NATURE GIRL~NATURE DAY

July 19th: Today was Nature Day all day long :-)

I like days like today.

The sun felt so warm on my skin.

The air was filled with wonderful nature scents - my favorites: roses and fir trees.

Holland was busy researching info for our life's new direction, so I started my day by taking a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood to enjoy sunshine in the local City Park (very small 'city' with a small town vibe) …

Some of the posted videos look strange because I used my Apple phone - and Microsoft won't upload videos unless I pay $1.00 for each upload; and I'm not going to do that - so, I copied the vids from one phone to the other and uploaded them that way.

Morning roses scented the breeze during my neighborhood stroll.

This is a good idea for evening walks back from the City Park.

Horseshoe Park in old town Woodland-WA

Mural depicting Woodland's beginnings.

Old Town shotgun Main Street; I crossed to the Park, here.

Horseshoe Lake, Woodland-WA

The Park is a short distance to walk to and fro, from.

I-5 freeway traffic in the background …

The walking 'trail' is very short … but I'm counting the neighborhood walk to get here as mileage ;-)

Holland came and fetched me at the end of the walking trail, and off we went in search of Lava Canyon :-)

Parts of this Day's unfolding, piggybacked on my Past experiences here - that couldn't be helped … but I wanted to share it with Holland.

Lava Canyon-WA:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=41609

I've been to Ape Cave & Lava Canyon several times (and even wrote/published a children's book about adventures there). But Holland hasn't visited any of this region, so it was all new to him.

We were enjoying the scenery - missed our turn, and had to backtrack from the Eagle Creek General Store; that was okay.

It was a nice drive.

And I finally got to the illusive store I was on the outlook for, a few years back ;-)

We both have a special place in our heart for the PNW's hairy mascot, Sasquatch, and finding his stomping grounds seemed like a fun excursion for the Day. LOL

Cougar humor posted at the Cougar Store-WA ;-)

Holland called my attention to the swallow nests in the store eves …

Pine Creek Ranger Station; Cougar-WA

DAY TO REMEMBER - Amboy, Cougar, Yale Daytrip~PAST Post:

 (http://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-day-to-remember.html)

Neither one of us had ever been this way, before; Eagle Creek Park~Cougar-WA

Eagle Creek Store, Cougar-WA from Woodland-WA; 1 hr 7 min (47.5 mi) via Lewis River Rd

Eagle Creek General Store~#NF-90, Cougar, WA 98616

Rock slice pretties from the Mt. St. Helens region …

The blue one with the brown center is the one that caught my eye.

Mt. St. Helens, on our way to Lava Canyon-WA

MT. ST. HELEN’S MEMORIES~PAST Post: 

(http://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020/05/mt-st-helens-memories.html)

Thwarted by a road washout. Darn it! The last time I was here, was with my first husband and my little grandson … I wanted Holland to see it this time, but the road was too rough for Betsy.

SASQUATCH & LAVA VALLEY DAYTRIP~PAST Post:

 (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2017/09/sasquatch-lava-valley-daytrip.html)

When we got back to Woodland, we went down to the river for a while.

Mt. St. Helens-WA was visible & Mt. Adams-WA came out to wink in the sunshine … I always get excited to see this mountain, because it is tucked between (and far behind) Mt. St. Helens-WA and Mt. Hood-OR.

Mt. Hood was also visible, but the Oregon haze would have made a murky picture, so I passed on capturing him in frame.

Local water babies were at play … and the osprey young'un's are getting ready to fledge.

It was a wonderful nature day for this young hearted nature girl :-)

Hay bale field towers; Woodland-WA

Mt. St. Helens peeking over the hills between Cougar & Woodland-WA

Mt. Adams - I always get excited to see this mountain because you have to be in the right place at the right time …

EXTENDED COUGAR ROADTRIP~PAST Post:

 (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2018/07/extended-cougar-roadtrip.html)

Mt. Adams; WA Gorge~2017

4 Ospreys; 2 adults feeding 2 youngsters; Austin Point, Woodland-WA

These youngsters will probably fledge next week; they are already spreading their wings and feeling the breeze in the feathers.

