I'M NOT REALLY A PEOPLE PERSON~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA

Walk-ins are definitely discouraged.

Siblings & both husbands kinda visit by the seat-of-the-pants … but I want notification of a potential visitation.

Sometimes my peopling battery has been seriously depleted: and I'm not up for a drop-in 3 hour rehash visit. I want to recharge - preferably alone, where the recharge can fully recharge.

Sometimes I have spent the entire night cat-napping (over-thinker pit fall), instead of getting a full-on refreshing slumber: and I'm not up for a drop-in 3 hour rehash visit. I want to recharge - preferably alone, so I can continue cat-napping to recoup the sheep & herd them back over the fence together, to count off the 1-2-3 … drop off into dreamland.

Sometimes I am worn out from simply trying to stay alive; asthma is a bitch that refuses to be put down: and I'm not up for a drop-in 3 hour rehash visit. I want to recharge - preferably alone, in my private space - where no one but me can see the mess staying alive has made of my face … and I can be a drooping wall flower all day long until my sunflower energy returns, & rejuvenates me.

And most importantly - my home is my sanctuary. My safe place. The 1 place in the whole world where I can decide who is in it; and how long they can stay: and I'm not up for bored drop-in visitors that have nowhere else to be all Day long. I am an Empath - people carry energy with them & sometimes that energy gets to be an overwhelming current that seriously drains my energy ~ I can feel what they feel (emotions, experiences, the life vibe). I need my personal space to be free of intensity. I need my personal space to be as peaceful as possible; like a calming sanctuary.

I'm not anti-social (as my kids & new husband continually tells me) - I'm selectively social:

In my own time … and the place I choose.

With an inhabitation limit.

ACTION PACKED DAY; Castle Rock-WA

I woke up early this morning; so, I quietly grabbed my book 📕 on the way out of the bedroom - so I wouldn't wake Holland 😴, and read a couple chapters 📖 while eating a potato patty & bacon strips 🥓 breakfast with flavorful morning joy juice ☕️

The Day started with The Fargo's & a South American adventure; I'm in the final chapters of this story, now.

When Holland woke up & joined me downstairs, I asked him what he'd like me to take out of the freezer for supper - he said he just wanted a "light supper" … so, I asked, "Will a loaded baked potato 🥔🧈🍃🥓🧀 be light enough?" He said it would.

And thinking of those delicious hot potatoes, that got my thoughts going in the direction of a yarn craft design 🤔📏🧶✂️📝

So, the Fargo's were put aside, while I listened to a couple podcasts 💻🎙️ while designing & working up a pair of microwave hot pad mitts to fit my need:

A design born of a present necessity.

MOD Crochet Microwave Hot Pad Mitt:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/07/mod-crochet-microwave-hot-pad-mitt.html)

While I was engaged in that activity, Holland decided to go into town to grab some things 🛒 we'll need for our planned 4th of July activities 🗽🦅: nothing fancy - just a drive into the back country behind the family ranch compound 🚘

We've been invited to a couple festive events, but Holland's pain level is unpredictable 🤨; when it flares up ⚡️😩, he just wants to be home, relaxing 🛌🩹 - so, we don't want to be to far from Independence 🏡

He has a scheduled appointment ⚕️ in 2 weeks with a new medical center we are hoping will actually be able to help him ♻️

While he was gone, I put the mitt work aside just long enough to do a quick, simple workout 🧘:

Toe Touch Exercise~Aim for 10-15 reps

Lower Body Workout~Aim for 15-20 reps EA set x2; Use wall support. Skip the bend-over exercise if vertigo or balance is an issue.

The mitt was finished in time for supper 👍 - and there was no awkward grappling with steaming hot potatoes, tonight 😁

Loaded Microwave [Baked] Potatoes Recipe:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/07/loaded-microwave-baked-potatoes-recipe.html)

Today was a good Day: we both felt blessed in many ways 💕

MIGRAINE HEADACHE DRAINED~Self Care 2006; Castle Rock-WA

I'm already migraine-headache-drained; and we've only been here 18 days.

With each migraine pulse, my halo threatens to slip completely off.

Please God! Drain the swamp & clear the air.

I've removed my presence from the main living area - I can't stay golden if I don't shut the disrespect down.

