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.

LIFE TESTIMONY

'I Love The Lord': 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNPTHEy9CB8&list=RDeNPTHEy9CB8&start_radio=1)

Even though I am remarried, I will never stop sharing Bob's Salvation Testimony - because he never did.

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

I had been listening to Lamb since 1979 - long before Bob; Bob did not get saved until 1981: it literally was a death experience salvation.

Bob was working away from home, living in a a pickup-bed camper he'd borrowed from his parents, in the back yard of friends in Toutle. One night, he went to their son's football game with them, and sat down to Supper with them when they got back. According to the story I was told later that night, he just killed over in his potatoes - no reason. One minute he was eating and laughing with the family … and the next minute, Bill hauled him out of his chair and onto the floor giving CPR while Punkie called the ambulance. 2 ambulances responded because the boundary line cutting between 2 counties was on Bill and Punkie's property. The EMT's worked on him for 24 minutes before calling the hospital to ask what they should do now - the reply they got was, "Call the mortuary; there s nothing else you can do." So while the 2 ambulance crews are fighting over who gets Bob's corpse, HE SITS UP AND SAYS, "Wow. I think God means business this time." Scared everyone out of their wits! The Cowlitz County ambulance decided he was going with them … so they slapped him back down on the gurney and rushed him to Longview's St. John's Hospital (Peace Health now), where doctors there ran tests on him for a full 72 hours straight to find out why what happened with Bob happened: they never did find out; all tests were inconclusive. But one thing was for sure, after those words Bob spoke when he was resurrected, he did not speak again for 6 months - and then, only haltingly and sparingly. When I was driven to the hospital to bring Bob home, I was told, "Your husband was dead for 25 minutes Mrs. Hargand, you need to look for a Nursing Home. He will never regain cognitive abilities. He is brain damaged." Well, I looked at the doctors, and said, "Thank you for your care and diagnosis, but I am taking my husband home. And God will heal him." Bob was 31 years old. I was NOT putting him in Nursing Home! Other than not speaking, he was functioning as usual. I could see by the way his eyes responded that he could hear just fine, and he wanted to speak. Desperately. So we went home and I loved on him … and waited for him to heal. He wasn't an idiot, he just could not speak. He was driving. He was physically able to take care of himself. After about 6 months, he started to speak a little bit. Haltingly. His brain was working; he knew what he wanted to say, but the connection between brain and tongue was sketchy. Sometimes, he would be talking in a stuttering conversation, and then - he would just stop. Like the plug had been pulled. This went on for a while before he started talking smoothly and fluently.

During all this time he was listening to my Lamb cassettes and reading my Bible from front to back and back to front (I later bought some Israel's Hope cassettes that Bob listened to, too: he preferred Israel's Hope): by the time he could talk in a comprehensive and coherent manner, he knew the Bible by heart and asked if he could get one of his own. YOU BET! So next time we were in Longview, we came home with a brand new Bible for Bob 😃 10 months after being released from the hospital, he was working full time again - AND MINISTERING TO THE CREW. His speech was still halty, but understandable; and the crew knew him … they had all grown up together, the older ones friends with the family, and the younger ones, school mates. By this time his crew were all living in Glenoma-WA. Including Bob. He met a few log truck drivers who were Christians and they started getting together after work. They were good for each other.

About this time, I started looking for another Church to fellowship with because the Assembly Of God in Cathlamet wasn't very accepting of Bob (he'd been divorced before we married - a big religious "no-no" at that time). I found a little country fellowship in Lexington, and stared going there, and shared Bob's miraculous story with them. I told Bob about the fellowship one weekend he was home and he started going with me. He was invited to go to a Jail Ministry with 2 other fellas one Sunday and he was hesitant because he was embarrassed over his talking abilities. But they encouraged him and he relented and went. The story that relayed to me afterwards, was that when Bob stood up to give his story to the inmates, Ken and Terry (the 2 that talked him into going) stood up too, and prayed with him and for him that he would be able to talk without embarrassment. AND HE DID! They said that when they opened their eyes and started to sit down, they saw Bob's body begin to quiver from the top of his head to his waist and he started speaking clearly and fluently without any trouble at all.

He was healed that day and never had any trouble with speech from that day forward.

Bob always used to laugh and say, "And I was never quiet again." And I always followed that statement up with, "That's okay. I like the sound of your voice."

He even told the doctors at OHSU what I have just relayed in this post.

Until his last day on Earth, Bob told people how Elohei got his attention, and how he got saved. Bob lived his life, from 1981, as a staunch ambassador for Yeshua, without apology or embarrassment like some feel they need to do - Bob NEVER APOLOGIZED for being a Christian, and he NEVER watered the gospel down to make sinners feel comfortable in their sin. So when the pastor of the little Lexington fellowship told us in 2016 to leave "his church" because we were no longer welcome (the pastor there liked to water down the Gospel, single people out for favoritism, & refused to teach the Book of Revelation), Bob felt sad; but he also knew that if the pastor there was willing to allow sin to prosper in {his church} instead of allowing the Gospel to take root and grow in GOD'S HOUSE, it was time to go.

