Hi 👋 We're Val & Holland Redmill … living our Life Story as silver-haired Road Gypsies in our 5th wheel RV Home~41 months married & 65,000 miles traveled across America; covered in grace every Day & trying mightily not to lose our sanctification during the bad & ugly times. I post everywhere - about everything: and if what I post can help someone else, I'm glad for the experience. But from sunrise to sunset, we live our Life for US. Trusting Elohim every step of the way.
I had in mind a specific supper meal I wanted to serve and enjoy this evening, so into Longview we went, to pick up a bag of frozen peas … Holland wanted to pick up something needed for Independence, so he came with me.
Driving down Ocean Beach Highway, we noticed that Nichols Boulevard that flanks one side of Lake Sacajawea, was getting a face-lift to match Kessler Boulevard, on the opposite side of the Lake. It will be weird not to be driving over the 100+ year-old-angle-cut-cement pavers anymore, but they were lifting up off the sub-road and becoming a traffic hazard; the face-lift is needed.
While in town, I also nipped into Joanne's Craft Store in the Strip Mall that borders Kelso, and grabbed two cards of sewing snaps for the preemie sacque I am currently working up.
Nichols Blvd. in Longview-WA, is getting a face-lift …
I grabbed a few cards of snaps for preemie sacques.
There is a definite Fall nip riding on the breeze that blows through here, so I thought a tasty comfort food casserole would be welcome tonight - I know it would be for me, but this is the first time Holland would be tasting it … and the first time I'd be making it with a Patriots Food Mac & Cheese - and a halved packet, at that: prep would be different, all the way around. I made it up, and slipped it into the oven with a hope and a prayer ;-)
Holland, last year, had bought two huge bins of Patriots Food; it is packets of survival foods that we can easily store without taking up too much precious space - but it is basically tasteless and unappealing without additions being added to the meal prep; I didn't add spices, but I did add a meat to tonight's meal.
It was a hit with Holland, so it's a repeat :-)
Cooking meals in an RV is a bit different than in a normal full-size kitchen. Everything is smaller - the pantry, the work area, and the cooking appliances. For tonight's meal, I used a hot plate & a portable multi-task countertop oven. And for the meal itself, I only used 2 measuring cups, 1 cooking pot, a cooking spoon, 2 supper plates & 2 spoons: cleanup was a snap ;-)
I enjoy cooking - but I also admit that I am a lazy cook: the less time spent in the kitchen, the better.
This casserole recipe has been modified from the original Kraft Mac & Cheese-Spam casserole … but it is every bit as delicious:
SO good! And Holland likes it, too ;-D
MY PATRIOT FOODS MAC & CHEESE-SPAM CUBES~serves 2-3
Half a packet of Patriot Foods Mac & Cheese Supper * 1-1/2 cups Water * 1/2 tin Spam loaf, cut into cubes (refrigerate the rest) * 1/2 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (refrigerate the rest) * 3/4 cup frozen Peas * 1 Tbsp. unsalted Butter * Cooking Oil Spray (I used Butter flavor) * 1 8"-sq foil baking pan
Patriot Foods Mac & Cheese, and frozen peas.
Half a Spam loaf, cubed …
Pour water into a medium cooking pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium boil and add mac & cheese mixture to the boiling water - boil until noodles are softened and sauce is thickened.
Portable Hot Plate.
Mac & Cheese noodles cooked - not too soft.
Reduce heat to low, and add remaining ingredients: blend thoroughly.
Lightly spray foil baking pan, and add blended mixture; carefully place casserole in oven, and cook at 350-degrees for 20 minutes (ovens are different - if you need to add more minutes, that's okay = do not bake more than 30 minutes).
Casserole ready for the oven; 350-degrees = 20 mins.
I use this little space-saving multi-task Oven.
CAREFULLY remove casserole from oven (foil pans are not as sturdy as metal or glass pans). Serve hot. Enjoy!
While supper baked … and also after supper dishes were done, I worked on the little preemie sacque I started a couple days ago.
Nearly finished - I'll put the snaps and buttons on, tomorrow.
I'll sew the snaps & buttons on it tomorrow, after we set up in Long Beach - Holland secured a parking space for us there, for a month.
I didn't sleep very well this morning; painful memories crept unbidden into my thoughts in the wee morning hours, and Holland gently shook me awake when he heard me weeping.
Hard memories had come visiting when my guard was down.
I apologized for waking him, and told him that September through December will always be a a hard period of time, for me - I do not court the memories, but they come anyway. He pulled me into him, and held me until the tears stopped. We talked about half an hour: sharing memories along the same vein of thought that had sent the sandman packing. There are hard memories for both of us in WA State, it's a comfort to comfort each other.