The first day of spring is just days away - so, I concentrated on making headway in the sleeveless tops in my closet: too much fat tissue in the underarm, armpit and back area can make sleeveless clothing look & feel uncomfortable - as well as cause aesthetic and health problems; the workout I chose today will help burn that fat off. The Darebee Storm Princess workout is a cardiovascular exercise designed to raise your body temperature and increase your breathing rate without tiring you out. It focuses on upper body dexterity and muscle control, making it ideal for workouts without feeling fatigued. The workout includes various exercises that help build strength and stability, perfect for those looking to enhance their fitness routine.

#I've also noted below, alternative moves for easier motion.

Muscles Worked.

Arm Circles~F & B 20 x3; Scissors~20 x3 ; Step Jacks~20 x3

Arm Circles are generally safe for a 69-year-old woman to do, provided she follows proper technique and is mindful of her body's feedback - stop any exercise that causes sharp pain or discomfort. It's best to modify or rest rather than push through. Start Slow and Small: Begin with small, controlled circles and gradually increase the size as comfort allows. It's important to note that while arm circles can be beneficial, they should be part of a broader exercise routine that includes a variety of exercises to build strength, stability, and flexibility.

Stand comfortably with your torso upright; raise your arms to the sides at shoulder height, with your palms facing down - create small forward circles in the air for 20 seconds (count 1, 2, 3, ect.); then, make circles with a backward motion for another 20 seconds = this is one set. Perform EA set, x3 This duration allows for a full range of motion and helps to target the muscles in the arms effectively. It is important to perform these exercises with proper form and to listen to your body to avoid overexertion.

Arm Circles

#Seated Option for Stability: For those with balance concerns, performing the exercise while seated in a sturdy, armless chair is a safe modification: sit comfortably on a chair with your torso upright; raise your arms to the sides at shoulder height, with your palms facing down - create small forward circles in the air for 20 seconds (count 1, 2, 3, ect.); then, make circles with a backward motion for another 20 seconds = this is one set. Perform EA set, x3 This duration allows for a full range of motion and helps to target the muscles in the arms effectively. It is important to perform these exercises with proper form and to listen to your body to avoid overexertion.

Seated Arm Circles

Arm Scissors/Crossovers are safe for a 69-year-old woman to do as part of her exercise routine. Arm exercises, including arm scissors, can help strengthen the arms and improve daily function~count of 20 x3

Arm Scissors Crossover

Step Jacks can be safe for a 69-year-old woman if there are no underlying medical issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or balance issues. Step Jacks involve repetitive stepping and lateral movement, which can place stress on the knees, hips, and ankles. Know your body & use caution if you proceed. Step Jacks are designed to improve lower body strength, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health, which are particularly important for seniors aiming to maintain mobility and reduce fall risk. They engage muscles in the legs, glutes, and core, while also providing a mild aerobic workout. 

Start Slowly: Begin with a slower pace and lower step height to reduce impact on joints. Wear Proper Footwear: Shoes with good cushioning and arch support help absorb impact and prevent slips. Monitor Intensity: Keep movements controlled and avoid jumping or rapid side-to-side motions that could stress joints~count of 20 x3

Side Step Jacks

#Seated Option for Stability: For those with balance concerns, performing the exercise while seated in a sturdy, armless chair is a safe modification: sit comfortably on a chair with your torso upright, your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands resting on your thighs - maintain an upright posture throughout the movement, keeping your spine aligned and core engaged. When performing the Sitting Jack, make sure to fully extend your legs out to the sides and your arms overhead, reaching as far as you comfortably can. This will engage your muscles more effectively and maximize the benefits of the exercise. Proper breathing technique is also crucial for this exercise. As you lower your legs and arms, exhale slowly and fully. Then, as you bring your legs and arms back up, inhale deeply. This coordinated breathing pattern will help you maintain control and stability while performing the Sitting Jack.

Remember to always listen to your body and modify the exercise as needed. By practicing proper form, avoiding common errors, and using the correct breathing technique, you can perform the Sitting Jack safely and effectively~count of 20 x3

Seated Jack

After the workout, I spent the bulk of the day yawning.

