My life has changed so much since December 2018. I remarried January 7th, 2023 ... we sold the house, sold our vehicles - and bought a new 4x, a puppy, & a 5th Wheel to travel the mainland States and experience life in the slow lane. As always I record e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. happening in my life: I will share lots of pics & vids of our USA travels: I hope you enjoy our Blog.
Yesterday while women all over the nation
were making plans to dress up in fancy duds and eat at fancy restaurants by
candlelight, I was plying my 2 pliers –
regular and needle-nose – and tearing 1 hummingbird feeder apart to re-rig
it.
I unwound and unknotted the rubber coated
wire that had been threaded through the lid by a previous owner when we bought
it at an estate sale a few years ago. I always thought it looked dorky, but never had the time to switch it out. Now all I have is time on my hands - so I put thattime to use:
I used my needle-nosed pliers to
manipulate and securely attach a small S hook on the underside of the twist-top-lid; the process actually took both pliers as well as a dishcloth because my hands got sweaty. The 2nd pair of pliers to get a firm grasp on the thing while I twisted it securely with the needle-nose pliers, and the dishcloth to keep my fingers from slipping.
It was a little more convoluted than it would have been had Bob or Kerry done it, but I am not Bob or Kerry, and I don't have the strength either …
… and I threaded the other end of the S hook
through the top of the lid and securely bent it too after adding a little doohickey
I found while rummaging around in my husband’s tackle box. I added a huge key
ring to that and voila!
It looks less 'hillbillish' now, and a lot nicer. The other feeder had already been re-rigged on the 3rd, with a simple large key ring.
Bob’s brother, Kerry, came by a little after
noon to hang the chains for me along the front deck railing: he barely had to
reach his arm up to snap the clip bolts to the deck roof rafters …
That looks so nice! And now I can hang the feeders without anyone else's help; and without
getting up on a ladder :-D
And we sat on the Coho bench he carved 6
years ago and visited for a few minutes while little bobby (Kerry’s 4-month-old red lab pup; and Bob’s namesake) sniffed
around and rubbed our legs for a pat and a pet now and then. I joked that
little bobby is going to be a big boy – 50 pounds already and still growing!
And he has big feet just like all the Hargand males. LOL
Later on, I finished up my day with a Thai dinner
of fried won-tons, crab-fried rice, and combo chow mien. Bob and I would have
eaten at the restaurant, but I got take-out to enjoy at home this year:
Bob was with me in spirit.
Bob made me a mother 45 years ago, and he
enjoyed Thai food ;-)
The Toyota dealership in town no longer gives car-detail-washes (or any car washing for
that matter) anymore, and they have entered into an agreement with
Washerman car wash downtown, directing their Premier Customers (which would be people like me) to go
there for their free car washes: NO! Last time my car went through Washerman’s
car wash, they tore the bug catcher off and didn’t say anything about it – it flew
off the car while my granddaughter was driving it, freaking us out! So, no …
going there won’t work for me.
Earlier this week, when I asked about
curb-side car washes, my niece told me about one happening today … so I got up
bright and early and was the 1st car to arrive ;-) The car got
washed, and the kids did a reasonably good job cleaning the filthy exterior:
I paid them, came home and washed the
interior – windows too; THAT was interesting to say the least as the windshield is slanted at such a steep angle that it was difficult to work with my too-much-boob/not-enough-arm body: but I somehow managed it without honking the horn as my breasts are prone to do while washing the windshield because I have to lean so far forward to get my fingertips to the windshield. I also removed the floor mats and hosed those down, drying them in the sunshine; and then vacuumed the car carpeting.
Now the car is squeaky clean inside and out … and I don’t have to be ashamed to
have it on the street anymore. LOL And there won’t be anymore dash dust blowing
in my face either.
Bob used to have the car washed every few
weeks, but since he went home in December, I haven’t felt like doing much. But,
it is time to get off my duff now and get stuff done.
So.
Now it is done.
While I was already outside, I decided to
wash the patio furniture too. It needed it; all of it was almost a filthy as
the car was. The constant road traffic on this street really kicks up the dust;
and that dust clings in this humid PNW atmosphere.