NEW DIRECTION; Woodland-WA

We are working at taking our Life in a new direction … kinda on the same path, but with a little twist :-D

Holland has been talking about "getting a job", for a while: he isn't the kind of guy who likes to sit on his duff watching the grass grow … he needs to be actively working.

He needs to be earning an income; it grates on him that he isn't.

I'd rather he learned to enjoy the "good life" - and he has been trying to do that since we married and started being Road Gypsies. But now, he is adamant … and I am supporting him in his decision.

He has made major adjustments recently for my benefit: it's only fair, and right, that I return the favor. He asked me before we went to bed last night if I was {really okay} with this new direction. I said, "It's all good with me - I'm just visiting no matter what we do; this motel room, this town, this Earth. For me, life happens in the moment. If this is what you have your heart set on, then let's do it. You've done righteous by me - I'll match that effort."

We are charting a new course; I think it will be fun ;-)

I can do this.

I will do this.

Chris Stapleton - 'Starting Over' Lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPk00vcUysQ)

Holland is passionate about getting a job; I am passionate about adventure - and this venture we are embarking upon really does sound like a lot of fun. Profitable fun, too ;-)

A couple years ago as I was spreading my wings and learning to fly Solo Lobo, I asked Elohim for new experiences - and He gave them to me in spades when He placed Holland squarely in my path forward.

Holland has deliberately sought something we can do together & make sure I get my gypsy feet adventures … while someone else pays the tab. And if it dovetails with Elohim's Plan for our Life, we will even be able to pad our Golden Years Nest with a comfortable lining :-)

Yes, it is difficult for me to meet new people; but I'm getting more comfortable in unfamiliar territory. My thought as I drifted off to dreamland last night, was that I think this new venture will be very good for Holland - and very good for US, too.

So, this morning, we were up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed by 6 AM; and on the freeway setting his Plan in motion by 7 AM.

We arrived early, so we sat in Betsy's cab and talked more about this exciting venture; and before he went inside, I said, "You got this. You can do this."

Morning humor along the freeway route.

Jubitz Truck Stop-OR from Woodland-WA; 40 min (24.7 mi) via I-5 S

Jubitz Truck Stop; #10210 N Vancouver Way, Portland, OR 97217

I had brought a new Read along, and I started reading it while Holland was doing what he needed to do to get this thing rolling.

While I waited in Jubitz's spacious parking lot (this truck stop is like a trucker's mall!), I also drifted off as the sun's warmth infused Betsy's cab with summer comfort: I snapped awake when the door locked released as Holland finished up and joined me in the cab.

I started a New Read; I like Dean's ODD books - they are threaded with light-hearted humor. Truly.

The Sandman caught up with me, around the 9th Chapter …

He just has to have the Dr. fax back on the tremors. HE'S GOT THIS.

Another waiting game - but, I'm pretty sure he's 'in like Flynn' ;-)

Holland has had these tremors in his hands pretty much all his life, and he's never taken medication for the situation since I've known him; there's no need to do so.

He is an excellent driver: any driving company would be lucky to have him on their team.

We're going to get ahold of his Dr. tomorrow (the tremors are nothing new to her), and hopefully this thing will be settled in the next few days.

We are passionately excited to 'get on down the road!' :-)

SATISFACTION SHINE~Independence Repair

July 15th: We waited to hear from RV PRO as well as the Insurance Adjuster Joel - both were supposed to "get in touch this weekend": the weekend came and went, and there was no word from either.

Holland was not happy.

He had planned to drive to Vancouver this morning to rattle cages.

Holland phone started ringing. After the third alert, he groggily reached for it … and immediately sat up, listening, and ended the convo with "I'll be right there."

I've never seen wake up so fast.

He was not happy.

RV PRO had started working on Independence without Holland being present - as agreed upon.

He was tearing up the freeway in a dark mood.

