PASO ROBLES-CA

October 9th: Today we decided to cross the mountain and check out the Wal*Mart on the other side, in Paso Robles-CA

We were up early & on the road by 7:46 AM.

Shimmering brow; Cover Girl glittery Green eyeshadows; Auburn Brow Gel; Deep Green Mascara; Au Natural Crème Blush & #590 L'Oréal Lipstick.

The day was nice for a drive. We basked in the hot 80-degree morning temperature as we whizzed past almond orchards, and talked about driving into Paso Robles-CA, to the Wal*Mart there - I've never been there, so Holland was treating me to this little sight-seeing-shopping jaunt:

Holland ran into the donut shop for on the road snacks …

A dozen Cake & Buttermilk Donuts - light & fluffy. The best; Coalinga-CA

San Lucas-CA from Coalinga-CA; 1 hr 1 min (48.2 mi) via CA-198 E

Hwy #198 through Coalinga-CA runs through the a canyon & up over the Diablo Range-CA

Believe the sign! This road is very tight, very snaky, and has very sharp 'hairpin' corners.

A very pretty country drive, crossing the Diablo Range-CA & dropping into the Priest Valley-CA

The moon is in a waning gibbous phase, which means it is still brightly lit by the sun, making it easily visible in daytime hours: Kinda looks like the moon is highlighting a Ying & Yang pattern.

The Santa Lucia Range in the clouds; viewed from Hwy 198-CA

Paso Robles-CA from San Lucas-CA; 44 min (44.8 mi) via US-101 N

The El Camino Real Bells; Hwy #101, San Lucas-CA

The El Camino Real Bells-CA: 

(https://www.discover-central-california.com/el-camino-real-bells/)

I didn't take any pictures of the town itself because it was pretty nondescript - it reminded me of the urban centers of Portland-OR; no a city, but larger than a town community. Hard to describe … even harder to be comfortable in.

We found the [super store].

The Paso Robles-CA Wal*Mart was nice on the outside - a nightmare, inside.

Inside, we each had a shopping cart and went our separate ways, agreeing to meet in the grocery section of the store. I had things I wanted to get; Holland had things he wanted to get - they were not in the same places. We had our phones with us & would touch base with each other.

The store was confusing. The layout was ridiculous. The aisles were so tight, just easily turning around in them was a feat … 2 shopping carts moving down the aisles in opposite directions was dangerous. The restrooms were a maddening joke. And the phones did not work at all - they were fully charged, but for some reason the frequencies were being jammed: I could receive calls form Holland, but I could not hear him at all, and he said he could not hear me: we played phone tag for about 20 minutes before I finally had him paged to meet me by the front door; I figured if he didn't meet me in about 15 minutes, I'd leave my cart (and everything in it) and go see if he was in Betsy. I didn't know if he was trying to contact me to say he'd paid for his stuff and was waiting in the 4x due to pain. I didn't know if he simply wanted to let me know he was in the grocery department, at that moment. I could see other people on their phones; I was getting frazzled & irritated. He was paged - he was in the store - he was about 100 feet from me when we finally spotted each other. We tried to finish shopping, but finally just gave up, paid for what we had, and left that nightmare: Holland simply cannot walk back and forth through ridiculous layouts - n.o.t.h.i.n.g. was where it should have been - and if, by some miracle, it was … it was nearly impossible to reach it because of the tight aisle traffic jams. Food items were spread across the entire store instead of being in specified areas. Clothing was spread across the store - from one end to the other instead of being sectioned, like most Wal*Mart's are. The workers were testy. We'd both crisscrossed the store several times on our own (I was out of breath - I'd used it up running the length of the store several times over & scanning the aisles for him while trying to answer his calls; and Holland was beginning to feel pain burn), and we tried to finish shopping together, but found ourselves still making several repetitious laps through the store because of the stupid layout. By the time we cried 'Uncle', located a cashier, & paid for our stuff, we had had enough of Paso Robles.

This Wal-Mart was a very frustrating experience - NO REPEAT!

Bless Holland's heart (I mean that in a good way) - seeing how frazzled I was following the in-store crazy, he said, "It's not a wasted trip Baby - we'll be doing some more sight-seeing on the way home, and that's the main reason we came this way." He was right, and his words did lighten things up considerably … and from now on, we'll shop the Wal*Mart in Hanford, where we don't feel trapped in a crazy corn maze layout, and prison like lockdown - or government scramble on phone convo.

What a nightmare.

Holland, on the way to Kettleman said he'd been on that road many times over the years, but the other roads from Coalinga to San Lucas & San Lucas to Paso Robles was new to him - so, that's a travel memory we made together, today. We like the moments that are ours alone, specific to the moments in our lives that are building the tapestry of our Life.

