VAL'S STOVETOP 4Patriots CHICKEN DINNER BELL-BROCCOLI-RICE CASSEROLE; Castle Rock-WA

Val's Stovetop 4Patriots Chicken Dinner Bell-Broccoli-Rice Casserole; Castle Rock-WA

It's a little cool today, with a gentle breeze making the tree limbs dance now and then - and a husband asking for chicken for supper 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨‍🍽️ So, I dug around in the few remaining 4Patriots food packets, and settled on the light, but satisfying 'Dinner Bell Broccoli Bake' 🥘: the sauce makings are already included, as well as the rice & dehydrated bell peppers.

I used half a regular packet, that I had halved & repackaged with a heated vacuum sealer, because there is only 2 of us - use the entire packet if you are cooking for a family of 4 or more.

Halved packet for 2 people serving.

These meal preparations are handy for a road gypsy lifestyle … but they really do lack in substance & flavor; so, I jazzed it up a bit with chicken bits 🍗, spices 🧂🍃, flavorings 🧄🥕🧈, and cheese 🧀 - to make a hearty, comforting stove-top casserole that is perfect for a low-key Sunday meal - with very little time on my feet in the kitchen, and little clean-up afterwards 😊

You can make the recipe as written (I used what I had on hand, today) or customize it with add-ins such as ham, mushrooms, zucchini, Parmesan cheese, bread crumb topping, etc. Be creative in your kitchen 👩‍🍳‍ 

Val's Stovetop 4Patriots Chicken Dinner Bell-Broccoli-Rice Casserole ~serves 3

1/2 Packet 4Patriots Dinner Bell-Broccoli Bake, dry mix * 1 Lrg. Chicken Breast, cut into bite size pieces * Salt & grnd. Black Pepper, to taste * 1/8 tsp Paprika * 2 TBSP Olive Oil * 2 TBSP Margarine * 1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped * 1/2 c Carrots, shredded * 3 c Water * pinch of Mustard Powder * 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder * 1/4 teaspoon Cumin Powder * 2 TBSP Mushroom Powder * 3/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce * 1/2 TBSP Lemon Juice * 1 TBSP Parsley, fresh & snipped * 1 c. Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated

1 Lrg. Skillet w-lid * Manual-Pull Food Chopper * Lrg. Cooking Spoon * Lrg. Slotted Cooking Spoon * Measuring Spoons * Lrg. Pyrex Measuring Cup * Hot Pads * Supper Plates & Silverware

Manual-Pull Food Chopper.

Chopped onion & carrot.

1) Over medium-high heat; heat oil in skillet, add chopped veggies & chicken pieces … cook until soft and tender to the bite.

2) In Pyrex cup, blend 1 c water, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, spices, & mushroom powder … pour over meat & veggies in skillet:

Mushroom powder.

Blend spices & mushroom powder; stir into liquids.

Stir liquid blend into skillet mix.

Add dry packaged ingredients, remaining 2 cups of water, & margarine - carefully blend well with slotted spoon: bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium & continue cooking, stirring frequently until rice is soft (but not mushy); about 40 minutes. All stoves cook differently, so check rice periodically & adjust cooking time every 5 minutes ⏲️, if necessary.

3) Top skillet mixture with shredded cheddar cheese & parsley; broad-spread evenly:

Cover skillet with lid, turn off heat & let skillet mixture sit on flameless burner until cheese is melted. Remove from heat - serve & enjoy.

Val's Stovetop 4Patriots Chicken Dinner Bell-Broccoli-Rice Casserole; if you don't like the gravy style … let it sit a few minutes before serving: it will thicken as it cools.

ORDINARY~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA

Holland had a 10 AM appointment in Chehalis for a knee injection. We left early, to stop at Wal*Mart, to return the wireless blue-tooth mini printer we bought the other day - Holland tried for hours to get the thing to connect with his laptop & phone: no go; so, it was returned this morning.

I did finish the Clive Cussler novel I was reading last night; so, this morning I grabbed this one, to take with me, to read in the doctor's office lobby.

