believe it or Not! and a cadaver storage, the museum contained about every imaginable oddity, many clearly constructed by human hand. The head of Joaquin sat amidst mummies, diminutive skeletons and supposed cyclops skulls. Detained for cheap entertainment, the indignity the head suffered is enough to justify the activism of Joaquin’s modern-day sympathizers. Whatever the guilt or identity of the man displayed, to deny him peace seemed to be a confirmation of the continuous war of attrition waged on Hispanics in California.

Artistic rendering of Joaquin’s head and Three-Fingered Jack’s hand on displays

Joaquin Murrieta Carrillo: 

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

Joaquin spent his slumber in San Francisco for the next forty years. His sightless eyes watched the city transform. San Francisco was a wild, violent boom town when Joaquin Murrieta arrived in California. A town dominated by arsonist gangs, wrecked by inflation, and filled with virile and volatile young men seeking fortune. In many respects, it hadn’t changed. It was still a rough town full of vice where “anything goes” was the unspoken law. But it had also become a city of prestige and splendor, the “Paris of the West” where the wealthy flocked to luxury resorts, where the finest dining could be found mere hours away from dusty farms and ranchland. It would spend the next century as a wild west outpost for colorful characters living on the fringes of society and seeking the freedom of the frontier Paris. The beatniks, musicians, artists, the gay community, hippies, Hells Angels. All would call San Francisco home and add new color to the fabric of the City by the Bay. 

But Joaquin Murrieta’s head wouldn’t survive to see this transition. It wouldn’t see Joaquin’s centennial. In the fires spawned by the Earthquake of 1906, his head was reportedly consumed by the flames. As witness to the rising flames in the ruined museum, Charles Bull wrote that “Murrieta’s trial by fire was his last ordeal. He died as he had lived, violently, and his funeral pyre was undoubtedly the greatest the world had ever known.”}}

The nachos was placed in the fridge for later - maybe tomorrow later, we were so stuffed.

Holland, stuffed to the gills, kicked back and settled into a comfy siesta:

Siesta time.

The rain arrived a bit early; but right on schedule.

I did a few stretching exercises: I need to stick to routine if I expect success. And I do expect success – that is what I am aiming; and working for. All of the exercises below are generally safe for a 69 year old woman to do, provided she is cautious and performs the stretch slowly and gently, avoiding overstretching or bouncing - if however, you experience pain or discomfort, stop.

Muscles used.

These exercises are easy & simple - technique examples are shown below.

Palm-to-Palm Hand Press; press palms together as shown~hold for a 10 ct x3

Pat-On-The-Back Stretch~hold for a 10 ct x3

Wrist Flex Hold; Bend wrist towards the floor~hold for a 10 ct x 3

Seated Cat Stretch; move body backward as shown~hold for a 10 ct x3

Upper Back Stretch; clasp hands together and move body forward as shown~hold for a 10 ct x3

Overhead Shoulder Stretch; Weightless Seated Lat-Triceps Stretch; lift arms as shown~hold for a 10 ct x 3

Then, I pulled my WIP out, and pulled up a YouTube movie to watch while I worked rows back and forth:

2018 Movie, 'Coast To Coast': 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etn3_5lK-xY&t=4s)