NEW YEAR'S EVE ~ 2021

2021 was another year where covid reigned.

2021 was also the year that Americans, in the full sense of the word, started taking control of their own lives back; the obamanite lies spun in DC – and forced on American citizens – ceased to make any inroads in the majority of citizens’ lives. Thank God.

Businesses and people, in general, were fed up/waking up: though not in the ‘woke’ sense, as the obamanite DC minions had hoped. American citizens just started shaking off the poisonous DC pall, and started getting on with their lives.

Taking control of our lives infuriates the obamanites – they have labeled us “terrorists who don’t believe in covid”. That is a lie. I believe covid is real – as real as a bad case of influenza; which is not necessarily fatal … I’ve had influenza.

I’ve had walking pneumonia.

I live with asthma.

I am not ignorant of lung ailments. Neither am I a lemming willing to believe everything the obamanites try to float.

‘My Issues With Covid Madness’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/03/my-issues-with-covid-madness.html

2021 was also a year of boldly dovetailing new ways of doing old things, as I move forward in my new life. There are daytrip drives, and places Bob and I enjoyed together, that I want to continue doing … but I also wanted to add new road routes for a change of scenery – also, just to prove to myself that I am capable of traveling new roadways as an adventurous solo lobo 😉

This New Year’s Eve, I’ve posted some Blog Post Links that highlight monthly events that underscore the growth changes of my life as I lived it, in 2021.

January thru February 2021, I was enjoying walkabouts in Longview & Kelso; enjoying the time spent outside when weather was favorable. I also enjoyed watching sea lions frisk in the Cowlitz River … and a frisky flirtation during a morning walk around Lake Sacajawea. Though I am not interested in a romance, it is nice to know the opposite sex is still interested 😉

‘Sea Lions’ ~ Riverside Dike Hike: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/01/sea-lions-riverside-dike-hike.html

‘Frisky Flirtations’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/01/frisky-flirtations.html

March found me zipping up and down the roads in both WA & OR State; short little shopping trips that kickstarted my Daytripping ventures.

March also found me in another adjustment period in my new life; I was making peace with acceptance, and redirecting my life accordingly.

‘Changes’ ~ Shabbat: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/03/shabbat-changes.html

In April, I risked medical facility infections to get my left leg checked – it was still causing concerning issues. Doc couldn’t pin down anything wrong … so, I came home frustrated, a couple hundred dollars poorer, and determined to find out on my own, what the issue might be. I decided to cut back on hiking milage (2 to 4 miles instead of 8 to 10 miles); and learn how to use the Highlander’s speed control mechanism (not as hard as imagined). These two things have made a world of difference! There was no more leg pain the remainder of 2021 😊

Also, in mid-April, I started my daytrip adventures, full-on again; GPS was still an “iffy” thing, but I could laugh now instead of get angry when led off route. I am not dealing with frightening brain fog this year. Straight off, I nearly did a face-plant at Rainbow Park. Then I did my annual Adna Plant Sale drive for veggie garden plants – but this year, I drove a different route. I drove into the Red Zone, to walk the Hummock Trail that skirts Mt. St. Helen’s crater: it was a beautiful, and humbling experience. Humanity seems such a fragile thing in the midst of barely restrained power.

The tail-end of April found me dealing with animal control, as a yearling racoon was seen trying to dig a hidey hole under my house. This is the second home ownership thing I’ve had to deal with solo lobo: I am learning how deal with hired help concerning things Bob used to do.

‘God, Help Me’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/god-help-me.html

‘Should-Would-Could-DID!”: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/should-would-could-did.html

‘Just Call Me Gracie’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/just-call-me-gracie.html

‘A Walk In The Clouds’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-walk-in-clouds.html

‘Traveling Thursday ~ Sulkum & Huff-and-Puff’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/traveling-thursday-sulkum-huff-and-puff.html

The month of May included many new adventures, as well as a revisit of old experiences … and the onset of a serious, and unexpected asthma attack, an hour away home/miles away from a medical facility; Elohim was faithful, and there were skilled assistants on hand.

And churches, businesses, clubs, ect., that had closed their doors in 2020, were reopening – with or without mandates being recognized. People were fed up with forced masking and shutdowns, that apparently were not being played out with the screeching obamanite politicians and celebrities.

