BUSY DAY IN 2 COUNTIES ~ No Lamb in Sight

I needed to go downtown for some batteries, so I did that – after I set the garbage bins out for tomorrow’s pick up.

It was supposed to be a quick trip downtown.

I didn't get fancy with my appearance.

After I bought the batteries, I thought I’d drive into Castle Rock and grab a few salads to round out my meals.

As I neared Castle Rock, I heard the talking head on the radio say, “It appears March has come in like a Lamb, and will go out like a Lamb”. I burst out laughing, envisioning a rampaging lamb – I don’t know where that fella was speaking from; but I can tell you that in these parts, a March Lion has been tearing things up, with some pretty schizoid weather.

There hasn’t been a Lamb in sight …

March's feisty 'lamb'.

When I got to Castle Rock, and was in Select Market thinking what type of salads to bring home … I got to thinking of all the tasty salad dressings I could whip up using any of the collected recipes I have gathered over the decades: so, I came home with 3 plastic containers of various salad greens - they’ll do until my own garden starts pumping out salad greens 😉

Heading back home, I turned off Westside Highway onto Delameter Road; it has been a while since I’ve used that crossover road. I was hoping the road construction had moved past the gravel stage … but if it was still a dusty/muddy mess, I’d tough the rough ride out – the car is filthy anyway until the rains settle down, and it can get washed (hopefully in April).

Delameter Road to Heron Pointe. 16 min's (9.6 miles).

Driving along Delameter, I was glad to see there was no more gravel: but I was not glad to see what has been done with that lovely country drive. The road has been raised significantly in places; a hay strewn mud wall rises on one side, guardrails are placed statically, and ugly metal bar-cement bridges have been put over culvert drainage ditches.

The whole thing really hurt my eyes: the drive used to be relaxing, and pretty.

Now, it is some ‘educated’ eco-freak’s urban eye-sore.

Delameter Road has been raised - and the scenery has been ruined, too.

No more gravel ... but the guardrails and cement culvert bridges look ugly.

A little further on, another ugly sight assaulted my vision.

A tiny patch of forest had been logged – and again, some ‘educated’ eco-freak’s idea is messing up the view.

Logging going on up Delameter - small patch; probably a private log sale.

I don’t have a problem with logging … I married a logger in 1974 – and Bob was born into/raised in a logging family. I appreciate loggers.

But I do have a problem with educated idiots forcing their idea of utopia on us: those raised logging litter pyramids are an eye-sore – and wildfire tinder. The litter pyramids are ridiculous; and serve no logical reason, other than to soothe the egomaniac’s {reasoning}.

I was glad to put Delameter Road behind me when I reached the end of it.

And that was a sad thought ☹: Delameter used to be a nice country cross-over drive.

After I got home, and put the salad greens in the ‘fridge, it was about 11 AM: so, I got to thinking it was still early in the day … and I hadn’t been to Eden Valley yet this year; so, I put together some flower urns with Spring theme flower arrangements for Bob’s Grandparent’s plot, and his Father plot – and took some Spring flowers along, to put on our plot, replacing those I had placed in the Fall.

Off I went.

The day was young.

The weather was favorable.

Eden Valley has always soothed me.

Eden Valley Cemetery from Heron Pointe. 59 min. (46.6 mi)

When I got to our plot, I saw again, that everything had been scattered; I picked up the upended flower pot and solar lamp. It’s kinda disheartening when I see the floral arrangements I make up/set in place, strewn around I tatters.

Glancing around the cemetery perimeters, I could see that stormy weather had caused a lot of damage to the sentinel trees standing along the borders.

It looks like storm chaos blew through.

Several trees were 'topped', and broken limbs lay all around the premises.

The poor bedraggled trees and shrubs need pruning.

Everywhere was evidence of March tearing through like a lion: there was no evidence there has been a gentle lamb passing through …

Everyone else’s plots looked bright and cheery – but the people who place the arrangements live in the Valley, and can stay on top of the blowsy situations … I do not, so it is discouraging to always be picking up scattered remnants of the arrangements I lovingly make to honor those I have loved/those who have loved me.

I brought the flower pot and tattered flowers home; and I’ll take the lovely arrangements I made this afternoon back when the weather has settled down, and they may actually stay in place.

Driving back home, I was startled to see – and feel – the highway sliding away near the Transfer Station turnout.

Highway sliding near top of KM.

Is the whole KM area falling apart?

March’s Lamb must have bypassed this area, too.

If the County gets to fixing this stretch of road, that will put a real pinch in travel between neighboring towns; there is no close alternate route that would connect Skamokawa with Graysriver: KM Mountain is {it}.

