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I love going for drives here in my home state of West Virginia. Ever since I moved back here in 2014 (after living in Colorado for 40 years) I soak all this lush growth in like a desert flower drinks the monsoon rains. Don’t get me wrong…Colorado is stunning with the majestic snow capped mountains and the riffling trout streams and the golden quaking aspen in the fall. But, the Mountain State really is Almost Heaven.

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The first tree to show up to the spring party is the Eastern Redbud. Drive out any two-lane blacktop in early March and you will see what looks like a lavender-pink smoke hovering in the edge of the road. Your heart sings when you joyfully announce, “The redbud are blooming!!! Look, look!” A couple of weeks later, the dainty white lace of the flowering dogwood shows up in the understory of the woods. It looks like the dainty tutus that stand straight out on a lithe ballerina.

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There comes the sad day when the last of these blooms fall to the forest floor. Soon there will be Jack-in-the-Pulpits and May Apples, morels and ramps…peeking out from the leaves that carpet the ground where the redbud and the flowering dogwood made their debut a few weeks earlier. Daffodils and Naked Ladies and Snowdrops and Crocus dot the flower beds and foundations of old houses long ago reclaimed by the unrelenting decay a moist environment brings.

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Next up are the irises of nearly every color of the rainbow. The former Mrs. FixIt and I scavenged the site of an old home that was demolished when the owner said, “Take what you want…I’ll never be back.” They were black! Well, a very deep inky purple that, in the right light, appeared black. We planted them two years ago in our respective gardens and this year they graced us with a plethora of gorgeous blooms. (Mine had a little hitchhiker among them…a tiny, yellow iris that somehow tagged along.)

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Everyone’s flower beds are trying to outdo each other, everywhere you look. But the one flowering tree that comes out mid-May looks like dogwood. But the tree blooms after the leaves emerge. And they have a greenish tint to them. Four petals…just like the flowering dogwood earlier except these have pointy petals instead of the curved little cup we’re used to. I’ve tried to discover the difference between these two trees. The AI image checkers swear it’s a dogwood tree. This time I dove deeper in my search and found out there are indeed 30-60 different species of dogwood worldwide. They are everywhere around here, and they make my heart sing almost as much as the redbud. I am determined to buy one and plant it here on the homestead.

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Mr. FixIt bought me a pink flowering dogwood one year and it was doing great. Then we had a hard, cold winter and she just couldn’t survive. You know…I’ll be 72 years old on the 13th of next month. I know I won’t have long to adore these beautiful trees, yet I plant them anyway. Why? Because it isn’t all about me. It’s about the grandchildren and the great grandchildren (we have four of them now.) Someday, their parents will take them for a drive and point out the trees and say, “Your great granddad planted that for GiGi one year so you would have something beautiful to come visit.

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At least…that’s how I imagine it going.

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He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.   Psalm 1:3 ESV

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***Gratitude Journal***   Today, I am grateful for the friendship of my husband’s former wife and that we can demonstrate to the family what love and forgiveness can do in relationships.
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#Dogwood #Redbud #WestVirginia

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There is so much to do at this time of the year. I needed to bake, but the garden needed me more. The “topsoil” we have in the raised garden has absolutely NO organic material in it. It’s just dirt. Mr. FixIt did add a layer of composted manure in the bed but then put more dirt on the top. When this kind of dirt gets wet, then dries, it turns into hard clay. I had an extra bag of garden soil that I added on top yesterday and I’ll gradually mix the two together and distribute more organic material into the dirt. I also started gathering earthworms out of the yard and put them into the garden. Once there are enough of those in there, they will aerate the soil adding castings to further enrich the raised bed. We bought big tomato plants so they are already putting tomatoes on. The Early Girl ought to be producing tomatoes in another month or so. I can’t wait…I love fresh tomato sandwiches!

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I had enough of the garden soil left over that Mr. FixIt could put it around his roses. We are getting buds on a few of the bushes. My rhubarb is pushing up a whole cluster of new leaves. And the seeds Mrs. FixIt 1.0 gave me for Christmas are sprouting already.  They are a kind of bean with purple pods. She calls them Jefferson Beans and her friend calls them Moon Beans.I wish I would have planted them earlier, but I think there’s still plenty of time for them to grow. They are beautiful trained up a fence.

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I planted two of the lavender plants out in the far field. They say the essential oils in them deter the deer and rabbits from eating them. But I wanted to make sure before I plant all of them. I don’t want to lose any. If they aren’t safe out there, I’ll just plant them inside the fenced area around the pool.

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I used up almost all of last week’s bread in French Toast yesterday morning. We have enough leftover for breakfast this morning. Then I need to head to the funeral home for visitation. I don’t think I’ll stay for the funeral. There’s so much that needs doing here. It’s supposed to rain the next couple of days, so maybe I can catch up with inside projects. 

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There’s always something or someone that needs fixing or fed around here! 😘

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🩵🌺🩵

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“Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.”   ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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***Gratitude Journal***   
Today, I am grateful for the space to plant food and flowers…for our bodies and for our joy.
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The sun was out all day long. The wind had died down and even though today’s high was only 57°, it was warm in the sun. After a good breakfast, I de-winterized the camper so I could use the water. Having hot running water in the camper and a working toilet are big bonuses when you’re out for as long as we are this trip.

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Mr. FixIt got the fishing gear together while I did the dishes and cleaned up the inside of the camper. Then he took a nap while I started knitting a pair of socks with the yarn Gail gave me. We drove up to Kitty Hawk to the Walmart to get bait. There is a Harris Teeter next door and we both love that store. We’d been discussing our special dinner out that we always have once during our trips down here. The restaurant we usually go to hasn’t been as good the last couple of times, so we looked around at others. Finally I said I could make a much better meal for far less and we wouldn’t have to get dressed up. Wow…my priorities have sure changed as I’ve….um, ripened. lol

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Harris Teeter is owned by Kroger, who also owns King Soopers, City Market, and Smiths among others. They are a more upscale store and have a wonderful selection of foods. We picked out a two-pack of t-bone steaks that looked great and were only $10 a pound, which is pretty good these days. We can’t even remember the last time we had a steak…let alone a t-bone. We bought a couple of baked potatoes and some asparagus. The entire meal cost less than what one meal would have cost us at a fancy restaurant We had so much fun cooking together and enjoying our treat. 

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By the time I got finished cleaning up it was time to go over to the marina to see the sunset. It certainly didn’t disappoint! We love going over there every night. The sunset is different every day. Sometimes they fizzle out. But other times…wow, they’ll knock your socks off. We came back to the camper and had a sliver of pie and a hot beverage and so ended the first full day of our trip. 

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We think we’ll get to fish at the old bridge today. Hopefully the wind won’t be gale force like it was one time we went. It was ridiculous. But you have to take what you get when you come to the beach at this time of the year. 

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🩵

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“the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.”   ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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***Gratitude Journal***   Today I am grateful for the way God paints the sky for us…ever morning and every night. The thing to remember is, even when our view of them is obscured by the clouds, the beauty is still there. Just like God is still there, even when we can’t see or feel His presence. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.   Hebrews 11:1
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These little white flowers are the first things to come up in the pollinator garden.

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The taxes are done for another year!!! I’ve fussed around with them for…what? Three weeks, at least. Everything was going along fine till I got to the Senior Citizen Tax Credit. We’ve never had it before and I have been trying to figure out what they based our gross income on. After poring over it for a week and a half, I noticed a button at the top of the screen that said “Live Tax Assistant.” For the low price of $50 I could talk live with an agent and they would walk me through the process, step by step.

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I clicked on the button, plunked down my $50, and clicked to have an agent call me. It wasn’t three minutes till they called and Denise introduced herself explaining she had 23 years experience doing taxes. I automatically felt a sense of relief. I explained my issue and we started working on it. But we had to go backward into the return to check some things. I asked her if she wouldn’t mind walking me through from the beginning. She was cheerful and encouraging and told me not to worry…that’s what they do and to take my time, ask all the questions I needed, and said “Now, let’s get started.” She had me enter a code that let her look at my screen and we got to work.

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I was on the phone with Denise for an hour and by the time we were done, I knew more about TurboTax than I ever did before and I’ve been using it for years. She followed me all the way through “review” and made sure everything worked well. She was great and I’m telling you, that was the best $50 I’ve ever spent! That’s a load off my mind and frees me up to get some other things done.

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Our high was in the 80’s again yesterday and it was so nice out. I walked around the property in the afternoon to check the pollinator gardens again. It’s still too early for most of the plants to grow, but our grass is really greening up. There are a few very tiny flowers popping up, but not many.

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Mr. FixIt had an appointment in town so I had the house to myself to finish the taxes and start on the spring cleaning. I love it when it’s warm enough to throw the windows open and get some ventilation in the house. I was thinking about going out to the farm for a few days. I still may. When my sweetie was in town, he stopped at the Habitat ReStore. There was a woman behind the counter who told him she knew me, she reads my blog, and even knew I’d forgotten to pay at the restaurant on Tuesday. She says she’s known me for a long time. But do you think Mr. FixIt could remember her name to tell me??? Noooooo! So…if you’re out there reading this and you’re the woman who was dressed very nice and your hair looked like you’d just stepped out of the salon, reach out here and let me know who you are! The suspense is killing me! lol

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💚

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“Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT

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Gratitude Journal 
Today I am grateful for the warm sun on my face, the fresh breeze of spring, and the tiny flowers peeking up from their long winter’s nap.
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‬‬

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I really look forward to our stitching group on Monday Mornings, although…if it were my choice, we’d meet at a more civilized time than 9:00AM on a Monday Morning. But, beggars can’t be chooser and this forces me to get up and do something productive. I’ve been crocheting lately…making baskets for the girls for Christmas gifts.

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I took some Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with me for snacks yesterday and they were a big hit. I was going to take homemade pop tarts this week, but since I baked all day yesterday and cleaned the kitchen forty-two times, I decided I’ll take them next week. I kind of stumbled upon them by accident and now, I can’t wait to make more. I’ve decided I can make one sweet treat a week. We don’t need to be eating all that sugar.

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The weather was a little cooler yesterday with some rain during the night. I’m still going to tough it out in the camper even though last night was predicted to get down to 31° last night. At first I wasn’t feeling the joy that I normally feel, but now that I’ve been out here a few times, and we’ve booked our first camping trip of the year…I’m getting excited again. 

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I need to make a trip to Colorado every year to see the kids and my brother, and we really enjoy pulling the camper out there and spending a month. But that’s getting too pricey. And, my old truck is the only thing we can reliably tow the camper with and I have 163,000+ miles on it. That trip to Colorado and back is really hard on it and right now, we don’t have the money to replace it. So I’m having to come up with an alternative. In order to make it more affordable this year, we’ve decided I’ll go out by myself.

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I’ve never taken the train that far before. I took it from Colorado to California a couple of times. The first without a sleeper, and the second with an economy sleeper which was perfectly adequate. However…sleepers are incredibly expensive so I’m ruling that out. I could rent a car but I’d still have to drive out there and I don’t drive more than 400 or so miles a day. It would take me a few days each way. That brings up the subject of lodging. If I have to stay in hotels, it becomes cost prohibitive again.

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I haven’t flown since before the Covid lockdown for a number of reasons. Once the quarantine was lifted, passengers were becoming increasingly unruly. Then prices continued to rise and now planes are falling out of the air. I know intellectually that flying is probably the safest form of transportation, but I will really have to give myself some huge pep talks to get on a plane. I think that’s the most logical solution, though. I can get there fast and not be so exhausted when I arrive. I’ll have to rely on my peeps to give me lots of encouragement and prayers, though. I’ve turned into a bit of a weenie in my old age! lol

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I’ve got four months to psyche myself up for the adventure! In the meantime, spring is breaking out all over! Our forsythia are starting to bloom and the flowering quince has nice fat buds on them. The iris had shot up six or eight inches. There are daffodils all along the road into town and I’ve seen lots of crocus. Mrs. FixIt 1.0 had beautiful crocus and jonquils along the edge of her house, but she told me yesterday the frost nipped them. I’m glad I got some pictures the other day when they were at their peak.

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So, it’s only Tuesday and I need a margarita but since I don’t drink…I ate a cinnamon roll. That’ll do!

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💚

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“The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.”   ‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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***Gratitude Journal***   
Today I am grateful our little great grandson wasn’t hurt too bad on Sunday. He had a little altercation with a tiny dirt bike and cracked a bone in his wrist. Three weeks in a cast and he’ll be good as new! My husband’s family is mine too and I’m so thankful to add them to my brood.
\n\n", "date_published": "2025-03-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/03/18/noshing-with-the-monday-stitchers.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Fear","Courage","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/01/27/fly-eagles-fly.html", "title": "Fly Eagles Fly!", "content_html": "\n
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Mr. Virgo was a HUGE Eagles fan. He was born and raised in South Philly so he and his dad bled Green every Sunday. Philadelphia did well this season and they beat the Washington Commanders yesterday for another trip to the Super Bowl. Mr. FixIt was bowling so I was sitting here yelling at the TV all by myself. The, I had to watch the Chiefs v Bills to see who the Eagles will go up against the Chiefs on February 9th. It’s going to be a fun game! That being said, I spent all my writing energy yelling at football players so I’m sending a replay to you this morning. It’s a piece I wrote in January 2017 about turning the corner in my grief journey and was opening my heart again to the possibility of love.

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Fifty-two years ago I married my first husband. I was so young…just 19. But, we were sure we knew what we were doing. I don’t regret that marriage. I learned so much and I got Daughter #1. Priceless!

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Hope you had a good weekend. I’ll be back in the morning!

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Watching the comet with my sweetheart…the Pelican Whisperer! lol No luck fishing but it was a gorgeous day to be out there throwing the bait!

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#fishing, #comet, #OBX

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A towering old tree.

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I slept over ten hours straight on Sunday night. Not a record, but greatly appreciated. We’ve been burning the candle at both ends and it was starting to catch up with us. We have family to visit here, but we decided as soon as we arrived that we would take Monday to recover. And recover we did!

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”Tulip Poplar”

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I awoke to the sounds of the woods we are sleeping in. Birds, bees, fellow campers murmuring. The sound of a distant lawn mower lumbering away at the never ending growth of vegetation we endure here in West Virginia. We had our usual morning conversation. Our sweet good mornings then the inevitable discussion of what’s for breakfast.

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Foxglove

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We settled on a big country breakfast because the fresh air of camping whets your appetite. I “baked” the biscuits in the electric skillet then heated up the gravy from the can and scrambled up some eggs. Doing dishes is fairly easy when camping. I mean, PRINCESS camping. I turned on the water heater before I started cooking and it might as well have been my home kitchen no harder than it was. I do have an outdoor kitchen where I set up the skillet and this keeps the smells out of the camper, which is much appreciated when you lay down at night.

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Mulberry

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After breakfast, Mr. FixIt sat outdoors with me for a while, but I was engrossed in my book. He decided to go in and stretch out while he watched a movie on the DVD player I bought for him for just such occasions. When his movie was over, we decided to go down to the little store at the intersection down the road to get a bag of ice and check our messages. Once we were down there, we figured we’d better go over and check out the visitor’s center, but we had a bag of ice now. We brought it back to the camper and ventured out again.

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Daisies

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There is a beautiful path behind the nature center that meanders on a raised boardwalk that accommodates people with disabilities. It’s beautiful because you can look down on the forest floor and see everything. The path goes out to a bridge that crosses a beautiful trout stream. The day was perfect. Eighty degrees, sunshine, and a gentle breeze that rocked the tops of monstrous deciduous trees.

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Seneca Creek

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After crossing the river, the path takes you to an old homestead with beautiful gardens filled with iris, peonies, and myriad native plants that make their home in the Appalachian Mountains. We spent some time photographing the views and eventually made our way back. I bought a book showing one-hundred plants to feed the bees so I can add to my pollinator gardens.

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Some of the flowers at the Sites Homestead

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We came back to the campground hungry and ready for a late lunch, early supper. Hotdogs and chips fit the bill…both with the campground ambiance and with the ease of preparation. If I liked campfires, we would have roasted them over a fire, but I can hardly stand the smoke. It gets in my hair and clothes and the camper and it chokes me. Mr. FixIt is so flexible in this regard. He wouldn’t want me to be uncomfortable, no matter how much he might like the fire.

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Dogwood in front of Seneca Rocks

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My husband is a magnet for people who like to talk and he’s never known a stranger in his life. We were sitting in our camp rockers, enjoying the cool air blowing through the trees when a gentleman came over to chat. They talked for quite some time. One of the neighboring campers had mentioned we were from the Parkersburg so he had to come talk to us. Finally after ten minutes or so, I asked where he was born and raised. It turns out, I knew him from childhood. We were raised a block apart on the same street and we all played together as kids! Seriously….it is a teeny, tiny world.

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Me and my childhood friend that we ran into at the campground.

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Sitting with the trees, being still, listening to the birds, and watching the clear blues sky is like speaking a language that isn’t easily understood when you don’t spend time in its’ presence. When I stayed for three months in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado after Mr. Virgo died, I learned to speak this language fluently. I feel a disconnect when I stay away too long, but it’s like riding a bicycle…it all comes back to you the moment you step into the cool shade of towering timbers.

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Old Grape Arbor

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Today we go visit my Uncle Bud and I can hardly wait!!!

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🌸🩵🌸

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“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””

\nExodus 33:14 NIV\n
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The wind keeps blowing like crazy but we had four beautiful hours with a gentle breeze so we fished on the pier again. It’s been too windy to go out on the beach to fish. You end up getting sandblasted ankles! 

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I hooked two HUGE skates today and they broke my line…twice. I decided to quit before I lost any more fishing gear. We didn’t see anyone bring a single fish in. There was a fellow near us who caught a skate. He had heavier line and a net to haul it in. But he threw it back. Mr. FixIt says you can use a round cutter and punch out little circular shapes and cook them like scallops. But, scallops are not my favorite thing and like I said…I was done throwing away hook, line, and sinker.

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This is the skate the fellow next to me caught. This was smaller than the two I hooked.

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The BEST part of the day were the dolphins! There was a pod of dolphins circling around the pier hunting bluefish. It was crazy! They came right up in front of my and i was so in awe, I didn’t think to pick up my phone to capture it! I did get a video of them swimming around a bit farther off. This went on for a good half hour or so. And we didn’t have to pay someone to go on a sightseeing cruise. The dolphins came to us!

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Campground cooking continues to be one of my favorite things. We had Popcorn Pancakes, turkey sausage and eggs for breakfast. I made ham sandwiches for the pier. And we had hotdogs and chips for supper. Camp food, fresh air, sunshine, sand, and sea. The perfect recipe for a beautiful day.

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It’s supposed to rain today so we may make it a touring day. We want to go down the island and see the sights. And honestly, I’m happy as a clam knitting and rocking in my camp chair with my feet in the sand. We’ve been in bed asleep by 9:00 every night! We’ll be well rested when we get home!

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Three more sleeps and we head back toward home. 

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☀️💨🌊🎣

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”“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.“

\nMatthew 13:47 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-05-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/05/01/four-nearly-windless-hours.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Grace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/04/15/in-my-happy-space.html", "title": "In My Happy Space!", "content_html": "\n
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Happy isn’t just a place or a mood or a circumstance. Happy is a choice…a state of BE-ing. I was in my happy space yesterday. Church, mowing, and finishing the arrangements for our camping trip to Colorado this summer. And after cleaning myself up…my happy space was in the camper! 

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Oh…it was 80° with full on sunshine yesterday! There was a breeze so it didn’t really feel that hot. I stayed hydrated and about the time I was finished I asked myself… “Did I put on sunscreen?” Hmmmm…I don’t remember, but I don’t think I did. Too late now. I’m not pink though, so I guess I dodged a bullet. However… I DO have my appointment with my dermatologist today. It would be exceedingly poor form to show up with a sunburn! 

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Everything is getting so green and the trees have flowered and are beginning to leaf out. We have three redbud trees out by the front creek that are in full bloom right now. They are so beautiful and make me smile every time I see them. But, try as I might, photos just don’t do them justice. When you drive through the countryside, they line the road and look like wisps of purpley-pink smoke. I just love them so much and wish I had a hundred of them!

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I was so excited to get the reservations completed for the Colorado trip. We’ll be gone a little longer this time. I figure if you’re going all that way, you’d better make it worth your while. We will be hitting a lot of the same campgrounds we stayed at last year. I added extra nights to a couple of our favorites so we can enjoy them more and not feel like we’re so rushed coming home. We have family lined up to check on Pumpkin Kitty. Now all we need to do is work out a plan for mowing our place. That’s going to be the hardest part of the whole thing!

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Today is knitting group and a trip to town. 

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I’m in my happy space!

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🩵🌷🩵

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”Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.“

\nProverbs 16:3 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-04-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/04/15/in-my-happy-space.html", "tags": ["Camping","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/03/26/monday-is-for-making.html", "title": "Monday is for Making", "content_html": "\n
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Monday knitting group was great fun, as always…even though one of our regulars couldn’t be there. One of our gals is just learning how to use her Addi 42 Needle Knitting Machine so I’ve been helping her with some of the finer points of technique. Another is SO excited…she is buying a thirty foot camper for a “She Shed” out behind her house. She’s already planning some knitting get-togethers for the summer and we can’t wait to share in her joy. The third of my compadres is the gal who introduced me to the group and she was busily crocheting bunnies for Easter. We’ll be meeting at her house next week.

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I finally finished Sue’s socks and I think they turned out pretty well. They aren’t perfect, but she will love them and I think they’ll fit her well. When I got home from group, Mr. FixIt and I headed into town to pick up a few things. I go through blueberries like crazy and I was almost out. And, I decided I wanted to try a different way of doing the dishes. Our dishwasher has been out of commission for a couple of years now and, honestly…I don’t mind washing by hand. That being said, I am being more conscientious about my water usage. I decided, instead of letting the water run to rinse the dishes, I’d get another dishpan for the second sink and a draining board for under the dish rack. I won’t need to use nearly as much water. 

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When I wash dishes out at The Farm these days, I really have to be mindful of the water. The pump for the well is currently not working so any water I use, I have to haul it in. I heat up about a half gallon of water in a stockpot and pour it in the dishpan with a very small amount of detergent. Then I heat another half gallon and set it by the sink. I wash the dishes, then the pans, and swish them in the rinse water. Then the dishes dry in the drainer. I can wash all my dishes in less than a gallon of water, then I use the water to wipe down the stove, countertops, and floor. I figured if I could do that at The Farm, there’s no reason I can’t do it here at Marshmallow Ranch.

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So, after all that, we had to stop at Lowe’s to get a couple of chainsaw blades. While we were there, Mr. FixIt told me he’d seen there was a 30% off sale on major appliances. We went back and found a simple dishwasher for a steal, so I guess we’ll be getting one. Whether I use it or not is yet to be seen, but it will come in handy for when the whole family is over and we have a LOT of dishes to do.

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It seems Mondays are for making…and marketing. It was nice to not have to cook. And the weather was warm enough to camp out in the field! We’re getting to my favorite time of the year!

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🌷

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”For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.“

\nGalatians 5:14-15 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-03-26T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/03/26/monday-is-for-making.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","Crafts","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/03/25/kiss-me-sunshine.html", "title": "Kiss Me Sunshine!", "content_html": "\n
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We had a lovely day here on Marshmallow Ranch. The sun was bright and the sky was blue, but it was still a bit on the chilly side. Our house is red brick and absorbs the suns rays. It gives off the most divine heat, even when the air itself is cool. I love to go out and stand with my back against it and get a little dose of Vitamin D. It warms my bones and lightens my heart.

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Mr. FixIt left for the bowling alley early so he could swing by Mr. FixIt Junior’s place to check out his latest project. They bought the empty lot next door to their house last spring. It was covered with trees so they spent the rest of the year felling them and cutting the wood for their summer fires. As soon as it got warm enough, but before the underbrush had a chance to grow, he rented a stump grinder to get rid of about seventy-five tree stumps. This will make the property usable and more attractive. Mr. FixIt said the stump grinder he rented was huge and ran on tracks like a dozer. And, he did a great job.

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I’ve been knitting Sue’s socks and I’m just finishing the heel on the second one. I took a break and walked around the fields to get a look at what might be popping up. I didn’t see much of anything down in the pollinator gardens save for wild grasses. But, there were little purple flowers popping up and a few dandelions here and there. I’m always happy to see these as they feed the first bees who are hungry and weak from wintering over. We use no pesticides here, so I don’t do anything to discourage what grows naturally.

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The spring onions are the very first things I notice in the fields when the ground starts to wake up. They come out at the same time as the daffodils and forsythia. They are wild and you can see them easily because they stand up about six inches above the grass and usually have a little curly cue on the top of the leaves. When I was growing up, Grandma had two beautiful fawn colored Jersey dairy cows. I walked up the hill to the cow shed with twice a day to bring the cows down to the barn to feed and milk them. Grandma filtered and pasteurized the milk, collect the cream, and churn butter about once a week. I always loved the milk and butter…except in the spring. The cows would eat those spring onions and the milk and butter tasted…well, like onions. And, as a child, I did NOT like onions! There was no way to disguise it, either. I learned that when I had my first taste of chocolate onion milk! Ugh!

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As I’m sitting here writing, the birds are calling in the hedgerow. The other night, we were watching To Kill a Mockingbird. There was a quiet scene and the birds were calling. Mr. FixIt asked, “Is that a mockingbird?” I said, “I don’t think so.” I opened my Merlin app to identify the bird and again he said, “Hear that? I think that’s a mockingbird.” He was intently studying the screen. I grinned and said, “Babe, mute the TV for a second.” He did…and the bird was just outside the door in the forsythia. He started laughing and said he SWORE that was on the TV! He’s so cute!

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Today is knitting group. I’m looking forward to show and tell with my items from the knitting retreat. One of our ladies won’t be there this week and she will be missed. I’ve grown quite fond of these ladies and really look forward to our time together every Monday. I hope you had a nice weekend!

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🌷

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”And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.“

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Hebrews 11:6 NIV

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#Sunshine, #Spring, #Healing

\n\n", "date_published": "2024-03-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/03/25/kiss-me-sunshine.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/03/17/what-a-difference-a-year.html", "title": "What a Difference a Year Makes", "content_html": "\n
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I went to town yesterday with the intent of getting my hair cut. But, after blowing my hair dry on Friday evening, I started having second thoughts. When I walked into the salon, Kendra took one look at me and said, “OMGosh! I love your hair!!!” It had been a year since I was there and my hair had grown at least six inches or more.

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The photo on the left is what I WANTED the December 2022 haircut to look like. Unfortunately…the one on the right is what I got. I should have known better than to go to a cut rate shop…you get what you pay for sometimes.

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As I was preparing to sit in the chair, she looked at me and said, “Are you SURE you want to cut it?” I had decided before I walked in…I really didn’t. We decided to trim the bottom because the shorter parts of the horrible cut I got a couple of years ago had finally grown out enough to even up the hairstyle. I wanted to do something with the bangs because they had become unruly. We opted to feather them into a curtain bang that could be worn swept to the side or down.

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When we were finished, I was thrilled. Kendra kept saying how strong and healthy my hair is. No split ends or broken off areas. I attribute that to taking collagen supplements this past year and being really careful with my hair…protecting it and using a good quality repair and strengthening shampoo. I haven’t used color on my hair since long before Mr. Virgo died but it truly looks blonde in these pictures, although in the sunshine, it’s really silver.

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I ran a few errands and treated myself to lunch at Qdoba then headed home. Again, I worked on the taxes, making little progress, but every step forward is closer to being done. Mr. FixIt called me outside to look at the sky. It was a gorgeous day with feathery white clouds like wispy strands of cotton stretched over an azure sky. I love springtime in West Virginia. The warm days and pretty flowers bring us hope for the days ahead. As I drove home, there is a curve you come around that opens up to a view of flowering trees and daffodils. I always smile, but this time, the huge weeping willow across the road was now a beautiful spring green as the leaves burst forth in all their glory. 

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Looking for joy in everything, every day brings so much more peace than engaging in fights with strangers on social media, don’t you think?

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day…Erin go Bragh!

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☘️

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”The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng:“

\nPsalms 68:11 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-03-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/03/17/what-a-difference-a-year.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","West Virginia","Holiday","Change","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/03/14/joy-and-taxes.html", "title": "Joy and Taxes!", "content_html": "\n
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I finally ordered a new pair of glasses from Zenni. They’re BLUE! I think I like them!!!

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OMGosh! Yesterday was amazing! For as long as I can remember, the middle of March has felt like I’ve just been let out of prison. I will admit, this past winter was not difficult for me at all. I attribute that to the lifestyle changes I made at the beginning of 2023, however…I still felt that little thrill of being “let out.” 

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Mr. FixIt and I went to town late yesterday afternoon to pick up ten more bags of topsoil for my flower bed. Bless his heart. He did go down to the creek bank and dig up a wheelbarrow load of dirt. That didn’t put a dent in it and about killed his back. So I insisted we buy the rest. It’s only $2.44 a bag at Walmart. No need to ruin your back over it. He got the rest of the dirt in the bed in time to come in to watch the news. We stopped for Chinese food on our way home so I didn’t have to cook. Bonus!

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I sat down to back up the 2022 tax files from my old computer. Can anyone guess what that entailed? If you’ve been reading this blog for longer than a year, you know I go through this annual scavenger hunt trying to update my laptops, download all the financials, run the reports, then install and start the taxes. I started this a couple of weeks ago and had what I thought was the worst of it behind me. Then when I went to The Farm last week and discovered my old files weren’t on the new laptop, I knew it was going to be a repeat of the last several years. 

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*sigh*

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I also needed to send the photos and description of the handmade items I’m donating to the Girl Camper Raffle to benefit the Hold You Foundation. It just so happened, the two possums and a squirrel that are in charge of our WiFi were nowhere to be found. The TV was buffering. And the internet was practically nonexistent. That’s when I decided I’d had enough for the day. I went out to the camper, with my iPad and a hot mug of my coffee substitute, to write this post and knit in peace.

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It was so warm yesterday that I actually opened the windows of the camper and basked in the cool evening air. What a heavenly feeling. I really love this camper. It was the smartest thing we ever did taking the dinette out and installing this double recliner. It’s SO comfy!

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We have another two or three days of these warmer temperatures then we have a cold front coming again. It will be cold next week when we are gathering at my friend’s house for a knitting retreat. That will be perfect weather for soups, warm socks, and knitting with my besties!

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Look for the goodness in every day…even when there is darkness. You can hold them both at the same time.

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With joy…and taxes,

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Ginny

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🌷

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”Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.“

\nJohn 16:24 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-03-14T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/03/14/joy-and-taxes.html", "tags": ["Choices","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/02/19/youve-got-a-friend.html", "title": "You’ve Got a Friend", "content_html": "\n
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I really DO give up. This is a lot harder than it looks. Don’t ever tell someone who knits on a circular knitting machine that it isn’t homemade.

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Mr. FixIt went to the bowling alley to visit with his buddies last night. He left me with the TV remote and I was trying to download something onto an ancient laptop. As usual, when my sweetie isn’t in control of the television viewing, I head to YouTube and promptly fall down a rabbit hole of guilty pleasure…watching any number of videos. Sometimes I just land on the video of a crackling fire and snuggle up with a good book. Other times I search for how-to videos if it will help me with a current project.

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Last night, I settled on music videos. I didn’t watch the Grammys this year so I missed the incredible performances of Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs singing Fast Car and the beautiful Joni Mitchell singing Both Sides Now. That sent me on a search of their earlier videos and then I stumbled on Carole King at the Kennedy Center Honors where Aretha Franklin sang Natural Woman and made President Obama cry.

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One of my very first albums was Tapestry by Carole King. We had one of those little stereos that would play a record over and over. Drove my dad nuts so I would turn it down enough to keep him from going ‘round the bend. Then I’d lay down on the floor and position a speaker on either side of my head and I was lost in the rhythm and lyrics for hours. It was my coming-of-age anthem album and I loved her to the moon and back.

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Life moved on. I finished school, got married, moved to England and listened to Carole and Elton and Rod on an 8-Track as I cooked and cleaned in our little flat. Music was always the undercurrent of my life. It carried me through myriad heartbreaks. It buoyed my spirits and soothed my loneliness and encouraged me to rise up every time I fell. 

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Music became my love language and during my second marriage, when we didn’t have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of when my husband was in medical school, we always had the radio playing in the background. Musical interests grew and changed as we got older and began to be the thermometer of where we were in our relationship. 

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After another divorce and a badly bruised ego, live music became an avid interest and I went whenever I could. I saw James Taylor, John Denver, America, Three Dog Night, The Temptations, Anita Baker…so many great concerts large and small. I never got to see Carole King in concert, but I did get to meet her and have an incredible experience. She was campaigning for John Kerry and came to the Daily Bread…a little restaurant on the Main Street of Glenwood Springs. 

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She spoke on women’s rights and the importance of raising our voices to be heard. Then, she sat down with her guitar and led us in song. We all sang You’ve Got a Friend and it’s a moment I will never forget. This tiny little dynamo of a woman with wild curls and signature sound reminded me…I may be going through a rough patch and a divorce I didn’t want, but I had friends. And that’s not for nuthin’.

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I didn’t get much accomplished yesterday. It was Sunday and a day of rest. I chatted with friends and family. I read and listened to music. I didn’t cook…like, at all! I let Mr. FixIt take care of me for a change. It was really nice.

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🩵

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”Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.“

\n1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-02-19T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/02/19/youve-got-a-friend.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Choices","Be Joyful!","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/02/14/hold-onto-your-joy.html", "title": "Hold Onto Your Joy", "content_html": "\n
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How many times have you felt joy, only to have a negative interaction with someone and feel deflated after? It is hard to hang onto positive feelings sometimes. I’ve come to the conclusion that we are all interconnected in some way…most likely energy. This energy comes from the source…the life force…and in my life, it is God. We cannot see Him, but we see His hand in things. We cannot hear Him, but when He whispers we know He’s there. We cannot touch Him, but we can feel His presence. He is the ultimate source of energy…divine energy. 

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The opposite of the Love and Light of God…of the Purest Energy there is…is darkness. Evil. Satan. We are constantly walking through a battlefield between good and evil. The Bible tells us that the enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. So, when we are feeling the Joy of the Lord in our lives and we encounter darkness…it tries to steal our Joy. The Bible tells us the enemy prowls around in the darkness like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

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The Bible also tells us to resist the devil and he will flee. If we submit to God and resist the devil…he WILL flee. I hang onto this and use it every day. The Lord has removed people from my life that were bearers of darkness. But I had to ask Him to remove them. Our God is polite in that He does not go where He is not invited. But work in tandem with Him and you’ll see His work all around you.

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One of the hardest things I struggle with is blaming myself when things go wrong. Someone I know seemed to make a choice not to have contact with me anymore. I kicked myself and thought something I had done had caused this. Then…there she was. Something has been going on in her life that I still don’t know about. But it didn’t have anything to do with me. All that angst because I was trying to control the situation instead of asking God to take it and bless her and keep her well. 

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We had a lovely day yesterday. We didn’t have anywhere to go. We took the Christmas tree down…finally! I was ready. Even though I love the twinkle lights, I was ready for the return of my unfettered view out the big picture window. I was going to make salmon patties for supper last night, but I only THOUGHT I had bought salmon at the store. It turns out I did not. Instead, I made a big breakfast for supper…eggs, turkey sausage, and hash browns. I love breakfast anytime!

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We don’t go out for Valentine’s Day. I remember the days when that was a big occasion in my life. To get a box of chocolates or a dozen roses seemed like the ultimate declaration of love to me. Not so much anymore. I’ll pull something out of the freezer. Maybe I will bake a small sweet to celebrate with my sweetheart. We could go for a walk or watch a movie. We’ll just stay home and enjoy each other’s company. That beats any other scenario I could think of. 

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I remember when I lost Mr. Virgo. I hated Valentine’s Day with a passion. Same when my second husband and I split up. I remember riding a public bus in Denver and wanting to slap the people sneaking a smooch or holding hands. I was SO unhappy….I honestly wanted everyone to be as unhappy as I was. Eventually, the ice in my heart melted, the ache in my soul calmed to a containable level and again…I could celebrate the love of others till one day, I could celebrate my own Joy again.

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Don’t let anyone steal your Joy today…or any other day. Hold on tight!

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🩵

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”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“

\nRomans 15:13 NIV\n
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My latest basket!

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What a wonderful long weekend off! Sometimes you just need to unplug and recharge. Did I accomplish a ton? Nope, but I accomplished what was important. I chatted with my brother over his new Echo device. He things that is the coolest thing ever. Unfortunately, there is a setting on his end that when he calls me, it’s on my phone and not the Echo, so we need to adjust something. It may actually have to wait till the next time I’m there because my phone may have to be there.

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We went to our littlest great grand’s 2nd Birthday Party. What a sweetie pie! They live in a lovely house with very high ceilings and hardwood floors. Add a handful of screaming children driving little electric cards all the way around the kitchen island and it was chaos. THEN they served these little ankle biters cake and ice cream! It was crazy and happy and cuteness overload!!!

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We didn’t get to see these littles since last summer. So we brought their Christmas AND birthday gifts with us. I put the hat I made on the birthday boy and it was as though he’d never worn a toboggan before. He held his head very still and only moved his eyes. I felt sorry for him and took it off. He seemed terribly relieved. lol

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Mr. FixIt went to the bowling alley to visit with his friends midday since the Super Bowl was on last night. I sat on the laptop with my headphones on watching Big swim her heart out! She did really well and I could see Daughter #1 and Son-in-Law Extraordinaire on screen several times as they helped out. My SIL has a degree in photography so he was taking pictures of the swimmers. Those kids worked so hard for four straight days. I know they are exhausted and I think they have to go back to classes tomorrow. College athletics are rough and college athletes are tough. It builds good character.

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I finished another crocheted basket and even have enough yarn left to make another small one.  I also have another teddy bear knitted and ready to put together. I have knitting group today and I’ll work on another blanket, but this one is different. And complicated. Big time learning curve, but I’m up for the challenge.

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The rest of my weekend was spent relaxing. I slept in the camper for two nights. Not really “camping”, but still so much fun. I slept with the window opened and listened to an Eastern Screech Owl trilling down by the creek. It was really soft and low and was so soothing. There was a slight breeze. It rained off and on and I laid there on that memory foam mattress under the electric blanket and listened as it tapped gently on the roof. It was so soothing and I feel like I’ve been a week’s vacation.

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We don’t have anything to do till Thursday so we’re really looking forward to a good week…relaxing and enjoying our time together. 

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Go Chiefs!!!

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🩵

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.“

\nMatthew 11:28 NIV\n
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#SuperBowl, #KansasCityChiefs, #Football

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From as long as I can remember, I’ve been a maker. I can remember my mom taking brown paper grocery sacks and cutting them open for artist canvases. I painted on them. I drew on them. I cut them up and made paper dolls and puppets. My imagination was a big as Texas and my mom encouraged me to follow my dreams.

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Art class was my favorite. Whether I was making something with popsicle sticks or gluing tissue paper to make a “stained glass window”…I was in my happy place. When I was in high school, Mom sent me to art lessons with an artist in my hometown. I still remember her studio located in her home. It had three walls of floor to ceiling windows. The light was perfect and it overlooked a beautiful flower garden I was in hog heaven.

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Over the years, I’ve picked up painting with pastels and acrylics. I’ve taught myself to knit and crochet and quilt. I’ve learned to smock dresses, sew clothes, and to turn silverware and antique maps into art jewelry. I can’t NOT be doing something with my hands. Writing is as much an art as any of the above and I pull my heart soul into all of it.

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I haven’t crocheted for years and suddenly picked it up before Christmas to make scrubbies as stocking stuffers. I’ve made a tote and half of another one. And now I’m working on this mesh market bag. The pattern said it can be done in three hours. Ha! I’ve worked about ten hours on it already and I’m just a fraction into it. I forgot how fun crocheting is. I can’t do it like knitting. I can knit while watching TV…I don’t have to look at it. That’s not the case with crochet. I have to keep my eyes on it. I suppose that’s not so bad, but it’s probably why I’m so slow at it. I stop and look at the TV and any time I’m not looking at the needle, I’m not working it.

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It was such a beautiful day yesterday. The sun was shining all day and it put a song in my heart. Mr. FixIt filled all the bird feeders for me and within moments my birdies came back full force. We have to find joy anywhere we can get it these days, whether its with a needle and yarn or a pair of cardinals and a chickadee or putting faces with names on a class page. It’s all good stuff.

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❄️

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”This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.“

\nPsalm 118:24 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-01-12T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/01/12/a-maker-making.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Crafts"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/12/26/its-boxing-day.html", "title": "It’s Boxing Day!", "content_html": "\n
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I had never heard of Boxing Day till I lived in England. Boxing Day is the tradition of rich families giving boxes of food and presents to the poor. It ostensibly lay started when the servants of the rich people had to work on Christmas Day to serve the family and the guests during the holiday festivities. Now it has become a day to not only box up things for the poor, but to go to after Christmas sales and extend the holiday joy for an extra day.

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I’m all about spreading the joy and partaking of it generously myself whenever I can.  Mr. FixIt and I had a wonderful, quiet day yesterday with lots of phone calls to and from family members. And, even though we PROMISED there would be no presents underneath the tree, we couldn’t resist gifting a little something to each other. I knitted Mr. FixIt a warm woolen hat and gave him the movies he’s been wanting. I got a pair of warm gloves, a new bubble level for the camper (Mr. FixIt accidentally broke mine), some fishing lures I looked at this fall, and the movie Oppenheimer.

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I fixed a great big Christmas breakfast and we watched football most of the day. I finished the last hat for the kids for Christmas and made a couple more for the shop. Instead of working my tail off making Christmas Dinner, we had hamburgers and air-fried French fries. And, for my Christmas treat…I had a nice piece of the fudge with walnuts and one of the Rolo Pretzel cookies that I made this week. Yummy. As I savored it, I asked myself if this was something I would want to sit down and eat a whole plate full and the answer was a resounding “No, thank you!” It will be interesting to see if the sugar makes me feel any different because I haven’t had it in ages. I’ve come a long way. This time last year, my eating was really out of control. This feels better,

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I hope you all had as pleasant a day as you could manage. I’ve learned to lower my expectations of this day. In the past, I would strive for the perfect Hallmark holiday…something right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Nowadays, I strive to find peace in the gentle moments between loved ones. I strive to seek joy in the quiet stillness of my studio or the sound of raindrops on the roof of the camper. And that’s just what I did!

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It got up to 66° yesterday and it started raining in the evening. The low was supposed to get in the mid fifties, so I asked Mr. FixIt if he would mind if I went “camping.” Of course, he didn’t. If his back and hip weren’t bothering him, he would have come out with me. What a treat to camp on Christmas Day! I brought a little sack of fresh fruit to snack on. I turned on the electric blanket and the little space heater, kicked back in the new recliner with a blanket over my lap, and wrote this post. *sigh* The only happier happy place than this is The Farm, but it will be at least another week before I can go out there for a little R&R.

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This week will keep us hopping as we tidy up and prepare for our family gathering on Saturday. So, as soon as I write this, I’m going to turn on the “burning fireplace” video on YouTube and sit here and knit. I may have set my sights low for Christmas this year, but it sure didn’t disappoint. It was a really great day!

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”Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!“

\n2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-12-26T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/12/26/its-boxing-day.html", "tags": ["Family","Camping","Grace","Love","Be Joyful!","Crafts"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/11/25/joie-de-vivre.html", "title": "Joie de Vivre", "content_html": "\n
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Our first trip out to see the lights this season.

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There are a few traditions that we simply must follow or it doesn’t seem like Christmas. For me, watching White Christmas while I decorated the tree is non-negotiable. For Mr. FixIt, it’s driving around to see the Christmas Lights around town. We’ll go several times in the coming weeks… first one area, then another. He took me to Oglebay Park for our first Christmas together. They have an amazing light display. I’d love to go to the Biltmore during Christmas some day. It’s pretty pricey, but it’s something to save up for.

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We had a lovely day yesterday… Popcorn Pancakes for breakfast, leftover turkey sandwiches for supper, and lots of football in between. Around 5:00, Mr. FixIt asked me if I wanted him to run over to the Piggly Wiggly to get some more Brussels Sprouts. I didn’t imagine they would have what I wanted so I asked if he would mind going to Sam’s with me. Here it was…Black Friday and I was voluntarily going to town to shop. I must be crazy. 

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Surprisingly, Sam’s was not crowded at all. We got in and out relatively quickly. They have the best Brussels sprouts I’ve ever seen. They are big and very fresh. I make a great dish with bacon, nuts, and black balsamic glaze. I’ll do those in the morning and bake the apple pie this afternoon.

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I had an ulterior motive for going to town, though. My lifelong friend you all have been praying for has been in rehab for awhile. She had major back surgery a month ago and she’s working so hard to get stronger so she can get back to a normal life. Sharon and I have been besties since seventh grade when she and her family moved a few houses from me. We became inseparable. We stayed in touch off and on after graduation, then reconnected in the early ‘90s. She turned 70 years old on Thanksgiving and I really needed to go see her. She looked really good and I’m so glad we got to sit beside each other and hold hands and reminisce for awhile.

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Things like that remind me our time on this earth is so fleeting. I can still feel the wind in my face when Sharon and I rode our bikes down the big hill. I can still see the rain turning everything to a sea of mud when we went to church camp. And, here we are… at the other end. I’m not being defeatist… I’m being pragmatic. Hopefully we have lots of time to do great things and enjoy good health. So, I’m just going to go at it like I’ll live forever… with joie de vivre!

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🍁

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“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

\nColossians 3:17 NIV\n
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I just want to take a moment to thank you all for supporting my shop this year. And to celebrate Small Business Saturday, I am holding my first sale this weekend! Use the code SMALL25 at checkout to get a 25% discount on all items in the shop till midnight Sunday or click here to go directly to the shop. 

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-11-25T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/11/25/joie-de-vivre.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Be Joyful!","The Shop"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/09/13/in-my-other-happy-place.html", "title": "In My Other Happy Place", "content_html": "\n
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Any of you who have followed me for any length of time know my happy places. With Mr. FixIt and my family…at The Farm…on the tractor at Marshmallow Ranch…or in the Camper. Yesterday was such a cozy day and I was definitely feeling my happy titer rising. Gail and I knitted for awhile, then went to town, hoping to visit with Lonnie at Mama’s Attic before she closes up shop, but she was closed till today. I’ll try again later. By the time we fiddled around town, I was starving so we went to The Roadhouse for lunch.

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Gail’s Autumn Sedum

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When we got back to the campground, it was siesta time. As soon as I got in the camper, it started pouring the rain down. I didn’t nap…I just lay there drifting to the sound of raindrops on the roof of the camper. I seldom revisit my early days of camping when I was newly bereaved and wandered through the wilderness and backroads of Colorado. However, I do let my mind wonder at how different things are now.

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After the Rain

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I can distinctly remember the very early days of The Grand Adventure. I was barely at my first campsite and I got really sick with a bad cold. I was prepared for just about any eventuality, so I took medicine, ate soup, and stayed cuddled up in bed for three days. I’ll bet I slept twenty hours a day that week. I was so tired. I’d been running around like crazy since Mr. Virgo died. There was SO much to do, and I really hadn’t given myself much time to just be with my grief.

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A very faint but full arc rainbow.

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I can’t say I ever became friends with grief. But I did learn how to live with it…eventually. That little camper…TOW-Wanda…was my safe place. My healing place. My cocoon when I could block out the world and just BE. The camper itself is what I became friends with. It’s ability to embrace me and hold my tears and fears for safekeeping. I still feel that magical embrace when I enter my space.

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I am so incredibly blessed to have a husband that holds me close while he lets me go at the same time. He so generous and loving and patient and kind. I miss him tremendously when I am away from him. And when we get back together after time apart, it’s the act of coming home when I feel his warm embrace.

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I don’t take a moment of that for granted. I know how fast things can change so I make sure he knows just how cherished he is. Yes, I am blessed with so many happy places. This is just one of them. We called in the owls again last night. This time I got a picture of a beautiful Barred Owl in the tree not twenty feet from me. 

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He sat there for quite a while and never made a sound. By the time I went into the camper, there were several nearby…calling back and forth.

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We are so blessed when we find such goodness in the world.

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???

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“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.”

\nJeremiah 17:14 ESV\n
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Looking ahead to the holidays…Meowy Christmas is for those cat lovers on your shopping list!

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-09-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/09/13/in-my-other-happy-place.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Camping","Be Joyful!","Memories","Friends","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/08/08/the-eye-of-the-storm.html", "title": "The Eye of the Storm", "content_html": "\n
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This beautiful Ohio Blue Swallowtail stayed with me for well over half an hour. It would flitter away and eventually make its way back and sit on the porch floor at my feet. It’s magical moments like this that keep life interesting and reminds me of just how much beauty there is in the world.

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Well, what was supposed to be a three to four day respite at The Farm turned into a quick overnight. A strong but brief thunderstorm blew through just before dawn. The last crack of thunder was a flash/bang that about scared the bejeebers out of me. It settled down and I fell back to sleep. Surprisingly, I didn’t wake up till about 10:00. Mr. FixIt always seems to know when I wake up so he texted me a little after. We chatted a bit then I got up and made my cuppa and went out on the front porch to listen to the birds.

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I noticed the clouds were darkening and I could hear thunder in the distance. Just about that time, the wind picked up, I got a notification of a tornado warning, and my phone rang. It was Mr. FixIt. He wanted to be sure I knew what was going on. He said Parkersburg was getting it bad. That’s the thunder I could hear in the distance. Now, I’m not necessarily a Nervous Nellie when it comes to thunderstorms, but that old wooden house is nestled in a holler lined with huge trees. And the ground is mostly shale. A good strong wind could do so much damage and I wasn’t about to be a sitting duck just waiting for it.

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Grandma’s Rose of Sharon

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I told my sweetheart I was packing to come home and I was out of there in twenty minutes. It didn’t start raining till I got home but boy howdy, it was “Katie Bar The Door” in a hurry. We just got the truck unloaded and the skies opened up. It lasted several hours. I haven’t had a chance to look at the rain gauge yet, but I’ve heard Parkersburg got something like four inches of rain in an hour! Hokey Smokes! There is a used car lot down in the low ground of Garfield Avenue. Folks said “them cars was floating down the street.” Funny what you read on Facebook, ain’t it? Folks make up all kinds of tales. There was some truth in a few of them. Like this guy running his jet ski down the middle of Spring Street. Whoo Doggy. That was some rain!

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Of course, we missed out on all that. We just watched the rain pour down and start a brand new leak in the dining room by the chimney. Life’s an adventure! Along about 4:30 or so, the clouds lifted and the sun came out and Mr. FixIt said he was going to town to get a new mower blade and did I want to go with him. Awww, shoot…what intelligent woman would want to miss out on something that fun? So I said, sure…let me go tinkle and comb my hair. Because what self respecting sorta-Southern Belle doesn’t brush her hair and be sure to tinkle before they go out…right?

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Freeze frame caught the raindrops in midair!

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We went to town and looked at Tractor Supply and Walmart to no avail. It’s the end of mowing season, you see. The mower blades were a little picked over. I mean…there were a couple little bitty ones for a Barbie mower or something. And there were great big ones that could probably double as helicopter blades, I don’t know. But none matched ours. We held them up and compared and either they were too short or too long or too wide or they didn’t have the right holes in them for attaching them to that round thingy in the middle. So, as a last resort…we went to Rural King.

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Rural King is my jam. We have DATE NIGHTS at Rural King. They have everything from sawdust to the things that make it. There’s always a couple little birds that have gotten inside and they pig out on the free birdseed as fast as we pig out on the free popcorn. Mr. FixIt found a wire bird feeder in the shape of a rooster that held bird seed AND suet cakes! Boy Howdy…it was something to see.

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Isn’t it cute? You can get it here: [www.ruralking.com/rooster-s...](https://www.ruralking.com/rooster-suet-n-seed-feeder-21815)

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Now, did I tell you that the low ground of Parkersburg got hit with nearly four inches of rain approximately 90 minutes before we went there? We went into a flood ravaged area…for a mower blade. Truth be told, we bought that lawn mower from this guy that buys up mowers from yard sales and such then he fixes them up and sells them. He shoots for making a $40 profit from every sale, which is pretty decent. He does a bang up job, too. He tunes ‘em up some and paints ‘em pretty. But, when he painted this one, he got paint on the label of the mower blade and we had no idea what it said other than the first three letters.”Ste….” The gal at Tractor Supply asked us what brand the mower was and we looked at each other. “Um, it’s black and burgundy, I think.” 

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Anyway, we found the mower section at Rural King and there it was! Stens! That’s the brand. Mr. FixIt was picking up blade after blade, looking for one that matched. I was on the internet, looking up Stens Mower Blades. I’m showing him pictures, totally perplexed and wondering if this was something we were going to have to pull out the big guns for and go to…GASP…the lawn mower store! When, finally…my beloved turns over the mower blade and says, “Well, it has this number imprinted on the back.”

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More rain on the way…waves and waves of storms over the next week. Ahhhh….cooler temps!

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Neither one of us thought to turn it over and see if there was a part number! I plugged the number into the search bar on Amazon and…BOOM! $15.26 and it’ll be delivered Thursday. But, hey…we had a good time. We bought a bag of popcorn and the pigeons in the parking lot threatened to kill us over it. Like a scene with Tippi Hedren. We stopped at City Park and walked a lap to blow off some stink and headed on home.

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Fun times!

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?

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“A cheerful heart is good medicine….”

\nProverbs 17:22 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-08-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/08/08/the-eye-of-the-storm.html", "tags": ["Fun","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/07/10/glimmers.html", "title": "Glimmers", "content_html": "\n
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When we were driving down from the mountains on Saturday, we had a chance to really see what the heavy snows and abundant rains have done for Colorado this year. Mr. FixIt wears many hats when we travel…navigator, photographer, snack reacher, and Googler, to name a few. All I do is sit there and drive and he feeds me, answers every question that comes to mind, reminds me to watch for the next turn or rest area, and takes pictures every time I say, “Ooooooh…LOOK!” He’s a gem!

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I wish we could have stopped at the Scenic Overlook at Lake Dillon but it was closed. But let me tell you…it was FULL. I mean, full to the brim! I don’t think I’ve seen it look like that in twenty years. The sky was a deep, rich blue and the water was a sparkling green. Crisp white sailboats drifted along in the ever present breeze. It was so peaceful. It reminded me of the true abundance God provides for us. 

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Appreciating the beautiful gifts we are given changes our focus. In the vast world of neurodiversity, we often speak of triggers…those things that bring up harsh memories and causes a huge spike in the anxiety hormone, adrenalin. The “Fight or Flight” response. And, just like everything in the world, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The opposite of trigger is glimmer.

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Glimmers are those small experiences that tells our nervous system to feel calm and safe. These moments can affect our inner selves in a soft and gentle way in the same way triggers spike us up into fear and frenzy mode. They bring us little micro moments of joy. When you start looking for glimmers, you start experiencing more of them. And the more you experience, the more inner peace you feel.

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Count your glimmers along with your blessings and see how much better you feel. I’ve attached photos of some of my glimmers of the last couple of weeks. Tell us some of the glimmers you see in your life. Feel free to share photos so we can experience even more joy in our day.

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?

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“So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.”

\nEcclesiastes 3:12 NLT\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-07-10T00:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/07/10/glimmers.html", "tags": ["Choices","Be Joyful!","Mental Health"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/07/05/another-wonderful-day.html", "title": "Another Wonderful Day!!!", "content_html": "\n
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Sue and I got all the prep work done fairly early yesterday and the kids came in the afternoon. The girls went to the pool and the guys did what guys do…whatever that is. I sat and knitted by the pool and visited with the girls. We had a room full of family and friends and laughter because it was storming like crazy outside. We figured the fireworks would be postponed from the weather, but the storm let up about a half hour before showtime. This is the first summer Ben & Sue have lived in their new home so they weren’t quite sure where if they could see the fireworks from their house. Then, I looked up and there they were. We could see them right out of the family room window!

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It’s awfully noisy in town on the Fourth of July!

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We head to the mountains today to see my sweet brother and we’ll be back on Saturday morning in time to see my sister-in-law and brother-in-law coming in from Salt Lake City to see us. They invite us to come see them, but after driving five days across the country, I just don’t having it in me to drive another ten hours each way. I am so grateful they can come here this weekend.

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Hope you enjoyed your holiday!

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?

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“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”

\nPsalms 127:3 NLT\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-07-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/07/05/another-wonderful-day.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Camping","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/07/02/day-four-what-was-i.html", "title": "Day Four - What Was I Thinking???", "content_html": "\n
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Well, first of all, the drive was a LOT shorter yesterday, even though we did have one bumper to bumper slowdown for six miles. But it eased up more quickly than the day before, so I was happy. We stopped at the Walmart in North Platte, Nebraska to pick up something special for supper for our last night of this leg of the trip. Mr. FixIt suggested my shrimp scampi, so that’s what we got. Colossal shrimp. Great big huge mama honkin’ shrimp that made my mouth water just thinking about it. We weren’t just gonna EAT…we were gonna DINE!

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I grabbed some broccoli and sliced mushrooms, some garlic, and a package of high protein pasta and we drove the last 12 miles to the campground. Oregon Trail RV Campground boasts having something for everyone. Located right on the edge of Sutherland Reservoir (Sutherland, Nebraska), there is a beautiful golf course and maybe 35 campsites. They all have electric and water and it’s conveniently located only a mile or so from I-80.

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The downside is, every campsite is mainly weeds and grass and the sites are not terribly large so you’re kinda camping in a parking lot. And…hokey smokes…it was Saturday night of July 4th weekend!!! I have no idea what I thought it would be like, but it wasn’t this. There were several sets of tweens racing golf carts all around the campground. Every site had kids setting off fireworks. Parents were nowhere to be found…sitting off in groups laughing while their children were being…well, CHILDREN!

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Honestly, it was great!!! The smiles and squeals of delight. The dirty kids and their dogs racing around and, even when they cut through your campsite, they looked sheepish and said, “Sorry.” These children are making memories they will keep the rest of their lives. When their parents are old and gray, they will sit around with them and reminisce about the great times at the lake in the summers. Tanned, sun bleached hair, and dirty feet. That’s happiness to a child. I’d much rather see them doing this than sitting in front of a video game console any day of the week!

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So…the shrimp was fabulous. My husband loves me still. Gas wasn’t outrageous. And we see our Colorado peeps today. Life is good!

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?

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“A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.”

\nProverbs 10:5 NLT\n
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#Summer, #Camping, #Children

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-07-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/07/02/day-four-what-was-i.html", "tags": ["Family","Camping","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/06/23/summer-solstice-come-and-gone.html", "title": "Summer Solstice Come and Gone", "content_html": "\n
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We were sitting around the campfire Wednesday night when one of the girls said, “Hey! It’s the Summer Solstice! Aren’t we supposed to get naked and dance around the campfire or something?” We all looked at each other in our 70-or-darned-near-it bodies and laughed and laughed. Ummmmm, hard pass.

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I’m losing weight so I’m feeling pretty good about that. I bought a new scale for the occasion. It measures accurately…unless I think I should have lost more or maybe I gained a little. But overall, I’d say it’s pretty accurate. It’s slick looking, too. Black glass. It tells me my weight and BMI…Body Mass Index. A number solely designed to confuse those of us who think maybe 30 ain’t so bad. It gives you the weather report and by golly, it wished me Happy Birthday! This thing is uptown.

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It’s very shiny. I always weigh myself au naturale. I keep the scale in the bathroom between the toilet and the cabinet so it’s easy to get to but out of the way. I pulled it out and set it down on the floor and caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection…bending over. Oh, my Gosh! The elastin in 70-year-old skin is definitely NOT the same as it was in my younger years and I laughed and laughed. What once were perky were now resembling water balloons left over from last weekend’s pool party swinging in the wind!

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One of the gals camping with us this week just had her 70th birthday. She is celebrating her birthday year with 70 vacations. She’s my kind of friend. She’s not feeling as good about turning 70 as I am. She was pointing out the flaws in her skin. How there are wrinkles now where there hadn’t been before….seemingly overnight. I felt for her. I had a birthday that hit me hard once. I was 26. Ten years since I started to drive. Ten years since I started to date. It wasn’t long till I realized the folly in that. These are choices. And I swore after God saved me from an overdose and a life of addiction, I would NEVER complain about being blessed with another year on the right side of the grass.

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But…Summer Solstice??? Ohhhhhh…that means the light of day will become incrementally shorter now. And you know me with light. I crave as much light as possible. So, there’s only one thing to do…get out there and grab this year by the mane and ride it till the cows come home!

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In a really good support bra, of course.

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?

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“It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.”

\nProverbs 13:19 NLT\n
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Sand + Sea…a lovely light scarf that reminds you of summers by the shore.

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-06-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/06/23/summer-solstice-come-and-gone.html", "tags": ["Aging","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/06/18/my-man.html", "title": "My Man", "content_html": "\n
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I went on a little walkabout today to check out the pollinator gardens. It seems the only flowers right now are the daisies and tons of clover. I found a large patch of pink clover and the field is full of Indian Mock Strawberry (Potentilla indica), formally (Duchesnea indica). It’s everywhere and the little red berries look like miniature strawberries. But, they have no flavor whatsoever. Mixed in with other berries, you can eat them in jam. but I just look at them and smile at their little five-petal flowers and bright dots of red in the field grass. I think the daisies will continue to bloom for a while.

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Mr. FixIt is such a doll. He had an errand to run this weekend and he did it yesterday so he could be here to help me pack up for my girl trip. His back is doing so much better, but I tried to keep him from toting too much heavy stuff. He did bring some jars of canned vegetable soup up from the basement but I took them from him at the top and carried them the rest of the way out to the camper.

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I spent a good portion of the day cleaning and organizing the camper. It is so small that it doesn’t take long till it’s in total disarray. But now everything looks great…neat and tidy. I charged up the battery for the portable drill I use to raise and lower the stabilizing jacks. Mr. FixIt cut up a watermelon into chunks and I filled a container to put in the camper fridge. I didn’t need both big lockers that we use to store our outdoor kitchen items and dry goods. One sufficed.

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I have knitting packed and a good book. I have friends coming for socializing. I love to girl camp. There’s always siesta time in our respective campers during the heat of the day then we come back out at social hour. We all contribute to the meals. I’m bringing some home-canned vegetable beef soup and some spicy pork green chili for the breakfast burritos. 

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I’ll be back Thursday then we take the truck in on Friday for new rear brakes. Mr. FixIt will take it in next week to have the oil changed and the tires rotated. Then we need to stock the camper and pack up to leave on the 28th for our Colorado trip! The summer is always so jam packed full of fun! Mr. FixIt is going fishing today with Junior FixIt so I think I’ll mow before I leave for the campground. I hate to leave all that work for him.

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Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. And Happy Dad’s Day to all the moms who had to do both jobs. Just like Mother’s Day, not all holidays bring happy memories and they can be difficult so if you struggle with this, my heart is with you.

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?

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“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.”

\nProverbs 27:19 NLT\n
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No ads on Sunday…I hope you have a Blessed Day and get to go out into nature!

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-06-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/06/18/my-man.html", "tags": ["Camping","Love","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/06/16/what-a-relief.html", "title": "What a Relief", "content_html": "\n
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I want to thank you all for your prayers for Mr. FixIt. His procedure went well and his pain has decreased tremendously. As a matter of fact, we drove to town last evening and listened to live music in the park and sat in our new camping chairs. He remarked on the way home that he feels so good…it’s incredible. The new chairs are great, by the way. Not terribly light weight, but very comfy and I love rocking in them.

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We stopped for salads on the way to the park and had dinner al fresco. It was fun to see a few people there that we know but honestly, I was a little surprised I didn’t see more. I was charmed by those who did attend. There were tons of folks in walkers or with canes and I thought, “You go, girl! Way to get out there and rock!” It was great!

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The newlyweds are on their honeymoon and they’ve been sharing photos in a group chat of the sunsets and the great food they’ve been eating. We were sitting at the park and our son shared a photo of his plate of food. It was so funny so we all started sharing pictures of what we were eating and what we were looking at. It was great fun but I hope it doesn’t discourage the kids from sharing. They are having the time of their lives!

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I need to get the camper straightened up and restocked because I leave Sunday to camp for four days with my camping friends. I have to gather my knitting to work on. We take turns cooking for our shared meals so I need to shop a little bit. I’ll have to stop in Williamstown to dump the waste tanks on the way to the campground.

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It will be no time and we’ll need to pack for the Colorado trip. These month long trips are epic!

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?

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“Always be joyful. Never stop praying.”

\n1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 NLT\n
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Thank you for supporting my writing. I’ve offered my heart to you here for the last ten years for free. My shop helps me pay for the extras that add up…the website and resources needed to keep Marshmallow Ranch up and running. I have the best readers on the internet and I want you to know how much I appreciate you all. Thank you!

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-06-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/06/16/what-a-relief.html", "tags": ["Prayer","Be Joyful!","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/06/09/the-hazards-of-country-life.html", "title": "The Hazards of Country Life", "content_html": "\n
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I woke up yesterday morning with the sun peeking over the hill into the window in the camper. It had been a chilly night…an electric blanket and four extra layers kept me toasty warm, even with the windows open. I love being warm in a cold room. I sleep so much better. There is a two-lane blacktop that runs by our house and it gets really busy with folks going to work and all. The traffic started picking up then I heard the dull thud of a car hitting a deer. 

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The driver stopped and, I assume, checked for damages. The truck must have been Drive able because it wasn’t a minute and he was off again. I told Mr. FixIt we’ll need to call the state road to pick up that deer because in the heat of summer, it’s not going to be any time before the whole area with be blanketed in a malodorous stench. I went up to the road and had a peek and without actually crossing the road and going up to the animal, I could tell it was bigger than the little doe with the fawn I saw this week. I hope there isn’t a baby tucked away somewhere waiting for its mama to return. These are the hazards of living in the country…especially when traffic is concerned. I’ll keep an eye out just in case.

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I finished our reservations for the Colorado trip. It’s going to be so much fun! We have family coming in to visit while we’re there so we can celebrate my 70th birthday. It’s hard to get people’s schedules to match up so I hope it works out. As soon as I reserved the last campsite, I headed out to mow here at Marshmallow Ranch. I am so happy to report the bees were all over the pollinator gardens! I love it so much, I’m going to make them bigger next year…and in a configuration that’s easier to mow around.

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Our air was much clearer today from the Canadian wildfire smoke. Our big thing now is pollen. I’ve taken antihistamines for years and this year it’s still kicking my behind. Mr. FixIt never has had problems, but this year is bad for him, too. I’ve got him on an antihistamine and I think it’s helping a little. This is one of the more uncomfortable side effects of global warming. 

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Well, we have finally arrived at “Wedding Weekend!” Tonight is the rehearsal with dinner after. And tomorrow is the big day. The wedding is in the evening so all the photos have to be taken during the day. That will make for a very long day, but the weather forecast is clear with a high of only 83°. It will cool off considerably as the sun sets. I am going to practice mindfulness and stay in the present this weekend so I won’t be “live” till Sunday morning. Once the wedding is over, we can turn our attention to preparations for the Colorado trip.

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It’s going to be a great summer, y’all!

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?

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“The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

\nGenesis 2:18 NIV\n
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Marriage Advice

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-06-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/06/09/the-hazards-of-country-life.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/05/22/my-morning-walkabout.html", "title": "My Morning Walkabout", "content_html": "\n
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The garden is filled with Field Hawkweed and the bees love it!

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Mr. FixIt headed out mid morning to help the soon-to-be newlyweds with the new roof on their house and left me to my own devices at home. I lazed around and fixed a nice breakfast, then headed out with my hot cup of RYZE to check out the pollinator gardens. I could see the new yellow flowers from clear across the field and was really excited to get some lovely close up shots.

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The dainty little Blue-Eyed Grass is so sweet. Old-timers called them “Bluettes.”

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I use my iPhone 13 Pro Max for all my photography. I’ve never claimed to be a true photographer, but the iPhone takes the guesswork out of capturing good shots 99% of the time. One of the really great benefits of this phone’s camera is a plant identifier link built in. When you are viewing the photo, swipe up and hit the link “Look up: Plant” to find out what you’re looking at! Would you believe I just discovered this little bit of sorcery in the last week??? Amazing! What else can this phone do that I haven’t discovered yet?

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The Philadelphia Fleabane looks like tiny little daisies.

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When I was going through the photos for this post, I wasn’t happy with one of them. It was out of focus So I went back out to reshoot and I was just so taken by the beauty of this little oasis in the far field. Why didn’t I do this years ago??? I took off my shoes for a little grounding and eventually, I just sat down alongside the garden…watching and waiting for the bees to get close enough to capture in a photo.

