TUESDAY BLESSINGS~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

June 2nd: Temperatures were on the rise 🌞 today (73-degrees when I woke up & 83-degrees by noon); so, I did my body toning exercises intermediately, today, before the heat got too hot: weights in the morning 🏋️‍♀️, walking in the afternoon ⚕️👟⏱️, & body sculpting-flexibility stretching 🧘🛌 in the evening (lying down in bed), before comfortably settling in with Clive 📕🌙💤

Coffee … then dumbbell time ☕️😉

Weights used today; started low & switched up, between sets.

Do EA Set rep as counted, x3

Dumbbells Standing Alternating Bicep Curls, are a safe and beneficial exercise for senior women to build arm strength and muscle, but it is crucial to start with light weights and focus on proper form, keeping the torso still and elbows tucked in. If a woman has balance issues, a chronic condition, or an injury, she can also perform a modified version while seated or even without weights to get accustomed to the movement. Functional Movement: The standing bicep curl mimics the real-life action of lifting groceries, making it a great exercise for improving functional strength. Posture: Stand tall with your shoulders back and chest up. Start Light: Use very light weights, or even do the exercise without weights, to focus on correct form and prevent injury.  Grip: Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing forward. Elbows: Keep your elbows tucked in close to your sides. Curl: Slowly curl the weights up towards your shoulders, keeping your torso stationary. Control: Pause briefly at the top, then slowly lower the weights with control. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel and stop if you experience excessive pain.

Alternate Bicep Curls w-Dumbbells~Aim for 12 reps, x3

Dumbbell Tricep Extensions exercise, is the triceps brachii, which is located on the back of the upper arm. This exercise also engages stabilizing muscles, including the shoulders (for stability) and the core muscles (such as the abs, obliques, and glutes). Exercises like tricep extensions can improve upper body strength, joint health, and balance.

Standing Dumbbell Tricep Overhead Extensions~Aim for 12 reps x3

Dumbbell 2-Arm Overhead Shoulder Press can be a safe and beneficial exercise for a 69-year-old woman if performed with proper form, light to moderate weights, and appropriate preparation. Strength training with dumbbells is widely recommended for older adults to maintain muscle tone, improve posture, and support daily activities like lifting overhead or carrying groceries. Start with light weights: (2–5 lbs. / 1–2.3 kg) and focusing on slow, controlled movements reduces injury risk & progress gradually,  increasing weight only when form remains stable and reps are smooth. Maintain good posture: Stand tall, feet flat, core engaged (stomach sucked in), and avoid shrugging shoulders. Control the movement: Breathe out as you press up, breathe in as you lower. Listen to your body: Avoid if you have arthritis, osteoporosis, recent surgery, or unexplained symptoms. Stop if you feel pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath - these are signs to halt the exercise.

Standing 2-arm Overhead Shoulder Press~Aim for 6 reps x3

Dumbbell Upright Rows: safety for a 69-year-old woman depends on several factors, including her overall health, the weight used, and the form of the exercise: while dumbbell upright rows can be beneficial for muscle development and overall fitness, they should be approached with caution. Keep your elbows at or slightly below shoulder height throughout the exercise. Avoid if you medical history includes shoulder issues, or arthritis.

Dumbbell Upright Rows~Aim for 6 reps x3

After Holland had finished off his coffee ☕️ & I finished my workout 🏋️‍♀️; Holland took me for a local drive 🚘😉📸 - more surprises 😊👏: neither road I have ever been on. I think Holland had been on the first road, but it was so long ago that it was kinda new to him also: I had seen it from the freeway many times over the decades, and always wondered how to get to it … and where does it go.

This afternoon, I found out 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Our route went through Castle Rock to freeway; turn R onto Pleasant Hill Rd., & follow out to Washburn Road, Kelso-WA

Washburn Road & Nob Lane; off Pleasant Hill Road

And there is the freeway … right across the grass; we turned R onto Washburn Road.

Washburn Road isn't very long, & it is a dead end street.

Backtracked and continued down Nob Lane - it was a dead end, too.

Curiosity satisfied. Now when I see this road from the freeway … I'll know where it goes.

I have been over Pleasant Hill many times over the decades; but this is the first time I was on that road.

{{Pleasant Hill is a small community in Cowlitz County, Washington, located between Castle Rock-WA, and Ostrander-WA. It lies in the county’s fertile lowland area, part of the Columbia River basin, and has been part of the region’s agricultural and rural development since the late 19th century. The area’s small size suggests that many residents were part of the broader Cowlitz County farming and ranching economy, with connections to nearby towns like Kelso, Longview, and Castle Rock.

Cowlitz County was organized on April 21, 1854 from parts of Lewis County, with Kelso as its county seat. The county’s name comes from the Cowlitz Indian term Cow-e-liske, meaning “river of shifting sands” or “capturing the medicine spirit”. In the late 1800s, the area around Pleasant Hill was settled by farmers and ranchers, benefiting from the rich soil, and close location to the Columbia River.

The oldest known map covering the area is the 1921 Map of Kalama, which includes Pleasant Hill and nearby towns. Later USGS maps (1953–1969) reveal the growth of roads, farms, and small communities, reflecting the shift from early Native American habitation, 19th-century settlement, agricultural expansion, and 20th-century suburbanization.}}

Then, we skipped over the overpass 🚘➡️ & drove out Ostrander Road. Holland knew people that lived out here; and he has hunted out here. Bob knew people that lived out here, too, & I have driven past it for decades … but I have never been on this road.