Now everything is so clean I almost don’t recognize
it. Hahaha
Last night – actually very early this morning
(12:31 a.m.) before I put the yarn
and hook away and went to bed – I finished up this granny stitch lapghan for
the Hospital Donation Foundation. …
I used odds and ends from my yarn cache to make this lapghan. It
is not a full afghan, but rather just a big square that can be used like a throw
over the knees for a wheelchair bound person, or as a quick warmth throw for a
critical care patient.
And just after Suppertime tonight, I finished
this Donation item too: a cute little octopus for the INCU Ward. This little
thing if only 7-1/4 inches long. So cute!
The pattern calls for safety eyes, but I embroidered my octopus
eyes; I think it looks more realistic. Plus, the thought of plastic eyes near a
baby that puts everything into their mouth doesn’t sit well with me.
I had intended to make this bittersweet journey sometime next week, but the weather forecasted for next week wasn’t agreeable, so I decided to do it today.
But first I drove across the border to Toyota in Kelso, and got my windshield wipers switched out; after dodging road work crews y.e.t.a.g.a.i.n…
Road work being done near R.A. Long High School downtown. WHY does the county wait until the busiest time of the year to schedule road work????
I noticed yesterday when I ran the wipers across my windshield with windshield cleaner fluid to wipe the road dust off the windshield so I could see clearly, that they didn’t quite clear the windshield in places. So they needed to be replaced: they are 2 years old. I am glad I took them in to be changed out because watching them get changed looked to me to be a pretty complicated process! I have switched out wipers before, but these ones really are complicated. The $$ spent was well worth it from where I sat watching :-D
After that was done, I stopped by the Warehouse Foods on the way back home, hoping to grab some Halibut fillets – but they didn’t have any, so I settled for Bay Scallops instead ;-)
Warehouse Foods Store by Kelso airstrip.
I hadn’t decided to go to Eden Valley until I had topped off the car’s gas tank – the day is so beautiful: it was perfect for the drive.
But first I needed to stop by the house and unload the scallops. Once home, I opened and separated the entire grocer bag into individual freezer baggies because I knew I would not get to it when I got back home; and they needed to be broken down. Then I asked for prayer on my journey, and locked up the house while I headed out of Dodge:
10 1/2-lb. Baggies of Bay Scallops ready for the freezer.
I asked for prayer because there would be a LOT of memories flooding my brain along the drive as Graysriver, Rosburg, and Naselle are Bob’s stomping grounds while he grew up: and I spent many summers in these places too before I knew Bob. And it is at least a 1-1/2 hour drive one way. I was sure my eyes would be leaking throughout the bittersweet journey to get the needed info for out-of-towners planning on coming to Bob’s Celebration of Life event in August, and I did not want tears to be a continual flow that would hamper my driving or the purpose for the daytrip.
I wanted to get there and back again safely …
Ocean Beach Highway, nearing County Line. I have always loved this drive. Very scenic; and very relaxing.
I saw a red-headed Turkey Buzzard enjoying a roadkill breakfast here. That reminded me that I had not eaten breakfast yet – so I stopped at Gragg’s Minit Mart a bit further up the highway to get some munchies.
Puget Island Bridge that connects the island to Cathlamet seen in the distance; Cathlamet is only minutes away now.
Entrance to Alger Creek logging road, between Cathlamet & Skamokawa. Aside from the cougar incident, when Bob's crew was logging the area he used to bring home to me petrified seashells and sea snails he'd find laying around on the landings because he knew those things interested me. Bob was always thinking of me no matter what he was doing. He loved me.
I can never pass Alger Creek logging road without remembering that this is where we saw a cougar walk across the roadway right in front of our pickup – I could have reached out and touched it, but I was mesmerized by its size and beautiful face as it leisurely padded in front of us and looked at us in passing before it disappeared like a ghost into the brushy undergrowth alongside the roadway. I will never forget that happening as long as I live! It was pure awesomeness. And it is forever seared into my brain where memories are stored to be revisited time and time again. Bob allowed me to have my wolf - Precious was a 6-foot long, 110 pound gray and timber wolf mix: pure love and the BEST furry companion we ever had. But Bob drew the line at my want for a cougar. He flat out refused. But at least I got to SEE one in the wild - up close and personal :-D
Life with Bob has given me many wonderful memories to revisit time and time again.