Today's new Clive read …

Walmart Supercenter, #1601 NW Louisiana Ave, Chehalis-WA from Toutle River RV Resort, #150 Happy Trails Rd, Castle Rock-WA; via I-5 N and NW Louisiana Ave~37 min (27.9 miles)

Then, we grabbed a breakfast biscuit combo at Wendy's (which was surprisingly good); on our way to the medical complex, where the injection would be done.

Walmart Supercenter & Wendy's, #1601 NW Louisiana Ave, Chehalis-WA

Olympia Orthopedic Associates - Centralia Clinic, #1900 Cooks Hill Rd, Centralia-WA from Walmart Supercenter, #1601 NW Louisiana Ave, Chehalis-WA; via Airport Rd~8 min (3.2 miles)

Knee pain injections are minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatments, that can reduce pain, inflammation, stiffness, improve mobility, and support healing; offering (1) temporary (2) long-term relief depending on the type of injection used. This morning, Holland's left knee was injected with a biologic substance - shot directly into the knee joint. The type of injection given is commonly used for osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, ligament or tendon injuries, and cartilage damage = given the jobs he has done throughout his life (cowboy, serviceman for telephone pole equipment, oil roughneck, drywall construction worker & business owner) from age 14 to mid-40's; when an on-site construction job-related disability changed his life direction, Holland no doubt suffers a degree of all of the mentioned inflammations. His knees, shoulders, and back are aflame 24/7/365. Injections are considered when mainstream treatments like physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle modifications fall short of pain management.

The injection was of Hyaluronic Acid Gel (Viscosupplementation), which provides lubrication and cushioning to the joint, mimicking natural synovial fluid. Pain relief typically develops gradually, with strongest effects between 5–13 weeks post-injection = the doctor stressed this to Holland, so he wouldn't immediately expect instant relief. Benefits can last 3–6 months, and repeated courses may be administered if needed = I pointedly asked the doctor if Holland would need follow-up appointments, and was told "no" … we'll see. Viscosupplementation may also help delay the need for knee replacement surgery = both of us, are hoping this is the end result.

If the injections don't work, Holland is considering Stem Cell Injections, that would use stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow or fat to potentially regenerate cartilage and reduce inflammation = I am praying he gets this idea out of his head! Collecting stem cells is risky - and this treatment is in it's exploratory period: I'd rather my husband not be a medical guinea pig. But, he will do what he wants to do; once his mind is made up, I can object all I want to … but he's gonna do what he's gonna do.

On another note: Holland invited me to sit in on the procedure - this is a major shift in his macho sphere. I was glad to be included. I was pleased that he broached the topic, himself. I was happy to be an acknowledged Wife. I am excited that he is finally understanding that 2 ears are better at hearing what doctors are saying … & 2 heads are better than 1, when important decisions are being contemplated.

The Clive read was never read & the Tablet was not used, either.

The drive back home was pleasant, & traffic behaved, too.

Toutle River RV Resort, #150 Happy Trails Rd, Castle Rock-WA from Olympia Orthopedic Associates - Centralia Clinic, #1900 Cooks Hill Rd, Centralia-WA; via I-5 S~30 min (29.6 miles)

Back home, Holland went upstairs to catch some zzz's: and I stretched my muscles:

Gym Visual Bodyweight Glute Stepup~In & out of Betsy x4

Incline Mountain Climbers~Aim for 10 reps, x3

Darebee Bridge Taps~Aim for 10 reps, x3

Gym Visual V-extensions Adducter Stretch~Aim for 10 reps, x3

Gym Visual hands under hips Flutter Kicks~Aim for 10 reps, x3

Reverse Crunches~Aim for 10 reps, x3

Gym Visual Upward-Downward Dog~Aim for 10 reps, x3

Side Leg Raises~Aim for 10 reps, x3 

Supper was simple tonight - and we tried a new biscuit: we'll be buying it, again.

Steamed pork & veg's with a new biscuit - YUM. My husband is a not a Messianic Believer, & I am a Messianic Jew-Christian that follows Yeshua's teachings: Yeshua said, “Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and then it is eliminated. Thus all foods are clean” (Mark 7:19)

As I welcome this Shabbat in with thankful heart & a glass of red wine, I am reminded that some of the richest parts of life can’t be bought, collected, or displayed like trophies or prizes … they are simply felt. I’m thankful for every quiet moment that reminds me just how beautiful an ordinary life can be.