Until today.

Holland says it was once a thriving community, built on logging and small scale mining.

I was amazed at how vast the area is 👀: and it's a relaxing, pretty, country drive. It was a real nice surprise.

But the road grade is very steep as it climbs up, up, and up out of the valley flood zone. The snaky, narrow climbing roadway is basically a paved logging road, barely wide enough for 2 passing vehicles.

We drove across the Pleasant Hill-Ostrander Overpass & Holland took me down a road he is familiar with.

An old train trestle used for logging; Holland said it was still in use in 2013 to haul logs from Headquarters to the Weyerhaeuser Mill in Longview. The metal mesh (like chain link fencing, only a lot stronger) along the trestle bottom is to catch logs if they fall off the train cars - not strapped down, but stacked between car forks, like on log trucks; Ostrander Rd-WA

And then we came to the end of the accessible roadway … this road used to tie into Headquarters Road.

That was a fun time out-of-house 😁

{{Ostrander is an unincorporated community in Cowlitz County, Washington, named after Dr. Nathaniel Ostrander, one of the county’s first settlers, who took a donation land claim here in 1852.

Early Settlement and Naming

The area was settled in the mid-19th century, with Ostrander’s name honoring Dr. Ostrander’s role as an early pioneer. The community was initially a small farming settlement, but it later became part of the booming logging industry in the region Revisiting Washington.

Logging Boom and Ostrander Timber Company

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ostrander flourished as a logging hub. The Ostrander Timber Company became one of Washington’s leading timber producers, manufacturing some of the longest and largest timber squares and spars in the world — so massive that some required three flat cars to transport Revisiting Washington. The company extended 40 miles of railway into the forest, but when it had logged all available land, it dismantled the mill and moved it elsewhere, leaving Ostrander to decline Revisiting Washington.

Gold Rush Rumors

Ostrander Creek, which runs through the town, was also the site of gold prospecting. Early settlers reported finding rich gold quartz, and there were periodic rumors of gold discoveries along the creek. One famous story involved a housewife finding two gold nuggets in the craw of a chicken Revisiting Washington. However, no major fortunes were made from these finds.

Post Office and Decline

A post office named Ostrander was established in 1894 and remained in operation until 1939 Wikipedia. The community’s prosperity faded after the logging industry’s decline, and today it is a quiet rural area surrounded by farms and forest.

Legacy

Cowlitz County was once "The Timber Capital of the World". The camps at Oak Point, Ostrander, and Ryderwood, employed hundreds of men, and the city of Longview was a direct result of the success of the Long-Bell Company. While the town no longer produces timber, its legacy endures in local history, the Kelso School District, and in the memories of those who lived through its boom and bust.

And …

History of the Long-Bell Company in Washington State

The Long-Bell Lumber Company began in 1875 in Columbus, Kansas, founded by Robert A. Long, Victor Bell, and Robert White. By 1887, after White’s death, the company incorporated as the Long-Bell Lumber Company and moved its headquarters to Kansas City. It grew into a massive, vertically integrated lumber and wood products conglomerate with operations across the U.S., but by the end of World War I, its southern timber holdings were depleted.

Expansion into Washington

In 1918, the company sought new timber markets in the Pacific Northwest. Timber cruiser Bill Ryder was sent to survey and purchase old-growth forests in northern California, southern Oregon, and southwest Washington. The company’s Washington operations were centered in Cowlitz County, with the main city planned around the lumber mills.

Longview, Washington

Robert A. Long financed the construction of Longview, at the confluence of the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers, at the site of the former settlement Monticello. Laid out in 1923, Longview was one of the largest planned cities ever built entirely with private funds, designed to support up to 50,000 people. It featured paved streets, utilities, stores, churches, a school, and the ornate Columbia Theatre. The city was built to house the two large Long-Bell mills planned for the area.

Ryderwood, Washington

About 30 miles north of Longview was Ryderwood, a “modern logging town” envisioned as a permanent community with a school, church, and theater, rather than a temporary camp. Timber was harvested here and shipped to the Longview mills. The company also established a forest nursery near Ryderwood to reforest its Washington holdings, planting 3,000–4,000 acres annually.

Operations and Legacy

The Long-Bell Company operated sawmills in Longview and another in eastern Longview, using a network of railroads, including the Longview, Portland and Northern Railway. The company’s Long Bell Cabinet Division in Longview produced kitchen and bath cabinets for Sears and Montgomery Ward, later sold in 1981. The mills and city infrastructure were built with state-of-the-art planning, including detailed relief maps for rail line placement.

Decline and End

Robert A. Long died in 1934, the same year the company filed for bankruptcy. It was reorganized in 1935 and continued until 1956, when it was sold to International Paper. Today, Longview remains the largest city in Cowlitz County, with several historic buildings on the National Register, and the Columbia Theatre preserved thanks to the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption.

In Washington, the Long-Bell Company’s legacy is tied to the creation of Longview and Ryderwood, the development of large-scale timber operations, and the integration of lumber production with planned urban development.}}

When we got back home, it was a little after 4 PM, so I grabbed  my walking stick & a bottle of water … and started walking, as planned. I want to walk every day the weather I accommodating.