I think we both finally fell asleep again, around 3 AM.
When we woke again … and fully shook the cobwebs; Holland suggested we go down to the river for a while.
Garth Brooks - 'The River':
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAgUQ7lMKOs)
He wanted to get me out of my head.
I agreed.
He took me to a different river!
It was a wonderful surprise :-)
This is a new memory I am sharing with my new husband: I am thankful for these blessings.
We drove off a spur by the shooting range, to the river.
Toutle River; Castle Rock-WA
The water is very clear …
A couple leisurely walking, across the river.
Holland says the sand is new to this beach, since the eruption.
1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_eruption_of_Mount_St._Helens)
In the winter months, the river reaches the highlighted high-water mark.
All this will be under water, around November.
I was still tired, so I took a 45 minute rest after we got back home.
Around 4 PM, we drove into Longview and treated ourselves to yummy ice creams; the next two days are going to be busy ones - this moment is for enjoyment ;-)
A Baskins-Robbins treat ;-)
The day ended with a lovely pink sunset: no pics - Holland does not pull over while enroute anywhere (the other day's pull-over-moment, was truly a small miracle) and the windshield was splotchy with bug guts.
You'll just have to take my word for it. I was lovely.
Back home, I worked a bit on the preemie sleep sack, before I turned in for good. Tomorrow will start early - and it will be busy. All day long.
I am glad for the comfort I received today … and I am glad that I can give comfort to others also needing an extended hand in kindness.
We are still in the process of settling back into Independence: yesterday afternoon, we collected everything out of storage - and all of our belongings are once again surrounding us in our living quarters. A bit still litters the floor in the bunk room, but that will be sorted and stashed later today ;-)
And Independence is still for sale: we want something smaller - and if our plans dovetail with Elohim's Plan, a sell will happen: if not here, then elsewhere.
In the meanwhile …
Yesterday we also visited Scott, Lana, and Bleu in Kelso, for half an hour before we came back to Castle Rock; Scott is rebuilding the back porch of their home. Lana underwent another chemo treatment for the leukemia. And Bleu was in the dog house - he hasn't been getting much attention lately with all the busy activity, and like any youngster craving attention - he went about collecting the wrong kind of attention; but 99% of the time, he is a spoiled little dog. And he really does have a very good life with them.
After we got back home, Holland asked, "How about we unload the boxes - and then I take you for a drive? How does Winlock, sound to you? We can also drive through Vader, and maybe out Ryderwood way, too."I said, "Yes! And thank you; Winlock sounds fine - I like Winlock. And the last time I was through any of those little towns, was two years ago."
The leaves are beginning to turn, and I knew there would be several patches of Fall color showing, along the backroad route :-)
As we were leaving the Park here, I spotted a boulder along the wayside that looked like it had a mossy pumpkin patch silhouetted on it:
I laughed when I saw this - I love Yeshua's humor ;-)
Toutle River RV Resort: #150 Happy Trails Rd, Castle Rock, WA
And a bit further up the backroad towards our destination, Holland actually stopped in the middle of the road so I could get a picture of the red round barn: Holland does not do things like this - this was a real concession, on his part.
The RV Park has discount rates for military families.
I, on the other hand, if I see something I want to capture in a frame … will put on my hazard flashers (so oncoming cars will see me and not run into me) and take the picture - though I have never done that with Holland, because he always lectured me about it. So, his bending in this regard was a near miracle. And I loved him for it :-)
It has a rectangular addition on the back side, which I never noticed until today.
This morning, while re-reading past blog postings for today (I like to review how far I've come and how much I've grown over the years), I smiled when I read the September 8th posting for 2021:
{{I know Elohim's Plan will be perfect for my life. I know that when that time manifests itself, I will be wholly ready for the changes; and those changes will not seem a hard thing to accept.}}
Patrick Hernandez - 'Born To Be Alive' lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqXUvsRKsiM)
I have always liked spending time in the forests - especially in the beautiful PNW mountain areas; I preferred Mt. Rainier, but in a pinch I'd settle for Mt. St. Helens ;-)
Holland likes being around water; he prefers the ocean, but the rivers will suit when he feels the need for a relaxing lap of waves against the shoreline.
Both of us were, at this point in time, separately knowing we were born to be alive - and seeking Elohim's guidance on how to accomplish that in the seemingly aimless, and life-sucking-void, our lives were circulating in … then.
2021 was a turning point in both of our lives.