‘2 State Loop Drive’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/2-state-loop-drive.html

‘Asthma Attack ~ Solo Lobo’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/athma-attack-solo-lobo.html

‘Meaningful Monday ~ McCormick Park & Cornelius Pass: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/meaningful-monday-mccormick-park.html

‘A Day To Remember ~ Amboy, Cougar & Yale Daytrip’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-day-to-remember.html

‘Freewheeling Friday ~ Centralia Daytrip’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-boarishboorish-day-centralia-daytrip.html

‘Sunday~Funday/Olympic Peninsula: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/sundayfunday-22olympic-peninsula-loop.html

When the month of June rolled around, I joined another Club basically to play pool & bingo. And I continued exploratory daytrips; and boldly drove the Highlander to places I visited with Bob: Bob drove there confidently … I was learning confidence. I had been missing those places. I determined to drive there before 2021 ended 😊

‘Rack ‘Em Up Girl’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/06/rack-em-up-gal.html

‘High Stakes Bingo & Vietnamese Cuisine’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/06/high-stakes-bingo-vietnamese-cuisine.html

‘Lincoln City’ ~ Solo Lobo Daytrip’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/06/lincoln-city-thursday-solo-lobo-daytrip.html

July 2021, I was seriously engaged in preparing to sell my house and move into a home in the country – that was the Plan. But, once again, the Plan was pulled: this time, because of covid. No one, but my realtor, wanted to meet with me face-to-face … and I don’t do business with people who will not do face-to-face business with me. So, though I’d rather be living elsewhere, I’ll be sinking roots here, in Longview: Bob wanted me to do that; and apparently so does Elohim.

I was also invited to Uncle Cliff’s Birthday-Reunion gathering. I’m glad I went.

I drove an unfamiliar road; very narrow, very steep, very treacherous in places – and made it safely through, coming and going. This road prepared me, on all levels, for future adventures 😉

‘Uncle Cliff’s Family Reunion’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/07/uncle-cliffs-family-reunion.html

‘Lost Valley Road’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/07/lost-valley-road.html

‘What A Monday! ~ Rose Valley’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/07/what-monday.html

August, was full of excitement. New income. New daytrips. New experiences … like a flat tire, on a secluded logging road; and New Life directional plans: Elohim knows how to snag my attention and bring me back inline with HIS Plan 😉

‘Shabbat Blessings ~ Skamokawa Vista Park, Julia Butler Hansen Game Refuge & Stella’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/08/shabbat-blessingspt-1-skamokawa-vista.html

‘Travel Thursday ~ Lael Moon Nursery, Rochester’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/08/traveling-thursday-lael-moon-nursery.html

‘History’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/08/history.html

September was a period of testing – and if I didn’t ace every test, I at least got a passing grade 😉

‘Period of Testing’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/period-of-testing.html

‘Wings ~ Mt. Rainier Solo Lobo Daytrip’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/wings-mt-rainier-solo-lobo-daytrip.html

October thru December were interesting months – I learned to use my hand drill … and a visit from a westside friend led to introspective prods from Elohim, that I expect will continue into 2022.

DC labeled me an “extremist” and a “terrorist”, for the simple fact that I am a Christian.

I designed and crafted two Christmas Lapghans. Snow arrived for Christmas … and stayed for my birthday, this year (it’s still hanging around). And I had a severe asthma attack Christmas Eve, that really had me wondering if I’d see Christmas Day sunrise.

‘Rainy day Aspirations’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/10/rainy-day-aspirations.html

‘Forgiveness’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/10/forgiveness.html

 ‘A River Runs Through It ~ Battle Ground Daytrip’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/11/freewheeling-fridays-2-river-runs-thru.html

‘A Clear & Present Danger’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/11/a-clear-present-danger.html

‘Heaven On Earth’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/11/heaven-on-earth-widows-shabbat.html

‘You Can’t Be Serious, Lord’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/12/you-cant-be-serious-lord.html

‘Another Year Older’: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/12/another-year-older.html

So, looking back on this past year as I listen to fireworks going off all around me; I am reminded of how much I have overcome … and how much I have to look forward to.

Road trips are being planned and scheduled for the months ahead.

My current friends are happy and healthy; and past friendships damaged by life snafus are being renewed.

Elohei has been faithful – my leg behaved, and I was able to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas moving freely without any pain. And, the Grim Reaper … when he came to collect two days ago, was given his ‘vacate and move along’ notice.

I am greatly loved and still have a purpose 😊

By and large, 2021 has been a good year in many ways.

I achieved most of my Bucket List Goals :-)

I can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for me!

IRS LOONEY TUNES

SO ... the criminal cartel, obama-biden-harris shitshow, just gets more bizarre.

{{The requirements can be found at IRS.gov amid other missives to report income earned from jobs in the gig economy ... If you steal property, you must report its fair market value in your income in the year you steal it unless you return it to its rightful owner in the same year,"' read the provision for stolen property.}}

Yeah: I can totally visualize blm and antifa calling the IRS to report thier ill-gotten "gains".