The drive was so peaceful and relaxing.
I was going “home”, and while topping KM Mountain (which is really just a big hill) I could feel the prayers surrounding me and carrying me along on this needful journey, keeping the tears at bay and the memories wrapping me in a love cocoon:
Coming into Graysriver over the bridge.
Crossing these bridges reminded me of the warm Spring day Bob and I were out and about, driving around, and ended up in Graysriver – I saw 2 baby bear cubs the far side of this bridge set-up and asked Bob to pull over so I could get a closer look at them; he did … and I jumped out to take a picture. As soon as my feet hit the gravel, I instantly felt him grab my collar and haul me back into the truck. Boy, was I mad! I snapped, “What did you do that for? Now I missed the picture!” Bob calmly – but seriously said, “You could be missing your life. Where cubs are, mama is not far behind.” No sooner had he said those words, then mama bear came barreling out of the trees to come stand guard over her cute little furballs – they weren’t very old at all; probably just out of their hibernation cave by the looks of them: soooo small – just 2 little black puffballs with legs and shiny black eyes. I was peeved for quite a while thinking about the picture I missed. LOL
Every time I pass this spot, I think about that day so long ago.
And I laugh remembering Bob’s seriousness in schooling me about bear behavioral habits, and my youthful peevishness in the moment.
I needed laughter today. SO MANY MEMORIES flooding my brain.
(((((Thank YOU Yeshua))))) for the faithfulness of friends’ prayers and the gift of laughter.
Passing through Grayriver, I noticed that Duffy’s looked open for business: it is always hit-and-miss with Duffy’s open days. Today it looks like they are ready to collect some $$, so I may stop in for a quick pit stop on my way back through here headed for home …
Then, just around the corner and up the road a bit, Rosburg Store came into view. It may be open now, but I didn’t stop to find out this trip; I know it has been bought by a calimexarbia couple, and I know remodeling has been underway:
Rosburg Store.
Eden Valley is out this way too; off to the left before one would come into Altoona.
I was not sure if there is an actual Eden Valley road marker or not – and that is one of the reasons for this little journey today. As the song goes: so I went too - ‘over the river and though the woods’ ...
Over-river-bridge/highway overpass. Rosburg Community Hall is below, off to the right.
This sign will be beneficial to out-of-towner's who have never been this way before.
Rosburg Community Hall where Bob’s Celebration of Life gathering will be held after his cremains are laid in Eden Valley Cemetery. We both attended many, many dances here in our school days - not together though because we didn't know each other at those times. But we did attend Family Reunions here over the past 44 years of marriage.
YES!
Thankfully there IS a Road Sign pointing the way. But that sign will be the only easy thing about getting to the cemetery:
Eden Valley Signpost; maybe 5 minutes up the road from the Rosburg Community Hall. Off to the left of Altoona-Pillar Rock roadway.
The Eden Valley road is very narrow and snaky – barely wide enough for 2 cars to pass without clipping mirrors. There are no ‘shoulders’ along the roadway, just literally barbed wire running along one side at the very edge of the road side; and a winding slough cuts along the very edge of the other side of the road side. There is no wiggle room when meeting an oncoming vehicle – you just pray that you do not meet a truck with dually wheels that hogs the road.
And deer.
And farmers.
Gotta be on constant lookout for deer because they will stand in the middle of the road – and they blend in pretty well with the shadowy surroundings. So you always have to keep your eyes peeled and be on guard.
Ditto for farmers who will park in the middle of the road while they tend to their livestock or farm apparatus’ – they are not used to much traffic on this road, and tend to consider the roadway their own private property. You need to be watchful for the farmers.
I ran into a deer and a farmer this morning, but being the country gal I am … I was prepared to run into them at some point ;-)
I had my Heart CD in the player, and getting close to the cemetery, the song, “This Man Is Mine” came on and I both smiled and cried at the same time because it brought to mind an incident that happened early in our dating period.
The Monday following my first date with Bob, I walked down the school hallway to my locker and if looks could kill I would have been sliced to death from every side by green-eyed girls giving me the evil eye. LOL! Thank God Bob never knew what a handsome man he was! Bob had absolutely NO ego; he really was clueless about what a fine specimen of manhood he was – lucky me.