Different circumstances.
Different situations.
Different requests.
The same need - the need to feel alive; the need to have a purposeful direction in Life.
And Elohim was preparing both of us for change.
Holland was more than ready: he had been waiting three decades for an answer to a divine promise, that would lead his life to a specific purpose.
I was still evolving, learning how to restructure a New Life; leaning harder on- and into- Elohim's perfect Will for my life. When the time came a year later, I almost missed it because I was still looking backward - missing the life I knew, and not wanting to cut it loose. But Elohim is faithful. He had made a promise He intended to keep; and when that promise made so long ago fully manifested itself to me in 2023, I was wholly ready for the changes. And those changes were not a hard thing to accept ;-)
Newlyweds; Longview-WA, 2023
Donna Summer - 'I Love You' w-lyrics song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmtVsenPmxk)
Husband & furry son; Arizona, 2023
While I finish my coffee hour this morning, I'm going to get back to finishing up the little preemie gown I started working up the other day - it's coming along nicely … and is a nice deterrent from the mess in the bunk room nagging at my conscience to tidy it up ;-)
Preemie babies are babies born to be alive - their lives just start sooner than expected. My youngest brother was a preemie baby; and his daughter was a preemie baby. Both grew up to be very healthy, robust people.
Preemie (for a 2-4 lb. size baby) sacque body completed; I'll make a hem drawstring for it, later.
I don't want to spend my precious time arguing with people over things that do not matter in the grand scheme of things.
Important things are happening, globally.
I believe the Written Word - ALL of it; I believe we are now living in the time prophesied in the Book of Revelation, as the End of Times.
One thing that has been brought to my attention recently, is that grocery stores in America are now rigging their self-check isles to accept 'palm reading' payment - a biometric method of payment, provided by Amazon; a merchandising company.
Palm-payment technology coming to all U.S. Whole Foods: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbZW_oCUlsg)
Amazon One is available at Oregon Whole Foods stores located in Tigard, Hillsboro, Fremont, Hollywood, Bend, Eugene, and Tanasbourne. It's also expected to be available in Portland's Pearl District and Laurelhurst.
Some Whole Foods stores (locations not available to note) in Washington State, also use Amazon One, a palm-scanning payment: a system that allows customers to pay for groceries without using cash, a card, or a phone.
European countries have been using the microchip method of payment since 1998 (https://www.bbc.com/news/business- HYPERLINK "https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61008730"61008730)
ID, Wallet, Keys All In Your Hand: Sweden Moves Into The Future With Microchipping | Nightly News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksw-arKvMPk
Pay With Your Palm: Tencent launches new payment method in China: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d- HYPERLINK "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-6iceHaQoI"6 HYPERLINK "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-6iceHaQoI"iceHaQoI
The stage is set for the fulfillment of Scripture passages Christians have been waiting for; for 2024 years - to me, this is not a fearful time … but rather a time to get excited as I watch prophecy unfold before my eyes: soon, if my aging body does not wither and die, I will be Raptured out of this evil and wicked mess on Earth; and shortly following, Yeshua will return to earth to actively fight for Israel against her enemies :-)
I have waited my entire Life for this moment.
And now it has arrived ;-)
There is nothing to fear … only joy because soon I will meet my Lord face-to-face. What a moment that will be!
Rod Stewart - 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKOkUWjC0JU)
September 6th, 4 years ago, my life was in stall mode.
Activities concerning the house I lived in then, don’t feel the same – things concerning living in that house … don’t feel the same. Easy chores that I once took pleasure in, felt like a chore I couldn’t wait to get through and be done with. For three fourths of my life, I had enjoyed making a home environment for my husband. Now, those things seem pointless. It was hard to work up excitement for solo meals. It was hard to feel accomplished when there is no one else to notice, and give affirmation to the effort that went into the task. Laundry for one short woman … when I was used to long legged jeans and oversized shirts for a man 6’2”, and the occasional “so cute!” children’s clothing for a grandchild now and then … was painfully boring.
Around 2021, I was ready for a serious change in attitude, location, life's purpose: I started praying for a new dwelling that would feel like "home" again; not just an empty, echoing house that no longer suited my living circumstances.
I started asking Elohim for someone to share my life with – a platonic friend, was what I had in mind; I missed walking with someone on my daily hikes. I missed a shared conversation; I missed a man's point of view on topics. I missed cooking for someone who would enjoy my culinary explorations. I missed companiable long drives.
And Elohim heard my petitions with a wide smile, and an agreeable nod of His head.
