MORE RVing INFO

We can't wait to get on the road - every day we grow more excited, and anxious to put our itchy feet and gypsy souls into motion :-)

The buyers are making us jump through hoops … and I'm trying to keep my temper under control. When Bob and I bought our houses, we bought with cash; these buyers are getting a bank loan, and the {necessary} nonsense never seems to stop. I hope it ends soon, so we can get the hell out  of Longview and start enjoying our life.

I love to travel - I'm not big on leaving the USA, but I do like to get out of familiar surroundings and enjoy life on the road.

I like the spontaneity of waking up and engaging in an impromptu journey.

I love the adventure of new places.

I meet new people - this can get dicey at times as I am both an introvert, and an extrovert.

I experience new things.

I enjoy tasting new foods, in new food places.

I relish pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

I reflect on the personal growth that happens through everything happened as the day unfolded.

Holland is beginning to understand that the gypsy life is part of who I am ;-)

Adventure is my {normal} :-)

I'm glad that Elohim gave me a man who is willing to live the gypsy life with me: Holland has lived a gypsy life most of his life, and he can't wait to show me the places he has been, the people he has met over the years, the cultures he has experienced, and the foods he misses.

12 Common Personality Traits for Those Who Love Traveling:

 (https://hackspirit.com/personality-traits-people-love-traveling/)

I have already warned Holland that I prefer to stay on the rural backroads when possible, to avoid the freeway mania. I travel to be observant; I travel to enjoy nature and the easy, lazy ways of rural country life.

I am grateful Elohim is blessing me with this lifelong dream of mine :-)

As we start to move from place to place and meet new people, we will change in some ways … that can be a good thing. We will become more aware; of ourselves, of our surroundings, of life in a broader sense :-)

As we travel from State to State, we will be continuously pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones: culturally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We will create travel plans while traveling down roadways, byways, highways, and freeways. We will talk to random strangers. We will set down in random camp sites. We will encounter challenges that will stretch us in ways that will teach and hone us; challenges that will bring us closer together and strength our relationship as our personality strengths and weakness are revealed.

Both Holland and I are independent people - while we are prepared to interact with others, the bottom line is that in reality "it is just us and the big wide world" along the road routes: we alone are responsible for every step, every mile we drive, and every action we make with those moves.

That said, we are very much looking forward to traveling to new States with new environments (weather-wise as well as cultural), new experiences (learning new dietary changes, new languages, new Laws), and new people (constant change and the need to constantly adapt).

Along with those changes … there are also political changes taking place in RV Parks and Campgrounds.

As I mentioned in yesterday's Blog Post: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2023/04/end-stretch.html); political changes are also taking place for Boondocking sites :-(

Holland shocked me by being okay with this!

RV Parks & Campgrounds Perform Background Checks on RVr's; RVr's Must Pay Fee:

(https://www.rvtravel.com/campfire-ridiculous-background-checks-1099/)

A few rotten apples will spoil things ... this is why Holland likes the background checks being carried out.

RVr's Take, Take, Take - and Contribute Little!

 (https://www.rvtravel.com/letter-editor-rvers-take-contribute-1099/)

THIS is not a 'solution' to what politics did with the covid hysteria - State mandated shutdowns destroyed the job and housing fields. The realistic solution is to make the Jobs Market & housing affordable again.

New RV Parks Coming to PNW Aimed at Long-term Residents, Addressing Housing Affordability:

(https://www.rvtravel.com/new-rv-parks-coming-to-the-pacific-northwest-aimed-at-long-term-residents-and-helping-to-address-housing-affordability-rvt-1099b/)

Revisit your 'home' state at some point.

Why You Should Consider Taking Your RV 'Back Home':

 (https://www.rvtravel.com/take-rv-back-home-1099/)

GOOD NEWS DAY ~The House Sold!

Karen Peck - 'Mighty Big God' song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-YY9nB7ngU)

Holland has been wheezing for months (I hear it most when I am cuddled across his chest), and the past few days he's been hawking up dirty mucus (yellowish or greenish = definite bronchial infection) - it hurts him to breathe; so this morning I talked him into making a Dr. appointment to find out what the issue is. If the house sale is finalized today, there won't be a lot of time to fool around with things he's been procrastinating about.

I believe Elohim heals our bodies, too, but I also believe that we need to know what is going on with our bodies so that we can pray effectively toward that healing.

