EL TAPATIO; Rainier-OR

Since the house went on the market, we have spent every day dreaming and planning the life we want to live.

The thought of leaving the Past behind and delving headfirst into a New Life makes our hearts sing.

This morning, the Plan was to scope out a P.O. that would forward our mail to us while we are road gypsies. Then, we would shop around for a reasonably priced Storage Unit to store our stuff in while we hunted down a motorhome and vehicle that would fit our life as road gypsies.

We were hoping for a speedy house sale so we could high-tail it to Fargo to see his brother before he dies; Holland only found out about his brother's condition this past Saturday. If the house sells quickly, we plan on driving to Fargo, then down through South Dakota and down to Moab in Utah, before chasing the sun across the southwest.

We drank our coffee and discussed several ways to purchase the vehicle - and none of them were feasible until the house actually sells and we have $$$$ in hand to work with. Trade-ins on Holland's Ford 4x, and my Highlander SUV would still leave us about $10,000 short needed for a new vehicle: we need the house to sell before seriously looking around a truck lots. We don't want to be hemmed into a loan contract. We want to work a cash deal, which would garner a better buying deal. We could buy a second-hand vehicle; but we really prefer something reliable. Especially since we plan on boondocking most of our time on the road.

The Coach will definitely be a second-hand purchase, but we feel it would be wise to have a new vehicle to get out-and-about with. Plus - if the Coach get's stuck in a bad weather situation (God forbid), a newer vehicle (with a tow winch) will be able to pull it free. A new vehicle is really a necessity for the life we are planning.

So, tired of spinning my wheels with dead-end scenario's and feeling the need to be productive in any way possible … I sent a text to Shay asking for Flyers (this is something that would be simple to accomplish) … and received a text back that perhaps we wouldn't need the Flyers :-)

Good News this morning!

Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney - 'Good Morning' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCbnJeMSGZ4)

That happy news kicked us into high gear and ramped up the seriousness of securing a P.O. Box and a Storage Unit.

We got the P.O. Box with no hassle; but the storage unit became a problem as there are none to be had either side of the River :-( So, we'll have to rent a U-Haul trailer for a bit to store our few boxes, clothing, and useful tools we are taking with us.

Feeling positive about the potential buyers interest, we celebrated by eating at a restaurant neither of us had ever eaten at :-)

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant; 117 W A St, Rainier-OR

Beautifully carved wooden doors.

Everywhere your eyes look, is an artistic delight.

Painted skylight.

Really pretty.

There is also patio dining when the weather is good.

Appetizer; corn chips, bean dip & salsa.

We both ordered this dish; it sounded interesting, and I've been craving shrimp.

SO GOOD! The 'shrimp' were actually good sized prawns; yummy!

And of course, we had fried ice cream for dessert - I'm hooked now. LOL

Even the bathroom was beautifully laid out. I loved the sunflower basin.

Restroom foyer was also a visual delight.

The backroom banquet room was painted in homage to Aztlan.

Beautifully carved porch columns.

The whole place was beautiful … and the food was delicious.

I was so captivated by the artistic wall murals, that I walked out of the restaurant without my boxed leftovers I had intended to enjoy later on (and didn't realize it until an hour later)  :-(

I'm saving the bathroom basin picture … and painted adobe wall colors - and I'm going to pester Holland with them until we can somehow incorporate them into our on-the-road-home. I love Southwestern décor. I'm sure my cowboy can manage a workable deal to keep his dreamer cowgirl happy :-)

Kacey Musgraves - 'Dime Store Cowgirl' song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp7i5YwkzFs)

He can't wait to show me Arizona and Texas.

And I can't wait to be shown.

Holland's southwestern love vibes surrounds my life; I'd like to wrap our home with southwestern colors, too.

HOPE & A PRAYER

We were up bright and early this morning - Holland's ex-BIL was coming over to collect the construction stuff Holland was passing over to him; Holland won't be using the things anymore, and Sonny can; so it is all being rehomed.

I had not met Sonny yet, and I wanted to make a good impression … so, I dolled up. Not in an over-blown way, but more than I normally do on Shabbat weekends.

When Shay called to ask if a 1'noon house showing would be okay today, I was glad I decided to doll up :-)

Today's Slay Kit …

Sparkly 'Cream' for browline; 'Lt. Gray' for eyelid; 'Gray' for liner; 'Charcoal' for liner & Glittery 'Illusion' accent. 'Auburn' Brow Gel; 'Glam Black' Mascara; & 'Neutre Enflamme' Cream Blush.

'Pink Quartz' Lipgloss … and I'm ready to meet and greet.

It looks like I've gained a pound or two: Holland likes to deep-fry foods - ALL foods; apparently he likes me a little on the {fluffy} side.

I was on my way to the kitchen for another cup of morning joy juice, when I got another text from Shay.

My thoughts were happy ones; and I noticed a white pickup was in the spot Holland's red 4x is usually parked. Sonny and his boys had arrived.

I also noticed that Shay had come by, at some point, while I was dinking around with my makeup, and placed her name and Realtor number on the post set in place last evening:

2nd showing scheduled.

Holland's ex-BIL showed up with sons to collect, with Holland's blessing.

Holland's life driving away … a new life direction is being forged.

Second truck being loaded. Holland's 4x bed box also being packed up and hauled away.

Shay put her Name Sign up.

