HIKING CLUB

30 minutes ago I was outside dinking around with the rain barrels, hoping I have the downspout thingee inserted correctly to catch all this free rain – if I don’t, I will just have to fool around with it until I get it ‘right’: and write it down this time so I will remember next time I go through this setup ;-)

While I was outside, my back fence neighbors, Ed and Trudy came out to chat with me (I did ask Ed about the downspout insert, and he was clueless too); anyway, we were talking … and the end result is that I am now a member of the Mt. St. Helen’s Hiking Club :-D

It sounds like a lot of fun – and I love hiking.

This is a true answer to prayer.

I go to bed every night asking Elohim to help me get back to enjoying some of the things I loved to do in my previous life, with Bob; and to please put a companion across my path that I can do these things with … two companions moved into the house behind me, and asked me today to become part of a larger group of companions.

Doing these hiking adventures will also help me learn travel routes to various places outside my comfort zone – I will still need to find a ride with someone when the adventures moves into Portland, OR (as some hikes will); but generally, most of the hikes will be refresher routes for places Bob and I drove to, sans the backroad connects (those I will need to figure out on my own).

I am blessed and highly favored. Elohim is good!

While reading over the hiking club papers, I saw that many of the hikes are between 3 and 4 miles round trip; but I also noticed several of the hikes are 6, 8, 10 and 12 miles round trip – I need to get up to snuff for those! They go through beautiful terrain with waterfalls, so I definitely want to do them.

I knew we had bought a walk-a-meter counter a few years back, so I tore the house apart looking for it … and finally found it in the car’s console cubby: it is in my knapsack now, and I am going to use it every time I go hiking the local Parks, dikes, river trails, and Willow Grove hiking trail; so I can build up to those 6, 8, 10 and 12 mile hikes :-D

It’s not just a stamina issue – it’s a tolerance building up of my lungs, joints, and leg muscles that have not been used that hard in decades. Bob did not particularly like hiking, but he’d go with me … on short hikes. I have not been on a lengthy hike in decades: not since living in Cathlamet; we moved from there in 1993. While we lived in Cathlamet, there were days I’d go on a walkabout after Stacey left for school – I’d walk from where we lived on the flats down by the marina … out the Elochoman Road-up over Beaver Creek road-over to Oak Point; or over to Mill Creek junction … and back home again. That was a pretty looong walkabout. Sometimes, when my gypsy feet would start itching on a weekend and Bob had worked a long week, he’d watch the kids for a few hours while I walked around the Julia Butler Hansen Game Refuge, walking ALL the roads along the Columbia River and Steamboat Slough; and back home again. I enjoy getting out of the house and into the countryside.

Now this opportunity has come into my life.

I am jazzed.

I can’t wait to get back outside and start hiking again.

At the moment, it is raining:

Gray clouds heavy with rain rolling in ...

Wet & windy day near the river.

I hope and pray I got the downspout thingee installed correctly, to catch the rainwater ;-)

I LOVE YOU

First thing this morning, when I logged into FB, was a ping notifying me that I had a message waiting – I clicked on the link, and received this picture of Bob, from a fella he went to school with: I did not know Bob at this time.

This picture would have been taken either before Bob’s first marriage, somewhere around 1968, after he graduated High School … or somewhere around 1969-1970 while he was married to Gloria (before or during one of their many separations before his son, Alex, was born). I do know that it is a picture showing him working while Durrah and Martin Logging, Inc. logged the Mt. St. Helen’s area. In this picture he is checking the log wrappers to make sure they are secure – and making sure the undercarriage and tires are what they need to be to safely haul those logs. I am not sure if he is driving his Dad’s truck … or driving a truck his outfit rented at the time from Weyco Camp Baker:

My life misses Bob. My heart hungers for Bob. My eyes are starved for Bob.

Only Bob would know for sure – and Bob is no longer here.

Getting a glimpse into a part of Bob’s life I wasn’t a part of then, is like a love note dropped into my life, now; Bob had told me about working Mt. St. Helen’s … and getting hit with a July snow storm one day when they hadn’t dressed for snow that morning as they headed off to work. He always laughed when he told me that story – and I never really believed it until one summer day, 12 years ago, we drove through a freshly plowed mountain backroad with snowbanks piled high, covering road signs with only their tops showing: a summer snowstorm ;-)

This picture gives me a glimpse of what Bob looked like back then.