The receptionist said that he could be seen in about half an hour if that was agreeable: he took the slot, even though he had to rush to make it on time. We were both irritated that he would be put into a quarantine room once he arrived - there was no need for that, other than lingering covid hysteria.

Holland made a Dr. appt. today to have his lungs checked out.

The receptionist that took his call went into full-on-covid alert …

We prayed before he left, trusting Elohim to favor us.

I watched him drive out of the carport, then I shook my head at the clinic's foolishness … and walked down the hallway to get dressed: Shay would be coming sometime this morning to let me know if we would be moving - and to go over the final steps of sale closure.

Holland called from the clinic's quarantine room to say that he had been so rushed to get to the open doctor's appointment, that he had forgotten to take his blood pressure meds - if the doctor thinks his blood pressure is up to high, he will be kept overnight. So, we prayed: I asked Elohim to send Holland peace in this situation to keep his blood pressure down, and that the doctor would give a correct diagnosis and not just label his issue as covid.  He added, "I'm sorry Baby that I forgot to leave my pickup keys for you in case you have to go someplace; I was so caught up in making this appointment." I said, "Don't worry about it, hon. If someone shows up, they are just going to have to walk around me - we still live here, and I still own the space." Then we said, "I love you" to each other and hung up.

I had peace about whatever was going on (Dr. appointment & possible house sale); I knew Elohim was already {on the job} ;-)

COPD INFO: https://regencyhealthcare.in/blogs-by-regencys-doctors/copd-explained-blog-regency-healthcare-ltd/

What is COPD life expectancy? Many people will live into their 70s, 80s, or 90s with COPD.” But that's more likely, he says, if your case is mild and you don't have other health problems like heart disease or diabetes. Some people die earlier as a result of complications like pneumonia or respiratory failure. I'm hoping and praying for at least 20 more days and nights with Holland - we are refudiating COPD in our lives. He was told in 2012 that he had 6 weeks to live … he's still kicking - and I'm not letting him go without a fight ;-)

With a positive mindset, I prepared for the day; in case someone showed up to look the house over.

Mood enhancers.

'Pearl' for eyebrow highlight & 'Plum' for eyelid color; Glittery 'Purple' for eyelid accent color; 'Sunshine' for center accent color'; & 'Navy Blue' for liners; 'Auburn' Eyebrow Gel; 'Burgundy' Mascara; & 'Neutre Enflamme' Cream Blush.

Sequined top matches my fancy eyes. LOL

Ready to meet the day …

I had just put the hairspray away, when I heard the Highlander backing into the carport: Holland had not been quarantined long before seeing his doctor, since he was already back home :-)

First thing he said to me was, "It isn't covid - but we already knew that. And it isn't bronchitis or pneumonia, either." I shot him a look full of questions, and he said, "She said she doesn't know what it is … but she knows what it is not. She thinks it's related to COPD, but we won't claim that - I've been in the clear concerning COPD for a long time, now; but she did write out a prescription for some antibiotics and that should knock it out." I said, "Take the meds, and we'll sic Elohim on the COPD devil. As soon as this house is 100% sold, we'll head South where the air will be better for both of us; and the foul air of Longview can go suck eggs."

Smoking and air pollution are the most common causes of COPD: neither of us smoke, but on this end of Longview, we do get pollution drift from the mills.

No covid. No COPD; Doc doesn't know WHY Holland is struggling with issues.

We really NEED this house to sell as asking price. We need to leave Longview's pollution behind us.

My cell alerted me that I had a message.

I shot out of the recliner I was lounging in, and shouted, "YES! Thank You, Elohim for Your faithfulness!" Then I giddily informed Holland of Shay's happy message :-)

YES! Elohim always comes thru for me!! There has NEVER been a time - in 57 years (since I've been a Christian), that Elohim has let me down. Nada. He always, always, always comes thru for me :-)

I can already smell the clean, fresh air - and feel the warmth of the sunshine of the Southwest, as it beckons us ;-)

SHABBAT

I’ve spent the past week in a busy whirl between home and family dustups; the busy whirl at home was to get my home ready for company … and I was really looking forward to that – no one has been inside my house for a lengthy visit since the covid lockdowns that scared everyone into staying away ☹ But family dustup dramas found me canceling the get together with gal pals, to try to mediate peace amongst the family brats members.

The dustup is still not settled; but my house is cleared of clutter, and ready to ride the Fall and Winter out in relative tidiness 😉

And I’m finding myself easing back into gentle home routines I have let slide since widowhood, and the busy need to rebuild an entire new life. This Fall, it has actually been pleasurable to let my days unfold gently; and I’ve even caught myself more than once, soaking up the quiet and comforting homey vibes I’ve been avoiding for the past three years.