Messianic Shabbat Songs & Blessings~Messianic Remnant Community Playlist: 

 (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKhfuZuSBOvp9qsAg2wZuxq-WBoX-B10H)

I'M NOT REALLY A PEOPLE PERSON~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA

Walk-ins are definitely discouraged.

Siblings & both husbands kinda visit by the seat-of-the-pants … but I want notification of a potential visitation.

Sometimes my peopling battery has been seriously depleted: and I'm not up for a drop-in 3 hour rehash visit. I want to recharge - preferably alone, where the recharge can fully recharge.

Sometimes I have spent the entire night cat-napping (over-thinker pit fall), instead of getting a full-on refreshing slumber: and I'm not up for a drop-in 3 hour rehash visit. I want to recharge - preferably alone, so I can continue cat-napping to recoup the sheep & herd them back over the fence together, to count off the 1-2-3 … drop off into dreamland.

Sometimes I am worn out from simply trying to stay alive; asthma is a bitch that refuses to be put down: and I'm not up for a drop-in 3 hour rehash visit. I want to recharge - preferably alone, in my private space - where no one but me can see the mess staying alive has made of my face … and I can be a drooping wall flower all day long until my sunflower energy returns, & rejuvenates me.

And most importantly - my home is my sanctuary. My safe place. The 1 place in the whole world where I can decide who is in it; and how long they can stay: and I'm not up for bored drop-in visitors that have nowhere else to be all Day long. I am an Empath - people carry energy with them & sometimes that energy gets to be an overwhelming current that seriously drains my energy ~ I can feel what they feel (emotions, experiences, the life vibe). I need my personal space to be free of intensity. I need my personal space to be as peaceful as possible; like a calming sanctuary.

I'm not anti-social (as my kids & new husband continually tells me) - I'm selectively social:

In my own time … and the place I choose.

With an inhabitation limit.

FINAL DENTAL VISIT ... FOR NOW~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA

2026 is turning out to be a very expensive year 💸

This morning was my final dental visit 👏 … for now; I am wanted back in the dentist chair November 10th: same time, same place. The next visit won't be as spendy, but it will still carry a hefty price.

While my teeth were being worked on, I was hoping that since the hour was so early - I'd be able to kinda doze a bit (I did). I was also praying constantly that Elohim would be merciful 🙏 and keep my throat clear of asthma mucus which would catapult me into a coughing fit: He was 😁 … and my body behaved during the entire 2-hr. procedure.

When we got back home, Holland got busy outside; & I checked my FB Page, where several Memories popped up reminding me that today is "Gorgeous Grandma Day". I didn't feel - nor did I look glamorous today, but, I am thankful I have the privilege of being a grandmother; & I am thankful for Elohim's blessings on me, in that regard; even if the situation is hard, given the situation, currently.

Fingernail polish - but, no makeup; I was sitting in the dentist chair for 2 hours … making time with a curling iron & makeup, would have been pointless.

Gorgeous Grandma Day 2026

Elohim is a faithful God … I may not get to see or spend time with my grandchildren, but that is not His fault. I am truly blessed ❤️, and I never forget my blessings 😘

Krisa, 1990

Alyna, 1995

Briana, 1996

Azariah, 2014

Then, I did a short, inside dumbbell workout, while waiting for the numbness of my mouth to dissipate:

Do EA set reps, as instructed x3.Upperbody Works Plus Workout [ How-To ]:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2-BKQf_tB4)

Dumbbell weights 3-, 5-, & 8-lb~changed out with each set; starting small - ending large.

Alternative = Seated Dumbbell Bicep Curls~Aim for 8 reps x3

Alternative = Dumbbell Lateral Raises~Aim for 8 reps, x3

Alternative = Dumbbell Upright Chest Rows~Aim for 8 reps x3

Alternative = Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press~Aim for 8 reps x3

Bodyweight Glute Stepup~In & out of Betsy x6 today.

Then, I read a couple chapters of the Clive Cussler novel while I did a couple loads of laundry.