Kettleman-CA from Paso Robles-CA; 59 min (54.4 mi) via CA-46 E and CA-41

The route from Paso Robles to Kettleman City crosses the Temblor Range, and is near the San Andreas Fault.

The Temblor Range: 

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

Reading the information about the Temblor Range - and knowing what the San Andreas Fault is & what's it's capable of, is a little concerning; but we can't live our life in fear. In all reality, there's really no [safe] place - it seems like everywhere in America this year is fraught with concerning weather patterns and seismic activity of some sort.

Holland says we're staying put until there is divine inspiration to move on.

I'm okay with that.

We'd both rather be enjoying the sunny warmth here, than dealing with the wet cold of the PNW

LESSON OF COALINGA~1983 Coalinga Earthquake: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_Coalinga_earthquake & 

https://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/24/science/lesson-of-coalinga-california-seems-in-still-greater-peril.html)

The Magnitude 6.5 temblor that devastated Coalinga in 1983, was not directly on the San Andreas Fault, but rather on a previously unknown "blind thrust fault." This fault was not visible on the surface, making the earthquake a surprise to seismologists. The shock was felt from Los Angeles to 200 km north of Sacramento and as far east as Las Vegas.

Holland tells me this thing on that hill is a 'small work-over-rig' in an oil field.

Holland knows what a 'work-over-rig' is: he has been around them (his mechanic stepfather worked on them) - but he personally has not worked one, though he has worked several oil field jobs from Louisiana, North Dakota, Texas, & Canada … to name a few, before he worked construction jobs.

Workover Rig - GoPro Footage: 

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

Coalinga-CA from Kettleman-CA; 32 min (28.8 mi) via I-5 N and W Jayne Ave

It's all new to me … but Holland is also seeing old ways through new eyes, and sometimes experiencing new things, too. Like this morning's route over the Diablo Range.

I like that he's relaxing enough this year to enjoy the explorations.

I like that he's relaxing enough to enjoy those explorations with me.

We are still working on ourselves separately; and working together to overcome hinderances that hamper US.

HISTORIC 66 KINGMAN-AZ

March 6th: It rained & blew winds pretty hard all through last night - but, Independence held stable though she was rocked mightily: we were thinking the RV buses on both sides of us that sheltered our cozy home on wheels from the worst of the weather forces. This morning, the sky was blue - and the Zuni Park was busy as I enjoyed my morning cup of get-up-and-go while alternating between knitting, vintage movies, and people watching 😉

A sunny day 😊

Drinking my joy juice, working on a project, watching a vintage movie - and watching Park switcharoo's …

2nd overnighter to pull out this morning; they came in after we did, last night.

The van left, too; enjoying the sunny blue wide-open view.

When Holland woke up, he said, "How about we go check out some of the sights while there's a break in the weather?" I was dressed, dolled up, and out the door in under an hour 😁

Sparkly Browline & Matte Crease colors; Glittery Green & Purple shadow accents & liners … & 'Auburn' Brow Gel.

Neutre Enflamme Crème Blush; Blue Mist Mascara; Pink Sand Crème Lipstick.

Face on. Brushes washed with soap & water - and hung to air dry … and a light spritz of 'White Diamonds' perfume.

Baby, it's COLD, outside. BRRR

Today's temps …

Snow-kissed peaks in the distance … Hualapai Mountains seen from Kingman-AZ

Hualapai Mountains: 

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

Mining, ranching and the historic Route 66, helped Kingman-AZ grow from a Mohave Desert outpost to the sprawling city it is today. Kingman, Arizona is known as the Heart of Historic Route 66 because the longest remaining stretch of Mother Road branches out to the east and to the west of town: https://rovamag.com/blog/2023/2/24/kingman-the-heart-of-historic-route-66#:~:text=Kingman%2C%20Arizona%20is%20known%20as,to%20the%20west%20of%20town.

In the 1950s, new interstates offered quicker travel, with few exits connecting to Route 66. As major highways began to attract all the traffic, Mother Road lost most of its business, and communities along the route lost income as businesses that depended on travelers closed due to lack of income. But these communities are what I want to see, and experience, up close and personal … or by proxy - and my loving husband is doing all he can to make my dreams come true "up close and personal" 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Some places no longer exist.

Some places are closed to the public.

Some places have just been shuttered and left to fade away.