I was quiet: and praying. Praying Elohim would go before us and prepare the way to get things settled amicably. Praying Elohim's Will would be done: I always want to be in His Will regardless of our plans - our plans may not be in agreement with Elohim's Plan.

When we arrived, we saw that Independence was not sitting in her usual parked space: Holland started looking around for her - when he spotted a piece of her … he marched off in that direction.

RV PRO crewmen have moved Independence to a work bay …

Independence's 'nose' was showing - and Holland marched in that direction.

Holland jumped out of bed & hustled me onto the freeway …

Holland is going to be flexing his $$$$ muscles this morning.

Heads were gonna roll.

He was in the repair bay for a good 45 minutes. I watched the Bay opening to see what mood he would be coming out, in.

Thankfully, his blood pressure was not spiked.

He looked satisfied.

RV PRO is going to do what Holland is insisting …

Joel is the snafu.

Joel was not going to be satisfied … but the total repair tab would be in the range Joel was insistent on. And I'm pretty sure Holland will be shopping for another Insurance Coverage when the dust from this dust-up settles.

Holland does not like to be jerked around - especially by a jerk ;-)

Insurance Adjuster Joel's cutoff price, is $30,000: a $35,000 repair cost would effectively {total} Independence … and the Insurance Co. will not go that far. But, Holland looked at RV PRO's repair spreadsheet itemizing everything, and he says he's satisfied with the work scheduled to be done - and the price listed for each repair; his whole working life has been in construction, so he's familiar with the process and knows what to look for concerning labor and costs. The final cost will be slightly under Joel's cutoff quote.

Holland felt sure the RV would be totaled - and he was right; but apparently Elohim has other plans for us concerning this issue. I'm okay either way.

Work could be wrapped up in a month's time.

Plans on all ends are moving forward …

When we got back to Woodland, we rested for an hour or two; and continued discussing something Holland is considering.

Holland needs to be busy; he told me this when we first married - and it really hit home, with understanding, the entire first year of our marriage. Hauling Independence around - then sitting around relaxing his aching body just wasn't cutting it: he needs to be busy.

Inactive retirement makes him edgy, and edginess makes him snappy - which in turn, makes me snappy.

So, he is actively working on a solution to that undesirable looping snappy issue.

And I am supporting him in this venture he is setting in place: it could be a lot of fun for the both of us :-)

Then we went to the river - this is becoming an evening routine.

Collective Soul - Shine/Lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp5-xfQ8tKY)

Holland relaxes around water … and I'm learning to. We spent 1-1/2 hours parked on the beach, as close to the waves as we could safely get with Betsy; watching the busy river commerce, relaxing to the soft swooshing of waves gently breaking against the sand, and checked off things that need to be done this week in preparation for Holland's new adventure.

The proposed busy work being discussed, is a crucial step forward in this part of the new life I am creating with my new husband.

So, here I go – I’m not sure what will happen; but here I go.

One foot in front of the other, into the future.

I’m doing better with meeting new people and engaging in unfamiliar activities, but it’s still difficult for me: new situations and new people can be fun and filled with wonderous excitement … but they can also be scary, overwhelming, and stressful.

Chillin' at our favorite local stretch of sand ..

A heavy-laden Tugboat action.

A River Guide pulled up on the beach & collected a father with 2 young sons.

2 Tugs slide past each other.

The Columbia River was very busy today ;-)

This boat banked & hooked to the truck trailer, behind us.

Leaving the riverside, we watched busy work in the fields that span this end of Woodland's labyrinth of dike roads - hayfields, grain fields, vineyards, and small beef farms, are dedicated to specific rural area.

I like it :-)

This end of diked Woodland is farm land.

I also like where our life is going.

I like that we are finally moving past the angsts, and structuring a satisfactory Life Together where we will be pulling forward together; instead of yanking each other's chain, pulling in different directions.

We have learned to lessen our individual expectations and work on what's best for US as WHOLE.

(((THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, FATHER!)))

Tomorrow morning we begin setting The Plan in actual motion: we are excited :-)

BEAUTIFUL DAY

July 14th: Today was a beautiful day; literally and figuratively.

