GILLETTE-WYOMING & SOUTH DAKOTA

Passing through Gillette, Wyoming, I learned more about my husband - and his broadspread blue-collar background.

Holland had lived, and worked, in Gillette during a period of time in his life.

Holland had left home, and supported himself since he was 14 years old with various jobs: these were brawny man jobs (given his height of 6' 4", he was able to pass as an adult); not burger flipping at DQ for 3 months during the summer school recess period.

I am glad to be educated about things I am curious about … by a man who has actually worked at what I am asking questions about. I prefer a hands-on explanation, rather than a text book parroting on these topics ;-)

Sorry about the smeared pics - the bugs are thick, and juicy; and the hot sunshine dries this muck on the windshield as soon as you hear the sharp pop, followed by the splatter. Yuk.

Holland explaining to me the ins-and-outs of oil field work.

Oil transport trucks.

Oil storage bins.

Holland has worked in the oil fields of America, and in Canada.

Holland, 3 of his brothers, and his stepfather were on the cover of an Oil Magazine; CELEBRITIES ;-)

I apparently married 'UP', into a well-known family.

Holland is 'in training'; I WANT PICS!

Mounds of red pumice cover the landscape; used for roads & driveways.

WTHeck. In the middle of nowhere - for no apparent reason.

A sight you won't see in the PNW.

A metal teepee.

A farm equipment graveyard. LOL

I want to come back to Wyoming; & Bleu needs reined in.

New territory for both of us …

Wall Drug Store is a western style Strip Mall; I needed to stop at the Drug Store - and this was the closest on our route.

Dino's in the land - Sinclair Fuel Station mascot.

Metal sculptures; a horse & a pagan god, baal.

Porter Sculpture Park - Montrose, South Dakota:(https://www.rvtravel.com/camping-surreal-porter-sculpture-park-montrose-sd-1074/)

Road work in Humboldt, Wyoming - entire concrete road is being torn out - down to the dirt sub road.

Text from Chuck.

BLESSED SABBATH/COUNTDOWN TIME

This has been a busy weekend.

This has been a blessed weekend.

The house sale cleared Wednesday afternoon, and escrow was in full swing Thursday afternoon.

THURSDAY; escrow process is started.

Friday morning found me loading the back of the Highlander up again, and divvying up some things among my gal pals

Headed to my last Graysriver Sleuth Sisters; with gifts; Flower Pots for Linda; Silk Flowers & twig wreaths for Ramona; Terra Cotta Pots & Craft Ribbons for Becky.

A happy, yet bittersweet 'Goodbye WA!'

New experiences on the horizon.

The South is calling … Texas, in particular.

I intend to go full cowgirl. LOL

I'm already gone.

On my way home from Ramona's, I was excited to be getting back home - I never felt that way before Holland came into my life: since December 14th of 2018, I put off coming home as long in the day as I safely could. Then, I just came home long enough to fall into bed and repeat the process all over again the next morning. But since Holland and I married January 7th of this year, coming home feels good. Knowing there is someone at home that loves me, and looks forward to seeing me; makes my heart happy.

Holland is good for me. We share the same goals. Our mindset is similar - most often in sync. Our purpose parallels. Our life vision lines up.  We like being together. We laugh a lot together.

Holland is good for me.

Holland is my Home.

I can't wait to get home now :-)

Since we got happy news Wednesday, we've ramped up looking for a Coach we can personalize, and make our Home. We kicked around the idea of trading in both our vehicles on a new one … but circled back around to selling the pickup and keeping the Highlander to tow behind the coach; so, our total length will be 60 feet long (with tow vehicle) x 18 feet tall. And I will learn to drive the coach with vehicle in tow.

And we will avoid calimexarabia all together. Holland has pretty strong opinions about the place - and since it has embraced barack hussain obama as god and boasts being a gang and terrorist hangout, I'm in agreement with avoiding it.

I'm also in agreement about Texas ;-)

I've never been there, but I am curious. And I like Governor Abbott.