Rain arrived as I was watching John's Roundtable discussion - small talk bores me … but I enjoy listening to (and engaging in, when I can) interesting discussions, like this one:

2026 03 18 Prophecy Roundtable Technocracy Transhumanism AI w Wood Townsend Gillette Garcia Haller: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msPBJM2WSKo)

WILLAPA DENTAL; Ocean Park-WA

Willapa Dental; #205 12th St S, Long Beach, WA

Last night I went to bed sneezing, with a runny nose.

This morning I woke up sneezing, with a runny nose.

I had a dentist appointment scheduled for 3:30 this afternoon … sneezing, with a runny nose is not a good thing to be experiencing on any day: especially on dentist day 😒

So, I put out an S,O,S, post to my praying friends on FB:

We drank our morning coffees; and waited the countdown to appointment arrival. While we waited, I did some internet scrolling.

Two titles caught my attention …

California Is Getting A Harsh Economic Lesson After Implementing $20 Minimum Wage Law:  

https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6375976980112

Ozzy Osbourne, Pioneering Heavy Metal Singer and Black Sabbath Frontman, Dies at 76:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/ozzy-osbourne-pioneering-heavy-metal-singer-black-sabbath-frontman-die-rcna42423 & https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/14789332/ozzy-osbourne-no-regrets-health-battles/

😞

RIP OZ ✌️

I first heard Black Sabbath tunes at my friend Kay Wirkkala Holland's house, when we were teens. I believe the vinyl LP belonged to her older sister, Vicky. I was hooked 👍

Poor Bob, my 1st husband. Every morning while making his lunch for work, I would slip Black Sabbath on, on my stereo system at full blast to wake me up to function: I was a new 17-year old Bride, who was waking up to make a 3 AM work lunch … and wake fully up before school started; my husband insisted I graduate 🤨 That was the deal he made with my stepfather before we married.

Black Sabbath at 3 AM didn't last long: Bob hated it. He never "came around" to appreciate heavy metal 😉

But, periodically, I still like to crank it up when it comes over the airwaves. And my new husband, Holland … who actually listens to some heavy metal bands … doesn't appreciate the great OZ, either: I really do not understand the men in my life, who do not appreciate what I find interesting 😂🤣

R.I.P. OZ - you really did put out some good tunes to ease the crazy train ride of Life. Your theme-centered music paved the way for lesser bands, with nonessential messages.

Iron Man is my all time favorite … and my ears can recognize it on the wind from blocks away. Then Paranoid & War Pigs.

Black Sbbath - 'Iron Man' lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LMSF4tbHQQ&list=RD0LMSF4tbHQQ&start_radio=1)

Black Sabbath - 'Parinoid' lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzNS2KAglGM&list=RDGzNS2KAglGM&start_radio=1)

Black Sabbath - 'War Pigs' lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG0Ws3YfONY&list=RDrG0Ws3YfONY&start_radio=1)

Black Sabbath - 'Children OF The Grave' lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL6iq4sKaHA&list=RDqL6iq4sKaHA&start_radio=1)

Black Sabbath - 'Crazy Train' lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv5EpxIWin0&list=RDlv5EpxIWin0&start_radio=1)

Black Sabbath - 'Planet Carvan' lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zDTs6F5G6Q&list=RD3zDTs6F5G6Q&start_radio=1)

As the scheduled appointment time drew nearer, we both shut down our laptops and climbed onto Betsy's cab. Holland said, "I'll find some Black Sabbath tunes for you", and started searching his phone for playlists that feature old-school music. Holland can't stand OZ. I appreciated his offer, but I stayed his roaming fingers, "It's okay Babe. If I want to listen to some older stuff, I'll do it later on tonight - I appreciate the offer, but you don't have to torture yourself on my behalf."

And we were off, with a visible sigh of relief 😉

Holland had earlier been notified that a package was waiting for us at the Park Office, so we stopped by there first, to retrieve it: it was the heater Holland recently ordered - and he was happy it arrived so soon.

Holland waited for me in the Willapa Dental parking lot, making phone calls and listening to his music while my back tooth was tended to.

The staff was friendly. The dentist was personable, attentive, worked with me, informed me of procedures the entire time … and had gentle hands that fits comfortably in my mouth, so I didn't have to unhinge my jaw for his working ease. When he commented, "You have a little mouth", I almost laughed out loud - thinking, "my husband would not agree with you" 😂🤣

If I need dental work again, it is good to know there is a good dentist closer than 2 hours away.