We had plans to do laundry before driving to Kelso to meet up with Tim, and Jake, there.

We loaded the laundry into Betsy and drove to the local laundromat … and seeing how busy it was, we meandered down to the river to sit a while hoping we'd be able to secure a parking spot as well as a few washers and dryers in an hour or two.

While waiting and watching river activities, we enjoyed the warmth of the river breeze; and discussed some more the plans we will be embarking upon sometime in the the near future as soon as the repair business concerning Independence is square away.

The day was unfolding like a beautiful day :-)

AM River visit; kayaker's … and a sailboat coming around the bend upriver, around Kalama; Austin Point~Woodland-WA

Backtracking through Main Street, we saw that the laundromat parking lot was still packed … so we decided to do laundry in the evening after returning from Kelso.

On our way to Kelso, Holland nipped into U-Neek RV's to grab an amp we'll need for the generator: our baby generator is housed in Tim's garage at the moment, and we need to pick it up so we would have it when we hit the road again sometime this month. We already have a pigtail too, but it's somewhere buried under the tipsy pyramid of boxes Holland heaved into a local storage unit.

Before we left Kalama, we stopped at the little burger bar there, to chow down on lunch burgers before continuing on to Kelso.

Both of us have eaten here over the years … but this is the first time for us here, together ;-)

Burgers in Kalama on our way to Kelso.

A beautiful day was unfolding.

Tim's place in on the way to Holland's brother & SIL's house - I read some pages of my latest read while Holland and Tim spent some time catching up on each other's lives since they last visited.

I read a bit while Holland & Tim schmoozed …

At Scott and Lana's - while waiting for Jake to pop in, Holland pointed out Mark's signature work on one of the house's ceilings (Holland talks about it, and I've been curious): I liked it, so I took a picture of it. I also like the livingroom ceiling design that Holland & Scott did in this house. I particularly like the sunburst :-)

Mark's Fan Work; his personal signature.

Scott & Holland did this Sunburst design - their personal signature work; I love the way it radiates outward from the center.

The visit with Jake, when he arrived, was fun. He asked me how I was feeling, said he'd been worried when Holland told him I'd been in ER a few days ago: I told him the ER episode was very frustrating because no one was focusing on why I had gone there … they were more concerned about making sure my social security account was charged for geriatric tests I've been avoiding, so I just unplugged and walked out.

What frustrates me more is that all the medical minions popping in and out of my ER cell KNEW I was using an emergency inhaler (I told them - and showed it to them) and not a one of them connected the dots: the breathlessness, racing heart, red rash and swollen ankle was an allergic reaction to my emergency inhaler! I could die without the inhaler … and apparently I can also die from using the inhaler (I've been commenting for months that I'm just as breathless using the inhaler, as not using it: I never considered I'd be allergic to my life-saving device); so, I've opted to halt using the inhaler.

Prayer Warriors have been contacted and will pray continually about this new development.

My life is in Elohim's hands - and I'm okay with that.

I'm expecting many beautiful days to be birthed as I move forward in my evolving life ;-)

Sulfa Allergies: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sulfa-allergies

We visited in Kelso (with Jake, Scott, Lana, & Bleu) for about 4 hours before returning to Woodland.

The laundromat was still very busy; so we drove back down to the river where the evening breezes were balmy, the gentle lapping waves were soothing, and the beach activities were pleasant.

Back to the river for a bit while waiting for an opening at the laundromat.

Daredevils braving the ify wet sand …

Mama Osprey feeding her 2 youngsters.

As the sun was sliding down behind the hilly skyline of the evening sky, we drove back to town and were grateful to find a parking spot as well as the needed washers and dryers.

The laundromat started filling up again. Very quickly.

We waited in Betsy's cool cab during the 2-1/2 hour wash, dry, & fold laundry cycle …

Our last laundry load had been dried, folded, and packed for transport back to the motel room 5 minutes before the doors closed for the night.

Today was a truly beautiful day.

Tomorrow we go to RV PRO to take care of business, there. Hopefully, it will go well.