HELL DOGS

Today started out with promise.

I got up early to let the boys out - fed them, and let them burn off some energy for about 45 minutes while I drank a cup of morning blend coffee before going back to bed.

The boys were rambunctious this morning.

We were laying there for about an hour cuddling and talking sleepy pillow talk, when the phone rang: Holland's teeth were ready. So, he got up and got ready to go fetch them.

While he was gone, I vacuum-packed a couple food packets; and got ready for a day in town after he got back. We have a few more things that need doing before we pull stakes - and doing those things was what was planned for the remainder of the day.

But those things never got done :-(

I had just finished putting my lipstick on, and was walking back through the livingroom-kitchen area … when I saw we had gotten neighbors while I was in my bathroom getting dolled up for Holland's return … and they had three big doberman's!

I was not happy to see what I was seeing.

Killer dogs make me very nervous.

From January to April, Holland and I argued about acceptable dog breeds: Holland insisted we needed a dog "for protection", and named off several breeds he was partial to (german shepherd's/rottweilers/pit bulls/dobermans …) - I said, "We have a band of Angels that surround us 24/7/365; we do not need killer dogs to protect us. I'm not even sure I want another dog, Holland."

He was insistent, and went online to see what he could find that would be acceptable to me. We came across Bleu's profile, and I said, "If you insist … that's the One: look at his cute little face! And Blue Heeler's are good protectors." Holland called the phone number listed - and we had a fur-baby before you could say, 'GO!' ;-)

But Holland had really wanted a killer dog: it took him a while to warm up to a {cute} puppy that would only grow to about 35 pounds of lovable energy, instead of 120 pounds of angry muscle.

Until this afternoon, he was still angling for a killer breed.

And I am still firmly saying, "Not in this lifetime!"

I do not like mentally challenged killer dog breeds that are bred to be mean spirited {guard dogs}: these animals are mentally unstable, and will eventfully turn on those who think they have mastered the unruly beasts.

NO. None of the breeds Holland prefers will ever be in the Life we are building.

I was not happy to see those dobermans - that were dragging their {master} all over the fricking Park.

NOT HAPPY; this makes me extremely nervous - and they were basically right in our "front yard" where my fur-babies wanted to be, to relieve themselves.

My phone rang, and Holland said he had his teeth and was happy with them; and he was waiting on a pizza to bring home. I told him about the neighbors and that I did not like "those killer dogs being so close to us". Holland said, "You have a misconception about those dogs, Baby; I used to have a doberman …": and I cut him off, saying that he was the "one with a  misconception, and I don't want to fight anymore about killer dog breeds!" And before I hung up the phone, I told Holland "the boys will be your responsibility until we pull out of here, Friday afternoon. I.d.o.n.o.t.l.i.k.e.t.h.e.s.e.d.o.g.s! My heart rate is accelerating just looking at them through the window. I do not want to hear anyone sing their praises to me: I DO NOT LIKE THEM. End of story 🤬 And this woman cannot control them - they yank her around like a rag doll. There is NO WAY IN HELL I am opening the door to let the boys out - they can wait until you get home."

In all honesty I cannot fault Holland for his flippant attitude: he really doesn't know much about me - he only knows what he saw of me, and heard from me, at Oak Point; and the 5 months we've been married and sharing tidbits of our Past. He doesn't know all my past experiences.

My youngest brother Sam, was bitten pretty badly in the face by a german shepherd.

My youngest sister Carla, had great Dane-doberman mixes that were the size of horses - those dogs could look straight into my eyes, and I am 5'2" tall.

My hellish BIL David had a german shepherd named Kojo, that was full of pure hatred … and he would force my sister Ramona to take food to that killing brute that would shake the entire kennel lunging at anyone who got near … David could have fed his own damned dog, but he got a kick out of knowing she was terrified of that Hell dog. Kojo mimicked David's character.

My biker friend Dave, had four rottweilers.

Bob's niece had a pit bull.

I am not {ignorant} of killer breed dogs.

I will never have warm and fuzzy feelings about killer dogs!

I do not have a 'misconception' about killer dogs … I understand the reality of them.

They are unstable breeds, and should not be allowed in Public places. Period.

Holland finally got home with the pizza and saw me literally shaking before I burst into tears seeing the continued activity next door (that stupid woman next door, put all three of those devil dogs in a worthless open-top-dog cage - basically a chicken wire enclosure; WTF???) - I was so stressed out, I couldn't eat a bite.

My little fur-babies wouldn't stand a chance if that woman lost control of her hell dogs.

And I hate feeling helpless, and crying out of frustration.

My slices of pizza went into the 'fridge.

Bacon-Ranch Pizza; Papa Pete's Pizza-Longview, WA

Holland finished his pizza, then got on the phone and secured another RV Site faaaaaar away from the hell dog packing morons.