Some people dream of crowded beaches on sunny days & riverside BBQ's - but give me a quiet country lane, space to stretch my legs & flex my elbows, messy hair, bird song on the breeze, a walking stick in my hand, and flowers to fuss over … any day.

Balance - it's about practicing balance; walking balances your entire body from head to toe.

This pine tree has 2 different cones on it - how strange.

Red Maple with their distinct red leaves, bright-red clustered flowers, and reddish-winged seeds. Red Maple produces lots of Helicopter seeds compared to other varieties. Red Maple is originally from North America and can grow 40-70 feet tall with a lifespan of over 150 years.

Red Cedar.

Don't know what kind of pine this is - it has new growth sprouting from pollinator clusters. Weirdly interesting.

I had to be careful here - no inhaler with me (in all the Day's excitement, I had walked off without it) cotton from Cottonwood trees liberally littering this end of the Park & was floating on the slight breeze.

Recent rainfall wilted the Rhodie blossoms & the welcome sunshine dried them to a crispy ghost of themselves.

A shady patch of relief from the blistering 82-degree sunshine.

Field daisies, dandelions, & purple clover - a cherry summer 'hello'.

Pretty, tiny, purple flowers with bright red foliage.

Buttercups in spotty shade, reaching for the sun.

Two trains went whizzing by - they are v.e.r.y. close to the Resort grounds. Loud & ground shaking as they rush by. Even though you know it's coming … the ear-splitting-horn honking startles.

In the entire area here, there is only one lonely little foxglove …

Two Rhodie's managed to survive the recent wilting rainy deluge, & blistering sunny days …

I took a little break from my pace to watch Mr. Woody Woodpecker (aka; Red-breasted Sapsucker) - his flashy red head caught my attention~Toutle River RV Resort; Castle Rock-WA

This blooming bush was very active with busy bees.

A little over a mile Loop Walk.

The best time to walk outside depends on your goals, but early morning is ideal for weight loss and low pollen exposure, afternoon for peak performance, and evening for stress relief and digestion.

My walk today worked best with an afternoon scheduling. Plus, there would be adequate sunshine and periodic shady patches.

Afternoon walks can enhance physical performance because your body temperature peaks, improving muscle function, strength, and cardiovascular efficiency

This time is also beneficial for heart health and blood sugar control, making it ideal for those managing metabolic conditions 

Midday walks can also counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting and boost focus and energy during work hours 

For vitamin D synthesis, short periods of sun exposure outside peak hours are sufficient. Early morning (before 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) are generally safer times to get sunlight without excessive UV risk.

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with peak intensity around noon to 2 p.m. During these hours, UV radiation is most likely to cause skin damage, sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancer, so it is advised to seek shade or limit outdoor activities during this period.

Checking the weather after supper - I couldn't believe what I was seeing: MORE RAIN coming our way! I don't want to get bossy with God … but, man, a break longer than a 2 day gap, would be nice! 

Com'on God! MORE rain … are You serious? Give us a break, already 😟 - geez, Louise 🤔

I watched a cheesy sci-fi movie, then finished the evening with stretching and a heart-to-heart convo with Elohim.

8 to 15 reps EA exercise

Upward-Facing Dog stretch is generally safe for a 69 year old woman to do, if performed with proper form, modifications, and awareness of her health status. These pose offers benefits like improved flexibility, strength, circulation, and breathing. However, they are backbends and require core, arm, and leg strength, so they may not be suitable for everyone. When It’s Generally Safe - Good mobility and strength: If she has adequate shoulder, arm, core, and leg strength, and can maintain a neutral spine, the poses can be done with minimal risk. Proper alignment: Engaging the core, keeping the lower back from arching excessively, and avoiding overstretching are key to safety. Breathe deeply: Avoid holding your breath; focus on steady, relaxed breathing. When to Avoid or Modify: Recent back injury or surgery: Backbends can strain the spine if not supported properly. Severe osteoporosis or balance issues - the unsupported position can increase fall risk. High blood pressure or dizziness: The backbend can temporarily raise blood pressure or cause lightheadedness. Aim for at least 8 repetitions.  Stop if sharp pain or discomfort occurs - especially in the neck, lower back, or joints.

Glute Bridge exercise is one of the best glute exercises for older adults. This simple bodyweight move actually works your entire backside, including your hips, hamstrings, and lower back. The result: You'll improve your balance and power, making it easier to bend, walk, and climb stairs. This exercise is performed lying down, which means they place almost no compressive stress on the spine, hips, or knees. How to Do It Safely: Keep your core tight and hips level - avoid arching your back. Engage glutes and abdominals; the lift should come from the hips, not the lower back. Breathe out as you lift, in as you lower. Modifications for Safety - Mini-bridge: Lift hips only halfway up. Supported bridge: Place a pillow under hips for comfort. Aim for at least 8 repetitions.  Listen to your body: Avoid if you have recent lower back surgery, severe osteoporosis, or uncontrolled pain. Stop if you feel pain - it should feel like a muscle-building effort, not discomfort.