My PM chat box alerted me there were messages from my friends and from my cousin. Affirmations of love.

My phone buzzed, telling me I have texts waiting to be read from a granddaughter, a friend, and a niece. Confirmations of love.

My phone rang with friends’ calls … checking on me to see how I am doing. Reminders of love.

“I love you’s” are coming through loud and clear, today :-D

Those “I love you’s” were as much for their comfort, as for mine. They wanted to let me know they are thinking of me … and they wanted to hear me alleviate some of their fears – they know I do not panic easily: fear does not rule my life. People are rattled at the moment; they don’t know what to believe. The televised media is scaring them with political hyperbole.

They had heard that the National Guard has been deployed to WA State: I had expected that. It is concerning, but hopefully it will not become a new ‘norm’ – we do not need a military presence permanently in our populace. I think politicians have made the coronavirus a campaign tactic and are going into hysteria mode. It is what it is.

They heard that coronavirus is mutating, and that the incubation period has now been pushed further out than the estimated 14 days, due to the mutations and instances where some people have been reinfected after being ‘cleared’ by medical staff. Coronavirus is a virus … viruses are living entities; and this one is not behaving how scientists, doctors, and governments think it should/want it to behave. Scientists and doctors do NOT KNOW what to do because they do not know what is going on. How can a vaccine seriously be made that will effectively work on a continual mutating virus? People are going to have to use their own common sense – they cannot, in reality, be held a government hostage in their homes … and businesses cannot logically be shut down … indefinitely. Will there eventually be a revolt if this thing drags out the 18 months worst scenario? It’s possible. Anything, at this point – focusing on a depressing projection, is possible. That’s why it’s wise to turn off the back-to-back-fearmongering televised {updates}; and get outside once in a while.

They heard that doctors are telling people not to use paper money – use plastic instead, because plastic can be wiped down with disinfectant. The Feds are already disinfecting public monies that have been handled, and have touched solid surfaces. Could this play into the NWO moneyless era? Christians are understandably very concerned about that possibility. Already plastic cards have been chipped; we do not want the chip in our bodies. I understand: I am a Christian. But, I also understand that I have always known that at some point in my life, the possibility of a moneyless society has always loomed. Freaking out will not change anything. No matter WHAT happens, Christians need to trust Elohim. In e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

My friends, who have been expecting medical procedures before coronavirus struck, have heard that hospitals are now suspending “all unnecessary surgeries” – what, exactly does that imply? I don’t know … I choose not to have surgeries of any type: I’ve never had a surgery – I’ve had stitches in my childhood, and I delivered a baby girl … and I have had dental work done (referred to as oral surgery): but I’ve never had a surgery done for broken bones, internal adjustments, or joint replacements. And I don’t intend to. Meanwhile, abortions wholesale will continue. Ironically, saving lives is postponed for the fear of contacting the coronavirus; but ending lives is sanctioned ‘necessity’ and fears of contacting the coronavirus is pooh-poohed in that regard. It’s political correctness insanity on steroids. Personally, I believe this global pandemic rides on the shirttails of global baby murders – kind of an ‘balancing of the books’, if you will: a life for a life.

They heard the demoncrat party wants to raid Social Security monies to fund the {free} coronavirus kits for tent cities, sanctuary cities, and illegal aliens ‘who are afraid to come forward’. That is thievery, pure and simple – it is an outright theft of savings Seniors have put aside their entire working lives, so they would not have to end up on the streets at the end of their lives – and it is paltry enough, without having pelosi, schumer, aco, waters, and the other demoncrat blackhearts ‘tapping’ it: let them tap their own personal savings to pay for their political screwups. Elections are coming up – Americans will remember e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. the demoncrats have done these 3 years.

They asked if I had started my garden yet – I said not, but I hope to get seedlings started on the windowsills soon; to go into the garden sometime in April, in the garden boxes Bob built for me – and placed down the length of the side property line ...

Garden Boxes Bob built

Last Spring - 2019, I filled the last 6 boxes Bob had built and placed in line (4 small up front; 2 large out back) before the neighbor, and the Park manager here, killed him with their ridiculousness. I hope to get a good bounty this year. Last year, grief kept me from gardening effectively.