I hate the Astoria-Megler Bridge, which would be the only alternate route available if/when the road patchwork is done.

That would be a very long alternate route to Graysriver.

Wahkiakum County

There are logging roads that tie-in; but those rough roads are gated to the public because of morons that have dumped garbage … and bodies … on isolated logging roads. The logging roads would be good alternates because they are pretty (rough, but pretty scenic); but garbage and dead bodies would not be pleasant to see along the route.

And most people, driving cars, want paved alternate routes.

Coming off KM Mountain, I noticed a computer update on the car’s dashboard: {power mode} is a new thing that wasn’t there earlier – and it is apparently “off”, and I was not understanding what needed to be done to turn it “on”. I didn’t even know what it is for. So … I drove straight through Longview, to Dick Hannah’s in Kelso.

I don't know what 'power mode' is ... or why it's 'off'; so drove to Dick Hannah's when I reached Longview.

MAP Cowlitz County

Dick Hannah in Kelso from Ocean Beach Highway, Longview. 13 mins.

The Power Mode purpose never was explained to me – but the fella there did turn it on 😉

Leaving Dick Hannah’s, I decided to stop in at the Chef’s Store Warehouse Foods, and grab some halibut – I am sticking to my weight loss agenda 😊

While I was there, I grabbed some sea scallops too.

I like fish meals – Bob didn’t.

But now, there is just my taste buds to please … so, I came home with halibut, sea scallops, and cleaned-filleted-razor clams 😉

Stopped at Chef's Store on the way home and got some Sea Scallops for my WW Meals.

SPENDY, but worth it.

This week is Holy Week observances of the Last Supper … leading up to Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday.

I am so glad that the insanity of the demonrat obamanites cannot seriously affect my life. I live in this world, that is true … but I do not love this world; therefore, I am not bound by the raging insanity of the obamanite lawlessness.

I am thankful for the scenic beauty of Yeshua’s created world: but, I know that it will some day go up in flames – to be replaced with a new world, and a beauty that will never fade.

I am thankful for my life: but, I know that eventually this body will die, and my spirit will be housed in a new body – like the one Bob’s spirit now resides in; a body that will never know pain, or age.

I am thankful that I gave birth … and welcomed 4 grandchildren into our family network; but, I know the children and grandchildren are individuals that have to make their own decision concerning Elohei. I love them, but I do not love them more than Yeshua. Bob understood this – the children/grandchildren do not; they do not want to understand. They do not acknowledge Elohim. They do not want to know Yeshua. They reject the Ruach Ha’Kodesh. Elohei is foreign to them … and they hate me for being a Christian.

They have chosen the world, and everything that is of the world.

When my time here on Earth comes to an end, I want to be where Yeshua, and Bob are.

Mahalia Jackson – “When I Wake Up In Glory” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw4GMsTrwhE)

Mahalia Jackson – “Walk All Over God’s Heaven” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSq9tvwM5_c)

My whole life – since I was 8 years old – has been built around my love for Yeshua and his devotion to me; I cannot allow my love for anything or anyone committed to living for this world and what this world has to offer, to override my love for Yeshua; I will remain faithful and true to Yeshua.

He is my heart’s desire.

He is my Salvation.

He is the Lover of my soul.

He is my Husband.

( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPpV1Wcsgk0)

SUNDAY DEVELOPMENTS

Last week, I had bought some things in Scappoose that needed to be returned … so, I decided to return those things this morning 😉

I hit the road bright and early, because rain was in the forecast for some time around noon – the gray clouds over both states gave credibility to the forecast.

Coming into Scappoose, OR.

After I had returned the unusable items/replaced them with usable replacements, I turned the car towards home.

But my attention was snagged as I passed through St. Helens, and saw a sidewalk sandwich board set up by Great Clips Hair Salon, reading ‘Walk-ins Accepted”.

Passing thru St. Helens on my way home.

My hair has been looking a little shaggy, so, I made the turn into the parking lot; and walked in.

The girl told me that “Yes, we are accepting walk in’s … but, there is a 2½ hour wait.”

I just looked at her for about 5 seconds, before saying, “Your sandwich board is advertising that you are seeking walk-ins: a two and a half wait is not {walk in} business.”

She said, “Well, we do accept walk ins, but online appointments are preferred – and there are a few before you.”

That remark earned her another 5 second look. If they prefer online appointments, what is the point of sidewalk advertising?

But I was there, determining to live ‘in the moment’; and I had no where in particular to be: not then … not 2½ hours from then.

So, I took a seat and waited.

And got up occasionally to walk around and look at the various hair products for sale – which, no doubt is the real purpose behind the waiting: kinda like stores that put their ‘attention snagging-sure sale’ items at the checkout conveyor belts.