And some things we were forced to detour around, and may not get to see up close and personal 😒

But, we did drive through Old Town Kingman, and we did see some interesting things. The weather was so cold that we just did drivebys - and that's okay: the point was to see them … and we did 👌

KINGMAN-AZ 66: 

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingman,_Arizona)

Holland is giving me the Kingman-AZ Route 66 Tour ;-)

Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ: 

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

Two prominent Kingman figures - Andy Devine & Bob Boze Bell, named to Arizona hall of fame - 

(https://www.route66news.com/2017/01/14/two-prominent-kingman-figures-named-to-arizona-hall-of-fame/)

Stagecoach | COLORIZED WESTERN | John Wayne | Oscar Winning Film | Drama: 

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

'Old Town' Kingman-AZ

Hive Five Meadery; Kingman-AZ

Hive Five Meadery: 

(https://www.thebee.news/kingmans-first-meadery-buzzing-in-downtown/)

We heard trains rumbling thru Kingman all night long; reportedly 80-100 run daily!

Route 66 Bakery; #713 E Andy Devine Ave Kingman, AZ; the Bakery is now under new  management & is a 'keto-carnivore' eatery.

Hmm. Keto & meat? After listening to some friends who actually do the keto diet, I was thinking a keto carnivore diet kinda defeats the purpose of a keto diet … so, I looked it up to see what this latest fad promotes; basically, it's just another meaningless waste of time and money … and is actually a dangerous weight loss pursuit. MOP

On a keto carnivore diet, you would primarily eat meat, fish, eggs, and other animal-based products like butter and cheese. You would avoid all carbohydrates, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and sugars.

This diet is often used by people who want to lose weight quickly or improve their metabolic health.

Bandied Benefits Of A Carnivore Diet:

(1) Longer life - I'm calling BS on this; a specific lifespan was programmed into your DNA while you were forming in the womb - nothing can change that. When your number is up … it's up; you'll just be burying less body mass.

(2) General health improvement from head to foot - I'm calling BS on this; without fruits, vegetables, grains … overall body health is impossible - these are necessary things in daily diet.

(3) No tooth decay - I'm calling BS on this; environment, hereditary issues, and aging is the root cause of tooth decay - with, or without taboo foods or beverages.

(4) No diabetes - I'm calling BS on this; diabetes is not caused by sugar or carbohydrates - it is a type of auto-immune illness of hereditary strain, that can be exasperated by sugars and many, many other taboo foods.

(5) No fatty deposits in arteries to cause cardiovascular problems.

(6) No worry about cholesterol - I'm calling BS on this; natural levels of cholesterol is a by product of the liver, and necessary for healthy body function. High cholesterol is a hereditary condition. Aging also factors into high cholesterol issues. Exercise and eating a healthy diet helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

(7) Good more effective sleep.

(8) No brain fog or depression - I'm calling BS on this; 'brain fog' and depression issues are often linked to environment, atmosphere, and hereditary issues - food has very little to do with any of it.

(9) No sunburn - I'm calling BS on this; if you spend a significant time under intense sunbeams … you will get sunburned - it's elementary Sherlock.

(10) No constipation - I'm calling BS on this; if you are not eating fruits, you will be constipated - even animals in the wild, know this. Exercise also keeps constipation at bay.

(11) Lower risk of colon cancer, IBS, or leaky gut - I'm calling BS on this; if you are not eating fruits, you will be increasing these risks. Also, cancer, IBS, and leaky gut are hereditary illnesses. The best way to help prevent these issues is to eat between 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread and cereals, nuts and beans are excellent sources of fiber. Drinking plenty of water, eating a low-fat, healthy diet that include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have reduced risk of colorectal cancer, IBS, and leaky gut. Exercise is also beneficial.

(12) Yummy meat to eat all the time. 

(13) Easy meal planning.

(14) Fewer dishes to wash.

(15) Eat when hungry. No calorie counting.

(16) No starvation diets to lose and then control weight.

(17) Weight control - I'm calling BS on this; genetics can increase a person's susceptibility to obesity. Also, factors like environment, medications, and a sedentary lifestyle can influence weight outcomes.

Basically what I am saying about the whole keto-keto hype is that it is simply a new fad to suck people into wasting time and money, when all they have to do is to put the time into formulating a rotation meal plan that works for them and their family (everyone is built different; everyone has preferred foods they enjoy), limit skin exposure to sunbeams, change your eating habits, and exercise - exercise- exercise. It really is that simple to shed pounds and trim your torso. Keto foods are expensive … and the keto diet is pretty restrictive, and goes off the rails when the $$$$ runs out, and the fancy meal prep ingredients aren't available in certain regions.