Holland is SO good to me; it was 90-degrees this afternoon, and Holland was hurting - but motivated by love for me, he gamely tied a bandana around his forehead and got busy getting ready to move the RV. Elohim gifted me real good when he placed Holland in my life 😁

Holland did not have to do this for me; and most husband's would not; most husband would tell their wives to suck it up and stop being ridiculous. I am glad my husband is not like most husbands. I am appreciative of my Husband's compassionate love towards me. I am highly favored and greatly blessed: I never forget that Elohim gifted me with this second chance at true love.

I forgave Holland's lack of understanding.

Holland forgave my sharp tongue and short temper.

He's wearing that bandana 🥰 I'm going to be REAL GOOD to Holland, tonight 😉😘😁💗

When we found our new site, I said to Holland, "You and the boys stay in the truck and enjoy the AC - I'll set the RV up for you." Holland said, "Let me get the steps down for you, Baby; they're heavy." I said, "Yes, they are - but I can do this. I'll get everything ready; and you just relax. You've done enough working through pain - I can do this."

And I did :-)

I've lived in RV's before, when I was married to Bob and he was working in far-flung places; setting one up isn't too challenging. And the stairs weren't that heavy to let down ;-)

We'll be in this new site until Friday afternoon - after that, it will be anyone's guess where we'll be ;-)

Our new site; until Friday afternoon.

Nothing we had planned to do got done today; but there is always tomorrow …

A BANG OF A 4th OF JULY

The Meaning & Symbolism Behind The Stars And Stripes: https://marketbusinessnews.com/old-glory-the-meaning-symbolism-behind-the-stars-and-stripes/323476/

This morning after I had let the pups out to do their morning constitutional, I went back to bed and snuggled close to Holland - as I settled into the hollow of his shoulder; he sleepily mumbled (he was sound asleep), "I have three guns … the shooting range …"

I started laughing: softly, so I didn't wake him up. And I thought, "Even in his sleep, he thinks and dreams guns."

Holland has been itching to get to the Shooting Range for months (it is all he has talked about since December).

This is Holland's favorite quote.

But with all the busy activity we've had since we married in January, that was pushed to the back burner of our unfolding Life.

I thought to myself that as soon as he woke up, drank his coffee, and was alert enough to converse coherently - I'd make a point of bringing up shooting activity; the Shooting Range would probably be closed today, but there would be somewhere to get off a couple rounds. 

So, that is what happened - and he jumped at it. He quickly gathered up his {stuff}, loaded the pups, and jumped in the 4x before anything got a chance to put a halt on it.

Just a little backstory: I like shooting guns, but I don't want an armory in the house. Holland likes lots of guns - and he thinks we need an armory. I nixed that … and he let a lot of his guns go since we married.

And he has gotten it into his head that I hate guns, even though I have repeatedly told him that I strongly support the 2nd Amendment, personal gun ownership, and the right to bear (and use) arms. I have also told him (and so have my friends that he has met), that I am a crack shot.

But, he had to find out on his own ;-)

And today, of all days - America's Freedom Day; he did. While I am admittedly rusty, I held my own; and surprised the heck out of my husband: I love doing that.

Into the woods we went … for a little red-neck target practice ;-)

Freedom for everyone.

A very relaxing afternoon.

Ready for action.

Aiming for the star, as my 'bullseye' mark … used one of Holland's long guns. TX-22 - Taurus 22.

25 or 30 feet distance; not bad.

I'll need a bit more practice with my gun.

My handgun 'Wedding Love Gift'; GX4 - Taurus 9 mm.

Holland is happy - he's finally got me to shoot with him - and he NOW KNOWS that I can shoot.

Letting the boys run free between our load-aim-fire competitions; into the truck while firing off shots.

Holland's Glock 19X

About a 75 foot distance, with Holland's Glock; not bad for a 40-year-span between shots ;-)

AaronTippin - 'The Stars & Stripes & The Eagle Flies' song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fZTHS_Vk6s)

It's been 40 years since I've held, or fired, a gun: I'll get better with more practice.

But today, after Holland got over the shock, he was proud of me. And I'm happy he's satisfied knowing that I can take care of myself, if push comes to shove.

It was a bang of a good day :-)

SECOND CHANCES

July 3rd: Holland is blessing my life in so many ways - his encouragements are helping me engage in things I've always wanted to do, but never had a chance to experience (for one reason, or another) with Bob. My life with Bob was good; but a lot of youthful activities fell along the wayside for both of us when parenthood took prominence, 9 months into our marriage. Parenthood was also good … but it also adds expenses that generally puts the kibosh on youthful activities.

In my New Life unfolding there is time now, for those youthful activities (using common sense, of course). And my new husband is a great encourager when I get an itch to scratch those dormant itches ;-)

Monday started out very busy … and ended very happily.

We both felt the day ended on an {accomplished} all the way around ;-)

Tasks were completed from morning to mid-afternoon:

Holland put foam wrap around the bed's rough edge. YAY!

I got busy with the food packages … and Holland got busy with the gates.

Re-Packaging for two, instead of 8 - will stretch this food further/cut down on waste.