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The Lyreleaf Sage blooms all around the stem every four or five inches.

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It didn’t take long. I still didn’t get as clear a photo as I would have liked, but these will do for now. I sat there for a long time, thanking God for making such beauty and allowing us to be stewards of this portion of the earth. It finally got a little to hot to sit out there so I came in to edit and finish writing my daily missive to you. My “Letters from Home,” so to speak.

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Creeping Charlie is a ground ivy in the mint family and is used as a salad green in many countries.

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While I really should be in the house, working on the finishing touches of the wedding quilt, I can’t help but sit out here in Grace…our little camper. The door and windows are wide open and the fan is moving the air around. I can watch and hear the birds, flitting from the hedgerow to the trees and singing the songs of their people.

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Clockwise from Top Left: Yellow Woodsorrel, Daisies, Dandelion, Mouse-ear Chickweed, a tiny little Maple Tree, and WhiteClover

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I pulled the other half of my dinner salad from last night out of the fridge and happily munched on the tasty and colorful veggies and the savory chicken on top. I made a balsamic vinaigrette from a lovely balsamic glaze and EVO to round out the flavors. 

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Meadow Buttercups are one of my all time favorites. Their little faces turn up the the sky and follow the sun all day.

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Sunday is made to be savored…to honor and praise our Maker…and to rest our bodies, minds, and spirits in His most excellent care for the day. This makes for a perfect day in my book!

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My ground level view of one of the Pollinator Gardens. I’m a happy girl!

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?

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“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

\nProverbs 3:7-8 NIV\n
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One of my all time favorite photos was taken out at the farm. Grandma’s Heritage Peonies are show stoppers every year and if you get the light just right, they look like they’re straight out of a Renaissance painting!

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-05-22T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/05/22/my-morning-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Home","Pollinator Garden"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/05/07/marriage-advice-and-the-wisdom.html", "title": "Marriage Advice and the Wisdom of Age", "content_html": "\n
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Goodnight, moon…shine on!

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What a perfect day for a bridal shower. Our oldest granddaughter…one of my bonus grandkids…is getting married in June and yesterday was her bridal shower at her soon-to-be mother-in-law’s lovely home. First, let me say, their house is exactly six blocks up the street from Mom’s house where I grew up. The difference between our humble, but altogether reasonable, home and this abode was night and day. When I was a kid, I used to pick daisies in the field where this house is. 

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I arrived precisely at 12:00 and there were already quite a number of people there. Some I knew…some I did not…but introductions were made and thank goodness there wasn’t a test after. I’m awful with names! When they guided me to the room where the action was, my jaw dropped. I’m telling you…we could have been having lunch in a country club! All the furniture had been moved and five big round tables were set with white chairs all around. The decorations would make any event planner proud. Our granddaughter chose a pink floral theme with big puffy peonies and other soft, yummy flowers. There was a mimosa bar and the finger foods were perfect. We watched her open her gifts and everyone oohed and ahhed.

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There were game cards at each place setting. The last card in the stack was blank and asked for marriage advice. My first response…in my head, of course…was, ”What? You’re asking ME for marriage advice? I’m on my fourth husband!” But then I stopped that negative selftalk and changed it to…I’ve had a TON of experience in this department! So, in that vein, here is what I wrote.

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“Marriage isn’t 50/50…it’s 100/100. You each need to go all in to make a marriage work. There will be times when one or the other of you will be out of sorts and someone will have to pick up the slack. But don’t worry…their turn will come and they’ll be the one carrying a little more. And, when the tough times come…and they WILL come…stop and look at your spouse and say to yourself, “I choose to love him/her.” Do this repeatedly. It will soften your heart and may keep you from saying something out of anger that you’ll regret later.”

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If I would have learned this at an earlier age…well, you know. I can’t help but think it would have saved me a lot of grief. We can’t control anyone or anything. But we CAN learn to control our reactions. It’s like I told my daughters when I was raising them…we cannot live long enough to make ALL the mistakes, so please do yourself a favor and learn from the mistakes of others. 

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I’ll be 70 in a little over a month. I love being this age! Seriously. I have more insight and compassion than at any other age. My bulls*** meter can read game from a mile away. I can speak from my heart without apologizing for taking up too much space in the room. I love this age!

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My bonus daughter called me last night while I was writing this. She asked me if I was feeling ok at the shower. I told her I was perfectly fine…why? She said I seemed subdued and she wanted to make sure I was ok. I smiled because I understood what she was sensing. I am a bonus grandma to the bride to be. I wasn’t there through the formative years. I didn’t hold her in my arms as my very first grandchild. I didn’t bounce her on my knee or push her on a swing or kiss her booboos. I didn’t get school photos every year or go to her sporting events and graduations. Those memories are her grandma’s…the former Mrs. FixIt. This was HER time to shine and be in the spotlight. I love these girls as my own, but my place was to attend with love and joy and watch the beautiful interactions play out in front of me. I don’t need to be the center of attention.

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When the bride-to-be was opening her gifts, it came time to open her grandma’s. It was a beautiful cross-stitched wedding blessing, matted and framed. Oh, y’all…I wish you could have seen her grandma beaming. It was glorious to watch that bond between grandmother and her first grandchild…now all grown up and getting married. It took the former Mrs. FixIt three years to cross-stitch that beautiful gift. As I looked on, I was SO relieved that the quilt I made wasn’t back from the quilter! I wouldn’t have wanted to take one second of that joy away from them. This is what Jesus commanded us to do. To treat others as we would want to be treated.

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It was a perfect day…all the way around. After I got home and changed, I gathered some things together and came out to The Farm for a few days to work on the shop. The internet works really well here. And besides…I needed a little farm fix.

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?

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“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

\nJames 1:5-8 NIV\n
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In a world where you can be anything…be kind!

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Shop Now

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This was taken a ways back. I ran across it this week and it just makes me smile!

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I didn’t get much sleep Sunday night. I was SO excited about the shop opening. And, I admit…a little nervous. I went through everything in the shop, over and over, till I couldn’t see straight and I finally called it good a 2:00AM. When I woke up at 7:30 and turned the “Sleep Focus” off my phone, it chimed and jingled with all the notifications that told me you’d been busy looking and liking my shop. I was tickled to pieces!

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I woke up feeling like a student getting out of school with a glorious summer stretched out before her. That was a long stretch of work and it was such a joy to see it live. My work isn’t finished. I need to design new products every week but that’s the beautiful part of this. When you’re doing something you love, you never work. So, nearly eleven years ago, I set out to make money through my creativity. And here I am! Doing all the things!

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I finally got down to the studio yesterday to work on the quilt! Sometimes I need to have something give me a jump start to get motivated. Once I get back on the horse I can usually get things done. I got a little less than two rows of the quilt sewn together. I may just get this thing done before the wedding after all!

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Mr. FixIt fiddled around with some projects while I was sewing and working on the computer. I did laundry and just took such pleasure in a sunny spring day. I’m looking forward to a week of creating in a different way….rain or shine!

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?

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“Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.”

\nPsalm 104:12-13 ESV\n
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#Spring, #Quilt, #Sewing

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-03-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/03/28/a-charmed-life.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Crafts"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/03/27/marshmallow-ranch-is-back-on.html", "title": "Marshmallow Ranch is Back on Etsy!!!", "content_html": "\n
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It all started when I decided to leave the rat race of medicine and try to make a living from my own creativity. I dropped down to part time at the neurology office and started making art jewelry from antique silverware and maps. As a matter of fact some of you have been with me since the very beginning and can remember my little Etsy shop. When I lost Mr. Virgo, I tried to keep the shop going, but once I sold the Colorado house and hit the road in my camper I kinda lost my mojo.

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Time passed and adventures came and I finally ended up on The Farm…the home of my heart. And I ran into Mr. FixIt…the holder of my heart. And now…its been ten years since Mr. Virgo’s passing and it’s time to turn a corner and do something wonderful and fresh and fun to take me through the NEXT ten years! The joy of my heart!

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Marshmallow Ranch is back on Etsy once again!!!!!

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It looks decidedly different than it did in the “old days”. My art is different. My skills are different. Shopping experiences are different. And most importantly…I AM DIFFERENT! What I am presenting to you today is a whole new vision that incorporates my art, my graphic design skills, my quirky sense of humor, and my desire to connect with people in ways I haven’t even thought of yet. 

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I’ve been working diligently on this project and I’m very happy with the way it turned out. I am offering ways for you to own my art…in the form of my photography, my compositions and graphic design elements, and my words…on clothing, accessories, shoes, tea towels, candles. From kitchen items all the way up to suitcases. I’ve combed over this time and again…and I’m sure there still are things that need to be tweaked a little here and there.

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There is a button pinned on my Facebook page as well as one on the blog that will lead you right to the shop. It’s not quite as easy to head back to the blog, but the quickest way is to use the back arrow key on your browser page. If you find things that need fixing, please don’t hesitate to let me know and I’ll fix it as soon as possible. 

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I hope you like the new shop. The category of listings is in the sidebar to the left. I will be adding things going forward…more home goods, clothing, and accessories as well as vintage items. And perhaps I’ll get back in the studio and make pretty things again with my hands one of these days. I hope you’ll keep me in mind for your shopping and gift-giving occasions!

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And, as in all things…to God be the Glory!

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Enjoy!!!

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?

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 “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

\n1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-03-27T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/03/27/marshmallow-ranch-is-back-on.html", "tags": ["Fun","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","God","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","The Shop"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/03/08/opening-a-can-of-worms.html", "title": "Opening a Can of Worms", "content_html": "\n
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We had a busy day yesterday doing this and that. We finally got to the place where we could post the three campers and the van we’re selling. Oh. My. Word. I had NO idea what was going to happen when those things hit the Marketplace! Our phones immediately started lighting up and were still going at it four hours later when I sat down to write this. In hindsight, it might have been prudent to only put one item on Marketplace at a time, but I’m not one to do much of anything halfway! 

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So…in a quick five hours, we sold the old van, the hybrid camper, and my ‘67 Franklin! Wowza…we were really hopping! Now we only have the a-frame to sell then we’ll have a much lighter load around here. It’s going to look really weird to have all that stuff gone out there in the old driveway!

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I’m going great guns on The Project. At some point, I’m going to need to stop and say it’s done. But I still have a few days to tweak it a little here and there. As I sit here and write, I realize how tired I am. I’ve done little else than sit with my laptop on my lap desk in the Big Red Chair since before Christmas. And here it is…almost time to mow! I’m looking forward to next week when I take off for a few days camping with my girlfriends. 

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I’m thinking I may have the Grand Reveal on March 20th. I’m not at all sure if there is WiFi at the campground where I’ll be staying, and I don’t want to be out of touch the first week in case I need to put out any fires. So, I’ll get it all put together before I leave then I can get away for some serious R&R for a long weekend with the girls. Then, we’ll be ready to celebrate when I get back! How’s that sound?

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In the few short but frantic hours since I listed the items on FB Marketplace, I’ve met a few of the sweetest folks. A fellow that was here last year to buy something came back and bought the old van. Then a lovely fellow came to buy the hybrid camper to use at church camp this summer. And finally, a young couple are coming tomorrow to buy the vintage camper. They’ll fix it up and rent it out with others they have on Air B&B. 

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While I appreciate getting some money out of things that were just sitting here, I love meeting the people who will be giving them new life. That does my heart good!

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?

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“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”

\nProverbs 22:9 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-03-08T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/03/08/opening-a-can-of-worms.html", "tags": ["Downsizing","Change","Be Joyful!","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/03/05/about-blowed-away.html", "title": "About Blowed Away!", "content_html": "\n
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Hokey Smokes…the wind was crazy Friday night. It was howling when I was writing yesterday’s post and continued long into the night. Our power stayed on, but it did brown out several times. It is not at all unusual to lose power out here in the boonies when a storm blows in, but we were lucky this time.

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I kept hearing things banging and crashing out there and I fully expected to see detritus everywhere yesterday morning, but we couldn’t find a thing out of place. There were trees and power lines down all around the region and thousands were without power. Then, when morning came, the sun broke through the clouds revealing an azure sky. It was glorious.

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I fixed a good breakfast and we were settled in for a day like any other this time of year. But my eye was repeatedly drawn to the cool, crisp sunshine and I couldn’t stand it anymore. I had to get out! I asked Mr. FixIt if he’d like to go for a drive. We went to Parkersburg and walked in the park. Then a quick trip to Sam’s. Not for anything specific…just to walk around and look. Then we stopped for sandwiches at Popeye’s and watched the sunset while we ate. 

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Spring is such a hopeful time of year. The world is waking up and so are we. I was thinking about spring out at the farm. When I came off the road to care for the farm in 2016, I settled in to live the farm life I’d always dreamt of. The spring of 2017 had me combing the hills and hollers documenting every little wildflower that popped its head up from a long winter’s slumber. 

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Each shoot represented hope and joy. I went out every morning to document their progress, marveling at how quickly they grew once the warm sunshine coaxed them from the rich woodland soil of West Virginia. This glorious display is accompanied by a symphony of birdsong. When you are blessed enough to have this unsure a sky so blue it hurts your eyes? Priceless!

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I noticed a few small ground cover plants waking up here and there at Marshmallow Ranch. I must get out to the farm soon to catch the wildflowers because it’s truly magical! In the meantime, let’s share our favorite flower shots of the weekend. Mine is a simple pic of a bunch of daffodils at the park in our class flower bed…shot against that incredibly blue sky. What do you have to share?

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?

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“The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.”

\nSong of Solomon 2:12 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-03-05T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/03/05/about-blowed-away.html", "tags": ["Fun","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/02/23/little-bunny-foo-foo.html", "title": "Little Bunny Foo Foo", "content_html": "\n
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The first year or two that I lived here on what has now become known as Marshmallow Ranch (formerly known as The Ponderosa), there were no critters in the back yard. Before that, a big Australian Shepherd policed the fenced in back yard and nothing dared to enter. But, after those first couple of years, the dog’s scent dissipated and the bunnies came back with a vengeance. 

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We’ve given up trying to raise a garden here because between the poor soil and the bunnies, we were knocked down every year. That’s just as well…we can get better produce while we support local farmers anyway. And, I love the bunnies. Something got one in the yard the other night. I’m thinking one of the owls from the surrounding woods had a fine supper. Or maybe an early morning hawk. Either way, the yard was littered with bunny fluff on Monday morning. It is the hazard of country living.

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When I went out to the camper last night, this beauty sat stock still and didn’t make the usual run for the shadows. I stood and talked to the bunny while I carefully took out my phone to capture a photo, knowing fully well I might miss the opportunity. Night shots on a phone…no matter how wonderful they are, loses detail when you zoom in. But if you take the picture, then crop it down, you get better definition.

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Mr. FixIt stood at the door, watching me watch the bunny. I waved him out to me because the peepers were also calling. They really shouldn’t be out this early…it’s a sign of negative climate change which affects everything, including the storms we are subjected to. Storms have been getting worse and worse over the last few years and it’s not a good sign. All that being said, there is a little flutter in your heart when you start seeing and hearing the first vestiges of spring. 

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I saw a robin in the pear tree yesterday morning. I was awakened at dawn by the sound of rain on the roof of the camper. Mr. FixIt has ditched his jeans and has changed to shorts. Now, it won’t matter if there’s a blizzard…he’ll be wearing shorts till next winter. (implied eye roll) Our diet is changing. Gone are all the heavy sweets and stews. We had a lovely chef’s salad last night. And I was back in the camper again. I’m making it a goal to sleep in the camper at least once every month of 2023! The time for heading out to a campground will be here soon then Mr. FixIt will come along with me.

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We didn’t get quite as warm yesterday as they predicted, but today ought to be in the mid to high 70’s and that is blissful…global warming aside. My peeps in Colorado are freezing with sub-zero temps and snow. Yet another reminder of why I left there. I just can’t do snow like that anymore.

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I have errands in town today, so the project will sit for the day. I need a break anyway. Big will have a birthday soon and I want to get a little care package sent to her. I’ll need a farm fix soon, as well. Keeping busy with this project since Christmas has kept my mind occupied and made the deeper darkness of winter pass more quickly. I do better with the “winter gloomies” if I have something big on my plate.

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?

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“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.”

\nProverbs 21:5 MSG\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-02-23T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/02/23/little-bunny-foo-foo.html", "tags": ["Health","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Home"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/01/05/stronger-together.html", "title": "Stronger Together", "content_html": "\n
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Three nights in a row I’ve slept in the travel trailer! If you aren’t a camper or an adventurer or an outdoor enthusiast, you may not understand what that means. But, if you are, you know camping three nights in a row in January is sheer bliss. It’s not something you get to do very often and if the opportunity presents itself, I’m there! Thank goodness I have a very understanding and supportive husband. He gets me…and he encourages me to be my best self. Which means, I need a certain level of independence and freedom. The door swings both ways. He knows that I am his biggest cheerleader and I encourage him to pursue his interests, as well.

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Mr. FixIt loves to go camping, but the operative word there is “go.” He see’s absolutely no reason to sleep in a camper in the field when he has a perfectly good bed and bath indoors. But he doesn’t begrudge me the opportunity. We have plenty of opportunity to spend quality time together. We sit together in our big red chairs in the family room most days…he watching his crime shows and me knitting and reading. We’ve found that beautiful middle ground and even though we’ve only been together six years, we have known each other since 1968. We are honestly like any married couple that’s been together forever. It truly feels that way.

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We bought some groceries on Tuesday so I put a large pork roast in the Dutch oven yesterday. OMGosh! After three hours, the house smelled divine and that roast melted in your mouth. We had hot pork sandwiches and put the leftovers in the fridge to parse out over the rest of the week. It rained off and on all day. It’s been grey and gloomy for…well, I’ve lost track how long. When you look at the Weather Channel app at the beginning of the week and it says… “Next Sunny Day: None”…you know it’s definitely nesting time here on Marshmallow Ranch.

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I’ve been knitting these cute little stockings for next Christmas and was nearly finished with the latest when all of a sudden…the sun burst through the clouds!!! When you’ve had interminably grey skies for weeks…any glimpse of the sun is cause for celebration. Mr. FixIt and I fairly RAN out the front door and clapped my hands in sheer glee! I snapped picture after picture and finally went back inside. That’s when he called me and said, “You have to come back out here and look at the rainbow!”

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Sure enough, it was a beauty and such a joy to behold! I cannot see a rainbow without thinking of God’s promises to us. Rainbows fill me with awe and wonder. God is SO incredibly good to us. He loves us and bends down to hear our prayers. He covets a relationship with him. I read something yesterday about God’s name. In Hebrew it is YWH. Modern vernacular has added vowels to guide us in the proper pronunciation. YAWEH. The writer explained that Y, W, and H are breath sounds. That God Himself gave us this name to call him because his name is the sound of our breathing. Therefore, merely by the act of living…taking breaths in and letting them out, we are speaking God’s name. That everyone who breathes…no matter their beliefs and affiliations, have God’s name on their lips. 

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I love that thought. We are never without God. We are never far from him…physically. Now, spiritually? That’s another matter. We have free will and have to make a choice to be in relationship with Him. It just doesn’t have to be as hard as we mere mortals make it out to be. All we have to do is believe…and breathe. 

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Stronger Together.

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Isn’t that the truth in everything? Take Mr. FixIt and me…we are stronger together. Our families. Our churches. Our communities. Our nation. We are stronger together. We need to stop acting like everyone else is the enemy.  We know who the enemy truly is. Let’s join hands and work together to create a better tomorrow for everyone. All it takes is humility, perseverance, determination, compromise. Open hands, open arms, open hearts, open eyes…open minds. 

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We are stronger together…and seeing the sun break through the ominous clouds revealing God’s promise in the form of a rainbow is enough to stir my heart with hope.

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?

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“And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God to no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.”

\nPhilippians 4:18-20 MSG\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-01-05T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/01/05/stronger-together.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","God","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/01/03/im-on-the-right-way.html", "title": "I’m on The Right Way", "content_html": "\n
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Several years ago, Daughter #2 went to visit her dad. He and his wife had made the life changing decision to sell the house he and I bought together when our daughter was an infant. This is a good thing. It was time to move on…personally, professionally. They needed a fresh start…I get that. I had long since let go of the house we shared. It represented a life I no longer lived and I had no emotional attachment to it.

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I didn’t really know anything about the house they purchased. I have no idea what I expected it to look like other than something similar to what we’d always known. He is a frugal man with simple tastes. However, when our daughter arrived, she sent me a photo of something far different than I would have imagined. Grand. Palatial. Sprawling. Gorgeous!

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I’m sorry to say, my very first response when I saw that stunning home was… “That was supposed to be MY house!” Never mind that I was in a happy relationship with Mr. Virgo. Never mind that all those years had passed. Somewhere deep in my subconscious, I had a mental image of what my life was supposed to look like. And it was supposed to be in THAT house.

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It didn’t take long for me to shake that thought loose and follow it up with the clear realization that…along with that house, should I be living in it at the time, would come the husband that was in it.  And I had long since realized we were not good for each other. Let’s just say, it was the final part of letting go of what I thought my life would look like at that point.

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Truth be told…my sweet little two story, three bedroom, 2.5 bath home on the top of a hill at the foot of a mountain was nothing to sneeze at. It was the finest home I had ever lived in. It matched the little house I dreamed of escaping to when things got too hard to live with in that marriage. It was the little house I built once I recovered from the darkest moment of my life to that point. It was what I created after my second divorce when I felt lower than a snake’s belly.

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I built and decorated that home and eventually welcomed Mr. Virgo to share it with me and my youngest daughter. I never dreamed there would come a day when I would gladly sell it to get away from the painful memories that lurked around every corner after Mr. Virgo suddenly died. My new “home” had wheels and I set out with new images of what life should look like.

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Living in the camper and traveling around the country tore away every preconceived notion I had of what my life SHOULD look like. And it gave me ample peace and opportunity to CREATE the life I wanted. The WAY I wanted it. I finally came to a place where I didn’t need to have a man to make my life complete. I didn’t want someone to “complete” me. I came to understand that only God could do that. And that’s when I learned to find joy in the story I was actually living.

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Mindfulness is an extraordinarily powerful tool for finding the joy in any given moment. Giving up preconceived notions of what your life SHOULD look like as opposed to reality goes a long way towards finding inner peace. That’s not to say you should give up on dreams. I’m not saying that at all. And if you are not in a good place and you are seeking a safer, more loving and accepting environment, you deserve to work toward that vision. I’m talking about turning disappointments into opportunities. I’m saying the grass on the other side of the fence just might be greener because it’s full of….ummmm…fertilizer. If you catch my drift.

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Finding joy wherever you are planted is one of the biggest blessings you can attain in this life. Joy and gratitude will take you a long way. And when we keep that focus, more of that joyful abundance will filter in. Mr. FixIt and I may not have a ton of money, but we are exorbitantly wealthy in other things and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere or be with anyone else in the whole wide world than where we are in this moment.

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?

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“Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.”

\nPsalm 16:11 MSG\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-01-03T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/01/03/im-on-the-right-way.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Choices","Be Joyful!","Happiness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/01/02/a-wonderful-ending-and-a.html", "title": "A Wonderful Ending and a New Beginning", "content_html": "\n
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Santa in the Fog of New Year’s Eve

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Taking three days off for the end of the year was a delightful gift…to myself and to our family. We had the FixIt Family Holiday Extravaganza on Friday and it was such a delight. As is our tradition, the big blowout dinner of the year is Thanksgiving. Christmas is much lower key in order to allow all of us to sit down and enjoy the day and no one ends up doing an extraordinary amount of work.

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One of my sweet Christmas gifts for the baker in me!

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As it turned out, the night before our gathering, my sweetheart brought me a diet soft drink with my supper. I didn’t think anything of it because I’ve been drinking them forever. However, I’ve been living without caffeine for about four months now and just that amount that late in the evening had me laying in bed, counting the spots on the ceiling till about 5:00 in the morning. My alarm went off at 7:00 and I got up to start the two crockpots of chili…one with and the other without kidney beans. I can’t stand kidney beans.

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More knitting…more Christmas stockings

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As soon as everything was in the slow cookers, I picked up the recipe for the cinnamon rolls. Four pages of recipe. Heavy sigh. Mr. FixIt was still snoozing away when I made an executive decision. Yes…my homemade cinnamon rolls will stop traffic. But, in the grand scheme of things…the Cinnabon Brand of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls are divine! And my new mantra is…work smarter, not harder. So, I stepped into my shoes and ran to the Pig to buy cinnamon rolls in a can. I apologized to the kids but they were thrilled with whatever we had. The chili was wonderful and the rolls were great, and the company was grand. We had such a good time and we got lots of hugs and kisses from the littles.

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GiGi gets to snuggle one of the littles

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New Year’s Eve was quiet. We watched a lot of football and snacked on leftovers. We were watching the exciting matchup between Ohio State and the Georgia Bulldogs. It was down to the last few seconds and Ohio State was attempting a field goal to win the game when Mr. FixIt switched the channel over to watch the ball drop! I squealed….”Nooooooo!” He jumped and turned towards me. I laughed and said, “Look, I’ve put in the time, watching this game and now it’s down to the last few seconds. The ball will drop every year, and all we have to do is look up here at the clock to see it’s midnight. So, Happy New Year! Now, please turn it back to the game!” He laughed and did as I asked, just in time to see Ohio State’s kicker swing the ball in a hard left arc…missing the goalpost entirely. Depending on who you were rooting for, you were either over the moon or crushed. I felt so bad for that young kicker.

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I got a new stool/cooler/backpack. It may be a little short for sitting, but it will make a GREAT stool for camping and I can carry my knitting projects in it!

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We were supposed to have the FixIt Family Holiday Extravaganza 2.0 yesterday but our grandson got called in to work at 7:00am so we will have to reschedule that one. It did offer us the opportunity to turn over and go back to sleep for a few hours. Another treat! We watched more football and ate yummy things all day. It was such a nice break but I was really glad to get back to my writing last night.

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Mr. FixIt got an appropriate gift from one of the kids. So cute!

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It’s a brand new year. A clean slate. Fresh…shiny…ready to make it as good a year as we possibly can. I hope you all had a great weekend. Now…let’s get to it!

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?

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“This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves, The God who summons horses and chariots and armies— they lie down and then can’t get up; they’re snuffed out like so many candles: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’ —the coyotes and the buzzards— Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sunbaked earth, Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me.”

\nIsaiah 43:16-21 MSG\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-01-02T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/01/02/a-wonderful-ending-and-a.html", "tags": ["Holiday","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/12/24/the-modern-madonna.html", "title": "The Modern Madonna", "content_html": "\n
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Let’s face it…we don’t live in a Hallmark movie. Relationships are complicated and oftentimes messy. We can turn to any given channel on the TV at this time of year and see beautiful depictions of perfectly decorated houses with perfectly obedient children eagerly awaiting the appearance of the jolly old elf himself. 

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Most of my demographic have grandchildren and great grandchildren, so we are a little past the frenetic activity leading up to Christmas. But as the day approaches, we push to create the most perfect holiday so our loved ones have wonderful memories long after we’re gone. The cookies are baked. The house is decorated to the nines. The pantry is full of all manner of delicacies. So…why do we feel so let down when it’s all over?

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I think it’s because we’ve held onto these ideals all our lives thinking each holiday MUST be better than the one before it. We do ourselves a huge disservice with that attitude. I’m trying something different this year. I’m trying to let go of any and all expectations, preconceived notions, feelings, judgements, hurts, wrongs, memories and go into the holiday as if I’m a brand new person. I’m pretending…just like I used to when I was a little kid. I’m staying in this moment without judgement and saying…this is my first Christmas! My first holiday dinner. My first wrapping of presents. It’s taken a huge weight off my shoulders and released me from my self-imposed bondage of perfectionism.

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Our grandson called yesterday. He’s working long, hard hours so his children can stay home with their mama and not have to go to child care. He ordered something for her and it came to the Post Office, but he wasn’t going to get out of work till really late. He asked his Grandpa if he would go over the hill to town to pick up the gift so he could give it to his sweetest girl. Of course Grandpa said yes. And we even had a nice gift box to put the present in so he wouldn’t have to wrap it.

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This young lady is such a good mama to two of our little great-grands. Mommin’ ain’t easy…especially to two rambunctious little boys. I wondered what special gift the boys’ daddy would give their mom that would honor who she is to their little family. When he arrived to pick up the gift, he said, “I have to open this…I really want you to see it!”

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He bought her a blanket…with one of his favorite photos on it. It wasn’t some posed picture of scrubbed faces and clean clothes that was at the center of his heart. It was a candid picture he took of his love…sick and exhausted with a tissue stuffed up her nose, leaning back in her chair with one of her precious boys, feverish and sleeping in her lap. 

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At first, I laughed. Then I thought…OMGosh! She’ll kill him. Then I thought…nope, she’s going to love this as much as he did. She’s going to know…truly know how much this young man loves her. Because, any man who’s going to work and work really hard for every dime then take that hard earned money and put it towards a picture such as this is a good guy. I felt happy for them…proud of them for not taking the easy way out.

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No, “Mommin’ Ain’t Easy”. But it’s a whole lot easier when you can just live in the moment and leave that sack of stinky stuff you’ve been hauling around behind you all these years and release it where it deserves to stay. In the past…where it can’t hurt you anymore.

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When we let go of all the trappings and expectations of a consumerist society, it allows us to focus on the real meaning of Christmas…the birth of Christ in a lowly manger in Jerusalem. Where the Blessed Virgin may very well have reclined against a makeshift bed amongst the animals in the barn…exhausted from the hard labor of the day. Holding her beloved baby in her arms. I wonder if Joseph might have snapped a photo of his beloved such as the one our grandson took had cameras been around so long ago? Yes…this warm and comforting blanket reminds me of a Modern Madonna…holding her precious child in her arms…and leaning into the moment. With no expectations more than mindful, unbridled love.

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May we all remember what this holiday is about.

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May we all have a blessed celebration of the Christ-child’s birth.

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?

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“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

\nJohn 3:16 CSB\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-12-24T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/12/24/the-modern-madonna.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Comfort","God","Holiday","Courage","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/12/18/what-a-beautiful-day.html", "title": "What a Beautiful Day!", "content_html": "\n
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Little Christmas Stockings

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I woke up before the alarm went off. I’m so glad, because I hate an alarm clock. They always wake me with a jar and it doesn’t set the mood for a fun day. I headed out for town and got to the coffee shop in plenty of time to get the tables ready for our gathering of the ‘71 Coffee Divas.

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It is so much fun to get together with women I graduated from high school with. It’s been a while since we gathered because I was so busy this summer. And, since I’m the one with the invite book, we had to wait till things settled down a little bit. You wouldn’t think the week before Christmas would be a great time to to meet, but we still managed to get ten gals together. And one was a surprise as she was in town for the holidays!

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When we went our separate ways, I stopped at Kohl’s to return one of the nightgowns I got for Christmas. It was a little too snug and I need roomy! I wandered around the store for quite some time. I picked up a couple of things. One was a basting brush made out of that rubbery material…silicone, I think. Mine kicked the bucket over Thanksgiving. I love those things. They are soft and flexible enough to baste delicate pastry and strong enough baste a turkey right in the oven.

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I soon headed home and started helping Mr. FixIt. He wanted to make another batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms for bowling tonight and I left the kitchen a mess Friday night. I worked on the kitchen and later vacuumed the house. Then it was time to cook supper. I asked Mr. FixIt to bring a chuck roast home the other day and instead, he brought two beautiful London Broils…priced 2 for 1. I put them in marinade and popped them in the fridge Friday night. I set them out on the kitchen counter for an hour to warm up to room temperature.

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After the grill was heated to around 700°, I threw the two huge steaks on and ran inside. I popped a big potato in the microwave and got the asparagus out. I ran back out, turned the steaks and topped with two pats of butter, and ran back in. I took the potato out of the microwave and set the plate of asparagus with plastic wrap over it into the microwave for two minutes. I ran back outside and turned the steaks back over putting two pats of butter on that side. 

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After another three minutes or so, I carried the steaks back in and let them rest on the cutting board for a little bit. Then I sliced them on an angle, plated them along with half a buttered potato and a few stalks of asparagus and called Mr. FixIt to the table. Neither one of us had ever had London Broil so we really didn’t know what to expect. It’s a good thing it was pretty rare because it was kinda tough, in spite of being marinated. It was quite flavorful, though.

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After supper, I sliced the remainder of the meat and got four more meals. Five dinners for $20 is NOT bad! I put the bags in the freezer and we’ll pull them out when we want a quick dinner. We can cut them up in strips for fajitas or steak salads. We could dice them in really small pieces and season them well to top nachos. Any number of uses without cooking…my kind of dinner.

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When those dishes were finished, I settled in the big, comfy red chair and finished knitting the second Christmas stocking for the little boys. Today, I have absolutely NO reason to go anywhere so I am staying home…I promise! I might bake an apple pie. Mr. FixIt is a substitute on the bowling league so he’ll be heading to town before too late and I’ll have the house to myself for a few hours. I think I’ll put on a Christmas movie and start knitting the next Christmas stocking!

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?

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“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

\n1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-12-18T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/12/18/what-a-beautiful-day.html", "tags": ["Holiday","Be Joyful!","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/11/24/happy-thanksgiving.html", "title": "Happy Thanksgiving!!!", "content_html": "\n
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Another long day of preparations. I cleaned and roasted two sheet pans of butternut squash and Brussels sprouts and put them in the fridge. I made two loaves of bread and two dozen dinner rolls. I froze the dinner roll dough and will thaw them and let them rise on Friday. Then they’ll hopefully come out of the oven hot and ready to eat when we . I cut up the two loaves (minus a slice with butter for each of us!) and added it to another loaf of a more rustic bread that I bought this week. I tore them all up and I’m drying them in the oven for the dressing.

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I need to bake the pies today…pumpkin and apple. I also need to prep the turkey, rub it down with the dry rub and put it back in the fridge overnight. I need to finish cleaning the dining room and dress the table. Then I can decorate the tree! We got it put up on Tuesday and I put the lights on it yesterday.

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Mr. FixIt finished picking up the old shingles and I helped him fold up the huge tarps they were on. We’ve picked up all the new shingles from the hardware store so they’ll rest on a pallet till next summer. We’ve made a lot of progress getting things tied down for the winter. It’s been so bitter cold here. 

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I truly love this time of year when people call and connect with each other. I got to FaceTime with Daughter #1 and Big. She’s in from college and has SO many stories to tell. Daughter #2 will be with her dad today so they’ll FaceTime at some point. I got to catch up with one of my dearest friends last night. You know…that friend you go ages without talking to, then when she calls, you pick right up where you left off. She’s enjoying her first grandchild so the stories were full of love and wonder!

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I am really looking forward to next week. The rush of Thanksgiving will be over and I’ll have a little time to just enjoy the fruits of our labors and catch my breath. I pray for all those whose loved ones won’t be with them this holiday season. I pray for all who are facing health issues and financial uncertainty. I pray for all those lost to senseless gun violence and their shell shocked families left behind. And, I pray for all of you…that you have a safe and healthy day.

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Lord, may you always remind us of our many Blessings.

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Happy Thanksgiving…from my grateful heart!

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???

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“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

\nPsalm 100:1-5 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-11-24T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/11/24/happy-thanksgiving.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/11/16/home-of-my-heart.html", "title": "Home of My Heart", "content_html": "\n
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I walked in the back door and it was as if a tuning fork was placed in my chest. It was raining and the sound of the drops on the tin roof was more magnificent than any symphony I’ve ever heard. Immediately, I was at peace and looking forward to a couple of days here at The Farm.

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It’s rained a lot since Thursday and the creek is running high. I love the sounds and the smells of this house. It takes me back to my childhood. I have a vivid memory of a Thanksgiving here at my grandma’s house. I was probably around ten or eleven years old. Mom and Dad had us bundled up in the back seat of the Oldsmobile. It was raining and cold, exactly like it was yesterday. The leaves on the ground were no longer crisp and rustling. They rehydrated in the rain and were now plastered together like a macabre kind of carpet with tufts of green fibers intertwined. There was a heavy, wet smell of damp earth and moss and old pine needles. 

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Grandma met us at the back door, her apron hastily tied over her ever-present cotton house dress. Her hanky peeked out from the pocket over her once heavy bosom…her hair neatly combed and twisted in a bun at the nape of her neck. I never saw her any other way, save for the days she washed her hair and the long, silver and black tresses draped down her back. She bent forward with her hands clasped together and pressed to her knees. Her eyes crinkled up with her smile as she prepared to wrap us up in her arms for one of the sweetest hugs on the planet.

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She smelled like vanilla and Beeman’s gum and Ivory soap. Her hands were worn yet soft from years of hard work on the farm. The roadmap of lines over her face told of countless joys and countless tears. Her heart was always overflowing with love for her family and she was never happier than when the house was full of conversation and squealing children.

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When you stepped into the kitchen of this old house, the heat and humidity hit you like a ton of bricks. The aroma of roasting turkey and dressing competed with the pot of half runners and salt pork simmering on the back burner. She handed each of us a raisin filled cookie and sent us on our way to play with our cousins who were visiting from out of town.

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The kitchen was quiet when I walked in yesterday, save for the rain on the roof. There were no yummy smells wafting out the back door to greet me. No “Ginny Lynnie…git yorself in here ‘fore you cetch yer death a cold!” I carried the groceries in and set them on the countertops where everything was still in the same spot as I left them the last time. Mr. FixIt called as soon as I walked in the back door, checking in to make sure I arrived safely. What a good husband he is! I put away the refrigerated items, gathered the magazines I brought from home, and pulled up the curtains in Grandma’s window. 

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It was dim in the room, even with the curtains opened so I went upstairs to find an old lamp to set by the chair. Once that was done, I sat there till the sun went down…my hands resting in my lap…the pages unopened as I soaked up the peace and quiet of this house. This home of my heart.

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I sat back and closed my eyes….and remembered and remembered and remembered.

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?

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“but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.””

\nMatthew 19:14 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-11-16T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/11/16/home-of-my-heart.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","The Farm","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/11/05/jomo-v-fomo.html", "title": "JOMO v FOMO", "content_html": "\n
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Truth be told…I suffer a little from FOMO….Fear of Missing Out. That’s what drives me to check my social media too many times a day. That’s what keeps me tuned in to what’s going on so I don’t miss anything. FOMO is an extension of the dreaded C-word…Control. If I can see what’s happening, I can rehearse a hundred ways to respond. I can plan out conversations in my head so I’m not caught flat footed. If you find yourself doing that too, you could be sitting somewhere on the autism spectrum, like me.

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I used to look at autism with a bit of a jaded eye. A sort of us versus them mentality that didn’t actually degrade those on the spectrum so I wouldn’t have to feel too bad. But that kind of thinking certainly diminishes others and it’s not a cool thing. Now that my chickens have come home to roost, so to speak, I see the autism spectrum as something akin to hyper-technicolor. Super powers with a jolt of juice.

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Years of therapy taught me to re-evaluate things when new information comes in. That introspection has helped me get a better handle on my fear of missing out and has directed my attention more on the positive aspects of not being so plugged in all the %@&# time! 

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I’m discovering JOMO…the JOY of Missing Out!

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Now when I find myself overstimulated, overwhelmed, and just plain OVER everything, I unplug and go to my happy place. Currently that’s one of two places…Grace, the Camper or The Farm. Either place brings me so much peace and joy.  I can kick back at either place and happily let the world pass me by. It’s refreshing. Life affirming. 

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Mr. FixIt drove over to the grandkids’ farm and borrowed their big utility trailer and went to Lowe’s yesterday to get the first load of shingles for the roof. Our WV Daughter and her husband came out to help unload the trailer while I finished cooking supper. I prepared a large pot roast with gravy, some of my home canned half runner beans, and a batch of biscuits. We sat at the little bistro table in the yard and enjoyed our meal together, which was quite a treat.

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After dinner was finished, I cleaned up the kitchen while Mr. FixIt took the trailer back over to the kids. We’ll have to borrow it at least a time or two to get the rest of the shingles over to the house. But we have thirty days to get that done. The boys will start on the roof over the family room in the next couple of weeks. That part isn’t all that big so it shouldn’t take too long to complete.

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I’m going to practice JOMO a lot this winter! It makes me a happier camper!

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?

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

\nGalatians 5:22-23 ESV\n
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\n\n", "date_published": "2022-11-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/11/05/jomo-v-fomo.html", "tags": ["Faith","Be Joyful!","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/11/02/the-age-of-aquarius.html", "title": "The Age of Aquarius", "content_html": "\n
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I was just a little too young to be a hippy, although I do have some personal friends who actually went to Woodstock. But…they’re a year or two older than me. Besides, Mom barely let me cross Grand Central Avenue till I was seventeen, so there’s that. I was a pretend hippy. I wore the bell bottoms and the long hair, but I had to tape up the hem of my skirt or get grounded. No minis for me!

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It’s probably a good thing I couldn’t be a real hippy because my addictive personality would have had me changing my name to Moon Flower and living in a commune with Wolf and Jasmine and Starlight. I became obsessed with Mother Earth News Magazine and the dream of owning a farm and living in West Virginia. And…in my real life, I lived the role of doctor’s wife and cheerleader mom. 

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Oh, I’m not saying it wasn’t good. There was so much of it that was truly awesome. But not all of it was truly genuine. I never really fit in as the doctor’s wife and I was only a barely passable cheerleader mom. I did whatever I could do to avoid the knocking at my heart’s door…that patient tap-tap-tapping of the Holy Spirit trying to get my attention. I was busy organizing the Jewish festivities in my little community. I was reading self help books by the wheelbarrow full. And I got heavily into New Age stuff.

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I went to pow-wows. I visited shamans. I had my cards and numbers and palms read. I collected crystals and recharged them by the light of the moon. I smudged my house regularly by burning white sage and incense and myrrh. I was spiritually lost. I drank too much. I was depressed. At one point I was close to anorexia…I weighed 118 pounds and took nine aerobics classes a week plus mountain biking, skiing, and trail running. 

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I ran in every direction except towards Jesus.

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Because…He scared me. 

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I thought if I loved Jesus, I couldn’t be Jewish and if I couldn’t be Jewish, Hubby #2 would leave me. I’ll never know if he would have, because things fell apart long before I found Jesus. When I finally did…my life was turned around and I was made new and now look where I am! Life takes some of the strangest turns and we don’t have a clue what God is doing with it. It’s hard to understand something so grand and glorious and totally beyond understanding.

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I decided to buy a Powerball ticket yesterday. I don’t normally gamble. Mostly because of that addictive personality I was telling you about. But…my gosh, the prize is up to $1.2 BILLION…with a B! Oh, the good we could do for people with that money! I stopped at the 7Eleven on my way home. As I was walking in, I looked down and something caught my eye.

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It was a crystal! A clear, perfectly formed quartz crystal.

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I laughed.

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The old me would have said it was a sign! That it was placed in my path by my spirit guide to tell me something. Instead, here’s what I heard in my heart.

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“Go ahead. Buy the ticket. Who knows? Stranger things have happened. But this is just a pretty rock. It doesn’t have any magical powers other than to remind you just how incredibly far you have come on this amazing journey. I made this rock…and I made you and I gave you this one precious life. And you are…my beloved!”

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?

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“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

\n1 John 4:1 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-11-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/11/02/the-age-of-aquarius.html", "tags": ["Faith","God","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/10/20/she-met-mr-fixit.html", "title": "She Met Mr. FixIt", "content_html": "\n
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Ok…another “It’s a Small World” story. Mr. FixIt has a buddy he used to bowl with years ago. On occasion they get on the phone and talk each other’s ear off. I’ve met him before and he’s a kindly fellow who tells elaborate and thoughtful stories. And he has the most fascinating face. He’s in his eighties and doesn’t have but the slightest wrinkles at the corner of his eyes…from all those years of smiling, I reckon.

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Anyway, as the stories moved along, his daughter was with him and she turned to me.

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“May I ask you a question?”

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“Of course,” I replied.

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“Do you by any chance write a blog?” 

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Mr. FixIt and I both started laughing. This is the second time in two weeks this has happened. 

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I was curious how she could have recognized me because Mr. FixIt and I both were wearing masks. She said it was my braid and the way it lays across my shoulder. She’s been reading me for a long time and enjoys my writing. I am always so humbled by this. You never know who you might be touching when you reach out with loving kindness in your heart. I’ve always prayed that God would bring me the words to say, and the people who need to hear them. This gentleman just lost a daughter last week to cancer…this lovely lady just lost her sister. I hope my stories of grief and God and how He has carried me though the impossible help them as they navigate this journey without their loved one.

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And I introduced her to Mr. FixIt. One of only a handful of people who ever actually see his face. Well, as much of it as she could see with him wearing a mask.

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Our “quick trip” into town lasted seven hours! When Mr. FixIt asked if I wanted to go into town with him, I said, “On one condition….that it doesn’t turn into an all day ordeal.” I love this guy…I truly do. AND…if you’re going to town with him, you had better pack a lunch (and maybe supper) because there’s no such thing as a “quick trip to town.” There was lots to do, mind you. 

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We went to the Former Mrs. FixIt’s house to get underneath her house to turn off her water to the outside faucets so they don’t freeze up over the winter. She brought us a gift from the beach. We stopped for bird seed and conversation. We went to three different pharmacies to try to get our Bivalent Covid booster but one was all out and the other two would only give injections by appointment. We scheduled our shots for next Thursday.

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Oh, here’s something cool. I got a notification from the Sheetz app (one of our local gas stations) saying for a short time they would give me an extra twenty cents per gallon off my fuel. Since I was down to a quarter tank, we stopped in and when I scanned in my card, I was offered FORTY cents off per gallon! I must have had a lot of points on that card. We paid $3.11 a gallon!!! It was a banner day, that’s for sure. We ate at the Corner Cafe as it wasn’t crowded. They just expanded their hours and the word’s not out yet. We went to our favorite grocery store after and picked up a few things. Then we hightailed it home. And, I will do everything in my power to stay at home the rest of the week!

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Remember to be genuinely kind in your comings and goings with people. You have no idea how many lives you may touch when your kind word or thoughtful gesture might be the difference between darkness and light for someone. 

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?

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“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n\n", "date_published": "2022-10-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/10/20/she-met-mr-fixit.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","Kindness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/10/13/the-great-spangled-fritillary-and.html", "title": "The Great Spangled Fritillary and Happy Anniversary!", "content_html": "\n
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Wow, was yesterday crazy busy! I’m trying to use up the food out in the camper…the lazy way. Rather than pack it all up, carry it inside, and put it all away…I’m bringing my sweetheart out to the camper every morning for a little dining “al fresco”. So far it’s been great! We’ve been eating up the croissant breakfast sandwiches and tea. We’re going to have to have bacon and blueberry pancakes soon. Maybe we’ll do that today for our anniversary! Four years…can you believe it???

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Back to yesterday. Once breakfast was done, we hit the ground running. Mr. FixIt dug up all the elephant ear bulbs on Monday and let them dry in the sun for a day. Then he trimmed back the stringy roots on them and tucked them in a bin lined with a plastic bag. He didn’t close the bag or anything. They need to get air but remain cool, dark, and dry till spring. 

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Once that was done, we took the cover off the pergola for the winter. I put the cushions away in the building and stacked the chairs. Once we get a couple of boards replaced on the pool deck, we can lash down the deck furniture to keep things from blowing around out there in case we have bad storms.

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Next up was cutting up the maple tree we took down yesterday. I swear…I’ve used a monster sized chainsaw in my life. We used to cut our own wood. Maybe it was because Mr. FixIt was watching me carefully to make sure I didn’t get hurt, but I was all thumbs. I got the chain caught twice…once really bad when the tree trunk rolled over on the chain bar. Mr. FixIt said a bad word. I don’t blame him…I might have said a few myself!

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Once we regained our zen and I found the rhythm, things moved along just fine. We piled the limbs in the back of Mr. FixIt’s pickup and made two trips over to the burn pile. We are going to have one heck of a bonfire one of these days! We cleaned up our work area and I ran the riding mower over the fallen leaves to mulch them up. Then we carried the two tubs of elephant ear bulbs down to the basement.

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In the middle of all that, we stopped for a break and I made some broccoli cheese soup…sans biscuits. I didn’t have it in me to bake, too. The soup was wonderful and there’s enough leftover to have more today. We are supposed to get rain all day today so I am hoping to have a quiet “inside day” with my sweetheart. We’ve just been go-go-going for what seems like all year. We still have so much to do before it gets really cold in a few days.

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I went out to the camper to get something yesterday afternoon and there was a Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly sitting on the arm of my chair. It was flexing its wings and they looked odd. I think the back pair are malformed or under-developed. If you look at it compared to one on Google images, it’s really apparent. I never did see if it could fly…I had work to do. I hope it went on it’s way. This is why I want to turn part of our fields into native habitat for the flora and fauna to live the way they’re supposed to.

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???

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“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”

\nColossians 3:23 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-10-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/10/13/the-great-spangled-fritillary-and.html", "tags": ["Love","Aging","Be Joyful!","Marriage","In the Kitchen"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/10/03/a-sweet-and-snuggly-sunday.html", "title": "A Sweet and Snuggly Sunday", "content_html": "\n
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The latest issue of Girl Camper Magazine arrived last week! You can subcribe to this beautiful award-winning magazine >>> here <<<

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We went to our eldest great-grandchild’s birthday party at the skating rink yesterday. What a hoot! There were a whole bunch of littles there and more kids were just running around chasing each other on the skate floor than were actually skating. That’s because they were five. They could move a lot faster without wheels!

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There were a couple of prepubescent boys there, obviously trying out skates for the first time. Mr. FixIt watched them, then share with me his “first time skating” story. It was a date with a girl. She asked him to go skating with her and he told he he’d never been on skates in his life. She assured him it was really easy and he’d do great.

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He didn’t.

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He fell…a lot! It was no time till she left him sitting there out of embarrassment. Pretty soon, a mutual friend of ours came along and asked him if he needed some help. She managed to help him up, and with a lot of support and laughter, it wasn’t too long till he was able to make it around the rink. The girl’s boyfriend was made because she had her arm around another guy. And Mr. FixIt’s girlfriend was mad because he was hanging out onto another girl. That was the last time he went out with that girl. Unfortunately, our friend went on to marry the other fellow and other than her beautiful children, it didn’t end happily I’m afraid.

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When we got home, I warmed up some chili and afterwards I took a nap under the electric blanket. What a wonderful treat that was!

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My step-daughter called me last evening just to tell me how nice I looked yesterday and that she loved my outfit and my hair. What a sweet thing to say. It made me feel all warm and cheesy inside, as Daughter #2 used to say. We had a long conversation about the decisions we’ve made in life and how we wish we could go back and do some things differently.

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I told her I didn’t. I wouldn’t be the person I am today, doing what I’m doing, married to the sweetest guy on the planet if I’d made one different choice. Any one thing would have sent me down an entirely different path than the one I chose and the results would have been entirely different. Would things have been better? Who knows? Maybe they would have been worse…far worse. 

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You know who knew what my path should be? God. God set me on a path and He gave me free will and asked me to use it. He asked me love as He loves. He asked me to turn the other cheek. He asked lots and lots of things of me and ohhhhh, how I messed up. But He asked me to keep trying and that I did. And here we are.

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Is my life perfect? It’s perfect for ME. God has given me a partner to work with, to love and be loved by, to grow and learn beside, and to share this ride with its many ups and downs. There is something to be said for contentment. To sit in a seat of comfort and joy is more than I deserve sometimes. And I don’t know how I merited my man, but I’m sure glad God led us together for this…the final act of our lives. 

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We got our flu shots yesterday afternoon. In a couple of weeks we’ll get our Covid booster. Today I go to get the title work done on the camper at the DMV. I’ll take my knitting. We’ll seal the underside of the wheel wells to try to keep water out of the area under the sink. Then we head out camping again on Wednesday. Ohhhhh…it’s going to get cold later this week! The low on Friday night is predicted to be 36°! If it doesn’t warm up the last couple of weeks in October, this just might be the last trip of the year. 

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When you put the camper away, that means summer is officially over. Fortunately, I can still enjoy it all winter here on our property. Just not as often. On the warmer days, I can sneak out and read, write, or knit. On the colder, snowier days, I can snuggle under the electric blanket and take a nap. I’ll be able to make a cup of tea and stare out the windows. I love that I don’t have to haul her somewhere and leave her there till spring. 

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Indeed…I am so very blessed.

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“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

\nJames 1:17 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-10-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/10/03/a-sweet-and-snuggly-sunday.html", "tags": ["Growth","God","Girl Camper","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/09/29/working-out-the-kinks.html", "title": "Working Out the Kinks", "content_html": "\n
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I don’t think there is a camper made that doesn’t have a tiny leak somewhere. The trick is to catch them early, find out where they came from, and fix it right away before there’s any damage done. We left home yesterday morning around noon. The sky looked threatening, but the forecast said there would only be light rain from time to time. That was true for the most part. But we did come through a could of really hard rains (and LOTS of rainbows) and there was a lot of splash up from the road.

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The wheel wells in the new camper are hidden…one under the kitchen sink area, and the other under the slide out. We got to our campsite shortly before dark and we really had to hustle to get everything set up before it got too dark and started raining. We only had a couple of things left and Mr. FixIt took the reins while I went inside the camper to fix us something to eat. When I brought the dishes back in, I looked down and there were tiny drops of water along the bottom edge of the kitchen cabinet. 

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I quickly grabbed a light and some paper towels and set to searching for the source. I soon found where I think the water was coming from. The wheel well under the cabinet. I dabbed everywhere I could reach and soaked up every drop of water I could find. I have a feeling this isn’t the first time it’s done this as there was a bag of moisture absorber on the floor of that cabinet. The camper is just a year old, and it was a very tiny amount of water. Mr. FixIt got down and looked under the wheel well and could see a spot where the leak may have occurred. When we get home, we’ll get it all cleaned up in there and seal it up tight. This is not a huge deal…just an annoyance that happens to the best of campers. The nature of the beast, as it were.

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We love this park. We camped here for a couple of nights back in the fall of 2019 when I was just starting out on the Raffle Camper Tour for Girl Camper. We’ve wanted to get back here ever since and this seemed like the perfect time. The park is nearly empty and very quiet, save for the planes coming in and out of the Pittsburgh Airport. They’re pretty high by the time they get over us, so they’re not terribly intrusive.  This year’s site is in the same cul de sac as the site we stayed in previously. I would have much preferred that site, but it was not open all three days. This one is a close second. And…it is a pull-thru so I didn’t even have to back into it! Bonus!

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We stopped in Williamstown on the way here and dumped the tanks, then went right across the river to Marietta, OH to the Walmart store. I had a couple of things in mind. Some snacks. A better quality tire pressure gauge. And an electric blanket. Mr. FixIt and I had a vibrant discussion about the merits of buying yet another electric blanket. He reminded me we had two and home and two in the other camper. I reminded him that one goes on our bed at home and one goes on the guest bed. As it turns out, I couldn’t find the cord for the one from the guest room or I would have used it. The two in the other camper are twin size. I guess we could have used them, but it would be pretty unruly and I like a neat and tidy bed. So, we compromised and bought a new electric blanket. The man is a genius!

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Oh…there is nothing quite so wonderful as camping in the woods with lovely comfortable sheets, the very best fluffy pillows, and a queen-sized, dual control, electric blanket with a 12-hour shut-off timer. Excuse me…did I hear someone say, “Princess?” Yes! I’ll be the very first to admit I want to camp in comfort. I’ve done the sleeping bag on the ground in a pup tent, thank you very much. I’ve paid my dues. I want to be outside AND I want to be comfortable. I don’t need a huge camper. I don’t need an uber-expensive motorhome with marble floors and leather-covered everything. I definitely DO NOT need a big screen TV and an outdoor kitchen and a sound system with seventeen speakers and a sub-woofer. All I want is a little box that locks..with a bed and a potty. If it’s got a kitchen…bonus. If it has a slide out that gives you more foot room…heck, yeah! Sign me up!

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We snuggled down in bed around 8:00 last night. Mr. FixIt with his little DVD player on his belly, watching an old colorized movie from the ‘50s. Me with my little lap desk and iPad…talking to you good people. And now? I think I’ll go raid the snack box and see what I can nibble on before I head to bed.

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“Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.”

\nEzekiel 1:28 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-09-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/09/29/working-out-the-kinks.html", "tags": ["Camping","Comfort","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/09/27/what-a-gorgeous-day.html", "title": "What a Gorgeous Day", "content_html": "\n
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The light was fading by the time we got home.

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I love to drive…especially on a day when the sky is blue with big white, puffy clouds. The temps were cool, there was a breeze, and the trees were beginning to put on their royal robes to show off. We went to the dealership to pick up the Big Birdhouse, but there was something else on it that needed fixing so it’ll be a little while longer. 

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As we sat in a parking lot, eating our late-lunch-early-supper, a gentleman pulled up in the tractor part of a tractor trailer to get something to eat. When he came out, he came right over to us and started up a conversation. Leon is from Dallas, a part-time 50 year old single truck driver and father who found Jesus after an unfortunate night in Beverly Hills three years ago. He drives a gorgeous red truck that he’s “married to”. He wants to find love so he doesn’t grow old alone. I told him I’d pray for him and I’d have my friends in my prayer circle pray for him, too. He thought that was amazing. He was friendly as all get out.

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I love when God sends people across your path…your “assignments” for the day. People to talk to, pray for, lift up, and love on. Leon was a beefy man with a ready smile. His glasses perched on his forehead, his eyes twinkled with delight as we chatted. It occurred to me, I didn’t really notice that he was black at first. I know that seems hard to believe, but all I saw was this amazing smile. That’s when I realized…I wasn’t looking at his physical being. I was seeing the LIGHT he carries inside and it warmed my spirit that God showed me that aspect of Leon first and foremost. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all could just see the LIGHT in each other???

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When Leon went on his way, Mr. FixIt and I looked through the reservation app on my phone and chose our next camping adventure which begins tomorrow. We’ve stayed at this campground before but not since 2019. There’s deep woods all around, and the further we get into late September, early October the more the colors are going to change! My all time favorite time to camp!

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Today is mowing day at the farm then a phone conference with my brother’s care team in Colorado. And repacking the camper. Then we’ll be off on another adventure in the morning!

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“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

\nJohn 8:12 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-09-27T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/09/27/what-a-gorgeous-day.html", "tags": ["Faith","Prayer","God","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/08/18/the-august-night-symphony.html", "title": "The August Night Symphony", "content_html": "\n
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Deep in the dregs of January, I could kick myself for not spending more time outdoors in the summer…especially in the evenings. I got a text from our good friend Steve last night. He said he’d heard there was a possibility we could see the Northern Lights if the sky was clear and dark. I said, “Come on out!” 

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We set up chairs out in the field…three friends, listening to a symphony of sound surrounding us. We didn’t see any of the Aurora Borealis, but we did catch lots of shooting stars and satellites. And, it was 11:30 when we gave up and came inside. I’d missed my creativity window by a country mile and I almost decided to just post a repeat. However, every day is remarkable in one way or another, so I’m here…typing in the wee hours.

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We worked on the steps today and got one railing finished. Mr. FixIt went out after supper and put cement in the postholes. We’ll work on the other side today if it isn’t too hot. I trimmed a lot out of the forsythia on the road side of the yard. Everything gets totally out of hand by this time of year. I spent some time knitting on this sweater. I finished the bottom ribbing and used a stretchy cast-off. I picked up the stitches for one of the sleeves and have it done down to the elbow. 

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If you are interested in finding out which bug is playing which part in your August Symphony, here’s a nice sight with the songs of summer. Check it out HERE.   http://songsofinsects.com/thumbnail-guide-to-species

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“Yet among the winged insects that go on all fours you may eat those that have jointed legs above their feet, with which to hop on the ground. Of them you may eat: the locust of any kind, the bald locust of any kind, the cricket of any kind, and the grasshopper of any kind.”

\nLeviticus 11:21-22 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-08-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/08/18/the-august-night-symphony.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/08/12/then-and-now.html", "title": "Then and Now", "content_html": "\n
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A friend of mine shared a photo of a really epic Camaro he’s bidding on. It’s going to be his new toy. That’s cool. We’ve got toys, too. My two favorite toys are the camper and the riding mower. My pickup ranks up there, as well. Mr. FixIt’s old truck has 222K miles on it now, I’ve learned. We need something fairly economical and reliable that will last us. So we bought a 2002 Lincoln Continental yesterday with only 52.8K miles. That’ll last us a while, I’m guessing. We only paid $7500 for it and in today’s used car market, that’s epic. There’s just one thing….

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I feel so OLD when I drive this thing. It’s like…a GRANDMA car! Or…what I always considered a Grandma car…back before I became a hip grandma who towed a 30’ camper back and forth across the country with an uber cool F-150. It’s depressing. Then, I remind myself…

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First world problem, Ginny.

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“God brought you a reliable, affordable, and comfortable ride! Why can’t you just be grateful and leave it be?” Suitably chastised by my own better angels, I realized it’s true. So…in the photos on the left…I was in my early 50’s, working at a 5 Star resort in southern Colorado, with two young grandbabies. I wasn’t a widow yet. In the photos on the right…I am in the last gasp of my 60’s and I AM a grandma. Heck, I’m a GREAT GRANDMA. As in…we have four great-grandchildren thanks to marrying Mr. FixIt. I’ve been a widow for close to ten years. Of COURSE I’m going to look, act, and feel my age. At least part of the time!

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Before we picked up the new-to-us car, we drove out to the farm to survey the damage from last night’s flash flood. It is SO bad out there. There are a few people who lost a lot. Most people lost some things and have a whale of a mess to clean up. As far as I know, there haven’t been any injuries or fatalities reported. They are working with the office of emergency preparedness to try to get some help from FEMA.

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The neighbors across the road had a lot of damage. Three bridges wiped out.

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After we finished with the car sale, we went to the DMV to get the tags, then Mr. FixIt and I parted ways for the rest of the afternoon. I took the car over to one of the MANY new car washes that have sprung up all over our little hometown. Once I ran it through the wash, I took the towels provided and wiped off all the sap from the trees the car was parked under before we bought it. It cleaned up really well. There are only a couple little cosmetic things wrong with it…a little bubbling in the chrome in the front grill, the rear driver’s side seatbelt doesn’t work, and the headliner has come loose at the back by the rear window. Not bad at all for a twenty year old car.

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Our power will be off all day today, so we are going to stay in a hotel in town at least one night…maybe both nights of the reunion this weekend. It’s going to be really hot and muggy and that will NOT be fun with the AC out. This way we can get all dressed up in comfort before we go to the party. 

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It’s gonna be fun, y’all!

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?

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“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

\nPhilippians 4:19-20 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-08-12T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/08/12/then-and-now.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/08/01/bring-more-joy.html", "title": "Bring More Joy", "content_html": "\n
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We stayed in a hotel in Columbus Saturday night after getting Bear on the plane. I stayed at the gate till I was sure the flight was in the air, then we drove to a local hotel. It was near sunset by the time we were done at the airport and I didn’t want to drive all the way home in the dark. Those corn fields in Ohio are just brimming with deer who think nothing of darting out into traffic. So, we felt it was safer to just stay up there.

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We ordered dinner to go and picked it up on the way to the hotel. We were both so tired, the lights were off at 10:30 and snoring soon followed. Unfortunately, neither of us slept well. The room was stuffy, it was noisy, and…well, it wasn’t our bed. Yes, we are “I-sleep-better-in-my-own-bed” years old. What can I say? It happens to the best of us.

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We didn’t get up till 9:00 yesterday morning and my sweetie went down to the lobby to bring me a surprisingly good cup of coffee and a granola bar…their answer to a “Grab and Go” breakfast. Disappointing. We didn’t go to Easton Mall. We really don’t need anything and certainly don’t need anything that pricey. I mean…when the mall has a Jaguar dealership in front of it, you know you’re in the wrong place for a “deal”. 

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We decided to head on home. It was raining, so we knew we weren’t going to get to mow when we got there. By the time we got to Nelsonville, we were really hungry. We still don’t eat indoors. We went through the drive-thru at McD’s and they didn’t serve all day breakfast sandwiches so we moved on. I remembered that Sonic has all day breakfast items and there happened to be a restaurant just down the road. 

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We ordered our food and when the young man came out to deliver it, we were so taken by his genuine joie de vivre. He was conversational, interested in where we were from and what brought us to his neck of the woods. He came out two or three times to see if we needed anything else. As we were preparing to leave, I said “Jonathan…what is your position at this store?” He said, “I’m just a regular crew member, ma’am.” “Well,” I said. “I just gave you an outstanding review on the website for this Sonic. You made our little fast food meal a true delight. Thank you!” 

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Jonathan beamed.

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It doesn’t take much to make people happy. It isn’t difficult to make the world a better place. It doesn’t take fame or fortune to lift people up and let them know they are appreciated…even if they are doing nothing but bringing you your breakfast with joy in their hearts.

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Be good to people…even if they aren’t good to you. ESPECIALLY if they aren’t good to you.

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Make your side of the street shine, then go across it to help your neighbor.

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It’ll make both of you better people.

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I am SO ready for more kindness in this world!

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Let’s do this!!!

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“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”

\nColossians 3:12 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-08-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/08/01/bring-more-joy.html", "tags": ["Choices","Be Joyful!","Kindness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/07/30/day-fourteen-see-ya-next.html", "title": "Day Fourteen: See Ya Next Time!", "content_html": "\n
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Little on the floor, scrubbing that lovely piece of linoleum!

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It has been a fun two weeks, but Little is ready to get home. Big will be leaving for college soon so they need to spend some quality time together. Everyone will be happy to get their Little Bear home, safe and sound.

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Nana made biscuits and gravy, eggs and sausage, and topped it off with homemade applebutter per Little’s request!

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We had a lovely breakfast. I made a batch of buttermilk biscuits and gave Little the choice of what flavor jam or jelly they wanted on them. Apple Butter was the winner. This is the next to last jar so I’ll probably need to make some more this year. We had sausage and eggs…and sweet tea. It was more like “brunch” considering it was nearly 2:00 in the afternoon before we got around to cooking.

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The Old Mt. Zion Church back on the hill. Grandma and PopPop brought the kids here every Sunday afternoon for services. it made me smile to think of them sitting in the very pews we scrubbed yesterday.

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We did laundry. We were going to go to town to mail the things that won’t fit in the suitcase, but this stupid washing machine. I intensely dislike the kind without an agitator because it doesn’t get the clothes clean and darks invariably have white soap scum on them…even with an extra rinse. They are supposed to be conserving energy but how can you conserve energy when you have to run them twice to get things clean? So, I’ll have to make a special trip to town next week to ship this stuff.

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The pulpit in Mr. Zion Church.

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I cooked the last of the half-runner beans in the little pressure cooker, then Little and I headed off on an important errand. The other day, Little noticed how dirty the old church was and wanted to go back out to sweep and clean. They didn’t forget, so we loaded up the brooms and rags, jugs of water and Spic & Span, and headed off for the country. 

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Little sweeping up all the dead ladybugs and dust bunnies.

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We swept and wiped and washed and scrubbed till we got it as clean as we could. Then Little went out and picked a bouquet of Queen Anne’s Lace and put it in the vase on the altar. We stood there for a moment in silence, signed the guest book, and turned to leave. My heart is so full at the goodness of this child.

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We were amazed at how bright the colors were when the floor was wet. It needs waxed!

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We went back to Grandma’s farm and sat on the front porch for quite some time. We talked about all the people who used to live there. We feel them around us when we are there and know that we are loved and watched over. 

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Grandma’s Road at the end of the day.

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On the way home, we stopped for ice cream and brought a scoop home for Grandpa FixIt. Then Little jumped in the pool one last time. We had a lot of rain off and on yesterday and that water was decidedly cooler last night than it has been the last couple of weeks. No way I was getting in there, but Little had a blast. When the bats came out and started circling for their dive-bomb drinks of water from the pool, Little decided that was their signal that time was up and they were out of the pool in a flash! The laundry was done, the bags were packed, decisions were made for what needed to go today and what could wait to be mailed. We got the Boarding Pass from Daughter #1.

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Making the turn to cross PopPop’s Bridge!

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And…that’s a wrap, folks! Operation Nana Camp was a rousing success!!!

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?

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“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.”

\nPsalm 91:11-13 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/30/day-fourteen-see-ya-next.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Love","Be Joyful!","Littles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/07/25/day-ten-was-so-peaceful.html", "title": "Day Ten Was SO Peaceful", "content_html": "\n
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It was a pleasant valley Sunday in our neck of the woods. We. Did. Nothing. That’s what God tells us to do on His day, right? We got the mowing done during the week. We changed our travel plans to stay home. The Big Birdhouse is in the Camper Hospital so no camping. And besides…it was WAY too hot to do anything. When it’s even too hot to eat, you know it’s too hot to do much of anything else either.