Currently, the only thing keeping me indoors at the moment is the pollen in the air, and the scattering blossoms blown off the trees by the river winds:

Right alongside my carport.

Outside my livingroom windows - down both sides of the street.

It will be nice to get outside to plant my garden, and sit on the front porch on the beautifully carved/finished Coho bench, Bob’s brother Kerry designed and built: to relax, and look over the garden area with Bob’s love in my thoughts …

That didn’t get to happen last year because ron cook was still living next door, making my life miserable after he killed my husband with his paranoid nonsense. But, ron is no longer living next door blowing cigarette smoke in my direction, boldly walking up my sidewalk to cut across my front yard into his carport (while looking straight at me!), or hurling ‘fuck yous’ at me ... or telling me to go back inside my house: because he was candy scott’s pet, and could, literally ... get away with murder and overt harassment. Thank you, Yeshua, that that murdering moron is gone!

I trust Elohim with my life; I have for 54 years … no matter what, He gives ‘peace that passes all understanding’; worrying steals joy in the moment, and it accomplishes nothing by the end of the day. That is why I don’t live my life hamstrung by fear.

That assurance calmed a lot of frayed nerves throughout the day.

I choose not to live in fear.

I choose life.

I choose love.

I am glad my day, today, was started with love – and continually filled with love. I am glad those who love me were comforted by the love I gave to them :-D

I love You, Yeshua.

I love you, Babe.

Always ~ OX

AMERICA TO TOTALLY SHUT DOWN?

Reported to start Monday ...

Trump 'may quarantine Americans and close businesses over coronavirus'

This will NOT WORK!

People - specifically the young and stupid - will STILL CONGREGATE in large groups and in close proximity in private homes. There is no reasoning with the young and stupid. And unless house arrests are going to be enforced, calling the National Guard in will accomplish nothing except driving the virus underground where it will thrive and prosper undetected until the hospitals REALLY SWELL with viral cases.

Open air where clean fresh breezes blow through; and sunshine, is what works. STALE AIR kills – and viruses breed at an insane rate.

People have been TOLD FOR MONTHS to keep distances ... and have ignored that appeal. These stupid people cannot be saved: they are self-destructive.

IF YOU SEE a crowd of people gathered together face-to-face, behaving stupidly: WALK AROUND THEM at a safe distance and be the mature one.

Government shutdowns DO NOT WORK.

President Trump should KNOW that ... and stop pandering to the demoncrats that are pressuring him - they will hate him no matter what he does.

Me?

I'm rebel enough to keep on walking solitary hiking paths where there is little chance of a face-to-face (but LOTS of fresh air and sunshine):

 

And my castle is in personal lock-down; that's the American way: FREEDOM OF CHOICE.

Viruses come and go.

Apparently, so does common sense when hysterical panic sets in.

This thing will run its course no matter what measures are taken.

Freaking out won't stop it ... it's a wild fire that is jumping the backfire.

Government imposed quarantines won't halt it ... Italy and calimexarabia have proven that fact. As of this morning, calimexarabia has given up trying to keep a grip on the virus outbreaks.

Sometimes the only way to fight fire is to let it burn itself out and use common sense in taking care of yourself.

America has gone through rough patches before - 2 wars on American soil BETWEEN Americans; several Depressions, and following Recessions, and decades after decades of the Young & Stupid.

WE HAVE SURVIVED.

We will survive this too, if cool heads prevail and don't get sweep into the tide of rampant hysteria.

Get right with your Maker - tell your loved ones you love them every chance you get (and mean it!) - and LIVE your life: you only have 1 life; wasting it on fear is not living. Fear will not keep you alive ...

... soap may. Grandma was right in nagging you to "wash those hands!"

People like to believe they can control Fate: but that is illogical.

Fate is called fate for a reason.

KENNY ~ R.I.P.

Before I slipped under the sheets last night, I saw in the phone's news feed that Kenny Rogers had died earlier in the day.

5 decades immediately passed before my eyes; Kenny had been a part of my life even before Bob.

The following Youtube music video is my favorite Kenny Rogers song - he sang it with his band, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. Media sources keep saying Kenny was a country singer … and he was LATER IN HIS CAREER – but he was a rock and roll singer before he crossed over to country.