Holland is excited to be going back to Texas.

Holland making clear that calimexarabia will be avoided at ALL COSTS.

calimexarabia had it's moment in our life - and that blip was IT.

Reno is a repeat.

I'm proud of Holland: he is getting comfortable with the camera trained on him :-)

This afternoon we had an appointment downtown; so while we were out and about, we checked into a few things we are considering for our new lifestyle - it's happening.

Even though we can't do a whole lot until the $$$$ crosses our palms, it's countdown time:

Checked out a mini freezer at Manchester's, downtown.

And an electric bed - we WILL find a way to incorporate this into our motorhome.

Also checking into  flexible solar panels for the motorhome.

We are also researching best internet and cell server for our road gypsy lifestyle; we'll basically be {homeless} with no rooted address. We know living a full-time RV lifestyle can be done (we've both done that throughout the years) … we just have to tap into wise decisions while we set out to enjoy our freewheeling life ;-)

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 ;-)

WELTER CEMETERY ~Interesting

We had business to do in St. Helens, Oregon following our lunch at El Tapatio in Rainier. As we passed through Columbia City, I burst out laughing when I saw the tire cover of the trailer in front of us :-)

This cracked me up; a quip was made of 'Holland capturing his flamingo'. LOL

On our way back home, we were passing near Trojan Nuclear Plant when a gray cross caught the attention of my peripheral vision. I pointed across the dash, and said, "Holland, that looks like a grave marker. Is there a cemetery up there - in the middle of nowhere, all by itself?" He said, "I don't know - let's go see."

So, that's what we did ;-)

A couple months ago, while driving West Side Highway near Vader, we found a gravesite near a fishing hole. It's possible this was the same type of scenario.

I think it's strange to find a solitary grave in the middle of nowhere, but graveyards don't bother me.

And as I walked uphill, closer to the gray cross marker, I could see that the property was still being tended to: there was a clearly marked turn-around kept free of deadfall debris. There were flowers at the foot of the large cross grave marker. Weeds had recently been pulled back from the daffodils blossoming along the track leading upwards toward the cross. Obviously (though there was no Do Not Trespass sign), this was private property still being tended by living relatives.

Out of respect for whoever tends the property, I stayed on the grassy blacktop road leading up to the headstone that caught our attention from the highway.

A grave seen from the highway near the Trojan Nuclear Plant in Oregon.

Hmmm. Very weird - also very well maintained.

'Welter Cemetery'; 1 Grave apparent in the whole thing … and the property is very large.

Waterfall fall length; this is not seen from the highway.

Cross is seen clearly from the highway - it pulled us in.

Highway near Trojan.

There are 2 gates before reaching the gravesite; 1 closed … and 1 opened.

This thing deserves a {research} to satisfy my questions …

Holland is  the PERFECT Ying to my Yang.

I looked this thing up online when I got home. It is a Family Cemetery, located on private homesteaded property across from the Trojan Power Plant north of Goble. The Welter family moved here from Luxemburg in the 19th century.

I only saw the one headstone, but according to a June 2006 accounting, several family members were buried there. Perhaps the headstones have sunk into the ground - or were never marked. But then, I never climbed the hill to see if there were more markers up there.

Welter Family Cemetery: (http://files.usgwarchives.net/or/columbia/cemeteries/welterfamily.txt)

When we got home, Shay stopped in to tell us that there is an offer on the house - but the potential buyers want us to drop the listing price $5,000. I said, "No; this house is worth what I am asking. And just yesterday, we had a new furnace put in at a pretty steep price. I want full asking price." So, we filled out the paper work, and we will know tomorrow sometime if they are still wanting the house.

Following Shay's visit, Holland got a phone call from his friend Sonny telling him that his youngest brother had died Sunday (the following day after Holland learned he was terminal); he had died of stomach cancer at his home in Fargo.

There is no need now to rush off to North Dakota when this house sells … but my heart hurts for Holland.

THE CLOCK IS TICKI

It's Sunday … listing pictures will be taken Tuesday.