Half-Wipers can be a safe addition to a 69 year old woman's low-impact routine if done gently, with proper warm-up, and without pushing through pain. It’s best to start slowly, monitor how your body responds. Because it is generally low-impact and joint-friendly, it is often recommended for older adults who want to maintain mobility without stressing the knees, hips, or lower back. Low impact: It avoids high-impact movements that can strain joints. Joint protection: Gentle hip and hamstring stretches can improve flexibility without excessive load on the spine or lower extremities. Use support: If balance is a concern, perform it near a stable chair or wall for safety. Modify if needed: You can reduce the bend or keep the movement shallow if you feel instability. Aim for at least 8 repetitions. Listen to your body: Avoid if you have recent hip or back surgery, severe arthritis, or uncontrolled heart conditions. Stop if you feel dizziness, sharp pain, or discomfort.

Reverse Crunch: Here’s how you can perform a reverse crunch with proper form: Lie face-up on a mat or other soft surface with your knees bent at 90 degrees and your feet flat on the floor. Keep your arms near your sides with your palms down. Exhale and brace your core (suck stomach in). Lift your feet off the ground and raise your thighs until they’re vertical. Keep your knees bent at 90 degrees throughout the movement. Tuck your knees toward your face as far as you can comfortably go without lifting your mid-back from the mat. Your hips and lower back should lift off the ground. Hold for a moment and slowly lower your feet back toward the floor until they reach the ground. Aim for at least 8 repetitions. Do one set to start, and increase the number of reps and sets as you get stronger. Always prioritize safety; If you feel any sharp pain while performing reverse crunches, stop immediately.

Lying Leg Extensions are a great addition to your leg workout routine, whether you're looking to lose weight or not. Compared to other leg exercises, they specifically target your quadriceps, helping to tone and strengthen those muscles. Incorporating them into a well-rounded exercise program can help you build lean muscle mass, boost your metabolism, improve flexibility, prevent muscle imbalances, & aid in weight loss efforts; however, overdoing it can lead to strain or injury. It's generally recommended to Aim for at least 8 repetitions. repeat 2-3 times a week, allowing for adequate rest and recovery between sessions. This frequency will help you maximize the benefits while minimizing the risk of overexertion.

Bicycle Crunch is a great exercise for activating your abs as well as your oblique muscles, which help you rotate your trunk. Here’s how you can perform a bicycle crunch with proper form: Lie on your back with one knee tucked toward your chest and the other knee extended straight in front of you. Put your hands on the back of your head. Safety tip - Keep your hands lightly touching the back of your head to avoid the temptation of pulling your head forward. Switch the position of your feet while you bring your opposite elbow to your front knee. Aim for at least 8 repetitions. Always prioritize safety; If you feel any sharp pain while performing reverse crunches, stop immediately.

It's been fun, today

It started well & ended on a happy note.

PLEASE Father … halt the rain for a while.

HOPE FOR THE BROKENHEARTED; Castle Rock-WA

This message from the heart, is so powerful for those of us who have felt - and are still feeling the pain of separation.

4 years ago, sitting in the back pew of a little country church building … Yeshua gave me an open-eye vision, and a Scripture that gave me hope and a promise of Elohim's faithfulness towards me & my children. I won't share the vision because it is personal. I KNOW that I know, that I know IT WILL COME TO PASS. Whether I will be alive in the flesh to see it remains to be seen: but, I will see it - one way or the other - when it happens. The Word quietly spoken to my heart as I watched that vision appear, was: "be still and watch the salvation of the Lord".

Some people may scoff.

Some people may call me a crazy old woman.

But I believe in visions. I believe in prayer. I believe in the reality of Almighty God & His saving grace.

I KNOW that I know, that I know IT WILL COME TO PASS.

How do I "know"?

I survived and thrived despite a childhood drama-trauma that should have killed me = Elohim's faithfulness & Yeshua's salvation.

My 1st husband survived 2 deaths (August 1978 = doctors paddled his heart back to life & September 1981 = Elohim literally resurrected him back to life in front of witnesses while he was being prepared for a morgue haul; dead 25 minutes and declared dead) - he was restored to me twice, and we enjoyed 35 years together following his 1981 death; before his spirit answered the Call to go Home, December 14th, 2018. When I was 6 months pregnant with Stacey, I had an open-eye vision of ALL Bob's impending deaths; even so, I admit December 14th, 2018, shook my world and though my spirit accepted and rejoiced in his graduation beyond the clouds where there is no more suffering, pain, or death … the human part of my being was seriously rattled, for several years following; but Elohim was faithful in his care towards me & never once did I slide into a depressed state = Elohim's compassion towards me, & Yeshua's saving grace towards Bob.

Our daughter, 4 years old at the time, survived a serious vaccine fallout that nearly took her life with a 106-degree temperature spike as the vaccine cocktail that was given kept morphing into something else that was attacking her immune system and keeping the doctors on staff, on their toes, to keep her alive = Elohim's faithfulness & Yeshua's salvation.

2 Grandchildren that doctors told my daughter were "never going to happen" were born; beautiful & handsome - 18 years apart. Thriving & surviving. And though I am not able to see them now … I KNOW that I WILL see them, again. At the appointed time. I prayed for Alyna & had a 100-piece Layette ready for her when she arrived. I had a vision concerning Azariah, though I didn't understand it at the time. I prayed for Liam to arrive and be a permanent presence in all their lives - I didn't know him, or his name, but I knew he'd be Alyna's husband; he is a true God-send to our family = Elohim's compassion towards me, & Yeshua's saving grace towards me and mine.