Bob was a solid Christian once he decided it was better to have died, been brought back to life, and to live for God … than to die, KNOW you are on a fast track to Hell and be fearful of death. When Bob's physical body died December 14th, 2018 at OHSU, Bob was not afraid. He KNEW beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was going Home.

And I believe with all my heart, that Yeshua came to take his hand and walk him through the Pearly Gates, and Elohim greeting him, saying, "Welcome Home, Son."

2004~Longview-WA: Bob at a family gathering, in his sister Merry's, livingroom.

2012~Merritt Drive, Kelso-WA: Bob & Dave Hargrove; from 1982 to 1984, Dave lived with us following a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in a head plate & shin plate - the motorcycle was in pieces. He was saved 1983 listening to Bob's testimony & they were fast friends for life. Dave's spirit left Earth on May 24th, 2014 & Bob's followed on December 14th, 2018

Jan Markell - 'Prophetically Ground Shaking'

Jan Markell - 'Prophetically Ground Shaking': 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TeLfbExHlc)

Human cloning = millionaire FB designer, Mark Zuckerberg, is creating a clone of himself so he can be everywhere, at once, with everyone he is currently in contact with = forerunner for acceptance of the Mark of the Beast?

Neuralink, which promises Jesus-like healings & promises immortality, envisions a future where humans could interact seamlessly with artificial intelligence, potentially enabling advanced cognitive enhancements and even forms of technological telepathy = Atlantis rising?

Sketchy Days.

WEEK 2; Castle Rock-WA

Week 2 📅

And we're still engaged in a mexican standoff.

But, I never question Elohei in matters that directly affect my Life ☝️ ✝️🕊️

I trust 🙏

I walk in Faith ❤️

Meanwhile - Life goes on 👉

And we do what we have to do to make it the best we can 🤞

For me, making my life “the best I can” involves busy work .. .but not aimless busy work: I always bring intention to whatever I do.

I'm feeling a little better today; my chest doesn't hurt when I breathe. While I enjoyed my morning coffee ☕️, I watched a little red-headed finch pop in-and-out of one of the shrubs hedging the Park boundary where Independence in currently parked: It was so fast, I could never get a clear picture of it … but this is what it looked like, and what it sounds like:

House Finch: Coloration: Males are easily recognizable by their rosy red foreheads, throats, and chests. Nesting: House finches are known for their creative nesting habits, often building nests in trees, shrubs, and even on manmade structures like building ledges and hanging planters. Their nests are typically made from twigs, grasses, and feathers.

House Finch Call: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYr9hicy5M0&t=14s)

I also posted to Monday's Blog Hops, the post I wrote up last night:

MOD CROCHET HOT PADS SET; Castle Rock-WA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/04/mod-crochet-hot-pads-set-castle-rock-wa.html)

Uploading my Hot Pads Post to today's Blog Hops, I saw that 2 of my earlier designs & patterns had been featured on 2 Hosting Blogs:

MOD SPRING FLORIBUNDA ROSE COASTER; Castle Rock-WA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/04/mod-spring-floribunda-rose-coaster.html)

MOD SHAMROCK COASTER; Castle Rock-WA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/03/mod-shamrock-coaster-castle-rock-wa.html)

And I was able to do a short workout - I love the Darebee workouts because they accomplish a lot in a short period of time 😉 I've included alternative exercise routines (#) for those who need something a little less aggressive on their aging bodies 😘

Warmups: Standing Windmill Toe Touches should be approached with caution, especially for a 69-year-old woman. While they can be beneficial for stretching the hamstrings and lower back, they also carry risks such as stress on the lumbar spine, potential strain on the ligaments and discs, and the possibility of aggravating pre-existing conditions like herniated discs. It is crucial for seniors to perform these exercises with proper form and to listen to their bodies. If they experience any discomfort or pain, it is recommended to stop the exercise.

Bodyweight Windmill Toe Touch~Aim for 8-12 reps x2

The Standing Windmill Toe Touches exercise primarily targets the rectus abdominis (core muscles), gluteus maximus (buttocks), and hamstrings (back of the thighs). Additionally, the quadriceps (front of the thighs) and abdominal muscles (including the transversus abdominis) are engaged during the movement. This exercise is beneficial for improving flexibility and strength in these muscle groups, making it a valuable addition to any fitness routine.

Core muscles; abs and spinal erectors.

Glutes Muscles

#Seated Toe Touches: Sit tall in a chair with good posture and place both feet on the floor. Slowly straighten one leg and flex your feet, so your toes pull back toward your shins. Lean forward at the hips and hold for 10-30 seconds before returning to start.

Chair Assist Toe Touch~Bend forward & hold for a ct. of 30 - don't count too fast; you want the stretch to do it's work.