And just as I was finishing chapter 55 … the water dried up & Holland informed me that the Park Manager was informing everyone that there was a water leak and emergency repairs would take 3 hours to complete.

3 hours!

I had a "hand wash only" blouse soaking in the back bathroom sink - it was time to rinse it out. It couldn't stay in the sink for 3 hours. I rinsed it out with 4 bottles of bottled water 🤨, hoping all the soap was being flushed from the fibers.

I hung it up, and decided to go for a drive to stem my frustration. This is the 2nd time there has been a big water leak in the Resort. Of course, the pipes are 30 years old - Bob, me, & Alyna were staying at the Paradise Cove RV Park (directly across the overpass, from here), when it this RV Park was designed & layed out, in 1998.

I drove over Delameter Road from Castle Rock - and as I was coming off Woodside Drive, which ties into the Ragland Road & Coal Creek Road junction, in Longview … a mama doe with 3 fawns was standing in the middle of the junction: then an oncoming car spooked them and they bolted, jumping both sides of the road. At one point, as they ran over the hill flanking Betsy's driver side, I honestly thought they might jump into Betsy's truck bed - they were so frightened. They didn't, thank the Lord; but it was a real concern.

WHAT??? No water … broken Park waterline.

Mama doe & 3 fawns.

I had just pulled into the Willow Grove County Park, when my watch alerted me of an incoming call: Holland.

The water was back on.

So, I turned around and went back home.

It was a nice country drive & a refreshing half hour drive; the drive was not wasted time.

Tomorrow, we drive north on I-5, where Holland will get an injection in his knee that is promoted to be "beneficial" - we'll see. The injection is a Band-Aid, it is not a cure; but right now, in this moment, any relief is a major improvement. We are hopeful. We are thinking he will more than likely have to get a series of shots, every 2 months, for the "benefits" to really  kick in: each injection carries a hefty price.

MOD PEACOCK HAIR CLIP~Crochet Pattern; Castle Rock-WA

MOD Peacock Hair Clip

The weather is hot enough … and my hair is long enough now, to pull back into a little bun at the back of my head - and the plain clip was  needing some color: so, I designed and crafted a peacock feather [eye] to affix to the hair clip.

Peacock feather [eyes].

It didn't take long to make up, & the instructions are pretty basic & simple.

Metal Alligator Hair Curl Clip & MOD Peacock feather [eye].

Materials: Small balls of Worsted weight yarn in hues of Purple, Black, Blue, Gold, Light Green & Green; Crochet hook size #F/5; Scissors; Tapestry Needle; Metal Alligator Hair Curl Clip; Glue Gun w-Glue Stick

Terms Used:

sc = single crochet

hdc = half double crochet

dc = double crochet

sl st = slip stitch

sp = space

st = stich

EO = end off

Feather Eye: With crochet hook & purple -  make a magic circle & work into it, as follows: 2 sc = purple, 2 hdc = purple, 7 dc = black, 2 hdc = purple, 1 sc = purple; EO purple & black.

2) In last st worked, attach blue & work 5 sc (do not cut yarn - carry it along the backside of work), attach gold & work 1 hdc + 1 dc in next st, 2 dc next st, 3 tbc in next st, 2 dc next st, 1 dc + 1 hdc in next st - EO off gold & pick up blue, to work remaining 5 sts in sc; EO blue & gold.

3) In last st worked, attach light green - ch 3 & sl st in same sp … then, work as follows: 6 sc, 2 sc in next st, 3 sc, 3 sc in same sp, 4 sc, 2 sc in next st, sc in last 6 sts; EO light green.

Ch 3 & sl st in same sp …

4) In 4th st from bottom of work, attach green & working in back loops only, work as follows: sl st in 5 sts, 2 sc, hdc + dc in next st, dc +hdc in next st, 2 sc, sl st in remaining 5 sts; EO green.

Work green in back loops, only.

Finishing: On backside of work, weave in loose ends for a tidy finish.

Plug in glue gun, and when glue is hot - squeeze a good size glob onto the top of the metal hair clip, & place the crochet piece on it … pressing down firmly, to "set" the glue into the yarn fibers.

Heat glue gun.

Press crochet piece firmly into the glob of hot glue.

MOD Peacock Hair Clip