Things are flowing easier, and I have friendships – local, and spanning two other Counties – that have taken root, and are prospering quite nicely.

Elohei has been very good to me 😊

While I was in town earlier this week, I saw (and bought) a bottle of Mogen David Concord Wine. It’s a very sweet kosher red wine. I bought it because I wanted something different – and also because it was a wine that was always in my parent’s home every Friday evening. When Bob and I were dating (and even after we married), and were out on the town shooting pool on Friday evenings … I’d always order a glass of Mogen David wine. Bob would grimace and ask me ‘why do you want that?’; and I always answered, “My parents always drank it on Fridays.” There were other signs that pointed to our Jewish roots such as special Friday meals, and the burning of Friday night candles – but I didn’t really know until well into my 30’s that both parents have a Jewish branch in their family genealogy records: Ashkenazi on one side, and Sephardic, on the other.

Anyway, I bought the wine and am drinking a goblet tonight 😉

I admit it’s an acquired taste: it’s very sweet.

There is nothing special about Shabbat wine, other than it is a sanctified symbol of joy and relaxation; so, sipping my small goblet of wine is a reminder to me, to always find a way to savor joy – and always find reasons for gratitude each week.

On Shabbat, we have the opportunity to appreciate the many blessings and wonderful people in our life.

On Shabbat, we also take the time to reflect on Elohim’s goodness towards us – as we think about the things of this past week, we’re leaving behind … and those things we look forward to, in the week to come.

So, tonight as I listen to the rainfall kick off the Fall Season here in the PNW, I am thankful I am adopted into the Family of God. I am grateful for all the blessings Elohim has showered me with. I am going to enjoy reading a new read … knit some love into a new baby item … and slowly enjoy my sweet wine. These small pleasures bring such a lot of joy into my days, and finish the week very nicely 😊

SHABBAT SHALOM!

UNEXPECTED GOOD SURPRISES

I was getting together with fiends at Oak Point this afternoon – I like it there; it’s a short drive, its country atmosphere, it’s friendly company and friendly convo … and I can be myself 100% 😊

The morning was chilly, but the afternoon would be quite a bit warmer with high 70-s temperatures; so, I wore sandals and my ‘peacock shell’ top 😉

I’m still sorting through the things in my closet to see what goes – and what stays. I buy things that are colorful because I like lots of color in my world; but just because I like a certain piece of clothing doesn’t mean that it looks particularly good on the body God designed for me. And much of what is in the closet was bought during the covid craze when fitting rooms were shut down (quite a few still are ☹) – and after Bob had passed. The house was not fully ‘fleshed out’ either (we’d just bought it and was in the process of {making it ours}): I had no second opinion, and no full-length mirror. So, I bought and set up a full-length mirror … and this year, I am actually seeing what I wear looks like on me: some have been culled from the closet space; I liked them – they did not like me.

I am enjoying wearing makeup again, too, since my black eye has faded; and my eyebrow gash has healed and is safe to work with: I also broke out one of my new colorful mascaras.

'Carefree' eyeshadow for eyelid, & glittery Pink Lip Gloss.

Makeup to match my peacock shell top ...

Cobalt Blue Mascara.

The surprise about this blue mascara is that it does not 'stand out' as it dries.

 

The peacock shell top gets to stay in my closet 😊

I had an extra hour to spare before leaving the house, so I decided to drink a cup of coffee, and then check the mail.

The mail held a pleasant surprise for me 😊

I called to double-check this amount due; it's a fact! Elohim has been faithful & gracious towards me.

I had expected a high tab payment … and was dreading the arrival of this particular Bill.

My ‘Blame It On The Moon’ Post: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022_07_12_archive.html

The day moved forward in a pink haze of other pleasant, unexpected – but welcomed – surprises 😊

The evening’s pink sunset was the fading day’s kiss …

Tonight's pink-cloud-sunset.