An unexpected love in my senior years - deeply true and "made to order"; a real "God-thing". Every once in awhile a storm will appear - but on the whole, it's a welcome & satisfactory union divinely inspired and orchestrated. Perhaps not a soothing ballad, and more like a dramatic opera with it's passionate ebbs and flows … but, it is what it is: Holland's 1987 prayer for a Wife & my 2021 dare prayer I never expected to come to fruition that went something like this one, thrown out to Elohim one exasperated afternoon: "Please Lord, make my friends stop praying a husband for me - I had one I loved with everything in me. There's nothing left to give anyone else & I don't want anyone else. But, I don't want to be out of Your Will either. So, if a new man is part of your Plan, then change my heart. And he'll have to be (tadadadah - I rattled off a list of must have's to Father God) & he'll have to be a Christian (an absolute must)." Holland appeared in my Life as a friend, at a fellowship gathering in the Fall of 2021. He was openly flirting the summer of 2022. And tired of waiting for the perfect moment, he whisked me off to Reno-NV to seal the deal, January 7th, 2023. All boxes on both our God List got checked. Now, we just have to remember to check ourselves when the storms blow over the landscape of our Life, with hurricane force = Elohim's faithful compassion over both of us, & Yeshua's saving grace towards US, in general.

ALL of Holland's wayward siblings lost track of the "straight & narrow path" (including Holland, himself, at times) & are now dead as a result. Holland & his younger brother Mark are the only sibling survivors. I don't know where Mark stands - but I do know that Holland's feet are being redirected back to the straight & narrow that promises Life and a lighter step through this walk on Earth. I KNOW that I know, that I know - because Holland is a direct answer in every way, to that dare prayer I made (an "impossible" dare woven into a bratty prayer uttered to shut my friend's unwanted hopes for me, down). They hoped, I dared, and Elohim shook the Heavens with laughter, thinking, "I know just the man." Holland knew me on sight when I showed up … his mother's wayward son's prayers were being answered. And I KNOW my motherly prayers concerning my wayward children, will also BE answered.

Wayward is not yet Lost.

And what is lost can be found, when the desire is strong enough ❤️

The Homespun Wife - 'When Your Children Break Your Heart':  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu_QRE4xQvg)

SLO-MO SWEET; Castle Rock-WA

70-degrees by noon 🌞; it was a gorgeous Day.

My handsome husband gave me the princess treatment 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 by taking me for an ice cream in Kelso … completely by 🚘 backroads (crossing the freeway at Headquarters/Pleasant Hill Overpass & again, at Pleasant Hill/Ostrander overpass) until we reached Kelso = surprise #1

Windows open.

Instead of Metallica, Deep Purple tunes 🎶 bounced of the interior of Betsy's cab = surprise #2

Deep Purple-Best of Hits 2024 Collection--Celebrated:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8QznomgxPE&list=RDY8QznomgxPE&start_radio=1)

We turned off N Pacific Hwy, onto Holcomb Loop Rd = surprise #3. I like this road & have driven it many times "just because". The road climbed up, up, up. Sun-warmed scented leaves 🌞🌳🍃 and pungent evergreen resin 🌲 filling the country air. A road that stretched on & on with spotty houses here and there. Yellow butterflies flitting everywhere 🦋 The atmosphere was definite slo-mo sweet.

It was wonderful!

I love scenic country, backroad drives 🚘😁👏

Kelso DQ by way of backroads: Old Pacific Hwy, Bond Rd., Pleasant Hill Rd., & the hill country of Holcomb Rd. that drops into N Kelso-WA by the Huntington Middle School.

Holcomb Loop Road; Kelso-WA 

PROJECTIONS; Catle Rock-WA

May 31st: Well, a year has come and gone, & I've let go of the svelte image of myself I was for a couple years between 2019 & 2022 … where I was down to the weight and put-together self I was before Husband #1. That svelte image captured both Husband #1 & Husband #2 - and I liked it too, that's why I was very happy to get it a go again between 2019 & 2022.

But while both husbands liked that image during pursuing and capturing their bird on the wing; once the ring was on the finger, the toned & sculpted shifted; & fat started accumulating & setting, until I was no longer an on-the-go toned flashy flamingo, but a house-bound plump pigeon. I seems to me that the men in my Life like to rein me in, & fatten me up. Now Bob did like thin women - which I was when we met, dated & married: but, I eventually became a curvy wife as homecooked meals 👩‍🍳🥘🍲🍝🍞🥖🥧🎂 & motherhood evolved 👶🍼 & grandchildren arrived; my children always had a ample lap to perch on 😂🤣 He never said anything about the weighty fluctuations, but knowing Bob's preference for thin women, I tried to keep my weight at an acceptable limit - while we both recognized the mature woman busty-peachy hour glass shape my thin teenage self had morphed into, was here to stay. I had a very nice home gym set up in a spare room and kept my body toned & sculpted 🏋️‍♀️🧘  I like to work my body, so this was no hardship for me.

Holland, bless him 🙏, has never said anything at all about my weight - thin or thick: it doesn't matter to him. He met me in my mid-60's 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨, with my scaled-back-toned & sculpted mature woman busty-peachy hour glass shape; he didn't know me any other way. 