When we got back home, the gray skies had been replaced with a cloudless blue expanse: it was a welcome change.

Holland got the heater put together; and ate a couple fried bacon sandwiches.

I prepared my usual protein drink & ramen supper fare … and also did a couple muscle toning exercises:

Daily Meal until Wednesday evening, a protein drink … halved with water, between 2 bottles; & Ramen Noodles with veggies.

Tonight, with the radiator heater set up and quietly humming, the back end of the house will be as warm and comfortable as the living quarters 👍

The 'For you, Baby' radiator heater arrived this afternoon.

I appreciate the extra things my husband does to make my life comfortable - he is a good man. And someday, he'll stop working so hard to be a macho man with an attitude ❤️

STEPPING THINGS UP & US Warning to iran; Ocean Park-WA

June 21st: It rained all night - and all day, here in Ocean Park-WA

I woke up listening to the raindrops tap-dancing across the roof overhead … and decided to make a quick stew for Supper 👍

So, while my chosen flavor of coffee dripped into my coffee mug, I gathered all the ingredients I would need, and prepared them ahead of time to cut down on standing in the kitchen around Supper time:

Ingredients for my version of Fireside Stew made with 4Patriots dry mix …

I also bounced a thought back and forth in my head. I have been focusing on the negative aspect of Holland's preference to "just be friends" in this weird marriage … he does have TBI combined with PTSD - and I do have PTSD: communication & reception can often suffer sporadic static.

I've been [taking space] after the last sporadic static; and he's been making moves to "make things right" by initiating short dating episodes. At first I was angrily annoyed. Then, I thawed some - after all, we do miss each other's company. Maybe it will be fun dating my husband 😉 - perhaps the faults he has as a husband will shine as virtues in a boyfriend 😂🤣

What Are the 40 Virtues? (Full List): https://www.familiesofcharacter.com/blogs/virtue/what-are-the-40-virtues-full-list

Kenny Loggins - "Meet Me Halfway" Lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBWSwO91hdQ)

As a friend, we are best friends despite the marriage static. As a boyfriend, he was calm and relaxed. As a husband he put himself under enormous pressure … the fallout from his familial dysfunction was always in high gear. Yes - maybe reverting back to Friend & Boyfriend status for the time being will actually be best for both of us, until he feels comfortable and confident enough to step things up to Husband status without feeling like he's straining against a choke collar.

Tim McGraw - 'My Best Friend' Lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRJ0lpu6XaU)

He is wanting to do more Road Gypsy adventuring with me; and he really is the best person for me to adventure with - even when I'm distancing from him for peace's sake … he is diligently searching the internet for interesting places to stake our pegs and explore, making sure I have a hiking trail to walk. He's even talking about getting another dog to keep me company (really for his peace of mind while I'm out and about in the wilds, on my own) - a dog that will have a calmer personality than Bleu did: we loved having Bleu, but he tore Holland's arms and feet up something terrible with his toenails; toenails he wouldn't let anyone close to with clippers.

We will be enjoying more road trips.

We'll see about the dog …

We both have trust & abandonment issues that trip us up when stressors overwhelm our circuits. When life slides sideways & overwhelms, Holland gets domineering … and I get defiant: and the marriage gets sidetracked (distracted from the main purpose, or course; in essence, it gets delayed from what was originally intended).

We are actually both in the wrong.

When a Taurus bull & a Capricorn goat butt heads, love gets challenged.

But in the end, we both know neither of us are going anywhere. We are 2 best friends that love each other - and are caught in a whirlwind moment that feels overwhelmingly daunting, in the moment. We also know that these moments - intense as they can be - are fleeting, and not as frequent as they may feel when we are caught [in the moment]. Holland's stress overload cools quicker than mine; and he easily blows off the heated words. It takes me longer to cool down; and quite a while to forget the words and overlook the heat behind them.