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/taxes/stole-something-irs-says-stolen-property-and-bribes-must-be-reported-as-income/ar-AASd7G5?ocid=msedgntp&fbclid=IwAR1t_S1LWkS43gB53YKvnLGpjEfiR_W_NXsYxAF6Z5gpcT6VOvNjJES0ETU

HOME BENEFITS

Christmas 2021 … and tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve, are 4-year markers of those holidays that I did not get to share with Bob.

I used to tell Bob that I really hoped my ticket was punched before his, because “I could not live without you, Babe.”

And then.

Bob’s ticket number was called; and he went before me.

And over a period of 36 months, I’ve come to the realization that I somehow, incredibly, could live without him. I woke up that first morning of widowhood – I woke up every morning for that first week of solo loboing.

For a month.

For 2 months … 4 months … 6 months: 1 year.

For 36 months (3 years, and 16 days – today): 1,111 days and nights have come and gone, and I have learned to live without Bob’s physical presence in my life.

In the Spring, Summer, and Fall months the missingness is easier because I’m out of the house most of the time: country drives, daytrips, road trips, hiking, social gatherings, ect.

But in the Winter months, when the weather is dicey and driving is tricky; I’m stuck pretty much at home. Admittedly, “stuck at home” is relatively short – but it’s still a stuck period, where I’m housebound.

I never could stand being cooped up … and that feeling intensifies now that Bob is no longer here. So, I have to make those cloying housebound days count to pull me out of a {missingness} mind-slump.

The months of 2021, I broadened my horizons and ventured further afield in adventurous daytrips; learning new roads, and retracing remembered loop-routes I made with Bob throughout our 44 years together. Those backroad drives were looooong drives.

I ate out … a lot.

When I got home, I had just enough time to change from day clothes into p.j.’s; and fall into bed. I exercised in a hit-n-miss pattern – and it was showing.

Now, it’s time to knuckle down again – and rein the laissez faire attitude in: toning up, and slimming the curves 😉

Exercising is a home benefit.

I actually like exercising, so it’s not a hardship.

I exercise every other day … and like switching out the exercise regimes 😊

This is what I did today:

Fit & Toned Arms for Ageless (Mature) Women

15 Minute Senior Pilates Chair Class- to build Core Strength in a Safe and Gentle

I’m planning on wearing sleeveless tops, shorts … and the straight-leg jeans I bought this year (the only type of jeans selling in stores): I need toned arms, and a slimmer physique by March 2022.

These ‘home benefit’ exercises will accomplish that 😉

THE DONKEY

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well.

The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel-loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.

ELECTRIC CARS

Electric cars are never going to catch on ... the demonrats have been pushing electric cars since the early 1970's.

Electric cars are NOT feasible for the everyday working person.

demonrats may think they are kings and queens; but the rest of us live in the realm of reality.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/finland-man-blows-up-his-tesla-car-after-facing-22000-replacement-battery-bill_4176175.html?utm_source=News&utm_campaign=breaking-2021-12-28-1&utm_medium=email&est=E2YU9kDtQn8ySoDrW9EopnO23hkQYGJBo18%2Fy2WH4xkyxNne%2FzXJe%2F81Xh%2Bb&fbclid=IwAR33Bw2BuFvDcNVmNNtQYBj7UABkdHyazsawI59n6pSdf-9FVdKfdTNYEnA

SPACE TRAVEL HIGHJAKER OCTOPUSES?

THIS ...

Newsfeed buzz this morning: Science Concludes Octopuses Came From Outer Space – https://swvatoday.com/news/science/video_85f4777d-0625-5ce5-a280-8a2c98c94b38.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR0d8NIkjZagqvwtNpIMci6UR3NKa9ygpf0d3D16168IxciUJQGqPN4NNUA

This is why rational thinking people (like me) laugh when "science" exerts itself.

As far as I am concerned, science is a religion with very LITTLE facts and a LOT of suspect "theories".

EVERY single time a demonrat majority floods DC: flying saucers make headlines, animals are bumped up to human status, and the guesses surrounding origins of life on Earth gets more and more ridiculous.

I got a good laugh while drinking my morning coffee ... but I'm not giving much consideration to octopuses falling to Earth from outer space.

That concept is irrational - which is, pretty much what science IS.

ANOTHER YEAR OLDER

Happy Birthday To You/Heavy Metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK5NLiCZyZo

Our oldest granddaughter texted me bright and early this morning, to say, “Happy Birthday”; I heard from our middle granddaughter, family, and friends throughout the day 😊

Today, I have outlived my mother – and both her parents.