I don’t WANT to weigh 115 pounds – that would be too thin for my personal taste, concerning my personal body shape; a comfortable 40 pound shearing would be satisfactory. And I will still be pretty curvy when I shed those 40 pounds, BUT I will also be healthier than I am today. The weight gain 😱 since we married, matters to me 🙄😤 It matters to me because I breathe easier when I'm slimmer. My aging joints prefer me slimmer - and cause me a lot of grief when they feel the weight. I liked my flashy flamingo self during those days of 2019 & 2022 … and I'd like to wear my accumulated flashy clothing, again.

So, in this marriage with Husband #2, I'm doing what I can to curb the spread 🤔❌ while settling into my "thick chick" stage - Holland likes to eat. He likes to eat foods that add to the figure, not reduce 😒 If I say "salad for supper" 🥗 … he brings home a dozen doughnuts 🍩  "so we don't starve" - and he's not satisfied until he puts one in my hand and watches me eat every delicious bite. So, I'm still faithfully working out  🥗🏋️‍♀️🧘 walking every chance I get between fickle weather breakouts, watching calories 🧐📝👩‍🍳 as best I can & trying to politely dodge his tasty sabotages. But, at 69, I'm resigned to the fact that this husband likes his aging "chick" a bit "thick".

Venus - Queen of the Stone Age - revered as the 'ideal woman', is apparently in "perfect form" for my Neanderthal minded man.

Shocking Blue - Venus: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LhkyyCvUHk&list=RD8LhkyyCvUHk&start_radio=1)

I am aiming for a lighter version of the projected Queen Venus; I'll still be "large coming & going" no matter how many calories I curb … and my fat loving husband won't have a Skinny Minnie bag of bones; but I'd like to have a lot less junk in my trunk to haul around. That is what I'm aiming for.

1) Thick chicks have curves. While I will never - given the body Yeshua designed for me - not have curves, no matter thick or thin: Holland likes me curvy in a rounded fashion.

2) It doesn't matter what I am wearing; or how I have stuffed my ample bosom or butt into it … he will compliment me, saying, "Curves are sexy". And he means what he says - he's not pacifying me to keep the mood light.

3) He's addicted to adrenaline rush … everything dangerously curved: downhill slides, racetracks, sports cars: so, in his mind, his short curvy wife is an open invitation to excitement.

4) Delicious, nourishing, & juicy foods have thick curves curves: I believe I mentioned that my husband likes to eat & snack. He views my curves as Heaven sent full-plate delights.

5) He considers thick chicks awesome because they either know how to cook good food … or they know where the good foods are. I know both. I eat healthy. He likes that.

6) Thick chicks make good cuddle buddies. Holland tells me that I'm like his own personal heat generator.

I like my husband happy.

Thick makes him happy.

But I don't have to be a sloppy thick - so, while he is nibbling on me, I will continue body toning and trying to keep calorie count at a manageable limit to keep my thick from escalating to "ick".

Will Body Toning and Sculpting Help You Lose Weight?

Body toning and sculpting can help you lose weight in some cases, but they are not the same as traditional weight loss and have different goals and results.

Weight loss happens when you create a calorie deficit — burning more calories than you consume. This reduces overall body fat, but the fat loss is distributed across your body and not targeted to specific areas. You may lose weight, but stubborn fat pockets can remain nicolecaroline.com.

Body toning and sculpting focus on improving muscle definition, reducing localized fat, and refining shape. This can include:

Strength training (lifting weights, compound exercises) to build muscle, which increases resting calorie burn and can help maintain or even slightly reduce body fat.

Non-invasive body sculpting to target stubborn fat deposits and improve muscle tone.

Can they cause weight loss?

Yes, indirectly: Toning exercises and some body sculpting treatments can contribute to fat loss if combined with a calorie-controlled diet. Muscle growth also increases metabolism, which can support weight management Lose It!.

But not guaranteed: If you’re already at a healthy weight, body sculpting may reduce fat in specific areas without changing your overall weight nicolecaroline.com+1.

Best results come from combining toning/sculpting with healthy eating and consistent exercise for overall fat loss.

Key points to remember:

Body sculpting is not a substitute for healthy lifestyle changes Anne Arundel Dermatology.

Significant weight loss should be approached with diet and exercise first, then sculpting for contouring Farris Plastic Surgery.

Results from sculpting are most stable if your weight remains consistent Anne Arundel Dermatology.

Bottom line: Toning and sculpting can help you lose weight if they lead to fat loss, but their main benefit is improving muscle tone and shaping specific areas. For lasting weight loss, pair them with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

And my bottom line is that given my husband's preferences for fatty foods 🥩🥔🍷🍾🍔🍕🥓🧁🍰 🍩 🍨🍪 and a thick wife 🍑 … sizing down will take me longer 🙄 than the projected 1-year I set out to achieve 📅📌 - and a whole new wardrobe 🛍️👖👗👕🩳👜💵: by the time I actually size down, the clothing I was hoping to fit back into, will not be suitable for an old woman; not even a toned & sculpted one 💪 Plus, my lifestyle and life focus has changed 💯 It will be time for a new wardrobe.

After lamenting my domesticated pigeon shape I'm in, we drove into Castle Rock to use the ATM. I asked Holland to let me off at the same parking lot he let me off a few days ago - and I started walking, telling him I'd meet him at a specific place. He went his way … and I went mine.

It was a beautiful Day in the neighborhood:

Walking, I spotted Betsy waaay down the street, sitting at the 4-Way Light.