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Little has been nursing a sore tooth the last couple of weeks. It’s nothing they can’t handle, and there are plans to see a dentist as soon as they get back home. There was a little more discomfort yesterday, so the lay low day came at just the perfect time. By the end of the day, it was much better and today we’ll be back at it full speed. We all need a down day from time to time, right? Especially when it’s too hot and you’re tired and don’t feel your best.

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Today’s big adventure will be a trip to town to hunt for some half-runner beans. Little wants to learn how to preserve food and we’ll start with canning beans and making jelly. We might also make a blackberry pie if I can find some good berries. This is something I’ve always wanted to teach little because my grandma taught me. I remember sitting out on the front porch at the farm, stringing beans, then canning them in quart jars. There were shelves packed full of yummy food to eat over the winter. We don’t know what the future will bring so I believe it is imperative the younger generation learns how to grow and preserve their own food, make their own clothes, build and heat their own homes. And Little is all about the pioneer spirit involved in leading a simpler life.

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I finished knitting the cute little Christmas stocking yesterday afternoon while watching a Monk Marathon as Mr. FixIt snoozed in his recliner. Our family room was once a garage so there aren’t any vents in there for the central AC. It’s literally the hottest room in the house, unless you count the kitchen when I’m cooking. We have some fans set up to draw the cool air into the room, but it’s not enough to make a huge difference. The first year I was here, Mr. FixIt had a HUGE window air conditioner in there, but it roared so loud the TV had to be blaring to hear it. Honestly, it’s really only bad for a couple or three weeks and then it’s just the late afternoons. It’s nearly impossible for us to put that AC unit in by ourselves, the kids are always busy, so we just suck it up. We drink cold beverages, add another fan, and before we know it, the cooler days will come again. It’s actually supposed to rain for the rest of the week here so hopefully that will tamp down the temperatures a little and break this terrible heat wave.

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We’re trying to be creative with our summer meal planning to keep from heating up the house anymore than we have to. But canning is definitely going to tax our ability to keep the house cool. Back when I was growing up, Grandma had a cook stove down in the basement where she did the majority of her canning. Some people here and in the south have “summer kitchens” when there’s a covered area to work in the shade and not heat up the house. Maybe someday I’ll have something like that. But for the time being, I’ll set up the window fan and exhaust the heat out of the kitchen that way. If I had an electric canner, I could set it up on the covered porch, but I haven’t found one that’s big enough to make it worth my while. 

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I hope y’all are managing to keep yourselves cool and safe from this terrible heat wave. If you have any helpful hints for beating the heat, please share! Maybe we haven’t thought of it or tried it yet. Prayers for cooler days ahead! Little and I ended our day with a long swim in the pool under the market lights. It was refreshing!

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“Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

\nPsalm 150:1-6 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/25/day-ten-was-so-peaceful.html", "tags": ["Family","Comfort","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/07/22/day-seven-in-almost-heaven.html", "title": "Day Seven in Almost Heaven", "content_html": "\n
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I attempted to make homemade tortillas for breakfast yesterday. Back in the day, I used a packaged flour mix called “Masa Trigo” that you only had to add water and they made the best tortillas. However, I live in white bread America and those sorts of things are NOT available. I can find the kind to make corn tortillas, but those aren’t my favorite. I found some online, so I will give that a try because the ones I made yesterday didn’t cut it. 

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What I was really hankering for was a breakfast burrito. I didn’t have chorizo…I had a little bacon. I only had three eggs and no potatoes. A really good breakfast burrito has fried potatoes, eggs, cheese, and chorizo in it…wrapped in the heavenly blanket of a soft, warm, freshly made flour tortilla. What I threw on the plates of my willing family was a very poor substitute. But, as Grandma always said, “It’ll be et.” She was right…they swallowed it down somehow…bless their hearts!

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I knitted for a while after breakfast then called on Little to get put together for an afternoon of “adventuring”. We stopped at a junk shop in our little town. I found two zinc canning jar lids that I’ve been looking for. I have two blue canning jars that were gifted to me and I wanted lids for them. I use them to hold things like dried beans on my kitchen counter. A few years ago, Mr. FixIt and I were wandering around the countryside and stumbled on a junk shop out in the middle of nowhere. I went in search of it and alas…the building was there, and there was still quite a bit of junk left around outside, but there was no sign of life, so we moved on.

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There is a small county park about forty-five minutes away that has been designated a “dark sky” area. We brought Little there last year to see the night sky. They also have a pioneer village you can tour, but there was a cable across the road so I couldn’t get in to show it to Little. Next stop was a small country grocery store to pick up a couple things for supper, then on to see what we could get into next.

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I decided to head for Harrisville, WV to stop at Berdine’s Five & Dime. Little calls it the toy store for grown up kids. I found a cool biscuit cutter and another for making donuts. Little found a rabbit’s foot keychain and a green beaded hair clip for her friend. We got some “penny candy” from the display case. I love their chocolate, but I just can’t tolerate it anymore. It always makes me sick. That’s like…sacrilegious. Of all things…chocolate??? *sigh*

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By the time we finished at the Five & Dime, it was really too late to go to the big antique store and we were pretty “peopled out”. We headed home with a quick drive by the farm to see if Frank and Beans were there. They weren’t, so we continued on. We both needed to stretch out for a little rest time. Mr. FixIt was on the hunt for a mower deck he’d seen on Marketplace for our old Cub Cadet so he wasn’t home. We all pretty much fended for ourselves for supper and ended the day sitting out on the deck watching the sunset.

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I reached out to the dealership and the manufacturer yesterday regarding the issues I’m having with the new camper and by the time I got home, there were three emails waiting for me. Unfortunately, it was after closing hours so I’ll call them today. I figure our day will be spent emptying out the camper and hauling it up to the dealership to have them try to find the leak and figure out what caused the running light to pop out. I’ll have to leave it with them and I imagine that’s the end of our camping escapades for this year.

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The first of Little’s two week visit is over already. I knew it would fly by. I so enjoy this child.

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?

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“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”

\nIsaiah 40:29 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-22T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/22/day-seven-in-almost-heaven.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/07/18/day-two-is-done.html", "title": "Day Two is Done", "content_html": "\n
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The hat I started in Williamsburg.

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Little and I slept in the camper their first night here in West Virginia. They wanted to see the lightning bugs in the trees. We couldn’t really hear the night sounds because it was so warm in the camper, we had to have the fans running. We both went to sleep fairly early because we were exhausted after the ten hour drive from Williamsburg. We were awakened at 3:00 yesterday morning with an amazing thunderstorm. Little wasn’t really afraid of it. Fifteen is a pretty worldly age, after all. But, the pillow WAS turned around to the other end of the bed away from the window…you know, just in case. 

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We both managed to go back to sleep for five more blissful hours and I had to finally wake Little up to head inside. It was warming up fast and even with the fans, it was getting stuffy in the camper. I fixed a big pancake breakfast and the rest of the day was pretty low key. We’ve been having some wonderful conversations about a wide variety of topics. Little is a deep thinker and such a joy to converse with. Witty, quick, tender-hearted, and sassy…that fits this grandchild to a T. 

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Having high functioning autism, Little has had to learn to compensate for a different learning style. (Little’s preferred pronouns are they/them, so that is what I will use here out of respect.) They don’t hide their autism. As a matter of fact…they are proud of it. It’s their superpower! While they may struggle in some areas, they excel in so many others and this year at school…Little discovered theater kids! Land’s sake…this child has found the home team and is thriving! Being somewhere on the spectrum myself (more than likely), we have always related to each other on a deep level. They are incredibly smart and I’m so proud of the young person they are becoming. 

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We may mow today…it depends on how much rain we got overnight. We’ll cook a big pot of soup beans and ham hocks in the slow cooker today. Little is expanding their culinary horizons. Yesterday’s taste treat was pickled beets. They thought it tasted pretty good. The sweet and sour combo was a hit, but the texture was a near miss. We also have chow chow and jalapeño pickled eggs to sample. We’ll have a veritable smorgasbord over the next two weeks.

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Hopefully the rain storms will let up so we can get in the pool soon!

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?

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“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,”

\nProverbs 1:5 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/18/day-two-is-done.html", "tags": ["Health","Camping","Humbled","Be Joyful!","Littles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/07/08/its-about-time-for-some.html", "title": "It’s About Time for Some Good News!", "content_html": "\n
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The View From my “Office”

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I had my followup appointment with my endocrine surgeon yesterday. Almost all of my numbers have settled down into the normal range except one and it’s only mildly elevated. Overall, I’d say I’m about 80% better than I was before the surgeries and I will take that as a hug win! I suppose what symptoms I do have can be easily attributed to age related changes and there’s nothing anyone can do about that except make healthier lifestyle choices, i.e. eat clean and green and exercise more. I don’t have to see him for six months and then I’ll be discharged barring any unforeseen consequences. Yay!

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I started doing some deep cleaning before Little arrives in just over a week. Then we went out and cleaned the pool. It was a cool and refreshing dip on a hot, muggy day. We celebrated the occasion with a trip to the little country store for a scoop of Black Cherry ice cream to enjoy down by the river. 

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The twins hang out in our field every day now. I rarely see mama so I know they are on their own. I saw a rabbit for the first time this year. I’ve seen evidence the rabbits are being hunted here…probably by the myriad hawks we have hanging around. Several times I’ve walked around the end of the house only to startle the young Red Shouldered Hawk that has been sitting on the satellite dish and telephone lines. 

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When I walked in from the camper yesterday morning, there was a small snake skin by the front door. Mr. FixIt was weed eating on Monday and said he saw one go under a big rock right there. I couldn’t find it then, but it left the evidence behind for all to see. Mr. FixIt isn’t a snake guy, so I’m the one who has to deal with those kinds of critters. Honestly, they’ve never really bothered me. But, then again…I’ve never seen a live poisonous snake either, so I’m not sure how I would react in that case. 

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A Long Exposure Shot Caught the Lightning Bugs

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I’ve been thinking about activities for when Little is here visiting. I definitely want to show her how to can and make jam. I need to can half runners this year because I’m almost out. We’ll bake together. I want to teach her how to make pizza from scratch. We’ll do some crafting and antiquing. That child loves a good junk shop and laws there’s enough of them around here to stay busy the entire time. Camping and swimming and bonfires and s’mores and watermelon seed-spitting contests. I can’t wait!!!

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The new actuator came for the camper. Mr. FixIt has watched the videos how to replace it but I haven’t seen one yet. That’s our next big project. I have about five or six inches of one sleeve knitted on Big’s sweater. So much to do…so little time!

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?

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“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”

\nProverbs 14:23 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/08/its-about-time-for-some.html", "tags": ["Family","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/06/29/knitting-and-bunnies-and-birds.html", "title": "Knitting and Bunnies and Birds", "content_html": "\n
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We had to run to town yesterday to do errands. Usually that turns into an all day ordeal, but I managed to schedule things to make them go smoother. I dropped off Mr. FixIt at his buddy’s house to work on the tomatoes while I went to get my blood drawn, then we stopped at the post office box and the pool supply store. A quick stop at the gas station and we were home by 3:00…a record, I think!

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I was antsy. I wanted to go camping. The low temperature is going to be perfect the next two nights, but the days are going to get pretty sticky. Mr. FixIt really didn’t want to go and honestly, I wasn’t in the mood to pull the camper by myself this time. Still, I had itchy feet. It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a sleepover at the farm, so I asked my sweetheart if he minded me going over for a couple of days. He’s so sweet…he never, ever objects to me doing whatever I need to do to maintain balance in our life. For that, I am grateful and it encourages me to make our time together epic. He’s a smart man!

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I threw some things together and headed to the home of my heart. I always do a walk about to make sure things are all looking good. Everything was in ship shape. I sat on the front porch and knitted on Big’s sweater. I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye and there was a little Carolina Wren hopping toward me, moving her head this way and that. She stayed for quite a while. There was a little, tiny bunny in the front yard nibbling on the white clover. Every once in a while, something scared it and it darted off into the underbrush only to return when the coast was clear. It finally started getting cool and I headed indoors. 

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I heard a bird out the back door so I took my phone to investigate. It wasn’t dark yet. I looked up and scanned the hillside and noticed something amiss. There were several branches with lots of dead leaves on them and that only means one of two things…a tree has died from disease, or it’s come down. And that’s just what happened…it came down right on top of the old cellar house. There are limbs resting on the electric line going to the building, but there is still power up there. I did pull my truck back from under the lines, though. You can see the trunk of the tree where it broke off about twenty feet up. Judging by the way the leaves have turned brown already, I’d say this happened during the storm that knocked out our power for two days a couple of weeks ago. I don’t know how we missed it the other times we’ve been out here. I guess we just don’t look up enough.

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There have been more things like this happening in the last year since the farm was sold. I think houses know. I think they die. How many times have you seen an old house look perfectly fine then just fall apart quickly after its people leave? I told Mr. FixIt, we need to come out more often and talk to the old girl….make sure she still knows how desperately she is loved. Maybe plant some flowers. I am so happy her new owners love her like we do…but I just think this old house misses her people.

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It’s so incredibly quiet here. At night, the birds have gone to roost. The only sound is the dehumidifier humming quietly in the basement. Occasionally the hot water heater kicks on. As I write this, I have the window open feeling the cool evening breeze and listening to a Barred Owl just across the creek.

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Life is good!

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?

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“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.””

\nJohn 3:8 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-06-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/06/29/knitting-and-bunnies-and-birds.html", "tags": ["The Farm","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Crafts"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/06/25/back-home-and-back-to.html", "title": "Back Home and Back to Work", "content_html": "\n
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We camped at Beaver Creek State Park near East Liverpool, Ohio this week. It’s one of our favorite campgrounds, largely because my dear friend Gail is sometimes the camp host there. She isn’t hosting again till fall, but she was supposed to come camp with us at least one night. Unfortunately, she was a little under the weather this week so we had to take a rain check on the visit. We still had an amazing time, as always. 

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We visited Columbiana and shopped at the local antique dealers and ate at Das Dutch Haus restaurant and it was SO good. We took apple dumplings home for dessert and they were heavenly! We had ice cream TWICE at Bruster’s Ice Cream Shop in Calcutta. They have Black Raspberry ice cream at this time of the year and it’s one of my all time favorites. Mostly, we just hung out at the campground, chatted with what few campers were there, and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the woods in June.

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Midweek camping is the way to go. Even at the peak of June, people don’t usually start showing up till Thursday night. We took long walks and got lots of good photos with nothing but nature in them. We did gain some fellow campers on Thursday night and it was so fun to hear the kids playing, riding their bikes, and running around catching lightning bugs. Tuesday and Wednesday was really hot and we had to run the AC, but Thursday night got down to 56° and I actually woke up cold at 3:30am. I had to get up to turn off the fans, and then…of course…I couldn’t get back to sleep till just around dawn. Poor Mr. FixIt…there isn’t another room to escape to in a camper, so I kept him awake, too.

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There was something I saw at the campground that really upset me. I was sitting with Mr. FixIt, the sun was setting, and I had been knitting. I set my needles aside to get up for a drink when I noticed something on a tree at the edge of our campsite. I walked closer and…believe it or not…someone had BRANDED the tree! Like…with a livestock brand! I know there is someone out there who thinks it’s uber cool that there’s a tree at every campsite they’ve ever camped at with their “brand” on it. But that is just wrong. What ever happened to “leave no trace”? Campsites and parks should be left better than you found them! Don’t leave “art” like decorated rocks or walking sticks behind for the “joy of others to discover”. Don’t stack rocks in streams…it disturbs native habitat for all kinds of critters. Don’t move picnic tables or fire rings. 

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Go to the woods…enjoy it to the fullest…then leave it pristine for the next guest! Nature is for everyone.

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*stepping off my soapbox now.

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And now, it’s time to get back on that mower and get some work done around here! So glad to be back home and with you fine people. I hope you’re enjoying summer so far!

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?

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“You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter.”

\nPsalm 74:17 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-06-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/06/25/back-home-and-back-to.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Home","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/06/23/you-know-i-cant-stay.html", "title": "You KNOW I Can’t Stay Away!", "content_html": "\n
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We are having a grand time camping in one of our favorite state parks in the whole wide world. But, I’m telling you what…it is H.O.T. We have an air conditioner that will freeze meat but it is located under the bed I sleep in. Have I ever told you I’m a light sleeper? Well, this thing is kinda like what I would imagine sleeping on top of a jet engine would sound and feel like. The bed vibrates and it’s so loud and it switches off and on with the thermostat. The first night here was so nice and cool in the high 50’s. Tuesday night? Not so much! The only way to sleep was with the AC running and I was awake all night.

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Daddy…and Mommy…Long Legs!

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As I sat outside yesterday morning with my coffee, the birds were singing. The campground was blissfully quiet, as it almost always is midweek. Suddenly, I remembered when I had my first camper. I couldn’t sleep on that bunk bed either. I put the dinette down and slept there. So I told Mr. FixIt I was going to move all the stuff from the dinette area over to the bunk I was sleeping on. When I got it done, I stretched out and it was perfect! 

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We drove to a little town twenty miles away and looked around through some antique stores. There was only one thing I really liked and that was a Campfire Marshmallow tin from the ‘30s. It was in the window and the clerk couldn’t get in to look at the price. I climbed into the window and squeezed between things and could NOT believe the price. $275!!! I liked it, but not THAT much! I’ll keep my eyes peeled and see if I can find a more affordable one.

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I’ve been knitting and visiting with what few campers there are here. I met a very nice lady who has a similar story to mine. She took off in her popup Volkswagen Vanagon camper and ended up going all over the country and finally married her high school beau! They have the sweetest rescue dog named Stella. I love a good camping dog.

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We ate in Amish Country yesterday and that is the best cooking you can find. Mr. FixIt had chicken and noodles and I had baked steak. We took apple dumplings back to the camper with us for dessert. We have one more night camping then we head home. We have been blessed the storms went around us for the most part. We did find out some of our peeps came down with covid this week so please keep them in your prayers. Thank God for vaccines because the virus has calmed down tremendously. It doesn’t affect those who have been vaccinated nearly as bad as it did in that first year and a half.

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Buffalo Leafhopper

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I’ll be back on Saturday…I just couldn’t wait!

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?

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“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

\nPsalm 19:14 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-06-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/06/23/you-know-i-cant-stay.html", "tags": ["Camping","Comfort","Be Joyful!","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/06/14/a-bang-up-birthday.html", "title": "A Bang Up Birthday!", "content_html": "\n
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Pumpkin is all grown up…she’s a jungle cat!

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I’m so glad we got the mowing finished on Sunday because yesterday was so hot. Mr. FixIt went to the tomato patch to weed it then stopped on the way home for a watermelon. I would rather have a watermelon than a birthday cake, but it’s a little early in the year and this one was kind of mushy. But it was cold and that’s what I was aiming for. 

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When the sun went over the hill, we jumped in the pool to clean it. I knew there was a bad storm coming, and when it started getting darker, I could hear thunder in the distance. I asked Mr. FixIt if we should put the camper down and he thought that was a good idea. So, we got it all tucked in and I pulled it out from under the maple tree just in case the wind took a limb out.

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We had hardly gotten inside when the wind hit as the front came through. They were predicting a derecho which is straight line winds in excess of 60 to 80 miles per hour. Scary! We got rain and lots of thunder and lightning, and as I am writing this, we’ve been without power for over an hour and a half. No power equals no air conditioning. Fortunately, the rain brought a 20° drop in temperature so we opened all the windows in the house. 

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I had a beautiful birthday. Quietly spent at home with my sweetheart. I finished knitting a hat. I did a little reading. Lots of people texted and called and FaceTimed for my birthday. And YOU…how nice of you to take the time to wish me a happy day! I appreciate you all so much!!! Then, God topped it off with fireworks!

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Hopefully everything will work out today to go camping. I’ll have to check at the state park where we are going to see if they had much damage and it’s still ok to come. Hopefully the electric comes back on soon. That’s one of the downsides of living out in the country. Lot’s of trees. Trees and wind equals downed limbs which takes out power lines. And those power lines are often quite difficult to get to.

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I hope you are all safe from the severe storms today. Be careful out there and stay hydrated!

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?

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“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”

\nNahum 1:7 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-06-14T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/06/14/a-bang-up-birthday.html", "tags": ["Camping","Be Joyful!","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/06/13/a-day-on-the-tractor.html", "title": "A Day on the Tractor", "content_html": "\n
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We started out pretty early yesterday. When you have to mow in West Virginia, the afternoons can become so hot and sticky. It’s best to get done as early as you can. We still haven’t received the bolts I ordered for the push mower, so Mr. FixIt busied himself with the weed eater and the pole lopper. I rode the lawn tractor and mowed.

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I read somewhere that people should observe “No Mow May” and I had to laugh. They obviously don’t live in a tropical rain forest like we do. If we didn’t stay on top of the mowing and trimming, we would be overrun in one growing season. As it is, we lose a foot of field every year. Then we go through and cut it all back again. It’s crazy how much things grow here.

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Grandma always said at this time of year, “We’re knee deep in June!” I’d love to bottle these days up and keep them year round. Seventies to low eighties and I’m a happy camper…even out on the mower. I still mow with my big golf umbrella and headphone playing worship music. I sing at the top of my lungs. I have no idea if the neighbors can hear me, but I know Jesus can so that’s all that matters to me!

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My first trip around the field and I came across this box turtle booking it toward the creek. I did what I’ve read to do. I carefully picked him up and moved him a few feet in the direction he was  heading and placed him in a protected area of tall grass. Mr. FixIt took the weed eater down to the creek and cleared out around where the storm drain comes out. He also got rid of a lot of low hanging branches that I was having trouble navigating on the mower. Once we were finished, we headed out to the farm to mow before it rained in the evening. I’m leaving tomorrow for a couple of days camping with some girlfriends and I didn’t want my sweetheart to have to do this work alone. 

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Today is my 69th Birthday. I usually celebrate my whole birthday month, but this year someone I know and love is struggling with health issues and it somehow felt rude to go over the top celebrating my own good health and good fortune. It felt like flaunting and that’s not who I am. Mr. FixIt and I were watching CBS Sunday Morning yesterday.

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“Tomorrow’s your birthday!” he said with enthusiasm.

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I breathed a sigh of relief that he remembered without me having to say anything. I’ve spent many birthdays disappointed that no one remembered. I’m past that now. If they don’t say anything by the day before, I have no problem reminding them. I’m just happy I didn’t have to with my sweetheart. When we were on our way to the farm to mow, I suggested we go to town and get a steak dinner and go to the park tonight for a picnic. I love picnics! Some of my favorite birthday celebrations have been simple dinners out in nature. 

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This begins my last year of my 60’s. I’ve thought a lot about that the last few weeks. I doubt 69 is going to be quite as fun as ‘69 was. That was one crazy year! The Beatle’s last public performance. The first flight of the Concorde. The Boeing 747 made its debut. The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was THE car to have. There was Woodstock. Neil Armstrong and “Buzz”Aldrin were the first humans to step foot on the moon. I turned 16 years old that summer. That’s a magical age anyway, then add all these huge events…it was a pretty monumental year.

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So, I’ve decided…I’m going to end my sixties with a bang and shoot for all kinds of good things. Lots of camping and nature. And lots of time with my family and friends. Here’s to a really good year…and many more!

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?

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“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!”

\nPsalm 20:4 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-06-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/06/13/a-day-on-the-tractor.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Aging","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/06/09/god-and-the-big-black.html", "title": "God and the Big Black Bear", "content_html": "\n
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When we were mowing here at the house this week, I used just about all the gas in the can. There was maybe a cup left. Mr. FixIt was using the push mower and needed gas, so he used some in one of our spare cans. I have no idea how old it was, but sure enough…it was bad and the mower just would not run. About a year ago, the throttle started surging on it so I knew it was going to need some work soon. 

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Ever since Mr. Virgo died, I’ve been adamant about learning how to do things on my own. There is a boatload of stuff to know when you live on five acres, so Mr. FixIt is really good about teaching me or talking me through it all. I tried putting a new air filter on it and that didn’t help. We had already emptied the old gas so I put fresh gas in it. Nothing. So, we put the mower up on the picnic table and I set to work tearing the carburetor apart. I wanted to clean it out and see if we could get the mower running again.

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I got the carburetor cleaned up and everything put back together, but it leaked gas. We ran to town to get a new one and I put it back together when we got home. There was only one problem. One of the mounting bolts was stripped and that’s why it leaked. We ordered replacement bolts online and they’ll get here in a week. Then we can try it again. It feels so empowering every time I do something like this and I am so appreciative that my husband isn’t territorial.

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Once we got everything put away, we headed to the farm to mow. There are four different county roads between here and there. We had just turned onto the third road when Mr. FixIt said, “Boy, I sure would like to see a bear out here! I’ve lived in this area since 1979 and I have never seen a bear once!” I reminded him we have them because we’ve seen scat. I am sure I heard one out at the farm one time, but I’ve never seen one here either.

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We drove on through the countryside, admiring the lush green and commenting what a beautiful day it was. The wildflowers are plentiful along the roadways and everywhere you looked there were daisies and red clover and honeysuckle. We came around a bend about a mile before our next turn, and there…I kid you not…there was a really good sized black bear running up the road and across! It looked back at us and hightailed it up the far bank and into the woods.

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We looked at each other in stunned silence, mouths agape, and then we started laughing at the sheer absurdity of it! I mean…seriously??? Did that just happen??? Yep, it sure did. We both lamented that we didn’t get a picture. Coincidence? Maybe. Mr. Virgo? Possibly. God? Most definitely! God delights in providing all his children’s needs and sometimes, what His children need is an unexpected surprise and a whole lot of laughter!

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And a really great story!

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?

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“Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly.”

\nProverbs 17:12 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-06-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/06/09/god-and-the-big-black.html", "tags": ["God","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/06/06/new-eyes.html", "title": "New Eyes", "content_html": "\n
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I remember when I became a Christian and invited Jesus into my heart. It felt as though every cell in my body had been made new again. My vision was even different. I was given new eyes. Not literally, of course…but I was seeing the world through the lens of Jesus. Everything was filtered in a new light and I could see beauty in places I’d never seen it before.

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I was talking with a friend of mine the other day who is developing a relationship with God. I shared something in a conversation and the response was… “You have grown.” I smiled and said a gracious thank you. I have grown. I’ve put in a lot of work AND Jesus has done the biggest part of the heavy lifting. However, part of the shift in this person’s perception is the new eyes they’ve been given. It’s wonderful to see the metamorphosis in a person that comes through faith. 

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I watched church online yesterday. It’s the first time I’ve watched a sermon in a while. We’ve been in a season of being still. We stopped going to church in person early in the pandemic. We watched our home church online for about a year afterward. Then, a series of events occurred that caused us to lose confidence in our pastor. I was disappointed, to say the least. It wasn’t a crisis of faith or belief. We just needed to be still and listen for God in our lives. 

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He has shown up in huge ways. We’ve seen frank miracles play out before us and it’s been so comforting to know God never leaves our side…no matter where we are in our process. I picked up my coffee and my book and headed out to the deck to read before the day got too hot. Not long after I sat down, I received a notification that Red Rocks Church was going online in five minutes. I felt compelled to tune in and it was as if someone passed a note to Pastor Shane and said, “Here…talk about letting go. Ginny needs to hear this and send it to her friend.” It was the perfect message at the perfect time.

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God shows up for us in the most amazing ways and we can truly be in a relationship with Him if we open our hearts and minds, let go, and listen for His voice. It humbles me every single time. It excites me. It brings me joy. It fills me with awe. I sat there listening to the sermon and it couldn’t have been more direct if they would have said my name…or my friend’s name. I shared it, of course. After all…it was given to me for that very purpose.

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Hearing God’s voice, feeling His presence, and taking directions is only part of the equation. It’s equally important to do what He tells us to do. When you do that, there is inexplicable peace and joy that washes in. And that…that is a feeling that makes you want to keep coming back for more.

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?

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“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

\nPsalms 16:11 NLT\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-06-06T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/06/06/new-eyes.html", "tags": ["Faith","Love","God","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/22/a-beautiful-obx-day.html", "title": "A Beautiful OBX Day", "content_html": "\n
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We walked down to the beach after breakfast yesterday and it was pretty windy and cool. Mr. FixIt wants to fish with his new rod and reel I bought him for his birthday, but it’s been so chilly this week…it just hasn't happened. I told him it didn’t matter to me…if he wanted to bring the stuff out to the beach and fish, I was game for anything. He thought about it for a bit and said, “Wanna drive up to Corolla and see the horses?” I said, “Wanna take your bait with you and fish when we get there?” He lit up! Win Win!

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We packed a picnic lunch and headed north on the island to where the paved road turns to sand. The first time Mr. FixIt brought me out on the beach, I was scared to death! I looked out at the waves and through an optical illusion, they looked much higher than my truck and I was just sure we were going to get stuck in the sand. Or worse…swept out to sea. 

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Mr. FixIt drove on the beach his whole life so this is second nature to him. I trust him explicitly. And, accidents can happen. Since that first time out there, I’ve done a lot of work on fear and anxiety and trust. And, since nothing happened to me the first time, I figured my chances of dying were now reduced to 50/50. Besides, God tells us to cast all our fears on Him. So I threw great big handfuls of fear over to Jesus and He caught them…like He always does!

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It was wonderful! We no sooner got out on the sand till we saw one of the wild horses. I told Mr. FixIt that God puts that one there for the scaredy cats so when they back out after 100 feet, they can still say they saw a wild horse. We didn’t see any more this time and none of the babies. We drove up the beach a ways and parked the truck along the high tide mark. Mr. FixIt got his chair and gear out. I really don’t like the chairs we brought with us. They are lighter and easier to carry out to the beach, but they are so uncomfortable. I decided to sit in the truck with the window down where I could be out of the wind, yet still hear and smell the ocean and be comfortable. 

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I knitted and watched the waves. I’ve learned how to knit without looking so I can multitask now. Mr. FixIt came in every once in a while to warm up or have a little something to eat. As we expected, fishing wasn’t any good, but we had a great time. He loves his new rod and reel and said it’s so much easier to cast which was the goal.

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We finally gave up and went on the prowl for a treat. I got a kiddie cup of peach ice cream. I can remember my dad’s only sister…my Aunt Marge…making this delicacy in the summer when we would go to her farm for a visit. She was a remarkable cook and her ice cream was the best! This wasn’t anything like hers, but thinking of her, sitting on her front porch with Queenie, the Norwegian Elkhound at her feet made me smile with warm memories. Aunt Marge had a hand pump out on the side porch of her house. I have distinct memories of pumping a pitcher of water that was so cold and so sweet and pure it gave you shivers to drink it. 

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We came back to the condo and stretched out for a little snooze before heading to the sound to watch the sunset. I thought of you all and wished you could see it then remembered, I haven’t done a live FB video for a while so it set that up. A little glitch at the front because I forgot you couldn’t shot landscape…it had to be portrait. Once that was fixed, I chatted with a few of you as the sun set. That was lovely and really added to the magic of the evening. 

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Isn’t it amazing…I can stand on the Currituck Sound watching the sunset and bring it to you live. From a phone. A phone so powerful it knocks the socks off my first few home computers. The lunar landing module had less computer power than we carry around in our pocket. We are so hyper connected and that can be really bad. We never unplug and just “be” anymore. But, it can be beautiful…just like last night. Friends hanging out together and thanking God for technology and sunsets.

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Life is beautiful…even in it’s supreme messiness.

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?

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“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

\nPhilippians 4:11-13 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-22T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/22/a-beautiful-obx-day.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Love","Peace","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/07/holding-on-to-joy.html", "title": "Holding On to Joy", "content_html": "\n
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My dear friend Marion sends me little texts when I need them. Be it a typo in my blog post, an interesting news story, or something cheerful to lift me up…I can always count on Marion to send me something sunny. Yesterday it was this lovely meme. I love dragonflies. They hover over our pool in the summer and rest on the tall grasses along the edge of the far field. They remind me of Evinrude…the character in the 1977 Disney feature, The Rescuers. I vividly remember a family night at the drive in theater when Daughter #1 was four years old. Dragonflies make me smile.

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It was on this day…fifteen years ago…that I married Mr. Virgo. I had no idea whatsoever that he’d be gone so soon. These are the days that used to knock me down in my early days of grief. The first anniversary after he passed was really hard as it was just three weeks after he died. It’s a different life now. A different world, surely. Life is what we make it, I think. 

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I am looking every day for joy. With all the crap that’s going on in the world right now, you would think real joy is a thing of the past. It’s hard to be joyful when others are suffering, and Lord have mercy…aren’t they suffering though? I should not…cannot…will not watch the news. When they warn you that some of the images are disturbing, trust them. Yet, in the midst of all that suffering, there are small snippets of joy. 

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A musician playing the cello amidst the ruins.

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Children being given parties with balloons and ice cream treats in the subways of Kyiv. 

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Couples defying all odds and finding love and marriage between bombs.

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The sheer act of standing their ground and standing up against tyranny brings a kind of joyful pride in the strength and courage of patriots…true patriots…who fight to defend their capital, not attack it.

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That kind of courage humbles me. When I witness acts of bravery like I’ve seen the last few weeks coming out of Ukraine, I feel embarrassed by some of the whining and sniveling I’ve seen within our own shores. Yet, I still look for joyful things in the everyday.

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As I worked on our taxes yesterday, I discovered we needed some more papers to complete them so there was a little work diversion. Once I figured out how to get the things we needed, we both received a weather notification. Rain was coming and we needed to get some work done on the camper to prepare for taking it to the shop today. I’m not sure why the refrigerator isn’t working, but hopefully it’s an easy fix. I’ll have to finish the taxes tomorrow.

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We’ve decided to take one day off when the camper is finished and stay overnight at a local state park near the dealership…even if it happens next week as we prepare for the beach trip. We definitely need a camping fix and next week is supposed to be beautiful around here. We need to find our joy…even if it’s just in small moments spent in nature. We definitely need our beach break next week.

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Even in the hardest of times, we have Jesus to bring us peace and joy. Knowing I can turn to Him, no matter what else is going on in the world, brings me such comfort. I’ll never be left without the weapons I need to fight the enemy. And, my oh my…the enemy is busy these days. But God is bigger…and stronger…and He WINS!

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Who is God? Who is the Great I Am? He is Love…with a capital L. He is the source of joy when the darkness threatens to overcome. He is here…closer than a breath away. He lives in our hearts and loves us more than we could ever fathom. What more do I need than this?

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?

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“He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?””

\nMatthew 16:15 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-07T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/07/holding-on-to-joy.html", "tags": ["Faith","God","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/06/the-past-as-a-present.html", "title": "The Past as a Present", "content_html": "\n
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Those of you who have been around a while know what happens at this time of year. I start delving into the taxes. And you know what that means. I have to pull out my trusty laptop, dust it off, and fire it up. I’ll bet I don’t turn that thing on more than a couple of times a year unless I’m working on my genealogy…and I haven’t been. I’ve been knitting instead. So…yesterday was “the day”.

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If you look back at this time every year, you will see pictures of people screaming and pulling their hair out while staring down a computer screen. Because…when you don’t boot up a computer for extended periods of time, there are any number of critical updates that need to be downloaded and installed. Maybe the virus protection is out of date and needs to be freshened up before you can even open any of the other programs. Maybe their subscriptions are expired and the wallet comes out to plop down an exorbitant amount of money before you can even start. That doesn’t even count downloaded all the transactions from the bank account and reconciling before end of year reports can be run. Oy…it’s a mess I get myself into year after year after year.

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Imagine my surprise when I opened the laptop yesterday and the updates went through smooth as silk. Imagine a helpful guy named Anthony skillfully walking me through the download and installation of a year’s worth of transactions without a glitch. Imagine I shopped so little that there were less than 500 transactions in all of last year! It’s a Tax Season Miracle!

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Now…I haven’t actually DONE the taxes, but the software has been downloaded, I’ve prescheduled it to download next year and for the foreseeable future so I don’t have to remember to buy a disk when I’m in town since I shop so seldom. The account is balanced to the penny, the categories have been assigned to each transaction, and all I have to do today is plug in the numbers in the right places and…voila! I’m pretty jazzed it’s been this easy so far and it didn’t take me five days of pulling my hair out to get to this point.

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Since I worked on the computer instead of going to the knitting group yesterday, and since I was finished in record time, I rewarded myself with an hour or two of browsing the newly released 1950 Census. There are no surprises…I found my parents and grandparents and they were listed at the addresses I knew of. It was fun to go down the list of names on the road that goes to the farm and recognize the people my grandma always talked about….some of whose I’ve met.

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It rained off and on all day yesterday so it was the perfect time to stay in and work on the computer. It will rain steadily all day today as well. The refrigerator isn’t working on the new camper and it’s under warranty, so I made an appointment for tomorrow to take it in for repairs. I’ve made it clear I need it back no later than the end of the month to prepare for the trip to Colorado. They assured me it shouldn’t be a problem.

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If you have a little time on your hands, go explore the 1950 Census. You can access it HERE. My brother and I weren’t around yet, but we didn’t miss it by much. It’s pretty exciting if you’re a genealogy geek like me! The census was mention thirty-six times in the Bible.

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?

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““Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel, by clans, by fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head.”

\nNumbers 1:2 ESV\n
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It was sixty-five degrees and sunny here in the Mid-Ohio Valley yesterday. What a glorious day! Mr. FixIt piddled around on a project outdoors while I piddled around indoors. I knitted on the baby sweater and got one sleeve half finished. And finally, around 3:30 or so, we headed into town. Our son-in-law’s birthday was yesterday so we needed to stop and give him his gift. Then we went to the City Park and walked. It was the first time since last fall that I’ve gone out and walked for exercise. I was pleasantly surprised that my bones didn’t hurt all that bad. I’m hoping this new regimen I’m on will help me get out and exercise more so I can lose some weight and feel better.

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There are flower beds all around the park and the first one we came to had crocus and snowdrops blooming! The park was filled with people walking and enjoying the warm, springy weather. Everyone was happy and we greeted each other like long lost friends. Red and grey squirrels scampered around in the leaves looking for errant acorns. There was one lone black squirrel…his inky color easy to spot from further away.

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We came around the far side of the park and saw the high school baseball team out on the field preparing it for an evening game. Dust was flying as one young man pulled along a bar with chains, dragging it across the earth to smooth it. The sun was setting beyond the baseball diamond and the sky was dapple with fish scale clouds. It was just lovely.

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We left the park and took the long way out through the outskirts of town. We followed a creek through rolling hills and horse farms. We were heading to my bonus son’s house. Our daughter-in-law also had a birthday yesterday. We had a small family gathering and we remarked how absolutely foreign it felt. We are all vaccinated and boosted so we felt comfortable enough being together. But I don’t think I’ll ever look at socializing the same again.

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We drove through light rain showers on our way home and today isn’t supposed to get higher than the mid-forties. This is the time of year where each day presents a different season. It’s hard to know what to wear and indeed…you can be bundled like it’s winter in the morning and by the time 4:00 rolls around, you need a t-shirt. So, a cool day means there’s an open invitation to knit the day away sans guilt.

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It was a beautiful day…the closest to normal as I’ve experienced in a very long time. It feels like breathing for the first time. Today, I am remembering my good friend Monica. We went to school together. Monica died in her sleep ten years ago today. Her husband still pines for her and mourns her loss like it was yesterday. Please keeps Steve and family in your thoughts and prayers today. And, of course…the courageous people of Ukraine.

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??

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“Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.””

\nHosea 6:3 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-03-03T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/03/03/a-meteorological-spring-day.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/02/23/counting-stitches-counting-days.html", "title": "Counting Stitches, Counting Days", "content_html": "\n
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Oh, how I love this yarn. The softness comes from 70% Superwash Merino Wool and the sheen comes from 30% Bamboo. It’s like butter. It’s lightweight and warm…just what you want in a wrap for a May outing in Colorado. The pattern is super easy and I love the edge it creates as you end rows and begin the next. It’s a series of open loops that seem to fit the nature of the both the pattern and the yarn.

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The shawl I’m currently knitting. The picture shows different yarns, but the one I am using is self striping. I could have thrown in some different textures and stitches, but I’m keeping it simple.

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I awoke yesterday morning out in the Big Birdhouse along about 3:30. I was chilled and couldn’t quite figure out why till I discovered the electric blanket was no longer working. It is super frustrating for me to spend perfectly good money on something only to have it stop working after five times. We’ll try to return both blankets. Mr. FixIt’s is still in its packaging, but if one has stopped working, the other will surely be right behind it. Here is where I have to point out…you get what you pay for. In an effort to save a few dollars, I caved and bought the cheapest electric blanket I could find. Sure enough, it underlines my shopping mantra. “Buy the best you can afford. It saves you money in the long run.”

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Starry, starry night.

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Even though I covered up with an extra quilt I had in the camper, I didn’t really warm up because I didn’t want to turn on the small ceramic space heater. It had just started raining and I wanted to hear the raindrops hitting the roof of the camper. As I lay there fiddling with my phone, I decided to take a picture of the interior with the night vision setting of my iPhone. The blue light from the clock on the microwave created an enchanting “under sea” look that was fun.

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By the glow of the microwave clock.

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I waited for the sun to come up and somewhere around 6:00, I drifted off for a couple of hours. I had to pack up my camper bag and wait for the rain to slack off a bit before I headed indoors. Mr. FixIt was sitting in the family room when I came in so I poured my coffee and sat down with him. He had an appointment in town in the early afternoon and I had my Zoom call with my brother out in Colorado. 

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Afterward, I turned on YouTube and watched a few videos on Appalachian folklore, caught a couple tutorials on knitting and making sourdough English muffins, and worked on the new shawl I’m knitting. This one starts with a cast on that ends up being the center of the back of the neck then expands the further down you go. By the time you get down to the place where you knit the lace border, you have 218 stitches. I’ve learned to place a stitch marker every five rows so I don’t have to sit and count that many stitches very often. 

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Once I start the lace border, I’ll have to go back to paying close attention in order to get the pattern right. It rained hard all day, so it was a perfect day to knit by the fire and listen to old tales from the Appalachian people. There were several videos about old folk sayings and wive’s tales…much of which I heard from my elders as I was growing up. I’ll share some in another post one of these days.

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Today is an at-home day. I think I may do a little baking as it is expected to be rather cold and dismal grey here. This bright and cheerful yarn is just what the doctor ordered for days such as this!

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?

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““Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.”

\nJoel 2:23 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-02-23T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/02/23/counting-stitches-counting-days.html", "tags": ["Camping","West Virginia","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Crafts","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/02/21/a-new-week-begins-and.html", "title": "A New Week Begins and There’s Work to be Done", "content_html": "\n
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The tree is down, the sun is out, and I’ve finished the little shawl/scarf I knitted. I still need to block it. I followed the pattern exactly and had enough yarn left over to knit another one, I believe. It isn’t as large as I pictured it being, but it’s still lovely and was an adventure in learning how to knit lace. I am finding the more intricate the pattern, the more I need to concentrate while I’m knitting. I lost count how many times I needed to rip out a row…or three! I found I needed to put my headphones on and listen to the campfire whenever I knitted the open lacy sections. But, it’s done and now I can move on to other things.

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We are expecting some much warmer weather this week…and some rain. Typical seasonal weather for West Virginia. There are areas of the state that will see 2-4” of rain in a week. I’ve lived through summers in Colorado that didn’t see that kind of rain in six months. The rivers are rising. Trees are falling because the ground is saturated, the roots are shallow, and the wind just brings them down. I’m amazed (knock on wood) that we haven’t lost power here. It’s not unusual. We have the generator out on the front porch, gassed up and ready…just in case.

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Today marks two years since Mr. FixIt had his first stroke. Six weeks or so later, he had another one. I am so happy to say he is doing really, really well. Very little residual effects. His balance isn’t great so there’s no more trips up tall ladders for my man, but when we think of what it could have been…oh, my! We are SO grateful that God spared us. We have poured ourselves into each other, knowing that we all live on borrowed time and tomorrow is never guaranteed. 

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My “Aunt Arlene” called yesterday. She was to marry my Uncle Sonny in the mid-‘50s but never had the chance. He was killed in a plane crash. I sent her one of The Farm memory books and she remembered my uncle telling her how much he loved Grandma’s Raisin Filled Cookies. I included Grandma’s handwritten recipe in the book, so Arlene called me last night to ask me some questions about it. I don’t know if any of you have kept your grandma’s or mom’s recipes only to see they were written more as notes than actual directions. She said she was committed to getting them finished so I sure hope they tasted good to her!

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I had a lovely chat with Big last evening. You know how kids prefer texting. I find we “talk” a lot more if we text instead of talk on the phone. Big soon turns eighteen, graduates from high school, and will head off to college in the fall. I know what my daughter is going through with this. She seems to be handling it well…probably much better than I did. That may be because her children are much closer together. Little will graduate in three years then there will be the inevitable empty nest. When Daughter #1 graduated from high school, I still had a two year old at home. Big difference.

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I don’t know if you are ever really prepared for that first child to grow up and leave you. It broke my heart when she and her new husband moved to Long Island…about as far away as they could get without leaving the country. I was in the throes of a depression anyway…having her so far away didn’t help matters. My daughter and her husband have a much stronger marriage than we had when she went out on her own, so I have great hopes for them to be successful.

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I’m not at all sure what I’m going to get into today. I’m thinking of going out to the farm for a couple of days at some point this week. Other than that and a phone conference on Tuesday, I have nothing scheduled till coffee with my classmates on Saturday. I do need to start some repair work on the smaller a-frame camper soon so I can get it on the market. Our big project for the summer will be cleaning out the big building and getting a new roof on our house as well as our rental. That and the trip to the beach as well as the trip to Colorado and it’s almost as though the summer is over before its started.

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Is it just me, or does time seem to race by the older we get? I remember looking at summer as an endless stretch of sun-warmed days filled with fun and friends and laughter. Now it seems you blink and you miss it but somehow you managed twenty doctor’s appointments and a garden and mowing in there. I am committed to spending more time sitting in the shade of a tree and sipping on iced tea this summer. Savor every moment because the water level in the bucket of life is sinking ever lower with each passing year.

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?

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“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

\nPsalm 90:12-17 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-02-21T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/02/21/a-new-week-begins-and.html", "tags": ["Aging","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/02/03/lets-dance.html", "title": "Let’s Dance!", "content_html": "\n
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Put on your red shoes and dance the blues! I love to dance and my favorite place to dance is at a concert when everyone else is standing up and dancing, too. Gosh, it’s been a long time since I’ve danced to live music. Lately, I been feeling the sting of these last couple of years. The isolation of the pandemic and not getting to just do what I want, when I want is making me cranky and restless. I’m getting a HUGE case of 24 month cabin fever!

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I haven’t stayed inside and away from everyone for the last 24 months. I’ve traveled…safely. I’ve camped…safely. I’ve had company over…safely. Don’t get me wrong…I’m all about safety. But I’m probably one of the most spontaneous people you’re likely to meet. Well, I used to be…BC. Before Covid. I love to throw some things in a bag and hit the road at a moment’s notice. I haven’t done that for a long, long time.

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When we watched the news on Tuesday night, I turned to my sweetie and said, “We need to go to Columbus tomorrow.” Now, I may be a spontaneous person, but my sweetheart is…not so much. He likes to know what’s coming and he isn’t a big fan of change. That being said, he is my number one fan and he knew there had to be a perfectly reasonable explanation for this sudden twist in the plot. 

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It was more than just the ice and snow coming. I had one of my “bad nights” Tuesday night. I was filled with anxiety and I couldn’t turn off my brain till finally I gave up at 5:30 in the morning. I fell into a deep sleep for four hours and when I woke up, I started throwing things in the truck so we could get the heck out of Dodge.

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I don’t have “bad nights” nearly as often as I used to. They were a daily occurrence in the first couple of years after Mr. Virgo died. I tried every tool in my tool box. I saw that there was a big snowstorm out in Denver and I knew my youngest was going to be driving in that to work. Throw it to God. What happens if we get all the way up there and they cancel my surgery because of the weather? Throw it to God. Ugh…I remember how I felt after that surgery last year. I hate to have to go through that again. Throw it to God.

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I was wadding up thoughts faster than a sixth grade boy making spitballs. I shot them over to Jesus as fast as he could catch them. And you know what? He just kept catching them! He smiled and said, “I can do this all night, kiddo. How’s about you get some sleep and let me take care of the tough stuff for a while? Whadya say?’

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That was at about 5:30am. I smiled back and whispered, “You’re on!” 

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I turned over, pulled the covers up to my chin, released my tongue from the roof of my mouth where I firmly press it when I’m anxious, and repeated my mantra. Don’t think…don’t think…don’t think. You can’t think if you’re busy thinking, “Don’t think.”

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So, here we are in a beautiful hotel suite with huge windows overlooking the river. We made a run to the local Kroger store and have enough good food and snacks to tide us over till we head home a day or two after the surgery. I’m happily knitting on my sweater. Mr. FixIt is glad to see me smiling and less tense. Everything is going to work out great. And I’m really looking forward to feeling better and more like my old self. Then I can get back out there and dance!

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❄️❤️❄️

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“Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!”

\nPsalm 149:3 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-02-03T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/02/03/lets-dance.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Be Joyful!","Anxiety"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/01/07/remembering-my-rebirthday-and-watching.html", "title": "Remembering my Re-Birthday and Watching it Snow", "content_html": "\n
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Yesterday was my “re-birthday”. It marked 22 years since one of the darkest days of my life. It turned out to be the turning point that actually saved my life. It was the first day of the 8,036 days I’ve spent sober. It was also the lowest point of my depression. Hubby #2 had long since emotionally checked out of our marriage and I had no idea how I was going to survive without him. That night…22 years ago…I overdosed on two full bottles of pills and could easily have died. 

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It was the end of my twenty year marriage, but it was the beginning of the journey back to myself. I became a better mom…a better friend…a better human. In time. It was hard work and I seriously think it was that experience that gave me the tools I needed to navigate the grief of Mr. Virgo’s death. January 6th is Epiphany…a day of joy and faith. Joy and faith eluded me that day in 2000. It took a lot time, but I’ve found both again in ways I’d never experienced…even with my late husband.

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I marked the day with Mr. FixIt. We fiddled around the house a little. We watched some mindless TV. He went to the store for bread and milk. I started knitting the second sock. Then we settled in to watch the “Severe Weather Bulletin” on the news out of Huntington. We can’t get the local news through our satellite company, so we watch what’s happening to our neighbors a couple hours south of us. 

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The “Severe Weather Bulletin” interrupted regular programming for at least three hours. They had remote broadcasts from eight or ten reporters. They’d switch over and the reporter inevitably said, “Yep…it’s still snowing here.” Then they would pan over and show you the snow on the road. Yep…the road was white. It was snow alright. I had to laugh, because…well, I lived in Colorado for forty years. Where…you know…it SNOWS!

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The first snow after Mr. Virgo died. Colorado - December 2013

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It’s so funny to see what happens in different areas of the country when it snows. An inch of snow can paralyze a southern state for days. In Colorado, it’s called October. Or November, December, or any month…clear through May. And sometimes June or July if you’re up in the high country. School let out early yesterday afternoon. You know…to get the kids home before the Snowpocalypse hit. There won’t be school today, I guarantee it.

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When my kids were in school in the mountains of Colorado, they only had one snow day that I can remember. It was -27 and they couldn’t get the buses started that morning. If Coloradans called off school every time it snowed…well, there wouldn’t be much schoolin’. So, I kinda giggle at the mass hysteria when we get a little snow here in West Virginia. It was awfully pretty. And I was really glad we didn’t have any place to go yesterday. We just made a big pot of spaghetti and watched it snow. It was a really good place to be…literally and figuratively. 

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❄️

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““He orders the snow, ‘Blanket the earth!’ and the rain, ‘Soak the whole countryside!’ No one can escape the weather—it’s there. And no one can escape from God.”

\nJob 37:6-8 MSG\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-01-07T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/01/07/remembering-my-rebirthday-and-watching.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Gratitude","Grace","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Insight"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/01/06/one-sock-done-one-to.html", "title": "One Sock Done, One to Go!", "content_html": "\n
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I finished the first sock yesterday. I had two skeins…one per sock. I nearly ran out of the first skein and it took me a bit to figure out what I did wrong. I followed the pattern precisely, but I think I could have made the top a good two inches shorter. Then the foot could be longer. But, as it is, these will fit Little perfectly. Tiny feet! A perfect Valentine’s treat!

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I didn’t sit all afternoon and knit like I have been. I had some other things to do. I needed to mail three packages. Two late Christmas gifts. And, a book for my dear friend Diane’s granddaughter. She is grieving the loss of her Granny, so I sent her a copy of “Rise Up, Little Bluebirds” written by Kristy Boike. Remember when I shared the story from CBS Sunday Morning about the man who lost his wife to brain cancer? She was an avid gardener and loved bluebirds. So, after she died, he started making bluebird houses. His daughter not only lost her mom, but soon after…lost her father-in-law. Her four children were struggling with the losses and, being a former primary school teacher, she wrote a sweet book that helps kids process their feelings about loss and normalizes conversations about grief. I hope it helps her. That child was the center of Diane’s universe…and vice versa.

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Mr. FixIt got the generator out and cleaned up. It started right up for him and he wanted me to go out and see if I could start it, too. I told him as soon as we became serious about this relationship that I need to know how to do everything around this place…just in case I ever have to do it on my own someday. Once you have lost your spouse, you will forever be aware of how tenuous life truly is and I don’t ever want to be caught flat footed. He reminded me of the steps to get it ready, and on the second pull, it fired right up. We have it out on the covered front porch along with the snow blower (it’s actually battery powered) so we’ll be ready for the coming snowfall. We have the battery plugged in and charging.

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On my way back from the Post Office yesterday, I stopped at the two grocery stores in town to pick up a few things. Dick’s Market for fresh ground hamburger, and deli sliced Colby Longhorn cheese and sliced Tavern Ham. Oh…that ham is fabulous and makes the best sandwiches and is great on breakfast biscuits with egg and cheese. Speaking of biscuits, I stopped at the Pig and got fresh buttermilk, bacon, and some great pepperoni and cheese to make homemade Pepperoni Rolls. I may make a batch of Cinnamon Rolls, too. We’ll see.

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While I’m not a huge fan of winter, I sure don’t mind getting stuck at home with lots of fun foods to bake and eat. And, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be stuck at home with than my sweet husband. Knitting, baking, sitting with my sweetheart, and watching the snow fall outside. It doesn’t get any better than that!

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My world is so vastly different now than it was as a new widow. This is the ninth winter since Mr. Virgo died. That first winter in Colorado as a widow was so awful. We had SO much snow that year and…thank GOD I had great neighbors with snowblowers. Between them and hiring the sprinkler guy to come dig me out of a few really big dumps…plus all the times I shoveled by hand in between…I was absolutely bound and determined I would never live where I had to deal with snow like that again. 

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Enter the Winter of 2014-15. I had moved to West Virginia to live on the farm, but Christmas found me scrambling for other living arrangements. I housesat for a friend for a couple of months up in Marietta, Ohio. I remember sitting in the front window of the second floor loft apartment…drafty and cold…watching the snow pile up outside. I was bereft. Things hadn’t worked out at the farm like I thought they would. And I spent those two months scanning thousands of photos onto external hard drives. The memories were so thick, you could cut them with a knife. And they cut my broken heart even deeper.

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By the end of January 2015, I was living in my camper up on a ridge overlooking the Ohio River. The river was frozen and made sounds like ice being dropped in a cooler…all night, every night. The train ran by within a couple hundred yards…every few hours. Tug boats pushed barges of gasoline, chemicals, and coal up and down the river…day and night. No running water. My fridge stopped working and I lost all my food. I showered at Planet Fitness and did laundry at a laundromat for the first time in three decades. It was…challenging, to say the least. But, it made me a stronger person, I think. I had to learn how to survive and thrive on my own. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. However…I wouldn’t necessarily want to repeat it.

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It’s a good life I live here on five acres with Mr. FixIt. I never dreamed I’d be where I am today…and certainly not with my old high school chum. If you would have told me this was where my life would lead, I’d have said you were crazy! Yet, here we are. This is a great story…chapter…volume of my Book of Life.

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?

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“We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.”

\nProverbs 19:21 MSG\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-01-06T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/01/06/one-sock-done-one-to.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Marriage","Crafts","In the Kitchen","Home"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/12/07/the-moon-and-the-stars.html", "title": "The Moon and The Stars", "content_html": "\n
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I went outside last evening to do something and stopped in my tracks. The curve of the moon…nothing more than a thumbnail…was like a cup, ready to catch the “falling star” that was Venus. It took my breath away. Anytime the moon is near the horizon, it looks much bigger than it really is. And unless you have the proper camera lens, it’s not going to look like much more than a dot on a picture. But I loved the way the Christmas decorations shed light up on the naked maple tree with just the ghostly images of the building and fence. And there was the celestial spectacle, just waiting for me to see it.

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It reminded me of how we live so much of our lives in the dark without knowing what beauty lies beyond our diminished horizons. For instance, if I hadn’t have thought of something I left in the truck, I never would have walked out the back door at exactly the right moment. Yet, this beauty would have been there, whether I saw it or not. We don’t look up enough. Or out, for that matter.

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We are all too often like a pickup driving an old back road. Over the years, the storms that come along turn the road to mud. And when the people come, which they inevitably do, their wheels dig deep ruts in the road. Eventually, the mud dries, but the ruts stay. After a while, it gets harder and harder to steer out of those ruts till it’s actually the road steering us. 

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The only way around that is to look further ahead down the road, plot your course on a different path, and steer away from the ruts. Taking a different path leads to different scenery, different experiences, different outcomes. And, sometimes you are treated to an entirely different view you weren’t expecting.

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There is so much beauty in the world. Don’t let the naysayers and the mainstream media pundits tell you there is not goodness out there. I sat in line at the drive-thru of my favorite coffee shop yesterday. I asked the gal at the window how much the order was behind me? It was under $5, so I said, “Add it to mine.” I pulled off to the side to sit and really savor my coffee slowly and I glanced in my rear view mirror as the person behind me waved enthusiastically. It made me smile at the simple gift I could give to a stranger.

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I had to stop at Walmart to pick up a couple of things and decided to buy longer charging cords for our new phones. There was one young girl waiting on people in the electronics section. I found myself thinking about all the other things I needed to do and asking myself if I should leave the line and pick up what I needed and come back or just wait it out. The thought, “Well, this is just the way things are now. The pandemic has changed so many aspects of our every day lives. The supply chain is messed up. People are not just settling for lower paying jobs now so there’s a shortage of employees. Yada, yada, yada…” 

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I could have gotten myself in a tizzy for nothing. Instead, I listened. Christmas music was playing. A woman was looking at the photos she was picking up and smiling at them. A young man was sitting in one of the electric scooters you can drive around. He was carefully reading the boxes on some sort of electronic item making sure he had the right thing. And elderly couple shuffled slowly by…bent over…holding hands. They carefully carried a small bag of oranges. I felt eyes on me and looked over at the young woman behind the counter. She was so serene in the midst of the line waiting for her attention. She smiled at me.

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“What can I help you with?”

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“Are you sure? I just need a couple of charging cords.”

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“Sure, come on.”

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We walked over and I had what I needed in less than thirty seconds.

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“Thanks so much!”

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“Not a problem. Have a great day!”

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As I turned to walk away, I heard her sweet voice say to the next customer “What can I help you with?”

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There is beauty in the world. You just have to look for it. For some odd reason, that was the impetus I’ve been looking for to get me started on decorating the tree. All of a sudden, that was all I could think of…just getting home and handling the treasures we share just this one time a year. By evening, I had all but the most fragile vintage ornaments up on the tree. I’ll finish them today, vacuum the room and pick up a little, and we’ll call it good. I didn’t put all the tchotchkes out this year. I just wanted to keep it simple. 

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We have a very busy month ahead with lots of end-of-the-year appointments we have to attend. It’s not the laid back holiday month I had hoped for, so keeping everything else simple makes things seem a little less hectic. Having the tree finished opens up opportunities for a little impromptu baking. I picked up some apples and ready made pie crusts. Remember, while homemade from scratch is excellent, there’s nothing wrong with substituting a little store bought to make your life easier.

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Remember…Work smarter, not harder.

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?

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“Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah”

\nPsalm 89:37 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-12-07T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/12/07/the-moon-and-the-stars.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/12/05/ice-ice-baby.html", "title": "Ice, Ice, Baby!", "content_html": "\n
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Pardon the mess…we are still a work in progress here!

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Well, we’re making progress here. My back pain was much improved after seeing the chiropractor on Friday and sitting on ice packs several times Friday and Saturday. Thank, God! It was becoming alarming…I don’t have time for this, you know. All that sitting gave me an opportunity to knit. Last year, I bought tons of that cotton yarn you knit dishcloths out of and I’m just about finished with it. I love tucking a little homemade something into a card or under the ribbon of a larger gift. Homemade spells love in my book. I’ll have a whole basket full of dishcloths and that ought to last me for quite some time and I can move on to other things.

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The first thing we did yesterday was run into our little burg and hit the coffee shop and the bakery. What a great way to start the weekend! When I got up yesterday morning, Mr. FixIt had the tree upright and lit. I needed to center it a little better and fluff out the branches. If you notice in this picture…there’s nothing on it. That’s because I couldn’t figure out how to decorate it AND sit on ice at the same time. You can also see it’s kind of “striped”. A strand or two of the lights are out. That happens sometimes with pre-lit trees. I could tediously go through each bulb and try to find the one that’s burned out. Or, I can do what I did last year….run a string of white lights in the blank spots and call it good. Work smarter, not harder, right?

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Mr. FixIt went out and washed our poor old blow-up Santa off. He gets pretty muddy by the end of the season and needed a bath. A little later, I went out and helped him hang the wreath on the end of the house. Then he took his new hedge trimmer and cleaned up the forsythia at the corner of the house. If you aren’t careful, those things will take over and then need cut back regularly. We watched football. We ordered some Rada knives from my bonus daughter’s church so he ran to town to pay for them. She gave us some venison…tenderloin and steaks…so I’m trying my hand at cooking that today. I love elk, but I’m still on the fence with venison. We’ll see.

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Today, we’ll finish with the decorating, I think. Then I can write the Christmas cards while I’m sitting on ice packs. We plug along, working at our own pace. It’s good to not have a schedule you have to meet. That’s one of the benefits of retirement…and winter!

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❄️

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“One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”

\nRomans 14:5 ESV\n
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#Decorating, #Christmas, #Tree

\n\n", "date_published": "2021-12-05T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/12/05/ice-ice-baby.html", "tags": ["Holiday","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Crafts"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/11/30/be-the-light-change-the.html", "title": "Be the Light, Change the World", "content_html": "\n
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Photo Credit: @QuoteILoveU via Twitter

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There are countless ways to live in this world. I used to operate without a safety net. I never read the instruction manual. I flew by the seat of my pants and wondered why things never changed for me. Every day, day in and day out, I made what felt like really bad decisions. It turns out…there are no mistakes. Only lessons. And God is a funny guy…He’ll keep bringing you serving after serving of the same stuff till you learn the lesson you’re being presented with.

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Baby Christians…those who are new to the faith…see the world through rose colored glasses because God’s Grace is so new and so big and so obvious…most of the time, anyway. After you’ve been in the game for a while, it’s easy to forget just how big and awesome He is. It’s also easy to forget He doesn’t just give you a menu that you can pick and choose from then serve it all up on a silver platter. It just doesn’t work that way.

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God always hears our prayers. And, He is omnipresent meaning He is here in every part of your life when you want Him to be. He answers prayers. We’ve all seen answered prayers. He answers ALL prayers. It’s just that sometimes the answer is “not yet” or, that bitter pill…. “no”. When you’re living life on easy street and you see blessing after blessing, miracle after miracle…it’s easy to see God. The problem comes when things are tough. That’s when it’s hard to hear Him. Hard to see Him. Hard to FEEL Him. 

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When life is challenging, like it seems to be these days, it’s easy to give up and think there’s no use trying. It’s easy to slip into the story the world is telling you. And, the more you listen to that story, the more darkness surrounds you. You can become numbed by the siren’s song of shopping, gossip, television, violence most frequently found on the internet and in the news and on social media. 

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We are like magnets. We are what we eat. Not just literally, but figuratively. When we “eat” a steady diet of negativity, it clouds our vision. We attract what we hunger for so more and more darkness fill our minds and hearts when what we really want is goodness and light. I don’t know anyone who starts each morning with a cup of coffee and says to the universe, “Please, fill me with ugliness and garbage and hatred today. Bring me all the things that will hurt me and ruin my life.” 

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I have found, the more light I open myself up to, the more light I can shine out into the world. When I stay away from disturbing images, vulgar language, hateful rhetoric…I have more room in my heart for the things listed in Philippians. The things we are directed to ponder. Whatever is True…Noble…Right…Pure…Lovely…Admirable. 

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Be the Change.\nBe the Light.\nBe the Church.\nBe Good.\nBe Kind.\nBe Helpful.\nBe Hopeful.\nBe Generous.\nBe Noble.\nBe Honest.\nBe Trustworthy.\nBe of Good Moral Fiber.\nShow Good Character.
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Be the Light you want to see in the world. As Michelle Obama said, “When they go low, we go high.” When the haters hate…don’t give them airtime. Don’t acknowledge them. A fire cannot burn without fuel.

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Be careful where you strike your match.

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It is the last day of November, dear ones. We are in the holiday season where love and light and laughter are de rigueur. I don’t know about you, but I’d sure like to see it last more than a month. I’ve been laid up since Saturday night nursing a pulled muscle in my lower back. This has given me the opportunity to sit still with my feet up…something that is so NOT my usual routine. I’ve knitted. I’ve read. I’ve watched a little Andy Griffith. I’ve watched the birds and the kitty laying in the sun and looked at pictures on my phone. I’ve called up friends and family and caught up with correspondence. But, mostly I’ve sat in quiet contemplation. I’m determined to be the bearer of as much light and love and joy as I can possibly carry into and through the New Year.

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Let’s do this. Let’s turn things around and bring some healing into the heart of the world. Lord knows…it needs it.

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?

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“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

\nPhilippians 4:8-9 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-11-30T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/11/30/be-the-light-change-the.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grace","Love","God","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/11/15/emerging-from-the-silence.html", "title": "Emerging from the Silence", "content_html": "\n
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I have a dear sister/friend who sends me songs through Messenger every once in a while. She and I actually met in choir and music has been much more a part of who she is than it has been for me. For years, I couldn’t drive without blasting the musing and singing at the top of my lungs. Mr. Virgo and I had CDs we had burned with “road trip music” in the days before MP3 players. To this day, when I hear “Hotel California” and “Go Your Own Way” it takes me back to a highway in Arizona that looked all the world like an old western movie.

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Then…Mr. Virgo died and my world went dark and colorless and silent. Eventually the color came back and the light shines, but I’ve never really enjoyed music like I used to. Oh, I still love to go to live music, but I’m talking about turning on music while I’m working around the house or driving on road trips. I have learned to love the silence and the hours of meditation driving without noise provides me.

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My friend sent me a recording of Matteo Bocelli singing SOLO. He is Andre Bocelli’s son. It was ok but didn’t know my socks off. All week, Mr. FixIt and I had been looking forward to Adele’s special…”One Night Only” on TV. It aired last night after 60 Minutes. Oh, my gosh! She was amazing!!! I didn’t realize how much I’d missed her. She hasn’t performed in six years and she had stories to tell.

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When we go through the battles of life, we all have stories to tell about it. Adele’s stories hit such a spot in my soul last night. From her largely absent alcoholic father to the deep pain and soul searching that came from her divorce, I could relate to it all. It was so fun to see the faces of the celebrities in the audience as they were reduced to normal citizen status…dancing and singing and looking on with frank awe on their faces. 

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I don’t know if it will inspire me to listen to more music or not. It might. I doubt I’ll drive with music on. I’m older and need to concentrate. But listening to Adele and the stories her music tells was so refreshing last night and I deeply enjoyed it. I hope you got a chance to see it as well.

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?

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“addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,”

\nEphesians 5:19 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-11-15T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/11/15/emerging-from-the-silence.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Be Joyful!","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/10/31/trick-or-treat.html", "title": "Trick or Treat!", "content_html": "\n
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All Souls Day, All Saints Day, Samhain, souling, guising, Guy Fawkes Day, Dia de los Muertos…Day of the Dead…pretty much all the same celebrations are celebrated in many places around the world. The tradition of Trick or Treating got it’s start via the original celebrations where someone dressed as a spirit danced around a bonfire and people threw gifts and coins to appease the spirit and get it to go back to where it belongs. Some cultures believe the day is when souls are allowed to come back to the world and visit their family members again.

