HARD TIMES

 

TRIP CANCELLED

The trip across America has been canceled - Holland's shoulder was on fire last night and this morning …. and we came back home from Sunnyside, WA. Things got a little sideways around Rochester, and it is obvious the trip will not be happening.

I'll get back to doing what I was doing before I got married (loop road trips around local WA & some OR roads/a weekly luncheon with my gal pals). Holland needs to stay in WA for his shoulder surgery - and that process will take 2 years - and he's not too keen on long road trips that bounce his shoulder, so he'll be sitting comfortably in Cal's fancy speed boat while Cal and Marcella fish.

He has also been asked by several people to go back to Oak Point Grange Meetings … and I'm pretty sure he will. He feels at home there, and his mindset is the same as theirs.

I'm going MIA for quite a while: I'm still trying to process that everything has changed. My heart was set on everything. But life happens, and change happens. I don't have to like it.

WEEK'S WORK

We've been enjoying ourselves, while also being busy between trips to the North Beach Peninsula beaches :-)

Wednesday - We drove to Rainier-OR to get Holland's teeth tended to; they look great, but they need another adjusting … so, we'll be calling tomorrow to set up another appointment. Hopefully they can get him in tomorrow (or Wednesday), and we'll be pulling stakes here and head towards North Dakota via White Pass-WA.

Interesting loop drive under the Lewis & Clark Bridge - Holland used to fish off the Port of Longview docks, so he knew this route.

David has been more than generous in extending a friendly "stay as long as you want to" on his beach property, and we truly appreciate it - but we don't want to wear out our welcome … and my itchy feet are wanting to get on the road again.

There are plenty of straight roadways between Yakima and North Dakota, with sparse traffic, so I am hoping to get some RV driving time in; so Holland can give his shoulder a rest now and then: he's grousing, but I am determined. It's necessary. And we are a Team - that means I will learn to carry my weight and take some of the pressure off my loving husband's shoulders ;-)

Then, we drove over to Longview-WA, to visit with Holland's cousin, Crystal - so much fun and laughter. And … she sent a bag of books home with me :-)

A very welcome gift, from Chrystal.

Thursday - Back to Longview for a Birthday Supper with Pam (her 68th), and her family. Also lots of fun and laughter.

Friday - Holland finally found the time to fix the upper bathroom door that was jarred out of it's place when we came over that Hell road from Denver months ago. It isn't flopping around anymore, and it looks a lot better too.

Sliding farmhouse door fixed - thanks Luv!

Then, I shooed him and Bleu outside while I mopped the floors and shampooed the doggie odor out of the carpet; Holland cooked Supper in the smoker-grill, so it wasn't a hardship for him to be outside for a while.

Saturday - We helped clear some of the debris off David's beach property; he had rototilled it earlier in the week before leaving for home again - and it's the least we could do to help him, since he is helping us tremendously by letting us spend this honeymoon time on his quiet, secluded, lot.

Property debris; David's beach lot.

Small limb refuge place din the burn pit … larger bits placed off to the side to be cut down to size.

Clearer; still some debris left, but the pile is down considerably.

Today - Holland is relaxing, and resting his shoulder … and I am working on completing the project item I started a few days ago: it's a love gift of my own design, in Holland's favorite color :-)

Working on a project - for Holland, to keep his knees warm in the early morning and late evening chill.

And we had a good long talk - sharing, discovering, making plans, and encouraging one another in the Lord's teachings.

Building a strong foundation for our marriage to grow upon: if Elohim be for us, who can be against us (including ourselves when the flesh steps in and tries to take over).

It is good to have Elohim on our side.

We are blessed in so many ways.

THREE MEN

 

CRAB

Today is our last real day on the Peninsula.

Tomorrow we'll be in Rainer, and Longview all day - in Rainier, to get Holland's teeth more comfortable in his mouth … and in Longview, to visit family and friends before boogieing off to Forks.

Holland has never eaten fresh crab before, so I thought it would be fun to track some down and chow down on it ;-)

First though - we tracked down a dog groomer to give Bleu a bath and clip the tips of his nails again. Strong dog odor gives me a migraine headache; and Bleu's toe nails are too sharp for Holland's skin.

When Bleu came back, he didn't smell so doggy (but he is not hyperallergic, and I do get headaches - trusting Elohim for a healing in this regard), and the woman did a good job on shortening/flattening the tips of his toe nails. I think his nails will always be very long, though: he's a digger, as well as a herder breed of dog.

Then propane tanks were filled; and right across the street from there, I saw a Sadie & Josie Bakery. Holland has been wanting doughnuts, so I suggested we try across the street. Sadie & Josie goods are GOOD: I would drive all the way from Longview to La Center just to buy those delicious goodies :-)

Propane filling day.