I crossed the street to see if the plant I was looking at was the plant I think it is … it is. This plant is called "Dinosaur Plant", and it really does appear prehistoric with it's gigantic jungle leaves & huge cones that contain thousands of tiny flowers that eventually produce small, seed-bearing fruits. It's uniquely strange and beautiful - and you feel so small standing next to it's 10-ft tall leaf stalks. I first saw a Dinosaur Plant about 5 years ago, at Lael's Moon Garden in Rochester, WA

Pretty pink  Peonies.

I was walking & gawking, when I saw this wall mural and stopped to frame it for a picture shot. All of a sudden, Holland was cruising to a stop in front of it, so I spoke loudly to him, so he could hear me above the diesel noise "Move it along, further forward."

Wall Mural; Castle Rock-WA

A woman outside the saloon~apparently waiting for her ride to come get her in a red truck: she thought Holland was it.

Driving out of town, Holland said, "How does pizza sound? Why don't you call Papa Pete's & order one of those cheesy garlic chicken pizza?" So, I did - then we drove to a parking spot along the Mickey Mouse bridge; watching the river and talking a bit while it baked.

Leaving to go collect the pizza, I spotted there pretty colorful things brightening the grass along the gravel turnout:

Pretty maroon-pink colored sweet peas down by the Mickey Mouse bridge; Castle Rock-WA

Cheesy garlic Chicken Pizza; see what I mean? This is not a calorie curbing salad - this is a Venus in the making.

And we had a surprise visit from David. We always enjoy time spent with him; I do miss him when we're gone.

It was a good Day, today.

Now, it's time to shut things down and shuffle off to bed.

LITTLE JOYS MATTER; Self-Care 2026~Castle Rock-WA

May 30th: The Day started out chilly, but was warming up nicely as the joy juice in my coffee mug was dwindling. While I drank, I watched a little squirrel jet across the grass and scurry up the big evergreen tree at the edge of our front yard, here. A shirt while later, that yellow-stripe cat came trolling through. The squirrel sat atop the birdhouse, watching, as I watched the little morning drama play itself out:

Rinsing my mug out, I got to thinking of a Saturday drive. So, I got dressed and said to Holland that I was going for a drive to relax my body & refresh my joy infill with a nature infusion - and told him where I would be heading, saying, "I'm going to go for a drive & I'll try to be home before it gets dark. I know you don't think you need to know where I am going, but you need to know where I am going in case nighttime arrives, and I do not. If you want to come … you can; if you want to stay home, you need a general direction to point the Calvary to, in which they can start scouting for me if I do not return in a reasonable timeframe. I'm going up the Toutle towards Bear Creek." He thought a minute, and said, "The mountain?" I answered, "Not quite, but in that general area. There's a turnout viewpoint in that vicinity. It's a beautiful day, so it will be a relaxing drive; I'll probably turn around there and come back; I have my inhaler if I need it at the high elevations & I'm dressed light, so I won't be hiking - I'm even wearing my open-toe sandals." He said, "Okay. You should be home before dark. Going off by yourself is a good thing; you need to get familiar with Betsy." I agreed that I needed to familiarize myself with how Betsy handled on a long drive - and off I went.

Driving past Silver Lake, I saw that the river was busy with fishermen, fishing along the roadside & in boats, among the lily pads. Yellow Flag Lilies lined the lake's edges - I had never noticed them before, but they sure made an impression today.

Silver Lake was humming with fishing activity, today.

Yellow Flag  Lilies lined the lake's edges~Internet picture.

The Day was perfect for a long, relaxing drive. I love the sound of road hum under the tires as they ate up mile after mile of blacktop.

Betsy is a powerful beast, & a couple times she gave me a hard time (she doesn't turn very easy - she's wide, long, and bulky); but I put a firm upper-hand to her; thanking Elohim profusely for those muscle building upper body workouts, and got to where I wanted to get to. She pulled those steep uphill climbs easy-peasy.

When I spotted Mt. St. Helens on the horizon, I pulled over to snap a picture - not a very good picture, I agree: what's left of her upper edges was shrouded in clouds; but she grabs your attention and dominates the scenery.

Mt. St. Helens seen from Havilah Retreat driveway; Spirit Lake Hwy.

There are many bridges like this along the route. MPO is that The Hoffstadt Bridge is the worst~Internet picture.

A couple gorge bridges later, I arrived at the Mt. St. Helens Forest Learning Center.

Learning Center at #17000 Spirit Lake Hwy, Toutle-WA, from #150 Happy Trails Rd., Castle Rock-WA: 41 minutes~34 miles via WA-504

I knew I would visit the Gift Shop and go home with 2 Bigfoot mugs. I also knew I'd be watching cheesy Bigfoot movies later on, tonight. I've lived in WA State most of my Life, & I've heard the legendary stories of sightings in the lowland regions - apparently he walks all over the State & not just at higher elevations.

Several states across our great nation have stories about their own Bigfoot - even states without high altitude mountainous areas. Several countries around the globe, have stories about their own Bigfoot.

Mr. Bigfoot is a popular guy & a favorite topic.

When I parked Betsy in a space in the spacious parking lot & stepped outside her cab, I shivered - the atmosphere was windy & c.o.l.d. Even though the sunshine was evident, I was immediately wishing I had had the foresight to grab a coat before I left home. I quickly walked across the parking lot and scooted inside the building; making my way to the gift shop and buying 2 coffee mugs with Bigfoot's image on them: the mysterious big fella is popular with us, too.