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Whatever the source, Halloween has always been a fun and lighthearted holiday for me. I didn’t come from a family that thought it was somehow glorifying demons or worshipping the devil, thank goodness. We were not allowed to do tricks on people if they didn’t give full sized candy bars, either. I never went with kids that egged houses or TP’d the trees and shrubbery, either. 

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I remember the fun crafts we made in school for Halloween. Pumpkins with Jack-o-Lantern faces, black cats with bright green eyes, witches with pointy hats riding on brooms. We drew and colored, cut and pasted, and hung our decorations around the classroom. Then, on Halloween, we were allowed to put on our costumes, parade around the hallways, then return to our rooms for a party. It was great fun! We filled up on popcorn balls and candy corn, Hershey Kisses and lemonade then when school was over…we anxiously waiting till it got dark enough to go from door to door.

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Mr. FixIt and I were talking about it on our way home from dinner last night. We come from a generation where it was still safe enough to send your kids out in groups to go door to door and extort…or I mean, beg for candy. We knew what streets gave out the good stuff. I was probably one of the only kids that loved getting a new toothbrush. Mr. FixIt said they stayed away from the dentist’s house. Our only ordered were…we had to bring everything home and show it to Mom before we could eat it and we couldn’t go more than three streets away. We also couldn’t pass Grand Central Avenue. That was a busy street.

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My earliest real memory of Halloween itself was the year I had chicken pox. I must have been around nine years old. Mom propped me up on pillows on the sofa so I could see the kids’ costumes and…you know…really SEE all the fun I was missing. Bless her heart…she meant well. The thing I think about now is…I was sick with a highly contagious disease, my mom was taking care of me, I was less that six feet from the door, and my mother was handing out virus-laced candy to all the kids in the neighborhood. Talk about a super-spreader event!

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I continued to go Trick or Treating with my friends till we were well into high school. We always dressed up at work through the years. And there were the countless Halloween parties along the way. Taking my own kids wasn’t easy when I had to work. Hubby #2 usually took the kids out while I stayed home and handed out candy. I remember one particularly cold Halloween in Denver when Daughter #1 went as Wonder Woman. Her costume was cheap plastic because that’s all we could afford. Her costume completely froze, then BROKE, then shredded in little pieces and fell off. She was devastated. That’s the last year we went with cheap store bought costumes.

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We live so far out in the country now, we never get Trick or Treaters. I really like all the Trunk or Treat events they have now. I think it’s fun and certainly safer for the kids. Here’s something I will never do. I will never as a kid, “Don’t you think you're a little good old to go Trick or Treating?”  Because…they’ve chosen childhood over partying somewhere. Kids aren’t allowed to be kids long enough. There’s plenty of time ahead for adulting. So, I give out a great big handful to everybody! 

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We drove through one of the little towns between home and Parkersburg last night and they were having their community wide Trunk or Treat. It was crazy busy…there were cars parked EVERYWHERE. We drove very slowly through and got home without incident.

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It’s going to get pretty cold this week and we’ll be getting our first frost of the season. When we got home, I told Mr. FixIt I was going to “camp” in the camper and he was welcome to join me if he wanted. He declined, but I went on out. It will be no time and it will be really, really cold and I won’t be as inclined to sleep out there. It’s very cozy with the little ceramic heater and the new blankets I brought out from the house. After living on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River through a particularly hard winter, there’s no weather that scares me away from camping!

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So, October is over and a new month begins tomorrow. This is where we start to slip into the holiday season and the rest of the year will be a blur. I encourage you to slow things down. Take some time to enjoy and savor every morsel, every moment. It’s all over way, way too soon.

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???

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“Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

\n3 John 1:11 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-10-31T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/10/31/trick-or-treat.html", "tags": ["Fun","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/10/18/when-you-find-a-great.html", "title": "When You Find a Great Place to Stay, Stay There!", "content_html": "\n
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Big Bird! A lot like Birdie, but bigger, with twin beds so the dinette stays up, and more storage!

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We are camping at a beautiful state park we’ve never been to before. Our initial plan was to stay here a couple of nights, then head toward Gettysburg and tour the historic sites…something I’ve always wanted to do. We sat in the sun yesterday afternoon and had lunch surrounded by falling leaves. The weather is cool with lots of puffy white clouds in the clear blue sky. We are steps from a huge lake. And, we’re tired.

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Camping on a lazy Sunday afternoon!

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We’ve been running around like crazy this year with SO much driving. And, here we are with this really great new camper in a really great new (to us) state park so…we decided to just stay here for a few more days. We drove around the park with the site availability map open on my cell phone and picked a beautiful site tucked in the woods. It sits far enough away from the road that the noise is minimal and it’s just a short walk to the lake. It’s a win/win, I think.

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The campsite we had the last two nights. The sites are spread out and surrounded by trees.

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Our truck is packed to the gills with a lot of the camping gear that came out of TOW-Wanda and Birdie. We are trying to figure out just exactly what we really NEED for the new camper and where and how to store it most efficiently. We don’t want to just throw things in this camper all willy-nilly then wonder where we put it. Staying put will give us time to do just that. And to rest and enjoy CAMPING…not just sleeping in the camper one night then moving to the next place like we did to and from Colorado.

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A camp breakfast…a steaming plate of ham and eggs!

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I love the fact that I’ve spent more nights sleeping in a camper this summer than I ever have…other than the time I traveled full time. Camping is “the great escape”. My dear friend Ben would beg to differ with me. He grew up farming in northeastern Colorado and spent far more nights than he would ever want to remember sleeping outside to beat the heat in a house without air conditioning or fans. Or sleeping in the hay loft. Or just outside on the ground. Camping isn’t fun to him.

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The view out the big window over the kitchen!

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I know it’s not fun to a lot of people. But for me? It’s like living in the children’s books featuring The Boxcar Children. It’s like my childhood fantasy of riding my bike to Canada. It’s the soothing place that helped heal my broken heart after losing Mr. Virgo. And, it’s the place my sweet Mr. FixIt and I can go to escape the workaday world of life on five acres. We only have to mow another time or two. And before long, the snow will fly and Big Bird will be tucked away for the winter in our building…hopefully! We still need to clear out a space for her.

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The view out the skylight right over our heads!

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But, for now…we are celebrating our “Anniversary Month”, enjoying our new treasure, and getting the rest we need. That is a gift worth it’s weight in gold!

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?

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“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

\nMatthew 6:33 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-10-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/10/18/when-you-find-a-great.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Marriage","Big Bird"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/10/17/goodbye-towwanda-hello-big-bird.html", "title": "Goodbye, TOW-Wanda! Hello, Big Bird!", "content_html": "\n
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I knew after driving in high winds for two and a half hours…we’d made the right decision!

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Y’all are going to think we need an intervention. I mean…why have one camper when you can have four, right? Well…our long term thinking is still to have ONE good camper for camping in, and the ‘67 Franklin for a renovation project. As you may remember, we’ve….I’VE had a mishap buying a used camper. I bought a small camper that ended up having a BIG rot problem and it literally started falling apart as soon as I got to Colorado summer before last. I ended up selling it for half what I paid for it. I was disappointed in myself because I didn’t do my due diligence and have the camper checked out. Lesson learned.

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Then, we bought this darling little a-frame this summer. It really is sweet, but the sleeping arrangements weren’t ideal. Mr. FixIt and I couldn’t sleep in the same bed because it meant someone was going to have to be squeezed into the tight angle. He’s a bit claustrophobic, so I’d have to be on the inside, which meant I’d be climbing over him multiple times a night to go to the bathroom. That just wouldn’t work. It’s a perfect camper for one person, though. What we ended up doing when he camped with me was leave the dinette down all the time with a twin mattress on top and he slept there. That was great, but then there was no place to sit inside and eat and play cards when/if it rains. It was a dilemma. 

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In the last couple of months, we’ve had to go to Columbus to see the endocrine surgeon and to get scans. We also drove through and back on our trip to Colorado. We kept seeing these a-frame campers on the lot of Specialty RV Sales. We stopped several times and looked at them several times. One was just like ours. The other was what is called a “high side”. It’s a lot taller and a couple feet longer than Birdie, but that extra room has a lot of advantages. 

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It has twin beds with a fill piece that turns it into a king bed. The only downside of that is, you lose easy access to the storage under the beds. Because of the higher sides, you get a taller fridge with a freezer compartment…something I didn’t realize I would REALLY miss. And, because the sleeping situation was solved, the dinette can stay up full time. This particular model also has a dormer over the dinette that offers extra headroom. And there is a storage bin on the front of the camper to carry chairs and extra items you may need for camping. Oh…and the coolest thing…the roof has a power assist to raise it up!

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When we were camping this past week, we had to drive up to Columbus for another scan. As we drove by the RV place, Mr. FixIt saw another a-frame camper parked on the lot so he wanted to stop on the way back. We had a look at it, but it just wasn’t exactly what we wanted. For one thing, it had been used pretty hard in Alaska. For another, it was six years old and you start getting some issues unless you have taken impeccable care of a camper. 

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We really weren't in the market for another camper. After all, we just bought Birdie a couple of months ago. We thanked the fellow for his time and started to leave. As we were walking away, I turned to Mr. FixIt and said, “Do you suppose they would take Big TOW-Wanda in trade? We could get a better trade in with her than with Birdie.” He said he really didn’t want to stay there all day, but I said, “Just let me ask him real quick.” 

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Yeah…three hours later, we walked out owning a brand new 2021 Rockwood 213HWOR. Dealers are desperate for good, used campers and…like used cars, they are paying top dollar for them. The fact this camper had been on the lot for six months made the dealership even more motivated to move it out. The price had come down quite a bit since we first looked. And we threw out a ridiculous number that we wanted for a trade in. When we got down to within $250, we were in. God provides for us in many ways.

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AND, we unloaded the big camper. I loved TOW-Wanda when I got her. She was perfect for what I needed her for. However, we never once took her camping in the last three years because…she was just too big! Every time I took her out, it felt like I was moving a house. It was just too much. I camped out in the field with her, but that was it. There are places now that have campers for rent so you can get a good feel for what would really work for you. We knew after the trip to Colorado that we LOVED the a-frame. But, we wanted just a little bit bigger to sleep comfortably and to have the dinette to use.

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So, we are camping again! We have this next ten days free. I don’t know if we’ll stay out that long, but this will give us a chance to test out the new camper and iron out any rough spots. Oh, and her name. Since the other a-frame is Birdie because she looks like a birdhouse…this one is Big Bird, because she’s much bigger. 

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Now, we’ll have a little a-frame for sale before too long…Birdie needs to leave the nest!

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She followed us home…can we keep her???

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?

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“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.””

\nDeuteronomy 31:8 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-10-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/10/17/goodbye-towwanda-hello-big-bird.html", "tags": ["Camping","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/09/24/mums-the-word.html", "title": "Mum’s the Word", "content_html": "\n
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It’s mum season. Pumpkin spice everything is everywhere. I’m sorta kinda ready this time. I always hate seeing summer leave us, but I know we will have stretches of “Indian Summer” in a little while so there’s still lots of time to get out and do fun things. I was too busy yesterday to take any photos for this morning’s blog, so I went through my archives and chose some pictures I took of beautiful autumn flowers to share with you today.

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I always say I’m going to plant flowers “this year”…but I end up looking at the price tags and thinking… “I could have a great camping trip with that money!” So, I drive around and visit nurseries and take some great photos. They’re free, they never die, and I can pull them up and look at them whenever I want. I can kill a silk plant…seriously. I’m always amazed at the flowers we have outside that I haven’t managed to kill. That’s because I leave it all up to God to do the gardening. I’m just along for the joy ride.

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Mr. FixIt changed the oil in my truck for me yesterday in preparation for my trip to camp with the girls this weekend. The weather has really taken a turn and it’s predicted to be pretty darned chilly. I rummaged around in the guest closet yesterday afternoon, pulled out an electric blanket and set it by the front door to take with me. I have leggings and sweatshirts packed. I’ll find my hiking boots and wool socks and put them in the truck. I think I’ll even take a heavy coat for sitting around the fire. I have my small ceramic heater in the camper already. The furnace for the camper is actually located under the dinette, which is currently down in a twin bed position, so I can’t light it. It doesn’t matter though…that little electric heater really warms up a small camper in no time.

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I always wait till I get to the town nearest my destination before I buy what I need to contribute to the communal meals when I camp with a bunch of girlfriends. That works out really well with this little a-frame camper. Normally, I would just go in and fill the fridge and pantry in a bigger camper. But I’d have to pop this one up in order to get in and that isn’t feasible. This way, I can just drive the last ten minutes, get set up, and then put everything away. 

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I went through my camping supplies yesterday that I keep packed and ready to go. I use a rechargeable drill to lower and raise the stabilization jacks on my campers. I know I had the charger for my drill earlier this summer in preparation for camping. But now I can’t find it anywhere. So… “Mr. FixIt’s Mercantile” to the rescue again. He has one of everything and two of most, so I just raided one of his drills and chargers. I charged the battery up in it to make sure it’s working right for when I set up today. I may not have been a full-fledged Girl Scout, but I was a Brownie…and that’s pretty close! I like to have every possible scenario covered…just in case.

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I have food prepared for Mr. FixIt for when I’m gone. I made a big pot of spaghetti sauce yesterday and we had it over spaghetti squash last night. SO good! It’s so packed with meat, he can eat it like a Sloppy Joe, or add beans and chili powder and have a nice pot of chili for the weekend. He has sandwich fixin’s and a full pantry, so he isn’t going to starve. I just like to leave him some “love in a pot” when I go somewhere so I know he’s well cared for.

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He has plenty to do to keep him busy. It’s time to close the pool for the year. The garden needs pulled up. The burn pile is growing ever larger so that could use doing. What I really hope he does is put his feet up, call a friend, take a nap, watch a movie. If I’m going to be out playing with the girls, he should be relaxing, as well.

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And, so…it is autumn.

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?

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“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

\nIsaiah 40:8 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-09-24T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/09/24/mums-the-word.html", "tags": ["Camping","Comfort","Change","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Friends","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/08/28/putting-birdie-through-her-paces.html", "title": "Putting Birdie Through Her Paces", "content_html": "\n
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Panicle Hydrangea at The Farm

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We are going through our little a-frame camper with a fine toothed comb. We cleaned out the water system yesterday and discovered the hot water heater desperately needed a new anode. We rinsed out the fresh water tank and refilled it…adding a capful of bleach to sanitize it. While it sat for a while, we drove into town to one of the local camper supply places. They had exactly what we needed. After a quick stop at Walmart, we headed back home.

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I opened the drain to the fresh water tank and we got things ready to install the new diode. There was quite a bit of calcification in the threads where the anode screws in, so I cleaned it out as best I could with a wire brush. Mr. FixIt found a socket that fit the end of the anode rod, so I got it screwed in nice and tight. When we tested it with water, there were no leaks! We filled the hot water heater with water and turned it on with propane. It worked exactly like it was supposed to. We waited about ten minutes and turned on the hot water faucet in the sink and….bingo! Perfect!

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We turned off the hot water heater and started putting everything back together. The mechanicals are underneath one of the dinette benches. The dinette is broken down into a twin-sized bed so we had to take the mattress out to getting into it. Once everything was put back together, we cleaned up our tools and put them away. Now, the only thing left to test is the refrigerator on propane and the furnace. One wouldn’t think we’d be needing the furnace anytime soon with the heat wave we’ve been having. However, one thing I learned living in Colorado for forty years….winter can come early and with a vengeance. I clearly remember eight inches of snow on September 16th one year. I want to be prepared.

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I need to strip the big bed and wash all the sheets and blankets today. I’ll bring in the black “camping trunk” we use for all our cooking and cleaning needs and go through it. I like it to be organized and I learn from each trip out what we can absolutely do without, thus streamlining our packing. This will be a first camping with the two of us in such a small space. If we don’t kill each other by Kansas, I’ll count that as a win! 

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Once we had all our tools and trash picked up and put away, we were so hot and tired. The only answer was to hop in the pool. We’ve used the pool a lot more this year than usual…probably because it’s been hotter than normal. And SO sticky humid. It is a treat, and well worth all the work involved, to have that respite at the end of the day.

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We also need to mow today. With my hip still bothering me, we’ve decided to get the mowing done today instead of waiting till Sunday afternoon. Mr. FixIt bowls on Sunday night and doesn’t want to take any chances he’ll be sore. And I want to have as little to do as possible on Sunday so I can really rest and ice this hip all day. We’ll be packed up and ready to head out early Monday. This is the part that is hard for me. I’ve been known to leave for a trip one or two days early because I’m ready to GO! When I travel solo, I don’t have reservations ahead of time, but with the influx of new campers since covid hit, campsites along the busy interstate corridors are booked up in advance. That means, traveling on a schedule. Not my favorite, but then again…sleeping in a Walmart parking lot in the middle of Kansas without electricity during a massive heatwave is even less desirable. We do what we have to do for comfort and safety.

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T-minute 2 days and counting!!!

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?

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“For nothing will be impossible with God.””

\nLuke 1:37 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-08-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/08/28/putting-birdie-through-her-paces.html", "tags": ["Camping","The Farm","Love","Be Joyful!","Marriage","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/08/27/unexpected-joy-unexpected-pain.html", "title": "Unexpected Joy… Unexpected Pain", "content_html": "\n
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I Broke the Mower!

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We awoke to partly cloudy skies yesterday with a forecast of “slightly cooler” than it’s been. While we were having breakfast, I asked Mr. FixIt if he thought we should go out to the farm and mow. We had to take his truck because the camper is still hooked up to mine. The AC isn’t working in his truck so we drove through the countryside with the windows down and the air felt so good. 

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It’s apparent the seasons are about to change here in West Virginia. We may not get the beautiful leaf colors we usually have because we had such a long dry spell for much of the last month. The leaves will probably turn brown and fall off fairly quickly. Unlike the year I pulled the Girl Camper Raffle Trailer around the state of West Virginia all of October 2019. The colors were spectacular that year.

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I’ve been looking at some of the beautiful pictures I’ve taken since Mr. Virgo died. I am moving photos from my phone to a flash drive and then transferring them to my computer. There are some 35,000 photos on my phone. Do I need all of them? Heck no. But just like going through a hoarder’s house, I have to go through each photo and delete the ones I don’t want and save the ones I do. (You think that’s bad...I have 42,643 emails in my inbox!) I just don’t stay on top of that stuff. However, seeing the photos of some of my solo travels as my grief began to ease filled me with a sense of unexpected pride and joy. 

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Back to the farm…I got the mower out of the barn and stopped in back of the house to check the oil. It’s been dripping oil and I wanted to make sure there was plenty. I lifted the engine cover and suddenly I heard a crack. I looked down in time to see one of the hinges broke completely off one side of the hood. Before I could reach and grab it, the other hinge broke from the added weight and the whole hood fell off on the ground in front of the tractor. 

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We just stood there dumbfounded, looking at each other. Dang. I picked up the hood and put it on the back porch. The tractor runs and mows just fine without the hood, but now it isn’t as pretty as it was before. On the plus side, the oil level was fine and I quickly had the whole place mowed while Mr. FixIt worked on the trimming.

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I went inside and sat down for a moment to reflect. As I told you on Wednesday, yesterday would have been my mom’s 96th birthday. What I hadn’t remembered was…50 years ago yesterday, my PopPop died unexpectedly on my mom’s birthday. I sat in the chair in the dining room, remembering my grandma telling me how he didn’t feel well that day, but he didn’t want to go to the hospital…because it was my mom’s special day.

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Losing my PopPop was my first brush with death. Grandma had asked him that day if he’d eat some corn if she heated it up. He said yes, so she went out to the cellar house to get a jar and by the time she got back inside…he was gone. She had my uncle carry him out to the car, and she drove like a maniac to town through those winding West Virginia roads I know like the back of my hand. She stopped at the State Police Barracks just at the edge of town and they led her through traffic with their sirens wailing to get him to the hospital as soon as possible…though even they knew it was too late.

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Grandma was only 64…PopPop was 72. I sat there in the same room where she found him, thinking of her with a renewed sense of empathy for her pain. He died just three months before their 50th Anniversary. They’d been married since she was 15. He was all she’d known. I thought my pain was bad. I cannot imagine hers. They lost a beloved son in a plane crash a couple of years after I was born. She lost her beloved husband just before a milestone event in their lives. She went on to live another 29 years without him.

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I shook myself from my reverie and gathered up my things to head home. I put the mower away and locked everything up. We loaded the push mower in the truck and headed to town to pick up some prescriptions. And here we are…at that age where it feels like we are either at the doctor or filling a prescription every time we turn around. I tweaked something in my hip the other night stepping into the pool. The simplest of things can bring the sharpest of pains…physical and emotional. Ice and NSAIDs are my friend right now because we are preparing for a very LONG road trip. I can’t get knocked down. I don’t have time.

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At least all we have to do is put a few things in the truck and we’re about ready.

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?

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\n

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.””

\nRevelation 21:4 NIV\n
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#Memories, #Grief, #Healing, #Joy

\n\n", "date_published": "2021-08-27T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/08/27/unexpected-joy-unexpected-pain.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Be Joyful!","Memories","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/08/24/its-getting-dark-in-here.html", "title": "It’s Getting Dark in Here", "content_html": "\n
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We’re Getting Little Hints of Gold!

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Summer cruises right along and it begins to feel like it did when we were kids…like it might just last forever. Then, there’s that one evening when you look outside in shock. It’s starting to get dark earlier and it’s become noticeable. At 7:30 last night, I looked over at Mr. FixIt and said, “OMGosh! It’s getting dark already! When did that happen?!”

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I’m not ready for winter, by any stretch of the imagination. But I am open to the idea of cooler, crisper days, good sleeping weather, the splashes of color over these West Virginia hills…and no more mowing for a few months. We’ll miss a goodly portion of our beautiful fall here. It will be replaced with the quaking aspen and bluebird skies of Colorado. I’m praying we don’t get snow while we’re there because we’re taking the little camper. I have seen eight inches of snow in Denver on September 16th before, so it’s not unheard of.

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I don’t want to shovel snow yet, but I do love when I can get my sweaters and leggings out and start baking again. It’s just too hot to bake in the summer time. It makes no sense to power up the AC and the oven at the same time. I look forward to really good apples and picking out pumpkins and mums. I love when the garden and flower beds are cleaned, raked, and mulched. I look forward to cleaning the tools of summer and putting them away till spring. I like not having to worry about the chemical levels in the pool. 

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My very favorite time to camp in West Virginia is the first three weeks of October. The leaves are gorgeous and the skies are almost always clear save for some puffy white clouds here and there. I didn’t can anything this year. I still have so much left over from last season. I figured I would and it’ll still be good for another year or so. That’s the beauty of home canned produce…it lasts and doesn’t ruin like frozen veggies.

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While I had lots of work to do yesterday, Mr. FixIt and I were both pretty tired from all the outside work over the last few days. He did have to run an errand in town, but I stayed home. And we both stretched out in these wonderful recliners we bought last year. I never really like the looks of a recliner, but the comfort can’t be beat if you buy a good quality chair. I doubt we’ll get much more recliner time this week as we start packing up. 

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It’s almost time for another adventure!

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?

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“I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!”

\nPsalm 119:19 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-08-24T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/08/24/its-getting-dark-in-here.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Camping","West Virginia","Change","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/08/02/church-among-the-birds.html", "title": "Church Among the Birds", "content_html": "\n
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We haven’t been back to church since late February 2020. Mostly due to covid and our church’s “lack of enthusiasm” toward mask wearing. But also due to sermons smacking of Christian Nationalism and a lack of financial transparency and accountability. We felt kind of burned out and disillusioned so we took a break. It didn’t keep me from studying the Bible and reading my daily devotionals and praying. But I’ll tell you what it did do. It slowly became apparent I wasn’t keeping my life centered on God. I was spending entirely too much energy on being critical and judgmental of everyone and everything. This isn’t good.

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When we were sitting around the campfire with Gail and her husband on Saturday night, she invited us over to her campsite to listen to Sunday morning Church with them. We brought our breakfast and hot beverages with us at 9:25 and settled in our big comfy chairs to listen to the first in a new series about…relationships. You see what God did there? He sent His Holy Spirit to make me aware we weren’t keeping a solid foundation under us and to nudge Gail into inviting us to “campground church”. And, He inspired the Pastor to speak into our hearts and feed us with God’s Word regarding the one thing we were stumbling over…relationships. With each other, with God, with the Church.

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The sermon was wonderful and fed us. It spurred us to have deeper conversations. It made me see how easy it is to lose sight of the direction we should be going. I love how God does that. He brings us just what we need, when we need it. He is the ultimate provider. It felt so good to sit in the cool morning sunshine, sipping coffee with dear friends, and feel God moving in our lives. 

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We packed up, hooked up the new camper, and headed home around 11:00. We arrived around 4:00. This camper is so easy to pull, you often forget it’s even back there. We didn’t have a bit of trouble. We stopped at Leith Run to check out the campground there and see which campsites we liked the best for future reference. They have several sites right on the river. We’ve stayed there before and we are anxious to go back. 

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After a quick nap, and a little wait for a passing rain shower to end, we got the camper unhooked and set up again at home. There she sits…waiting for the next adventure. As I was towing her home, her name came to me.

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“The Birdhouse”…Birdie for short.

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For one, she is shaped just like a birdhouse. And for another, she houses a pair of lovebirds beneath her peaked roof. I’ll decorate her with my favorite birds! I know guys aren’t as into that kind of thing as us gals, but Mr. FixIt is such a good sport.

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?

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“Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches.”

\nPsalm 104:12 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-08-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/08/02/church-among-the-birds.html", "tags": ["Faith","Camping","Gratitude","Grace","God","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/08/01/the-perfect-day-period.html", "title": "The. Perfect. Day. Period.", "content_html": "\n
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There are days that you wish you could bottle up and keep forever. Yesterday was one of those days. First, we slept great in the new camper. I will say…we ended up sleeping in separate beds because either I would have climbed over Mr. FixIt at least twice during the night to go to the bathroom, or he would have been crammed into the short angle of the A-Frame. Something we honestly didn’t quite think through before we bought this cute camper. However, I was afraid that my sweetheart might not feel comfortable, and wanting him to have the best experience possible, I threw the twin mattress from the big camper onto the lowered dinette in the A-Frame. When given the sleeping choices, he elected to sleep on the twin…but I fixed it with our heads at opposite ends of the beds so we should see each other and talk. Consequently, we both slept very well.

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The night time temperature got down to 53 and that makes for some great sleeping weather. We both had enough blankets to stay warm and ended up sleeping in till about 9:00 when the camp kids started running around. We had a light breakfast, then helped Gail and Mike (the park Naturalist) run the Saturday morning activities. First, there was Skulls and Bones…a game where the kids have to identify which skulls, bones, and pelts belong to which animal. There were lots of questions and the kids loved it. Then, at 11:00, we helped the kids make walking sticks. There must have been at least a dozen kids and their parents in attendance and they all had a blast. 

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After the activities, we had sandwiches for lunch and sat with Gail all afternoon and talked. Gail spun wool and I knitted and Mr. FixIt visited. Late in the afternoon, Gail’s husband came back and the guys continued working on the electrical in the A-Frame. They finally replaced the GFI outlet, got all the wires connected in the right way, and now everything works great! Yay! But that time, we were hungry. We grilled hotdogs over the open fire again and mine met their demise when they fell off the stick and into the ashes. Not to worry…Gail forfeited her hotdogs and selected something from her own fridge to eat. 

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Mr. FixIt made a quick trip to town earlier in the afternoon for ice and found an ice cream stand, so…after supper, we went on an ice cream run. Oh, my….Bruster’s Real Ice Cream! The long wait in line was well worth it! Mr. FixIt chose Graham Central Station, I had Blackberry, and we brought Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel back for Gail. SO good!

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We met some cool people in the campground. Barb and Erin from Grand Rapids had a panel truck they had converted into a cozy, tiny home. It had a small kitchen, a bathroom, a dinette with an elevator bed that down onto it at night. The truck is big enough to haul their kayaks inside and it was pretty cool. They both have mechanical experience and have done the work with a little help from their dads.

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At sunset, we took a walk to check out some of the other campers and saw a sign on a cool little camper… “Enroute with Chuck and Cherie”. Intrigued, we stopped to visit. Cherie had camped growing up, but camping was pretty new to Chuck. They started out in tents, then realized they’d really like to have a trailer. So, the search began. In the midst of Covid, they began to search in earnest because campers were in short supply. They saw this little beauty and though it just might be the best of both worlds. You really only sleep in the camper, so why have more than you need? They live outside at the campground so this sporty model works great. You can follow their adventures here on Facebook and YouTube.

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At dark, the Saturday evening movie came on…Cinderella…which I am listening to as I write this. It makes me smile as both of my girls watched it and it brings back memories. I’m listening to katydids and crickets and kids giggling, and the familiar Disney music in the background and sighed. What an absolutely perfect day. But, before I head to bed, I’m going back out to sit around the campfire and see if we can call in the owls! 

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?

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“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

\nProverbs 17:22 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-08-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/08/01/the-perfect-day-period.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/31/ahhhhhhrelaxation.html", "title": "Ahhhhhh….Relaxation!", "content_html": "\n
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We got a good scare this morning just as we were ready to pull out of the driveway with the new camper. The highway guys had the big tractor with the mowing arm on it, cutting brush, grass, bushes, and small trees across the road from us. As I watch him coming up the road, closer and closer, I wondered if I might be able to scoot out of the driveway and be gone before he got to our drive. Right about then, I heard him hit something and a three inch diameter tree trunk came whirling like a baton straight at us! Fortunately, he was far enough away the tree hit the front of our truck with a whack.

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We looked at each other in stunned silence then both said, “What the heck???” We got out of the truck and while Mr. FixIt picked up the tree trunk and inspected the truck, I flagged down the worker and made a slashing motion across my throat to get him to cut off the mower. He drove up and I yelled, “You threw a tree clear over here and hit our truck! Do you think you could wait a few minutes till we pull out of here before you mow down this way?” He was very apologetic and asked if it did any harm. I told him not that we could see, but to please be a little more observant of his surroundings. That thing is dangerous. Imagine if it was a rock. Or if one of the babies had been out there.

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Anyway, once the adrenaline came back down, we were on the road. After a quick stop to deliver some zucchini to my bonus daughter, and pick up a loaf of zucchini bread and some cucumbers, we left for the campground. It was 11:00am when we left and about 4:30 or so when we got here. Gail was waiting for us with open arms. We got the camper set up and then went over to visit. We roasted hotdogs over the open fire. Then we had toasted marshmallows for dessert. It was so much fun to visit and relax around the campfire. 

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Once we were getting settled for the night, I realized I forgot my nightgown at home. I know, I know…but it was supposed to get down to 53 degrees last night. And, if I have to walk to the outhouse in the middle of the night, I had to be decent, right? Fortunately, the campground is only about ten minutes from Walmart so we buzzed over there and found my very favorite nightgowns. This is the third one I’ve bought so far this year. They are cotton, sleeveless, long enough to cover but not so long that it binds around your legs at night. I think I need to go back and buy a few more. When I find something I really like…be it shoes or pants or whatever…I buy several in different colors or patterns. I just recently ordered three more pairs of shorts (you can find them here…https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DH8X95L/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_dl_0T3YV0BH3P44S3CX67KY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 ) that I absolutely live in every day. If it works and it’s good quality and it doesn’t cost and arm and a leg, I’m all over it. 

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So, the first day is done. We can sleep well in the woods. It’s cool and quiet and peaceful. The night sounds are soothing and life is good. We are feeling blessed today.

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How can July be over already???

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?

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“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.”

\nPsalm 3:5 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-31T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/31/ahhhhhhrelaxation.html", "tags": ["Camping","Be Joyful!","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/24/easy-as-pie.html", "title": "Easy as Pie!", "content_html": "\n
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Look what followed us home!

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I’ve been vacillating for weeks regarding my big camper. Honestly…the only time I camp in it is at home. My truck isn’t powerful enough to pull it up hills, let alone mountains. Mr. FixIt and I love to camp together. But he doesn’t quite see the point in sleeping in the camper at home like I do. So…if I want to get him to camp with me, it’s going to have to be in a camper more suitable A) to the size of my truck, and B) to suit us at our age. 

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I still want the basics: a bed out of the rain, a sink and running water, a microwave, a cooktop, air conditioning and a furnace for chilly nights. I like the idea of solid walls. I don’t want the canvas tent feel of a regular popup but, I DO love the low profile and lightweight, easy towing they provide. I’ve been around campers for several years now and I’ve been to the biggest RV show there is. I’ve learned from the best of the best, Janine Pettit and Gail Bable…my Girl Campers Extraordinaire and partners in all things camping.

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A couple of years ago, Gail and I met Janine at the Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH to help her man the booth for Girl Camper. We had three camping trailers there and the one that I just loved was Gail’s A-Liner. It was so tiny yet when you popped it up, it looked like a little Swiss A-frame. Her neighbor painted sunflowers on it. It was cute as a bug.

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Once I started looking for smaller campers this spring, I realized Covid caused a huge boost in camper sales. They are hard to find new…especially the smaller ones. People selling their campers have discovered they can jack up their prices and desperate people will be willing to pay top dollar for a safe vacation. Camping is enjoying a resurgence of immense popularity.

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I can’t tell you how many sellers I’ve contacted, inquiring if they still have the camper. One was exactly like my first camper and I was really interested in it, however…within an hour of posting the camper for sale, he already had three people lined up to come see it and four more people as back up. This happened over and over.

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Then, earlier this week, I saw an A-farm camper…much like Gail’s only bigger. Roomier. Newer. 

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Oooooooooh. 

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I texted and asked if it was still available…two days after it posted. Yes, it was. I looked and thought and then decided against it. The idea of having to pop the top was bugging me. I wrote back and said thanks for your time but I think we’ll pass. Another day went by. I couldn’t get that A-frame out of my head. So, I prayed. 

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“Lord, if you want me to have this, make it easy and effortless.”

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I texted yesterday and said, “On second thought, I’d like to come see the camper. Is it still available?” I was absolutely certain it wasn’t or that she had six people lined up to come see it. After all, it was Friday now.

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“Yes, it’s still available.” No one was coming to see it. She told me at least two dozen said they were interested and she would wait and wait and wait and no one showed up to actually look at it. She was a little frustrated by that…as I can imagine. I made arrangements with her, came home from having lunch with some friends from high school, and asked Mr. FixIt if her remembered that cute little A-frame camper and did he want to go look at it with me?

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He did…and we hopped in the truck to drive over two hours to check it out. The moment I saw it, I knew…she was ours! She was just waiting for us. And, Susan…the owner was just as sweet as can be. It turned out, we have so much in common. She is also a widow. She and her late husband used to camp in tents, but they were aging and she was over all that packing and hauling, setting up and breaking down. She wanted a bed. Period. In came the A-frame. But, when her husband died, she didn’t have the proper vehicle to tow and she had never towed the camper before. Now, she is thinking if she can find a camper van that she can just drive places and sleep in, that’s what she’d rather have.

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I encouraged her to check out Girl Campers and explore the idea of a camper van and, who knows? We might end up sharing a campfire one of these days!

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We completed our transaction and they showed us how everything worked. I am able to set it up and take it down all by myself, which is necessary if I go off camping with my girlfriends. The camper was purchased from my good friend, Lynn Butler…owner of Setzer’s World of Camping. It had recently been in the shop to have a skylight replaced. The other two skylights and the Fantastic Fan had been recaulked. It had a new air conditioner put in it in 2018 and had only been camped in once since then as her husband became ill a couple of years ago.

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In other words…the perfect camper was dropped in our lap. The perfect size, the perfect weight, the perfect amenities, and at the perfect price. She doesn’t have a bathroom, but there are these cute little popup tents you can buy that work as a bathroom outside at the end of your camper. You put a little portapotty in there and it works great for overnight trips to the loo.

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I towed her home and…I am not kidding…I had to remind myself it was actually back there. It pulls so smooth and easy. It didn’t change my gas mileage at all. We just kept feeling like someone should pinch us because it was truly effortless.

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Thank you, God…for always being the provider and bringing the things we need in our lives. This will be the perfect addition to our family’s adventures. We can get back to camping. We can sell the big camper and get the money back that we paid for the new one…plus enough to pay for camping for a good while. We were positively giddy all the way home. We already have our first camping trip scheduled for next weekend!!!

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Now…for the most important part.

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Her name. 

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What shall we name her???

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?

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“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

\nJames 1:17 ESV\n
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#Gifts, #Camper, #Blessings

\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-24T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/24/easy-as-pie.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Girl Camper","Choices","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/20/when-the-little-people-come.html", "title": "When the Little People Come", "content_html": "\n
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I had an appointment in town yesterday morning and snuck out without waking Mr. FixIt. I stopped for a coffee and read my morning devotionals while I waited for my appointment time. Once I was done, I got a text from one of my bonus granddaughters asking if she and the kids could come swim. Turned out TWO bonus granddaughters and all three great grandkids arrived. It was so much fun, but I told them there was a reason God gives children to young people. They were SO busy!

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When the kids were finally worn out and they headed home, I told Mr. FixIt I’d make him a nice supper and headed in the house. He laughed and called after me, “Are you sure you’ve got the energy left for that?” Well, I wasn’t at all sure, really…but I would give it my best shot.

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I herb roasted some chicken thighs I got yesterday…eight huge meaty thighs for $2.99! Fixed some fried green tomatoes. And opened a quart of my home-canned half runner beans. The only thing missing was hot buttered biscuits, but I didn’t want to heat up both ovens.

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It was so good to see the kids. Our granddaughter said she hadn’t been to our house since Christmas 2019! The pandemic kept them away last year, and she’s been super busy so far this summer. They loved the new carpet in the family room. It was so much fun swimming with the kids. The almost four-year-old was really timid about the water at first, but by the time they left, she was jumping in and letting me catch her and putting her face in the water. The almost two-year-old wasn’t having it. He is not crazy about water. But, by the time they were ready to leave, he would come sit at the edge with me and put his hands in the water. I held water in my hands and made like it was a big secret and asked him what it was He said “water” as plain as day. He has grown so much…they all have. The little one is about a year-and-a-half. He was a daredevil at first and we were all on our toes trying to watch him. 

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My Favorite Summer Dining Spot

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I’ve really been enjoying summer and not cooking so much. Cooking just heats up the house. It reminds me of why people had summer kitchens back in the day. I’d love to have one where I could not only cook in the summer, but can in the fall. My late cousin, Tommy, had the most fabulous kitchen set up in their garage. He could butcher, can, smoke, and barbecue to his heart’s content out there. I miss him…he was one sweet guy.

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We are having cooler night-time temperatures this week and that makes for great sleeping weather out in the camper! It’s my “substitute camping” experience…but hey…when you’ve got five acres, you might as well take advantage of it, right? 

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I hope you are enjoying your summer so far!

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?

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“So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.”

\n1 Timothy 5:25 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/20/when-the-little-people-come.html", "tags": ["Family","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","In the Kitchen"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/15/waiting-on-the-half-runners.html", "title": "Waiting on the Half Runners", "content_html": "\n
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Sharing Last Year’s Bounty

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We received wonderful news yesterday. Daughter #1 and the kids got home safe and sound from their 33 day, 5700 mile adventure! I told Mr. FixIt…he had no idea what a weight that lifted off my shoulders when I saw their beautiful smiles, sitting in their driveway! She said the car fairly exploded with stuff as they opened it all up and started unloading. God is good and He kept my babies safe!

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One thing happened when they were here that absolutely melted my heart. My oldest child is NOT sentimental. Like, AT ALL. But when she was here, I served my home canned half runner beans one night for supper. Those were the only kind of green beans my grandma would grow, so when she tasted them…it was a memory from her childhood. Just like it is for me. When she was here, I asked her if she’d like a jar of my apple butter and she happily set it aside to pack when they came to pick Little up. As she was walking through the kitchen the other evening, she asked if she could have a jar of my green beans. I said, “Sure…take two!” She texted me last night to ask me how I prepared them because she wanted my son-in-law to enjoy them. There is NOTHING like having your daughter ask you how you make something. 

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I was soaking in the pool last night as the sun was setting. It was a hot one yesterday and the water was pleasantly refreshing. I thought of Little. She loves swimming and was in our pool every chance she could get. I sent her a picture and told her we’d do it again next year! 

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Mr. FixIt came out while I was floating around and cut a zucchini and a crookneck squash from the garden and went straight inside and cooked it. I was full so I didn’t have any…I just let him enjoy it. Now…when the tomatoes start ripening…watch out!

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I contacted a gal from Witten’s Farm last night, asking when their half runners will be ready. They are so much work to grow, and she said they lost two whole fields of them last year…one to rain, and the other due to lack of labor to pick them. The current price is $65 a bushel, however…I got 27 quarts out of the bushel I bought last year. That comes out to about $2.40 a quart. To me, they’re like green gold so that price doesn’t bother me a bit. Covid messed with a lot of things last year, and we will still see the trickle down from that for years to come, I’m afraid. I had a lovely chat with her, and told her I’d love to do a feature article on their farm, so watch for that later in the summer. 

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We went to town yesterday, ran a couple of errands, walked at the mall, bought some ice cream and sat in the park to eat it. It was a perfectly beautiful mid-summer day! As I wrote this last evening sitting in TOW-Wanda, Mr. FixIt texted me and said, “Look outside…there’s a deer right in front of the building!” We honestly live in a slice of heaven!

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?

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“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

\nColossians 3:14 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/15/waiting-on-the-half-runners.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!","In the Kitchen"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/11/little-melts-my-heart.html", "title": "Little Melts My Heart", "content_html": "\n
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Little Has Taken Archery Lessons Before

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We took our time leaving the park yesterday. We said our long goodbyes to all the girlfriends who were camping with us. They all complimented Little saying how sweet, fun, and polite this little powerhouse of mine is. Makes a Nana proud of her 14-year-old Little Bear. We drove down to the Pioneer Village which was open from Noon to 3:00. I was excited to show Bear how they grind flour by water power. We picked up some things in the General Store. Little collects ladies fans and found a yellow one to match a new dress. We got a couple boxes of Cracker Jacks as a novel snack for later. I bought some grits, yellow and blue cornmeal, and two bags of buckwheat flour. We’ll have some tasty treats today.

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Little and I laughed at the “Toasted Marshmallows”!

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When we got home, Little helped us empty the truck and jumped in the shower without too much prompting. You remember how 14-years-olds are, right? I remember having to tell them to shower…with soap…AND water. Dry off. Hang up the towels. TOWELS…plural… because you know they’re going to use at least three…or more! One to stand on. One to wrap around their hair. And at least one to dry off with…maybe more. lol

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Little Was Fascinated With the Blacksmith

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As we drove home, Little sighed and said… “This has been so much fun, Nana. Can I come back again next summer?” Be still my heart. If she still wants to spend time with me at 15, I’ll take it! I’ll take any time with her. Being a Nana is the best of all worlds. You are a cross between a Fairy Godmother and a Super Hero to your grandkids. And, after their visit, you send them home to their mommy and daddy. But…oh…during that precious time with them, you can pour so much into their little hearts and minds that they will never, ever forget. I wish Big wasn’t “too big” to spend time with me. Maybe someday, when she realizes how finite life is, she may. In the meantime, I will savor every moment as the precious gift it is.

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When You’ve Been Careful With Calories All Week…Ice Cream for Supper on a Summer Saturday in July!

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We “camped” in TOW-Wanda again last night. 

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One more sleep…and she’ll be gone.

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?

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“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged...”

\nProverbs 17:6 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-11T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/11/little-melts-my-heart.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Love","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/09/holding-my-thoughts-captive.html", "title": "Holding my Thoughts Captive", "content_html": "\n
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Chilling after a five hour drive…listening to a podcast.

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From the time my uncle told me it was time to sell the farm, I started having a major uptick in my anxiety. I had never known a time in my life when the farm was not “home” to me. My heart was breaking. Where would I go to recharge? Where would I feel my family again? On top of that, my daughter and grandchildren were coming to see us and Little was going to stay a couple of weeks. We hadn’t seen each other in two years. Would the newly grown up teenagers like their “old Nana”? What if Little couldn’t relate to me? What if something happened to her, or me, or Mr. FixIt while her mom was so far away? It got so bad, I actually saw the doctor a couple of times because I thought I was having a heart attack.

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You get where I’m going with this? I was succumbing to my worries and anxiety as well as openly mourning the passing of an era…the era of “The Farm”. I knew I had to do something. Because I was not making life easy for anyone around me. And that would guarantee that Little wouldn’t want to be around me in such a state. She is very sensitive to other’s emotions. Oh, I could have gone to another therapist. But, seriously…I have had ten years of therapy for depression and anxiety. I know as much about it as the therapists. I have every tool in my tool box. I didn’t have a lot of faith that this time would be any different.

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So, I approached it biblically. I went to God. I asked Him to show me how to help myself out of these downward spirals. I kept thinking of the scripture about holding our thoughts captive and started reading every devotional I could find about anxiety and fighting the war in your mind. I found so many wonderful works and they really helped. 

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The basic tenet is…you cannot worry while you are praising God. I told you a few weeks ago that it really helped me to do repetitive affirmations. But not focused on me….focused on God. I started thanking him for everything. I had a little anxiety when I left yesterday morning. This is the first time I’ve left Mr. FixIt and been so far away. It’s one thing to spend a few days over at the farm when I’m only 20 miles away. It’s a whole different thing when I’m four hours away! 

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I know that psychologists use repetitive activity to soothe anxiety. Combining that with praising God was a no brainer. The secret is to remember to do it and not just run down the rabbit hole of angst. As I drove, the enemy put thoughts into my head. 

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“You can’t go this far away from him alone.”

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“You know, if something happens to him and you’re not there, you’ll never forgive yourself.”

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“Maybe you don’t have that adventurous spirit anymore.”

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“Maybe you should turn around and just go back home.” 

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“You don’t have what it takes to do this.”

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You get the drift. Now, ordinarily, I would listen to that voice, and my fight or flight response would kick in, and then the nausea would start. Then, I’d spiral down, down, down till I got physically ill. Let me tell you something…this is the God’s honest truth. That is no way to live. There is no joy in that whatsoever.

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And I want joy. I deserve JOY! It’s how God built us…to enjoy life. I was definitely not enjoying that particular stretch. I finally found a devotional that mixed science facts with faith. As I drove yesterday and felt my heart rate increase with every mile further away from my sweetheart, I brought myself into the present and asked God to teach me how to attain that “peace beyond all understanding.” 

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I started looking at everything in my periphery. Starting every sentence with “Thank you God, for……” I thanked him for a beautiful day…for the luxurious foliage…for the way the sun glinted off the river…for the chance to spend quality time with Little…for my wonderful friends waiting for me at our destination. In no time flat…the anxiety was gone. I was in the moment and feeling such joy and piece. 

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I thought to myself… “Is it really that easy?” 

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Yes. It is. But, the hard part is capturing your thoughts before they take you down the rabbit hole. It’s hard to break 68 years of a bad habit. I’m committed to doing this. Because, the peace I felt was palpable…golden…complete.

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Anyway, after a four hour drive and a trip to Walmart for food and supplies, we put things away, ate supper, and joined some of the gals to visit. Chilling in the campground is a happy way to end the day!

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?

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“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

\nProverbs 4:23 ESV\n
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“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

\nJames 4:7 ESV\n
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“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”

\n2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/09/holding-my-thoughts-captive.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Courage","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/05/when-every-week-has-a.html", "title": "When Every Week Has a Three-day Weekend", "content_html": "\n
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Retirement, sweet retirement. I remember packing as much fun as possible into those few three-day weekends we had when we were working. This while also trying to catch up with the laundry and cleaning the house. I honestly don’t know how we did it all. The truth is, we often didn’t. Or, more accurately…we didn’t do it well.

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I was never one to have my house spotless when the kids were growing up. I quickly learned what was “good enough”. Now that we have all this “free time”, we keep a much neater house. Little is a typical teenager and in the nine days she’s been here, her room is pretty trashed. I’ve truly forgotten what it’s like to have a 14-year-old girl at home. I asked her at supper last night to pick it up this morning. We’ll see if she’s any better at it than her mother was at that age. lol

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Little and I had a lot of fun yesterday. We baked two loaves of sourdough, made sourdough pancakes, fed the next sourdough starter, and took the dehydrated sourdough starter out of the dehydrator and bottled it up. Some day, Little might want some of my starter, and as long as it’s stored in a cool, dark place…it’ll last for years. 

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As I’m writing this, I just did the dishes and we are preparing to go out to see the fireworks this evening. I do hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend. Little and I are going to go antiquing Tuesday, pack for camping Wednesday, camp on Thursday and Friday, come home on Saturday, do laundry and get her ready for her mom and Big to come pick her up Monday. 

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Just like that…their vacation will be over and we will miss each other again. 

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In the meantime…there is FUN to be had at Nana’s house!!!

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?

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“You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter.”

\nPsalm 74:17 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/05/when-every-week-has-a.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","West Virginia","Holiday","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Cooking"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/04/its-independence-day.html", "title": "It’s Independence Day!", "content_html": "\n
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The year is half gone already. Last year was 36 months long. This year seems like three so far. We enjoyed a much slower pace yesterday. While Mr. FixIt mowed the fenced yard, Little and I made up some sourdough bread and put the loaves in crocks in the garage fridge overnight to rise and ripen. If you give them a cold, slow rise you can get a bit more tartness. My sourdough is never really “sour”. It’s just such a lovely texture…especially when toasted or made into French Toast. Yummmmm! 

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Little told me yesterday she’s never had French Toast! I have failed as a mother if my own daughter doesn’t make French Toast for her children. Well, actually no….they just don’t eat a big breakfast at their house. We have to eat a good breakfast because Mr. FixIt takes medication that makes it necessary, and we go out and work hard most days. We need a little something to stick to our ribs.

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Our big news for the night was camping! Ok…yard camping. But when you have five acres in the country, it’s your own private campground, right? Little hasn’t camped with me for a couple of years, and that was in her Mimi’s driveway. We are leaving Thursday to camp with some girlfriends of mine. We’ll be staying in a cabin, but it’s still camping. I love that Little still likes to do fun things with her Nana. I told her I wanted to do these things with her while she still thought I was cool. She said, “Nana, now I’ll fight you on that one. You’ll ALWAYS be cool!”

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*heart melt*

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They grow so fast. 

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I made up her bed in the camper and she brought all her things out that she needed for the night, climbed in bed with a Stephen King novel…IT! Oy…kids love spooky, scary stuff at that age. I thought Nancy Drew was scary when I was her age! lol Then again, I think I was still playing with Barbies! It’s truly a different era. I went through a time when I loved scary books. I remember reading Salem’s Lot one summer when Daughter #1 was about 6 or 7. Hubby #2 was off for a fishing weekend with a buddy of his, so it was just us girls and the dog. Along about midnight, when I was at a particularly scary part, three things happened in rapid succession.

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The clock struck twelve and there was a blood curdling scream from the psychiatric hospital down the street from us.

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Daughter #1 was sleep walking, coming down the hall with a glassy stare saying, “Mommy. Mommy. Mommy.”

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And…suddenly there was a tap on my bedroom window and someone whispered…”Ginny! Ginny!!”

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Holy cats!

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I didn’t know where to turn. First was to take my little girl back to bed and tuck her back in. Then I came back into the bedroom and stood there quietly.

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Tap, tap, tap. “Ginny! Open the door! I forgot my key!”

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It was my husband! They got rained out at the lake and came home instead. I don’t think I ever really read much Stephen King after that!

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Anyway…it’s the 4th of July. Independence Day. We’ll celebrate with watermelon and corn-on-the-cob and hotdogs. Then we’ll go into town to watch the fireworks with Little. 

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Let freedom ring!

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????????????????

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“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””

\nJohn 8:32 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-04T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/04/its-independence-day.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Holiday","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/03/another-busy-day-in-paradise.html", "title": "Another Busy Day in Paradise", "content_html": "\n
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Little is sure keeping us busy! I’d forgotten what it was like to have a 14-year-old in the house. They like to sleep…a lot! They like to stay up late and read and then sleep the day away. But that isn’t happening at Nana’s house. We have other things to do so she’s up and at ‘em much earlier than she would like. 

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We made sourdough pancakes yesterday morning and Little thought they were great. We ran to town and got gas for the mowers. While we were there, we stopped in the store that comes the closest to being a combination housewares and hardware store. Little likes cosplay. If you don’t know what that is, it’s what we used to call playing “dress up”…kinda. The costumes are based on anime, historic, mythical, cartoon, or movie characters to name a few. There are also original characters. While we were in this store out in the middle of nowhere, Little found two headbands she could use in her costumes. 

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Since she’s been in West Virginia, she keeps going on and on about how lush and green it is…and she keeps feeling like a fairy is going to pop out of the woods and ask her on a quest. Little has a very vivid imagination and she is very creative. She does character makeup really well. I could see her doing movie and theatrical makeup for a living…or at least a decent way to make some extra money in college. When she showed me the headbands and told me her ideas for a fairy costume, I remembered some things I had around the house that I used when a friend and I dressed up and went to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I searched around and found her a corset and a couple of petticoats and a top hat. She was in hog heaven. She dressed up and we did a photo shoot out in this little cove that she loves. We had a blast!

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Mr. FixIt installed my vintage medicine cabinet in the little bathroom off our bedroom. We purchased a three globe fixture to mount above it, but I wasn’t satisfied with the way it looked. I wanted something more like a fixture from the farm. He looked all over the internet and finally did a search for vintage lights on E-Bay and BAM…there it was! The perfect light for over the sink. It won’t be here till the 15th. We are so close to being finished with that room then we can start on the big bathroom.

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I mowed all five acres yesterday. We grilled out on the deck and had burgers and corn-on-the-cob. For dessert, we had a little of the homemade ice cream I made last weekend. We’ve been dishing it out sparingly. 

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Ahhhhh….summer!

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?

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“May you see your children’s children…”

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Psalm 128:6 ESV

\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/03/another-busy-day-in-paradise.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/06/28/the-bakers-begin.html", "title": "The Bakers Begin!", "content_html": "\n
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Little is hilarious. She has such an excellent wit…quick and dry and unexpected. She’s always been years ahead of her time in that regard. She teaches me so much about life and being who you are. Yesterday was the big family gathering to introduce Mr. FixIt’s clan to mine. I told the kids we’d just make pizzas and homemade ice cream. Simple enough.

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Little (who goes by Bear, her lifelong nickname and her name of choice) was really excited to learn how to make pizza crust from scratch. We started fairly early because we wanted to par-bake the crusts. That way we could top them and finish them off on the grill outdoors when the rest of the family were here. 

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As we worked side by side, Little said… “We should start our own baking show. I can see it now!” She spread her arms wide as if she were reading a marquee. 

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“Bear and Nana’s Baking Show! Our byline can be “It’s Good Enough!”

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She always catches me by surprise and we laughed ourselves silly.  We made two batches of dough which yields six pizzas. We used a variety of toppings from plain cheese to vegetarian to pepperoni and all the veggies. There were only two slices left at the end of the evening, so it must have met with their approval!

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I was a little worried about the homemade ice cream getting done in time. It took quite a while to freeze because it was so hot outside. I used a new recipe. My ice cream freezer makes a gallon and the recipe was low yield…like, a quart. I multiplied the recipe by four to make a gallon. This was a cooked custard base like my grandma used to make. It used whole milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and the seeds from four whole vanilla beans. It was like French Vanilla…very rich and creamy. Decadent and something you seriously only serve for special occasions!

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Big went swimming yesterday morning, and this morning she is meeting with a local swim team to practice with them. I have no idea what we’ll get into today. We need to get out to the farm to mow, but we may just do that tomorrow. My daughter and Big are leaving Wednesday for the next leg of their trip. Visits never last long enough! 

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Today’s feature in the kitchen with Bear and Nana? Fried green tomatoes, corn on the cob, halfrunner beans, and a big salad! 

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“It’s Good Enough!”

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?

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“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?”

\nEcclesiastes 2:24-25 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-06-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/06/28/the-bakers-begin.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/06/26/theyre-here.html", "title": "They’re HERE!!!", "content_html": "\n
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This was taken a long time ago…they’re 14 and 17 now!

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OMGosh! Yesterday was crazy busy! When I went to town the other day, I totally forgot to take a water sample from the pool to check for the chemical levels. I really wanted to make sure everything was ok for the girls to swim, so I took a sample in yesterday. I have to say, I’ve never taken a sample in where they didn’t adjust something so I had to make a purchase. But yesterday, they checked the levels and said it was all good! So, one less thing to worry about.

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A quick trip to Walmart to pick up some last minute things that I forgot on Thursday and I headed home. I still needed to change the sheets on our bed, dust and vacuum and put some things away. I also rethought the bed coverings in the kids room and ended up with an old chenille bedspread that I love. I felt it went better. And, I wanted the white coverlet on our bed for summer.

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The kids got here about 5:30 and…I have to tell you…I cried as soon as I got a hold of them. I haven’t seen them in almost two years and they’ve grown so much. Also, I’ll bet it wasn’t 30 minutes and they were in the pool! Daughter #1 says that’s all they’ve been talking about for the last two months…they get to see Nana…and Nana has a pool! I guess a pool is big currency with teenagers! lol We grilled and chilled on the deck and visited and had a wonderful time. 

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I was so happy with the way the house looked and our hard work has paid off. But, the most important thing was getting hugs from my babes. Big is on two swim teams so she needs to get in the pool twice a day. We’re going to go out to the farm between swims today. I hope I don’t wake up and find this was all a dream!!!

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This is one happy Nana!

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?

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“Love never ends….”

\n1 Corinthians 13:8 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-06-26T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/06/26/theyre-here.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/06/13/another-trip-around-the-sun.html", "title": "Another Trip Around the Sun", "content_html": "\n
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Mr. FixIt has been asking me for a month what I want for my birthday. I told him my needs are few. I really wanted the outdoor movie theater for family gatherings. And I ordered that new food dehydrator. I’m sixty-eight years old. What on earth could I need? Clothes? I don’t think so. The pandemic has taught me I don’t need to dress up and go out to restaurants. We live in West Virginia. I live in comfort central.

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I don’t need jewelry. I don’t need anything fancy. Flowers, maybe. Not cut flowers...but maybe some red geraniums to put in the pots along the fence. That might be nice. Mr. FixIt bought me a chocolate cake for my birthday. Chocolate cake is always good! My real birthday presents left Colorado yesterday and will be pulling in my driveway on June 25th! They have stops to make between there and here.

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I had a blast with my high school friends yesterday. Fifty years it’s been since we graduated. I looked around the circle of faces and smiled. Many of us didn’t really know each other till we hooked up on Facebook. When I first moved back to West Virginia in 2014, I asked one of my friends here how often the gals meet for coffee. I was met with a black stare. It’s just not something they did. They were busy working and raising families. Well, I changed that in a hurry. And now we have our own Facebook group and...aside from the pandemic year...we have been getting together at least once a month and we all look forward to it.

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After running a few errands, I came home and finished mowing. Mr. FixIt was mudding the drywall in the master bath, then he came out and ran the weed eater. It was hotter than blue blazes and he had to sit down on the steps of my old camper in the shade to cool off. I brought him a cool drink on a drive by on the mower. I mow under an umbrella shade on my mower and drink electrolytes while I work. 

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A cool shower and supper and we were done! As I went out to the camper last night to write, Mr. FixIt said, “We’ll take tomorrow off.” Then he immediately started listing things he really needed to do. lol It’s my birthday! I have chocolate cake and hamburger from Dick’s Market to grill. We have a pool to swim in. Maybe we’ll go for a drive. It’s supposed to rain. God provides me with all that I need...including a garden. What more could I want?

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?

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“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

\nJames 1:17 ESV\n
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#Birthday, #Gifts, #Present

\n\n", "date_published": "2021-06-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/06/13/another-trip-around-the-sun.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Love","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/06/12/a-comforting-routine.html", "title": "A Comforting Routine", "content_html": "\n
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Not ours...just an idea of what I want to create.

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Mr. FixIt and I have reached a lovely place in our relationship where we know what needs to be done around the place and, without really coordinating our efforts, we just start the next job at hand. I enjoy doing all the typically “male” jobs like riding the tractors to mow, trimming tree branches with the pole saw, or running the drain snake. I can tackle and accomplish just about anything I set my mind to, although...I do have to admit...it is getting just a little more challenging to do some things.

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For instance, I was mowing yesterday afternoon...trying to get as much done as I could before the next rain storm blew in. Down at the end of the far field, there are several old sycamore trees that have a tendency to lose some branches when we have hard winds. I have to stop the mower frequently to get off and move limbs before I can move on. Up and down, up and down. Finally, at the end of the afternoon and my umpteenth up and down, I discovered my right leg would simply not lift me up anymore. It had had enough, I reckon. Not to be discouraged, I just went around to the other side of the tractor and lifted myself up and over with my left leg. You just have to make do with what you got sometimes, don’t you?

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I didn’t get the fields mowed before it started raining hard enough to send me back to park the tractor in the building. I put my tools away and went to find Mr. FixIt. He had been around the side of the house trimming the last of that monster forsythia bush and loaded the trimmings up in the back of his truck. He was just backing up to the burn pile when I came out of the building. We congratulated each other for a good afternoon’s work and went inside to wash up for supper. 

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I love summer meals when you can just make sandwiches and call it good. No heating up the kitchen or doing a ton of dishes afterwards. Finishing off with some cold watermelon really hit the spot. It has been so hot and sticky the last couple of days. We enjoyed stretching out in the cool air conditioning and watched a couple old reruns of Frazier before we finished our last push for the day. Mr. FixIt went out to empty the branches from his pickup. I cleaned up the kitchen and opened some boxes that were delivered yesterday.

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I splurged and bought a couple of things I’ve been wanting. First, the food dehydrator I used last year has just about had it. The plastic trays have become so brittle, more and more pieces fall off every time I use it. So, after doing some research, and getting recommendations from friends, I ordered a COSORI Food Dehydrator. The trays are metal so I won’t have the breakage problem over time. And, the heat and fan are in the back so the air flows across the food and not up through it. That keeps you from having to rotate the trays as often. My friend Gail uses hers every day in the summer and swears by it.

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The other thing I got is actually a gift for the family. I’ve been wanting an outdoor movie projector and screen so we can have movie and pool nights here at the house this summer. Last year, we didn’t let the kids come out to swim. We didn’t know if Covid could spread in a pool and Mr. FixIt needed it to do his daily physical therapy exercises. And, of course, there wasn’t a vaccine then. This year will be different. Just about all of the family have been vaccinated and those that haven’t been are good about social distancing. Here’s a link that shows 20 ideas for outdoor movie nights! 

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I also ordered a few poster sized family tree charts so I could fill them out for the kids before they get here. That was my last chore of the day...filling out three of them. I have a couple more to do. The rains are moving out for a bit so we’ll be back to doing outdoor chores soon. The mowing never stops. I’m going to take a break this morning and join some gals from my high school class for coffee. We haven’t gathered since January 2020 so we are all really excited to see each other! 

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I hope you all are getting a chance to get outside and stretch your legs. We are knee deep in June, as my grandma used to say, and it truly is my favorite time of the year!

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?

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“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,”

\nPhilippians 2:14-15 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-06-12T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/06/12/a-comforting-routine.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","West Virginia","Love","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Marriage","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/06/07/the-sunday-drive.html", "title": "The Sunday Drive", "content_html": "\n
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I grew up with a family that took Sunday drives. Most often, it was out to see Grandma and PopPop at the farm. But, sometimes we’d go visiting someone else or maybe pack a lunch and have a picnic at one of the many “Roadside Parks” that used to dot the two-lanes around the countryside. Sunday was when you went to church, and then you went for a visit or a drive...or both. When you were really lucky, you got a nap, too!

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Hubby #1 was a West Virginia boy...born and bred. We went for Sunday drives all the time...even when we lived in England. Hubby #2 was a Colorado boy and using up precious natural resources driving around with no purpose was beyond reprehensible. Mr. Virgo LOVED going for drives, but they were seldom on Sunday’s because of his work schedule. And now, Mr. FixIt...another dyed in the wool Mountaineer...is up for a drive any day of the week.

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We hooked up the utility trailer midday and loaded up the mowers to head to the farm. It was 86 degrees by the time we were done. I think we hit a speed record for mowing and getting out of there. When we got home, We vacuumed the pool and put chemicals in. Then, it was time to go for a Sunday drive. We decided to go into town for carry out, then head to City Park to dine al fresco. It was downright pleasant with a breeze in the shade of the many huge trees. 

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When we were done, we stopped for gas then I asked...”Where to now?” First we went to visit one of the grandkids but they weren’t home. We decided to go out the road at the top of the hill not far from our house to check on the growth of the tomatoes in the high tunnels. They’re doing great...a good four feet high already. Then, when we were almost home, Mr. FixIt wanted to drive out another road to see if these people had finished building their house. 

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When we headed toward home, we came to a fork in the road. 

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“In all the years I’ve lived here, I have never been out this road.” He pointed straight ahead so that’s where we went. Another single track road with nowhere to pull off. We drove along and saw old farm houses and lush fields of hay. We hoped someone was going to mow it. There were many, many people cutting and bailing their hay this week. We finally came to a dead end and turned around. As we came to a small creek bed cutting through bedrock, I caught the familiar song of the Wood Thrush. I stopped and turned off the car and listened. There were other birds, but the Wood Thrush is what I identify most readily. It is the song of The Farm. For as long as I’ve lived, I’ve heard their sweet calls echoing through the holler up behind Grandma’s house. I do not hear them here at the house, but just a few miles away, in the dense lush West Virginia woods...there they were. I recorded them for a bit, then I just sat back and listened. What a treat!

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The Song of the Wood Thrush

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On our way home, we passed a beautiful field with the sun setting behind it. We found a big old houseboat looking decidedly out of place with the tall grasses growing up around it. It must have been a beauty in its day. Then, the last shot of the day was some beautiful white-faced calves laying in a field while their mamas grazed nearby. One little bull calf stood and watched his mama as if to find out if he should be worried about us. My Uncle Howard always raised white-faced cattle simply because he loved to look out his window at breakfast and see them in his field. I can see why. They are lovely creatures.

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That was a wrap on the weekend. Sleeping in the camper was absolutely heavenly! I slept like a rock! Many things to accomplish this week as time is ticking away and the girls will be here before I know it!!!

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?

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“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

\nPsalms 133:1 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-06-07T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/06/07/the-sunday-drive.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Love","Peace","Be Joyful!","Memories","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/06/06/shes-baaaaaaaaak.html", "title": "She’s BAAAA-AAAAAK!!!", "content_html": "\n
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What a long, long day! We left home around 10-10:30 yesterday and didn’t pull back in till 8:00 last night. We drove down to Huntington to Setzer’s Camping World owned by my good friend, Lynn Butler. Setzer’s is one of only a handful of RV dealers owned by a woman. And the cool thing is...it used to belong to her mother! And, that was back in the day when women rarely ventured into a traditional “man’s job”, let alone owning her own business.

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Like most RV dealers right now, inventory of new RV’s is low. Last year, when everyone was pretty much locked out of public transportation, travel trailer sales skyrocketed as families sought alternative vacations. Add to that the supply chain shortages cause by the pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances, and campers are at a premium. 

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Just like our decision to stay put on our acreage for now, so to we’ve decided to stick with TOW-Wanda for the time being. We had the roof resealed and a couple of little maintenance things done. We’re putting in the “campground” here at the house where my friends can come and camp with me on our property. And, in a year or two, once things go back to normal, many of those people who rushed out to get new campers will be selling them and we can pick up a nice used one for a reasonable price.

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I got some sad news yesterday about one of our dear camping buddies. She was just getting ready to leave today to camp for a few days. She took her camper out of the barn to clean it up and stock it for her trip and, even though she used a hitch lock...her precious camper was stolen just before dawn. She was heartbroken, as anyone who owns and loves a camper can understand. They thought they’d found it in a nearby town, but it was a false alarm. I do hope she gets it back. To add insult to injury, her latest knitting project was inside. 

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We parked TOW-Wanda beside the building and hooked her up to shore power. We’ll have the girls here in three weeks and, until we can get the power out to the “campground”, we’ll need to use the camper as our bedroom. That way the girls all have comfy beds inside with all the amenities. I haven’t slept in my camper in ages. At least a year ago, I noticed she had a leak and with covid, I couldn’t get her in to get fixed. Now that she’s ship-shape, I couldn’t wait to get out there and “camp”....whether she’s in the field or by the building or wherever. I needed to sleep in my happy place. 

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It may have been a really long day, but the silver lining is...I’m camping again!!!

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?