I want to talk the issue out, to sort it out and lay it to rest: he does not. He refers to let things ride until they coast to a slow and easy stop by themselves - I want to talk it out, and apply the brakes as soon as possible to avoid further pitfalls: letting things ride only prolongs the heat instead of turning it off. MPO

However, I do understand that defusing the heat before talking, touching, or enjoying a drive together is the way he tamps down his trigger points. I am learning that when he says, "We need time apart! You're impossible!" - he isn't leaving permanently, he's just going for a cool down drive; and by "impossible", he means he isn't getting his way in that particular moment. Because of his TBI, the angry words and domineering behavior is loud and intense … but so is the flipside of that: he's ready to make up, forget the anger, and move forward as soon as the blue smoke clears. He's confused as to why I am stalling his "good intentions".

But he is beginning to understand that my need to initiate an immediate talk session during - or following - a heated back and forth word war, is my way seeking assurances that our unity is not seriously broken. When I say, "don't touch me" after a particularly ugly heated battle of the wills, I'm not pushing him away indefinitely … I just need space to bury the hurt feelings & soothe my soul. I don't want to be touched in the moment - I do not want to be placated. I don't want my feelings to be manipulated: I want to be heard. I want to be respected. I'm going to need time before I get friendly again.

This will all eventually be worked out peacefully; we are, after all, still newlyweds. We are still in the finding out about each other phase of marriage. Marriage is a new experience for Holland.

We are both damaged souls from serious traumas throughout our separate lives. We have differing views on just bout everything - and that is the complication driving everything 😟

We both know why we react the way we do … and we both look towards the Day we will understand what trips each other's triggers, so we can be wiser in how we react when life overwhelms our circuits.

We are both survivors - we know how to adjust and get what we want out of Life.

We actually do have more good times than we have challenging times.

Maybe it will be fun dating my husband; the dating period between that first coffee date, and the marriage trip to Reno-NV was very brief. We wouldn't be the 1st married couple that needs a "getting to know you" introduction period of after-the-fact-dating 😉

"Stepping things up" in this realm of Life, could be a very pleasant undertaking that leads to a peaceful, happy, domesticity 🙏🩹💘🕊️👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

As I set the soup pot on the hot plate, I received a text from a friend:

"The Last Rapture Sign Just Appeared" – John MacArthur THE BEST MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS3V0qc5wpU)

I listened to the video while Supper simmered, and my hands kept the yarn moving smoothly along the WIP I hope to have done, soon …

Stew simmering, & working on my WIP to the backbeat of raindrops tap-dancing across Independence's roof.

Husband says, 'it's a repeat' ;-)

VAL'S UPGRADED 4PATRIOTS FIRESIDE STEW Recipe; Ocean Park-WA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/06/vals-upgraded-4patriots-fireside-stew.html)

Then, following Supper, I received another text - it appears there is a "stepping up" happening in another realm of Life, also:

News Report on US Strike on iranian Nuclear Sites follows at end of this Posting …

And I closed this "stepping up" Shabbat, with a peaceful turning of the calendar page; with a prayer for peace, and a hope for substantial stability concerning all angles and levels of my Life 👊

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

‘Totally Obliterated’: Read Trump’s Remarks After US Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites

~The Sacramento Bee Updated June 21, 2025 8:01 PM

The text of President Donald Trump’s address Saturday, June 21, 2025, from the East Room of the White House following the announcement of a U.S. bomber strike on three nuclear sites in Iran: 

{{“A short time ago, the U.S. military carried out massive precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise.

“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.

Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.

For 40 years, Iran has been saying, ‘Death to America,’ ‘Death to Israel.’ They have been killing our people, blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs. That was their specialty. We lost over a thousand people. And hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate. In particular, so many were killed by their general, Qasem Soleimani.

I decided a long time ago that I would not let this happen. It will not continue.

I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before. And we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done.

And most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades. Hopefully, we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that’s so. I hope.

I also want to congratulate the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan ‘Razin’ Caine. Spectacular general. And all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack.

With all of that being said, this cannot continue. There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal.

But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There’s no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight. Not even close. There has never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago.

Tomorrow, General Caine (and) Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will have a press conference at 8 a.m. at the Pentagon.

And I want to just thank everybody and in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them.

God bless the Middle East, God bless Israel, and God bless America.

Thank you very much. Thank you.”}}

~This story was originally published June 21, 2025 at 7:25 PM.