Jehovah Jira – My Provider

Got some very welcome news in the mail Wednesday afternoon … the Social Security Administration Office has decided to give my husband’s December benefits after all. ((((THANK YOU ELOHIM!)))) This is a direct answer to my morning prayers; Elohim has heard and He has answered:

Of course the withheld benefits being returned to me won’t come until sometime around March – but at least is will be coming :-D

Wednesday afternoon I called the Tumwater Office to find out how to get the documents the government wants (do they have nothing better to do with their time????), and was told that they can get a certified copy of our Marriage License to me overnight for $50 (!!!!), or I can drive up to Tumwater and pick it up in the office there for a $20 fee … on top of topping off the tank of gas to make the trip; another $20. My Birth Certificate I would need to request from Illinois for another $50 certification/mailing fee; I was born in the Naval Hospital there, and WA State doesn’t handle out-of-State documents: well, shoot, had I known I would be living in the PNW at the time of need, I would have demanded it as soon as the attending doctor spanked my tiny little fanny 62 years ago ‘just in case’. Then I calmed myself down and remembered that when we got our enhanced drivers licenses 2 years ago so we could cross the Canadian Border without hassle, my Birth Certificate had been accepted for that – so I went and dug it out, and sure enough it was a certified copy ;-)

But would it be acceptable to the government harridan at the local office here? I put it in my purse anyway and braced myself for tomorrow’s battle.

Thursday I was at the local Social Security Office downtown bright and early … praying the entire time that Elohim would grace me to bypass the troublesome woman I usually have to deal with and give me someone who would actually be helpful, and perhaps a little kind. He did; the woman who assisted me was polite and kind, and very helpful: my Birth Certificate was acceptable, but I still had to get a certified copy of our Marriage License: my husband’s son said he would drive up from Salem, OR to make the drive to Tumwater with me – he knows I hate freeway driving and it is a long freeway drive from here to there. He also wanted to look at the ceiling crack in the TV room, and see what can be done with that.

Leaving the local office, I decided that before going home, I would check out the Courthouse and see if I can’t get a certified copy of our Marriage License there – I really did not want to drive to Tumwater because I wasn’t sure I would have enough time to get back home before the Grief Support Meet started later that evening. So I went to the Cowlitz County Courthouse and was told I would have to go to the Kelso Courthouse. When I got to the Kelso Courthouse, I was told that I had to go to the Wahkiakum County Courthouse because that was the county where we got married: a total waste of gas, and a LOT of governmental BS if you ask me … but no one was asking. So. I drove back home and decided to call ahead before hitting the road again because last time we were in Cathlamet on August 3^rd, 2018, the hillside at Stella had come down and blocked the road, narrowing the roadway to a 1-way-only passage …

… and I wanted to make sure that it had not been further compromised between then and now. It was open to traffic both ways, so the trip to Tumwater was scraped, but Alex came up anyway and we drove to Cathlamet together; Cathlamet was home for my husband for many years, and that is where we started our marriage and family. The road had been repaired to its full passage and it was a pleasant drive – I always liked that drive along the river. And I always liked living in Cathlamet too; I lived 20 years there – 17 years of those 20 living with my husband and daughter – with Alex staying with us weekends and summers before we sold and left in 1994.

My luv's Senior Class Picture/our 1974 Wedding Picture. Man - I sure miss my handsome gentle giant

I got the certified copy of our Marriage License at the Wahkiakum Courthouse for $6. And gave a shout out to Elohim ;-) And I was able to get back here and downtown to get everything copied, filled out, and sent off to the inquiring administration before the local office closed at 4 p.m. Another long day with a lot of running around, but at least it is d.o.n.e. and the budget, though still tight, won’t be a hair-pulling-stress. Once the $$$$ actually starts coming in. While in town, I ran into Roger who worked with my husband – they were friends – and informed him of my husband’s passing. He was shocked as expected because when we had all visited with each other the first part of August, before the insanity at the Park caught fire and did irreparable damage to our lives, my husband was the picture of health for seniors our age: his death is as surprising to others as it was an unwelcome surprise to us. Roger asked how I was doing, and I said I was doing as well as can be expected: 44 years is a long time to be with someone, yet too short a time to say goodbye to someone you love.

Alex checked the ceilings and said that while the major cracking in the TV room is unsightly (http://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/01/when-it-rains-here-it-pours.html), it is fixable; and he can do that for me. But we did find a few more cracks:

These cracks had to have happened when I was doing death-watch at OHSU in December 2018 because they weren’t present before then.