I love this big guy … he makes me feel safe; and like a precious Gift.

Sadie & Josie's; 204 Pioneer Rd, Longbeach-WA

Smaller Bakery than the one in La Center … and cheaper prices, too. But they didn't sell doughnuts, so we bought cinnamon rolls and eclairs. YUMMY!

We headed the nose of Betsy towards Nahcotta - with windows open, stereo cranked up loud, and sticky cinnamon roll bits on our fingertips and tongues.

There was no crab to be had in Nahcotta … so, we did a quick spin on the beachfront - and drove back to Longbeach. On our way, we turned onto the Loomis Lake gravel road to take a peek at the lake advertised up and down the roadway. Neither of us had ever been there: another memory made together :-)

Scouting for fresh crabs … the fishermen said they couldn't sell crab to us, fresh off the boat :-(

Cutting the beach drive short, and resumed crab hunting; Ocean Park-WA

Looking for Loomis Lake; Longbeach-WA

The Crab Pot; 1917 Pacific Ave S, Longbeach-WA

They were frozen (no fresh crab in a water tank was available) … so, I only bought 3. I wasn't going to pay extra for the frozen flesh. Frozen meat is denser, so it is heavier on the weight scale.

Supper - Crab & Eclairs; we ate Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast.

Holland couldn't eat the crab - he said it smells "too much like fish bait." Hmmm. I ate them … but I won't be buying anymore crabs. I might get some crabmeat in a restaurant dish, but if the smell is too overwhelming for Holland at home, there is no point to buying whole crabs for home.

We are learning about each other.

Living in unity is a process.

SAND & SURF DAY

July 10th: Last night after David left for home, Holland finished up with the Back Bumper & Bike Rack revisions: he did a good job :-)

Before David left, he assured us we could "stay as long as you want". But we'll be leaving Wednesday, or Thursday. We don't to wear our welcome out - David is a good friend, and we don't want to spoil that friendship bond.

And Bleu's attitude changed significantly after Sonny was gone: the brattiness disappeared, and he's been on his best behavior ever since. He still jumps on people - and he still draws blood on Holland's arms, and we're trying to find ways to curb him of doing that; he's still a puppy, so hopefully as he grows, the blood-letting will cease. His toenails are long and sharp, and I don't think we can trim them back any further than they already are without nicking into the quick.

Holland finished the Bumper Rack adjustments, & secured the bikes last night; good thing he covered them too, because the ocean mist was very heavy this morning.

Bleu settled down with Sonny gone.

And Holland decided to trust him with night time freedom; we keep blue lights on at night.

This morning Holland called his prosthodontist to make an appointment for a denture refitting - he likes his new set, but they are giving him gum blisters: something needs to be done so they sit comfortably in his mouth - they are too tight, and need a bit of a trimming. My mother and step-father wore dentures, so I understand the procedure.

After the phone call, we decided to drive up and down the Beach area - we started with Seaview, Ilwaco, and Chinook … then turned around and drove through Longbeach, Ocean Park, and Oysterville :-)

On our way back through Ilwaco, we thought we'd check out the KOA Park, just in case we want to be beach bums a little longer … it's been bought out, renamed, and repriced: WOWSERS! Once we were quotes the daily rates (no weekly or monthly rate breaks here), we understood why there were only three or four occupied spaces.

Then we touched down at Chen's Chinese Restaurant, before booking for some driving up and down the beach ;-)

Wet, misty morning in Longbeach-WA

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse & Observatory seen from North Jetty State Park in Ilwaco-WA; this is as close as we'll ever get to it.

We didn't miss anything … this lighthouse is not being maintained (internet pic).

Graceful Sand Cranes.

Thought we'd check out this RV Place - NO WAY! $75 just to park - $85 for full-hook up. Too rich for our blood.

Lunch at Chen's; Longbeach-WA

Holland is teaching me to drive on the beach - he's a good teacher ;-)

Holland is  learning to use the video feature on my phone; it's a first for him, but he's got to learn: we're a Team. Longbeach-WA

Honeymoon fun: re-living our younger years in our golden years; LOL. Honeymoons usually lasts from 6 months to 2 years - we've met in the middle, and decided on a 1-year length ;-)

Beach between Ocean Park & Oysterville-WA

What IS it …

Leaving the beach, we saw this weird structure … found a picture on the internet; and still no explanation of WHAT this thing is.