But I knew.
And those green-eyed girls knew.
And I put every one of them on short notice, letting them know, “this man is mine: hands off … or lose them.”
I dried my eyes and laughed all the way to the cemetery as that memory played out ;-)
When I finally arrived, I got out of the car and walked around for a few minutes, trying to picture in my mind where our plots are actually located.
And I did have a brief 5 minute cryfest projecting the letting go of Bob’s cremains during the August placement ceremony. Just thinking of placing his cremains and then walking away from them was almost more than I could bear.
But it has to be done.
So I will do it.
I don’t have to feel comfortable doing it.
I am not the only person who has ever had to walk away from a loved one’s remains – and I won’t be the last.
This is part of the life process …
Family cemetery. Every name on every grave marker here is related to Bob in one way or another.
This is our family side of the cemetery ... Grandpa Henry Smalley & Grandma Myrtle Smalley (Bob’s mother’s parents), and Dad – Robert Abraham Hargand (Bob’s dad) are already laid to rest here. Our plots are here also.
Dad’s Headstone: I need to make a point to get down here more often and keep it cleared of refuse. Dad’s youngest brother, Herbie, crafted the headstone – it is a beautiful piece of work made with love; and fits dad’s personality perfectly.
Grandpa & Grandma Smalley’s Headstones.
Grandpa, Grandma, & Dad’s plots are right next to each other: our plots are behind them a short distance.
If I correctly remember what I was told at the time of plot purchase, Bob & I will be placed below Wally Smalley's plot shown on the right in this picture.
I think our plots are in this area below Wally ... I will find out for sure, come August 30th, 2019. Wally is Bob’s mother’s 1st cousin and Bob & I liked Wally: it is good to know that Bob's earthly remains will rest among family & friends he liked and admired.
This little country cemetery is a nice place to rest our earthly vessels while waiting for the Resurrection Day for the Saints.
After I left the cemetery – the visit actually went better than I had anticipated – I backtracked to Graysriver and stopped to visit Bob’s Aunt Frieda. Leaving, I noticed hay in the field yonder being cut and baled.
I love the country life; but that life will no longer be part of my life.
I miss it:
Leaving Frieda’s and the pastoral scene, I drove to Duffy’s for a quick pit stop and a restive break before heading the car back towards home base. I decided rather than sit in the interior darkness, which is quite nice in a bohemian kind of way, I would enjoy sitting on the outside terrace deck instead because the day was so sunny and I wanted to reflect on the river out back.
Bob, when we were dating, did the River Run event, and had a blast: watching the river, I remembered that day clearly. Doug was there too – they did the run together. The river run event was the kickoff to summer in the country; everyone participating brought their own thing to float down the river in – it could be anything, as long as it would hold you and float. And it had to have room for beer because beer was always part of the event ;-) It wasn’t so much a competition thing, as just a ‘let’s have fun’ kind of event.
Looking down at the river and remembering that event brought a smile to my lips.
And for a few years recently, we have been driving to Duffy’s every few weeks to enjoy the satisfying home-style fare. Today, though, I just had a homemade berry pie. As usual, it was excellent:
The river is low today; normally that sand bar in under water.
It was nice to sit out here and enjoy the tranquility. And pie too. LOL
I still don’t know what type of berry pie this was, but it was delish! And I ate it a la mode, which I never do; but because today was about Bob, and that is how he always ate his berry pie, that is what I did too.
The river water is very clear. Deep, and clear - you can see to the bottom with no trouble at all.
I love the bold colors and funkiness of Duffy's.
Very bohemian interior. Relaxing and welcoming.
Comfy interior – dark, but not oppressively so.
Fat and sassy and sated with berry pie, I pointed the car towards home.
It was a good drive.
It was a pleasant day.
It was a needful journey. And this trip down Memory Lane did not twist my heart in a knot like I thought it would. Thank Elohim, Who gives peace that passes all understanding. Especially appreciated today, where the peace of mind given for Sabbath Rest is most welcome. And needed.
The first thing that greeted my eyes this morning when I woke up was the realtor sign that has been set in place next door; I smiled broadly with no apologies as I headed for the coffee pot:
I hope we get friendly neighbors this time that are
nice people with no dramas to be played out with fatal results. Please Elohim!