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“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

\nRomans 12:12 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-06-06T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/06/06/shes-baaaaaaaaak.html", "tags": ["TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/06/02/theres-always-an-adventure-with.html", "title": "There’s Always an Adventure with Mr. FixIt!", "content_html": "\n
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A Little Lake We Found

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We were puttering around the house yesterday. Mr. FixIt was preparing to put another coat of paint on the man door to the building and I was going through an old tub of papers, photos, and mementos from Colorado. He took a break and checked his phone.

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“Hey, here’s a camper someone is selling right here in town. Wanna go see it?”

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Always up for a drive and a look/see at a camper, I jumped up and put on my shoes. He got a text from the fella and had read the directions to me. I admit, I was only half listening, but enough to help get us there. We headed out and finally found the first turn off. For some reason, I didn’t think we were supposed to drive so far out that road. We are talking a single lane, dirt road with mud holes and rocks and no cell service.

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I was just about ready to give up when Mr. FixIt looked at his phone. 

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“Well, would you look at that...I have three bars!”

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We were high on a hill by this time, so I stopped right there and got my own phone out. I looked at Google maps and could see where we were. We weren’t anywhere. I mean...we weren’t on any road that was on the map. I switched to satellite and...bingo! The road magically appeared! I ran my finger backwards, looking for landmarks. Then, I headed forward and found the next two turns. Yes...you read that right. Two more back roads. I was beginning to hear banjos!

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Once we had it in our heads which direction to go, we set off again. The road was getting more primitive with high spots and ruts, but not a real problem for my truck. I had four wheel drive if I absolutely needed it. Suddenly, we came to an intersection that looked like a three-pronged pitchfork with the left prong bent out at a 90 degree angle. I stopped in the center.

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“I think we need to keep going straight and bear to the right!” Mr. FixIt said.

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Now, I don’t have any sense of direction. Unless there are mountains to the west like Denver, or the sun is setting, I’m pretty much useless. So, imagine my husband’s dismay when I said, “Nope, we need to go down there.”

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“Down there” was a dogleg turn onto a steep road winding down into the shadows of the dense canopy of trees. Mr. FixIt was the one hearing banjos now. But, the man DID say “You’ll find me down at the bottom of the hill.” And, by golly...this was going down the hill!

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We twisted and turned and squeezed past the trunks of downed trees that were sawed off. Down, down, down...till, finally...Mr. FixIt said, “I can see cut grass down there!” Sure enough, we came around a turn and there was the back end of a camper sticking out of a metal canopy cover. There was a man with two big dogs. He gave us a wave and I knew we were there. It took us forty-five minutes from home to go maybe 15 miles by road...but not four miles as the crow flies. 

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There’s something about people who live that far off the grid. Although he had electric and water and septic, he lived in a small manufactured shed he had turned into a cabin. The most expensive thing out there was the cover over the camper. People like that live out there for a reason. They like the peace and quiet away from people. But, this guy obviously liked to talk and he met his match when it comes to Mr. FixIt.

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It literally wasn’t five minutes till they figured out they both knew several people. Some Mr. FixIt worked with, one who’s a dear friend of a friend, and another we actually graduated from high school with. Even out in the boonies, we know people. We knew right off, the camper wasn’t for us. But we obliged our host with some polite conversation and talked about places we’ve been and things we’ve seen. He kept the dogs in a kennel, thank goodness.

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After a respectable bit of time had passed, we started the Appalachian goodbye ritual. There’s the first announcement.

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“Well, we’d best be going.” Followed by a couple more stories. Then, we managed to move a few feet in the general direction of the truck and followed with the second announcement.

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“Well, we sure have enjoyed chatting with you. Thank you for sharing you’re beautiful place here.” That’s when the history of the property gets told and we heard about the last two or three owners. “There was a cabin here once that burned. The fella lived in the chicken coop after that.” We’ve made it within ten feet of the truck now. Finally, phase three of the departure ensued.

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“Oh, my gosh...look at the time! We really need to scoot and let you get back to what you were doing.” Mr. FixIt shared he’d been in the middle of painting the man door when we decided to come see the camper. This initiated an 8-10 minute discussion of how hard it’s getting to do those kinds of jobs. “It’s hell getting old.”

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Finally, the last goodbye. 

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“Welp...we gotta go!” And, off we went in the truck, waving as we bounced down the rocky drive and headed back up the steep and narrow gravel road that lead us back to civilization. As we drove home, we allowed that was a fine excursion and we’d have to tell the kids about these hidden roads for their Jeep rides. I’m really glad we got to meet this fella. He told us sometimes he goes two weeks without seeing another soul. He was good company and I’m glad we could spend some time.

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Honestly, there is never a dull moment with this man of mine...and I wouldn’t change a thing about him. Life is a joy!

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? 

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

\nProverbs 3:5-6 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-06-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/06/02/theres-always-an-adventure-with.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/30/i-have-a-dream.html", "title": "I Have a Dream", "content_html": "\n
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My Bubby turns 70 this fall. We’ll be traveling to Colorado to help him celebrate. My dear sister/friend texted me yesterday telling me her husband will soon be 75. Mr. FixIt will be 70 in the early New Year. And I’ll be 68 next month. I told my friend, “How can this be possible? We were just laying out with baby oil and Sun-In in our hair...like, five minutes ago!” And now? Wow!

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It’s not bad, though. I mean...I’ve done an awful lot in this life. I had countless “careers”, four husbands, kids galore if you count all the ones who called me “Mom”. I’ve lived in England and Colorado and now back to my roots in WV. I’ve traveled alone halfway around the world. I’ve pulled a 30’ camper by myself back and forth across the country. I’ve slept under the stars and howled at the moon. I’ve skinny dipped in hot springs in the nooks and crannies of the Rockies. I’ve brought two amazing women into the world...my greatest achievement.

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And now...I have this amazing life. This almost-68-year-old amazing life with this wonderful guy I’ve known since I was a kid. And we live on five beautiful acres in the country. Honestly...I’m living my dream life. Short of owning Grandma’s farm, this is perfect! And, now that we’ve decided to stay put, my heart is putting down roots even further. I’ve been thinking about ways to carve out spaces on our acreage that are not only beautiful, but functional and fun.

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I’ve wanted a “she-shed” for years. I have it in my head what I want it to look like. I save photos that I see and file them away for reference. There is a beautiful shed in a garden in Seattle that inspires me. It’s a Little White House that the owners rent out as a space for photo shoots and teas and such. I’d love to have something like that. To make this into a complex with little sheds and gardens and paths. A place for a couple of campers. A large communal fire pit. We already have the big building. We could start with something like an Autumn Festival and sell antiques. We could have a place for live music. There’s plenty of room for parking. It could be really cool. Or it could just be a dream. Who knows? The important thing is...always having a dream. Something to look forward to. Something that brings you joy. 

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Sixty-eight. Hey...it’s not NINETY-EIGHT! I have a DREAM!

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?

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“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

\nPsalm 37:4 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-05-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/05/30/i-have-a-dream.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","West Virginia","New Ideas","Gratitude","Comfort","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/24/a-day-of-peace.html", "title": "A Day of Peace", "content_html": "\n
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After an entire week of angst and anxiety, I sat with my bible study on “Overcoming Anxiety” and let it go...again. How many times do we have to let it go?? As many times as it takes. I’m pretty well convinced it’s not the last time, but the peace I felt yesterday was complete and it gave me such an incredible sense of relief.

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We got up early yesterday. We still aren’t attending church outside the home. We will go again...when we’re ready. My church yesterday was found at the farm. The grass isn’t growing terribly fast right now because we haven’t had any rain. But it was still time to mow out there, and I really don’t want the new people to take possession and have to get the baler out. So, we loaded the mowers up on the utility trailer and headed for the country.

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I knew there was food out there, so we elected to have breakfast once we arrived. We had eggs and fried cornmeal mush with syrup and sat on the front porch to marvel at God’s precious handiwork. Once we finished and the dishes were washed, I hopped on the riding mower while Mr. FixIt took the push mower around the edges and the ditch out front. My step-son called to say they were coming for a visit, so as soon as the mowing was done, we loaded back up and headed home.

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They had some work to do first, so I took the riding mower right off the trailer and mowed the Ponderosa. I just was finished when the kids showed up with pizza. We sat out on the deck by the pool and ate. They hadn’t seen the new carpeting yet so we went inside and talked while the guys re-hung the door Mr. FixIt painted. We had a lovely day with family and friends through texts and visits and phone calls.

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I felt so good. I know to give things to God. I KNOW. But my mind gets carried away and before I know it, I’m down a rabbit hole and we’re off to the races. The good thing is, yesterday was so blessedly peaceful that it was a tangible reminder of the peace that comes with letting go and letting God do the heavy lifting. We weren’t meant to do the heavy lifting. That’s HIS job....if only we hand over the load. I’m grateful for the sense of calm I experienced...all day long.

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?

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“Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.”

\nPhilippians 4:6-7 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-05-24T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/05/24/a-day-of-peace.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Gratitude","God","Peace","Courage","Be Joyful!","Control","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/15/god-has-bigger-hands.html", "title": "God Has Bigger Hands", "content_html": "\n
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Lord, I’ve tried to keep up with everything the last few months. When I posted yesterday’s message, I was so incredibly overwhelmed with all that’s on my plate and I was at my wit’s end. So, I did what I do when the burning ends of the candle are threatening to meet in the middle. I had a conversation with God. I told him I was tired and I really needed to sleep. I said I felt like I was beating my head against a brick wall with these taxes and I just could NOT figure out what was wrong. I handed everything over to Him and said, “Can you take care of this tonight so I can rest. In the morning, you can tell me what I’m doing wrong and what I need to do to fix it.” God has bigger hands than me.

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I slept like a baby.

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Yesterday morning, I got up and was just heading into the office when the carpet dudes showed up. And, of course, they had to play music. It wasn’t objectionably loud, but I have a hard time concentrating when there’s noise and let me tell you...hammering nails down into concrete for fastening carpet is a noisy proposition. I was feeling the frustration rising when Mr. FixIt popped in, touched my shoulder, and said, “How’s it coming?” I said under my breath, “It would be a lot easier if they weren’t playing their music so loud.” He softened, his voice took on that tone of compassion he uses when he knows I’m tense, but he also knows I’m going to have to suck it up a little bit and put on my big girl panties. 

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“They need the music, baby. It helps get them through long, hard days.” 

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He know just what to say and how to say it. I saw it through their eyes and realized, laying carpet is backbreaking work. The least thing they could have is the joy music gives them while doing it. My shoulders loosened and I tuned out the tunes.

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I opened the computer and said to God, “Ok...show me what you’ve got.” I closed my eyes and thought it through. There are files on the hard drive where TurboTax saves your returns. Yes...I had started an amended return when I couldn’t figure out what was wrong, but thank goodness I listened to that still small voice and didn’t file it. I had looked for the folder before and couldn’t find it. I looked in a different folder and...eureka!!! I found the original file, opened it...and all the info I thought was missing was right there in front of me! Thank you, God!

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I have no idea why TurboTax didn’t transfer the data from the year before, but I just used the figures and it worked out fine. Well...that is, until I filed the returns online. They were rejected. Something about a PIN and my AGI. I decided to print the returns and just mail them in. Alas...no working printers. Went to town to Office Depot, bought an inexpensive printer, and voila...I printed out everything I need...including last year’s return for my records.

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Tonight I’m going to give it to God again and ask him to help me figure out what I did wrong with the e-file and see if I can try it again this morning.

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In the meantime...we have NEW CARPET! I sent photos to my peeps. Other than the one time I built a house (after a divorce), I’ve never had new carpet. I feel like SUCH an adult! lol It turned out so pretty. And the vinyl laminate flooring Mr. FixIt put in the entryways is perfect! He started putting things back in the room and I asked him to wait. I want to be more selective about what we put in there. I don’t want it to be too cluttery like it was before. 

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More things checked off the list!

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It was a good day.

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?

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“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

\nPhilippians 4:6-7 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-05-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/05/15/god-has-bigger-hands.html", "tags": ["Faith","God","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!","Control"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/09/joy-is-home.html", "title": "“Joy” is Home", "content_html": "\n
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Back in 2017, when Mr. FixIt and I were a new item in the dating scene, he called me on a drizzly afternoon.

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“Hey...I was driving home and saw a beautiful two seater Mercedes!”

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Oh, no. That was Mr. Virgo’s dream car. Was I going to get to enjoy it instead? 

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“Really? Are you interested in getting something like that? Let me tell you...I had a Mercedes once. They are NOT cheap to take care of!”

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“Well...why don’t you come with me to look at it.”

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I agreed and the next afternoon, we drove by to see. We sat in the truck looking at that gorgeous silver bullet and he didn’t make a move to get out. He didn’t say a word. He just looked at me and smiled.

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“What?” I laughed. 

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“I’m sure you would be much more interested in what’s under the carport than in the little sports car.”

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My eye followed his gaze and there she was! A black and white, 1967 Franklin travel trailer. The Franklin Coach Company was founded in 1945 and was instrumental in creating the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and is the longest running, continuous ownership in the industry.

\n\n\n

I squealed and clapped my hands and jumped out of the truck. A man came out of the house and walked toward us.

\n\n\n

“Hey, there! You all interested in the Mercedes? I just put her out yesterday. I’m buying a Corvette so I need to get rid of this baby first.”

\n\n\n

I smiled and said, “No. I’m more interested in that little camper. Is she for sale?”

\n\n\n

The camper was actually his 16-year-old daughter’s. Her best friend had fixed up a camper, so she wanted to do one, too. But, as with many things teenage girls do, it stopped being fun when it became work. I get that. But, I’d been wanting a vintage camper and I thought maybe this one would be mine.

\n\n\n

We talked back and forth and his daughter was willing to part with it, so I dubbed her “Joy” and took her out to the farm. And, as with many things ADULT girls do, life got really busy and she sat at the farm all this time...covered up and waiting for me. I kept her out there mainly because I wanted to give the appearance that someone was living there. Now that the farm will be sold soon, it was time to bring “Joy” home to the Ponderosa. 

\n\n\n

I still have dreams of fixing her up. I’m far more likely to do so if she’s close at hand. Even if I don’t, she’s mine.

\n\n\n

I’m back out at the farm after spending a day at the Ponderosa. Today is Mother’s Day, and...as much as I love my step-children and they love me, this is their mom’s day...not mine. I’ll get phone calls and that will be lovely. I told Mr. FixIt we would celebrate when this work is all finished at the farm. I remember Mother’s Days when the kids were growing up. There were so many times when I just wanted a few hours to myself to take an uninterrupted bubble bath and a nap. Now, I wish I could be with them. Daughter #1 will be here in June, so I’ll have my Mother’s Day then. And I’ll see Daughter #2 in September.

\n\n\n

I hope you have a good day today...you are loved.

\n\n\n

?

\n\n\n
\n

““Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),”

\nEphesians 6:2 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-05-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/05/09/joy-is-home.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Comfort","Holiday","Be Joyful!","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/05/because-im-happy-or-the.html", "title": "“Because I’m Happy....” or The Gift from Beyond", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

I’m very careful about what I take from the farm. I know what is mine. I also know there are some things no one would mind me taking...little things that don’t mean anything to anyone else but me. Anything bigger or more significant, I ask if it’s ok. For instance, I asked to have my grandparents’ bed. I was going to keep the dresser...I may still...but it definitely needs some work. I asked for the big round mirror in the living room. It used to hang on the other end of the wall, but the TV was taller than the mirror and it didn’t serve its purpose anymore. Grandma always brushed her hair out by that mirror. I have countless photos with that mirror in the background. I also asked for a small chair side table that my uncle made years ago. Well, technically Mr. FixIt asked me to ask my uncle if we could have it. 

\n\n\n

I remember when my own mother died. I was living in Colorado and was here for a week for the funeral. I had to begin making arrangements for my brother’s living situation. The last evening before I went back to Colorado for a couple of weeks, I was heading to town from the farm. As I left the house, my aunt said she would go in and clean out mom’s house for me while I was gone. I assured her she didn’t need to do that, but she was quite insistent. We went back and forth over it for a while and, rather than argue, I stopped at the hardware store, bought new locks for the doors and installed them before I left town. 

\n\n\n

I dropped a letter in the mail the day I flew home, explaining I needed to go through things and while I certainly appreciated the gift of her time, it was something only I could do. It was part of my grieving process. She was so incredibly angry...and hurt, I imagine. But, I knew she would not take no for an answer. It had to be this way. Because of that experience, I’ve been very careful here not to step on toes. While I have an emotional attachment to many things in this house, so do the rest of the family and they own the farm...not me. They’ve been very generous with me. And I’ve been so blessed to have the time here these last few years. That is a gift in and of itself.

\n\n\n

I was cataloging some of the items that I wanted to remember before I brought them back to the farm yesterday afternoon. There was one thing I really wasn’t sure if I should just go ahead and keep or not. It was a travel golf putter that had a telescoping handle. I have no idea why my aunt had it, but I think Mr. FixIt is the only golfer in the family. I was showing it to him and he said he’d never seen anything like it. 

\n\n\n

“I’d love to keep it, but I think Aunt Peeps would be really mad if I did.” I said.

\n\n\n

She died a year ago.

\n\n\n

Now, this is one of those things that are just too eerie to ignore and since I have a witness, you’ll just have to believe me that it really happened. As soon as I said Aunt Peeps would be mad, my Alexa device started playing “Happy” by Pharrell Williams...all on its own. Mr. FixIt and I looked at each other...mouth gaped open and eyes wide. I squealed and started dancing around the living room....laughing. My aunt was no nonsense...you didn’t sit around and cry in your beer. You just got HAPPY!

\n\n\n

Ok, ok...I’ll keep it. Thanks, Aunt Peepsie!

\n\n\n

(You can watch the Official Music Video for Happy...HERE!)

\n\n\n

?

\n\n\n
\n

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.”

\nProverbs 3:13-14 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-05-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/05/05/because-im-happy-or-the.html", "tags": ["Family","The Farm","Gratitude","Downsizing","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/02/family-comes-in-many-forms.html", "title": "Family Comes in Many Forms", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I always wanted a big family. It seemed big in many ways because my daughters always had friends over and they called me mom. I fed them and took them places, then I sent them home. Kinda like grandchildren, really. Daughter #1 married and has two daughters of her own. Daughter #2 married and they have four cats. One is not better than the other...just different. And they are all loved the same.

\n\n\n

When I married Mr. Virgo, he had two daughters, but they were estranged. Over the seven and a half years we were together, he and the older daughter were making some attempt at connecting, but I never met either one of them until the Rosary the night before their father’s funeral. There was a meager attempt to form some sort of latent bond with me. The younger daughter is still connected to me on Facebook, although we never interact. Either she’s forgotten I’m there, or (as I like to believe) she lets me see Mr. Virgo’s grandchildren. His older daughter blocked me after about six months. And, sadly, she passed away suddenly nine days shy of four years after her father. Probably of the same heart condition. So, my family didn’t grow as I had hoped.

\n\n\n

Then, along came Mr. FixIt and...WOW...he has gifted me with a huge family. I am so incredibly blessed to be welcomed into the fold and treated with such love and respect. I know it isn’t always easy to bring another person into a family...especially later in life. I love them as I love my own and I’m looking forward to this summer when Daughter #1 and family come for a visit. They’ll all get to meet for the first time and my heart will just burst with joy!

\n\n\n

I got a text yesterday from one of the granddaughters. The youngest one went to prom yesterday and they wanted to know if I wanted to come and take pictures. Mr. FixIt and our son-in-law were busy putting a storm door in, so after I fed them lunch, I took off to see the princess in her gown.

\n\n\n

When she walked down the street before me, holding her dress up to keep from stepping on the mounds of tulle, the sunlight winked and sparkled as she moved. Her smile when she saw me melted my heart. She looked so grown up....so different than the softball playing, fun-loving Jeep-girl that we know and love. She was elegant and poised, so sophisticated. Then, with a grin, she picked up her dress to show me she was wearing Birkinstock’s under her ball gown. That’s our girl! She’s not my baby by blood, but she’s my baby by love.

\n\n\n

Soon, she and her date joined another couple and walked into the nearby restaurant and we all headed back to our cars. I thanked them all profusely for thinking of me and inviting me to come along. We said our goodbyes and when they turned to leave, I called after them... 

\n\n\n

“I love you guys!”

\n\n\n

“We love you, too! Thanks for coming!”

\n\n\n

***❤️MELT***

\n\n\n
\n

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”

\nPsalm 127:3 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-05-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/05/02/family-comes-in-many-forms.html", "tags": ["Family","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/27/the-best-gift-ever.html", "title": "The Best Gift EVER!", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

We had a lot to do yesterday and in order to get it all done, we had to split up and share the chores. I ran to our little burg and bought gas for the mowers and picked up the mail that was held. Mr. FixIt headed to town to pick up the cat. 

\n\n\n

The grass was really thick, and still a little damp with dew in the shady spots, but I got right to work. I filled the gas tank and topped off the oil and started the mowing. Things were moving right along...I had about 15-20 feet all around the edges of both fields and the yards done when...the blades stopped turning on the mower. No sound, no sudden problems...they just stopped turning. Although it’s never happened to me, I knew the belt had either broken or popped off the pulleys. Well, that was not what I expected.

\n\n\n

I drove back to the big building and pulled the old tractor out to finish mowing. Mr. FixIt changed the oil this spring so both tractors would be operational. I hopped on, turned the key, and...nothing. The battery was dead! Hmmmmm...I sat there cogitating. Now, taking a mower deck off and changing out a belt is not part of my skill set so the next best thing was to jump the old tractor with my truck. 

\n\n\n

I pulled my truck up close and hooked up the jumper cables, started up the truck, and hopped on the tractor. It started right up! I felt so empowered! I sat there for a little while to let the battery start to charge up a bit. I thought, “I’ll just leave it running and unhook the jumper cables and turn off my truck, then I can get back to work. I started to get off the tractor and the engine promptly threatened to die. Of course! There is a safety switch under the seat. The engine will stop when you lift weight off it.

\n\n\n

Ok...Plan B. I tugged on the jumper cables to disconnect them, but I parked a little too far away to get leverage. By this time, the tractor had been running for a good five minutes. I was sure it would start again. I turned it off, disconnected the jumper cables, turned off the truck, and hopped back on the tractor. I turned the key and....nothing. Grrrrrrr. I pulled the truck up closer, repeated the steps above, got the tractor started, disconnected the jumper cables and thought, “How am I going to turn off the truck?”

\n\n\n

Well...the answer was...I wasn’t. I had a full tank of gas and Mr. FixIt would be home any minute, so I just headed out and mowed. When he got home, I drove up to my sweetheart and yelled, “Turn off the truck!” He shook his head indicating he couldn’t hear me and motioned for me to turn off the tractor. I shook my head and said, “I can’t...the battery’s dead!” He shook his head and yelled, “Turn off the tractor!” I yelled back, “Turn off the truck!!!” lolol We both ended up laughing when he finally figured out what I was asking him to do. I’m sure the neighbors thought we were a sight!

\n\n\n

Taking the mower deck off and cleaning it then running to town for a new belt and blades (one was cracked in two places) was not on Mr. FixIt’s agenda today. The old tractor really beats me up so I felt like I’d gone ten rounds in the WWE by the time I was done. I told my sweetheart, if he’d let me stretch out for 10 minutes, I’d go to town with him and buy him dinner. It was a fair trade, but the icing on the cake came as we drove home and the Pink Moon rose over the hills of West Virginia and took our breath away!

\n\n\n

We are so incredibly blessed to live the life we have in the most beautiful place in the world. (OK, I’m biased.) I thought as I mowed...how this ground, this West Virginia red clay...has formed me as much as God forming Adam. My blood runs blue and gold and my heart will always be a Mountaineer. 

\n\n\n

Montani Semper Liberi...Mountaineers are Always Free!

\n\n\n
\n

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”

\n1 Peter 2:16 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-27T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/27/the-best-gift-ever.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","West Virginia","Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/23/todays-good-mood-brought-to.html", "title": "Today’s Good Mood Brought to You by...God’s Paintbrush!", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

The worst day at the beach beats the best day at the office. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked in the confines of four walls and a desk, but I have vivid memories. Yesterday’s chilly temps didn’t take away our enjoyment of the Outer Banks. Although it was a tad too nippy for me to go the beach, we did venture out for dinner and another glorious OBX sunset. I spent the majority of the day knitting and listening to a roaring campfire on my headset...hoping to thaw out my frosty toes. It didn’t help. I finally gave in and turned on the furnace. At the beach! That’s just wrong!

\n\n\n

As Mr. FixIt and I drove to the restaurant for carryout last night, I asked if he’d had a good week. He remarked that he really had...it was very relaxing. I really love having people join us at the beach. Our condo is actually a double unit with a one bedroom on one side and an efficiency apartment on the other. We have had my son-in-law’s parents one year, and my stepson and family another. Both trips were great fun and full of sightseeing and long days on the beach. We both needed a lower key trip this year. With so much going on in our lives, it felt really nice to just kinda kick back, stretch out and take a nap every day, and knit. I hardly cooked. I made a hearty breakfast yesterday morning, but most of our meals have been takeout picnics. 

\n\n\n
\n\n\n

Knitting: Sock Yarns, Shawl Pattern, Shawl Yarns

\n\n\n

There’s something to be said for that. We didn’t haul a lot of food down. Honestly, we didn’t bring half of what we usually drag down here. The only thing I would have done differently was bring a heavier coat and my favorite chairs. Mr. FixIt likes the folding ones with the table simply because they are lighter and easy to carry. I, however, love my padded club chairs and I promised if we bring them next time, I’ll be in charge of toting them everywhere. The furniture in our condo has seen it’s better days and really isn’t very comfortable. The only comfy place I sat the whole week was when we drove places. Next year...we go for comfort!

\n\n\n

One more day. Why does vacation take so long to get here and so quick to be over?

\n\n\n

?

\n\n\n
\n

“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!”

\nPsalm 113:3 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/23/todays-good-mood-brought-to.html", "tags": ["Travel","Love","Be Joyful!","Memories","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/06/the-jobs-are-lining-up.html", "title": "The Jobs are Lining Up", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

It’s springtime in full force here on the Ponderosa and the list of things that need doing is getting longer already. We were going to paint yesterday, but we received an invitation to an impromptu late Easter Egg Hunt for the great grandbabies and off we went! They were so cute...hunting for the eggs, then running around themselves and hiding them again so the could do it all over. I wanted to get them something other than candy, but Papaw won and they each got a basket with treats and toys in it. I remember how much fun that was when I was a little girl and it brought back sweet memories for me to watch them.

\n\n\n

Mr. FixIt was looking at something in the back of his truck when I came out to leave. It was an old wheelbarrow that was made by Ames back when he was an engineer there. I looked at that sad old thing...well used but suffering from being exposed to the weather over the years. The wood is grey and rough, the bed is rusty but solid, and the tire was rotted to the point it wouldn’t hold air. Now, the former doctor’s wife in me thought...I’d just get rid of that thing and get a better one. But, the frugal West Virginia boy I married said...This thing can be saved!

\n\n\n

We bought a new wheel for it over the weekend, but we neglected to actually measure the tire beforehand. Consequently, the new wheel was much too small. We returned it yesterday and found a suitable replacement. Now the wood will get sanded and oiled and the pan will get wire brushed and painted. And we’ll have a wheelbarrow that will be perfectly suitable to do the odd jobs for which it was intended. I’ve changed a lot since I met and married this man. I might have been a lot better off over the years if I would have remembered my frugal West Virginia roots along the way instead of disposing of things when they were looking ragged.

\n\n\n

When we got home from town, Mr. FixIt taped off the window on the outside wall we are painting today. We had to order a special extension cord for the security camera for the back of the house and it won’t arrive till Thursday. In the meantime, we can put one up over the side door of the garage. 

\n\n\n

Checking off a list gives me a great sense of accomplishment. It’s just that...I keep finding more things to add. I guess that’s called life, right? There’s always something to do. 

\n\n\n

Always!

\n\n\n

?

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\n

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

\nColossians 3:23-24 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-06T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/06/the-jobs-are-lining-up.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/28/ramping-up-for-work.html", "title": "Ramping Up for Work", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

Oh, dear...what have we here???

\n\n\n

Well, as you might have expected, I’ve been resting and healing the last ten days or so since we returned from Florida and now I’m itching to get busy. Mr. FixIt is doing so much better than he was this time last year after the strokes. We are at a point where we are more confident and not walking on eggshells wondering if another stroke is eminent.. That’s not only a glorious feeling, but it sets us back on course to get some things done around the Ponderosa.

\n\n\n

We ran to town yesterday to get two more cameras for the surveillance system. I was looking on my cellphone for discount coupons at Harbor Freight while they were getting the cameras from the back. I stumbled upon an ad on their website showing the camera system we bought on Thursday went on sale Friday. Here’s something I didn’t know...Harbor Freight will discount your purchase if it was made within 30 days before a price is marked down, so we got our $30 knocked off the price of the two additional cameras. Good to know.

\n\n\n

We stopped by Lowe’s to pick up a few things. As I was walking toward the register, we came upon this poor man. Looking all the world like a casualty of some sort, we were greatly relieved to find his little quart of paint wasn’t sealed shut and it leaked all over him and the floor of the store. He said he could hardly wait to see the look on his wife’s face when she joined him in a few minutes. We all had a good laugh, but inside...I said a quick prayer of thanksgiving that this was not innocent blood spilled.

\n\n\n

We bought filters and oil to tune up the tractors as mowing season is around the corner. We bought paint to spruce up the end of the house where the old garage doors were when they converted the space to a family room. We bought a new storm door for that side of the house. And, we picked out new carpet for the family room. Right there is enough material to keep Mr. FixIt busy for a month and I can start downsizing and decluttering the house so we’ll be closer to selling.

\n\n\n

There’s always something going on around here. We have to make hay while the sun shines, you know. I was chatting with a friend as I wrote this. She and I both had previous marriages where we had money...MUCH more money than we have now. I think back over that previous life of mine from time to time. While I enjoyed home projects in those days, it was just as easy (and permissible) to call someone to do things for me. We’re much more careful about how we spend what we have now and I have to tell you...while I may not be as financially well off in this season of life, my standard of living is much more satisfying. 

\n\n\n

What is your standard of living anyway if not the comfort available to a person? It took me a long time to learn getting back to my roots would bring me great wealth...in my heart, mind, and spirit. I couldn’t ask for more.

\n\n\n

?

\n\n\n
\n

“Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.”

\nIsaiah 49:13 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/28/ramping-up-for-work.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/25/basking-in-the-sun.html", "title": "Basking in the Sun!", "content_html": "\n
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Pardon the Pollen!
\n\n\n

Boy, howdy...yesterday was a PERFECT spring day in West Virginia! We hung around the house till about 2:00 then Mr. FixIt asked if I wanted to go for a drive out to the farm. We hadn’t been there since the week before we went to Florida and I was itching to catch some spring flowers blooming. 

\n\n\n

Actually, there was only one small patch of daffodils in bloom, but it won’t be long till the spring flowers are going to burst forth in their flashy displays. Everything in the house was great. I turned down the heat and checked all the lights, windows and doors. The only thing that has changed is a huge tree up the holler fell across the creek and the big boxwood out front split in half with the weight of the last spring snow. That made me sad, but it’s all part of life in the country.

\n\n\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

We decided to take the long way home. Our first goal was the cemetery to see my mom and family. Then we went to town. Ever since Mr. FixIt saw footprints in the snow all around my car, we have been on the hunt for a reliable security camera system. They had them on sale at Harbor Freight so now I’ll know who dares to set foot out there.

\n\n\n

We got dinner and took it to the river and sat on the tailgate having a picnic. We stopped to see two of our great grandchildren on the way home. It’s the first time we have really seen them up close since the baby was a newborn. Even though we are vaccinated, we still wore our masks. The kids are much more lax with precautions than we are so it’s imperative that we remain protected.

\n\n\n
\"\"
The Belpre Bridge
\n\n\n

It felt so good to get out and drive in the sunshine! It was 80 degrees by the time we got to the river and....oh, what a welcome sight. It’s been so long since we’ve taken a riverside picnic. It was seriously like medicine. 

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?

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\n

“so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

\nMatthew 5:45 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/25/basking-in-the-sun.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/21/resting-as-an-olympic-sport.html", "title": "Resting as an Olympic Sport", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I think I like this resting thing. I have my laptop updated, my hard drive cleaned and defragged, and my bank account up to date and balanced. I watched several episodes of Dateline and Weekend Mystery and American Idol. Ok, the TV is a little much. I have watched more in the last two weeks than I have in the last two years because Mr. FixIt and I were staying in hotel rooms. I couldn’t get away from the TV very easily. It’s not a habit, though...that’s for sure. 

\n\n\n

I did watch one episode of Dateline that was intriguing. It was about a Jane Doe that had been murdered in Texas and some amateur genealogists worked together to eventually find out who she was. Now THAT kind of work I would find addicting. These people spent hundreds of hours scouring for information on the internet and thousands of phone calls and texts. They volunteered, along with hundreds of other amateur genealogists, with an organization called The DNA Doe Project. You can find more information HERE. I found it fascinating.  

\n\n\n

Yesterday started out cold but by late afternoon it was 62 degrees. Mr. FixIt says if we listen hard enough, we can hear the grass growing! I had to get outside to sit in the sunshine for a while. It’s supposed to be nice again today, so we are going for a little drive to check out the barn raising at a family member’s farm. I still need to get those irises divided! Time’s a wastin’!

\n\n\n

What was that I was saying about liking this “rest” thing? 

\n\n\n

?

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\n

“Let's do our best to know the Lord. His coming is as certain as the morning sun; he will refresh us like rain renewing the earth in the springtime.”

\nHosea 6:3 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-21T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/21/resting-as-an-olympic-sport.html", "tags": ["Health","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/20/the-first-day-of-spring.html", "title": "The First Day of Spring...2021", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

This is the day I yearn for from the first frost. I’ve actually done better with winter the last two or three years. I’ve kept myself busy with lengthy projects that need time and attention and it keeps my mood lifted. The time always seems to pass quickly when you are engaged in something you love. But, when this day comes, I always feel a sigh of relief and a weight...however imperceptible...lifts from my shoulders.

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I took the advice of you good people (and some close friends in the medical field) and did nothing yesterday but relax in my recliner and heal. And I felt much better for it. My friend Ellie reminded me we only have so much vital energy and we need to use it to heal. If we use it on other things, we don’t have any left for our body to do the hard work of repairing itself. She gave me the example of what people say when they’re doing too much... “I was feeling so much better, then....” Thank you, Ellie. Your gentle reminder was well received and I feel your love and hugs and prayers all the way from Florida.

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One of the first things I saw on Facebook yesterday was this quote from Eleonora Duse, an Italian actress who rivaled Sarah Bernhardt in the late 19th Century. My friend Becky tagged me because she knows this is MY best day, so I needed to share it with you. When I drive out the little 2-lane country roads and see the grass green up along the ditches and creeks, my heart soars. When the crystal clear blue skies bless me with sunshine on my cheeks, I take a deep cleansing breath. Thank you for thinking of me, Becky. When God turns the page on another season and the earth comes alive...so do I.

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I remember thinking to myself in March of 2013...if Mr. Virgo had to die, I thanked God it was at the beginning of spring and not the beginning of winter. I took my little camper into the wilderness and backroads of Colorado for three months and started to heal my broken heart...one campfire at a time. Nature cradled me in warmth and sounds and smells that soothed my spirit and helped me walk through the fires of grief without being burned alive. I was ever so grateful for that because I know full well it would have been a different story six months later during a Colorado winter.

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I don’t really have anything on my schedule until April Fool’s Day so I’m going to take my time resting and healing the next couple of weeks. After the way I felt Thursday, I think I have a greater appreciation of the way aging effects recovery from illness, injury, or surgery. Things just don’t work like they used to. I don’t really begrudge that. Aging is a natural part of life and it’s not like I can’t do what I really want to do. I just have to adapt and approach things a little more slowly and carefully now....especially until my bones build up with calcium again after surgery. I have too many things to do than to have a broken hip or something. 

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So, my lovelies...may you have a wonderful First Day of Spring. I hope you get outside and enjoy some fresh air, and hopefully some sunshine, and lift your hearts with joy.

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? 

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“Winter is past, the rain has stopped; flowers cover the earth, it's time to sing. The cooing of doves is heard in our land.”

\nSong of Songs 2:11-12 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/20/the-first-day-of-spring.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Aging","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/02/day-the-walkabout-and-a.html", "title": "Day 351: The Walkabout and a Missing Pie", "content_html": "\n
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See, this is why I don’t bake the good stuff...I eat it. We polished off that whole apple pie in little more than twenty-four hours. It’s ridiculous....but OH SO GOOD. Life is short, right? Eat dessert first. Use the good dishes. Wear that hat. Don’t wait for a special occasion. TODAY is the special occasion!

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Yeah, I know...I’ve worked in medicine long enough that I should be encouraging you all to eat right and exercise and stay fit and live forever. And, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m sure I’ll get back to that really soon. After all, mowing season is coming and I’ll be working my butt off again. But, I’m not going to beat myself up over a few pounds gained because, dang it...it was a pretty rough year. And, by golly, we made it through! There is something to celebrate there, I think.

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Being good to yourself isn’t always about doing all the right things. Sometimes it’s about doing the right things for you...right now. The “right things” change with the season and the seasons of life are not defined by the elements or the months or the time the sun sets. The seasons of life are noted when you feel the paradigm shift and the earth moves under your feet. You feel it when your world shakes you and wakes you and you ride every wave till you’re spent. You feel it when your heart breaks open and spills on the ground. And, sometimes you feel it when you hear the water rushing in a full creek or peepers in the holler. This is what living close to the ground has given me. I feel my roots so deep in the West Virginia red clay mud.

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I love when Mr. FixIt and I go out and walk the land we own. It changes every day. We’ve heard hawks screaming in the surrounding trees. We’re convinced they’ve been feeding on the moles and voles sticking their little heads up from the saturated ground because we see the holes in their tunnels. I love the way the fog starts rolling in as the sun sets. It rolls like a carpet, spreading out from the creeks and settling in the low places.

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There are more and more migrating birds showing up. I haven’t taken time yet to sit and watch the feeders to identify them, but I hear their calls in the morning when I awaken. The window is always left open and the flowering quince and forsythia are just outside our bedroom. I love to hear the world wake up from its quiet slumber. We still haven’t had thunderstorms yet, but they’ll be coming before long. We have a stretch of sunny yet cool days coming, then warming up by next weekend. These are the days I love the best in West Virginia.

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When life is good...it is very, very good.

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?

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“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.””

\nGenesis 8:22 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-02T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/02/day-the-walkabout-and-a.html", "tags": ["Aging","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Baking"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/02/27/day-an-attitude-of-gratitude.html", "title": "Day 348: An Attitude of Gratitude", "content_html": "\n
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I kept a “Gratitude Journal” for years before I ever started writing this blog. When I was going through some of the darkest days of my life (up to that point), I wrote in it every night. I proclaimed my gratitude for everything in my life...large and small. At the time, I hadn’t learned that we must be grateful in everything...good AND bad. Believe me, it is not easy to find gratitude in our most challenging places, but I have always made an attempt to at least look.

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Sometimes my list was long...full of beautiful and glorious examples of my many blessings. Some days, I was hard pressed to find one thing. Sometimes I just wrote...I didn’t die today. And as hard as that day may have been, I found gratitude in getting to try again. Where your thoughts go, so goes your heart. By repeatedly focusing my attention to the many things I had to be grateful for, the little things I stumbled over really didn’t seem so bad.

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When Mr. Virgo died, it took a very, very long time to find gratitude. Not in his dying, but in his living and that he chose to live what turned out to be the rest of his life...with ME. I found gratitude that he hadn’t suffered a long and lingering death. Or that he hadn’t become feeble and frail and in need of constant insufferable indignities to his person. He would have hated infirmity. I was grateful I said yes when he asked me out. It turned out there was so much to be grateful for.

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As we live our day to day lives through the continuing pandemic and upheaval in the world, I do take comfort that my fight or flight response has calmed down considerably. I was beginning to clearly suffer adrenal burnout from the constant influx of cortisol. My “covid kitchen” body has seen its better days and I must say, I was tremendously relieved when our 50th High School Reunion was postponed till next year. It gives me more time to get this extra poundage off of my far too ample frame.

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I checked in with my friends who also had their vaccines on Thursday. We are all faring pretty well the same...sore arm, maybe a little malaise. Nothing serious at the time of this writing. When I checked in with Diane, she reminded me of all the many blessings we have received through this mass vaccination effort. 

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First, we live in a state that surprised us in having their act together surrounding the covid crisis. West Virginia is a shining example of how to administer vaccines in a steady and organized fashion. We didn’t have to struggle to get scheduled. Other than the little bobble thrown by Mother Nature last week, we didn’t have a bit of trouble getting both doses of the vaccine. We have a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. We are fortunate to be retired with a steady, albeit fixed income. Our kids are safe and secure and in good health.

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Ok, so...we have the aches and pains of aging. Big deal. So does everyone else. You don’t get to this age without something and if you have managed to...then good on you! You get to count TWICE as many blessings in your Gratitude Journal. There is so much sadness and pain in the world and I personally know some who are really struggling now. I am grateful they have God to lean on and to carry them through the trials they are facing.

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I had my semiannual Zoom meeting to monitor my brother’s care yesterday. He has grown a “covid beard” in the last year, but unfortunately he cannot trim it himself and the barber couldn’t either because it would necessitate taking off his mask. He’s beginning to resemble the guys from Duck Dynasty, and I could tell he was self conscious about it. We worked out a plan where a staff member who is also a hairdresser will come in and trim his beard for him. I know he’ll feel so much better afterwards. He’s very excited about the day program reopening next week and he’ll get to go participate in some activity once a week.

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My greatest point of gratitude is that he has had both of his shots so he is safer now. And, since we have had ours, come hell or high water, we are going to Colorado this year to help him celebrate that very special 70th Birthday in style!

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Embrace every single part of your day with an attitude of gratitude and I guarantee...your heart will soon be lighter...more full and free!

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?

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“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

\nColossians 3:17 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-02-27T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/02/27/day-an-attitude-of-gratitude.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/02/02/day-the-gift-that-keeps.html", "title": "Day 323: The Gift that Keeps on Giving", "content_html": "\n
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What do you get a guy who has EV.ERY.THING? Mr. FixIt’s birthday was yesterday. We don’t go overboard on things like that but I always want to give him something I know he will enjoy. We aren’t traveling till after the next covid vaccine and I get my surgery in Florida. We don’t dine out in restaurants. And the day was snowy, icy, and cold so we weren’t going anywhere anyway. 

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A few months ago, one of our granddaughters got her first job as a dental hygienist. She has a large window in front of her dental chair, so she bought a clear plastic bird feeder that attaches to the window with suction cups. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to get one for my sweetheart. He LOVES his birds. He faithfully fills the feeders and he’s always pointing out what variety of bird is frequenting the smorgasbord on the Ponderosa. When I gave it to him yesterday morning, he had it filled and mounted on the window before I could get breakfast ready.

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After scrambled eggs and fried potatoes, the phone rang over and over all day with birthday greetings. Our great granddaughter even called and sang the sweetest Happy Birthday to her Papaw. Around 4:00, my stepson and his youngest came over with...get this...a steak dinner from Texas Roadhouse! Now...THAT was a treat! 

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I miss dining out. I miss spending time with family and friends. I miss traveling. But, we have more money in the bank. We have more frequent and meaningful conversations with our kids than we used to. And, we’re healthy...and home...safe and sound. There will be other days when we can be more free to do spontaneous things, but we’ll have lots of birds to watch outside our windows in the meantime. 

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The real highlight of the day came in the form of a late Christmas present from my son-in-law’s mom. Sue and I are very close and chat every night before bed. Sometime in the last few months, she mentioned they had watched the video of our kids’ wedding. I told her offhandedly that I’d love to have a copy of that because I couldn’t remember it very well. You see, those were the Prozac years and I lost a whole decade of memories. Sometimes I have snippets of memory. Other times, it’s like someone told me about it, but I wasn’t really there.

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Mr. FixIt brought the mail in and said, “I think you got something from France. It says “fra-JEE-lay” on it. He smiled as he handed me the small brown envelope. 

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I rolled my eyes and said, “Goofball.” We both laughed.

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It was the first half of my Christmas present from Sue. She told me it was coming late, so when I saw her return address, my curiosity was piqued. Inside was a DVD...of the wedding! I squealed and handed it to Mr. FixIt and asked him to put it in right away so we could watch it. You have to understand...this wedding was twenty-five years ago...two husbands ago...my baby was five...my beautiful firstborn was stunning...and seven very important loved ones are gone now, including my mom. I was doing a serious walk down memory lane here.

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I kept leaning in to see if I could hear their voices. I wanted to catch every smile...every nuance of the people I’ve loved all my life. A tear slowly made its way down my cheek. My God...we were so YOUNG. The wedding was lovely...much lovelier than I remembered. I forgot we had live musicians from the Aspen Music Festival playing. I forgot Sue’s sister sang “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” (It was the era of The Lion King.) I forgot my nephew was just a toddler and my niece hadn’t been born yet. 

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I was glad to see that the wreck I was inside didn’t show on the outside. I looked like the poised mother-of-the-bride...taking it all in stride. But my anxiety was off the charts that day as it often was (and sometimes still is) when I am doing something stressful. My daughter still says that wedding was for me, not for her. I was always far too over involved in her life...by my own admission. She was the coolest kid. She was beautiful, self-assured. She had the high school life I only dreamed of...cheerleader, choir, theater, honor roll. I wasn’t mature or together enough to back off and let her enjoy it. I had to live it vicariously. It took a long time for both of us to understand...for me to apologize...and for her to forgive.

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As I watched that day so long ago unfold in front of me, I was so proud of all of us for getting through the tough times that lay ahead...that we couldn’t even imagine at that point. I was so proud to see that those two young kids have built a beautiful life together and have been married for over twenty-five years now. It was a beautiful day...then and now. A beautiful gift. A beautiful birthday with this wonderful man. A beautiful life. A beautiful walk into my past.

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?

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“For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.”

\nProverbs 9:11 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-02-02T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/02/02/day-the-gift-that-keeps.html", "tags": ["Family","Gratitude","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/28/day-lead-with-love-and.html", "title": "Day 318: Lead with Love and Make Amends", "content_html": "\n
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I had to run to town yesterday for a followup breast ultrasound. I have a cyst growing where the one was removed a couple of years ago. So, it turned out ok, I think. The official report isn’t in yet, but the tech says I just have a tendency to produce cysts. As long as they’re benign, I’m ok with that. Just remember...get the tatas checked regularly, ladies.

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As I sat in the waiting room, another lady sat the recommended six feet away. I knew I recognized her, but couldn’t place where...and you know, with masks, it’s even harder. I finally asked where I might know her from. We finally determined we live in the same small town, so we probably see each other at the Piggly Wiggly, or maybe Dollar General. 

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The technician came to the door with my chart and called, “Ginny?”

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“Yes!” I smiled and began to rise. 

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The woman with the long gray hair said, “Ginny. Did you go to Bethel Church???”

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Bingo! That’s where I knew Judy from. It was so good to see her...it’s been several years. I wished her well and followed the technician. Just inside the door, I stopped and said, “I’m sorry...would you excuse me for just a moment?”

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I stuck my head back out the door and said, “Judy, did you know Aunt Peeps passed away?”

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She did not. I told her briefly what had happened. In that moment...in a better time...I would have walked over to her and hugged her. Instead, I just gave her my warmest look and said, “I’m so sorry to tell you like this, but wondered if you knew.” She thanked me and I continued in the back with the technician.

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When I got home, I made a big pot of chili. It’s going to be cold and snowy and that’s perfect weather for it. I chatted with my son-in-law’s mom for a bit and mentioned what I was cooking. She texted back...

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“I wish we were there to have chili with you!”

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Tears immediately stung my eyes. Oh, I’m missing my people so.

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When will the better days come? How will we be? What lessons will we have learned from this experience? How can we move forward with love and grace in the aftermath of such ugliness of the last few years?

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I came across this song yesterday by Dolly Parton. Dolly has a big ol’ heart of gold and I found her words so encouraging, reminding us that maybe...just maybe, we don’t want to be like we were before all of this. Maybe God has shaken up the great big Etch-a-Sketch of life and he’s giving us a clean slate...a new way to act...a new way to BE in the world.

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I want to be more grateful for the goodness in my life.

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I want to demonstrate my love for my family, friends, and fellow man.

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I want to be a light on the hill and shine the true love of Jesus out through everything I do.

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I want to hug more and harp less.

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I want to smile more and snipe less.

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I want to appreciate every gift in every way.

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I want to love more...and more...and more, still.

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There will be better days ahead, I promise...when life is good again.

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Listen to Dolly’s song “When Life is Good Again”.  

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?

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“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”

\n1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-28T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/28/day-lead-with-love-and.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Gratitude","Forgiveness","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/24/day-doctor-doctori-can-walk.html", "title": "Day 314: Doctor, Doctor...I Can Walk!", "content_html": "\n
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I’ve survived a lot in my sixty-seven years. Abuse, trauma, addiction, depression. And, every time I’ve gone through a rough patch, I come out feeling such a tremendous sense of relief and gratitude that the pain finally stopped. I have to say...I felt that yesterday. When you are in the trenches for a long time, it’s really easy to convince yourself you’re doing ok. It’s not so bad. I can do this. Then, when the weight is lifted, you realize just how awful it was down there. It’s the same as when you’ve been very sick with a bad flu. When you feel better is when you realize just how sick you really were.

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It seems something as ubiquitous as the “Bernie Memes” swept the internet, our country came out of the water at the deep end and gasped a lung full of fresh air. You could almost feel a collective sigh as people everywhere belly laughed for maybe the first time in a long, long time. It felt good. No...it felt GREAT! It felt liberating....like coming out of a dark winter into the warm sunshine of spring.

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It’s been a rough stretch for an awful lot of people in this country and Bernie sitting in a chair EVERYWHERE was just what the doctor ordered. I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders as I saw thread after thread on the internet...each meme funnier that the last. It felt...normal. Like, normal life. The Covid numbers are still awful, but they just might be slowing down ever so slightly. The vaccines are slowly trickling out, but help is on the way to coordinate the effort. And each day has incrementally more light in it that the day before as we slowly inch our way toward spring.

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The sun was shining yesterday here at the Ponderosa. I sat in my big red recliner and worked all day on my website and I’m making great progress. I am up to the first week of September 2016. Once I finish copying November 14, 2016...everything will be on my website. What an accomplishment that will be. To be able to scroll down and see eight years of work at my fingertips. It makes me giddy to think such a huge undertaking is nearly complete. Between that and the stress released by lots of belly laughs...I’m feeling like a new woman today! We aren’t totally out of the woods yet, but my strength has been renewed and I can face another day...with a whole boatload more hope!

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?

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“I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.”

\nRomans 15:13 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-24T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/24/day-doctor-doctori-can-walk.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Wisdom","Change","Be Joyful!","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/23/day-camping-with-a-crusty.html", "title": "Day 313: Camping with a Crusty Curmudgeon", "content_html": "\n
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I’ve been having a ball this week with the fun memes using Bernie Sanders in his warm parka and mittens at the inauguration. When I first saw him walking in, looking around for his seat, I laughed out loud because he looked all the world like another Bernie I knew and loved. My second father-in-law (whom we affectionately referred to as Pop) was, from all appearances, a bit of a schlub. Lacking social graces, definitely rough around the edges...not one ounce of self awareness, Pop had a huge heart of gold and would do absolutely anything for you if you were a hard worker. He loved big and talked loud and stumbled through life with not a lot of fluff. But, oh....we all loved him fiercely and miss him so much.

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When I first saw Bernie Sanders at the inauguration, I thought “Oh, my God...it’s just like Pop decided to stop at Joe’s thing before he went to Kings to pick up some milk and eggs and maybe a dented can of something off the sale rack.” What a joy it is to see each creative interpretation of the modern Jewish zaidie, frumpy but warm, practical and uncaring of your critical eye. He embodies the gestalt of Yiddisha Papas. And...these viral memes may have just fixed the internet this week.

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I hear Bernie gets a kick out of all the attention these memes are getting. I don’t know if our Pop would have recognized himself in them, but we do...with lots of love. It’s so sad when you lose a beloved family member. And, it’s so wonderful when you get to the point that you can smile and laugh at the memories without so much pain in your heart.

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Thank you, Bernie...for being your practical self, for not giving a rip what people thought of your outfit, and for bringing smiles to a lot of people when they think of their own “Pop”...gone, but never forgotten.

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To Our Very Own Bernie....What a Pop You Were!

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?

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“Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you.”

\nProverbs 15:13 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-23T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/23/day-camping-with-a-crusty.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/21/day-another-dawnanother-day.html", "title": "Day 311: Another Dawn...Another Day", "content_html": "\n
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Amanda Gorman, first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate
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I had a very long day yesterday. Mr. FixIt left early to go to Sam’s during the time set aside for Prime Members...before the doors open to the general public. There were only three people in the whole warehouse. I elected not to go because I wanted to watch President Trump’s farewell speech at Andrews. It is not lost on me that many of you did not want to see him go and the day was sad for you. I feel for your sadness, disappointment, anger...because I’ve known the same. If this contentious election taught me anything, it’s the ability to put myself in someone else’s shoes and have empathy. It has also given me an opportunity to step back and look at politics through a different lens. Instead of standing so far apart, slinging stones and arrows...I recognize this is the process our country was built on. This is the reason there is not a monarchy or an autocracy. Our form of government was designed to take turns. The pendulum swings...wildly at times...but it always comes back in a different direction. I think, doing a job we can be proud of is a worthy goal for either side and working together for the greater good gives us ample opportunity for improvement. There has been an awful lot of divisive rhetoric over time that makes us see the worst in each other. I strive to do the opposite.

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I think the most beautiful thing I saw yesterday in the entire day’s event was the reading of the inaugural poem by Amanda Gorman, America’s first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate. At the tender age of 22, this Harvard student...a descendant of slaves, the daughter of a single mom...spoke with intelligence, beauty, grace, and poise. Her slender hands painting the air as she sent her well chosen words into our hearts...a balm to heal broken places. The fact she stood on the very spot where such violence shook our nation just two weeks prior exemplified the stark contrast between darkness and light. I was mesmerized and want to share it here...not only as a record of the day, but as a testament to what I have always strived for in my own writing. That there is goodness in the world...even in the darkest of times. And, that we have far more in common than the differences that divide us. I always strive to be a uniting force. I’m not always successful...but it is in the trying that we find a worthy endeavor.

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You can read the words of the Inaugural Poem here as well as view Ms. Gorman’s reading. 

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As the day wore on, and the more mundane events commenced, I gave in and took a little nap. I was freezing and climbed under the blankets, allowing their warmth to comfort me in the soft cocoon of slumber. Afterward, Mr. FixIt and I watched the news, then the first press briefing, then...the star-studded Inauguration Celebration they had in lieu of the traditional balls. Actually, I much preferred that. We can’t go to the balls...and who wants to watch other people dance? I loved having a program of inspiring music and the celebration of Americans...not just America. The story of the little girl with the virtual lemonade stand that raised $80,000 to help others. The little boy who overcame a stutter and read part of an Inaugural Speech. The words of encouragement and wisdom from prior presidents. It was generous and selfless, humble and kind. Inclusive.

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Finally, when we were nearing the middle of the show, I took a break to make us a little sweet treat. As usual, I didn’t have a recipe in mind, but I knew I wanted warm muffins and a cup of tea. I searched around in the pantry, and this is what I came up with. Amounts are approximations, as I don’t really measure...I kinda eyeball it.

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Flapjack Muffins

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Mix together throughly by hand. Then fold in whatever little extras you want. I added a cup of a dried cranberry & pecan mix that I use as a topping for yoghurt or salad. I also added a cup of semisweet chocolate chips.

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I have the really big muffin pans so this made five. It would have made six if you didn’t fill the cups as much. Bake for about 25 minutes at 350 till a toothpick comes out clean. I split them and buttered each half and ate them while still hot from the oven.

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Warmth and goodness heals us from within. May we strive for moving closer to each other and heal with warmth and goodness...an maybe a nice muffin and a cup of tea.

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?

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“Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.”

\nColossians 3:14 CEV\n
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#Unity, #CommonGood, #MiddleGround

\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-21T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/21/day-another-dawnanother-day.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Grace","Peace","Forgiveness","Courage","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/19/day-the-ripple-effectraising-our.html", "title": "Day 309: The Ripple Effect...Raising our Collective Mood", "content_html": "\n
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In psychology, the Ripple Effect is “emotional contagion in groups”. In other words, the emotions of one person can effect the mood of many others in the group. Negative energy is more readily spread. We’re all familiar with this in our daily interactions with others. 

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I think we can all agree there is a whole lot of negative energy swirling around in the world right now. It seems the volatile combination of a contentious political environment, a worldwide pandemic, and the resultant fallout of the two is taking it’s toll on everyone. Our collective mental health is suffering and I am praying in the coming months, we can start turning some of that around with calmer waters. When we get come semblance of control over this virus through vigorous health habits and herd immunity through vaccination and antibodies, we can get back to a more normal life.

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When all this started last year, I don’t think the majority of people could even imagine it taking this long. It’s hard, I will not lie. I was telling Mr. FixIt yesterday...it’s not easy when you like each other and you get along. It’s got to be h*** when you’re having marital issues on top of it all. I personally know several who are really struggling with this and I hate it for them.

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So, what can we do to bring up the vibrations around us when we can’t get away? For me, my first outreach is to God for comfort. He’s always there to listen to my heart and lift me up. In addition, here are some suggestions that might also help you and those around you.

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  1. I know it sounds selfish, but make yourself a priority. You cannot fill another’s cup if yours is empty. Listen to your body and your emotions.
    2. \n
  2. Eat right. A machine cannot run well with low grade fuel. I know the carbs and crunch of sweet and salty foods are soothing, but they aren’t helping us.
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  3. Get outside at least once a day. I know it isn’t easy when the weather is so cold and snowy...or rainy, as it is here in West Virginia. Just a twenty minute walk in the brightest part of the day helps boost the mood.
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  4. Get the right amount of sleep. Too much is just as bad for you as not enough. Try to go to bed and get up within 30 minutes of the same times every day.
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  5. Make your bed. Believe it or not, making your bed and scrubbing the kitchen sink are the two top chores you can do to really help soothe you. First, you are less likely to climb back in bed if you’ve made it. And, with a clean sink, you can call that good or add more chores that lift your satisfaction in your surroundings.
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  6. Make lists. Making a list gives you a sense of purpose and offers a little more structure to days that just seem to run, doing the same things over and over. Mix it up a little and throw things on the list that add to your self care like “turn on music and dance for five minutes” or “trim your nails and massage some nice lotion on those dry hands and feet.”
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  7. Try to call at least one other person every day to check in and see how they’re doing. Listen with a servant’s heart and pay attention to how you might help lift them in their struggles.
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  8. If you have a partner in life, take the time to check in with them in a sincere way. Ask them how they’re doing. Be sure they know you care and they know you’re still a team. It’s easy to let things slide to the back burner in relationships. The back burner is where things go to die. Don’t let your love relationships wither in this arid climate.
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  9. Encourage hobbies and activities you can do...either together or separately. This keeps the mind sharp and helps to lift the mood.
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  10. Remember that spring is coming. Life won’t be like this forever...promise.
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So, today is Tuesday...let’s make it a better, brighter day for someone else. And, in return, that will make it a better, brighter day for us.

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?

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“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.”

\n1 Peter 5:7 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-19T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/19/day-the-ripple-effectraising-our.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/12/28/day-christmas-thats-a-wrap.html", "title": "Day 287: Christmas 2020...That’s a Wrap!", "content_html": "\n
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Now that it’s Monday, Christmas 2020 is officially over. The tree will stay up for as long as we want this year. Of all seasons, this is the one we need to pour as much love and light into as it can possibly hold. Even though this year was certainly challenging, Christmas was not without its joys. We were able to exchange gifts remotely and in person, although socially distanced. It’s really hard not to hug these kids! The time will come again when we can...it’s not forever, it’s just for now, right?

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I made a big meatloaf on Saturday night as our “Christmas Dinner” so we enjoyed cold meatloaf sandwiches as we watched football yesterday. I inadvertently got drawn into a project over the weekend that I wasn’t expecting, but I was glad to do it. I am one of the administrators of the Facebook page for our high school class. There are two files that keep getting updated. One is “Where are you now?” The other is the Memorial Wall... “Gone...But Not Forgotten”. Somehow, the memorial wall was deleted with twelve years of data and comments on it. Fortunately, several people have kept track of those we’ve lost over the years and I was able to reconstruct the list itself. But, all whose wonderful comments and prayers...some from class friends who are no longer with us...are gone for good, I’m afraid.

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After I regained my composure over the loss of all that data, I set to reconstructing a new, improved list...with a back up. Typos were corrected and the list was changed to last-name-first to facilitate alphabetizing. We lost three class members this month alone. We had a very large class..somewhere over 700 students. Our Memorial Wall contains the names of 110 of our friends. It never gets easier when we lose one. And it doesn’t matter that our class was so big...we’re still family. “Once a Big Red, Always a Big Red.” I don’t know what it was about our class...we were tight. I’ve talked to classes before and after ours and many have never stayed in touch with their classmates, never attended a reunion. I think Facebook has helped people stay in touch and for that, I’m very grateful.

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I was kicked back in my recliner all afternoon and looked up the see the sky on fire! What a gorgeous sunset. No pictures can do it justice, but trust me...it was breathtaking. I had my lap desk, my iPad, my laptop, my phone, and our yearbook balanced on my lap when I threw my phone to Mr. FixIt and implored him to run out and take pictures for me. Over the weekend, photos have been coming in from the family and they were filled with so much joy, I absolutely had to share them with you today. 

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Joy comes even in the darkest of times and we so need all the joy we can get right now. Right now, I can’t count on two hands the number of people I know who are sick with Covid or other serious health issues. And I cannot do a single thing but pray for them. I can’t go make them soup or hold them or clean their houses for them. I can’t get on a plane and fly to their side or hop in the truck and drive. It makes us feel so helpless. So, I take care of people in other ways. I’ve mailed out care packages. I’ve contributed small amounts to fundraisers. I’ve helped people who are helping people. I’ve lifted people up in prayer and told them about it. I’ve prayed with them. I’ve taken food to their homes. I’ve contributed food and blankets and coats to drives. I’ve rounded up at the checkout. 

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We may be helpless in some ways, but we can make up for it in others. We may feel hopeless on this day, but we won’t always. We can become hopeful for the days of hope ahead. They will come. They WILL come! We can work together and rise up and meet this challenge with dignity and hope and grace...and most of all love. And within that...we will find our joy!

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?

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“...We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.”

\nRomans 5:3-5 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-12-28T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/12/28/day-christmas-thats-a-wrap.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/12/08/day-the-gift-of-an.html", "title": "Day 269: The Gift of an Heirloom Recipe", "content_html": "\n
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The first day of holiday baking was a huge success. After a relaxing start to the day and enjoying my morning coffee, I got to work in the kitchen. I grew up in the ‘50s and ‘60s when the obligatory holiday fruitcake came to our house...usually as part of my dad’s Christmas bonus package. Fruitcakes back then came in these really great heavy-duty tins embossed with festive Victorian holiday scenes. These tins often went on to become the button boxes many of us remember sifting through at our grandmother’s homes. 

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I really hated fruitcake. It was almost a rule of thumb that children and fruitcake did not mix and if you liked it, you never admitted to it. It was thick, dark, gummy, and so sickeningly sweet. Once in a while, I might pick out a candied cherry and eat it, but that was the extent of my experience with fruitcake. The fact that it’s often soaked in booze might have been a deterrent in my house growing up. (I received a cookbook as a wedding gift from my grandma and she crossed out the word “beer” in a recipe for barbecue sauce!)

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Enter, Mr. Virgo. Fruitcake, like opera and the Philadelphia Eagles, entered my world along with that tall, handsome man. Unfortunately, he liked traditional fruitcake. I happened to mention this to my cousin’s wife and she sent me my Aunt Marge’s White Fruitcake recipe. She assured me, even a diehard fruitcake hater like me would love this recipe. The following year, I made two loaf pans of fruitcake before Thanksgiving, wrapped them in cheesecloth, and started giving them a weekly drink of bourbon.

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The week before Christmas, I brought the fruitcake in from cold storage in the garage and cut a few slices for Mr. Virgo’s gustatory pleasure. He declared it the best fruitcake he had ever tasted. I felt this was a fine endorsement and he talked me into trying a piece myself. Being the good sport that I am, I complied...fully prepared to again, hate it. But...oh my GOSH, people! It was divine! Granted...it’s still not something I’m going to overindulge in. It is definitely an acquired taste. But as far as fruitcakes go, this is the bomb. And here’s where the bad news comes in.

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I cannot share the recipe with you.

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My Aunt Marge was an incredible cook. Legendary. She worked and perfected this recipe over the years and would never give the recipe away, no matter WHO asked. I was privileged to be gifted this recipe and had to promise I wouldn’t share it. (Trust me, I asked with you all in mind...no go.)

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So, why am I sharing this when I can’t share the recipe? Basically, to share my love for my Aunt Marge. To share a tradition. And, yeah...to maybe brag a little that I finally found a fruitcake I can eat. Don’t be too dismayed. If you hate fruitcake as much as most people, you’ll just scratch your head at the thought people really eat this stuff. If you DO love fruitcake, you can Google “White Fruitcake” and find a recipe that might give you something like Aunt Marge’s. But I doubt it will be as good as this one. ‘Cause...it’s truly a family heirloom.

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Next up...Banana Bread!

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?

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“Your wife will be as fruitful as a grapevine, and just as an olive tree is rich with olives, your home will be rich with healthy children.”

\nPsalms 128:3 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-12-08T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/12/08/day-the-gift-of-an.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","Holiday","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Baking","Memories","Cooking","In the Kitchen"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/12/02/day-wishes-to-prayers-coincidences.html", "title": "Day 263: Wishes to Prayers, Coincidences to Blessings", "content_html": "\n
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In the spring, I noticed my knuckles were swelling and painful. Arthritis? Could be. It’s also one of the myriad symptoms of hyperparathyroidism...of which I was unaware at the time. All I knew was, I was baking a lot and gardening a lot and my rings were becoming harder and harder to slip off and on. One day in particular really scared me. It took lots of uncomfortable coaxing to get my rings off. I certainly didn’t want to run the risk of having to get them cut off. I’ve seen that done and it isn’t pleasant for the recipient. Once I managed to get the rings off that time, they went to the safety deposit box. 

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All summer, my finger was naked and I hated that I couldn’t wear my wedding rings. However, I equally hated the idea of asking Mr. FixIt to buy me another wedding band...even a simple gold band. As the year wore on, I thought I might broach the subject as a possible gift idea for Christmas, then the microwave bit the dust and there may be a trip to Florida coming up if this parathyroid surgery thing happens. Besides, we just bought these new recliners. I don’t need tchatchkes and I really have everything I could possibly want. I decided not to ask. But ohhhhh, how I wanted a ring on my finger. I did what I always do...I just handed it over to God and put it out of my mind.

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The other evening, Mr. FixIt was rummaging around in the basement for quite some time. When he came back up, he had a small case and set it on the floor in front of his recliner. I turned on the overhead light and sat on the floor to see what was in the box. It turned out to be some of his uncle’s “treasures”. Things like war memorabilia and old pocket watches that didn’t work. I am a sucker for things like this so I was having a big time.

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“Maybe my new wedding ring is in this box.”

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I looked up into my husband’s puzzled face. He knows my rings don’t fit but we’ve never spoken about it.

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I smiled. “I asked God to bring me a new one that fits.”

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He looked down into the box and picked something up. “How about this one?”

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It was old and worn and looked like a piece of an old brass tube. I buffed it hard on the carpet and the tarnished surface remained unchanged. I slipped it on my finger and...I know this sounds SO weird, but...it felt like it belonged to me. Like I’d worn it forever. It was absolutely the perfect size. As a matter of fact, I can’t even tell I’m wearing it. I instantly loved it. It felt like I’d found something just yearning to be back on someone’s finger to be loved again. I didn’t even care that it was rough and tarnished.

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Mr. FixIt smiled at my pleasure over such a simple thing. He pondered who the ring might have belonged to and when it was worn last. We went through the rest of the treasures and put the box away. I kept looking at my new wedding band and was happy as a little clam.

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We had to run to town yesterday. We never found the missing link of Mr. FixIt’s bracelet so we decided to stop at the jeweler to see if it could be fixed. While we were waiting, I slipped off the new/old ring and asked my sweetheart to see if the jeweler could buff it up a little. I went around and browsed at the sparklies. Finally, he stepped back over and handed me a ring. 