It's crunch time here at the Redmill abode.

The packing boxes I have kept on standby (for 4-1/2 years!) for moving day are finally being filled, taped, and labeled :-)

Packing up to move out …

And Holland's truck is being loaded.

It's seriously happening; getting rid of everything we can't ferry across the States in a motorhome ;-)

It looks like a lot - but it really isn't; I've {downsized} every year since September of 2018 (hoping to get out of Longview - especially out of Heron Point). There isn't much to pack up, or haul to the dump.

Just one truck load. Just stuff that no longer fits the new life Holland and I are building together.

We are dumping the old life and embarking on our new life.

((((EXCITING!))))

Holland had to go into town earlier, and he swung by the store on his way home. He was pretty pleased with himself when I saw the moon pies ;-)

My man listens - even when I think he's isn't. I mentioned choco moon pies a month ago & he finally found them. Love in action.

He said, "I hear every word you say, Baby - even when it looks like I'm not. You're important to me; I listen when you talk."

I have a great man and a loving husband in my life :-)

Brenda Holloway - 'You Made Me So Very Happy' song:

 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR58IbQ2GTI)

ARIZONA LOOKS GOOD

O.M.G.

What a fricking ordeal yesterday was. All because the boneheads in Longview are categorically d.e.a.d.h.e.a.d.s. … knowing nothing, and doing nothing.

If I were a man …

My NEW Marriage License is starting to look pretty dog-eared.

The people at the LV P.O are just as retarded. And l.a.z.y.

People should DO what they SAY they will do.

I hate Longview and it's lazy attitudes; a phone call is courteous.

Hoping to get out of Longview … and far, far away from boneheads.

Leaving downtown; I picked Holland up at the house, and drove across the River, where we bought 5 Keno tickets, 2 Power Balls tickets, & 2 Mega Millions tickets. Not expecting to get the millions … but it is fun to play; and I could feel the stress draining away as we walked out the door with the tickets ;-)

On our way back home, we saw this ship with blades on it - so we drove down to the river to see it.

Loaded Windmill Blades; the vessel arrived at the port of Longview, United States (USA) on Mar 14, 01:17 UTC. The vessel JAN OLDENDORFF (IMO: 9839820, MMSI 636093104) is a Bulk Carrier built in 2019 (4 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Liberia.

On our way back into Washington, we discussed again selling the house, buying a motorhome and living on the road. I have lived full-time on the road in a 5th-wheel, so living in a bus-size-motorhome is totally doable :-)

YES, PLEASE!

That idea thrills my gypsy soul.

Rodney Crowell - 'Making Memories of Us' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9p46NtkL60)

Traveling the USA from coast to coast and north to south has been a dream of mine since I was 14 years old: doing that with my husband makes it an extra special experience.

Bonnie Raitt - 'The Gyspy In Me' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T79QmeSEcs)

We talked about the gypsy life all the way home.

When we got home, I called my Realtor and set things in motion … and today we are seriously getting rid of things we don't need in our life on the road - Holland is letting his contractor tools go to friends he knows that can use them: and I am going to be dividing my precious plants among friends who can use them to brighten their homes and porches. Then, I will be making many, many trips to the Goodwill with things that no longer fit the life we are building together.

We will be starting our life together on the road with a home that will be new to us (registered in our Married Name with NO ridiculous hassles); with new furniture, new bedding, new appliances; new outlook.

FREEDOM IN NEWNESS.

So, we are finishing up things here that Holland started doing before we decided to sell - and then stop there, and start packing up what we are taking with us.

Back to the grind - Holland is putting a new sink in the master bath; doesn't he look excited to 'get back at it'?

I also got some good news this morning: my friend (and Holland's cousin) house sold :-)

I'm happy for her - and I hope our house sells as quickly when it's listed: I really want OUT of Longview.

Chrystal's house sold!

Arizona might win out for us …

Update: I just heard Holland tell a friend that our destination for a home base will be Arizona :-)

My itchy traveling feet can't wait.