Snow was still sticking around … but it has started melting.

The temperature is still in the low-30’s, but the sun rays peeking through the cloud layer was warm enough to melt the icy snow on tree limbs, and cause the ice layer on the street to soften, crack, and melt in places.

This melt is causing people to get overly confident and drive this street haphazardly; hearing the vehicles barrel down the street, and bounce off the high, concrete speed bumps, I am surprised none of them jumped the curb as they slid on the ice at speed too ridiculously high, given the circumstances.

32-degrees, and accumulated icy snow is melting; the drips look like sparkling diamonds.

Ice is visible now that the snow layer is melting away ... vehicles are driving way too fast for road conditions.

Snow doesn't stick around, here - but icy conditions DO.

I’m still feeling a little punk, so I took my temperature … but that appears to be normal.

Normal temperature range.

And I pulled my peak flow meter out of my purse, and paid attention to that reading.

Quick Relief Inhaler & Peak Flow Meter; I no longer use Flovent, but the concept is the same with the Albuterol steroid.

Out of the crisis zone, but still in the 'iffy' zone.

I have environmental asthma, which is easier to control. I don’t know what set my lungs spiraling out of control over the weekend:

(https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/12/christmas-eve-asthma-attack.html)

I use an allergy blocking filter for the furnace, and I haven’t been outdoors in days. The house is as clean as a house can be when it’s lived in; and I use laundry soap/fabric softener, and bathing soap that is fragrance free. I’m careful what I eat, and drink. And I’m in relatively good health/physical shape, for a woman my age. There is little stress in my life at this point. And I’m mindful of the environments I expose my lungs to.

Asthma Attack: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20354268

3 Steps to Better Asthma Control: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma-treatment/art-20044284

Asthma – Natural Remedies: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/home-remedies-for-asthma

What caused the severe attack is a mystery: nothing out of the ordinary has been happening. The sudden and unexpected attack is concerning. I have plans for 2022, that include out-of-state-travel – I do not want to be hogtied by asthma flareups.

So, I plotted road routes that stick to backroads … and also include medical facilities along the route. Though I am not supposed to be more than 20 minutes away from any medical help, I can’t allow asthma to make me a prisoner of my body or my location; some “nearest help” will be further away than the 20 minutes doctor’s want to allow me, and that can’t be helped – no one consulted me on highway layouts, or medical facility placements.

I do not make a place for fear in my life.

I have my inhaler with me at all times, and I keep my peak flow meter in my purse always “just in case”.

My throat is still tender, so I ate a light Supper, drank a couple cups of tea sweetened with honey … watched a few Martin Sheen movies, and ate a bit of ice cream 😉

Sweet & Spicy Tea with honey; SO GOOD!

1 serving of Peppermint Ice Cream for the Birthday Girl. LOL

By the time the last movie ended the evening sky was highlighted with pink clouds, backlit by a golden glow as the sun slipped over the horizon.

Sunset.

I want my remaining time to be as beautiful as that sunset; I am not going to allow my physical handicaps to keep me from enjoing a life worth living 😊

SLUSHY TUESDAY

It’s a comfortable 70-degrees indoors, and 35-degrees outdoors; the icy snow is melting, and the roads are slushy.

The birdhouses outside the livingroom window, still look topped with hefty dollops of whipped cream – though, they too, are showing signs of icy liberation in the sun's warming rays 😉

While I’m holed up, keeping warm and cozy during this cold snap; I’ve been enjoying a new read 😊

ALL her stories are about Egypt, and cloak & dagger shenanigans.

Front & Back flap backstory.

And spacing exercises through the hours of the day – to tone up those ‘slushy’ parts of my anatomy while streamlining my voluptuously rounded shape before my Spring adventures begin: muscle warm-ups today … more intense workouts later on 😉 These exercises may not seem like much – but, you will feel the burn if you have not been using these muscles on a daily basis.

5 Minute KNEE Strengthening Routine To Fix Knee Pain In 

Toned Arm workout For Women Over 50 | Start Losing Those 

I’m a 65-year-old woman with curves; and I don’t mind being curvy. But I do mind losing muscle tone and physical strengths – that is why I exercise.

I like the body Yeshua designed for me.

But Yeshua also entrusted me to keep in in top working order.

I don’t apologize for it … or to it.

I just maintain it 😊

And working on charity baby blankets for shipment – while watching online movies.

Finished one Baby Blanket - Pink & White Striped.

And started another; Lilac & White.

That’s all I did today; and the day’s already gone 😊