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“I don’t know about that old one, but they found this one for you to try.”

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I looked down at the shiny gold ring and back at him. 

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“This can’t possibly be the same ring!”

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“It is...one and the same. The jeweler just buffed it up!”

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Oh, my gosh, you guys. You could have knocked me over with a feather! I slipped this beautiful 16K gold band on my finger and sent up a thank you to Jesus. This was way above and beyond what I ever thought I’d get for Christmas. I would have been happy with the tarnished one, but this? Wow.

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My wish became a prayer. What seemed like an uncanny coincidence turned into such a sweet blessing. Not only did I get a new wedding ring that fits perfectly, but my sweetheart got to share something that once belonged to a very special man in his life. When his uncle was a widower and old and alone, Mr. FixIt used to go to his house every single day after work and fix his dinner for him. He took him wherever he wanted to go. He helped him around the house on his days off. I am so honored to share this piece of his past. I’m so grateful to be a part of this story.

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?

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“If you are a husband, you should be thoughtful of your wife. Treat her with honor, because she isn't as strong as you are, and she shares with you in the gift of life. Then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers.”

\n1 Peter 3:7 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-12-02T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/12/02/day-wishes-to-prayers-coincidences.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom","Be Joyful!","Memories","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/11/09/day-nothin-but-blue-skies.html", "title": "Day 240: Nothin’ But Blue Skies", "content_html": "\n
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I’m in transition. It’s not quite winter, not quite fall...and it feels a little like summer. We went out midday and started mowing. I really thought it was behind us, but you could definitely tell after the first swath..it needed cutting again. At this time of year, I always hope it’s the last mowing of the season and...hopefully...this was it. As I was coming up through the near field, I had to stop and take a picture. The sky was absolutely perfect, the temperature was 78, and the trees beyond the two-lane out front still have some color clinging to the crowns of the trees. It was the kind of beautiful that takes your breath away.

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We still have some more things to take care of before the house is buttoned up for winter. There is an old television antenna at the end of the house, just outside our bedroom window. Old wild grape vines have take over and the antenna is covered. We need to get those vines torn down as well as remove the upright antenna support to keep them from ruining the roof and soffits. The corners of the soffits have already been pulled down a little and critters (I’m thinking chipmunks and squirrels) find their way into the attic and scurry around up there. Fortunately, it was a warm day when the guys repaired those corners because we aren’t having anything trapped up there. They must have gone out exploring for the day. They’ll just have to find somewhere else to hole up for the winter instead of running around over my head!

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I’m giving a Skype interview this morning with WSAZ this morning...talking about meal preparation when traveling in an RV and what things to pack. That should be fun! I really love the gals who work for this station. I recorded a segment with them last fall when I was towing the Girl Camper Raffle Trailer last fall and they were so much fun to work with. I’ll attach a clip when it’s posted.

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I came so close to going to see a Class C motor home yesterday. It looks like it’s in great shape and it has low miles for it’s age. However, it’s a 1990. Thirty years is a long life for an RV. One of the reasons I didn’t get a motor home in the beginning was the possibility of two engines breaking down since you have to tow a small vehicle behind you. If you don’t have a “toad”, you either have to pack everything up and take your RV to town with you if you need to make a trip for supplies, or you stay at the campsite all the time. So, I let my better angels talk me out of even looking at it. That way I won’t even be tempted. 

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When did I get to be such a grownup? 

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?

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“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

\nPsalms 19:1 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-11-09T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/11/09/day-nothin-but-blue-skies.html", "tags": ["Choices","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/30/day-pay-it-forward.html", "title": "Day 231: Pay it Forward", "content_html": "\n
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Yesterday we talked about having a spirit of giving as a way to make the world a better place to live in. As I sat down tonight, I opened Facebook to see if there were any comments on the morning post and the first thing I saw was a video from a page I recently started following. Cake Love is my new and unlikely guilty pleasure. Scott narrates his the videos that show him decorating cakes. His voice is at once soothing and comforting. He tells little stories as he decorates and watching him artfully draw in multicolored buttercream is so relaxing. It has become a sort of meditation in the evenings, usually before I write.

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The video I am sharing with you today is a two layer cake based on Nightmare Before Christmas which is timely just before Halloween. Usually Scott’s videos have great music playing in the background and he posts the name and the artist so you can look it up later if you like it. I always appreciate that. So, I’m watching the progress and seeing this cake take shape when Scott starts to tell the story. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but I thought it was so beautiful and something I plan to do in the future. Let’s just say, it’s all about paying it forward...doing something kind and generous for someone who will never meet you, never know you, but will always remember you.

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It reminds me of the first Christmas after Mr. Virgo died. Christmas was a HUGE holiday for him. He listened intently for months, gathering any little clue of something I might like. Then he planned and schemed and there were always thoughtful surprises under the tree. When that first Christmas without him came, my heart was so broken. I needed to do something healing, something generous, something kind for someone else. I went into the Walmart near Daughter #1’s house and withdrew a couple hundred dollars out of the ATM. Then, I went to the card aisle and bought a nice Christmas card. I wrote Mr. Virgo’s story on the inside, wished the recipient a very Merry Christmas and went to find just the right person. 

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I wandered to the toy aisle and found a young couple carefully going over their list, picking things up, sadly putting them back down, then heading for the bargain bin at the back of the store. I walked by her and dropped the envelope and acted surprised. I bent down to pick it up and handed it to her. 

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“Here, I think this is yours.” 

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She took the envelope with a confused expression and said, “For me?”

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“Yes. Have a Blessed Christmas!” I gave her a quick hug, spun on my heel, and marched out of the store without looking back. When I got to the truck, I was literally shaking. I felt like I’d had a hundred cups of coffee, the adrenalin was coursing through my veins. It felt like such a high to just GIVE. I can’t remember if I cried, but I don’t feel like I did. I just remember it being the BEST gift I could have ever received.

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Scott’s story made me feel this way. The story is four minutes into the video. I hope you enjoy it. You can find the video HERE.  

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❤️

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“By everything I did, I showed how you should work to help everyone who is weak. Remember that our Lord Jesus said, “More blessings come from giving than from receiving.””

\nActs 20:35 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/30/day-pay-it-forward.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Feel Good Friday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/12/day-rain-rain-go-away.html", "title": "Day 213: Rain, Rain, Go Away!", "content_html": "\n
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When you are on vacation at the beach, it’s supposed to be sunny and warm, right? Well...maybe not so much in October. I’m always a little apprehensive about coming to the beach at this time of the year because of the threat of hurricanes. This year it seems we are getting the tail end of some rain from the latest storms to devastate the south. I think they are clearing out now, hopefully. 

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After a relaxing morning, we decided to drive back up the coast to some Farmer’s Markets we passed on the way down. One was just ok. One was SO crowded, we didn’t even stop. And the last one was just right. I took lots of pictures of pumpkins. I love pumpkins...they are such happy fruit. There were all kinds of jams, jellies, pickles, sauces, relishes, fruits and vegetables canned...at exorbitant prices, I might add. There were still tons of fresh fruits and vegetables available, including strawberries! There had to have been a dozen different varieties of apples for sale and they were gorgeous. Baked goods, fudge, and kettle corn rounded out the selections in the main building. You could buy meat and seafood in the back. And, there was a machine that squeezed oranges and bottled the juice for you while you waited. That smelled divine!

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Mr. FixIt wandered around while I was looking at the jarred goods. When he came back, he told me there was a guy making fried green tomatoes in the central area. He had samples and they were really good. We bought a tray and two fresh BLT’s he had just made on fresh baked bread. By the time we were ready to go back out to the car, the rain was pouring and we had parked clear across the lot. By the time we got to the truck we were soaked, but that little picnic tasted SO good!

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When we walked back into the condo, the AC was running and we were still damp. It took me two hours to warm up. We had such a good time though, so it was all worth it. It was a quiet day filled with football and just hanging out. The kids weren’t here yet when I was writing this. They were due in later in the evening. There are actually a lot more people here than I thought there would be. The last couple of times we were here in the fall, there were hardly any people. I think most of the places offered their timeshare guests the opportunity to still have their week if they came in October. That’s our best guess, anyway. I’m glad we have all of our food here and we don’t have to go anywhere. I have the meals I am responsible for prepared and in the freezer so I’m just pretty much taking it easy this week. It feels really weird to not be doing something or canning something!

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❤️

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“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

\nPsalms 4:8 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-12T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/12/day-rain-rain-go-away.html", "tags": ["Fun","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/02/day-where-do-i-findfeel.html", "title": "Day 203: Where Do I Find...Feel Good Friday?", "content_html": "\n
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Lord, have Mercy...these are hard times if we look at all we are shown. I’ve lost friends this year...some to death...some to politics. My list dwindles as people peel away from me for whatever reason. I had a friend ask the other night if we should unfriend till next year. I told her I am comfortable with civil discourse but if it made her more comfortable, she needed to do what was best for her. We decided to stay connected and work our way through the next few months. That being said, there are some friends I have had to put in “time out” by snoozing them for thirty days. When those thirty days are up, I can revisit and evaluate. I don’t unfriend people just because we have a difference of opinion. I DO unfriend people if they attack, are verbally abusive, or go beyond my personal boundaries of what I am willing to put up with.

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So...I snoozed the loudest, angriest, ugliest posts. Then...by mid week, my FB feed sounded like crickets. It’s been so much more peaceful and it left me the space to fill with hope and love. Hate doesn’t kill hate...only love does. My dear friend Diane shares the craziest, sometimes bawdiest memes and funnies and she helps keep me sane. She sometimes has a crusty exterior, but inside...she’s a marshmallow. She just doesn’t let very many people know. The other day, she sent me this. I watched it in messenger, but the sound wasn’t on. I thought is was so sweet...a speech therapist is getting married and her groom surprises her with the beautiful children she works with. Sweet. Then...when I prepared to write this post, I watched the full video with the sound and sobbed all the way through it...three times.

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We need more of this beauty and joy in our lives. These are hard times, yes. And there’s a lot of ugliness in this world. But....oh, my...there is still SO much beauty. Please don’t forget there is still so much beauty around us. Please don’t give up.

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Keep looking.

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Keep looking.

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WATCH THIS BEAUTIFUL VIDEO HERE!

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❤️

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

\nGalatians 5:22-23 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/02/day-where-do-i-findfeel.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Be Joyful!","Kindness","Feel Good Friday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/09/30/day-adjusting-to-the-new.html", "title": "Day 201: Adjusting to the New Normal", "content_html": "\n
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I’ve had a lot of “new normals” in my life. Two divorces found me as a single parent each time, trying to figure out how I was going to make it on my own. 9/11 left us all trying to wrap our heads around this feeling of no longer being safe. Losing Mr. Virgo left me broken and lost, yet determined to find out who I was in this world. Then the pandemic hit and the state of emergency was called on March 13th and everything changed.

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I’ve been posting the “Day Number” in front of every post since 3/13 but didn’t realize I was off by a few days. Yesterday was 200 days of New Normal. It’s been a really trying time for most of us. At least, it has been for me. It all started between Mr. FixIt’s two strokes and I didn’t know what to think. But, just like I knew instinctively that I needed to put something joyful in front of me to survive losing Mr. Virgo, I knew I needed to put something in front of me to get through this crisis as well. 

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Serendipitously, spring was on its way and there was much to look forward to. After spending three solid weeks glued to the television watching a deadly disease run rampant around the world, Mr. FixIt’s second stroke hit and I was knocked sideways again. That’s when my friend Kate sent me some of her sourdough starter. And I found my “something joyful” to put in front of me to get through this season. I found it in my kitchen.

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There are many seasons in life and not a single one of them is predictable. When we are faced with trying times, we can either choose to bury our heads in the sand and float along the surface as best we can...trying not to drown. Or, we can dive headfirst into the waves and find out what strong swimmers we are. I was never a very strong swimmer...in the water. But in the seas of life? I’m getting to be a boss!

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You will find yourself swimming upstream so many times in your life. It’s not easy to do when there’s all those rocks and rapids and obstacles thrown in your way. The best advice I can give you is...keep paddling. Keep fighting the fight. Keep standing back up. And, every once in a while, sit on the bank and take a breather. Look back downstream and see how far you’ve come. 

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Find something...anything that’s joyful...and keep paddling towards it, my friends. 

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We’ve got this.

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❤️

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

\nGalatians 6:9 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-09-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/09/30/day-adjusting-to-the-new.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Courage","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/09/15/day-hummingbirds-hollyhocks.html", "title": "Day 181: Hummingbirds \u0026 Hollyhocks", "content_html": "\n
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I met my classmate’s sister in the McDonald’s parking lot yesterday and traded my wide mouth canning lids for the coveted regular size. Three for three...even Steven. At the same time, two of our grandkids met us with their sweet little boy....our first great grandson. It was all I could do not to pull him out of his car seat and kiss him all over. I haven’t held my babies since February! But, ohhhhh...it was so good to see them. 

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Honestly, that was all we planned to do, but one thing led to another and we didn’t get home till after 6:00 last night. That is the nature of a trip to town when you live out in the country. You try to squeeze all the errands you possibly might need to do into that one trip and hopefully you don’t have to make another one for a while. 

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We did the usual...bank, post office, Sams, grocery store, and checking on a friend’s house while he’s away. On a whim, we decided to stop in Kohl’s. There are a couple of things I’ve been looking for and I hoped to find them there but alas...no luck. On our way home, we stopped for a sandwich. The last think I want to do after a day of running around is to cook. 

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One of you wrote yesterday asking where I got our yard flag. Honestly, I can’t remember, other than it was locally. I looked online and found a website that sells the same flag. You can look in the comments on yesterday’s post and find the link if you’re interested. I loved this flag as soon as I saw it. I’m crazy about hummingbirds and even though we had our feeder out at the appropriate time with the correct feed and changed it regularly, we just didn’t have as many hummers this summer. 

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I love the deep red hollyhocks. The only time I’ve ever had hollyhocks was when Hubby #2 was doing his residency. We lived in an old farmhouse surrounded by more modern mid century houses. After researching, I found out that this area had been a dairy farm at one time. The house we lived in was the main residence for the farm. There were old flowerbeds around the house and I did my best to be an urban farm girl and bring them back to life. I planted garnet colored hollyhocks along the sand-colored brick on the front porch. On hot summer evenings, as the sun began to dip low and turn the air to spun gold, the hummingbirds would bob and weave and dive their way around the yard, fighting for a sip of the sweet nectar. Daughter #1 and I would sit in the front porch swing...the sound of the chain squeaking as we swayed back and forth and the darkness closed in around us.

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There was a lot of traffic on Holly Street and I would do my best to tune it out and focus on what little night sounds I could hear in the busy neighborhoods of east Denver. Crickets. The whine of mosquitoes around our ears. The distant bark of a dog. I would rock and close my eyes and pretend I was back home on the farm in West Virginia. I swear...I missed home more than anything in this world and would count the days till I could hop on a plane and come see my family.

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Now, as I write this, I’m laying in a camper...the windows thrown open. The night air is cool and tonight we’ll need an extra blanket as it’s supposed to get down to 51 degrees. There are the crickets. And the katydids. The whine of a mosquito and the sound of the neighbor’s dog announcing a possible four-legged interloper. This time, it’s the occasional car that passes up the road out front that breaks the stillness instead of the other way around.

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I still marvel at this scenario. There was a time that I didn’t dare dream I could live here again...let alone live on five acres where I can grow anything I want. Or care for Grandma’s house and stay there whenever I want. Or find my BFF from high school and marry him. I am living my dream. There is only one thing that would make this life better...having my Colorado family closer. That would be absolute perfection!

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But...this is pretty darned close!

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❤️

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“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.”

\nPsalms 16:11 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-09-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/09/15/day-hummingbirds-hollyhocks.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","Comfort","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/09/10/day-beans-tomatoes-picklesyummm.html", "title": "Day 176: Beans \u0026 Tomatoes \u0026 Pickles...YUMMM!!!", "content_html": "\n
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Ok, yesterday was a marathon day in the kitchen here at the Ponderosa. I started out by packaging up the dehydrated mushrooms then rummaging through the garden to get a few more Roma tomatoes. I set what was ready in the dehydrator and turned my attention to the green beans.

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I had enough of the beans cleaned yesterday to set a canner on to process. Then, Mr. FixIt and I enjoyed rocking in the recliners, watching old Frazier reruns while I finished stringing and snapping the last of the beans between canner loads.

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I learned something yesterday. I should have weighed the beans, because apparently I had a LOT more than I thought. According to the weights and measures scale for produce, a bushel of snap beans should weigh between twenty-eight and thirty-two pounds. This should result in a quart of processed beans for every one-and-a-half to two pounds of raw produce. Initially, I figured I would get two canners full with enough leftover beans to cook up a mess for supper. (\"Mess is Appalachian for a batch...a dinner's worth with leftovers.)

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I ended up with four canners full! That's twenty-eight quarts. I did my math and I payed just over a dollar a quart for these babies. AND I got the fun and satisfaction of putting them up for winter. I know, I know...this is nothing compared to what my cousins can every year. They put up hundreds of jars of food. I'm a little limited by supplies this year as I was sort of starting from scratch in the canning department. I'll get more jars and lids next spring.

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When the last canner was filled and on the stove, I got out my fermenting equipment and got two quarts of dill pickles started. They will sit for one to three weeks in the brine till they get to my desired taste. I made one quart with hot red pepper flakes for a little extra pizazz. I would normally use dried whole red peppers from the spice aisle but Walmart didn't have them.

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And that was the end of my day. I was tired...but it was a good kind of tired. My hands smell like garlic and they're soft from working with wet beans for two days. My hips are sore from sitting so much. But, ohhhhh.....those beautiful jars of bottled summer take my breath away when I look at them!

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It was not till I was typing this last night to post this morning that I noticed the date. Today would have been Mr. Virgo's 70th birthday! It feels so unreal. He will always and forever be 62...a number I passed five years ago. I can't even imagine him at 70. He would have reluctantly retired. He had no hobbies other than golf and me. I never, EVER would have considered taking off in the camper by myself and having adventures without him. He told me when we were first dating that if I was the kind of woman who was going to leave him alone for long stretches of time, he wasn't interested. I had been in a two decade marriage with a workaholic who had dinner between 8:00-10:00 every night. I was ready for that one-on-one attention.

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Don't get me wrong...I absolutely adore Mr. FixIt and I treasure every moment we have together. AND, I learned I need some space to recharge from time to time...for my own mental health as well as the comfort of my spouse. Different people. Different marriages. Different expectations. Still...I think of that silver-haired man and smile now.

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Seventy.

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Wow.

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Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mr. Virgo!

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❤

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Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

\nColossians 3:23 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-09-10T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/09/10/day-beans-tomatoes-picklesyummm.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Wisdom","Aging","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Widow","Memories","Marriage","Cooking","In the Kitchen"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/09/05/day-from-sunup-to-sundown.html", "title": "Day 171: From Sunup to Sundown", "content_html": "\n
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I caught my second wind this week after having a couple of lay low days. Thursday and Friday were hit-the-ground-running kinds of days. When we were coming home from town Thursday, we came through flash flooding the likes of which no one around here can remember. There is a small creek that runs through some properties along the road our house is on. This little creek is never more than a yard wide during a downpour. There were places Thursday where that creek was forty feet wide! There were about twenty places where the rain came over the road and we had to drive really slow. It wasn’t deep water...just an inch or so running across the pavement but we were very careful.

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Mr. FixIt kept moaning about the drain at the bottom of the steps and that there was bound to be water backed up. I kept telling him we didn’t know that and let’s just pray God protects us. By the time we got within a mile of the house, we could tell it hadn’t rained nearly that hard at the Ponderosa and we just thanked God we didn’t have a mess on our hands. We certainly cleared that drain out at the right time!

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I got up yesterday and took a pint of blueberries out of the dehydrator and put in a load of sliced bananas. Then I mixed up two batches of pizza crust dough to rise while I went out and mowed the two big fields. I got done just in time to clean up and start assembling the pizzas when the kids came for a visit. I baked the pizzas on the outdoor grill on the deck while everyone played corn hole. We visited for a good long while. Then Mr. FixIt took the kids down to the creek to check on the drain pipe. While they were down there, they caught minnows and looked for arrowheads. My stepson cut a dead tree branch out of the maple tree before they left.

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When they were gone, I brought everything back into the kitchen and told Mr. FixIt I would clean up in the morning. I kissed him on the forehead and as I was heading out the door to go to the camper to write, he said, “You did a really good job today. Man, you’re a really hard worker.” I turned and smiled. THAT’S all I’ve ever needed from anyone...a thank you and a kind word. That’s all we ever really need, isn’t it? To be loved and appreciated? I will tell you what...I love to work. I love the feeling of accomplishment a good hard day of work gives you. I can feel that sense of accomplishment on my own...but it feels so good when it’s offered from someone you love.

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❤️

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“But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”

\nJohn 13:34-35 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-09-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/09/05/day-from-sunup-to-sundown.html", "tags": ["Family","Be Joyful!","Baking","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/09/01/day-the-longest-summer-of.html", "title": "Day 167: The Longest Summer of my Life", "content_html": "\n
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Remember back when we were kids? School let out in May and it seemed like for-EV-er before it was September and time to go back. Then we grew up and became adults and got jobs and got married (or not) and had kids (or not). Then, summers dragged for an entirely different reason. By late August, we were like... “When does school start??? I’m done already!”

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Then...life’s “Third Shift” kicked in. The kids are the ones married (or not) and with kids (or not) and we are left to our own devices. My mom’s generation played Bridge or MahJong if they were fortunate enough to not have to work outside of the home. Our generation plays pickle ball or what have you.

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Whatever the case...it’s September. Seriously...March felt like at least a decade ago. I don’t even remember March. Did 2020 even HAVE a March? Or May? How about June and July? I mean...I could accept that it’s July...but September??? Crikey!

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I think the total disruption of our routines and all the ensuing chaos has shifted our consciousness somehow and actually created a time warp. I mean...I could just as easily be 1963, if you ask me.

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But, I digress. A Facebook friend asked yesterday if we could say something positive about 2020 so far. I had to think about it...but I came up with several things.

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You may say 2020 sucks big ones, and I suppose it has in many ways. But, 2020 has been a gift in just as many ways. Above all, it has forced me into a closer relationship with Jesus. I’ve gotten to know Him a lot better and recognize His voice in the cacophony of this world. It’s brought me a lot closer to Mr. FixIt, as well. We’ve had to learn a new dance around strokes and staying at home and not doing whatever we want, whenever we want. And, believe it or not, it has brought me closer to our kids because we have more real conversations.

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2020 may have brought me to my knees...but that’s not a bad position to be in for prayer.

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I literally did nothing but bake a pan of lasagna and take a nap yesterday. It felt SO self-indulgent...and wonderful!!! Then, around the time the news went off, Daughter #1 called me for a video chat. Ohhhhh, my heart sings when I get to see my Colorado peeps. When we prepared to hang up, I smiled and thanked her so much for letting me see her sweet face.

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“I cannot hug you in person,” I said. “But, I can hug you with my heart!”

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❤️

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“...The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.”

\nGenesis 31:49 KJV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-09-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/09/01/day-the-longest-summer-of.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Gratitude","Wisdom","Courage","Aging","Choices","Be Joyful!","Insight"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/30/day-oh-happy-daythe-drain.html", "title": "Day 165: Oh, Happy Day...the Drain Works!", "content_html": "\n
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I took yesterday off! I told the boss-man I was NOT working all day and he thought that was a fine idea. It’s a good thing, because I had another near sleepless night Friday. We had thunderstorms come through periodically all day Friday and into the night. Mr. FixIt was worried about the storm drain we cleared out with the snake this week, so he set his alarm to go off at 2:00, 3:30, and 5:00. First...I probably fell asleep about 1:30, so that was the end of sleep for me. Second, it hardy rained at all overnight so it was overkill. But, like he says...better to be safe than sorry. 

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The only thing I did yesterday that was “work related” was take the new gizmo I bought, hook it up to the hose, and run water down the storm drain for twenty minutes or so. The Drain King works kind of like a balloon angioplasty where a balloon in streamed into a vein (like a pipe) and it is inflated to open the vein. The only difference here is, the ballon makes a seal in the drain, then the water is shot out under pressure down the pipe and blasts out the clog. Voila!

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I threaded the Drain King down the storm pipe and turned on the water and then walked down to the creek to see if it was working. As you can see, there is water running through the ditch we dug out this week down at the creek. It works, it works! Now, maybe we won’t be such slaves to the whims of the rain gods and we can go camping when the tomatoes are finished!

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We went to town for supper last night and stopped at Walmart. I bought myself a kitchen toy. I’ve been wanting one of these Ball FreshTECH Jam and Jelly Makers. I’ve made jams and jellies for years and there’s always a time when I get distracted and scorch the fruit because it doesn’t get stirred like it’s supposed to. Or, I forget to set my timer and either the jam is too loose or too stiff. This little gadget takes the guesswork out of the whole process. You put your ingredients in, turn it on, and it stirs, cooks, and times the process for you. I am always multitasking when I am in the kitchen, so we’ll see how it works in the next couple of weeks.

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It was a relaxing and stress free day. I think I’ll do a repeat today. Except...I’m going to make lasagna with the rest of the sauce I made Friday. Have a happy day!

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❤️

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“But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.”

\nIsaiah 40:31 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/30/day-oh-happy-daythe-drain.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","Farm Life","In the Kitchen"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/22/day-a-funny-thing-happened.html", "title": "Day 157: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way...", "content_html": "\n
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God has a sense of humor. He knows when we’ve had it up to here. That’s when he sends you something so patently absurd, you can’t help but break out into a belly laugh. That’s one of the ways the Great Healer heals...He brings us laughter.

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Mr. FixIt and I had a laundry list of things that needed doing yesterday in town...one of which was to mail some overdue greeting cards. There were two condolence cards and a graduation card, so I sat down to write. I filled out the first card and wrote a lovely note. As I prepared to start the second condolence card, Mr. FixIt interrupted me as he was looking for the graduation announcement. We needed it for the address to send the graduation card. 

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I told him not to worry, I would just text his sister to get the address. It wasn’t long till she and I were chatting back and forth. She gave me the address and I wrote it on the envelope. As we chatted about the smoked pork I canned last week, I wrote the sentiment in the card and popped it in the envelope.

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Then I reached for.... Suddenly, I was puzzled. The only card left was the graduation card. If that’s the case...what was I writing in? I opened the envelope and there was the sympathy card...addressed to the young graduate! I started laughing, because I could just imagine which one would be funnier.

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The new graduate with...

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Remembering you \nin thought and prayer...\n\nLet there be hope.\nLet there be stories.\nLet there be celebration\nof a life well-lived.\nLet there be tears,\nbut let there be happy memories\nof all you shared.
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or...

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My cousin, the new widow, with the handwritten sentiment.... 

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“Congratulations on your\nGraduation & Best Wishes \nin your Future Endeavors!”
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I told my cousin about it last night and we laughed till we cried. I wonder which one I should send it to?

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When we were leaving Walmart later in the afternoon, I walked by a woman on her cell phone. Her husband had wandered off and she was on the phone, trying to explain he should turn around and he could see her. Finally, she got frustrated and without the phone, she yelled his name.

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“Marco!!!”

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To which I turned around and shouted...

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“Polo!!!”

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We stood looking at each other for half a beat and literally doubled over laughing. Oh, you can’t make this stuff up!

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Later in the day, I was on the phone with my son-in-law’s mom. Her husband and our granddaughter, “Little”, went to the nursing home to see her great grandmother yesterday afternoon. When she got home she said,

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“Mimi, Grandma has gotten sick and almost died so many times in the last few years. There have been times Mom picked us up and we just went straight to the nursing home to say goodbye. Then she rallies and gets better. You know, I think most people go up there and knock on the doors of Heaven and are let right in. But, not Grandma. I think she rings the doorbell and runs!”

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What a delightfully happy diversion laughter can be when things are so hard and dark. Laughter IS the best medicine!!!

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And, oh...by the way...my cousin won. I’m sending HER the card...as is!

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❤️

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“Everything on earth has its own time and its own season......for crying and laughing, weeping and dancing,”

\nEcclesiastes 3:1, 4 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-22T01:20:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/22/day-a-funny-thing-happened.html", "tags": ["Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/19/day-the-sacred-harp.html", "title": "Day 154: The Sacred Harp", "content_html": "\n
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Part of my new “quest for inner peace” has been exploring the history of my people here in Appalachia. The other day, when I felt so terribly lost and downtrodden in this messy world we are living in, I started reading a book by Foxfire Press about Aunt Arie...an octogenarian who lived in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia. She was interviewed by the students who comprised the Foxfire program and became...by far...the most beloved and unforgettable character featured in their books.

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As you know, when you go searching for information on something specific, the internet can be a treasure trove of delights to the senses. A search for Foxfire sent me to their Foxfire Heritage Museum...bought and developed by students with the proceeds from the books they published through Foxfire Press. Foxfire Heritage sent me to Appalachian Heritage. And somewhere along the line, I stumbled upon “shape note music”. 

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I was a singer in school and was a member of choirs from sixth grade on through high school. I’ve always loved to sing. And, somewhere back in the recesses of my mind, I recalled hearing about shape notes but had never really studied it. Google rescued my weary heart by plopping me down in the middle of a world I never knew existed...nearly in my own back yard.

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The “Sacred Harp” is not only a book of music composed with shape notes. It alludes to the human voice as an instrument...the sacred harp. Shape note, or sacred harp music, has a rich history. It was brought to America and quickly spread as a kind of worship music when there were no instruments. The music is based on either four or seven shapes, depending on your source, with each shape corresponding to a specific note.

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This is not a kind of performance music. Shape note singers perform for each other...not for an audience. They sit in a square and the person leading selects the song. The singers go through the music singing the notes by their names...fa, sol, la, mi. Then the next round, they sing the “poetry”...the lyrics. The music is sung in four part harmony and it sounds old and rich and holy.

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I found a wonderful page I want to share with you from the West Virginia Public Broadcasting website discussing the history of shape note singing and how the Covid Pandemic has affected their gatherings. On this page, you will find a twelve minute recording, a short two minute video of Sacred Harp singing with an explanation, and a collaborative project consisting of Shape Note Singers from around the world brought together virtually to sing Page No. 146: Hallelujah.

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I hope you enjoy this as much as I have. It has offered me a strange kind of peace. The music moves me in a way that goes deep into my past generations...a sort of institutional or genetic memory. The kind where you know how to do something but there’s no reason you should because you’ve never done it before. I feel this same connection when I enter land where my forebears lived, even though I’d never been there.

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Tomorrow, we will talk about another kind of virtual choir performance that one of my dear friends took part in. Till then...be good to each other.

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You can find the story on Sacred Harp Singing HERE.

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❤️

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“When I was really hurting, I prayed to the Lord. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away. The Lord is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me.”

\nPsalms 118:5-6 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/19/day-the-sacred-harp.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Comfort","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/07/day-having-trouble-feeling-good.html", "title": "Day 142: Having Trouble Feeling Good?", "content_html": "\n
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It’s “Feel Good Friday” and I don’t know about you, but...it could get pretty frustrating looking around this dark world for something to feel good about. I gave this week’s edition of FGF a good, hard look yesterday. I usually search the internet for some story or video that tells of some heart warming thing someone has done. That’s all well and good, but it wasn’t working for me yesterday. So, I do what I always do when I need a little inspiration. I went for a walk with Jesus.

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First, we went out into the garden and looked at the abundance of tomatoes that are coming on. There’s zucchini and yellow crookneck squash, green onions and peppers, pumpkins and Passion Flowers. The honeysuckle clings to the fence along the back of the yard and brambles of wild black raspberries tangle in the corner over the rhubarb. Sumac and wild grape vines threaten to shade the garden as they compete with pokeweed and Virginia Creeper. I felt the stress in my shoulders begin to ease.

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I gave the plants a good drink and took off for a walk around the far field. I saw a hole out there when I was mowing this week and I wanted to check it out. As I ambled across the fresh mown grass, I asked Jesus to give me something to feel good about. I let my mind go blank as I strolled and took in the sights and smells of the pasture. I let myself feel the gratitude for the beauty of this place Mr. FixIt has so generously shared with me. I started humming softly to myself. 

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“I’ll Fly Away” started drifting around in my mind. Not just any version either. It was the Stanley Brothers bluegrass gospel version. It was on their album “Good Old Camp Meeting Songs” and was recorded in May 1962...the month before I turned nine years old. In an instant, I was back in the front yard of Grandma’s house out at the farm, a quart jar in my hands, catching lightning bugs. Grandma and PopPop were inside with the Grand Ole Opry on...cranked up high...and Ralph and Carter Stanley were singing “I’ll Fly Away”.

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My heart smiled.

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A few years ago, I met a lovely young woman named Rachel. She plays the guitar and sings in her church and I had the pleasure of singing with her at a few gatherings when I was staying in my camper up at the river. We harmonized really well together and sang several of the old timey gospel hymns. It’s a precious memory I will always keep close.

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I continued my walk and peeked at the progress on the neighboring property as they clear some ground. As I was coming back down the road, I saw Mr. FixIt out looking for me in the field. The cat keeps losing her breakaway collars and he was hoping to find the one he bought her yesterday. No luck.

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I came in to write this, opened Facebook, and the first person I saw on my feed was...Rachel! My heart smiled big! I searched for, and listened to, some of Ralph Stanley’s great bluegrass gospel and found this album. So, this is today’s treat for “Feel Good Friday.” If this doesn’t make you feel good, I don’t know what will!

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The Stanley Brothers - Good Old Camp Meeting Songs

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Love you all. Take care of yourselves...and each other.

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❤️

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“speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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Ephesians 5:19-20 NIV

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#GospelMusic, #StanleyBrothers, #Hymns

\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-07T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/07/day-having-trouble-feeling-good.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Grace","God","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/07/11/day-seeing-things-in-a.html", "title": "Day 115: Seeing Things in a Different Light", "content_html": "\n
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I went out to the farm again yesterday because our internet went out...again! Another call to Frontier...another scheduled visit from a tech. The last time he told us there was nothing more he could do for us and we really don’t have much of a choice out here. We are paying for something we aren’t getting so we’re going to have to have a little chit chat with the business office next week.

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As I sat in my grandma’s chair and looked out her window, I couldn’t help but wonder how she would have handled this unprecedented event. My grandma didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone, but she also didn’t suffer a fool. If you crossed her or stepped out of your lane, she was darn quick to let you know about it. She did it with great finesse. 

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There seems to be a perfect storm of sorts right now and people are having a hard time being civil with one another. It’s always been worse on social media because the bullies are used to hiding behind a screen. There’s a new twist now...now it’s spilled over into the every day world. My friend Aimee was over it yesterday. She posted a rant about treating people with respect...and that includes the people in service industries...especially young people working for minimum wage. I am so proud my husband was gentle with the girl that served him without a mask or gloves. There are some who would have gone on a full out meltdown. Another friend, Gail, said she was over all this name calling and angry outbursts at each other.

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I know this is a difficult time. I have been busy hiding ugly posts from sources I never want to see again. I’ve caught myself getting testy with people from time to time. It’s just all so overwhelming, but there is no excuse for abhorrent behavior. I don’t want to be part of the problem. I want to be part of the change...the movement back toward goodness and kindness. I want to be an example of love and light. I want to be more like Jesus in everything I do.

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Today is Daughter #1’s birthday. It’s the first one I have missed in a very long time and I am saddened by that. Forty-six years I’ve been a mother. She and I grew up together...we learned together. I swear, I have no idea how she survived my parenting because I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I raised her in Colorado...far from my mom and my grandma. For a while, it was just the two of us. Those were some of the most difficult days of my life...being a single mother with a preschooler....far, far from home. At the same time, they were our foundation. It’s how she became a rock. She had no choice but to be strong. It was a survival skill. Anyway, I miss her terribly. I miss all my Colorado peeps.

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We had a heck of a storm blow through here last evening. Everything turned this incredible yellowy, pinkish orange color and the rain just poured. It didn’t last long, but it surely gave the ground a nice drink. Our earth is so parched, cracks are forming. The rain came down so hard it couldn’t even go in the gutters...it just flew over the top of them.

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Today won’t be quite so hot which will be a welcome break. Maybe the internet will work long enough to make some headway on these taxes. Time is running out.

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❤️

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“Don't be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.”

\n1 Thessalonians 5:15 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-07-11T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/07/11/day-seeing-things-in-a.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/07/05/day-lost-in-the-moonlight.html", "title": "Day 109: Lost in the Moonlight", "content_html": "\n
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Oh, this is my absolute favorite time of the year...when you can go outside and sit at night. It’s warm, it’s clear, there aren’t too many bugs. And, when there’s a great big moon? That is just a bonus to me.

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We went to the farm yesterday and mowed. We were prepared to stay all night, but the window AC stopped working out there and it was hotter than a firecracker...pun intended. I made a nice meal and packed up the truck. And as soon as the mowing and trimming was done, we loaded up the tractor and headed home. 

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There was the obligatory stop for ice cream, though. I mean, it’s summer. The nights are warm. We were hot and sticky from mowing. We DESERVED ice cream, right?

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Even though we live on a busy two-lane county road, it is relatively quiet out here. Unlike when I lived in Denver, you don’t have a constant background hum of traffic when you sit out. I love the space we have created out by the pool. When the moonlight dances off the roof of the big building out back and reflects on the water, I get a little chill up my spine.

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I always dreamed of this place. To have land to stretch out on. To grow vegetables by my own hands. When I downsized and left Colorado, I truly thought the rest of my born days would be spent living in my camper...my tiny home on wheels. My grief-addled brain didn’t let me see what would happen when time passed and the camper would inevitably wear out. It didn’t allow me to fully comprehend what it meant to sell everything and leave...never to return.

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I don’t regret the choices I have made. When I thought I lost everything, I didn’t realize God had even bigger plans for me. I didn’t realize what was coming in the form of one of my oldest and dearest friends. And now, here we are with the wonderful life together. Mr. FixIt and I have this amazing view...whenever we want to take the time to look at it. Sometimes I have to shake my head in disbelief that it’s really MY life.

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I remember all those summers when I flew home to West Virginia to see my family. I remember this one particular summer night. I was driving through the country, the windows rolled down, the wind in my hair...my elbow resting on the car door as I drove. I reached my hand out into the hot August night and felt the velvety humidity rushing through my fingers. The moon was full, much like last night, and the trees and bushes squatted like bullfrogs ready to jump over each other as I drove by.

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Yes, after Spring, this is my very favorite time of the year. The richness of life is palpable. The problems of the world fade into the background. Virus? What virus? There’s a lunar eclipse to gaze upon. Hatred and intolerance? What hatred and intolerance? There are night sounds to listen to. 

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Tomorrow is another day...let us not waste this one for it is truly a gift.

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❤️

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“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

\nRomans 12:2 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-07-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/07/05/day-lost-in-the-moonlight.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/06/21/day-pizza-on-the-grill.html", "title": "Day 96: Pizza on the Grill", "content_html": "\n
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We had a little social gathering last night. Just six people. Socially distanced. But, it was for dinner. This was my first attempt at cooking for company after Covid and I was a little nervous. I wanted to make sure our guests were comfortable with what I made, so I chose homemade pizza. I wore gloves during prep, and I wanted them to see that the food was untouched after baking.

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I made two batches of pizza dough. I never double a recipe when it comes to yeast dough. It never works really well. I found a recipe where you can rebake the crusts kind of like those yeast rolls you buy at the store and finish baking at home. I had four large pizza crusts ready. When our guests arrived, I quickly assembled the first pizza and popped it into the gas grill at about 500℉. I ran back in and topped the second pizza and by the time I got back out, the first was was ready. I put the second one in and took the first to the table and transferred it to a large rustic wooden cutting board on the table under the maple tree. The sun was on the other side of the big building and the evening began to cool. I baked all four pizzas and there was plenty to send home with our guests. We ended the evening with a lovely lemon cake that they brought with them.

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I forgot how much I love entertaining. Mr. FixIt and I have had the kids over for socially distanced visits, but to prepare food and sit around talking for hours is such a treat. The other day I had to go into town without Mr. FixIt. I kissed him goodbye and turned to leave then looked back.

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“I don’t like leaving you.” It was different before the strokes. Now I worry. 

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“I know. We’ve been together 24/7 for the last four months. It does seem weird, doesn’t it?” He gave me that reassuring smile that told me two things. He’ll be ok. And if he isn’t, we cannot spend the rest of our lives walking on eggshells. So far, the tests they’ve been running are all good. I told him last night we have to accept that we may never know why he had two strokes in less than three months. We might as well move forward as though he’ll never have another one.

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We used the last of this week’s sourdough bread so today I’m making more. I made yoghurt yesterday. I don’t think I like this culture I’m using. It comes out more like cheese than yoghurt.I told Mr. FixIt last night...I no sooner get the kitchen cleaned till I’m off making something else and messing it up again. It’s like picking up after your kids...only I’M the one making the mess!

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Edit: I want to make something clear here. The people we chose to dine with last night have been following strict social distancing so there was an added level of safety there. And, when I said I need to tell Mr FixIt we can’t live in fear of this, I meant the fear of another stroke. We don’t live in fear of the virus. We live with caution. There’s a difference. Safety first, always.

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❤️

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“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

\n1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-06-21T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/06/21/day-pizza-on-the-grill.html", "tags": ["Fun","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/06/13/day-another-trip-around-the.html", "title": "Day 88: Another Trip Around the Sun", "content_html": "\n
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It’s my birthday. I hardly remembered. Last year, I celebrated my “Birthday Month”. Last week, Mr. FixIt said quietly...”Your birthday is coming up. What would you like?” I didn’t know what to say. Usually I have a list of fun things I’d like. Experiences mostly. But this year it is almost like, “Really? It’s here already? I hadn’t really thought about it.”

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Birthdays have always been really big for me, but not this year. There’s so much going on in the world. So many distractions. So many sad stories and heartaches. So much angst and anxiety. How can I even consider celebrating anything as base as the day of my birth? As the day crept closer, I gave it a lot of thought and decided I wanted a Lodge Combo Cooker and the cookbook by Robertson called Tartine Bread. I am bound and determined to master the art of baking with sourdough. Baking gives me peace and brings a deep satisfaction as the smells the sourdough starter transforms to a crusty chunk of heaven in my oven.

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Between the doctor visits and physical therapy and mowing at two properties, my birthday almost feels like an afterthought this year. So I made a decision last night as I wrote this. We are going to the farm today to mow. I want to spend my birthday there...maybe even staying overnight. Then, after online church on Sunday...I’m spending the day in my kitchen, hopefully creating the perfect loaf of sourdough bread.

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I need this. I had a little mini meltdown Thursday night. Stress had been building up and we had an unexpected medical appointment added for yesterday. I never let myself think about the “what ifs”. I don’t find it productive nor necessarily helpful. For some weird reason, all I could think about Thursday evening was all the bad things that could happen with my sweetheart’s health and I quickly got swamped with anxiety. 

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The grief from losing Mr. Virgo settled in the pit of my stomach. Whenever I am faced with anything like a health scare, my stomach expresses its great displeasure by rejecting its contents. When Mr. FixIt came to bed, I had to tell him I was having one of my “bad nights”. He knows what that means. Usually I’m either up all night, or up and down all night...neither of which is conducive to him getting much rest. So, this time I elected to sleep out in the camper. I was only fifty feet from him and I kept the sound up on my phone in case he needed me. And I retreated to the “Mother Ship”...my TOW-Wanda...my little sanctuary on wheels. Where I can cry or pound a pillow or yell at God in peace. 

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As always, Joy cometh in the morning, and I was perfectly fine by the break of dawn. I laid there for a while, watching the black of night turn to the deep purple of first light. Gradually, more and more pink was added till the hint of turquoise splashed across my view of the far hill. The air was chilled with the freshness of the morning dew. The mockingbird picked up her song with the first hint of light and I took inventory of my spirit. I utilized every tool in my toolbox just as I have learned. And I heavily relied on Jesus to come sit with me and comfort me. I wrapped my fuzzy blanket around my shoulders to ward off the morning chill and pretended it was the wings of my Guardian Angel there to protect me from any anxiety that might try to be whispered into my existence as the day progressed.

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I never know when a bad night is going to occur. I never know how it’s going to affect me. Will I be strong and commanding? Or withered and anxiety stricken? I am grateful the storms are very few and far between these days. And, I know that no matter how bad it feels...it’s just a feeling and feelings have so far never killed me. 100% of the time. I know it’s ok to not be ok sometimes...and, I’m ok now. After all...it’s my birthday!

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❤️

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“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭118:24‬ ‭ESV‬‬\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-06-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/06/13/day-another-trip-around-the.html", "tags": ["Family","Gratitude","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/05/25/day-learning-new-skills.html", "title": "Day 70: Learning New Skills", "content_html": "\n
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A few years ago, a clerk at the swimming pool supply store gave Mr. FixIt a handy dandy little trick to keep from having to empty so much water from the pool in the winter. It was supposed to keep the skimmer from freezing. Unfortunately, it didn’t work and the skimmer cracked. Being the frugal fixit man my husband is, he managed to jury rig the whole thing and get another four years use out of it. He’s a smart man. But, alas...the time came when we couldn’t keep it together with spit and glue anymore and we bit the bullet. We bought a new one.

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Now, in my old life as a Princess, I would have just called the pool guy, ordered a skimmer, and have him come out and install it. I always justified those expenses by figuring out how long it would take me to do it multiplied by how much I valued my time. I valued my time a LOT. Nowadays, we have nothing BUT time, and being the frugal fixit man that he is, we set to installing the skimmer ourselves yesterday. 

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With a break during the hottest part of the day, I’d say it took us a good five to six hours to install that baby. It’s made well, and all the parts were there, but I could NOT turn the screws when it came time to put it together. I tried and tried. I grunted and may have said a naughty word or two. Mr. FixIt wasn’t helping when he said, “Just turn it!”

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I looked at him and informed him he was getting dangerously close to doing this entire job by himself. Finally, I took the two pieces apart and looked in the holes. They were not threaded. Mr. FixIt took the drill and drove the screws into the holes to pre-thread them. When we tried the second time, they went in much easier. However, I couldn’t get the leverage I needed to drive them all the way in. I knew the only way this was going to work was for one of us to get in the pool to be in the right position.

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There was no way I was going to let my husband get down in that water. Not only would there be the balance issues from last weekend’s stroke, but there was the issue of the water that had not been cleaned yet. I couldn’t risk him getting an infection in his feet or legs. So...I said, let’s have a good dinner, then I can get in there and we’ll whip this thing out.

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I pulled the pork roast out of the oven and as it set, I steamed some broccoli, made a bowl of coleslaw, and sautéed the remaining mushrooms that were nearing their final days. We enjoyed our meal out on the pool deck, admiring the new pergola we built this spring and yet again congratulating ourselves for being so smart to buy it. It really keeps the temperature down at the table. After supper, we drove over to town to get a little ice cream for dessert.

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It was finally time to get in the pool and get this done. It was SO cold. The pool thermometer said “Lo”. I asked Mr. FixIt how low was “Lo”. He had no idea. I’ll tell you what...I know! “Lo” means “Darned Cold”! But this was exactly the position I needed to be in to put my weight behind it and it was no time till we were done. The seal around the skimmer was water tight and there were no more leaks. Eureka! I did a little happy dance and Mr. FixIt laughed.

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“Get out of there before you get hypothermia!”

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I love the sense of accomplishment that comes with doing a good job. And I love that I have a patient husband that is willing to teach me these things. Having these strokes has brought us a sense of urgency in getting jobs done and teaching me how to do everything around here. It’s all part of the whole “Autumn” thing.

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Sitting in the bedroom with the windows wide open and writing is the peaceful ending I crave to every day. It is my meditation time. I love hearing the frogs and the night noises and the tapping of my keyboard. It is the rhythm of my life.

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❤️

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“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

\nProverbs 3:24 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-05-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/05/25/day-learning-new-skills.html", "tags": ["Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Gratitude","Wisdom","Aging","Change","Be Joyful!","Farm Life","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/04/30/day-a-walkabout-on-the.html", "title": "Day 45: A Walkabout on the Farm", "content_html": "\n
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I usually reserve writing my post for the evenings after supper and any TV that I might want to watch...which is very little. The Voice, American Idol, maybe something special...but there’s very little on there that interests me. I’m at the farm working on the laundry and taxes and everything I’m doing, including writing this post, is dependent on the electricity staying on. That is a dicey prospect in the country, especially when we are under high wind and storm alerts like we are at the moment. (3:00pm yesterday afternoon to you.)

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Since it’s 81℉ as I write this, I am sitting out on the front porch, listening to the birds in the flowering quince on the creek bank. I can hear the water in the creek gently gurgling as it flows by the house. Actually, there are birds everywhere and I love the sounds as they echo down the holler and through the woods. It gives a slight echoing sound. The trees are leafing out a lot now so when the wind blows, you can here it blowing over the far hilltop. There is a chipmunk rustling in the leaves to my left, looking for a meal. The washing machine drones heavily in the background as a bee buzzes around me. 

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I saw a blue heron glide in and land across the road in the creek bed on the far side of the neighbor’s garden. The mama robin is busy bringing worms to her babies that I showed you yesterday. The dogwood and redbud trees still show ghostly splotches of color in the mostly bare trees on the hillsides. Grandma’s clematis vines are reaching for the sun and wrapping themselves around the pole out front. The snowball bush she insisted every generation have their picture taken in front of is still doing its best to grow. It doesn’t look nearly as big and healthy as it used to and I don’t know why. I just accept what is.

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The catbirds love the shrubs along the creek and their cries make me think someone’s kitten might be wandering around, but I haven’t seen a cat here in well over a year. I can tell they are gone because the chipmunks are brazen these days. I walked around and took lots of pictures of the spring wildflowers for you. I want to go for a walk before the rain comes and see if I can get a picture the Jack in the Pulpit up by the old log house my cousin’s family owns. 

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Waking up and doing my work around the house with NO television blaring is a rare treat for me. I thought of going home when the laundry is done, but I think I’ll stay another night. Sometimes my batteries just need a recharge that only this place can give. I don’t know what I’ll do when I can no longer come here for my respite from the rest of the world. This is such a special, special place in my heart.

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When you read this, it will be Thursday and the week is over half gone already. It has been 45 days since we entered this shelter-at-home period. In some ways it’s flown by. In others, it seems like we’ve been doing this forever. Of the things I’ve been kept from, hugging my family and friends has been the number one thing I have missed. Eating in a restaurant is number two. I would like to not wear a mask or worry about contamination. I’d like to get that money back that I’ve lost out of my retirement. I’d like to lose the extra C19 pounds I’ve packed on. 

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Overall, we’re still blessed beyond belief to have gotten this far without the virus affecting our health or that of our peeps. We’ll just keep plugging along day by day with an attitude of gratitude.

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❤️

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“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

\n1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-04-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/04/30/day-a-walkabout-on-the.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/04/17/day-the-hour-vacation-and.html", "title": "Day 32: The 24 Hour Vacation and Feel Good Friday", "content_html": "\n
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Quintessential spring...a robin’s nest with two sky blue eggs.
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We were supposed to leave today for the Outer Banks. For most people, this is a disappointment and an inconvenience to reschedule. For Mr. FixIt, it’s really hard to take. He has been going to the OBX every year since he was five...except for one. The Outer Banks is, obviously, his favorite place in the whole world. He has been uber excited ever since we got the the time share there. It meant we had a great place to stay and it’s booked the same time every year. 

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A Jenny Wren’s nest is distinctively filled with dried moss.
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Except this year. He understands why. And he agrees it’s necessary. It’s just not any fun to have to give up everything. It’s small potatoes to what a lot of people are giving up. I’m trying to come up with special things to help him feel a little less trapped in one place, so we went to the farm to stay the night. We mowed on Wednesday, then just sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere.

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Moss grows all over everything in West Virginia. It’s lush and green like a rainforest here.
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It is SO incredibly quiet out there. The spring flowers are beginning to peek out. As I was riding the mower over the lawn, I continually apologized to my grandma in a running commentary in my head. Ohhhh, she would have been so upset that we mowed the lawn while the Johnny Jump-ups were still showing their pretty little purple faces. She made my Uncle Bob wait till they were gone before you could mow. I’ll bet this is the earliest that lawn has ever been cut.

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Little Fiddlehead Ferns uncurling in the morning sun.
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I made a country breakfast yesterday in Grandma’s kitchen. We had hominy, bacon, eggs and toast. Have you all had fried hominy? Do you even know what hominy is? Hominy is made from dried whole corn kernels that have been soaked in lye to soften the hard outer hulls. Then the kernels are rinsed well and cooked like beans. I have never made them from scratch. I’ve always bought them in a can. I drain them and fry them in some butter or a little bacon grease.

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The view from the back of the barn.
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I had some thin crispy bacon and fried eggs ready when the hominy was done. I like to mix mine all together. Mr. FixIt likes to eat them separately using the hominy like fried potatoes. It doesn’t matter how you served them...they’re delicious!

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My ‘67 Franklin...one of these years I just KNOW I’ll get her fixed up!
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After breakfast, I grabbed my second cup of coffee and headed outside for a walkabout to see what’s blooming. Moss grows over everything here because of the moisture and the shady holler. There aren’t a whole lot of wildflowers out yet. There are still a few fiddleheads coming up. I thought I found the asparagus, but the lookalike shoots I found were milkweed. I read that you can eat them, but I would prefer to leave them for the monarch butterflies.

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Giant Snowdrops have bloomed at the front corner of Grandma’s house for as long as I can remember.
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While I was in the garden, I got a closer look at the cherry blossoms. They don’t look like they got nipped too bad from the frosts we’ve been getting. As I was walking back up to the house, I passed the big rhododendron and startled a robin from her nest. I got up high and zoomed my lens in to peek in the nest without disturbing it and there were two sky blue eggs in it! When we were replacing the tarp on the ‘67 Franklin on Wednesday evening, I uncovered an old Jenny Wren nest on top of the air conditioner. It was abandoned so I removed it and look a picture of it. Their nests are distinctive because of all the moss they use to construct them. 

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Cherry blossoms over by the garden. I used to hear stories about where these cherry trees came from, but I’ve forgotten. I have to remember to ask my uncle.
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When we finally wrapped up all the chores at the farm, we headed back home. As soon as Mr. FixIt unloaded the riding mower, I mowed both big fields before it got too dark and cold. I noticed there towards the end that my shoe was wet. When I pulled the tractor up to the garage, Mr. FixIt flagged me down. It turned out the dipstick for the oil had loosened and oil was spattering all over my leg and shoe. I had to go in and strip just inside the door to keep from tracking oil through the house and jump in the shower. What a mess!

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Country living...it’s a peaceful life, but the work is never, ever done. I wouldn’t trade it to live back in the city for any amount of money. I’d much rather have deer and possum for neighbors. And I wouldn’t trade Mr. FixIt for anyone to quarantine with!

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Oh, and today is “Feel Good Friday”. What good news do you have to share this week?

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❤️

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“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

\nProverbs 4:23 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-04-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/04/17/day-the-hour-vacation-and.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","The Farm","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/04/12/day-an-easter-well-never.html", "title": "Day 27: An Easter We’ll Never Forget", "content_html": "\n
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This is an Easter we’ll not likely forget.
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I was ten years old when JFK was assassinated and I remember every detail of that day...and the days and weeks after. That event changed my life by taking away the innocent idea that everything is good in the world. Martin Luther King. Bobby Kennedy. The Challenger explosion. 9/11. All monumentally bad things that happened and changed the world in an instant. 

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Life went on after each one, but I’ll bet most of us remember where we were and what we were doing when they happened. The thing the past can teach us is...things change. Things can be really bad. But they’ll be ok again. Albeit a different kind of ok...but ok nonetheless.

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I look back over the Easters in my life. There were a lot of them that didn’t hold any meaning to me other than the Easter Bunny bringing candy and colorful eggs to my kids...even when we were living a Jewish life. Because, in my house, it was ME making the choice to become Jewish and you don’t take Santa and the Easter Bunny away from a five year old. 

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The Easters that had meaning to me during my childhood were when we went to Grandma’s little white church on the hill. We came back to her house and had a big supper and pigged out on candy. I remember one particular Easter, my paternal grandmother baked me a bunny cake that was so clever. And someone made my grandma a sugar egg that you could peek inside and see the Easter Bunny delivering eggs.

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Before Mr. Virgo died, we went to Mass for Easter but he always had to work the holidays, so again...not so memorable.

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It wasn’t till after Mr. Virgo died that I truly started to feel the true meaning of Easter. Good Friday is so somber and solemn and sad. Then Easter bursts forth with Joy at the first rays of morning light. Ever since I found my church home, I have enjoyed Easter Services with my church family and this time it’s different. We have to listen to our pastor online like the majority of others. It’s not the same as being there, but it’s still corporate prayer.

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Easter has never changed. Whether we are in a building or not...THAT is not the church. WE are the church. Wherever two or more of you are gathered in His Name...there is love. If you are isolated and alone during this time...remember, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you so you are never truly alone. That was one of the biggest comforts to me when I became a widow.

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Yes...this is an Easter we will never forget. It’s a story we will share till the day we die. Things may seem dismal in the world. But Jesus overcame the world. It in with Him that I find my deepest Joy...even in the darkest of moments.

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May you all have a Blessed Easter. May you connect with loved ones on this day. And, may you find the peace that surpasses all understanding.

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He is Risen!

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❤️?❤️

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“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.”

\nJohn 20:1 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-04-12T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/04/12/day-an-easter-well-never.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","God","Holiday","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/04/11/day-here-chick-chick-chick.html", "title": "Day 26: Here Chick, Chick, Chick", "content_html": "\n
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My friend Aimee bought tiaras for her chicks...because that’s just the kind of farm princess she is!
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All my life, I’ve wanted to have chickens. I remember chickens when I was a little girl. I used to think they were out at Grandma’s farm, but my Aunt Peeps says she never had them. Interestingly, Aunt Peeps got her nickname from a book about a little chick that went “Peep, Peep, Peep!” She had that book memorized when she was a toddler and my PopPop always called her Peeps and it stuck all these many years later.

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When Hubby #2 finished residency and joined a medical practice, our first house was on two acres out a two lane blacktop on the way to the ski area. We boarded horses and had a big garden that was really not much more than a salad bar for the deer and raccoons. I really wanted chickens but we lived in a subdivision with covenants. The developer of the property said we could have them if the neighbors agreed. All but one did, so I couldn’t get them. 

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My best friend had chickens at her house. She also had ducks. She lived in town and was not allowed to have roosters. The chicks were sexed and they assured her there were no roosters. Needless to say, we found out that was pretty meaningless when they became adolescents and started crowing. She tried every one she knew to give the roosters away and finally decided we would just butcher them and freeze the meat.

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This was a really sound idea, except for two things. They were fancies and by the time they were plucked and cleaned, they weren’t any bigger than a pigeon. And....you never EVER butcher birds you have named. I do believe my friend is still traumatized and that was over thirty years ago.

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No situation ever presented itself where I could have chickens till I moved back to West Virginia and lived out on the farm. I was just at the point where I was considering getting some then I ran into Mr. FixIt and we started dating and traveling so chickens were put on the back burner...so to speak.

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I have considered having chicks here at the Ponderosa, but again...travel gets in the way. I always go to Colorado in the summer to see the kids. But this year, I’m not sure I’m going to get to. Maybe this is my year. Or, maybe I’m past it. I don’t know. I had to share this picture with you, though. My friend Aimee is who I want to be when I grow up. She is an animal magnet and has some baby chicks this spring. Aimee is a free spirit, hippy mama, earth mother, gypsy farmer...she’s artistic and beautiful and colorful, to put it mildly. So...Aimee did what Aimee does.

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She bought tiaras for her chicks. They’ll fit right in with Daisy the dog who wears a pearl necklace instead of a collar and Gypsy the guard pony that protects the goats from the coyotes and John Boy, the rescued boxer/mastiff mix that cost them about a gazillion dollars in vet bills. I’ll tell you what....those are some lucky chicks right there!

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❤️

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“He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.”

\nPsalms 136:25 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-04-11T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/04/11/day-here-chick-chick-chick.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","The Farm","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/02/15/my-musings.html", "title": "My 2:00 Musings", "content_html": "\n
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“Raising our babies to be good humans is the goal of every parent.”
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They say to sleep with your cell phone charging in another room. They say you should resist the urge to pick it up in the middle of the night. They also say you shouldn’t reach for your cell phone first thing in the morning. Who ARE these people and why are they so concerned about my reading habits anyway?

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I try to only speak life into my world, so I refrain from saying things like “I’m a terrible sleeper” and “I can NEVER get to sleep”. (See how I did that?) Anyway, after I’ve done all my sleep hygiene skills and I still find myself awake at 2:00, I just start having a little convo with God.

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“Hey, God...I know you’re awake. Wanna chat?”

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He always does. And I get some really great insights. I mean like...Nobel Prize worthy stuff. I don’t write it down, of course...because my cell phone is in the other room, thanks to the sleep experts! ***insert eye roll***go get phone***sigh***

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I have a reminder list on my phone that I’ve titled “Insights”. Things that God and I chat about in the middle of the night when I am busy not sleeping. Often, those insights are the basis for future posts. Sometimes they have to wait and marinate a while before they see the light of day. Other times they are pertinent to what I’m experiencing at the time and they show up pretty quickly.

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My 2:00 musing this week...

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“Life was so much easier when we didn’t know what we didn’t know.”

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I remember when my kids were in their late teens and early twenties. They. Knew. Everything. About. Everything. It was SO enlightening and refreshing to hear from the “experts”. I was a lot younger then. I was only in my forties. My 40-year-old self argued every point. I harangued my kids like a demented cruise director. ***sorry***

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It’s fun now to watch the grandkids with their own families. The only thing that has changed are the names and the faces. The fact that I’m sixty-six now and I don’t have the energy or inclination to harass anyone about anything has gone a long way in keeping my stress level down. 

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I have to defend these kids, though. They do not know how much they do not know yet. When they do, they’re going to have the same “light bulb” moment we all had when we figured out our parents weren’t the idiots we once thought they were. Life really WAS a lot easier in many ways when we were young. We hadn’t graduated from the School of Hard Knocks yet. They tried to show us, but we put the brochures in the drawer and did it our way.

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That’s all these kids are doing...throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks. That’s cool. I may not be around for their A-Ha moment, but I was around for my kids’ and you KNOW how sweet that feels. The day Daughter #1 called to ask me how to cook something I nearly swooned and spilled my latte. 

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Now I lay in bed and watch the slide show of insights God plays for my 2:00 mind and I smile. Because...two time zones away, there is a mama worrying about HER kids and a newlywed worrying about the bills. They’re big now. All grown up...making their own way...making their own mistakes and learning from them, one way or another.

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The bottom line is this...

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God gives our children wings. 

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He lets us teach them to fly.

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❤️

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“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

\nDeuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-02-15T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/02/15/my-musings.html", "tags": ["Aging","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/02/11/raindrops-resting.html", "title": "Raindrops \u0026 Resting", "content_html": "\n
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On a rainy day, I head to the campground with the sweetest little camper in tow...the rpod 196.
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Getting the camper out of the mall was a lot easier than getting it in there. When I took it in, it was facing in the opposite direction of where I wanted it. And, when we made the arrangements to display the camper in the first place, we all failed to take into consideration the full length of the camper plus the hitch and the truck. There was no way I could make enough three corner turns to get it turned around on my own.

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The maintenance man came to the rescue with a wooden pallet and a floor jack with a fork lift on it. We unhitched onto the pallet and he manually turned the camper till it was where it needed to be....which happened to be in exactly the perfect spot to hook up to the truck and pull it out.

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I had such a blast driving it through the mall. There are tons of walkers there in the mornings and I was there bright and early to avoid the crowds. I waved as I slowly drove behind the security guard who walked ahead of me making sure everyone knew I was coming out with this monstrosity behind me.

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I was really glad to see it was raining and warm yesterday morning. It would have been a real mess if it had been snowing. I got on the interstate at around 10:00am. I had a reservation already made at the campground, a hot cup of coffee, and my GPS. I didn’t need directions to where I was going, but I like knowing how much further I have to go when I am towing. 

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It rained like crazy while I was driving down here. At one point, as I was crossing a river, I could barely see through the rain. Luckily, I wasn’t driving very fast when I hit some standing water and felt the camper fishtail a little bit. It is very important not to hit your brakes when you feel that because you can easily hydroplane out of control. I took my foot off the brake and the camper came right back in line. I dropped my speed an additional 5mph and let people go around me if they wanted to.

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The staff at the campground were waiting for me with warm greetings. One of the nice things about camping in the off season is people have the time to chat a spell. Mary was delightful. There was a young man in a golf cart to escort me to my site. I was a little disappointed in the price of the campsite, but pickings are slim in this neck of the woods so I took what I could get. It is a full hookup site which doesn’t do me any good other than the electric since the camper is winterized. I am conveniently located near the bathhouse which is handy.

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I was up very late the night before and awoke early yesterday. I had to unhook in the pouring rain so the first thing I did was get the heater going. I had to remove the propane tank when the camper was on display in the mall. Whenever you hook up a new tank to the gas lines on a camper, you have to bleed the air out of the lines till the propane gets through. This involves turning on a burner on the stove and holding a long handled lighter flame to the burner till it catches. Then you turn on the second one. Once you turn off the burners, you can start the furnace and it should light right up, which it did.

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The next step was to turn on the refrigerator in preparation for getting a few groceries later. But first, I was chilled to the bone so I piled the blankets on the bed and crawled in till I was nice a toasty. Around 3:00, I went to the Piggly Wiggly for some food to get me by for a couple of days. I will turn in the camper on Wednesday and head back home.

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As I am writing this, there is a gentle rain falling and bigger drops falling from the trees overhead. I love this sound. I have my electric blanket on and this wonderful rechargeable lamp from FLI Products is casting a warm glow to the room giving it such a homey feel. When I first saw the wallpaper in this camper, I have to admit...I was slightly taken aback. But I have come to absolutely love it! It’s so cheerful with the colors and patterns and I think Janine did a tremendous job. Spoonflower has over 750,000 patterns to choose from and I never would have thought to put these patterns and colors together. But they really work. I will definitely keep them in mind the next time I decorate a camper and make it my own.

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Today is all about writing and cleaning out the camper. It is a bittersweet day, but I bought myself something special to cook in my Hot Logic Mini portable cooker so I’ll have a yummy dinner waiting when I’m done!

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❤️

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“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

\n1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-02-11T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/02/11/raindrops-resting.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","West Virginia","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/02/02/a-lover-of-books.html", "title": "A Lover of Books", "content_html": "\n
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There’s nothing like a stack of books waiting to be read...even if you never get to them. They’re art!
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When I went through the massive purge and downsized before I sold the Colorado house, the most difficult thing to part with were my books. I love books. I love the feel of paper between my fingers...the sound real paper makes when you turn the pages...the smell of a library or used book store. It’s one of the coziest things in the world.

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Books are our friends when we are lonely. They never leave us or act snotty. They don’t care what we look like. They never judge. It took me weeks to sort through all my books. I purged, then purged again...and finally whittled my collection down to a barest minimum. It wasn’t like I owned collectible first editions or anything of any real value. But, still...they were MINE.

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You can get just about any book in electronic form so it’s not like you’re going to miss out on anything if you don’t have a massive library at home. And, there is nothing like having a little stack of books by your bed waiting to be read. I have so many books on my Kindle, but I find I rarely read them. I like the real deal.

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One of the books in my stash that I never got around to reading was “The Girls with the Grandmother Faces.” I just loved the title of that. It is what it says it is...a book about the musings on life over 55. The author, Frances Weaver, went back to college at the age of 59 and became a writer. My “college” was pulling a camper, but I truly became a writer at 59. So, this book’s premise speaks to me.

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I never got around to reading it, and it’s been so long now I can’t remember if it made the cut or if I’m just remembering the cover. I ordered another copy yesterday. Because, I am one of those girls with the grandmother face now. Lots of wrinkles and spots and...hopefully...wisdom. I want to explore that.

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I had a wonderful day yesterday sitting in the camper for eight hours at the mall, talking to the myriad people who came by to have a look. I met some of the nicest folks and talked to some fun gals about Girl Camping. I hope to meet them at one of our events this year. When I got up yesterday, camping season seemed SO far away as snowflakes literally the size of a tennis ball came drifting down and dusting the ground. It was beautiful but...meh. I’m over it already. Bring on the camping season!

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It was also Mr. FixIt’s birthday yesterday. We are celebrating today by hosting a Super Bowl party this evening. Hip, hip, hooray!