Dividing these packages into two, instead of four; a half cup will NOT satisfy a full-grown man!

I love these retractable measuring cups; perfect for limited kitchen storage, and SO COOL.

Prepping for re-packaging.

This is pretty quiet; I feel accomplished with each scaled back & re-sealed package.

Holland set this gate up to keep the boys out of the bedroom; safer this way following the earlier asthma attack. And he set the other one to keep them out of the bunkroom; so they are confined to the LV-Kitchen area, only.

And youthful aspirations were fueled by Second Chance activities: we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at the river :-)

Not bad for 66-1/2 … I can still rock short shorts ;-)

My first 4-wheeling adventure since September 1974. Holland was good about it: a very patient {teacher}, very encouraging.

A pretty location - the scare was worth it; Camelot Shore & Cowlitz River.

The boys enjoyed themselves … from one end of the beach, to the  other.

We were over there, yesterday; the Rock Pit Beach -  behind the Castle Rock 'Park' area. It's 4-wheeling entrance, too.

I am determined to DO this …

Praise the Lord!

Holland gets a bang out of my little excitements, and his love is igniting second chances in the New Life we are building together.

Only a few more days, then we are on the road again - YIPPIE!

Current set-up; Castle Rock-WA

Fresh Honey Holland bought on our way home over Coal Creek Road. YUMMY!

Something different Holland grabbed at the store; it's like Snapple Tea with a kick. A refreshing ending to a very good day :-)

OUR GYPSY LIFE IS SHAPING UP ;-)

Last night, we got a message that we had boxes - 5 - waiting for us; so, this morning we got up early to fetch them :-)

I am not an early morning person.

Neither is Holland.

But we are a Team: and together (though at one point I did threaten to throw every male in the house into a kennel - including my husband; who laughed and told me I look cute when I'm angry ;-)), "got it together - and got it done" :-)

The boxes were picked up and stashed in the 4x bed, and the groceries, baby gates, and food storage vacuum sealer/bags; were placed in the back seat area with the fur-babies, who did very well in behaving and staying out of things that were not meant for them ;-)

On the way through Longview to Wal*Mart on 38th, a beauty was showing off, in front of our Beast. I love this color & the matching interior. I miss these old car colors.

As we passed over Delameter to Castle Rock, Holland suggested we take the fur-babies to Camelot Beach for a quick, refreshing dip in the Cowlitz River.

Camelot Shore; Castle Rock-WA

Feeling the freedom.

Holland and the boys cooling their heels …

Cool water on hot feet …

Sonny is getting tired of Bleu's bully tactics.

Twisted Sister - 'We're Not Gonna Take It Anymore' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xmckWVPRaI)

I pulled on end of the extra-large tarp up and over, to protect the groceries & yarn from 2 very wet puppies. Except for the river water today, this tarp has remained dry despite the free-roaming pups.

Time to get home and get these things taken care of …

Beach Driving Lesson, today. Holland was very patient; Camelot, Castle Rock-WA

When we got home and opened the boxes, we discovered that one was full of food packets - and one has to be returned because it is not ours (we will return it, tomorrow afternoon). I don't know who has what we ordered, but I am praying they will do the right thing and send it forward to us.

I'm going to break every food packet down into 2-person servings; vacuum them closed, and store them in larger bins set aside for that very purpose, in the RV 'Basement'.

We were surprised to get a 2nd food bin from Patriot Foods - then realized they ship each order in 2 steps.

K-Cup Coffee's; 5 varieties. It looks like a lot - but it really isn't; and it will be hit and miss grocery shopping once we hit the open road, so I am stocking up on the Joy Juice: these will all go into a specific bin in the RV basement. The Dark Roast is Holland's … the rest are mine; but, I'll lay a bet he'll be dipping into my batch ;-)

After dinking around with the food packets and coffee K-Cups, I got busy in the bathrooms.

If anyone tells you that toilet odors in an RV is a simple fix, they are liars: RV toilet odors are not an easy fix "with water - lots of water!", and with odor eliminating pods (which really does nothing). Frequent dumping's and thorough flushing's help, but more is needed, when the weather heats up. So, today I bought a few toilet bowl deodorizers … and tweaked them to suit my purpose. As close to one end of the deodorizer as possible, I cut the wire with a wire snipper - straightened the wire out and threaded it through the back edge of the seat; keeping the scented edge as close to the water jet as I could without causing water to spray over the rim edge. Then, I bent and secured the wire to the rim of the toilet bowl, and tucked the loose wire end under the toilet's back side; being careful not to snag the water hose.

We'll see how this works.

Over-the-rim 'Bowl Fresh' Bowl Deodorizer. It was broken in the package, so I just bent the wire to fit around the backside. Be wise about this - be careful not to puncture your water hose when you affix the wire.

This little, powerful smelling, toilet freshener is a quick and easy way to keep the tank odors at bay … and it won't harm the bowl, the plumbing, or the black water tank.

Tomorrow is going to be another busy day.

But, we are getting closer to the Goal, and our objective :-)