Then while I was enjoying my 1st cup of coffee, Ryan called to say he had a cancellation and would I like him to come wash my windows today – I would! I hadn’t expected to have them done until June 12th, but today is even better ;-)
So he arrived around 9 a.m and finished up around 11 a.m …
He washed all the windows inside and out; and removed the screens and cleaned them too of the cotton tree fluff that flies through here and sticks to the screening.
Now, I can see for miles, and miles, and miles. Oh yeah :-D THAT is worth every dollar spent to get them cleaned.
Now I just have to get the car washed.
Hopefully Saturday. There is a car wash happening at Les Schwab’s on Industrial Way Saturday, and I plan to be there.
We peaked temperature-wise at 93-degrees at noon: hottest day of the year so far even though I got burned red Monday & Tuesday getting my garden boxes planted with cooler 80+ temperatures.
This letter is from Saul (Paul), who, by the
Will of Elohei, was called as an apostle of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, and also from
Sosthenes, a brother. It is written to the Church of Elohei at Corinth. That is,
it is to you who have been made holy through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, and who have
thus been called to be Saints, and it is meant for everyone anywhere who calls
on the Name of Adonai Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Who is their Lord as well as ours.
Grace and peace be to you from Elohim our Father and Adonai Yeshua Ha’Mashiach!
I always thank Elohim on your account because
of His grace to you in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. You have been enriched in everything
through Him, in fullness of knowledge and power of expression. This shows that
my witness of Mashiach among you has been confirmed in your lives. And so now
you are not lacking any spiritual gift while you wait for the return of Adonai
Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. He will see to it that you will be able to hold out to the
end, and be blameless on the Day of Adonai Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. Yes, Elohim, Who
has called you into fellowship with His Son, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, our Lord, is
faithful.
Brethren, I beg of you to come to an
understanding on every issue, and that you do not split up into factions. You
should then have complete agreement, having the same purpose and the same
judgement. But it has been reported to me, my brethren, by members of Chloe’s
household, that there is much quarreling among you. And each one belongs to a
faction, and says, “I am for Saul”; or “I am for Apollos”; or “I am for Cephas”;
or “I am for Mashiach”. Was Mashiach divided? Was Saul crucified for you? Or
were you baptized in Saul’s name?
I am thankful to Elohei that I did not
baptize any one of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you
were baptized in my name. I did baptize also the members of Stephana’s family,
but beyond that I cannot recall that I baptized anyone else among you. The reason
is that Mashiach did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel; and to
do so without a show of learning and oratory, else the cross of Mashiach might
be robbed of its meaning and power.
Those on the way to destruction regard the
story of the cross as pure nonsense, whereas those of us who are on the way to
salvation regard it as the power of Elohei.
For Scripture says, “I will destroy the
wisdom of the wise and reject the learning of the learned.” Where is your scholar?
Where is your scribe, learned in the Law? Where is your man today who can
dispute and debate? Has not Elohei shown that the wisdom of this world is utter
folly? How so? The world by all its learning never came to know Elohei, but
Elohim in His wisdom was pleased to save by the “foolishness of preaching” all
those who believe.
We know that the Jews demand signs, and the
Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Mashiach crucified, which is a stumbling
block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles (Greeks). But to those who
have been called, both Jew and Greek alike, Mashiach is the power and wisdom of
Elohei. So Elohim’s “foolishness” is wiser than man’s wisdom, and Elohim’s “weakness”
is stronger than man’s strength.
Now consider, brethren, how it was when Adonai
Yeshua called you. Not many of you were wise in a worldly sense. Not many of you
wielded power. Not many of you were of noble birth. Indeed not, for Elohim
chose rather what the world considers foolish so that he might put the wise to
shame. And Elohim chose what the world considers weak, so as to put the strong
to shame. And Elohim chose people of humble birth and despised of men, even things
that were not, so as to bring nothing things that are. Therefore, no human
being can boast of anything in Elohim’s presence.
You are now His Children through Mashiach
Yeshua. Elohim made Him to be our wisdom and our justification – our sanctification,
and our salvation. Therefore, as Scripture says, “If a man would boast, let him
boast in Adonai Yeshua Ha’Mashiach.”