And bought a frizz controlling hair product, similar to the Hair Glass hair product of the 1980’s: I like it, and haven’t seen it anywhere else. I was thankful then, that I had decided to wait – and that my attention had been snagged 😉

Hair stuff I brought home with me.

When it was finally my turn, I told the girl what I wanted … and she gave me a 5 second look: she had no idea what I was talking about. I’ve been getting that look a lot from hair salon employees that were born in the 1990’s. So; realizing I would never get a decent shag cut ever again, as the hairdresser’s get younger and younger, I told her to just trim it so it will eventually all be one length, with layering at the crown, and feathering around my face, with bangs.

That she understood. 

She cut off an inch and a half: by mid-Summer, when I trim ends again, my hair length should be equal all around; falling nicely down my back – except for the crown layering.

And, honestly, that will work better for me when I am hiking, or working outside in my garden … I can pull it back in a small, smooth bun.

Going for all 1 length.

When I reached home and brought everything into the house, from the car, I looked at my little {haul}, and thought ow much things had changed in 27 months; and at how much the home Bob and I had bought together (and enjoyed together for only 18 months), was morphing so completely into my own domain.

These things I ferried home, aren’t that much – but they are important to finishing up the setting up of the setting up of our home before that got rudely/sadly interrupted 31 months ago.

The dish drainer, clothespins, and lint rollers would have been bought eventually.

The shoes holder, and the smaller compact shelving; not.

There wouldn’t have been all this extra closet space if Bob were still here, in the flesh: his clothing would have taken up half the closet that only holds my clothing now – there would not have been room for the shoe holder; our shoes would have littered the closet floor … now the closet has been totally reorganized; and there is room for the shoe holder.

And the empty closet in the spare bedroom – where the shelving will be set up/installed, used to be filled with our 5 year-old grandson’s things. But now, that closet is empty (for the time being), the bed is covered with a plastic sheet; and the room that used to ring with laughter, and chirpy chatter, now echoes with silence. The bed is no longer needed, and the closet will morph into a spare pantry.

I, and only I, live in this house now.

It is starting to become my own private domain.

I don’t like that fact: I am adjusting to that reality.

I put my purchases away, and got busy making Supper.

I had thought about buying a Subway sandwich when I passed through Scappoose on my way home – but, I am determined to shear 20/25 pounds off this year, to give my aging and aching joints some relief.

So …

I got busy in the kitchen 😊

Supper only took half an hour from skillet to table:

Supper tonight - Chicken Breast w-Herbed Vegetables.

The forecasted rain arrived as I was washing up the dishes.

I couldn’t help thinking how the falling rain {fit} the Holy Week festivities.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ5YlUzqHJU)

PASSOVER SHABBAT & RESURRECTION SUNDAY 2021

Bob and I are Christians … we believe the Messianic Way, and follow Messianic Scriptures (the New Covenant teachings of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach). Bob, is now enjoying his reward; life with Yeshua beyond the clouds.

Until that day, I walk the Messianic Way solo lobo – I was doing that before I met Bob … and I will continue that until I join Bob and Yeshua.

Passover, which Jews around the world celebrate; and Messianic Christians honor with Yeshua’s Last Supper remembrance, started tonight.

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday – the day King Yeshua entered Jerusalem, humbly, to fulfill his mission on Earth.

Angel of Death & the redeeming Passover Blood: Exodus 12.

(https://www.thepoachedegg.net/2010/10/scientists-finally-admit-parting-of-the-red-sea-was-possible.html)

Palm Sunday.

(Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–38; and I Corinthians 11:23–25)

Good Friday, the day Messianic Christians commemorate Yeshua’s salvation sacrifice on Calvary, will take place next Shabbat – April 2^nd.

Golgatha/Calvary; John 19.

Messianic Passover/Good Friday: (https://free.messianicbible.com/holiday/death-lost-sting-amazing-connection-passover-good-friday-easter/)

And Resurrection Sunday will be celebrated April 4^th: the morning Yeshua physically rose from his burial … and the three women who had gone to anoint his body, found the tomb empty: his friend, Mary Magdalene; his earth birth mother, Mary; and Mary; the sister-in-law of Yeshua’s earth birth mother.

Luke 24:1-4

Matthew 28:1-6

John 20:11-18

These three women had stood at the foot of Yeshua’s cross, and claimed his body after his spirit had left to claim victory over death – and went to sheol (the place of the dead) to liberate the redeemed souls there, who had died in Faith, awaiting his arrival. What a wonderful morning that must have been!