And much has been made of him singing with Dolly Parton too; BUT he also sang with Dottie West, and when they sang together it was pure magic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqLWIiuwu8U

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_ri8rsNr_4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K59sCjyv38

As a youth, and later a teen, I walked all over the Skamokawa valleys ... and later to Graysriver, Altoona, Pillar Rock, & Eden Valley: even into Naselle when Apello's Store relocated (I'd always buy a coke for my return trip back home in Skamokawa). I saved every cent I made babysitting, chopping/bundling kindling, picking blackberries-strawberries-cucumbers; I used that money to buy undercover cigarettes (though I think my mother figured out I was smoking), cokes for my weekend walkabouts, and even a little brown leather cased transistor radio & a pocket camera I used well into the 1980's when it was later replaced by a very spendy top-notch camera outfit, thank you, Babe!

And always - ALWAYS - Kenny was there. In the background; with his gravelly voice.

At one time, Bob even resembled Kenny with his long, wavy, should-length hair; and aviator shades. Bob would eventually grow a mustache & a beard too.

This song too: LOTS of memories with Bob when love was buring – lying together heart to heart; listening to lover’s whispers & the radio belt this song out while summer breezes made the open window curtains dance on the river breeze. And - now I am crying ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO1CqLpadAM

There was a time in our marriage when Bob worked away from home all week, coming home on weekends – and one December he got so sick with walking pneumonia that he didn’t get home for 2 weeks … and when he staggered through the door at home, I was scared: he looked like walking death. The kids were scared too – they cried to let him open their homemade Christmas gifts to him the next day; Stacey and Sara sat at his feet crying while his long fingers fumbled at the wrapping, and he smiled weakly, praising the kids when he saw their gifts – Bob loved kids, and he was a good dad. I took him to Dr. Avalon’s Office as soon as it opened Monday morning, and refused to let him go back to work until his lungs were clear. Bob had a good Boss that loved us like his own kids – Jimmy Durrah knew Bob’s family from waaaay back ‘when’; and didn’t want to lose Bob as his main employee: Bob was home for two weeks.

During those times of Bob’s absence from home, Cathlamet being the gossiping and cheating small town that it is, had a lot of rumors flying about Bob and me: and I think, based on what our children say, they believed those rumors. But BOB AND I KNEW what the truth was. We were not ‘separated, on the verge of divorce’: Bob was logging away from home. While working up the Toutle, he was camped in the back yard of our friends, Bill and Punkie Shelton; he was borrowing his parent’s pickup-bed-camper and living in that all week, coming home Friday nights after work – and leaving again Sunday morning. Another year, Bob worked in Glenoma, WA, and we bought a small Taurus travel trailer with that year’s Income Tax Return – he parked that in an RV spot until that job played out; again, coming home Fridays and leaving again Sundays. This went on for years – I eventually got my driver’s license so the kids and I could go see him once in a while. There was no separation … there was w.o.r.k. happening.

There was that one winter Bob was gone so long because travel had been hampered by the snowy weather in Glenoma: he’d let his har grow to keep his neck warm, and he’d grown a full beard too, to keep his face warm; and  when he was finally able to came home that Friday evening, I wasn’t home: Stacey and I were visiting Sharon and her kids, and when Bob showed up looking for me, Sharon answered her door and turned saying, “Val … there’s a strange man here asking for you.” I was mystified, but I went to see who it was – AND DID NOT RECOGNIZE BOB. I asked, “Yes? I’m Val. Why are you asking for me?” Bob laughed, and said, “It’s me, Val. I’ll be home for a while before going back.” We both had a good laugh, and agreed he needed a shave and a cut ;-)

But there was love. Always love. We trusted each other.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO5pKJWavv8

People who didn’t know us were always surprised to find out how long we’d been married. Even after 4 decades we looked into each other’s eyes when we spoke – we spoke as 1. We leaned into each other when we stood, walked, sat together; we held hands – Bob would drape his arm across my shoulders, and I’d lay my hand on his thigh. Even the ER teams, and his surgical team would smile and say. “You 2 are too cute together."

And we'd look into each other's eyes, smile - and say, "We love each other."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtPh-c-qh00

I love you, Babe.

Always ~ OX

Memories.

Of Bob.

Of Kenny.

Both men both left their impressions on my life; both are missed. A LOT.

Sleep took a loooooong time to kick in last night ... and this morning is a little soggy.