The Darebee Anywhere Abs Workout is designed for individuals who want to feel strengthened, stronger, and more capable, regardless of their age. It includes bodyweight training that is simple, safe, and accessible, making it suitable for a 69-year-old woman. The workouts aim to reclaim strength, balance, coordination, and energy, which are essential for maintaining quality of life as one ages. The workout includes a variety of exercises that target the core muscles, which are vital for stability and balance. It is important to perform these exercises with proper form and to listen to your body. If you experience any discomfort or pain, stop.

The Darebee Anywhere Abs Workout is a workout that helps you get the strengthened abdominals you want, by working out even when most people think you can't. These are quick, easy exercises you can do almost any place, in almost any clothing. The result is an activation of your abs that helps you maintain the edge you need in your fitness.

Side Leg Lifts~Aim for 12–15 reps EA side x2; Standing Rotation~Aim for 10–20 gentle turns EA SIDE; Front-Back Leg Swings~Aim for 15–20 reps x2; Knee Cross To Elbow~Aim for 8-10 reps x2

Standing Lateral Leg Lifts can be safe for a 69-year-old woman if she is physically fit and has no underlying health issues. However, it is essential to perform the exercise with proper form and technique to avoid injury. Here are some considerations: Physical Fitness: Ensure the individual is physically fit and can perform the exercise with control and stability. Health Conditions: Check for any health conditions that may affect the ability to perform the exercise safely, such as joint pain or balance issues. Technique: Follow the correct technique for the exercise, which includes standing straight, facing forward, and maintaining balance. Modification: Consider modifications to the exercise, such as holding onto a chair for balance. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine, especially for individuals with concerns about their health or fitness level.

Standing Side Leg Lifts~Aim for 12–15 reps EA side x2

The Standing Lateral Leg Lifts exercise primarily targets the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles, which are essential for hip abduction and stabilization. Additionally, the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) assists in hip flexion and stabilization of the knee, while the quadriceps and hamstrings contribute to overall lower body strength and coordination. The core muscles, including the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, obliques, erector spinae, and psoas major, stabilize the torso and support the spine during the movement. Proper engagement of these muscles is crucial for maximizing the exercise's benefits and preventing imbalances or injuries.

The Standing Torso Rotation exercise is safe for a 69-year-old woman to do. This exercise is designed to gently reintroduce rotation in a calm, controlled way, without the need to get on the floor. It is suitable for individuals who have experienced a loss of spinal mobility and want to restore it safely. The exercise involves slow, comfortable turning movements of the upper body while the lower body remains mostly still, which is important for maintaining spinal health and mobility. This exercise is safe for back stiffness and helps restore spinal mobility. It is important to start with slow, relaxed turns and gradually build up to the recommended number of repetitions. The goal is to achieve comfort and control, not intensity.

Standing Rotation~Aim for 10–20 gentle turns EA SIDE, once a day.

The Standing Torso Rotation exercise primarily targets the obliques, which are the muscles on the sides of the abdomen responsible for rotational movements. The rectus abdominis, or the six-pack muscle, also contributes to the movement, while the erector spinae muscles in the lower back help stabilize the spine and support the rotation. Additionally, the latissimus dorsi and the muscles of the shoulder girdle, such as the rotator cuff, are engaged to facilitate the rotational motion. These muscles work together to create the necessary rotational force for the exercise, making it a comprehensive workout for both the core and upper body.

Standing Front-Back Leg Swings are generally safe for a 69-year-old woman to perform when done correctly and with proper support. However, it is essential to consider her specific health conditions and any limitations she may have. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Sturdy Support: Ensure she has a stable surface to hold onto, such as a wall or sturdy chair, to prevent falls. Controlled Movements: The exercises should be performed with controlled and fluid movements, avoiding jerky or uncontrolled motions that could lead to muscle strains. Listen to Her Body: She should listen to her body and stop if she feels any discomfort or pain.

Front-Back Leg Swings~Aim for 15–20 reps x2

The Standing Front-Back Leg Swings exercise primarily targets the hip flexors and hamstrings. The hip flexors, including the iliopsoas and rectus femoris, are engaged to pull the leg up and forward during the forward swing. The hamstrings, which control the descent of the leg, are activated during the backswing. Additionally, the glutes are engaged at the peak of the backswing, contributing to the leg's extension and drive. The standing leg also plays a role in maintaining balance and stability during the movement.

The Standing Knee-Cross-To-Elbow exercise is generally considered safe for a 69-year-old woman to perform, provided she is in good physical condition and has no underlying health issues.

Knee Cross To Elbow~Aim for 8-10 reps, rest 30 seconds x2; 2 times per week.

The Standing Knee-Cross-To-Elbow exercise primarily targets the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transversus abdominis. It also engages the glutes, hip flexors, and core muscles. This exercise is beneficial for improving core strength, balance, stability, and posture, as well as reducing the risk of lower back pain and enhancing overall fitness.

This Monday turned out pretty well - let's hope the rest of the week is as easy.