He was already busily crafting a New Life for me; and against my will … without my knowledge … he was expanding my heart to fit my New Life.
And He was in the process of bringing an old prophecy in someone's Life, to life, in this New Life that was evolving – for two people, praying for "someone to do for".
When I showed up at Oak Point, and actively got involved in the weekly Sun-Tues-Thursday meets, Holland's heart recognized me right off … it took my heart a full year & half ;-)
In November of 2022, our friendship deepened; by January 2023 we were newlyweds (I learned that my heart was capable of carrying 2 hearts inside it) - and by the end of April 2023, the house I had been trying to sell every Spring since December 2018, finally sold … Holland & I bought a home on wheels, and were on our way to becoming full-fledged Road Gypsies :-)
We drove all the way to West Virginia to purchase our home on wheels; Betsy (truck) & Independence (5th Wheel): (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2023/05/betsy-independencewest-virginia-illinois.html)
Bonnie Raitt - 'Gypsy In Me' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T79QmeSEcs)
I had someone in my Life again, and I could engage in a 2-way convo again; with a man's point of view on topics. Daily household tasks weren't rushed through anymore in a rush to escape the suffocating 4 walls – I enjoyed making a home environment for my new husband; Holland likes to cook and he's a very good cook … no more solo lobo meals, for either of us. Smiling praises for jobs well done had us both beaming with happy feelings of accomplishment that went into personal, as well as team work, tasks. I liked finding laundry in my hamper that now included menswear for a 6'4" big bear of a man. I had someone in my life with which to enjoy companiable long drives; and he was willing to take me to far-flung States I'd only heard about, read about, and dreamed about (visited, and lived in, 21 States the first year of our married life).
My Life was on track again; but my activities did not feel the same. My routine was not the same.
I am learning new ways of doing old things … and ways of doing new things I’ve never done before.
My thoughts, and my feelings are not the same – my thoughts are now filled with thoughts for the new man in my life … and though my feelings are just as deep and strong as for my first husband, they are both different men; and they both complete my Life in different ways. There is no comparison. Bob was then. Holland is now.
My life – on all levels since 2018 – has been drastically altered.
My eyes sparkle again.
I had a skip in my step again.
I am laughing again.
I was being loved again: Holland told me that I was special, and I felt special. I basked in that loving attention.
I am in many ways a pampered Wife: my new Husband had waited a long time for me to enter his Life … now that I had literally walked out of his dreams and joined him in the flesh, he likes to spoil me.
There are pros and cons to being pampered.
Holland does like to indulge me with every attention, comfort, and kindness; because of my angina and asthma flareups, he wants to make my life as comfortable as possible.
And I appreciate that characteristic quality about him.
But sometimes the indulgences can be overwhelming. After a couple months of sitting on my hands, having nothing significant to do (other than laundry; and pulling the house down & setting it up again, while on the move), I was getting bored.
Boredom is not a good thing with me. My boredom is not a good thing for US.
Holland is a macho man (a new experience in my life), and I am used to taking care of myself: overprotective care was hamstringing my free spirit. Restricted activity and a limited venue of "to do's" was making me feel weak, and insignificant.
I need to be busy = "to do".
So, while Holland watches TV, or YouTube videos, I started crafting again. My thoughts are busy creating 1-of-a-kind design patterns. My hands are busy working them up.
Holland's cooking is so delicious that we have both added {more than} weight to our bodies – and because Holland loves, loves, loves salt … and his high blood pressure is sky-rocketing; I've claimed the kitchen until things health-wise get back under control (and I will prudently make room for Holland to engage in his relaxing cooking, too; I am, after all, a good wife ;-)). Low calorie & low salt meals will be the daily fare going forward: it feels good to be cooking, again = I can already see us living healthier as thinner versions of ourselves 12 months from now.
Cooking is a relaxing activity for my husband; cooking is a "doing" activity that helps me feel like a wife. There is room in this cozy home activity that can satisfy both of us. When we are both active "doing" this cozy home activity ;-)
And we are both going to actively work towards a more peaceful environment in our home; I need less chaotic activity in order for my life to function smoothly – and Holland is curious. He hasn't ever experienced a peaceful home environment, and he doesn't think it's possible. But it is, and he will find that once a peaceful environment is acted on … his blood pressure will settle down, too.
Living together for the past 20 months, we aren't strangers to each other anymore; there needn't be any more butting of heads.
Kenny Loggins - 'Meet Me halfway' lyrics:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFF3k_mHuNk)
This September, I am alive and my heart beats out a new love song; living life joyously in vibrant color. Now, Holland's love fires my jets :-)
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