As I was slipping a CD disc into the player & readying to pull out of the parking space … a mini tour bus parked alongside me with a logo I couldn't resist snagging:

I thought, "Why not?" The Day still had plenty of daylight hours to play out.

And I wanted to understand Betsy's operation modes better.

So, instead of turning left - I turned right. Curious about how open the road was towards the the cloud shrouded maw of Helen's open throat.

Wild purple lupine was everywhere along the roadsides. Traffic flowed smoothly, coming and going. The tunes filling Betsy's cab was music I don't get to hear unless I'm driving solo lobo. Today is self-care day of relaxation. Even my brain was relaxed & didn't have to think too much - I know this drive by rote.

From Learning Center, #17000 Spirit Lake Hwy, Toutle-WA, to Hummocks Trail #229: 18 min~11 miles via WA-504

The clouds didn't seem so low on the downward side, looking up …

The Johnston Ridge Observatory road was still closed:

The Johnston Ridge Observatory road was still closed.

{{Rebuilding SR 504 and reconnecting visitors to Mount St. Helens

Permanent repairs begin three years after landslide destroyed Spirit Lake Outlet Bridge

April 10, 2026~Sarah Hannon-Nein, Communications, 360-989-7589

TOUTLE – Three years after a landslide cut off access to the upper stretch of State Route 504, also known as Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, work is set to restore a key connection to one of Washington’s most scenic destinations: Mount St. Helens.

Starting Monday, April 27, Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews will begin work to permanently replace the SR 504 Spirit Lake Outlet Bridge and restore access to the Johnston Ridge Observatory in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, east of Toutle.

“This is more than a bridge restoration project,” said WSDOT Project Engineer Pedro Reyes. “It’s about reconnecting people to Mount St. Helens. We’re building a long-term solution that will fully restore safe access and ensure reliability for years to come.”

What to expect

Crews will build a new two-lane roadway and bridge designed for the area’s challenging terrain and changing conditions. The new bridge will be similar in width to the original structure, but longer and built to last.

What happened

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023, more than 300,000 cubic yards of debris slid about 2,000 feet down a hillside above SR 504 near milepost 49. The slide buried the highway in rock, mud, ice and water and destroyed the 85-foot Spirit Lake Outlet Bridge.

Within two months, crews cleared the debris and built a temporary bypass road so vehicles stranded at Johnston Ridge Observatory could be recovered.

The unstable landscape and harsh winter weather conditions caused the temporary structure to fail after four months due to erosion, water flow and shifting ground.

To ensure safety, WSDOT removed the failed structure and materials until a permanent solution could be built.

Looking ahead

Work is expected to be complete in Fall 2026. After construction, the U.S. Forest Service will begin work to restore Johnston Ridge Observatory, including power and other essential repairs, before it can reopen to the public. Once finished, travelers will again be able to drive the full length of SR 504 and visit the observatory to experience the dramatic landscape shaped by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2026/rebuilding-sr-504-and-reconnecting-visitors-mount-st-helens }}

But, the Hummocks Trail parking lot was packed with every type of travel vehicle imaginable; If I had come prepared, today would have been a good day to be hiking - there would be plenty of people on the trail to keep wild animals at bay, and to give aid if needed. But, I didn't arrive prepared, so this being the end of the road for today's drive … I just headed back home.

Gary Allen - 'It Would Be You' Album: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4rNyOL4ABc&list=OLAK5uy_ly19Sn38Nd1BW8MLrQ8Vv147Ps0RHh-cg&index=2)

Some people had placed their camp chairs directly in the way of traffic routes. It would be another hour's drive home & there was no cell service available. I could afford to wait the inconsiderate oafs out & I didn't want Holland to be worried about me because people wanted to drink beer & eat tailgate hotdogs in the center of a public parking lot; so, I inched Betsy forward & they moved. Betsy is a formidable beast when she's on the move - and I can morph into a formidable Beast, too, when necessary.

From Hummocks Trail #229 to Toutle River RV Resort, #150 Happy Trails Rd., Castle Rock-WA: 1 hr 1 min~47 miles via WA-504

At home, I made a quick supper of steamed veggies & bacon. Then I washed the coffee mugs I'd bought:

My mug.

Holland's mug interior - I bought it to watch his smile when he drains his coffee & sees it.

And I finished up the simple doorway swags I made for the upcoming July 4th ~ 250th American Freedom holiday, while watching a star-studded retro Bigfoot movie.

My simplistic door swags add a bit of color. A bit of color in my immediate space adds a joy vibe. Joy is not in the thing itself; but the thing stirs up the joy within us, striking a happy note. That is how it works with me.

1977 Snowbeast: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9fwRPdsOFA)

Tassels finished and added to every end of every chain rope.

July 4th coming up.

MOD Swags - thrifty, simple, & practically weightless; perfect for a life on the move.

I'll pick up some clear hooks at Lowe's next time I'm in town - they'll look nicer.

I'll pick up some clear hooks at Lowe's next time I'm in town - they'll look nicer. These bulky, intrusive hooks were all I could find in Southren states.

And I finally finished the Cussler 'Gray Ghost' novel & started another. The Gray Ghost was a trial to get through; it was so boring. Hopefully this new read will grab my attention and keep it engaged.

Started a new Read.