3 Age-Defying Exercises to Maintain Strength As You Get Older: https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/3-age-defying-exercises-to-do-for-a-better-you/

Lifting Weights Can Help Older People Tackle Insomnia: https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/8908956/lifting-weights-can-help-older-people-tackle-insomnia/

10 Gentle Exercises For Seniors To Do At Home: https://taking.care/blogs/resources-advice/gentle-exercises-for-seniors?srsltid=AfmBOopJ5Ici0v_xxG07SRM8v0q7Ce1yNq9lf98PzcdM6h8PPk7_brZM

Of course, if you are a person that doesn't mind letting your $$$$ run through your hands like rainwater, and you need to sit around with like-minded people and gush about the latest fad you're engaging in, and you'd rather sit on your duff than work it to keep it toned … and if you want to keep treading the 6 month on-off diet cycle … then keto is for you.

Me? I can think of more enjoyable ways to spend thousands of dollars. I like to work my body, so it serves me productively. And I like to eat foods I enjoy - and foods my body needs to function at top performance. Also, keto foods will do more damage to my body than perhaps to another's - there are certain foods my body just cannot process without causing internal damage. Every body is different.

Kingman Water Tower: 

(https://www.route66news.com/2015/09/27/the-story-behind-kingmans-water-tanks/)

I like old buildings - I enjoy learning the history behind them. I like the vintage 1950's era - possibly because I am 1950's vintage ;-)

Hotel Beale: https://kingman.tours/a-tarnished-gem/

Hotel Brunswick: https://66brunswick.com/history-the-brunswick/

Old Trails Garage: https://kingmanarizonamurals.com/old-trails-garage/index.htm & http://route66times.com/l/az/kingman-old-trails-garage.htm

The Drive-in Diner that Holland was keen to visit and treat me to lunch at, was blocked off with traffic cones because of road work 😑

Mr. D's Route 66 Diner (internet picture); #105 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ

Mr. D's Route 66 Diner: 

(https://mr-dz-route-66-diner.restaurants-world.com/menu)

The Motel 6, off the freeway, that we stayed in during our December 3-State Loop Drive~2024

We had rented a room, towards the end; #424 W Beale St, Kingman, AZ

Motel 6: 

(https://www.motel6.com/en/home/motels.az.kingman.9367.html)

Entering the Historic Downtown of Kingman-AZ:  (https://kingmanhistoricdistrict.com/)

The Santa Fe 3759: 

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_3759)

WTHeck … we'll skip this since canada is being aggressively rude & arrogantly stupid towards the USA.

Cruising 'Old Kingman' …

Historic District Buildings; Kingman-AZ

I instantly thought of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles 😊 

SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES - 'I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE' song: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kaq-G6TnAfk)

Arcadia Lodge sign seen from Historic Loop backstreet.

Arcadia Lodge - internet pic: permanently closed.

Arcadia Lodge: 

(https://kingman.tours/poi/arcadia-court/)

Everywhere we went, were road work cones 😤 Criminy sakes!!

Hilltop Motel; internet picture - not open to the public. It is now only used for long-term stays and traveling nurses.

Hilltop Motel: 

(https://www.route66news.com/2023/03/30/hill-top-motel-in-kingman-is-up-for-sale-for-2-87-million/)

Kingman Dambar Landmark Steakhouse - 'no weapons pardner'.

1Kingman Dambar Landmark Steakhouse: 

(https://dambarsteakhouse.com/)

Rutherford's Family Diner; Kingman-AZ

Interior looks like Longview's Topper's Diner before it was sold.

Rutherford's Family Diner: 

(https://kingmanmerchantsmall.com/rutherfords-66-family-diner/)

When we drove past the Silver Queen Motel, the sign tripped contemplation of my silvered crown 😉

The Silver Queen Motel - internet picture; open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The inn is located at 3261 E. Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ

My new self-Title, & Holland's soft chuckle, that I love to hear 😘

The last leg of our Old Kingman Tour took us past a Thai restaurant that we are thinking of trying this weekend - I like Asian foods (Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Thai), and this will be gentle on Aunt Gaye's stomach 👍

We grabbed a burger at the In & Out - so good! So 50's retro 😁

Thai Food on Route 66; #2018 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ … the food menu online looked similar to my favorite Thai restaurant in Longview-WA; we're definitely going to try this out!

We liked seeing this … people 'down South' aren't ashamed of their Faith.

In & Out Burger since we couldn't get into Mr. D's …

When we got back to Independence, I got online to track down info … and shot texts back and forth with Aunt Gaye while Holland paid bills; and then, Holland made us a yummy juiced concoction.

Another one of Holland's delish juiced concoctions: 1/2 a Lemon; 4 cloves Garlic; a few whole Ginger; 1 TBSP Cacao Powder; Cinnamon & Turmeric; 1 c. Blueberries; 2 Dates; 1-1/2 Bananas; 1/2 c. Honey; & 4 oz. Coconut Water = puree.

Today was a good Day ❤️

Now, I'm gonna relax and watch "Stagecoach" with John Wayne & Andy Divine 😁