When we got back home, I asked Holland if he'd like to watch a couple movies with me: Jean-Claude Van Damme's 'The Quest' (I watched it last night, but I still have 12 hours left on it - I bought the right to watch it ;-)) … then we watched 'China Cry - The Nora Lam Story', and 'The Inn of Sixth Happiness' movie.

While watching the movies, I'm knitting something for him, and it's driving him crazy that I won't tell him what it is until it's done ;-)

It was a China Day, from beginning to end. I know that China's influence in America, as far as politicians go, is a touchy topic … but self-defense maneuvers, and missionary ventures still rule with me. The martial arts effects held Holland's attention - he struggled to stay focused with the rest. But he was good about it; after all, I did suffer through the John Wick movies (all four of them) ;-)

We are both learning to bend and meet each other in the middle.

The Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RCMJKWUsrw

China Cry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kja6nd2-F3c

The Inn of Sixth Happiness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8UR0G7dEEs

We also tried one of the Patriot Food Packets.

We tried the 'Patriot's Spaghetti Packet for Supper; it take longer to prepare than the instructions state; and it tastes like Chef Boyardee … not my favorite - it tastes like toddler baby food. I ate as much as I could; but even the Parmesan Cheese sprinkled liberally on it did not help. We gotta add more flavor, and ingredients, to it.

And tonight is Bleu's second free range nights - we want him to be a guard dog, he can't be locked in a kennel while we sleep. Holland thinks he's old enough, and I'm relaxing on the topic.

Leaving the kennel door open, and weaning him gently; so far, no accidents - and no tearing things up while we sleep. YAY!

I also finally got the Husband Photo's changed out on my phones. Holland has been good about Bob's face being in my hand every day … but I've felt weird about it: I'm a slow learner when it comes to techy stuff - but it's all good, now :-)

Bob's Senior Class Picture/Our Wedding Picture no longer fits my New Life. I finally figured out how to get Holland's pic on my two phones … this took me 7 months to accomplish. They are both big, tall, handsome men - Elohim has blessed me twice: I am highly favored, and greatly blessed :-)

ACCOMPLISHED DAY

July 8: To me, the most beautiful people are the people with beautiful hearts/souls.

Genuine beauty … not the fakers who parrot what they think people want to hear, or those who talk a good talk but walk an ugly walk.

Beautiful people occasionally lose their tempers (they are still people, after all ;-)) - but their love-light always shines; they are always thoughtful, generous, compassionate, and 100% real when dealing with you. And that is what makes them beautiful :-)

I surround myself with beautiful people: I don't keep fake people around me - if their walk doesn't match their talk, they are history in short order.

I recently married a beautiful soul. I met Holland last October, and he became a fast friend; and was a tremendous help in helping me get over the heartache/heartbreak of Bob's death and absence in my life. I wasn't even thinking of a love interest … and then Elohim opened my eyes - and my heart, to Holland and the love he was open-handedly gifting me with.

And the other beautiful soul in my life, has been a part of my life for 57 years. A lifetime. David has been on my life pretty much through every stage of my life - with, and without Bob (before and after), in it.

My heart is happy to know these two special people in my life enjoy each other's company :-)

This morning David came knocking, ready for breakfast. Holland had let me sleep in; but as soon as I woke up … off we went.

David is still trying to get me out of the house before 9 AM; LOL

Good time with good guys ;-)

After we got back from downtown, the guys went to work on their various projects - I did laundry, and rode herd on the boys.

Bumper Rack revision … Holland patiently explained to me what he was doing to strengthen the support system.

Reinforcement activity.

Holland says the yappers are 'expressing their rights'. LOL

This activity is basically for my comfort & peace of mind; Holland always goes the extra mile for me. He's a good man - he's a good Husband.

And the Bike Rack was shortened up to fit the Bumper Rack.

David also went to work - clearing more of his property.

Looking good …

4:30 PM knock-off time; it was a peaceful, accomplished day on the Homefront ;-)

After tomorrow, "the boys" will no longer be a term used: Sonny will be going home with David.

It's a good home he'll be going to; David treats his dogs very well … and Sonny will have a good quality of life. Bleu is just too much of a bully to Sonny. I had hoped that would change, but it hasn't/won't. Blue Heelers are good companions and family protectors, but they become so devoted to their family that they get intensely jealous of other pets who also get attention. Bleu is jealous of any attention we give Sonny. So, when David said his dog Jackson, had died - and he mentioned he had been looking for an Australian Shepherd, I said, "If you want Sonny, you can have him." I know David, I've seen how he handles his dogs. We've only had Sonny for 25 days; and I knew Sonny's life would be enriched away from Bleu's bully tactics.

David is a long-standing friend: we'll see him … and Sonny again, again, and again.