Acts 2:22-28 & 1 Peter 4:1-6

He’s Alive! song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70qk6tLHht4)

Love Crucified Arose: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXPuvP7TvSI)

Why is the Resurrection So Important? (https://www.gotquestions.org/resurrection-Christ-important.html)

The next 8 days are going to be joyful days of liberating celebration 😊

What a time Bob must be having in Heaven – walking and talking with the redeemed souls we had only read about; singing with the heavenly Choir; dancing with Yeshua; and worshipping Yeshua in all His glorious splendor!

SHABBAT ~ Changes

My life is changing.

Shabbat  thankfulness for Changes.

It is evolving; being restructured.

It is becoming something new – a reconfiguration of the past molded and shaped by the present to become something that will survive the move into the future.

Little, by little, bits and pieces of my past life is being discarded as my new life is taking shape and being reorganized.

Yesterday, the windbreaker jacket Bob bought 26 years ago (and I have been wearing), went into the trash can: it was wearing thin, and I had bought a fleece jacket to replace it the other day on my shopping venture across the River. I felt a pang of loss pull at my heart when the windbreaker slipped off my fingertips, and fell into the garbage bin under the carport … but I didn’t fall to pieces, and my heart wasn’t shattered.

Honestly, the windbreaker should have been discarded months ago, but I tend to procrastinate doing things that have pain attached to them.  I am a wuss when it comes to pain; physical or emotional – so I prolong the ‘letting go’ as long as I can drag it out.

Last year, this time I was making monthly trips (sometimes, weekly) to Eden Valley, to visit our cemetery plot: I am deliberately cutting those trips back this year. I will still visit our plot occasionally throughout the year – but I won’t be spending so much time there: life cannot be lived fully in the present in a cemetery. And Bob is not there, anyway. Going there was solely for my benefit; and it was, I believe, necessary for my emotional healing.

The sorrow of missingness is still with me …

… and probably always will be. But it is subdued, and easier to rein in now. I am healing.

Yeshua is doing patchwork repair on my life – lovingly removing the bit and pieces that no longer serve … and gently replacing the worn parts with a smoother end.

Necessary changes have been beneficial to my life.

This Shabbat, I am thankful for the new work Elohei is doing in my new life.

I am thankful I have reached this point in my ongoing life where I can agreeably go with the flow, and allow new purpose and direction for my solo lobo life that will complete my life in another way, shape, and form than the one I shared with Bob.

I need that difference to successfully move forward solo loo.

I have never lived my life alone before.

I married into a ready-made family ... and added 1 more.

Solo Lobo living took time to get used to.

Despite all the change and upheaval these past 27 months, I am still here – holding it together, and thanking Elohim every second of every day for all that has been blessing my life to date.

I am thankful for Elohim's lovingkindness.

So, when the past memories call to me, and I feel my thoughts slipping into melancholy with the missingness of the life I knew before it all got skewered … I will lift up my head; and focus on the love, faithfulness, provision, and securities of Elohim, my Father.

I'm in a good place in my life, right now.

I will welcome the ministering hosts of angels – messengers of the Prince of Peace – as they come to bless my home with Sabbath rest.

Moon Rising; tonight.

Bob loved this song, sung by Jonathan Settle …

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX9WTKsUGmk)

The day has been prepared for the arrival of the Shabbat hour. I do my household tasks early in the day so my evenings are free to honor Elohei in a restive manner. Sometimes I get fancy with my appearance … other times, I just wear jeans and a nice top. My Shabbat’s are pretty low-key now. I read, I listen to music, I sing, I eat a light meal, I do light hand work that keeps my mind free to think on the week’s blessings.

Bok Choy Soup – 1 to eat tonight; 1 to eat later in the new week.

Purple Baby Blanket. MOD

In all I do these 24 hours; I will adore, and praise Yeshua, my Husband in my new life.

And I will thank Yeshua for leading us to a Messianic fellowship, where I sang these songs with the husband of flesh He blessed me with, for 44 years; my Bob … who now, sings/dances/and worships Yeshua in the heavenly Courts above the clouds.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALetVR1kk5g & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVD96-cQds0, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcbuibgVH1Y)

I know Elohim has a purpose and direction for my solo lobo life; I just have to be open to it, and be willing to bend to that newness.

Tomorrow is Passover; I am glad I have a life of freedom in Yeshua. Exodus: Someplace around 1440 B.C.; Calvary 33 A.D. Yeshua FREED ME a very LONG time ago! No one in this generation is going to enslave me … no matter what banner they fly.

The sun is slowly slipping over the horizon, almost reaching its ‘rest’ here in the PNW. The candle is lit, the blessing sung … the Shabbat has been ushered in.

Sundown tonight ...

L’Chiam!

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-eHCxMM3PI)