R.I.P. Kenny - thanks for the memories.

**********

I gotta stop tripping down Memory Lane now, or I’m gonna float away.

FIRST DAY OF SPRING ~ Shabbat Sunset

The first day of Spring 2020, started out nippy this morning with a 37-degree wake-up … and amped up to 67-degrees by the twilight hour.

The first thing this morning while I was tending to household chores, and preparing the castle to become my Shabbat Island of Rest, I saw on my phone’s newsfeed that Larry the Cable Guy had blasted celebrities for posting themselves singing john lennon’s imagine song – and I have to agree with him; it in bad taste considering that most of America, as well as 95% of the world, cannot hole up behind security walls and have curbside groceries delivered to them: calimexarabia alone – of ALL the States in America – has the largest homeless population: with tent cities everywhere and human feces piling up in the streets … and narcissist celebrities are posting pictures of themselves making fools of themselves singing a song of hopelessness (and doing it very badly! NONE of them could carry a tune), IN A TIME when most are feeling hopelessness. Grabbing for attention while people are actually dying for lack of real help (medical, physiological, spiritual), malnutrition, and unsanitary living conditions. Those rich morons, living their fantasy characters on screen/off screen … bitching about ‘the rich’ they claim to hate while amassing riches themselves; and ignoring the hopelessly poor amongst them, while baying about hopelessness in a song that amplifies hopelessness: they are clueless to ANY realities in real time.

Their hypocritical, ridiculous, and TRULY AWFUL ‘contribution’ is proof there is hell on earth. MPO (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sFLqGfSnVQ)

I also saw that Mitch McConnel was pushing for a final vote on the coronavirus aid spending Bill by tonight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfAHqAJJbdE).

The politicians left the Capitol late in the evening, saying that progress had been made, but there are a several issues yet unresolved – planning to meet again tomorrow to hammer out the finer details: schumer is the fly in the ointment; as usual: he pushed for far too much, and holds everything up far too long.

“We need to deliver relief now,” McConnell said on the Senate floor, “We need to go big – and we need to move swiftly.” But it looks like the demoncrat bullies of the block are going to try to ram their pet projects through on the coattails of this proposed coronavirus driven stimulus Bill, and will continue to make life hard for everyone if their demands are not met … which will result in missing the deadline for the ‘largest economic rescue in American History. Moving swiftly will come to a screeching halt.

And President Trump told Americans that their Income Tax filings deadline has been rescheduled from April 15^th, 2020; to July 15^th, 2020:

Throughout the day, today, I did a couple loads of laundry, baked Challah loaves-dinner rolls-cinnamon rolls; and hopped in the car to watch the sunset – riverside.

Around 6 PM, I saw I was low on refrigerated butter, so I went out to the shed to grab some more out of the chest freezer … and found that the overhead florescent light has gone out. Permanently. At first, I was a little concerned, thinking maybe a breaker had been blown … but the compact chest freezer works fine, and the house electricity was okay; so, I knew it was only the florescent light fixture.  I gave my youngest BIL, Kerry, a shout, and he has agreed to switch it out for me when life gets back to normal (I am thankful! It’s 9 feet in the air, and I can’t afford to have an electrician do it) – we’ll take this one out and exchange it for an LED type of light fixture: he recently did that at his place. I was going to ask him if there was that kind of possibility, but he told me it was before I could even voice my question ;-) And the LED fixture is not that expensive either, so it’s totally doable. Kerry’s a good guy. I am blessed.

Elohim is faithful – He has provided willing helpers for me: willing to do for me what I cannot do for myself … and willing to patiently teach me what I can do on my own, once I am shown how to do it. I am a quick study ;-)

For now, I can use the flashlight when I have to retrieve something from the shed – even in broad daylight the shed is kinda dark because of the way it’s situated.

That snafu settled, I finished laundry and bread baking; and went for a sunset walk out at Willow Grove Park …

Plan on walking Willow grove trail and viewing river sunset.

A ‘Dumbo head’ cloud :-D

Something to do around the house while waiting this pandemic out.

Sun starting to slide over the horizon; 6:57 PM

Wondering about the stories this pumice could tell if I could hear it speak.

The setting sun looks like it is passing through the hill, rather than slipping down behind it ...