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(By the way...today is a palindrome. 02-02-2020! ?)

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❤️

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“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

\nHebrews 4:12 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-02-02T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/02/02/a-lover-of-books.html", "tags": ["Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/01/08/finding-my-sea-legs.html", "title": "Finding My Sea Legs", "content_html": "\n
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“I first learned to sail on a catamaran just like this. Liberation!”
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I know very little about sailing. What I have learned was from a handsome young Mayan boy at a Caribbean resort many years ago. A dear friend had lost her husband after a relatively short struggle with cancer. Three of us decided to take her away after the funeral for a change of scenery. We thought it was a grand idea, and indeed...she took it like a champ. But, none of us had had any experience being a widow at that point and honestly...I have no idea how she did that. But she pulled it off and we all had a grand time.

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We stayed at an all inclusive resort in Cozumel. It was a new resort, and it was travel agent week. The ringleader of this little soirée has a sister who was a travel agent and she got us the most incredible deal. We pulled this thing together quickly and within a matter of four days after the funeral, we were being greeted at the airport by men in crisp white and were handed refreshing wet towels and cool drinks. Our luggage was whisked off and we were treated like royalty for the next few days.

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One of the activities we could experience was sailing a catamaran. I have always had a massive fear of water, but felt somewhat secure with a life jacket. We met at midday for an hour lesson and soon we were zipping back and forth...up and down the coastline. For some reason, I just “got it”. It seemed like second nature to gauge the wind and turn the sail to take us where we wanted to go.

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It wasn’t long till my three friends had become bored and hot and were ready to head back in and do something else. I guided the craft back to shore, but when I let them off, I waved and said I was heading back out. I sailed alone on the Caribbean for the rest of the day and came back in as the sun began to set.

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I felt so free...the wind in my hair, the salty sea spray splashing up on my skin keeping me cool. The rudder secure in my hand...let me steer the boat this way and that. I’ve been thinking about that experience a lot this last week. The confidence I felt on that catamaran is far different than the course I am sailing at the moment.

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I knew there would be an adjustment phase to cutting back on writing every day here on my blog. But, I didn’t expect to feel so “rudderless”. Writing every day was my way of dropping anchor when the seas of everyday life tossed me about. That hour or so before bedtime was my daily meditation. Without that, I feel a little lost.

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Oh, don’t get me wrong...my dance card is full. I’m writing like crazy. And, I’m doing lots of other busy and fun things that are keeping me hopping. Mr. FixIt and I met in town for dinner last night. We had no sooner finished till I received a return phone call I had to take and answered several texts that I had been waiting for. All for really cool, fun things coming up that I’ll share soon. 

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When I put my phone away, I took my sweetheart’s hand.

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“Thank you for being so patient with me while all this is coming together. I really appreciate it.”

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He smiled and squeezed my hand.

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“Do you remember this time last year? I was sitting all day long...every day...knitting washcloths. What on earth happened?”

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He laughed and said, “YOU happened!”

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He’s right. He tells me all the time...”It’s always an adventure with Ginny McKinney!”

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My friend Gail and I are a team. We share the Ohio / West Virginia Girl Camper Chapter. Gail is the Ohio Guide and I am the West Virginia Guide. We run the Chapter’s page on Girl Camper sharing features like “Local Finds” and “My Picks”. We write stories about our experiences, how-to’s, and places we’ve traveled. And, we just joined 99Walks which we’ll be sharing with you. You can find our page here.

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The Girl Camper Chapters are not just about camping. We also share the fun things about our states that we love...great places to stay, play, and dine. We want to make our page a place where anyone can find something enjoyable and we’d love to have you stop in to see it, poke around a little, and tell us what you think. If you can’t find me here every day, you might find me over there. I write on the main page under the tag “Girl Camper Wisdom” and in the articles about the Charity Trailer Raffle.

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Some of you have said how much you miss me writing every day. Believe me, I’m missing it too. I’ll try to share past posts on the odd days that I’m not writing a big piece and hopefully that will fill in the blanks a little for both of us. I need this as much as anyone else. it’s become my comfort zone...my soft place to land. That’s not a bad thing to learn about myself.

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I hope you are enjoying this odd little stretch of warmth we are having this month here in the east. It’s January and it can change on a dime. If the sun shines, go out midday and walk facing the sun. Air out your house. Drink some tea. Bleach your sheets and your counter tops. It gets rid of some of the germs hanging around in a closed up house. It’s good for what ails ya’, as my grandma used to say.

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Oh, yes...I almost forgot. We are getting a new great grandson tomorrow! 

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❤️

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“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

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Proverbs 18:15 ESV

\n\n", "date_published": "2020-01-08T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/01/08/finding-my-sea-legs.html", "tags": ["Fun","Courage","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/01/05/a-visit-from-a-little.html", "title": "A Visit From a Little Red Bird", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
“A Curious Little Cardinal”
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I’ve taken comfort from the bluebirds that visit me frequently. They started showing up when I sat by Mr. Virgo’s grave. And I don’t mean flying around me. I mean, coming to rest, three at a time on the open car door with an extra one on the side view mirror. Each time I visited the cemetery, more and more bluebirds arrived and they made my heart sing. 

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I still see them in West Virginia, but they are outnumbered by the bright red cardinals that visit me daily. Grandma always said when you see a cardinal, it’s a loved one in Heaven coming to tell you hello. The Bible says those who are in Heaven cannot see us. But God can do anything...even sending bluebirds and redbirds to remind you of loved ones passed.

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The other day, the thought occurred to me...we are entering a new decade. One in which Mr. Virgo did not live. While I no longer actively grieve over losing him, I still have poignant moments that remind me of him. One of the hardest things about time passing after his death was the sense of losing him all over again. Losing the memory of the sound of his voice, or the touch of his hand, or the twinkle in his eye. 

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Those memories are covered in a thick gauzy haze now, and every year away from that moment I lose more of him. Turning the page on a new decade kinda felt that way. I was sitting in the family room on New Year’s Eve, just contemplating the changes I have gone through over the last ten years, when something outside caught my eye.

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It was a cardinal. 

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And not just any cardinal. This little guy was trying to get my attention. He hopped back and forth, back and forth, stopping to look in the door at me. He’d go out of my line of vision and I thought he had given up...only to hop back in view. This went on for about twenty minutes. I smiled when I saw how insistent this little bird was. 

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It was as if he were saying, “Hey! Look at me! Look! I’m here...I am always and forever here!!!”

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I don’t know the answers to all of life’s mysteries, but I do know there are no coincidences. I gazed at the bird and I swear our eyes locked for a moment. I whispered a heartfelt “Thank You” and he was gone. A weight lifted and life moved on and I breathed just a little easier know Mr. Virgo is OK where he is. 

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And so am I.

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❤️

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“Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.”

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Psalms 136:3-4 NIV

\n\n", "date_published": "2020-01-05T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/01/05/a-visit-from-a-little.html", "tags": ["Grief","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/31/seeking-comfort-in-an-uncomfortable.html", "title": "Seeking Comfort in an Uncomfortable World", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
“Travel brings me comfort in an uncomfortable world.”
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Well, dear ones...this is it. The last day of the year. The last day of a decade. And oh...what a time it has been. At the beginning of it, I was happily married to Mr. Virgo...living in Denver and not much liking that part, except for being in close proximity to my children. Not that I got to see them much. I was very focused on my husband and didn’t see past the end of my nose. A major regret.

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Three years into this decade, my life stopped when Mr. Virgo died unexpectedly...and I set out to create a new life with a new me. I sold the only home I had ever owned on my own. I made some bad decisions...but I’ve also made some good ones. I’ve driven tens of thousands of miles. I settled into and lived in the home of my heart on a beautiful farm that’s been in my family for nearly ninety years.

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I’ve connected with some really wonderful people, and reconnected with people I’ve known for a lifetime. I’ve written hundreds of thousands of words as I poured out my grief and my heart and my love into the ether sphere. I married a man I initially set eyes on when I was six years old.

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I gained people. And...I lost people I loved dearly.

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I totaled a truck and escaped with nothing worse than a small brain bleed that left me struggling to remember things for a couple of years, which filled me with fear. This last year, things finally started to fire on all cylinders in my poor noggin and I feel more like myself than I have in a very long time.

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I’ve aged a hundred years in some ways. I’ve gotten much younger in others.

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I got a cat. Well...she got me.

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I gained a huge extended family and I’m now not only a grandma....I am a GREAT grandma to two little ones with a third one due any day now. I am a GiGi, to be exact. A Mom and a mother-in-law and a Nana and a GiGi. A sister and a friend and a wife. How cool is that?

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I went to Church Sunday night and Pastor Justin asked us to think about who we were before we were saved. In that moment, I realized THAT’S what has been hovering in the back of my mind as I contemplate the end of this decade. Because it was the beginning of the previous decade when my life very nearly came to an end.

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I let myself cry as the music wafted over me, the Holy Spirit covering...filling me with his Love. My life has moments of demarcation with lines in the sand marking the points between “before” and “after”. The overdose. My mom’s death. Finding Jesus. Meeting, then losing, Mr. Virgo.

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Finding ME.

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Finding love again.

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Marrying a wonderful man.

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All while traveling. I get bored being in the same place too long. I need to seek new horizons from time to time. I need to get away and “blow off some stink” every once in a while. I need to recharge...away from everyone and everything I know. I need to go where no one knows me and rest in the anonymity that comes with the unfamiliar. 

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I get uncomfortable when I become too comfortable. When things start to get too predictable, I need to shake things up. I tried to count how many houses and apartments I’ve lived in during my lifetime and I lost track. I crave change. Thank goodness I’m married to a very understanding man. It makes me easier to live with, I think.

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I don’t usually travel like I did this year...not since I was on the road with the camper after Mr. Virgo died. It was different this time. It was harder to be away from my sweetheart. Partly because I genuinely love being with him and partly because I’m older now and I have intimate experience with loss. Things have changed. There’s more to lose now. I’m not sure how much I’ll travel in the coming year...but I’m sure it won’t be quite like 2019.

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We’re heading out tonight for a family bowling party to ring in the New Year. I can’t remember the last time I bowled. I can’t remember the last time I was out past 10:00! I have to remind myself...I’m only 66. There will be plenty of time to lay down when I’m dead and gone, right?

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Maybe I can take a nap before we go.

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Happy New Year, my dear ones! If you are struggling, may 2020 bring you peace, prosperity, and good health. You are so loved.

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Thank you. Truly...thank you for being here all these years. I am eternally grateful for the connections I have made through this page.

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Be blessed!

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Ginny

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❤️

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“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

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Psalms 96:1-3 NIV

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“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

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Psalms 90:12 NIV

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“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

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Proverbs 16:9 NIV

\n\n", "date_published": "2019-12-31T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/31/seeking-comfort-in-an-uncomfortable.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/28/the-family-christmas-extravaganza.html", "title": "The Family Christmas Extravaganza", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
“Is there anything better than an apple pie fresh from the oven?”
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We entertained my bonus family last night for our annual Christmas gathering. I started a new tradition with them when I entered the picture...chili and cinnamon rolls. One of the grandchildren loves Key Lime Pie so I made one along with an Apple Pie...another family favorite. Along with the chili came a large platter of peanut butter sandwiches. This is a West Virginia thing. When we were in school, the cooks either served peanut butter sandwiches or peanut butter cookies on chili day. We had both last night.

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There was enough to send everyone home with some chili and desserts. I took the easy route this year and used paper plates and bowls and plastic silverware. The kitchen looked like a bomb went off in there and I don’t care. It had to wait till morning. 

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We added something different this year and did a white elephant exchange which went over really well. There was lots of laughter and feigned sadness when one of our gifts was “stolen”. The kids mentioned several times how fun it was and they want to do it again next year.

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These big family dinners seem like a lot more work the older I get. That’s one of the reasons I adopted my Colorado family’s tradition of the chili and cinnamon rolls. After Thanksgiving, everyone is sort of turkeyed out and another big meal seems overwhelming to me. I dream about the possibility that someday all my Colorado family will come to me for Christmas...but they don’t come here for the same reason I don’t go there. The weather is just too unpredictable and with Colorado being such a tourist destination, it isn’t cheap to fly there any time, let alone in the winter. 

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Now that this event is behind us, I feel like I have a little time to breathe for the next few weeks. We received tickets for a WVU basketball game as one of our Christmas presents and I’m really excited about that. It was a lot of fun the last time we went.

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I hope you all are enjoying the holidays in whatever way you can. 

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❤️

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“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.”

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Psalms 128:3 NIV

\n\n", "date_published": "2019-12-28T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/28/the-family-christmas-extravaganza.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Holiday","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/23/happy-hanukkah.html", "title": "Happy Hanukkah!", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
“I had a little Dreidel...”
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Christmas and Hanukkah overlap each other this year. It doesn’t always, as the Jewish calendar is lunar and changes year to year. I started celebrating Hanukkah as a single mom when Daughter #1 was around three years old. I rented the basement of another single mom who had two little children. Niza was Jewish and exposed me to the Jewish holidays and traditions. Then, when Hubby #2 came along and was Jewish, the traditions continued.

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We still had a Christmas tree because you don’t take Santa away from a three year old...or her mama, for that matter. I always love Hanukkah. It is the Festival of Lights. It’s actually a very minor holiday in Judaism but Hallmark and the competition of Christmas and Santa Claus has caused it to be more commercialized.

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Hanukkah centers around the story of the rededication of the temple by the Maccabees after it had been desecrated by Antiochus. The temple was cleansed but when they went to refill the menorah, there was only enough sacred oil to burn one day. It would take at least eight days to get supplies of sacred oil from elsewhere. The Maccabees debated whether to go ahead and light the menorah, knowing it would burn out...or just wait. They decided to go ahead and rededicate the temple and light the oil. A miracle occurred when the oil burned for the full eight days.

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In later years, it became the custom to light the menorah and eat fried foods to symbolize the miracle of the sacred oil. Traditionally, latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (donuts) are eaten. A game is played with the dreidel (a four-sided top with Hebrew letters). Songs are sung and gifts exchanged. This is repeated every night for eight nights. It’s a really fun holiday. I haven’t really participated in a Hanukkah party for quite some time...although I do make latkes at least once over the holiday.

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For those of you who are Jewish and celebrate, I wish you all a joyous Hanukkah. Chag Sameach! May your Latkes be crispy and your candles be bright!

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❤️

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“Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter,”

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John 10:22 NIV

\n\n", "date_published": "2019-12-23T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/23/happy-hanukkah.html", "tags": ["Faith","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/22/christmas-comes-early.html", "title": "Christmas Comes Early", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
“The last really warm coat I had was the full length blue fox fur coat that Mr. Virgo gave me our first married Christmas. This one from Mr. FixIt suits me just fine.”
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Mr. FixIt and I went shopping yesterday. We are at that age and stage in life when we don’t need to have a big hoopla surrounding Christmas. I needed a new winter coat. He needs a radiator on his truck. It’s kind of a wash. Since I’m not about to get a radiator and wrap it up for Christmas, I told him it was perfectly fine to go shopping together so I can try on coats and choose what I want.

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My sense of fashion has definitely changed over the years. Where I used to traipse around Aspen in a full length blue fox coat, I now am the proud owner of a perfectly functional, super warm parka with lots of strategically placed pockets. It came in red, but my practical side opted for black so it wouldn’t show dirt. Besides...black is slimming, right? And...it was on sale!

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We got each other one surprise. The rest is welcome, but not extravagant. I remember years when the gifts were just over the top. I don’t know if it’s my age or the fact that I’ve gone through that massive purge of personal belongings, but I just don’t need stuff. It’s not a “Bah, humbug!” thing either. It’s personal contentment.

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The mall was packed. People rushing to and fro, bags and boxes piled high. There were lots of smiles and giggling children. The line for Santa was long, the children were precious. I would love to bottle up all the warm, fuzzy feelings of this time of year and keep them for the days when things may not be so warm and fuzzy in the New Year.

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Our family gathering doesn’t happen till Friday so that gives us two extra days to prepare. The cards are sent. There’s things to do...baking and wrapping...knitting and writing. That’s my holiday week. And that suits me just fine. 

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❤️

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

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Romans 15:13 NIV

\n\n", "date_published": "2019-12-22T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/22/christmas-comes-early.html", "tags": ["Aging","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/14/a-good-kind-of-tired.html", "title": "A Good Kind of Tired", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
“Girls with Grandmother Faces”
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The best laid plans. I had every intention of taking yesterday off and doing nothing but knitting. As soon as coffee was finished, I headed to the office to finish up “just a couple of things”. Three hours later, I emerged when Mr. FixIt needed my help. We are working steadily on the master bath and yesterday was “hang the door”. I’ve never hung a door before...like a pre-hung door with the frame and all. That’s a chore.

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I have to tell you...Mr. FixIt doesn’t get things done quick, but when he’s finished, it’s quality engineering. When he had the shower stall in place, it was measured and placed so precisely, you couldn’t slip a dollar bill in the space between. Hanging the door was a little tricky but when it went in, it was darned near perfect. I am very impressed with this man of mine!

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We finished in time to clean up and meet our fellow high school classmates for dinner at a local Italian restaurant. There were forty of us there and I looked around at these beautiful people with grey hair and we’re still so young!

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An update on the kitten. After spending her entire ten days post-spaying confined to the house, she let us know she was bored out of her gourd and wanted O-U-T-S-I-D-E by firmly biting us whenever we came within reach of her. After I pulled her off my leg for the umpteenth time, she got her wish and has become her sweet kitty self again. We tuck her into the pole building at dusk every night and give her some snuggles and food and water. We check her heated water dish and heated kitty condo and make sure her litter box is presentable and say goodnight.

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So, I ended the day...tired and happy. A good tired. The kind of tired where you know you accomplished something. Not bad for a Friday the 13th! And today? It’s up in the air, but I really mean to knit and address Christmas cards. And watch some Christmas movies and make phone calls. And maybe bake something yummy to go with the BEST beef stew that I made yesterday. What are you all up to today?

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❤️

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“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

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Psalms 20:4 NIV

\n\n", "date_published": "2019-12-14T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/14/a-good-kind-of-tired.html", "tags": ["Fun","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/11/its-a-kiss-christmas-keep.html", "title": "It’s a KISS Christmas - Keep it Simple, Santa!", "content_html": "

\"Shiny “Simple and elegant…vintage Shiny Brite ornaments like these hang on our tree here at the Ponderosa”

\n

Wait! How can it possibly be just two weeks till Christmas Day??? It seems like I was on the RPod Tour yesterday and now we are sliding into the home stretch and the year will be over. I went to the farm Monday midday to write. I fell asleep to the sound of rain on the tin roof. I couldn’t help it. Not only was it soothing, but it’s my happy place and I’ve been running around like crazy this year. I just enjoy it so much. 

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I woke up yesterday morning and looked at the weather reports. When I went to sleep it was 61℉ and raining. By morning they were predicting snow in the afternoon. I had limited groceries with me so I decided to pack up and head back to the Ponderosa. When I walked in, I heard the carpet shampooer running in the basement and that can only mean one thing. The basement flooded again. I went down and helped my sweet Mr. FixIt clean up the mess.

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Once we got the worst of it done, I sat down to write. I have deadlines to meet every couple of weeks and I had a lot of work to do. Several hours later, I turned off the computer. I’ll finish this morning. Mr. FixIt baked some peanut butter cookies. We watched the news. We read the mail. We got our first Christmas cards yesterday. I haven’t even thought about doing ours yet. I haven’t gone Christmas shopping. I haven’t baked cookies or made special gifts. Nothing.

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I used to feel really bad about myself if the holidays weren’t visions straight out of a Hallmark movie. I have SO gotten over that. The house is decorated…enough. Did I get the Christmas Village out on the dining room table? Nope. It’s ok. If my friends and family get a New Year’s letter from us, is it going to be the end of the world? Nope. It’s ok. If the kids get cash cards instead of intricately wrapped gifts, will it make the holidays any less bright? Nope. How about if I buy a store bought cheesecake instead of making fifteen dozen cookies…does it take anything away from our celebrations? No.

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Because…all the decorations and the hoopla, the frenzy and the manic late nights aren’t what this holiday season is about anyway. It’s about love. And celebrating Jesus. And gathering the family and holding them close. I started a new Christmas tradition for Mr. FixIt and family when I came into the picture. I make a big pot of chili and homemade cinnamon rolls. It’s low key. We exchange modest gifts. And this year, we’re going to have a White Elephant gift exchange as a fun activity. If you’ve never done that, it’s a lot of fun. Here are the rules:

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Each participant supplies one wrapped gift, usually of similar value. The gifts are placed in a central location, and participants determine in which order they will take turns selecting them. The first person opens a wrapped gift, and the turn ends. On subsequent turns, each person has the choice to either unwrap a new present or to steal another’s. When a person’s gift is stolen, that person can either choose another wrapped gift to open or can steal from another player. To avoid never-ending circles, each gift can only be stolen once per turn. The game is over when everyone has a present. Generally, it is recommended to have at least six participants for the gift exchange party. With a larger group, game play may be more protracted.

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It’s a KISS Christmas…Keep it Simple, Santa!

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❤️

\n
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”\n

Matthew 6:21 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-12-11T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/11/its-a-kiss-christmas-keep.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","New Ideas","Gratitude","Comfort","Holiday","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/10/love-to-the-rescue.html", "title": "Love to the Rescue", "content_html": "

\"Friends\" “One of my besties! Deneene and her sidekick, Griffen the Grey, came for a visit. She’s good for what ails ya!”

\n

I wrote in yesterday’s post about feeling “in the ditch”. I struggled for a few days with grief waves triggered by a traumatic loss in the family. Then, in swept my dear friend Deneene with lots of love and her trusty sidekick, Griffen the Grey. Griff is a nine month old French Bulldog who wriggled his way into my heart when we visited Deneene and her husband Mark in South Carolina this summer. 

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I had been greatly anticipating Deneene’s arrival for the last week and when she walk in the door, all the “holding it all in” released with her big bear hug. I had the gas stove in the family room fired up so it was nice and toasty. And I had the TV on with this really great ten hour YouTube fireplace video running in the background. We have a huge TV because the family room is huge. It used to be a two car garage, so if you want to read the fine print at the bottom of the screen, you need a big TV. When Deneene walked in, she said she could see the fire blazing from the road leading past our house. I was glad no one thought the house was on fire and called 911!

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We didn’t stay up too late and talk because my friend is a new grandma and had just spent a week at her daughter’s helping out with the new baby. She was pretty tired so we said goodnight early. Deneene is not a real morning person, so when Mr. FixIt and I woke up at 8:30, I told him to be really quiet so as not to wake her. I forgot that puppies get their mommies up really early and she had been waiting for US to get up and keeping Griffen quiet.

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When I heard them talking in the family room, I quickly dressed and went into the kitchen to cook breakfast. Scratch biscuits with homemade sausage gravy and eggs. OMGosh! It’s been forever since I fixed that and it was SO good. I made Paula Deen’s Cream Biscuits. They are love in the palm of your hand. Look up the recipe. Super easy! And sausage gravy couldn’t be easier to make than mine. Fry a pound of sausage till browned, sprinkle about a third of a cup of flour over it and stir till combined then slowly pour enough milk over it to loosed it up, adding more milk as it cooks, stopping when you get the right consistency. 

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As we sat and ooohed and ahhhed over the delicacy before us, we slathered butter and local orange blossom honey over the rest of the biscuits till there were just three left. I tucked them in a bag for Deneene to take with her to nibble on the road. Deneene raved over our hospitality and I told her it was the best B&B this side of the Mississippi…and it’s free!

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We said our WV goodbye. She announced she should be leaving. We told another story. She said she really should get going. We hugged and talked about when we would get to see one another again. She gathered up her things. I made sure she didn’t forget her biscuits. We walked to the door. We hugged again and declared it had been too long since the last visit and we shouldn’t wait so long next time. She double checked if she had everything. I asked if she needed a bottle of water for the road. She picked up her bags and we had another long hug at the door. As she walked through, we noticed she had set down the biscuits when she put on her coat so we retrieved them for her. If it hadn’t have been raining, we would have walked her to her truck and the goodbye would have lasted another fifteen to twenty minutes. Thus is the nature of goodbyes in the country. It’s a goodbye full of love!

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I called after her, “Don’t forget to text when you get there!” If it was dusk, I would have said, “Watch for deer!” That’s West Virginian for “I love you!”

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Deneene honked from the road as she drove by and I waved madly from the front window. And she was gone. My friend whom I helped through her own grief had come and returned the favor. I felt so much better after her visit. I have a big deadline to meet this week so after Deneene left, I packed up and went to the farm where I turned the TV to the same fireplace video. I survived another wave and I’m on to the next thing. Such is the nature of grief. It just gets incorporated into life and you move forward. Thank you for your support yesterday. You have no idea what that means to me. I wish everyone who grieves had cheerleaders like you to support them through their journey.

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❤️

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“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”\n

John 15:12 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-12-10T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/10/love-to-the-rescue.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/06/its-feel-good-friday.html", "title": "It’s Feel Good Friday", "content_html": "

\"Happy “Here’s a photo of my happy big brother. He makes this a true Feel Good Friday!”

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Wednesday night, after leaving the funeral home in support of family who suffered a devastating loss, I came home to an empty house while Mr. FixIt ran errands in town. I cleaned up around the house a bit, snuggled the kitten and put her to bed, then padded down the hallway to our room. I got into my cozy jammies, climbed into bed, and prepared to write my post…as I do every night. Then my phone dinged.

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I looked down and it was a text from Hubby #2. He was having dinner with my brother and sent me a picture. He does this whenever they go out and it makes my heart burst…for a number of different reasons. First, because I miss my brother and I only get to see him once a year now. He is my only blood sibling. I have two sibs of the heart…but my Bubby is the the best. He owns the biggest piece of real estate in my heart. It made me so happy to see that great big smile from this sweet, sweet man.

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The second reason my heart exploded is…this picture was only possible because the man I was married to for twenty years thinks enough of my brother to make a point to take him out to dinner several times a year. There was a time in the throes of divorce that I truly mourned, not just for the loss of a marriage, but the loss of my friendship with #2. I was always hopeful we could develop that again, but it wasn’t until Mr. Virgo died what we set everything aside and called a truce. I’m so glad because it’s so much better for the kids and grandkids when you can get along. The fact that he takes my brother out for dinner and sends me the picture makes me proud of the personal growth we both have accomplished.

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I’m always looking for good news stories to share with you all because there’s already so much bad stuff. We need something uplifting. A friend shared a cute little Christmas commercial with me last night so I decided I’m going to try to have “Feel Good Fridays” to give us all something joyful to take us into the weekend. Thanksgiving was so late this year that it’s giving us a shorter Christmas season. And…this is the time of year for all the feel good stories. After December, I’ll have to go hunting for them. But, hunting I shall gladly do. I hope you enjoy this sweet little story out of the UK. 

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https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/04/uk/heartwarming-christmas-advert-intl-scli-gbr/index.html?ofs=fbia

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❤️

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”\n

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-12-06T02:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/06/its-feel-good-friday.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/03/recovery-day.html", "title": "Recovery Day", "content_html": "

\"Christmas “Christmas Lights & Pie”

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When all the food is put away…when all the dishes are done…when all the guests have said their last goodbye…what time is it? It’s time for PIE! Well, really…is there ever a BAD time for pie? We turned off the lights…all but the tree. And just enjoyed the quiet.

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I took the kitten in bright and early to be spayed and immediately came home and slept three more hours. Working to put on a big family dinner takes the starch out of you. And it gets harder the older you get. 

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The babies were so much fun. Princess First was in rare form, ate like a champ, colored brilliantly, and melted me with “Pweeze, Gigi!” I’m toast. Then there was Prince Second. Oy, he is a solid chunk of sheer joy. He smiles and coos and bats his big eyes at me. All I wanted to do all day was kiss and nibble on those cheeks…they are so delectable!

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Once the kitten was ready, I went to pick her up. They informed me she needs to stay in the house for the next ten days. You know what that means, don’t you? It means we now have an indoor cat. Bring me all the antihistamines in the land! It’s better, really. I worry about her outside with that road even though she was safe in the pole building every night. I also found out we can board her with our vet when we go out of town. So it was a win-win day. 

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Now I can turn my focus back to writing. The OH-WV Chapter page on the new Girl Camper website needs my attention every couple of weeks. There are presents to make. Cookies to bake. Calls to make. Cards to send. This will be a busy and quick month for all of us. Then we can start making all our camping plans for the  New Year! There’s going to be some fun things happening on the east side…up and down the mid-Atlantic area so keep your eyes peeled for announcements!

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Katy bar the door…all heck is gonna break loose around here!

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❤️

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“Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”\n

Proverbs 24:27 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-12-03T02:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/03/recovery-day.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Holiday","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/29/black-kitty-black-friday.html", "title": "Black Kitty, Black Friday", "content_html": "

\"Black “Little Black Kitty - Big Black Friday”

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We have to go to town today. Ugh! I avoid Black Friday like the plague. But, we are having our family Thanksgiving on Sunday and there are fresh things I need to buy to prepare. Mr. FixIt was lamenting because Walmart will be crazy. We almost forget about real stand alone grocery stores and they should be less chaotic. My favorite store in the area is the Kroger over in Belpre. It’s as close to a Denver grocery as I have ever found here.

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Yesterday was a beautiful day…just the two of us. We cleaned house a little. Mr. FixIt shampooed the carpet down the hall. I made the brine for the turkey. We washed the windows in the family room. I am so glad to get the bathroom fixtures and tools out of there…it needed a good cleaning. We put up the tree and it made me miss my Colorado peeps…a lot.

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I talked to my brother yesterday and I FaceTimed with Daughter #1. She was cooking her Thanksgiving Dinner as we chatted. My son-in-law was in the background, peeling potatoes. As I watched her, she told me what she was doing. She took her phone and focused on each dish and told me how she made it. She makes this really great Sausage-Cranberry Stuffing. I asked her about making sweet potatoes and she showed me a trick I had never heard of before.

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First, she cleans, peels, and cubes her sweet potatoes. Then she puts brown sugar in the bottom of a CrockPot to the depth of her first knuckle. She puts the cubed sweet potatoes on top and pats them down a little, and dabs about 3 tbsp of butter on top. Cover and turn on low for 2.5 hours or so, then turn to high. Stir gently every once in a while to coat the potatoes with the brown sugar. The sweet potatoes have enough moisture in them, you don’t have to add liquid. When they are fork tender, turn the CrockPot to warm. She throws miniature marshmallows on top at that point and they melt and get gooey by serving time. I don’t usually add marshmallows to my sweet potatoes because I don’t like them that sweet. Her late grandpa taught her how to make them. We really miss Pop, so I’m happy to have one of his recipes.

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As I was washing the windows in the family room, the little kitty sat so regally out in the yard watching my every move. She is growing fast and will go in Monday to be spayed. I’m glad we decided to stay home because it was snowing in the mountains about the time we would have been driving through. I’m hoping to have some time to knit today, because I didn’t even pick it up yesterday. And, tomorrow I need to start cooking. I hope you all celebrated Thanksgiving in a way that brought you peace.

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If you are heading out to shop on Black Friday, let me share something with you I saw online. 

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Look around.

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All that clutter, used to be money.

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And that money used to be time.

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Maybe consider experiences instead of too much stuff. 

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When you’re dead and gone…no one will ever say, “Gosh, I wish Grandma would have bought me more stuff.” They’ll miss YOU. Six months from now, they won’t remember what you gave them, but they’ll remember spending special time with you.

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“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”\n

Psalms 90:12 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-11-29T02:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/29/black-kitty-black-friday.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Holiday","Wisdom","Aging","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/27/giving-thanks.html", "title": "Giving Thanks", "content_html": "\n
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Surrounded by family, fifteen inches of snow, and enough food to last a month! I baked five pies yesterday…two sugar free pumpkin, two regular pumpkin, and a burnt sugar pie. My grandma always made burnt sugar (also called butterscotch or caramel) pies because she had a cow and sugar was cheap. Anything else was too expensive. And hers were SO good. We'll see how mine holds up to the taste test today. I also made a big pan of yeast rolls. Today I make my famous sugar free candied yams. And whatever else my cousin throws at me. We will gather 25 family members and friends. We will remember those who are no longer with us. And we will give thanks for our many blessings.

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One of my many thanksgivings is for this page. I don't know if you understand how important your love and support has been to me. I was telling my cousin last night, one of the biggest gifts Marshmallow Ranch has given me is knowing I'm not the only one. I'm not the only one who grieves. I'm not the only one who gets anxious at 2:00 in the morning. I'm not the only one who finds socks (or chili or the color green) sad. I'm not alone. There are many of you reading this who are walking your own paths. We've come to walk together. We've come to trust each other. We've come together as friends…soldiers…partners in crime. We've laughed and we've cried and we've held that sacred space for each other to return to.

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I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You are unbelievable. May you remember the little things. May you find much laughter. May you feel the love of your families.

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Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

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<3

\n\n", "date_published": "2019-11-27T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/27/giving-thanks.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","Holiday","Be Joyful!","Baking"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/20/story-update-little-gwen.html", "title": "Story Update: Little Gwen", "content_html": "

\"Toddler “We’ve been following Little Gwen since she was born with Arthrogryposis. Look…she’s standing!!!”

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Last year I wrote about little Gwen. Her grandma is my friend, Jody who graduated with Daughter #1. Gwen was born with Arthrogryposis. I posted a picture of her back then with her little twisted legs and hands. One knee bent completely backwards and her foot sat in front of her face. Her jaw is severely recessed and because of that, her swallowing is restricted. She has had a feeding tube ever since she was a newborn. 

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God knew what He was doing when He brought Gwen to her family. I can’t imagine any family any better equipped to handle the severe challenges that lay in front of them. They stand up and deliver the very best for Gwen and are her true champions. 

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Gwen has had more than her share of setbacks in her short life with frequent hospitalizations. In spite of the Arthrogryposis, she has come further than anyone could have imagined. She has the best medical team around and has made great strides.

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Her legs are straight now but she still wears braces to help keep them growing right. Her little feet aren’t moving with the braces like they had hoped so she may need to have surgery to fix them. These are difficult decisions for young parents to make. This surgery may help her feet move into a better position. However, it can also condemn her to wearing braces on her legs the rest of her life. That’s a lot to consider. It isn’t an emergency, so Mom and Dad are getting a second opinion.

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I wanted to share Gwen’s most recent photo. This picture just warmed my heart. Look at her standing up! I’m so happy for her and her family. They’ve worked so hard to see every little milestone. I know they get discouraged from time to time, but they are the first to get right back up and encourage Gwennie to be her best little self…no matter what life brings her way!

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Won’t you join me in lifting Gwen and her family up in prayer? Pray that they find the perfect solution for her little feet. Pray that her body gets strong and that illness stays away from her. Pray for strength and courage, joy and peace for her and her entire family. They are a faith-filled family and know where their every blessing comes from. Praises for her accomplishments.

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We love you, little Gwen! Keep up the good work and remember, God is with you always!

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❤️

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“Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.””\n

Luke 14:12-14 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-11-20T02:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/20/story-update-little-gwen.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Love","God","Peace","Courage","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/19/healing-and-scars-and-joy.html", "title": "Healing and Scars and Joy", "content_html": "

\"Grief “Although grief is never finished, healing can occur and you can use your scars to help others.”

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Grief doesn’t run in a straight line. Anything but. We’d love to see the slow and steady climb from that deep, dark valley head right up the side of that mountain to joy. But, unfortunately…it just doesn’t happen that way. Grief runs all skwiggly-skwog…up and down, back and forth, around and around and around. 

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At first you don’t think you are making any progress at all. You can’t feel anything but pain. You cant see two minutes in front of you. It’s a bloody wonder we survive at all. The world is dark. No color…no sound…and certainly no joy.

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One of the things people had the hardest time understanding in my early writing was the “gems in the flames”. I always looked for those gifts God left for me along my path as he led me through the fire. This wasn’t just a Pollyanna attempt to keep my glass half full. This was an exercise in faith knowing that…even in my darkest, most painful moments…my cup was still full to overflowing because Jesus was in that valley with me. Urging me on. Asking me to trust Him and just take one more step.

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It’s easy to have faith when things are looking good. When you’re standing on the mountaintop and you’re feeling great, you may even forget to thank God for carrying you through the muck. Or, you might throw a cursory “Thanks!” His way then think “I’ve got this!” No, it’s when you’re down at your lowest…when life is hard and painful and dirty and ugly…and you beg for God to catch you and bring you out of this that you lean in closest.

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When you’re walking the road of grief and things hurt so bad and grieving tears your heart out of your chest, you may very well be tempted to take a shortcut. Circumvent the whole process, push that nasty wad of grief way, way down deep inside and slap a smile on your face. Because, let’s face it…that’s what the world is usually asking you to do. “Aren’t you over this yet?” “You just need to _____________” (fill in the blank with any of a zillion suggestions you receive). The sheer variety of platitudes is mind numbing. 

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Oh, you can try to walk around it or climb under it, but one of these days, that bandage is going to come off and you’re going to have to face grief head on and it’s going to be ten times worse than it was before. At least, that’s what happened with me when I tried to date someone way…WAY too soon after Mr. Virgo died. 

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Even four years after Mr. Virgo died and I started dating Mr. Fixit, I was still pretty broken. Fortunately, he has a huge heart and an infinite amount of patience with me. He allowed me to talk it all through with him. He’s a great listener. Then one day, I didn’t feel compelled to talk about it as much and my heart truly started to heal. 

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Mr. Virgo came along when I was in a really vulnerable place. I had gone through a particularly difficult and ugly breakup/divorce five years before. And still, for the first year, that man listened oh so patiently as I went though all the gory details and told him every sad and angry story. He saw the potential and he invested in our love. 

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Both of these men love me with the white hot heat of the sun. Neither relationship would have ever worked had I not already worked through a lot of the pain of grief…both that of divorce and that of death. Those two men I dated between Mr. Virgo’s death and Mr. FixIt’s arrival though? Oy! I bled all over them from wounds they never caused. It wasn’t fair to them. I hate that I was blind and couldn’t see past my own need for a tourniquet.

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Fortunately, I did come to some understanding how unfair it was to another person to try to have a relationship too soon. That’s when I stopped trying to date and started a serious relationship with Jesus. Then…when I was in a much better place…I was ready to open my heart and try again. It isn’t easy. There’s nothing about grief that is easy. And if you are in the throes of it, you will not understand this, but…I’ve come to look at every situation with a level of Joy. Maybe not jump up and down happy-happy joy. But with the Joy of knowing I have a Father in Heaven who loves me and will never, ever leave me. I have Jesus to hang onto when I go through the worst of situations. THAT Joy….that Joy with a capital “J”. 

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There is Joy in the scars because you have the opportunity to share your story with others. You have the opportunity to reach back to others coming behind you who are trying to find their footing in their pain. Your scars give you the freedom to love others. Your scars give you validity. They show others they aren’t alone. And when you can be there for another who hurts like you once hurt, you give the greatest gift possible. Empathy. 

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You don’t have to have flowery words. You don’t have to offer Hallmark phrases. You can give a hug, sit quietly, or just be honest and say, “Whew…I don’t know what to say, but I’m here for you.” It’s isn’t easy to be there for someone who’s in pain, but it is so fulfilling to know you can somehow help another human being when they’re hurting.

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Being vulnerable. Being available. Being open and honest. That is where I find my Joy in grief.

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❤️

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“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”\n

Psalms 30:2 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-11-19T02:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/19/healing-and-scars-and-joy.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","God","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/17/bathing-on-the-back-porch.html", "title": "Bathing on the Back Porch", "content_html": "

\"Back “Bathing on the back porch was all I knew at the farm till I was six.” (not my photo)

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This picture makes me smile. I found it on one of the Facebook pages I follow about Appalachian life. I remember in the days before Grandma had indoor plumbing, she would fill a canner full of spring water, heat it up on the kitchen stove, and fix a bath for my brother and I when we stayed with her. In the winter, the old galvanized tub was brought into the kitchen so we wouldn’t catch a chill. And in the summer, we bathed on the back porch. It was a great way to cool off and prepare us for a night of blissful slumber. I would pad up the staircase with bare feet, dressed in a clean cotton nightgown, and Mom would tuck us into bed…one on each side of her. I would drift off to the sounds of the night…a screech owl, katydids, crickets, and the sound of the creek bubbling over the rocks just at the side of the house.

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When Daughter #1 was little, I felt I was ever so much more sophisticated than my countrified counterparts and bathed my daughter in the indoor bath…you know, like civilized people. But, by the time Daughter #2 came around, I started to appreciate and embrace my Allegheny roots. By this time, my daughter was big enough she couldn’t fit in the old galvanized tub so we took things a step further. It was always August when we went to WV for a visit and it was hotter than blue blazes so we took what my daughter called “moon baths”. We waited till dark, went outside, and stripped down to our “all-together” as my mama used to call it. Then we washed from a bucket of sudsy water and poured buckets of cool rainwater over us to rinse. It was heavenly.

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In 2004, my mom died after a brief illness and I went home to take care of her estate. I was there for several months to clean out the house and remodel it as best I could to sell it. During that time, Daughter #1 brought Big to West Virginia for a visit. When we went to the farm, I pulled out the same old galvanized wash tub and drew a bath for my granddaughter on the back porch. This picture made me smile at all the memories that came back to me. I sent it to Big yesterday (who will be 16 in February) and told her the story of the old tub. My Colorado peeps are pretty well gentrified so she was astonished at such a primitive upbringing I had.

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There aren’t many opportunities to walk down memory lane with my kids and grandkids. They live busy lives and don’t get here often so I take time when I can to share the past with them. I think it’s important for them to know their roots go deeper than the Rocky Mountains. Their past stretches back to the ancient Appalachian Mountains…to a place time forgot…on a little old porch of a little old house in a holler in the hills.

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❤️

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“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”\n

Psalms 127:3 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-11-17T02:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/17/bathing-on-the-back-porch.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Comfort","Humbled","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/15/date-night-at-rural-king.html", "title": "Date Night at Rural King", "content_html": "

\"WV “What a beautiful night for a date at Rural King…my favorite farm store!”

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A couple of days ago, Mr. FixIt needed to go into town to get a special drill bit. He’s back to working on our master bath! We have to fit in home jobs when the grass isn’t growing and he’s finished with all the outside jobs he does. When the weather turned cold, I came in off the road from my camping tour and we set to doing the things around here that have been put on hold.

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The big outside job Mr. FixIt has been working on is the huge covered front porch he built on the front of his ex-wife’s house. One of my bonus granddaughters told me there are people who don’t understand how I’m ok with that. Well, first off…she’s paying him, so it’s a job. But, beyond that, why on earth would I, or SHOULD I be upset by that? 

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She is the mother of his children. They share grandchildren and great grandchildren. She’s a wonderful person and I just love her. Our granddaughter told the person she was talking to that she thinks it’s awesome that we all get along and talk to each other. It makes it so much easier for the family if they aren’t being torn by split loyalties. Couples may divorce. But you don’t divorce your family. And as far as I’m concerned, we are all family.

\n

Anyway, he’s finished with all but just a little touch up over there and that has to wait till spring for good weather. And now we’re focused on getting things done at home. That prompted the trip to town. He asked if I wanted to ride along with him. Listen, this man knows me. He didn’t have to ask twice to get me to go to Rural King and Lowe’s. 

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I love home improvement stores and farm stores. I needed to get a heated water dish for the kitten just to make sure she always has fresh water available. Rural King has them…AND free popcorn! As we came out of the store, the entire sky was bright pink all the way around us. It was like being inside a big pink bubble. I love the sunsets at this time of year. They seem to be so vibrant. After the fun stops, we went to our favorite pizza place…Pete’s Pizza. Honestly…the best pizza I think I have ever had comes out of this little family owned restaurant in Mineral Wells, WV. 

\n

I went to the farm yesterday to make sure all is well. I unplugged the pump in case the gas should go off and a pipe should freeze and burst. Wouldn’t want to flood the basement and burn out the pump. This cold spell has kept the Asian Lady Beetles at bay and I only swept up about a half a cup of them this time. I still haven’t been brave enough to go upstairs to look.

\n

When I went into the cellar house to unplug the pump, I saw there was a lot of white, hairy mold growing on the wood of the old potato bin. The cellar house is no longer water tight so it’s always damp in there. Next summer, when we have a dry spell, we need to open up that door and air it out. I also need to spray the mold with a bleach solution, I think. I will do some research on that. It isn’t the black mold that is so toxic. Maybe I’ll take the dehumidifier from the bathroom and put it out there for the winter. That would solve two problems. First, it would decrease the humidity. But a dehumidifier also puts off a fair amount of heat…enough to keep the pipes on the pump from freezing when we get a REALLY cold snap.

\n

When you live in the country, and you have an endless list of chores that need doing, you have to find your date nights where you can get them. Mr. FixIt is a lucky man…I like hardware, power tools…and pizza!

\n

❤️

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“The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.”\n

Deuteronomy 28:8 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-11-15T02:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/15/date-night-at-rural-king.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/09/baby-its-cold-outside.html", "title": "Baby, It’s Cold Outside!", "content_html": "

\"Weather “The cold, arctic air is hitting deep into the south in the coming week.”

\n

I think Mother Nature has other ideas for me than traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains through an Arctic cold front. Last week, I had every intention to knock out the arm-long list of things that needed my attention and be back on the road by this time. Then, I got home. And got a real look at what needs done around here. The temps have gotten increasingly colder day by day with next week looking even worse. To top that off…there’s the new kitten. We can’t just up and leave now. It’s going to take more planning than it has in the past. That’s not to say we won’t be going anywhere, but honestly…I do not want to be off somewhere and not be able to get back because of bad weather. 

\n

In the meantime, we’ve been hustling around the farm and the Ponderosa battening down the hatches before the coldest weather of the year arrives. The top of the agenda was the pool. We really needed to get the level down and unhook the pump before last night as the low this morning was predicted to be 22°. Mr. FixIt worked all day Thursday in the cold rain and got that  finished. Now we just need to get the cover over it and it’s put to bed for the winter. I emptied the food from the r-pod and turned off the refrigerator yesterday in preparation for the coming cold snap.

\n

Cold weather is perfect for a big pot of homemade soup. When I was at the store Thursday, asparagus was on sale for $.99 a pound. I bought two pounds and made a pot of Cream of Asparagus soup. I’ve never made it before and it was divine! I made enough for four big bowls for under $4.00! Here’s the recipe should you wish to try it.

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Cream of Asparagus Soup

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2 lbs. fresh asparagus, washed, trimmed, and chopped in 1” pieces

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1 large onion, chopped

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4 tbsp. unsalted butter

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4 cups chicken broth

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1 cup heavy cream

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Salt and pepper to taste

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1/4 tsp. Lemon juice

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Melt butter in soup pot and add onion and chopped asparagus. Stir over medium heat till onion  begins to become transparent. Add chicken broth. Cover and simmer over low heat till asparagus is very soft. Remove from heat and purée using a blender, food processor, or hand held blending wand. Return to heat, add cream, and bring just to a boil. Add lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste and serve hot or cold.

\n

It was delicious and so quick and easy to make. Mr. FixIt said he had never had Cream of Asparagus soup before and he loved it!

\n

Today’s culinary circus will include a Sour Cream Apple Pie and Homemade Ooey Gooey Macaroni and Cheese! These are the days I love…the days I’ve worked so hard for this year. What’s cooking in YOUR kitchen today?

\n

❤️

\n
\n “Give us today our daily bread.”\n

Matthew 6:11 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-11-09T02:30:22-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/09/baby-its-cold-outside.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/02/meetpumpkin-the-kitten.html", "title": "Meet.....Pumpkin, the Kitten!", "content_html": "

\"Black “Kitty has an appropriate Halloween name…Pumpkin!”

\n

I hit the ground running yesterday. The first order of business was to haul the camper to the nearest dump station…a lovely fifty-four mile round trip drive out to and up the interstate and back. When I woke up at 8:00, it was a whopping 36 degrees. Two hours later, when I was finally hooked up and ready to go, it was all the way up to 37! Ohhhhh, I really wasn’t looking forward to that, but it had to be done. Last night’s overnight low was predicted to get down to 27 and stay there for four hours. That’s when you get freezing and possible damage to water lines in a camper.

\n

The only way I have ever winterized a camper was to run pink RV antifreeze through the lines. But this camper is different. I looked it up on YouTube and it said to open the drains, dump the tanks, pour some antifreeze in the wastewater tanks to keep any residual from freezing, and take out the element in the hot water heater. Then, you go around and turn on each faucet, one at a time, and turn on the water pump. Any residual water left inside should drain out through the low water drain. It worked like a charm! But, man…I was chilled to the bone when I was done.

\n

I pulled the camper back home and unhooked, fully expecting to head back to town and run errands on my list that’s a mile long. As I sat in the truck, I took inventory. Have you ever had to sit yourself down and give yourself a stern talking to? Well, that was me yesterday. I was feeling overwhelmed by the expectations I was placing on myself. No one else was telling, or even asking, me to get everything done. I counted up what I had already accomplished. I looked at the list to see what I could do alone, and what I would need Mr. FixIt’s help with. I checked off the list of phone calls I had already made. Then I took a physical inventory. My shoulders and neck were so tense and tight, I was getting a headache. My body was just…tired. So…I gave myself permission to kick back for the rest of the day.

\n

I got out of the truck and the little black kitten came running and rubbed against my legs. I reached down and picked it up and really gave it a good once-over. Well, except for checking the nether regions. It still just didn’t occur to me to look. I was more interested in testing the kitten’s demeanor. One of the tests you do with puppies is to cradle them in your arm on their backs to see if they trust you. An alpha won’t have anything to do with that. And that may be a more stubborn, if not aggressive, animal. I didn’t know if it worked with cats, but this little baby let me roll it over and snuggle and scratch it all over. It purred like an Evinrude motor on a power boat. It head butts you to snuggle face to face and taps you very gently on the face. What a precious baby!

\n

I held it up to look face to face. 

\n

“What is your name, little one? Hmmm? Is it…Spooky? You’re a black little who came to me on Halloween. It should be a festive name to commemorate the holiday. How about Snickers? You’re pretty sweet, and that’s my favorite Halloween candy. Someone suggested Ash or Asher, but I don’t know whether you’re a boy or girl. They thought Boo was cute, but that’s what we call our little Boone, now isn’t it.”

\n

By this time, I was at the bay doors on the pole building. There is an old kitchen stool there and Mr. FixIt put a couple of our pumpkins on it. I plopped the kitten down and took a picture. I looked up from the camera app on my iPhone and smiled.

\n

“Pumpkin! THAT’S your name, isn’t it?!?! I knew if I listened close enough, you’d tell me, you sweet little snuggle-bug.” I picked up the kitty and was again serenade with that mystical sound of purring. Now that the kitten has a name, Pumpkin just rolls off my tongue. So sweet, so simple. Such simple pleasures found in a sweet kitten. I had forgotten. The last time I had a kitten this size, I was in 9th grade and I talked my mom into letting me have a little orange marmalade kitten from my friend Sharon’s cat. 

\n

I gave the kitten a little more snuggle time and then went in to stretch out and read till Mr. FixIt came home. My nose was running like a sugar tree from handling the cat, but I wasn’t wheezing. That was a good sign. I washed my hands well, and was careful not to touch my face or eyes. I’m definitely allergic, but we’ll see how much of this I can get away with. Because this feels like something I didn’t even know I needed. Kittens are good medicine.

\n

I have an appointment Tuesday for a checkup and shots. We’ll see how old Pumpkin is and when we can get him/her fixed. Today I will fix a winter box with a pet safe heating pad in it. I had those for the cats out at the farm. I’ll also get a heated water dish. The kitten seems to really like the safety of the building. We won’t have any mice in there anymore once this one gets big enough to catch them. And, there isn’t any poison in there. It’s a good, clean, safe place to sleep all cozy warm in a kitty condo. When we are home, the kitten is glued to us so…I think we’ve got this!

\n

Oh, and I slept in the house for the first time in a month last night. I feel like I’m in prison after the freedom of the road. It’ll take time to acclimate, but last night’s low of 27 drove me back inside. In the meantime, I am filled with wonderful memories of the latest “Great Adventure”!

\n

❤️

\n
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”\n

Isaiah 55:12 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-11-02T01:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/02/meetpumpkin-the-kitten.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change","The Cats","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/29/welcome-to-my-living-room.html", "title": "Welcome to my Living Room!", "content_html": "

\"Woman “The camper is the kitchen, bath, and bedroom…the great outdoors is where I live!”

\n

I got to my new campsite in the middle of the afternoon. The mountains I drove over yesterday weren’t anything like the ones last week but man, the road up into the campground here at the park is really, really steep! This truck did a great job pulling the r-pod in these West Virginia hills. When I arrived at my site, I was amazed to have this entire mountaintop to myself! I didn’t have any concerns about that, but I was pleased to see two more couples come into the campground with trailers. 

\n

It’s quiet as a church mouse up here. I heard some owls just after dark and a coal train. And the squirrels were in the hickory trees all around me all afternoon. I opened the awning and set up my chair outside and enjoyed the 75° temps and the warm sunshine. A few weeks ago, I purchased an adapter for my tripod so I could use the iPad as a camera. I got it out and played with it for awhile. I had a blast setting the timer for 10 seconds then running to see if I could get in the picture in time!

\n

I wanted to tell you about what happened yesterday. I always sit in my truck before I pull out and pray for travel mercies. I list off all the things I’m going to be talking with Him about as I drive. Then I pray the Prayer of Jabez and ask Him to send me whoever He needs me to talk with that day. I hadn’t driven a hundred feet when I came around a corner and there was a whole crowd of folks my age sitting around a campfire. I stopped and rolled down my window.

\n

“You kids look like you’re having entirely too much fun!”

\n

“Oh, we are!!!” Everyone turned around and smiled and waved. We made some small talk and one of the gals asked if I was traveling alone. I told her all about Girl Campers and how I’m taking this camper around for a few months and we are raffling it off. One thing led to another and the subject of my writing came up. When I told them my writing is faith based and that I even have a Sunday Evening Prayer Circle, one woman came over and took my hand and asked if I would pray for her granddaughter who is sick with ulcerative colitis. I opened my blog and added her name to the prayer list. Before I left them, I took their hands and prayed with them…right there in the campground. God is so good…I asked, He delivered. Immediately! I know it happens so often, I shouldn’t be amazed. But I am always in awe at that.

\n

I’m in the home stretch of the West Virginia tour now. Just one, maybe two more nights and I’ll be back at the Ponderosa for a few days. It’s been such an amazing trip and I’ve seen some beautiful places. I’m looking forward to heading south next week. If you all have any recommendations for campgrounds or state parks in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina…I’d love to hear them!

\n

❤️

\n
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.”\n

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/29/welcome-to-my-living-room.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Prayer","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/28/rounding-out-october.html", "title": "Rounding Out October", "content_html": "

\"Bluestone “Bluestone Lake is gorgeous this time of year.”

\n

Today is moving day so that means I get to tell you where I have been the last few days. I arrived at Pipestem Resort State Park on Thursday. I’ve been here before, but never camping. There’s a tram that takes you down in the canyon to the lower lodge that sits on the Bluestone River. There is a restaurant, gift shop, and artisan center on the canyon rim at the top of the tram. There is an equestrian center, golf course, pool, recreation center, nature center and a main lodge with every amenity you could want.

\n

The campground is large. The interior sites have full hookups and are pretty close together. The sites around the perimeter are roomier and of course they back up to woods. There is a very large camping area with no hookups. I was told there is a major upgrade coming adding more service sites and leveling them out…something that is sorely needed.

\n

The weather has been typical WV autumn…unpredictable. Yesterday dawned sunny and clear but within an hour we were socked in with clouds. Then, by 3:00, it was sunny again clear through sunset. The foliage is still beautiful but is definitely past the peak of color. This happens where we get cold, rain, and wind…which we had last night.

\n

I drove over to Bluestone State Park yesterday. There is a large dam on the Bluestone River which has created a large lake. The park is smaller, less developed, and more remote then Pipestem which is less than ten miles away. There is one main campground with a few full service sites and electric only sites. There is a more primitive and rustic campground on up the road. The primitive campground sits right on the lake and is popular for fishing.

\n

One thing I thought was pretty cool. There is a campground on the far side of the lake that is accessible only by boat. Each campsite has it’s own dock. That would be a lot of fun, I would think. There is more wildlife activity at the Bluestone Campsites because they are less densely populated. Bears, fox, and bobcats frequent the area as well as more common deer, raccoon, possum, skunks and squirrels. There are occasional sightings of otters and mink.

\n

Bluestone State Park has a large number of cabins spread around on a wooded hilltop. One of the cabins sits beside a very old cemetery that has been there long before the park came to be. I couldn’t find anyone who knew the history of the grave sites so I will have to do some research on my own.

\n

Again, there are so many amazing photos from this weekend but I am limited to what I can send over two bars of cell service. I’m planning on creating a video of this month’s circuit of the stunning State Parks of West Virginia. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for that or see the photos as I have the opportunity to upload them. 

\n

Today I head to the last park on my WV Fall Foliage Tour…Chasing the Sun. I’m supposed to camp there till Friday, but I’ve decided to cut it short just a little so I can go home for a few days before I head south. Well, actually…before WE head south. I’ve talked Mr. FixIt into doing the southern circuit with me!!! Bless his heart…he has been awfully patient having his wife galavanting around the countryside. I need to get back and help him with a few chores and get a few things done to be better prepared for more camping.

\n

❤️

\n
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”\n

1 Corinthians 7:3 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-28T01:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/28/rounding-out-october.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Marriage","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/26/time-travel.html", "title": "Time Travel", "content_html": "

\"Coffee “Coffee and sunshine and a little nosh!”

\n

As I explored the latest West Virginia State Park on my camping itinerary yesterday, I took a king sized jump back in time. The last time I was at this particular park was with Hubby #2. I can’t tell you the year, but my guess is it was the summer of 1979, although it could have been later. I remember bits and pieces of that trip. I remember feeling so extravagant to travel to such beautiful places. We stayed a night in this lodge I am sitting in as I write this post. Oh, my…so much water over the dam since then.

\n

I sat there in the morning sunshine, watching the river making riffles on the smooth stones below. The trees are yellow and brown and still-green here. Tiny little splashes of red and orange peek through as you move your eyes across the steep hillside at the far edge of the river. By 1:00 in the afternoon, the brilliant sun of morning gave way to the clouds portending the heavy storms predicted this weekend.

\n

I haven’t met a West Virginia State Park I haven’t liked. This trip has seriously been magical and something my heart and soul so desperately needed, if for no other reason that to remind me how dearly I love Mr. FixIt. Not that there has ever been a question. We all have a tendency to get wrapped up in the busyness of life and forget to stop and appreciate what we have. I’m just as guilty of that as anyone.

\n

Getting away also reminds me of the independence I cultivated for my self after Mr. Virgo died. I either got out and had adventures, or I would spend the rest of my life sitting at home alone. And that is just not me. I need solitude from time to time…to refresh and recharge and stretch my abilities. When I do that, I am a much better partner for my husband. I am more patient, more loving, and decidedly happier. This is a benefit for both of us.

\n

I’ve been gone for quite a bit this year. Between Girl Camping trips, six weeks in Colorado for my daughter’s wedding, and this Charity Trailer Raffle Tour, I think I have spent more time away from home than I was there. I have a patient husband, to be sure. But we are missing each other a lot so we are working on our itinerary for the next two months and figuring out the best way to travel AND be together.

\n

It is supposed to rain a lot this weekend so I’ve saved my writing and indoor projects till then. I need to take advantage of the sunshine when I can. When I woke up yesterday morning, it was 37 degrees. By the time I rousted myself to get coffee, it was 8:00 and 42 degrees. I took the electric griddle outside and cooked with it sitting on the picnic table. I fried a whole package of bacon and carefully placed the cooked strip between layers of paper towels and slipped the entire batch into a zip lock bag. Stored in the refrigerator, these will be eaten up long before they would spoil. I did the same with a batch of pancakes and stored them two to a sandwich bag. That way, I’ve cooked several days of breakfasts ahead of time. When it’s raining this weekend, I can still have outdoor cooked meals.

\n

As I finished writing this piece, I watched a little boy, maybe four or five years old…walking along the river. Bright yellow leaves rained down around him. With hands reached out, he laughed as he tried to catch them…his feet crunching on those he missed. He picked up rocks on the river bank and watched out for his little brother toddling along behind him. They were out with their dad. I love seeing dads with their littles…teaching, loving, experiencing the joy of the day. I close with this thought. Wouldn’t it be a better world if the littles spent more time outside with their dads? Or moms, if dad isn’t around? Or with anyone who loves them and wants to teach them about the world and about life? Wouldn’t it be better than handing a child an electronic device to keep them quiet…engaged in learning what someone else is teaching them? Maybe something that isn’t reflective of your values? I’m not being judgmental here. There were plenty of times I let my own little watch too much TV in order to have some peace. It just seems we are raising a generation that’s greatest skill is dissociation. I’m not sure how you put the smoke back in the bottle.

\n

With that thought, I have spent entirely too much of my morning sitting here with my own set of electronic diversions so I’m heading out to enjoy this day before the rains come and I get stuck inside. I hope you have a beautiful weekend wherever you are. Put the phone down…go outside and play. You’re never too old to “go places and do things”, as the Girl Campers say!

\n

❤️

\n
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”\n

Proverbs 22:6 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-26T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/26/time-travel.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip","Littles","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/24/less-is-more.html", "title": "Less is More", "content_html": "

\"Muck “My favorite boots.”

\n

Ok…you all know me. You know I have something to say about…you know, everything. I’ve been known to turn a phrase. I’ve been able to paint pictures with my words. It’s not me…it’s all God. But, as I sat down last night to write this post, I was at a total loss for words. Yesterday was just about the most beautiful day I have ever seen and I didn’t have anyone to share it with. Not in real time, anyway. Mr. FixIt is still at home, picking pears and cleaning out the last of the garden. And there’s all of you. And Kaye and her fella, “Not John Hancock” (sorry, I’ve forgotten his first name but it’s definitely NOT John). I met them on a hike in Beartown State Park.

\n

I just spent the whole day yesterday gobsmacked at every turn. It started when I awoke before dawn and saw the fog settling in on the river. I jumped up in the dark, threw on my camp clothes and muck boots, and headed down the road in the campground. I got down on the riverbank and waited. I’ve learned to wait patiently for the light. There’s a moment…just a fleeting moment, when the light is perfect and the color is perfect and the subject is perfect. It happens every day…but most of the time, we aren’t there to catch it. Or we aren’t paying attention.

\n

If you blink, you can miss it….that one perfect shot. That one picture that says “WOW”. You can take 500 shots and have one, if you’re lucky. Or, you can take 500 shots and have SO many that just knock your socks off and you can’t choose. Some I need to keep aside for the project I’m working on. And some, while I would love to share them with you today, are just too big and the internet here at the campground won’t handle it. You’ll have to wait.

\n

So, I chose this one. I was standing by the river, waiting for the perfect light, when I looked down and saw this colorful array of leaves around my feet. Simple. Yet it says so much. These feet have carried me for sixty-six years now. They’ve run and jumped, danced and snuggled. They’ve kicked and stomped and run away from so many things. But this day…this day they stood…patiently waiting for the perfect light. In a pair of boots that my Aunt Peeps gave me years ago. They are one of my most prized possessions. Rugged. Sturdy. Utilitarian. And practical on a wet, foggy morning on a riverbank.

\n

These boots symbolize where I am in my life. I’m comfortable. Happy in my own skin, just for the sake of being happy. There’s something to be said for that kind of simplicity. And for knowing when less is more.

\n

❤️

\n
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”\nMatthew 6:21 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2019-10-24T04:10:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/24/less-is-more.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/22/a-perfectly-beautiful-day.html", "title": "A Perfectly Beautiful Day", "content_html": "

\"Cheers\" “Dining al fresco in the glory of autumn.”

\n

Now that I have left the last campground, I can tell you about it. Some of my friends who have camped there guessed where I was. Revelle’s Family Campground is just up the road from Elkins, WV in a little burg called Bowden. There’s a fish hatchery there…and lots of cabins and campgrounds. I’ve driven past Revelle’s since I was a teenager. They actually opened when I was sixteen and the just celebrated their 50th Anniversary.

\n

The current owners purchased it in 2015. It was a little rundown and they have put a lot into it, bringing some of it’s glorious past back to life. They have lots of fun activities like WVU Football Tailgate Parties and bingo every other weekend. There are over 200 campsites with several backed right up to Shaver’s Fork of the Cheat River…a stocked trout stream. About half the sites are permanent campers…meaning, they lease out the spot to one person on a yearly basis. Those campers treat their travel trailers like a mountain cabin and often only come for weekends. There are some who come to spend the summer.

\n

I was really taken by the lovely surroundings and the equally lovely owner, Katharine. I can already envision organizing a Girl Camper trip next October to show off the amazing colors this time of year.

\n

Yesterday was my travel day to the next campground. My route took me on a two-lane blacktop that climbed over mountains, twisting and turning through forests of hardwoods, evergreens, and the ever present mountain laurel. It was sunny and absolutely gorgeous as I climbed through the Allegheny Mountains and the colors were spectacular. Every turn was more beautiful than the last. However, there were NO turnoffs or scenic overlooks and I couldn’t very well stop in the middle of the road to take pictures so I will have to search the internet for the photos taken by others of this area to give you some idea. I’m telling you…words cannot do this day justice.

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Along the way, I saw a sign for an old general store which is really more of a museum these days. I was fortunate to find a parking place out front and welcomed the opportunity to get out and stretch my legs. The owner was graciously greeting the crowds of people as they made their way to the portico out front. When he greeted me, he asked where I was from. When I told him Parkersburg, he lit up. He was born and raised just a couple of miles from me and graduated the year after Mr. FixIt and me and knew my sweet hubby back in the day!

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Tom Shipley’s mother left this farm to him, thus ensuring the little store and grounds would stay open and in the family. Tom says it’s a lot of work, but he’s been there since 2004 and is a fixture in the community. There is a small log cabin located on the grounds not far from the huge main house. It turned out to have been built by Tom’s great-great-great grandparents. What a treat that must be to have that family legacy remain in the same hands throughout the generations. I would have loved to have stayed longer, but I needed to move on. But, not without purchasing some jars of homemade apple butter, red raspberry jam, and cherry jam first. Tom carried my purchases out to the truck for me and gave me a big hug…”for Parkersburg,” he said.

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Unfortunately, as I crested the last mountain, the clouds gathered and that was the end of the glorious sunshine. Still, it was quite beautiful as I closed in on my final destination. I got unhooked and set up and within minutes, I had people wanting to come see the camper and buy tickets for the raffle. The only way to purchase tickets is to buy them online at girlcamper.com . I can’t tell you how many people reach for their wallets when they find out we are raffling off this trailer!

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There is WiFi at this campground, but no cellular because of the blackout area of Greenbank Observatory. I’ll write about that another day. The WiFi is pretty slow and has to be shared by all the campers, so I don’t know if photos will come through to post or not…we’ll see. In the meantime, it was supposed to rain all last night and all day today. I have an indoor project to do today, so that will be perfect timing.

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❤️

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“Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.”\n1 Chronicles 16:33 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2019-10-22T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/22/a-perfectly-beautiful-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/16/eat-pray-camp.html", "title": "Eat, Pray, Camp!", "content_html": "

\"R-pod “The r-pod 196 nestled in the trees at Cedar Creek State Park near Glenville, WV”

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I moved to the next campground easily enough yesterday morning. Mr. FixIt met me at the McDonald’s in Glenville for breakfast so I could get my travel coordinates before we parted company for another couple of weeks. We had the BEST weekend! It was our first wedding anniversary, which I had told you about. When he arrived at the campground Saturday night, he greeted me with a dozen roses and a sweet card. I greeted him with a warm supper and a big hug. We hiked, biked, and chatted with folks he knew in the campground. (Have I told you he knows EVERYONE?!) We rested and watched movies and took naps. And we just flat out enjoyed not having cell service or TV to distract us from enjoying each other’s company. It was wonderful!

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Speaking of no cell service, we had just finished eating lunch out in front of our camper on Monday when Mr. FixIt’s phone rang! We could barely hear a woman’s voice and she was saying something about coming to the office. We thought it must have something to do with his insurance policy because the call came from his agent’s office. That was really weird.

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After lunch, we decided to go for a bike ride around the state park. It’s such a great place to ride bikes because the campground is essentially flat. When we got back to the camper, Mr. FixIt reached to remove his wallet from his back pocket and…it was GONE! We looked in both trucks and all over the camper and campsite, but he figured he had to have lost it when he was riding his bike.