Last night I was doing
something and got excited and wanted to share it with Bob - I had actually
risen from my recliner and was mid-step towards the back room where he always
watched TV, when I realized he wasn't back there anymore.
That was a freaky
moment!
I am glad I could not
see my expression. Feeling the shock and loss all at once was tough enough.
Nothing like THAT has never happened
before; I am sure it happened because I was so tired. I have put in two 9 hour
days outside getting my gardens in.
I hope it doesn't
happen again.
It is not a good
feeling ...
Today I drove up the hill to go to Keenager’s (a Senior
Christian gathering) after doing a bit of shopping in town – and I am glad I
did; I needed to be there even though I didn’t realize I needed to be there
until I decided to get in the car and go there ;-)
Some Wednesdays, I don’t go: it all depends
on what I have going on around the home-front.
But my garden is in now and I needed to give
my hands a break … I knew if I stayed home, I’d have my aching hands busy; and they really need a break.
I got there about half an hour early, so I got
a cup of coffee and asked what I could do to help, and was given the light “task”
of setting the hymnals on the tables. After that was done, Sandi told me to
help myself to one of the colorful roses she had brought for all the mother’s
for upcoming Mother’s Day:
People started arriving …
… and several asked me how I am doing. They
know Bob is in Heaven now, but they remember us as a couple devoted to one
another, so they are gathering the Friendship Wagons around me and helping me
learn to fly solo with my broken wing. They are Christian ‘family’, and
their kind and thoughtful inclusions are love in action. Four of them got up
from their usual table and came over to keep me company in my corner table – I always
sit in the corners at gatherings; and in the back pew when I attend fellowship:
I am by nature a people watcher, more than a people gatherer ;-)
David, Dennie, and Charlette were cut-ups and
I laughed a lot.
I needed those moments of light-heartedness.
After Keenager’s I called Bob's youngest and tallest brother, Kerry, to see if he
was going to be at his town place this weekend – he is – and I asked if he could come over and help me hang my
hummingbird feeders; he can. Sunday.
I am glad – I hate getting on ladders and my arms are too short anyway: he is
at least 6’7” and has long arms. Perfect to hang the feeders :-D After we
chatted some and hung up, I finished up my shopping in town:
I am a short person (5’2”), so I bought some chain, bolt snaps, and key rings to bring the feeders down to my level for easier hanging. I put this together as soon as I got home. Even before I put groceries away – I wanted to put it together while thinking about how I wanted it to hang. It may not look pretty, but it will do what I need it to do :-D
I wanted the hanging apparatus’ to be strong enough
to safely hang the feeders heavy with hummingbird nectar, and sturdy enough to
withstand the sudden gusts of river winds when they blow through here: I think
this set-up will do – the single bolt snaps will go up by the porch roof, and
the double bolt snaps will go down by the feeders for easy peasy off/on actions.
Kerry will hang the chains from the front porch plant hanger hooks already in
place, and I can take things from there ;-) I hope this chain length will be
long enough so I do not have to use a ladder … but even if I do have to use a short ladder, I should be able to
reach the lower end of chains to hang the bird feeders without getting hit with
a wave of vertigo.
Then I bought a dehydrator – I had to go to 3
different stores before finally finding one! Every store, but Fred Meyers, told
me they “do not sell in-store, but of you
go online …” Well, I did NOT want to shop online! I wanted to walk into a
store and be able to buy a dehydrator off the shelf >:-P There was ONLY ONE
in Fred Meyer’s, so I snatched it up and thanked Yeshua all the way to the
checkout line ;-)
This is a very nice dehydrator. It has 4 racks and 1 jerk/fruit leather round. And it has different temperature setting too: that is a very good feature!
Last, but not least, I bought a little grill.
Again, there was not much to choose from.
My George Foreman tabletop grill died a
decade ago and I have not been able to replace it because no one is selling
them anymore – or anything even remotely close to an actual tabletop griller.
This Panni Grill is the closest thing I could see that resembles what I am
wanting, so I hope it will grill hamburgers and steaks as well as sandwiches …
And those 2 counter-top additions pretty much limited
the counter-top space. LOL