While watching the sun slide over the horizon, I found out that Willow Grove Park currently closes the Park gates at 7:30 PM (will close at 10 PM Summertime); but I did get to see the sunset – I’m happy about that:

Mt. St. Helens swathed in pink twilight.

A cargo ship sailing towards a topaz sunset lighting up the horizon.

An hour after arriving, I am leaving: entrance locked up. Same sky - different background.

All in all, the first day of Spring 2020 was off to a good start ;-)

L’Chiam!

I love you, Yeshua.

I love you, Bob.

Always ~ OX

EMPATHETIC v.s. ENABLER?

I have talked the past 2 days with people who are fearful … and even a little insensitive, because of their fear. At one point, I was asked if I fear for my children/grandchildren: I said, “I’m concerned – but, no, I don’t worry incessantly about them.” And I was instantly told, “Well, I worry about my children; you aren’t worried because you don’t get along with your children.” That was offensive, and very insensitive. And it tells me that that person does not know me at all.

While it is true, that my children have separated themselves from me; and I have not seen my grandchildren since December 16^th … it is NOT true that that decision is mine. It is NOT true that I wouldn’t be devastated if any of them were struck with this coronavirus – we are not speaking at the moment, but I certainly don’t want any of them to die!

I am only responsible for my thoughts and actions: I cannot control my grown children’s attitude and behavior towards me; and my grandchildren – with the exception of our little prince, who is 5-1/2 yo and his mother’s ward – are all old enough to call, text, or come and see me without their parent’s permission: two of the three adult princesses, have CHOSEN NOT to do so, based solely on their parent’s attitude and behaviors. Again, their decisions are not mine. Any conclusion by anyone to believe otherwise, is offensive and insensitive.

And it doesn’t do any good to get upset about the arrogant ignorance of the statement: it was said out of ignorance fueled by arrogant fear.

I can be empathetic without enabling the anxiety of fearmongers. I can understand the fear they feel about their own lives, as well as the lives of their children; without being sucked, myself, into the sweeping undertow of the uncertainty of the moment.

Meanwhile, today, inslee – WA State governor – has enacted a statewide 30 day moratorium on evictions for anyone who can’t pay rent due to this coronavirus outbreak; and the border between WA State and Canada has been shut down.

My point of view is this: we are all born with an expiration date … if it is my time to get my ticket punched: I’m okay with that. I know what my destination is, and I know that Yeshua and Bob are both waiting for me to arrive. If Elohim decides Earth needs me a little longer – He will protect me and make provision for me. If Elohim decides I need to make that journey beyond the clouds – nothing can forestall that appointment. I’m good either way.

I don’t like how the fear sweeping across America is literally sweeping away our Rights also. In America, citizens have THE RIGHT to move freely, think independently, and behave individually UNLESS A REAL LAW EXISTS that states otherwise. I was concerned this morning when a friend told me an man had been kept inside his house by armed guards … so I tracked the story down because I couldn’t believe that could actually happen in America. Sure enough – fear dominated and overrode Rights. It’s crazy … it’s UNLAWFULLY okay to murder babies by the millions simply because of  PERSONAL SELFISH irresponsibility – but it is not okay to move freely around your own property because your neighbors (who probably support abortion, and uphold the ‘rights’ of baby murders) fear for their lives?

Society is out of control. Everyone seems to be freaking out about coronavirus, but no one is freaking about the murder of millions of innocent lives sacrificed at the behest of narcissism. Instead, enablers of baby killers are placating fear-mongers.

(https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/don-t-want-to-self-quarantine-the-sheriff-could-send-armed-guards-to-your-house/ar-BB11iGBz)

I am empathetic towards others; but I can’t/won’t allow their panic, fear, and hysteria unbalance my peace, hamstring my movement, or steal my joy in the moment. Life is for living … not cowering in frustrated fear; now quaking with anxiety.

I have never lived my life in fear: not even while holding/kissing my husband’s hand while his physical body was dying. We both knew Bob was going to a better place to enjoy a better life: a threshold where the Specter of Death can no longer cross.

I did not then fear facing the rest of my life alone.

I do not now, fear facing the rest of my life alone.

I do not fear my own physical death if that is my destined fate,

I do not give fear a foothold in my life.

And I do not think the governing officials should slap mandatory isolations on people – this thing could go into an 18 month period.