Again, he said that they are nothing too significant or worrisome – even along the main center beam – and he can fix them for me. His father would be happy to know that he is being so helpful. And I found some paint cans in the shed too, in all the shades the house was painted with, and it feels like there is enough in each can for the touch-ups required as soon as time and weather allows: the ceiling work first, then the porch steps. Another concern laid to rest; and more praises going up to Elohim :-D

Jehovah-Jira. My Provider Who provides for ALL my needs. I will, as always, be depending on His provision for all my needs. Now more than ever before … and I can trust that He will never let me down. I am a daughter of the Most High God, highly favored, and His grace is sufficient for me.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 2

Before we begin this study, I first want to clarify something … Christians are not to condemn the worldly people, who are carnal by nature and do not know Elohei – or understand the ways of Elohim through grace in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. But Christians ARE to warn fellow Christians against sinful activity and steer them back to the straight and narrow when they begin to backslide into carnal behaviors again (Luke 17:3; 1 John 4:1; 1 Corinthians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3; 1 Timothy 5:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:2; James 7:4).

So, as we read today’s study together, let us remember that there is a big difference between the world and Christians, and that is what Paul is referring to while he writes to the Church. Yeshua NEVER pooh-poohed sinful behaviors and He NEVER told Believers to turn a blind eye to those behaviors. WHAT He DID SAY was to beware of religiosity … religious people condemning those carnal sinners who do not know Elohei or the grace of Elohim through Yeshua. Piously religious people (acting righteous by works according to the Law without accepting Yeshua’s blood atonement/salvation) are sinners without salvation, the same as carnal worldly people without salvation (Matthew 7:5; John 8:1-16; Romans 2:21-22; James 7:4).

Be wise. Be discerning. Be filled with the Ruach Ha'Kodesh so that you judge rightly according to Elohim’s grace and Yeshua’s example.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 2

“My friend, no matter who you are, you have no excuse for condemning others, for in condemning someone else, you are condemning yourself, for you are guilty of the same misdeeds yourself. We are sure, though, that when Elohei judges in such matters, that judgement will be factual and impartial. When you are condemning another for what you yourself do, do you think that you will escape Elohim’s judgement? How about Elohim’s rich kindness to you? And think of His patience and forbearance toward you. Do you ignore the fact that Elohim’s kindness should lead you to a change of heart?

By your hard and impatient heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when Elohim will reveal the justice of His judgments. For He will award to every man according to his works. He will give everlasting life to those who, by perseverance in doing good, have sought to attain glory, honor, and immorality. But on the contrary, to the self-willed who rebel against the truth but yield to lies, He will give wrath and fury. Also affliction and anguish will be the lot of every human soul who has committed evil – to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. And there will be glory, honor and grace to everyone who has done good – to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For Elohim is impartial and treats everyone alike.

Those who have sinned without knowledge of The Law will perish without reverence to The Law, and those who had The Law and sinned against it will be judged by The Law. For it is not the hearing of The Law that makes a man righteous in Elohim’s sight, but rather it is his obedience to The Law that justifies him. When the Gentiles, who do not have The Law, instinctively do what The Law demands, they are as a law to themselves, even though they do not have The Law. They prove that the demands of The Law are written on their hearts. It is their conscience that speaks to them, arguing a case, either condemning or justifying it. This too, will be considered on the day when Elohim passes judgement on the secret thoughts of men, which, according to the Gospel that I preach, will be through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach.

Well, you are Jew by name and you feel secure in The Law, and you boast of Elohei. And you know His Will, and from your knowledge of The Law you can appreciate the more excellent way. You are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those in the dark. You admonish the foolish, and teach the children, for in The Law you have the framework of knowledge and the essentials of Truth. But listen! Do you who can teach others, also teach yourselves? Do you yourself steal while you preach against stealing? You say that one must not commit adultery … but are you yourself an adulterer? You abhor idolatry, but do you at the same time rob the heathen temples? You boast about The Law, but do you dishonor Elohei when you break it? In fact, the Scriptures themselves declare, “Because you sin, the Name of Elohei is dishonored among the heathen” (Ezekiel 36:20).

Circumcision is truly a good thing if you keep The Law, but of you break The Law your circumcision becomes as uncircumcision. And if an uncircumcised man meets the requirements of The Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? And so those who keep The Law, though not circumcised in their body, can pass judgement on you who have kept the letter of The Law by being circumcised but are otherwise Lawbreakers.

To be a Jew is really not just about the outward appearance. The same holds good for circumcision; it is really not just an outward operation of the body. No, to be a real Jew is to be one from within. And similarly, a real circumcision is of the heart; it is spiritual, not physical. And such a one will get praise from Elohim, even if not from men."

**ROMANS 1: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-book-of-romans-chapter-1.html