After the shed was cleared and Sonny and his boys drove away, I swept the floors again before Holland and I vacated the house. We drove over to Kelso to eat lunch at the mexican restaurant Holland enjoys. I tried something new after the main course - Holland suggested deep-fried ice cream. I am going to miss this little cozy nook when the house sells, and we hit the road.

Holland was telling me all about the different places he has lived in the south states, and I mentioned that I like the cowboy life - and he said he had been a cowboy for a while on his uncle's ranch. We talked about rodeo's, cowboy boots (he said he knows 'just the place' where I can have custom boots made to fit 'on the spot'), and old west ghost towns to visit.

This man I married is made to order; in every way, Holland is a perfect fit for me and the life I want to live :-)

Fried Ice Cream - DELISH! Cinnamon crusted before deep-frying.

I'm gonna miss this little restaurant in Kelso; Holland introduced me to it a week or so ago, and I LOVE it. Bob and I never ate here - that's a plus for Holland and I.

After we ate, Holland took me to a riverside county park he likes to visit once in a while. The trees - and river - were full of eagles everywhere you looked!

I have never seen so many eagles congregating in one place.

We watched them for quite a bit, and as we were leaving Shay sent another text :-)

Eagles; Gerhart Gardens Park, Longview-WA

SO Many!

Immature Eagles - no white feathers; & a mature eagle - white head & tail feathers. They were e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.

A 5 PM Scheduling. ((((YAY)))), the house is drawing interest.

With time to kill while strangers walked in and out of our home, we decided to drive to Willow Grove, seat dancing to the music on the radio. I like that we pretty much like the same type of music ;-)

We talked about the exciting adventures we plan to enjoy in the near future.

We discussed the new life we are building together.

We watched ships passing, sea lions frolicking in the water, seagulls swooping and diving, and die-hard fishermen setting line and flinging poles.

We hoped and prayed one of the lookyloo's would be a serious buyer.

'Amoy Sunny' Ship, passing by anchored 'Pacific Honor'; Willow Grove Park. 'Amoy Sunny' is a Bulk Carrier built in 2006 (17 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Hong Kong. 'Pacific Honor' is a Bulk Carrier built in 2011 (12 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Marshall Islands.

'Brenton Reef' is a Chemical/Oil Products Tanker built in 1999 (24 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of United States (USA).

Significant waves kicked up - lapped near the 4x's front tires.

Hope & a prayer …

Frosty ~Day #2

Kool & The Gang – ‘Celebration’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M)

Man!

This morning was a frosty one – not dangerously frosty, but definitely nippy and ice-kissed.

I was glad I put that extra blanket on the bed last night 😉

Today was also my second {teaching} day, and on the whole (taking into consideration the full two hours) it went smoothly.

A hot cup of coffee was the first order of the day 😊

Then, I got my face on – dressed warmly – and headed off.

Sparly 'Gentle' for brow, & 'Tango' for eyelid.

Glittery Navy Blue for eye 'liner'.

'Coral Ember' Creme Blush, & sparkly 'Coral Crave' Lipgloss.

Auburn Eyebrow Gel & Black Mascara.

Before grabbing my purse, I had received a phone text from one of the participants needing a ride: I could do that, and company during the drive would be welcome. Shortly after turning off Coal Creek Road, I noticed a heron standing in the middle of my lane, on Old Pacific Highway; so, I waited until it strolled to the edge of the road before continuing on.

The roadway was clear … but I did see signs that Jack frost had been busy, on Terry Ave. Street., when I turned down that road to pick up my passenger:

A Great Blue Heron standing on Old Pacific Highway; off Coal Creek Road.

Frosty patch on Terry Ave. Street.

Frosted little red ornamental shrub; Terry Ave. Street.

But that’s the only place I saw Jack’s handiwork, the entire day 😉

Second Day: Topic today was peace and happiness. And I have to say that I am glad for every hurdle I cleared since September 2018: without those hard lessons I know I would not be able to do what I am doing today. As difficult as it is to face that knowledge, I am truly at a place in my New Life where I can honestly accept – and say, without tearing up – "everything happens for a reason."

Today’s objective was to ask everyone (including moi), to “put yourself in the driver’s seat of your life. Take control by asking yourself some difficult questions even if they make you uncomfortable.”

A little disruption occurred half way through the class – two people came in and immediately started disrupting things, like unruly high schoolers. We ignored the rudeness, and continued on with the discussion:

What kind of life do you choose for yourself?

Are you consciously living the very best life you can?

Are you making choices that support growth for a life that is meaningful and fulfilling?

THEN, we gave our attention to the rude intruders: they were not present to participate; they simply came to investigate, try to intimidate, and generally instigate problematic issues. Their actions were shut down by everyone else (except one, who obviously had been expecting them and their behavior); and they eventually got up and left ('the one' trailed out the door, too). I was proud of everyone else 😊

Already they are demonstrating that they are willing to seek peace and happiness.

Finding peace and happiness in life enables us to make better decisions, have better relationships, increased capability at your job, experience less stress … and enjoy better health. Finding personal peace and happiness is unarguably waaaay more fun than being miserable all the time 😉

Thrust of today’s discussion: THIS IS YOUR LIFE and you get to decide how you want to live it.

“Figure which parts of your life are causing you distress and start taking steps right now towards improving them.”

Be decisive in your quest to live the very best life you can.

Choose happiness.

Choose love.

Choose you.

Everyone got a hug before leaving … except the three that left earlier.