There are PLENTY OF PLACES to go where face-to-face is limited ... or not even evident.

I can't stand being hemmed in by 4 walls - I gotta get out of the house A LOT. I enjoy being in the great outdoors, enjoying Nature Walks - breathing in fresh air and enjoying the sunshine when the sun appears after the hovering gray clouds part.

That is MY RIGHT as an American: as an individual.

It is your right too.

If you can, find an open, sunny, naturalistic environment to enjoy during this time; and boost your immune system as well as your spirit ;-)

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4504358/)

Being forced to stay indoors indefinitely with unhealthy stagnant air is abusive. Our lungs NEED FRESH AIR to keep our immune systems healthy, our brain functioning properly, and our minds clear.

Be wise.

Be prayerful.

Be discerning.

Remember Historical accounts: this coronavirus WILL PASS.

Be happy enjoying your life while you have a life to enjoy.

GAME HENS WITH CREOLE GRAVY Recipe

I was up until 5 AM this morning – and wide awake again after a brief 3 hour snooze; so hopping in the car to go anywhere was out of the question: with nowhere to go, and the house already cleaned after days of weather and government imposed house isolations … I thought I’d thaw out the Cornish Hens I bought a few months ago, and bake them for Supper – I’d bought them on the spur of the moment one day while aimlessly wandering the grocery isles; Bob didn’t like these little birds … and that may have been what was behind them ending up in the castle freezer: I’m trying to break loose of my old routines and establish new ones in my new life.

Anyway; even though they are spendy little things, the hens came home with me that particular day – and today they are being baked ;-)

As with every recipe I make, and share … I tweak the directions a bit to suit my own methods, so my pics/videos may not line up exactly with the text … but I post the original recipe in its entirety for recipe purists.

MPO is that recipes are a guideline – not instructions set in stone ;-)

This recipe was delish! And the house smelled yummy while the hens baked :-D

Tonight’s Supper … and a freezer meal too.

GAME HENS WITH CREOLE GRAVY ~ 4 servings

Game Hens:

4 16- to 20-ounce Cornish Game Hens * ½ teaspoons freshly ground Black Pepper * ¼ teaspoon Hungarian sweet Paprika * ¼ teaspoon dried Thyme, crumbled * ¼ teaspoon ground Sage * 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper * ¼ cup (1/2 stick) Butter, melted

Creole Gravy:

2 Tablespoons all-purpose Flout * 2 cups rich Chicken Stock * ½ cup finely chopped Onion * ¼ cup finely chopped Green Bell Pepper * ¼ cup finely chopped Celery * ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce * pinch of dried Thyme * pinch of ground Sage * pinch of Cayenne pepper * chopped Green Onions

Instructions:

For hens: Preheat oven to 375-degrees.

Hen wings carefully secured with toothpicks; ankle bones tied together with string.

Mix salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, sage, and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub over hens. Brush with butter. Arrange hens breast side up on a rack in roasting pan.

My idea; in hopes of cutting out grease spatters on my recently cleaned oven.

Cook 20 minutes. Baste with drippings. Cook until hens are brown and meat thermometer registers 180 – about 1 hour … could be 1-1/2 hours, depending on the oven used.

After slipping the hens into the oven, I cleaned up: a LOT of paper towels, soapy hand washing, and bleach solution were used on hands and surfaces while getting the birds oven-ready – I am a clean freak with food prep. Especially with chicken and pork.

While the hens baked, I gathered gravy ingredients.

After an hour, the hens were flipped to brown the backsides; also, there was blood in the cavity drippings, so I added another 30 minutes cooking time.

Remove hens from oven and transfer to a heated platter and tent with foil.

Baked hens resting while I made the gravy; toothpicks were removed.

For gravy: Spoon 2 Tablespoons of fat from the roasting pan into a heavy medium saucepan. Heat over low heat. Add flour and stir until roux is light brown – about 4 minutes.

Degrease pan drippings; add stock to roasting pan with drippings and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Set aside. Add vegetables to roux and cook until tender, stirring occasionally – about 10 minutes. Whisk in pan drippings and all remaining ingredients except green onions. Cook, over low heat until thickened to consistency of whipping cream, stirring occasionally – about 20 minutes.

SMELLED SO GOOD!

Spoon some gravy over game hens. Garnish with green onions. Serve, passing gravy.