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I hadn’t realized till I got back to the camper that he wasn’t right behind me. I got off my bike and took off my helmet and gloves and here he came. It turned out he had gotten his shoe lace wrapped around the bike pedal and had to stop at the camp store to get untangled. He assumed that is where he lost the wallet. So, we got in the truck. I prayed out loud.

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“Jesus, please help us find my husband’s wallet!”

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We took off driving very slowly…looking for a brown wallet amongst the equally brown leaves all over the roadway. We hadn’t had any luck when we passed a couple out for a walk. 

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“You haven’t happened to find a wallet, have you?”

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“Nope…sorry. We haven’t seen a thing!”

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“Ok, we’ll keep looking. Thanks!”

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While we were talking to the couple who were walking, another couple rode past us on their bikes on the other side of the truck.

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Suddenly, we heard the walking couple.

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“Whoa, whoa, whoa!”

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I looked in the rear view mirror and they were waving us back and pointing at the couple on the bike. The bikers rode up to us.

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“You looking for a wallet? I just turned one in at the park headquarters building! They have it waiting for you!”

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I stuck my hand out the window and looked up and shouted, “Thank you, Jesus!!!”

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We drove on up to the building at the park entrance and sure enough, it was Mr. FixIt’s wallet…intact with his one lone dollar bill and his credit cards. As we were driving back to the camper, he looked at me and said, “Man, that was really lucky!”

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I looked at him with a level stare and said, “No, honey…luck had nothing to do with that. What did I do as soon as we got in the truck? I prayed that Jesus would help us find your wallet, didn’t I?” He nodded in agreement. “Then, we asked the walkers if they found a wallet and they didn’t. But they asked the bikers, and THEY did…and had turned it in. All in the space of about ten minutes after I prayed! That was a prayer answered, sweetheart…plain and simple.”

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He had to agree. Especially when we were sitting at breakfast yesterday and he checked his phone.

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“Huh…I have a missed call.” It was from the same number that got through in an area with no phone service. They had called back and left us this message.

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“Hi there…this is __________ from you insurance agent’s office. We received a call from the folks at Cedar Creek State Park saying someone found your wallet. You need to check in with the headquarters office to get it back.”

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I looked at Mr. FixIt and smiled. “See? You can add getting a phone call in an area with no cell service about your lost wallet to the list of steps God took to return it to you!”

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I’m gobsmacked when God does these things…especially when it shows another person that He’s really REAL and cares about ALL the things, not just the big stuff. Even a wallet that falls out in the leaves.

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❤️

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“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”\n

John 15:7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-16T01:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/16/eat-pray-camp.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/12/go-with-the-flow.html", "title": "Go With The Flow", "content_html": "

\"WV “Early morning fog on the lake. Almost Heaven…West Virginia”

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So, I know I told you I wouldn’t be running to town every whipstitch, however…I really do need to write some things for a deadline I’m facing…AND, I needed to get some reservations for this trip. I ended up heading into town to use the WiFi at McDonald’s. I wasn’t finished when I saw my battery was almost gone on my iPad so I packed it up and headed back to the campsite and plugged in. 

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It was early enough in the day that the fog hadn’t burned off the lake yet and I stopped in the road to take a photo. There was another, even more spectacular view on down a ways, however, there was someone coming up behind me so I had to move on. Sometimes the most beautiful, unforgettable photos get left to memory and never see the light of day. Those are really special.

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The campground is filling up and I just realized this is Columbus Day weekend. I imagine there will be crowds of people there by later today. Some campgrounds close by the end of October around here. I managed to get West Virginia camping all the way through to the first of November. Then I am going to either have to head south or winterize the camper. There will be some nights in the next week that will get down to the 30’s. It won’t be a problem unless it gets down and stays down, which it is not likely to do at this time of the year here.

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As I am writing this, I am listening to a group of college girls. They are FaceTiming with one of their moms and it is hysterical. They are talking about their hair and what to do with it for some special event. It reminds me so much of when my older daughter was that age. I was so young and I really loved the kids. As I was driving into town earlier, Daughter #2 called and we chatted for a while. It’s crazy how fast they’ve grown and how long ago those crazy fun times in McDonald’s really were.

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\"Sycamore “Sycamore Tussock Moth Caterpillar”

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The second picture is a Sycamore Tussock moth caterpillar. It was climbing up my tire at the campground…not surprising seeing how I’m camped in a grove of sycamore trees. I looked it up and they aren’t poisonous, but they can irritate your skin if you happen to be allergic to them. They said it is best to move them away with a stick or piece of paper, which is exactly what I did.

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I hope you have a wonderful Saturday and enjoy the autumn weather, wherever you are!

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❤️

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“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.”\n

James 5:7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-12T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/12/go-with-the-flow.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/11/slow-down.html", "title": "Slow Down", "content_html": "

\"Country “There’s something special about moseying out country roads instead of roaring through on an interstate.”

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There is something special about driving on a two-lane blacktop in the fall. First, you’re forced to slow down…especially in West Virginia. There are a lot of 15 to 20 to 25mph turns in these parts. Beyond safety issues is the sheer beauty around every curve. 

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I love how the leaves fall in a shower of gold and red light in the sun. I love how the car in front of you stirs them up into a whirlwind that splashes on your windshield as you drive through them. I love how the the denuded trees cast lines on the roadway making it seem to glitter and shimmer as the miles fly under your wheels.

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The morning dew glistens as the leaves flutter in the breeze of your passing. The whole world takes on an auburn glow with rich yellow, tawny bronze, and deep indigo undertones. Crows and turkey buzzards circle overhead, waiting for the tasty morsels of the unfortunate squirrel or groundhog that doesn’t make it across the pavement in time. 

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Deer stand tenuously on the shoulder of the road seeming to be making a decision. Should I go? Should I stay? My mind wills them to turn and run up the hill away from my approaching bumper…left to live another day. Chipmunks seem to be enthralled with the macadam madness that cuts through their turf. Scoot out fast. No…wait! Dart back quick! How I keep from hitting them, I’ll never know.

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I arrived at my next campground shortly before noon. I stopped at the store on the way so I could buy chili fixin’s. Mr. FixIt was talking about chili the other night and it’s been on my mind ever since. I got unhooked and mixed up a batch for the crockpot. I made plenty to have leftovers for the freezer.

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This is one of the best things about traveling with a camper. With a well equipped kitchen and a stocked pantry, you can eat healthy and save a lot of money on the road. Avoid the fast food places and steer clear of processed foods and your food budget can go a long way. I have homemade chicken noodle soup, beef and noodles, pepperoni rolls, cinnamon rolls, taco meat, potato soup, pizza, old fashioned noodles, and now chili in the freezer. Potatoes, sausage, cheese, salad greens, broccoli, cauliflower, oranges, grapes, eggs, potato salad, sliced turkey, avocado, yoghurt, milk, and cottage cheese in the fridge. I have an assortment of dry goods in the pantry, including microwave popcorn if I want a snack. We’ll be eating like royalty this weekend when Mr. FixIt arrives.

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There’s and upside and a downside to this campground. Gorgeous woods. No internet at the campsite. I’ll have to drive to town to post this. If I didn’t have writing deadlines, I’d just cut the cord for the duration, but alas…my “work” is never done! There are worse things than writing every day!

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❤️

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“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”\n

Psalms 19:1-2 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2019-10-11T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/11/slow-down.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Courage","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/08/autumn-sweet-autumn.html", "title": "Autumn, Sweet Autumn!", "content_html": "

\"Autumn “It looks like we will finally get a little color after all!”

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I stayed an extra night at Beaver Creek State Park so I’d have an uninterrupted stretch of writing time. The other Girl Campers left Sunday, but my friend Gail is the Camp Host for Beaver Creek so she stayed to keep me company. In the past I have dreaded autumn because winter comes right after. But autumn…sweet autumn. The time of harvests and gold, apples and honey. Crispy, crunchy autumn…I’ve come to love it!

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It rained all night Sunday and the majority of the day yesterday. It stayed cloudy and cool which made snuggling up in the camper with my iPad and writing a rare treat. I took a break in the afternoon and went over to visit my friend Jan and see her farm…Paradise Acres. She is my age and runs a 200+ acre farm, plays in an Old Time band, sits on boards, campaigns for political candidates, and takes college classes. She is a retired Presbyterian minister. She has more energy in her little finger than I could ever hope to have!

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\"Woman “My friend Jan gazes out over her fields of corn at Paradise Acres.”

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When I got back to the campground, Gail was there to greet me with a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup and hot rolls. What a wonderful way to spend my last night camping in one of my favorite places in the world. I am heading out and about today. It’s going to be a gypsy camp day…meaning, I have no idea where I will sleep tonight. I want to see the meteor shower for the next two nights, skies willing, so I need to be somewhere away from city lights. I’ll let you know where I end up!

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In the meantime, we’ve had a good deal of rain. I think perhaps enough to pull us out of imminent fire danger in West Virginia. Mr. FixIt said there were places near the Ponderosa that received as much as three inches of rain in a very short amount of time. We have been parched here. The reason the fire danger was so high this fall was the overgrowth of vegetation from the unusually wet spring and summer we had. The vegetation is thick. Add dry weather and heat and it created dangerous conditions. I think we are past the worst of that now.

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\"Old “Jan’s barn at Paradise Acres. She holds Old Time Music concerts here.”

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As I was driving back from Jan’s farm this afternoon, I could really see the change in color in the leaves. Lots of yellows and some reds now. I’m looking forward to my drive today and checking out the autumn leaves. I can’t believe how early it’s getting dark already. The r-pod is comfortable and it stays nice and toasty in here. I think this new Adzel material they built the walls with is a better insulator.

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❤️

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““As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.””\n

Genesis 8:22 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2019-10-08T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/08/autumn-sweet-autumn.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Change","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/07/all-good-things.html", "title": "All Good Things...", "content_html": "

\"Girl “The curtain closes on another successful Fall What-a-Hoot!”

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What a FUN event we had this weekend at the Fourth Annual Fall What-a-Hoot at Beaver Creek State Park with the Girl Campers! OMGosh…we ate and laughed and knitted and crafted. We sat around the campfire every night and talked and talked and talked. We toured each other’s campers. We broke in a newbie. We hugged and prayed and praised.

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We antiqued and flea marketed and shopped and faired. We watched a movie on the big screen outdoors. We captured sunrises and sunsets. We cooked and shared recipes. We shared pictures of the kids and grandkids and great grandkids. We taught and shared. We listened. We embraced each other’s differences. We lifted each other up. We included everyone and made everyone feel welcome and special. You know what we didn’t do? We didn’t talk politics. We didn’t watch TV. We didn’t complain…about anything. Not even the 41 degree morning. Ok, maybe a little about the mosquitoes. And those folks on that one site that had a WAY too big fire and a drunken party till the wee hours of Sunday morning that kept some gals awake. Oh, and did I say…NO POLITICS! It was heavenly! The weekend ended with a much, MUCH needed rain. I’m staying on for another extra night since it’s supposed to rain all day today. I have writing to do and some trip planning. I’m also going to work on a little project I’ll share with you soon. 

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Happy Monday, everyone! 

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❤️

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”\n

Romans 15:13 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2019-10-07T01:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/07/all-good-things.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/06/cooking-in-the-rpod.html", "title": "Cooking in the RPod!", "content_html": "

\"Cooking “Even with a compact, kitchen, cooking in the RPod is really easy.”

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Saturday is Soup Day at What a Hoot. The Girl Campers gather at Beaver Creek State Park in the spring and fall…both wonderful times to camp and both offering cool nights when a hot mug of soup is most welcome. Yesterday morning it was all of forty-one degrees when I woke up. The perfect day to get out the crockpot and make something yummy.

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I’m really getting the hang of cooking in the RPod. It’s a compact kitchen, but there is plenty of storage in the ample pantry…even for this monstrous 8-quart slow cooker. There are always several varieties of soup at the Saturday evening meal. This year, I decided to make beef and noodles…a wonderful comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

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I bought a big chuck roast, some pre-diced onions/celery/carrots, a large pack of sliced mushrooms, some beef broth, a family sized jar of prepared beef gravy, and a 24oz. bag of frozen noodles. I sear each side of the roast in my iron skillet, then sauté the veggies and mushrooms, and put it all in the crockpot. I pour the bottled gravy and about a cup of the beef broth over the whole thing and simmer it on low for about eight hours. About an hour before I’m ready to eat, I throw in the bag of noodles and add another cup or so of beef broth. I turn it up on high and when the noodles are done, it’s dinner time! One of the nice things about having the leftovers is packing up individual containers and putting them in the freezer for meals down the road. 

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I realized last night, I haven’t been as conservative with water as I thought and my freshwater tank is down to 1/3 full, which means I have approximately 10 gallons left on board. I have at least two more nights camping before I can refill my fresh water and dump the grey and blackwater tanks so I’ll need to watch more carefully. I can warm up leftovers the next couple of days and use paper plates so I’ll be fine.

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I think Diane had a good time camping. She enjoyed the girls and the campground. She learned a lot about staying in a travel trailer. The only camping experience she ever had was sleeping in a tent in Girl Scouts…which she hated. She really liked the RPod. I don’t know that camping will be an activity she seeks out in the future, but it sure was fun to show her the ropes and to spend some time with my good friend. There have been a lot of people who never dreamed of camping and end up enjoying themselves…whether or not they ever take it up as a pastime. 

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❤️

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“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”\n

Hebrews 11:8-12 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-06T01:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/06/cooking-in-the-rpod.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/05/setting-up-the-spare-room.html", "title": "Setting up the “Spare Room”", "content_html": "

\"RPod “Converting the sofa to a spare bed in the RPod 196!”

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I’m Back!!! Mr. FixIt and I had a wonderful time camping together and the little break was just what I needed to recharge. There’s nothing like being in the woods in a little camper. Losing Mr. Virgo taught me to really appreciate every moment and this week has been grand!

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On Monday, we checked into Tomlinson Run State Park in the tippy top of the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. The drive up was lovely as we followed the Ohio River on Rt. 7. Mr. FixIt drove separately and followed along behind me. We got to our campsite by mid-afternoon and unhooked. It’s a lovely campground, located on top of a hill and densely wooded. The sites are all nicely spaced apart from each other. We had electric but no water. That’s not a problem, really. You just use the water you carry with you in your fresh water tanks. We rode our bikes around the campground, we cooked outside, and we spent as much time as we could sitting out looking at the stars.

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We left Tomlinson Run on Wednesday and headed to Beaver Creek to meet up with the Girl Campers. Mr. FixIt loves to hang out with the girls and they really enjoy him as well. We had fires in the Solo Stove which is wonderful…so much less smoke than a conventional campfire but still enough that you feel as though you had the camping experience. We had some rain here Wednesday night. Quite a bit actually. 

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Mr. Fixit left yesterday mid-day to head home. My friend Diane joined me last night. Diane graduated from high school with me but we didn’t know each other back then. She and I didn’t really become good friends till I moved to the family farm in West Virginia in 2014…the year after Mr. Virgo died. I needed to find someone who could help me unload a truck so I called her to get a recommendation. We became fast friends after that. 

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I tried to get her to camp with me several years ago, but Motel 8 is roughing it to Diane. Then, when she found out I was taking the RPod out for a road test, she texted me with a bombshell. She wanted to come camping with me! She knew I’d be writing about my camping experiences and wanted to offer her services as “blog fodder”. “Camping with the Non-Camper!” Brilliant! This could either be really, really good…or really, really bad. I’m happy to report that, so far, she seems to be having a grand time! She fits right in with these great gals.

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As is always the case, there’s always a good deal of food at these events and last night was a smorgasbord. Tonight is soup night…my favorite night during What a Hoot. Everyone brings their A-game on soup night and we all go around taste testing each person’s creation. I decided to do something a little bit different this year and make beef and noodles. I’ll stick the chuck roast in the crock pot in the morning and let it simmer all day. It will be a welcome addition, I am sure.

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This morning was predicted to be 41 degrees! After a long stretch of hot, dry weather, I am really welcoming the cooler temperatures of fall. I needed to make a reconfiguration of the camper to accommodate my guest. I turned the jack knife sofa into a twin bed. The back of the sofa is a little bit higher than the seat when it’s laid out flat. I bought some firm upholstery foam sheets to lay down on the lower section to make an even base and place my inflatable mattress on top. It was cool enough for the furnace. Today is Pioneer Days down in the Historic Village. The grist mill will be running and there will be tours of the village buildings. Our friend Gail’s son wrote a book about the haunted history of Beaver Creek and will be on hand to sign his books.

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So far, the trip is fabulous and so is the RPod 196! The tickets are on sale on girlcamper.com for $10 each and the proceeds benefit the Hold You Foundation, an organization that assists families with critically ill children. This is a wonderful chance to support a worthy cause as well and get the opportunity to buy a wonderful camper! It’s good to be back!

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❤️

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“We love because he first loved us.”\n

1 John 4:19 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-05T01:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/05/setting-up-the-spare-room.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip","Marriage","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/29/the-best-pizzaever.html", "title": "The Best Pizza...EVER!", "content_html": "

\"Pizza\" “Pete’s Pizza…best pizza EVER! Located in Mineral Wells, WV on Old Rt. 14.”

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 When Daughter #1 and her husband lived on Long Island, we visited her as often as we could. We took the train into the city and had great pizza and bagels. When I visited my aunt and uncle in Chicago, we had some really great pizza. We found a place last night that literally blew everything else out of the water.

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My husband is very picky about his pizza, and frankly, so am I. I cannot stand to have the outside third overdone, the middle third perfect, and the center soggy and undercooked. We have been hearing about Pete’s Pizza for quite some time now. The owners go to our church and I hear people raving about it so it was time to check this place out.

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The other night, our church outreach fed people in a very hard neighborhood with lots of drugs and crime. Pete’s donated fifty pizzas to the cause. For that reason alone, I decided we needed to throw some money their way and enjoy a pizza date night.

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I was not disappointed. Good pizza takes a while to cook. (Remember that crispy crust I raved about? Cooking too fast is the reason pizza is undercooked in the center and nearly burned on the edge.) We kept the phone off the table and visited, enjoying our Saturday night out.

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The family run restaurant was cozy with a darling gift shop that reminded me a bit of a Cracker Barrel, but less “kitschy”. They have events during the week…trivia nights, family night, bonfire night (complete with s’more kits) and they are currently looking for live entertainment for Saturday nights.

\n

Pete’s is a little out of the way…1.3 miles out Rt. 21  just off the interchange of I-77 at Mineral Wells. If you ever find your way to our neck of the woods, or even driving past on the interstate…do take the time and stop in. They have quite a variety of menu items and a great lineup of deserts. They do serve beer and wine. 

\n

I’ve found my all new favorite date place. Mr. FixIt and I loved it!

\n

❤️

\n
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”\n

Ecclesiastes 9:7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-29T01:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/29/the-best-pizzaever.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/27/love-letters-from-beyond.html", "title": "Love Letters from Beyond", "content_html": "

\"Love “Leaving love notes behind for your spouse to find later…what a gift!”

\n

My friends and I camped at Beaver Creek State Park last night. We so seldom get together, just the three of us and when we do it’s always so special. It’s always tempting to stay up really late and sleep in the next day, but Janine and I both had long drives home. We called it a night fairly early and were up and ready for coffee by 8:00. We chatted over a leisurely breakfast and prayed for each other before we finally broke camp by 11:00. I pulled in to the Ponderosa around 4:00, dropped off the camper, and turned right around to go back to town for small group. I’m not signed up for this session, but I wanted to visit and share in the fellowship with dear friends from church.

\n

I was seated by a new member of the group. Jonna is a widow of two years. I put my hand on her arm and told her how sorry I was for her loss. We chatted about the similarities and differences between people’s grief experiences. She knew ahead of time that her husband was dying and she was thrilled they had time to have important conversations, no matter how uncomfortable they were.

\n

Just before our meeting started, she leaned over and lowered her voice a little.

\n

“Wanna know the BEST part?” 

\n

I was intrigued. I had never thought about “the best part” of grief.

\n

“Yes….please!”

\n

“My husband hid love notes for me everywhere! I’ve found over twenty of them already!”

\n

My heart melted. I remember finding a note Mr. Virgo had left me for Valentine’s day just a month before he died unexpectedly. I know how precious that is.

\n

“I’m not going to go looking for them. If I find one, it’s a gift! I found one the other day in the file of Explanation of Benefits from the insurance!”

\n

I leaned over to her and said, “I think that is just the sweetest thing!”

\n

That’s a good man, right there. He knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, what these little gifts would mean to the woman he had married thirty-eight years prior. Even when he was ill and in pain from the amputation of his leg, this gentle giant left his sweetheart love letters from beyond. Yes…that’s a very good man!

\n

❤️

\n
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”\n

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-27T01:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/27/love-letters-from-beyond.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/15/the-really-really-big-show.html", "title": "The Really REALLY Big Show!", "content_html": "

\"Women “Janine, her BFF Carol, and me in front of the R Pod at the Hershey RV Show.”

\n

Ok, so I thought Friday’s show was busy? Hokey Smokes!!! Yesterday was absolutely insane at the RV Show…but SO amazingly fun! Hundreds of people came and walked through the camper. Everyone loved the decor and if they didn’t…it was probably a guy. Guys don’t necessarily get the whole “decorate your camper” thing. That’s why most campers are varying themes of BROWN. I think a guy takes a look and says, “Yeah…that won’t show dirt. Use that!”

\n

I do have to say, the folks at Forest River are stepping up their game in the new R Pod. The cabinets are a lovely shade of grey and the walls are off white. It is a perfect canvas on which to decorate in whatever style strikes your fancy. The light colors along with multiple large windows brings in an abundance of light which is exactly what I am looking for in a camper. I am going to switch the mattress out. I’ve never found an RV mattress that I found satisfactory. I am very choosy about my mattresses. I have an extra memory foam mattress at home so I’ll switch it out when I’m there next week.

\n

Janine and I were so exhausted when we got back to our hotel room yesterday. We both took a long nap, then headed out for dinner. Our meal was ok. I was disappointed in my main course. I had pasta and meat sauce with Italian sausage. The sausage had been left in the skillet too long and was actually burnt. When the waitress took my plate, she asked if there was something wrong. I explained and she offered something different. By that time I was full from just the pasta and sauce and didn’t care for anything else. 

\n

Pretty soon, the manage/owner came out to talk with me. He said he took my entree off the check. In the process of our discussion, I informed him I had a good understanding of what he was going through. I told him about Mr. Virgo working in the Food & Beverage industry all of his career. He lit up and we began a long discussion comparing notes of who worked where and when. This is something I always found fascinating with Mr. Virgo. No matter where we were, he could find someone who knew someone and there was always common ground. It made me smile.

\n

I told him our story. I told him about going out to buy the camper and how he died while we were looking. I told him about buying the little camper and taking it out in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado. I told him about selling my house and buying the big camper and getting rid of 95% of my personal belongings. I told him about being on the road in the camper and writing about it and how I came to know Janine. Then, I told him the happy ending of the story…running into Mr. FixIt and how we are just about ready to celebrate our 1st Wedding Anniversary.

\n

A happy ending. It’s never “The End” though…is it. Mr. Virgo died. But it wasn’t the end. It was the end of many things…but not of him. Or of me. There is always more story to be written…even when you cannot believe you can survive another moment after such a painful loss. Being away, doing something different, learning new things, expanding my territory. All these things offer a lovely perspective of life. I can’t think how my life could be any more perfect than what it is. I am so incredibly grateful. Telling my story gives me this gift every single time.

\n

❤️

\n
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”\n

James 1:17 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-15T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/15/the-really-really-big-show.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Wisdom","Humbled","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/13/full-moonfriday-the-th.html", "title": "Full Moon...Friday the 13th", "content_html": "

\"Full “Tonight is a full moon AND Friday the 13th! What could POSSIBLY go wrong?”

\n

If you have ever worked in an emergency room, you know it is guaranteed to be crazy busy on the night of a full moon and any Friday the 13th. Add the two? Yikes! Let’s just say, I’m super happy I am going to go work an RV show today and not an ER!

\n

Yesterday was insanely busy. I got up early and finished packing. Mr. FixIt had to work so I loaded up the truck by myself. Although I started early and it was only 73 degrees, within an hour I was sweating buckets and things became decidedly more difficult. I managed to get everything finished around 11:00 and headed to town. I had some errands to run before a doctor’s appointment at 2:45. The Doctor ran really late so it was 4:15 by the time I was finished. 

\n

As I walked around the back of my truck in the parking lot, I noticed the hitch wasn’t on my truck. Mr. FixIt usually does that for me because a hitch with all the gear to use weight distribution bars is really heavy. I had to drive all the way home and hook it up myself before I could head out of town. I was really tired by 10:00 and started looking for a hotel room. I finally found one around Hagerstown, MD and stopped for the night. There’s a long stretch through the mountains where the pickin’s are slim.

\n

I love traveling by night. The traffic is lighter and the moon was amazing! By the time I got settled in my room, it was 11:30 so I was whupped. I don’t have to be at the RV Show till noon so I could sleep in this morning!  Gotta be ready for a busy, busy couple of days!

\n

❤️

\n
“For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ””\n

Luke 4:10-11 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-13T01:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/13/full-moonfriday-the-th.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","Love","God","Courage","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/11/the-amusebouche.html", "title": "The Amuse-Bouche", "content_html": "

\"Camper “A little sneak peek of the all new R-Pod 196 from Forest River…Girl Camper style!”

\n

When Mr. Virgo and I managed a 4200 acre luxury resort in southern Colorado, we found ourselves needing a chef. One of the happy little benefits of being married to the boss was getting to sit in on the results of the chef’s “stage”. Typically, when chefs are interviewed for a position in a fine dining restaurant, they must demonstrate their skills before the person looking to hire them. This means…observing their kitchen skills while the food is being prepared, then taste testing. In our case, we were treated to three different chef stages before one was selected.

\n

This was where I learned about the amuse-bouche which literally means “amused mouth”. A typical amuse-bouche is just a small savory tasting to demonstrate the chef’s style. One chef gave us a single scallop seared to perfection but I almost lost it when I bit in and it had been marinated in vanilla! Ugh…vanilla and seafood do NOT go together, trust me. He didn’t get the gig. The chef that was hired had a small slice of ahi tuna in a flat bottomed spoon. On top was a small dollop of green foam that was as light as air but had the most intense flavor. I can’t even tell you what it tasted like…savory, spicy, rich, and so light as to almost not even be there but it complimented the tuna perfectly. 

\n

Amuse-bouche…the little tease of the culinary world. We also experience this in other areas of life. The free sample. The previews at a movie theater. And here? A teeny, tiny little sneak peek of the little camper I get to pull around for the next five months!

\n

If you haven’t caught what’s happening, Forest River donated the very first 2020 R-Pod 196 that came off the line this summer to the Girl Campers for our Annual Trailer Raffle. And, Janine Pettit…our Camper-in-Chief…received the camper sometime in August and has brought it from “Factory to Fabulous”! Let’s face it…the interiors of most RV’s are b.o.r.i.n.g. Or downright ugly! Forest River is listening. They realize that women represent the fastest growing demographic in the RV industry and us gals are tired of brown, right?

\n

I can’t get into all the details yet, but we wanted to let you have a little peek inside to see how I get to Camp Like a Girl in this darling camper. It’s bright and cheery, bold and elegant, and can be dressed up or down. It demonstrates to manufacturers we want neutral palettes we can build on without having to paint over everything. It demonstrates to dealers one of the countless ways a camper can be customized so they better understand a girl camper and what she’s looking for in a travel trailer.

\n

Not everyone wants to go all “she-she” with their camper decor so we went with something a little bold, a little trendy, and ultimately elegant. We can’t wait for the big reveal which will take place via live broadcast on Go-RVing’s Facebook page Wednesday, September 18th at 3:00pm Eastern Standard Time. I leave tomorrow for Hershey so hang on…we’re going on a road trip!

\n

❤️

\n
“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.”\n

Exodus 35:35 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-11T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/11/the-amusebouche.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/09/there-is-another.html", "title": "There is Another", "content_html": "

\"Worship “There is another who stands with us in the fire….always.”

\n

I cannot tell you how many times I have felt alone in my life. Totally alone. Totally forgotten. Maybe not totally worthless…but pretty darned close sometimes. When I went through my formal conversion to Judaism just before my second child was born, part of the process was to sit before the Bet Din…the Jewish Tribunal Court that determines your suitability. Did you learn all you needed to learn? Are you converting for your faith…or for your husband? How will you accomplish the very important aspect of the Jewish faith…being a contributing member of the synagogue?

\n

These were the easy questions. I had already lived a Jewish life for 12 years. This conversion was merely a formality so that our child would be considered by other Jews to be Jewish once she was born. The difficult question came last.

\n

“Do you renounce Jesus as your personal savior?”

\n

I thought I would fly through these questions without giving them a second thought. But this question….this…betrayal to all I had learned as a child hit something deep within me I didn’t even realize was there. But what was I to do? I was pregnant out to here and my nice Jewish doctor-husband was sitting on the other side of the door, waiting for me. 

\n

“I have obligations to my family,” I thought to myself. “I have people depending on me to show up as a Jew…not the least of which is my unborn child.”

\n

So, I said yes…and that’s where the trouble started. I felt God…I don’t know…step back, for lack of a better description. From that moment on…for the next ten years…I felt alone. Forsaken, as I had forsaken Jesus. Granted, I had not recognized him as the Son of God at that point. I had never invited Him into my life. I had never given over to Him and called Him Lord. I guess, in that moment, I realized He was still in the back of my mind. He was still there. That is, until I kicked Him to the curb in the office of the synagogue that cold and sunny January day.

\n

I didn’t deserve Him. I had shunned Him. I felt there was no forgiveness for such an action and that was where I was left. Dying on the vine from the inside out. Ten years later, after an overdose nearly killed me, I started my long journey back to life and along the way…praise God…I was brought to my knees at the foot of the Cross and came home to Jesus in 2005. Nearly fifteen years ago.

\n

What I’ve learned since then is this: I was never alone in the fire. God was always there with me, no matter how far I tried to push Him away. I spent that whole decade feeling alone and unworthy…far from God on my side of the fence. Yet He sat there patiently watching out for me, patiently waiting for me to cry out for him.

\n

I think of myself as a parent…how sad I have been at times when my children’s focus has them far away from me and how joyful I feel when they call, or reach out to me for something even as mundane as a family recipe. This must be how God feels when we reach our arms out to Him to be held. Like any parent…He loves His children. Like any parent…He rejoices when His children love Him back.

\n

❤️

\n
“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”\n

Psalms 36:7 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-09T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/09/there-is-another.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/08/let-things-go.html", "title": "Let Things Go", "content_html": "

\"Autumn “Letting things go for a little while gives your mind and heart a chance to breathe.”

\n

I have a list as long as my arm to get accomplished in the next four days. On the upside, I don’t have a camper to clean and prep for a trip. On the downside, I still have laundry, errands, packing, planning, writing, and a couple of doctor’s appointments before I slip out of town on Thursday for the beginning of this amazing Girl Camper Trailer Tour.

\n

So, with all this stuff on my list, what did I do yesterday? I let things go. I created a day just for me. I met ten of my dear friends from my high school class for coffee and conversation. We caught up with what’s been going on since the beginning of summer. We haven’t met since June before I left cross country. This is the first chance I’ve had to plan a coffee gathering since returning from Colorado. I needed to fit it in before I leave again this week.

\n

We caught up with everyone’s health issues. Yes, we’re THOSE people now…surgeries, hospitalizations, injuries. We are “of a certain age” and things break down more often it seems. One of the gals was new to our gathering. She’s been liberated from a longstanding situation that didn’t allow her to socialize before now so there was a lot of catching up to do there. We talked about our vacations over the summer and travel plans for the fall. We shared photos of the grandkids…and GREAT grandkids! Ninety minutes flew by and someone called, “Picture time!” We needed to enlist a patron sitting in the cafe to come take our photo. A young woman doing homework. I smiled. “High school friends. Don’t ever lose touch!” She smiled back and took the perfect picture.

\n

When it was time to leave, we each hugged everyone there. We’re of that age…we don’t know “when” and “if” anymore. So we hug and kiss a lot and give lots of “love you’s” and “take care’s”. I left feeling loved and supported and relieved those I care about were experiencing a pretty good week. As I was heading to the truck, one of our granddaughters texted to say she was in town and did I want to snuggle our great grandson. Well…of course! Silly question!

\n

I went to the former Mrs. FixIt’s house and visited her and with not one, but BOTH great grandchildren for an hour or so and caught up with everyone, then headed off for errands. I met Mr. FixIt after his golf scramble and went to one of my favorite stores…Rural King. I’m looking for a cool barn coat but I’m not finding one. I’ll probably have to buy online.

\n

So, there you go…my primer on how to let things go. Totally self serving and vitally important. Church today, then I can piddle around the house. It’ll get done. And, it’ll get done without me feeling like I’ll tear my hair out at any minute. That is a monumental win-win in my book.

\n

❤️

\n
“a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;”\n

Ecclesiastes 3:5 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-08T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/08/let-things-go.html", "tags": ["Health","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Wisdom","Courage","Aging","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/06/stitched-with-love.html", "title": "Stitched with Love", "content_html": "

\"Quilt\" “My friend’s comfort quilt is on its way. She’s had her first dose of chemo.”

\n

My dear friend’s quilt is on its way out west. As I sat and hand stitched the binding, I listened to praise music for a bit, then I switched over to my daily devotional. My Bible app on my phone has a function where someone reads the Bible to you. That is especially handy for my Bible plan that I’m working on. It’s planned so that you read the entire Bible in a year. I’ve only read the Bible completely once. I read it from cover to cover…from Genesis to Revelations. That’s tough. You get stuck in all those begats and Kings and it’s difficult to keep from going cross eyed. 

\n

This plan reads a couple of chapters from the Old Testament and the New Testament. Then it reads some from Psalms and finishes with Proverbs. Every day. Once I got two weeks behind and swore I’d never do that again. Then over the weekend, I hit the two week behind mark again. Currently I’m only behind nine days. I have some catching up to do. Listening over the headphones accomplished two things…it helped me catch up a bit and it let me stitch the Word into my work. Then I prayed over the quilt and hugged it close and sent it off to my friend, hoping she feels the love and hugs and prayers put into each stitch.

\n

I’m counting down the days for my trip now. We’ve all learned from experience just how fast a week can go by. It will be no time and I’ll be off to the Hershey RV Show. I’ll meet Janine there and we’ll work the show for two days. Then we’ll be off to Huntington, WV. 

\n

I’ve been researching stays for my trip and all the writing that is going to be involved with it. Lots of driving. Lots of photo editing. Plus another project that’s coming up very soon. PLUS my own writing here. That’s a ton of work. What I will have to do is share my trip writing here on some of the days. It will be extremely difficult (I think) to write the daily essays you and I have become accustomed to. Then again, writing on this blog has become my bedtime ritual and I may not be able to sleep until I write something here.

\n

At any rate, you and I are about to embark on a VERY exciting journey filled with fun experiences and beautiful scenery. And sometimes we’ll still talk about grief. Because, you know…it’s what we do here. Grief and joy can exist at the same time.

\n

❤️

\n
“a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;”\n

Ecclesiastes 3:7 ESV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-06T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/06/stitched-with-love.html", "tags": ["Health","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Courage","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/20/do-you-remember-when.html", "title": "Do You Remember When.....?", "content_html": "

\"Old “Clockwise from Top Right: Phone Booth, Fireweed, Joe Pye Weed, Naked Ladies (Belladona Lily)

\n

Mr. FixIt took the day off yesterday. I had to run a couple of errands, but I was back home by noon. The temperature was already well into the 90’s by then and I actually had the thought…”Ok, I’m done. I’m ready for FALL!” Cool, crisp days with a warm sweater, sipping a mug of cider while gazing at the changing of the leaves suddenly sounds very appealing to me. And this from a woman who hates fall because winter is right behind it. Not this year…I’m ready for this sweltering heat wave to break.

\n

We never did put the window air conditioner in the family room this summer. Mostly because we were gone a lot. And also, it didn’t get all that hot till we were ready to leave on our big trip out west. At this point, I told Mr. FixIt we should just skip that particular ordeal this year altogether. It is quite a chore getting that huge air conditioner into the window and before we know it, we won’t need it anyway. That being said, we were both tired of the heat by 5:00 so he asked me if I wanted to go for a drive with him. 

\n

We love going for drives in the countryside. West Virginia has the best roads for drives and there’s always something interesting around the next bend. We kept remarking how overgrown everything is from all the rain this summer. Old abandoned houses are all but swallowed up by vines that threaten to take them by force into the woods. The Joe Pye Weed covers the roadsides with its smoky pink blossoms. Naked Ladies (Belladona Lilies) poke their heads up in the corners of rural lawns. Dark pink Fireweed mingles with Goldenrod, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Black-eyed Susans. They all look like weeds, but they are West Virginia’s cacophony of late summer wildflowers.

\n

We had no idea where we would end up. We drove past the greenhouses in Palestine and saw they are filled with baskets of mums that will bloom in October. We drove past the place where they used to produce railroad ties. Mr. FixIt said the trucks traveled by night because their loads were always way over the weight limit. He said you could tell it was the railroad ties because the heavy night air smelled of creosote long after they’d passed.

\n

We finally pulled into Spencer, West Virginia…an old town built on the backs of the oil, gas, and timber industries. There are some beautiful old houses there. At one time, the State Psychiatric Hospital was located there and if you weren’t good growing up, “you’ll get hauled off to Spencer” was fair warning to shape up. Now it’s just like any other tired, old town in the Mountain State…bored adolescent boys yelling from passing cars, bored adolescent girls giggling in the booth at Wendy’s over a series of texts and photos they were sharing. An old man climbed into a car with barely enough room for him to sit in the driver’s seat. The rest of the car was filled wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling with trash. Literal trash. He opened the door to the back seat and carefully placed his half-full cup of soda on top of the pile, closed the door, and got in to drive off to who knows where.

\n

The Wendy’s was impeccably clean inside so we stopped for a bite to eat before we drove on to Ripley, then past Ravenswood to Mineral Wells and on home. Mr. Fixit said it would be dark by the time we got home and he was right. I love these kind of evenings with him…away from the television, going for a drive, holding hands and laughing and telling stories. It occurred to me, one of the very best things about our relationship is…even though we’ve only been together since late 2016, we have so many memories in common. We were best friends in high school. While he lived all but a few years of his life within a 20 mile radius of where we were born, I lived two years in England and forty years in Colorado. But, I still came home for a visit every year so I had my finger on the pulse of my hometown. We lived our lives in a parallel trajectory for sixty-some years before our paths crossed for good. We have much of the same history and memories.

\n

As the sun was beginning to make it’s last glorious descent over the beautiful Ohio River, I saw this phone booth standing alone near the Wendy’s parking lot. I turned to Mr FixIt and smiled.

\n

“Do you remember when…..?”

\n

❤️

\n
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”\n

Luke 2:19 NIV

\n 

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-20T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/20/do-you-remember-when.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Choices","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/19/bowling-season-has-begun.html", "title": "Bowling Season Has Begun", "content_html": "

\"Pink “Pink roses and strawberries…and bowling season. Somebody loves me!”

\n

Mr. FixIt is an avid bowler. He’s been on two bowling leagues for the last thirty-five years and he enjoys it immensely. He has friends there. He has ample opportunity to talk. It’s his guy time. And, I enjoy having a couple of evenings a week to do whatever I want to do as well. Honestly, I fell asleep late in the afternoon and didn’t hear him leave. When I woke up, I caught up with my Sunday evening phone calls and chats so it was a relaxing evening.

\n

When he arrived home, he went into the kitchen to fix something to eat and we were trying to carry on a conversation while I was in the family room. He called out, “You know…I could hear you better if you were in here with me.” Of course! Sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we’re doing, we forget the basic manners and niceties we should offer those we love most.

\n

I walked into the kitchen and there on the counter was a dozen pink roses and two cartons of fresh strawberries! I am always thunderstruck when he surprises me with these lovely unexpected gifts of love. 

\n

I looked at him and smiled. “What’s this?”

\n

“It’s been a little while since I brought you flowers. It was time.” He smiled back.

\n

What goodness this is…this life that is sweeter than any red strawberry…softer than any pink rosebud. This is a blessing. This is God’s gift to me. This man who lifts me up and celebrates who I am. Who cheers me on and encourages me to explore and be everything I can be. This man who holds my hand in church and prays alongside me. Who holds me and comforts me when I am sick or sad. I only pray I give him this same love back every day of my life.

\n

There was so much sadness in my life after Mr. Virgo died. I swore I would never fall in love…never remarry…because the thought of going through that again was too much to bear. Then color came back into my life. And I could hear music and I could breathe and somehow I knew I could love again. I don’t know how long we have together…but it’s bowling season and I have strawberries and pink roses and my life is good.

\n

❤️

\n
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”\n

Matthew 5:4 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-19T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/19/bowling-season-has-begun.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/18/let-the-sun-shine.html", "title": "“Let The Sun Shine...”", "content_html": "

\"Woodstock\" “The Ubiquitous Photo from Woodstock”

\n

Fifty years ago this weekend, a gazillion people descended on Mr. Yasgur’s New York farm just five hundred miles from where I grew up. What started out as a ticketed music event soon devolved into chaos as tens of thousands of unticketed hippies made their way into the tiny village of Bethel. The festival had already suffered a last minute change of venue and was seriously short on cash, but there came a point where Woodstock took on a life of its own.

\n

Fifty years have passed. I didn’t go, of course. I was only sixteen and actually didn’t even hear about it till it was on the news. Not that I would have done something so brazen as to defy my parents because I know they never would have allowed me to go. I never even skipped a class in school, let alone run off to a hippy concert five hundred miles away. Still, I marveled at the mass of humanity. And, I liked the music. 

\n

It was such a crazy summer…the Summer of ‘69. The Summer of Love. That’s what we called it. But the older generations thought we young people were out of our minds. Sex, drugs, and Rock & Roll. And now look where we are. I saw a meme today. A grandpa was saying he fought in WWII and built his house with his own two hands. His great grandson said, “Sometimes I put a meme on Facebook and it gets a lot of likes.” That is so sad…and unfortunately, all too true.

\n

We didn’t have the internet in 1969. We didn’t have the news on 24/7/365. We didn’t have violent video games. We didn’t have as many latch key kids and no iPad kids or YouTube kids. Dr. Spock was just beginning to tell us how to raise our kids and to never swat their butts or we would bruise their fragile self-esteems. I’ll tell you what, if I sassed back to my parents, they bruised my “self-esteem” with whatever was handy. I did the same with my kids. Nowadays, you can have your kids taken away for that. And they know it.

\n

I remember Daughter #1 saying she was going to call Child Protective Services because I wouldn’t let her go to a party. I smiled and recited the number to her. Then I took her car keys. It’s hard to parent now. Having the grandkids over this week with their own little ones made me compare how easy I had it compared to what they are facing. And I didn’t have it all that easy. 

\n

After my first divorce, I was a single mom in Denver. My family lived in West Virginia. I didn’t have anyone I could leave the baby with while I went to work. I had to find child care…and pray they wouldn’t hurt my daughter. I lived in HUD housing, on food stamps and WIC. I drove a beat up old Pontiac that I paid some Iranians $200 for. The hood and the trunk were wired closed with coat hangers. All four sides were dented in. I prayed every day I could get to work so I could take care of us. I didn’t have a smart phone and five sets of grandparents to step in when I was overwhelmed.

\n

God knows, I made plenty of mistakes in those early years. It’s a wonder we made it through. The music of 1969 was five years old before my daughter was born. I look back now in awe. I knew I’d be “old” someday. I just thought it would take longer. Oh, sixty-six isn’t OLD, exactly. I sure feel the difference, just in the last couple of years. Mr. FixIt and I work very hard and it’s taking it’s toll. I hurt in places that never hurt before. It takes me a bit to get moving. But, like my husband says…you’ve got to keep moving or you’ll stop.

\n

Fifty years since Woodstock…and there’s a real part of me that genuinely feels a little past my prime. However, I’m about to take a brand new camper wherever I want for five months and write about it! Isn’t that just about the coolest thing? I wouldn’t take who I was in 1969 back for anything! 

\n

“Let the sun shine…let the sun shine in…the sun…shine in!”

\n

❤️

\n
“I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,”\n

2 Peter 1:13 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-18T01:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/18/let-the-sun-shine.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Humbled","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/16/theres-babies-everywhere.html", "title": "There’s Babies Everywhere!", "content_html": "

\"Sleeping “There’s nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby!”

\n

I have to tell ya…I’m fried. There’s a reason God gives babies to young people. We do not normally babysit for the great grandkids. Our life keeps us moving around a lot and we love to visit with them and play with them and send them home with their mamas. Nothing wrong with that. But our services  were really needed yesterday, so we had an extra busy two-year-old with us for fourteen hours. 

\n

We also have our grandson and his girlfriend and the new baby with us for a couple of days. He is helping his grandpa with a bunch of work around the Ponderosa. Just like I was telling you about the farm yesterday, all this rain has created a jungle out there and the saplings that weren’t such a big deal last year, are towering trees this summer. Combine that with all the vines that have gone crazy and you couldn’t even see between the building out back and the fence six feet away. The grandson is a hard worker, I’ll tell you that.

\n

While the babies were being babied, Nana smoked two big pork butts and four full racks of ribs. I’ve decided whenever I fire up the smoker, I’ve packing it as full as I can while still getting good air flow for the smoke. Because this thing is a pain in the rear to clean. I also processed all that meat when it was done, served dinner three times as people came and went, and then went out and cleaned the pool. It was a busy day that didn’t end till midnight!

\n

The neighbor across the road from the farm gave me a grocery sack of fresh vegetables as I left and the sweet corn was SO delicious. I love the tastes of summer! Last night the air was nice and cool and we slept with the windows wide open. It was wonderful! I love this time of year when the nights are cool.

\n

❤️

\n
“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.”\n

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 ESV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-16T01:30:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/16/theres-babies-everywhere.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/13/a-vivid-imagination.html", "title": "A Vivid Imagination", "content_html": "

\"Snow-cone “The moment I saw this, I knew it was the answer to my dream!”

\n

I was probably about ten years old when I got my first (and only) childhood bike for Christmas. I remember lusting after the sleek English racers I saw some of the bigger kids riding. Oooooo, the idea of all those gears and the trendy dropped handlebars and the hand brakes…I could just picture myself tooling around the world, peddling that bike, looking ever so sporty and sophisticated. I had a vivid imagination!

\n

Christmas morning came. I jumped up out of bed in my worn and tattered flannel jammies, and ran to the living room. There, leaning on its kickstand in the middle of the living room, was a brand new shiny blue bicycle! It wasn’t an English racer. It didn’t have any bells and whistles. It was a heavy, single speed monstrosity from Sears with the label “J. C. Higgins”. It was a sturdy, reliable bike and it didn’t take me long to figure out Mom couldn’t afford that trendy bicycle. I was darned lucky to have this one and not some hand-me-down from one of my cousins.

\n

I used to ride that bike all over the neighborhood. The following summer was the first time Mom let us stay home unsupervised. I played outside from first thing in the morning till I needed to be in to start supper before my folks got home from work. I remember having this intense fantasy of riding my bicycle to Canada. I envisioned panniers on the back…before I even knew what panniers were. I pictured what I would pack in there. I had read The Boxcar Children a dozen times so I knew just what I would need to survive on my own.

\n

In my ten-year-old brain, I had it all figured out. I would need money to survive so I would need to either get a job or sell something. The Christmas Wishbook from Sears arrived that fall and I ran to my room with it to figure out how I was going to raise funds for this epic adventure. And there it was! A snow-cone maker!!! My friends and I LOVED snow-cones! I figured if I had one of these babies, I could set up a stand out in front of the house and blow all those Lemonade Stands out of the water. I mean…who could resist a great snow-cone on a hot summer day, right???

\n

I look back at my youthful exuberance and my little girl naïveté and smile. I was sure I would sell a gazillion snow-cones from this cute little plastic gizmo. Just as sure as I would ride my bike to Canada. Well, I never rode my bike to Canada. I didn’t get the snow-cone maker. But I’ve been on lots of adventures. And, I’ve done things I never thought I could do. And now…I’m going to get to have another GRAND adventure and they’re handing me the camper to do it in!

\n

Believe me…I know how blessed I am to get this opportunity. Between now and the middle of September when I pick it up, I need to plan out an epic road trip. I’m thinking it would be really awesome to combine this with several Meet & Greets and get a chance to meet you wonderful “Ranchers” along the way! I’m just in the formulating stage but I’m thinking this could turn out to be….

\n

Ginny McKinney’s R-Pod-196 Adventure!

\n

Stay tuned to Marshmallow Ranch for details as plans fall into place!!!

\n

❤️

\n
“For nothing will be impossible with God.\"”\n

Luke 1:37 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-13T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/13/a-vivid-imagination.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Humbled","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/12/theres-an-adventure-coming.html", "title": "There’s an Adventure Coming...", "content_html": "

\"Adventure\" “Where will my next adventure take me???”

\n

I’ve been hinting at an adventure coming up for me this fall and now I can tell you a little more about it. The manufacturer of the R-Pod has just come out with a totally new design…the Model 196. This is the first redesign Forest River has done in the ten years since the R-Pod was first released. And, Forest River has very generously donated the very first Model 196 R-Pod off the line to the Girl Campers for our annual trailer raffle!!! Isn’t that exciting???

\n

My good friend, Janine Pettit, will receive the camper in the next couple of weeks. She will be putting a Girl Camper spin on it with some beautiful interior decor. Then, the camper goes to the Hershey RV Show. Janine and I will be at the show on September 14th for a meet and greet and to show off our Girl Camper version of the new R-Pod. After that, we head to Setzer’s RV in Huntington, WV for the big reveal!

\n

At that point, I take over and get to pull this camper wherever I want till the end of January…which of course means I’ll just HAVE to go where it’s warm over the winter! (And, yes…Mr. FixIt gets to come along…for at least part of the trip!) Stay tuned for lots of fun and excitement in the coming months! In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at the “before” in a video Janine made at the Forest River factory. This is a gorgeous camper and I can hardly wait to get her out there on the open road!!!

\n

https://www.facebook.com/janine.pettit.5/videos/10157250788233444?s=1219785470&amp;sfns=mo

\n

 ❤️

\n
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”\n

Psalm 91:11-12 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-12T01:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/12/theres-an-adventure-coming.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Courage","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Writing","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/11/a-farm-girl-at-heartsans.html", "title": "A Farm Girl at Heart...sans Shoes", "content_html": "

\"Sitting ‘Sitting on the tailgate of my truck…drinking coffee and soaking up summer!”

\n

I hate wearing shoes. I know it’s so stereotypically West Virginian, but I do not wear shoes unless I absolutely have to. Mr. FixIt emptied the truck yesterday morning so I went out with my mug of coffee and sat on the tailgate, contemplating my bare feet and the beautiful sounds of an August day in the country.

\nIt wasn’t long after I finished my morning brew when I heard Mr. FixIt start up the push mower and I knew it was time to get to work. I ran to town to fill up the gas cans. Once I got back home, I hooked up my headphones and hopped on the riding mower. It could have waited till Monday, growth-wise. But the next two days are supposed to be 95 degrees and rainy. So, you know what they say...you gotta make hay when the sun shines!\n

I love watching the seasons changing here in my home state. Some of the trees already have some yellowing leaves on them. And you can tell a difference in the texture of the grass at this time of year. It’s tougher and harder to weed eat. I left home the 27th of June. There was a whole lot of growth between then and now and there are a lot of branches hanging over the edge of the fields. I’m going to have to get out there with the loppers again.

\n

As soon as I got home the other night, I could just feel the stress leave my shoulders and neck. I can sit outside and listen to the night sounds instead of the constant hum of traffic in the background. As I sat basking in the velvet night air, I thought over all the places we saw over the last several weeks. It was such a wonderful vacation. And, as always, it’s both good to be home and sad that it’s over.

\n

❤️

\n
“The priest answered them, “Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval.””\n

Judges 18:6 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-11T01:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/11/a-farm-girl-at-heartsans.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","goRVing","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/10/mother-earthhow-does-your-garden.html", "title": "Mother Earth..How Does Your Garden Grow?", "content_html": "

\"Pumpkin\" “Product of our burn pile, aka pumpkin patch.”

\n

Back when I was a wanna-be hippy mama in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, I was an urban farmer. Before urban farming was a thing. I had dug and turned over a garden patch at every house we rented while Hubby #2 was in medical school and residency. We were poor as church mice and we needed to put as much free food as we could on the table to make our meager budget stretch as far as it could.

\n

I was dismayed at the fact Colorado has such a short growing season. With Denver being literally a mile high, compared to the relative low elevation of West Virginia, I longed for a farm of my own in my home state. I remembered my dad’s gardens. We rented the lot behind us and put in a huge vegetable garden every summer. My grandma not only had a “truck garden” across the creek…their farm also produced strawberries for the local farmer’s market. I was spoiled by the earth of my youth.

\n

West Virginia soil runs from really sandy to heavy red clay mud. If you’re lucky, you find great gardening soil that’s rich and loamy and needs nothing more than a good tilling to prepare the perfect garden. You can get all scientific and test the soil and add lime or ash to adjust the pH but mostly anyone with any gardening skill at all can turn out some pretty impressive vegetables in a fairly small space.

\n

When we were married last October, Mr. FixIt burned a lot of brush on our burn pile out in the field. We used pumpkins as a cheap wedding decor, then used them in turn to decorate for Halloween. Once they were frostbit, Mr. FixIt tossed them in the burn pile along with whatever else was in there. He figured once spring came, he’d clean out the flower beds and trim bushes then burn it all at once. 

\n

Winter came and went and when the first signs of spring hit the Ponderosa and the weekly mowing commenced, lo and behold…pumpkin vines popped up all around the burn pile! I was really excited to do a walkabout when we got home this week and see how the pumpkins fared while we were gone. There must be a dozen pumpkins growing out there. White ones. Dark orange. Light orange. Short and flat. Big and round. All kinds of pumpkins. And we didn’t have to DO anything…just throw pumpkins out there and they grew!

\n

This is the stuff of my dreams….getting something from literally nothing. If we would have been here while they were growing, I would have nipped off all but one or two on each vine so the plant’s energy could have forced bigger pumpkins, but as it is, they are certainly a respectable size for decorating. And, maybe they’ll make some pies.

\n

Our tomato vines did not stay tied up on the supports Mr. FixIt set out. They are all laying down on the grown and consequently, many of the tomatoes have touched the ground which makes them rot. But there are enough to eat and that’s all we care about. We missed all but the earliest summer squash. There are vegetable stands all around this area so I had Mr. FixIt stop and get some fresh sweet corn and a cantaloupe on his way home yesterday. We’ll eat like royalty tonight!

\n

❤️

\n
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”\n

1 Corinthians 3:7-9 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-10T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/10/mother-earthhow-does-your-garden.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/08/nana-papaw-baby-boo.html", "title": "Nana \u0026 Papaw \u0026 Baby Boo!", "content_html": "

\"Great “Nana needed some baby snuggles before we went home!”

\n

We made it back to West Virginia, safe and sound..thank you, God! But, we absolutely couldn’t go home without seeing the baby! Our little great grandson arrived nearly two weeks ago and we stopped to get a snuggle. Oh, he’s so sweet! We had the bonus of our great granddaughter visiting as well!

\n

I have to tell you…we are so tired. I drove all but the last 20 miles after we stopped to see the baby. Just over 5400 miles since June 27th! I figured out the other day, I have been home exactly four days since June 5th. I knew this was going to be a busy summer but this is a little crazy!

\n

Tomorrow’s another day. But for now…I’ve got to get some sleep. We’re both whupped!

\n

❤️

\n
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”    Psalm 4:8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-08-08T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/08/nana-papaw-baby-boo.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/03/basking-in-the-glow-of.html", "title": "Basking in the Glow of Family", "content_html": "

\"Sunset “The sun goes down on the evening before my baby’s wedding. My heart is full!”

\n

Last night was amazing. Every fear and trepidation I had beforehand dissipated as soon as we pulled into the driveway at Hubby #2’s house. He was so gracious, as was his wife. Their house is stunning. Their dogs are the sweetest things. Daughter #1 and her family were there when we arrived and soon after, my sister- and brother-in-law arrived from Utah. Oh, my gosh! It was so exciting to see them all!

\n

Just before dinner, my daughter and her fiancée arrived and we were a complete family. My brother enjoyed everyone and joined in the conversations. It really was perfect. What I learned from this: When you hand things over to God to take care of…you have to let go of it. I knew as I was driving over from Glenwood Springs…this was going to be good. This was going to be very, very good.

\n

After dinner, Daughter #2 came to me and said, “Mama…I have something for you to do tomorrow. You’re in charge of this…and making sure he has a seat at my wedding.”

\n

With that she handed me a framed photo of Mr. Virgo. She was very close to her stepfather and losing him was so hard on her. The suddenness of seeing his smiling face…so totally unexpected…took my breath away and I started crying. I wasn’t the only one. It was a very special moment and it still makes me tearful as I write this. What a beautiful gesture…what a beautiful God moment….what love…what treasures I have in this family.

\n

My baby is getting married today. My heart is so full! Thank you Jesus for every gift you have given me in this life!

\n

❤️

\n
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”\n

Song of Songs 8:6-7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-03T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/03/basking-in-the-glow-of.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Family","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/02/no-worse-for-the-wear.html", "title": "No Worse for the Wear", "content_html": "

\"Old “While once sleek and shiny, these vehicles still hold a deep beauty.”

\n

We left Ridgway yesterday saying goodbye to our friends, Linda and Jim. We both choked up…goodbyes have always been difficult for me ever since I lost Mr. Virgo. We just don’t know if and when we will meet again and it tears at my heartstrings. I know Linda loves Colorado, but deep down, she has that Ohio farm girl in there somewhere. I loved watching her as she listened to Mr. FixIt’s unmistakable West Virginia accent and she was transported back over the years and the miles to the home of her youth.

\n

Even though we didn’t go to the same high school with Linda, we know many of the same people…one of whom is Jeff. He and his wife Julie moved to the Ridgway area a couple of years ago. It’s funny how the webs of friendship cross over. Linda and Jeff were both friends with Cindy (a girl from my class) and that’s how they connected. I am friends with Cindy and that’s how Linda connected with me and the connection with Jeff was made through Linda and because he was on the boy’s gymnastics team while I competed with the girl’s team the same year. And….Mr. FixIt was on that same team with Jeff! See what a teeny tiny world it is? Jeff and Julie joined us for dinner at Linda’s Wednesday night. Mr. FixIt hadn’t seen Jeff in forty-eight years. There were lots of stories and laughs and we all had a grand time.

\n

We drove north out of Ridgway, through Montrose and Olathe (home of Olathe Sweet Corn) and on to Delta. I kept my eyes peeled for a place I found when I was on “The Grand Adventure”…that three month odyssey into the wilderness and backroads after Mr. Virgo died. It’s just a vacant lot on the main drag that’s filled with old, broken down cars and trucks. I don’t know why it attracted me that first time, but I couldn’t wait to show Mr. FixIt.

\n

We were almost to our turnoff to head east over McClure Pass when I saw them. Red vehicles…either from the faded and flaked paint or the rust beneath. Some had their hoods strapped down. Others had holes in the glass from years of being the target of vandals or the errant stone thrown back in the day when they motored down the highways of old. Mr. FixIt caught his breath.

\n

“Oh, wow! Would you look at that!” A smile crept across his face and his eyes sparkled like a little boy who just found the coolest treasure stuck on a dusty shelf. I immediately pulled over and threw the truck in park. We jumped out and walked up and down the rows of derelict automobiles resting on their rims because of long ago rotted and airless tires. We peeked in through hazy windows at the scraps of stuffing clinging to the old and rusted springs of the seats inside. 

\n

“Oh, look! Is that a Nash? A Studebaker? What’s this one? Ford used to make a Cortina. Do you suppose that’s what this one is?” This went on and on as we dodged the large mud holes formed from the afternoon storms we’ve been getting and made our way through the maze of cars.

\n

As I looked at these rusted out hulks, I thought about beauty being in the eye of the beholder. I have to be perfectly honest…I’ve had some trepidation about the wedding this weekend. My daughter’s dad lives in a world I no longer belong to. He’s a doctor, and consequently lives like a doctor in a fine house. With fine friends. And a fine wife. Fine furnishings. Fine food. A fine life. I used to circle in that orbit, although I never really felt a part of that world, although I tried very hard to make myself fit in. 

\n

I have to admit. I’ve let myself be a little self conscious about my comfortable tummy and my jelly thighs and my granny-wing upper arms knowing ever so painfully how that was judged by those in that orbit. I’ve been praying about it a lot. And God whispered to me as I wandered amongst these vehicles what were once sleek and shiny and new.

\n

“You don’t have to fear that world. You don’t have to feel bad for the way you fit in your body all comfy-like. You don’t have to concern yourself with what anyone else thinks of you….just remember I love you. Completely. Just the way you are. Just love them all the way I love you.”

\n

You see…the very act of feeling self conscious and judged puts me in a place where I’m being the judge. I don’t know what’s in their hearts and minds. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since those days so long ago when I circled around that orbit. It’s a foreign land to me now. I have no reason to feel “less than” anyone. I can walk right in, on the arm of a man I adore and who adores me right back. We’ve created a life that fits us perfectly and we’re perfectly happy.

\n

It’s all about love, trust, letting go, and letting God take care of the details. I’m comfortable in this life, this body…no matter where I go or who I run into. None of this is about me anyway. It’s totally about my daughter and her joy anyway. Yes…it’s all about love!

\n

❤️

\n
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people.”    Isaiah 64:8-9 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-08-02T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/02/no-worse-for-the-wear.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/31/red-mountain-pass-to-ouray.html", "title": "Red Mountain Pass to Ouray", "content_html": "

\"Vacation “Clockwise from top left: At one of the many overlooks on the Million Dollar Highway, the beautiful little town of Ouray, our little home away from home, the falls up above Ouray.”

\n

It has been three years since I’ve been in this area. I’d forgotten how incredibly majestic these mountains are. And high! We stopped so many times between Durango and Ouray to take pictures and just marvel at the scenery. I’m sure Mr. FixIt thought nothing could top Monday but as we drove yesterday, he just kept exclaiming over and over how beautiful it was. 

\n

We pulled into Ouray and found a parking spot…not always easy during peak tourist season. We went into my favorite kitchen store and no sooner walked in the door till the sky opened up with a summer thunderstorm. We were stuck in there for some time. It finally slowed down enough that we could make it across to Mouse’s Chocolates…my OTHER favorite store. 

\n

We drove around and looked at the cool little houses. Ouray was a mining town and it still holds that Victorian charm. We finally drove on to our friend’s house in Ridgway. When we pulled into the driveway, there was her little camper. I slept in it the last time I was here and asked if we could sleep in it this time. Linda was happy to oblige and I have to tell you…my heart swooned a little when I climbed into that camper. When we went to bed last night, Mr. FixIt said, “I feel like we’re back home!” Me too, sweetie…me, too!

\n

❤️

\n

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

\n

Proverbs 24:3-4 NIV

\n

#Camping, #Mountains, #Ouray

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-31T01:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/31/red-mountain-pass-to-ouray.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/29/abundance.html", "title": "Abundance", "content_html": "

\"Weminuche “Heading into the Weminuche Wilderness”

\n

Joyful abundance! Mr. FixIt is such a great traveler. I love showing him places he hasn’t seen. As a matter of fact, he told me the other night his neck hurts from swiveling back and forth, trying to take it all in. We arrived in Pagosa Springs on Friday afternoon. This is where Mr. Virgo and I lived in 2008. He was the General Manager for a 4200 acre luxury resort here and I did the marketing and catering. It was a short-lived position as our job was to try to turn their losses into profits and try as we might, it was not to be. This is the nature of being a fixer. If you can’t, they close and you lose your job. If you can, they sell and you lose your job. We didn’t really expect to be there long term.

\n

Pagosa Springs is a gorgeous area and I enjoyed the rugged beauty of it. I did not like the short summer, long winter, and gobs of snow. So I was just as happy to get out of there and move on. Still, it is someplace I wanted Mr. FixIt to see and experience. We went out for a wonderful breakfast yesterday morning then headed to the backroads. Mr. Virgo and I used to spend every day off exploring the many dirt roads in the Weminuche Wilderness. This is where I came when I started my grief journey in Little TOW-Wanda. I carried strands of Mr. Virgo’s silver hair into the dense woods above Williams Lake and buried them at the base of a tree, affixing a cross to mark the spot.

\n

We didn’t walk back into the woods yesterday. That wasn’t part of the deal. That was mine…my memory. As a matter of fact, as we drove deeper and deeper into the woods, I felt Mr. Virgo so strongly…as if he were gliding along with us. I told Mr. FixIt story after story. Here’s where we worked. Here’s where we shopped. Here’s where we loved to eat dinner. There’s the car wash where they had to unfreeze the doors so we could get out. That little bakery has the best pastries. This restaurant has the best coffee. My sweet husband held my hand and smiled and nodded and encouraged me to share because he knows this helps me heal and move forward. 

\n

Then…in the middle of the afternoon, we found out…great grandchild #3 is on the way!!! Another little boy…arriving in January!!!

\n

My heart is about to explode! THIS!!! This is what I so very nearly lost in January 2000 when I overdosed. At the time, my world was so small, so dark, so difficult and I couldn’t see anything beyond that darkness. And now…look at this! My world is so blessed with such abundance and joy, I can hardly contain myself! Babies! The Wedding! My sweet husband! My wonderful family! My health! My heart!

\n

Thank you…..thank you dearest Heavenly Father…for healing my family…for healing me…for giving me Mr. Virgo to show me I was worthy of earthly love…for giving me Mr. FixIt for helping me through the most difficult period of my life…and for this tremendous family, mine and his, that brings our numbers up and up and up! I’m so high on life, you have to scrape me off the clouds!

\n

❤️

\n
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”\n

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-29T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/29/abundance.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Aging","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/22/finding-hope.html", "title": "Finding Hope", "content_html": "

\"Rainbow\" “God’s promise.”

\n

There have been so many times in my life when I felt I had no hope. I didn’t know about spiritual warfare. I didn’t know the enemy was the one whispering the lies about me into my heart and mind. My life had long stretches of darkness and it wasn’t until I became a Christian that I started to see light at the end of the tunnel.

\n

We went to church yesterday and took Little with us. We sat with our friend Rick and his wife Connie. The pastor is preaching a series on the elements and yesterday was about the wind. And hope. He focused on Ezekiel and the valley of the dry bones. As far as Ezekiel could see, the valley floor was covered with dry, sun-bleached bones. This represented the dried up, faithless Israelites. The Lord asked Ezekiel to speak to the dry bones. To tell them to listen to the Word of the Lord. When he did this, the bones started to rattle and come together. Tendons and muscle and skin formed and soon, they looked like you and me. But they had no life. No inner spark of hope. When Ezekiel told God he had only been halfway successful, God breathed his breath upon the bodies and they came alive and rose as a mighty army.

\n

I know what those bodies felt like. I was dry and sun-bleached in my bones for such a long time. And, when I surrendered, God blew His breath…His Spirit…into me and I rose up like a mighty warrior. Whenever I begin to feel less hopeful, I look for the wind. Mr. FixIt remarked the other day…it never seems terribly hot here in Colorado. Even when the temperature nears triple digits. The reason is two-fold. The humidity is low. And there is always a breeze. You can feel it across the hairs on your arms. And when a wisp of your hair blows across your face. You can see it in the trees and grasses of the field. You can watch it even high above the earth as the clouds in the sky scud along.

\n

When I look for the wind, I can see the breath of God as he works over us…his children. Even when I don’t see God’s promises in my current circumstances, I know He is there…working in the background. Even in my darkest moments…during the years of depression and the overdose, during a painful divorce, during the grief I suffered after losing Mr. Virgo…He was feverishly working to turn these terrible situations into something He could use for His Glory.

\n

Finding hope in today’s world can be so terribly difficult. It is easy to lose hope and see no way out. If you can just remember to feel the wind on your skin and focus on some good thing in your life, you can ignite hope within your soul. Even the smallest ember can be fanned into a flame when you seek and use the Breath of God. 

\n

❤️

\n
“The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’ ” So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’ ” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’ ””\n

Ezekiel 37:1-14 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-22T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/22/finding-hope.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/19/avoiding-the-heat.html", "title": "Avoiding the Heat", "content_html": "

\"Shrimp\" “Shrimp…it’s what’s for dinner!”

\n

The temperature went up into the triple digits yesterday. Mr. FixIt and I hung out indoors most of the day. I did laundry and worked on the socks I’m knitting for Big. We watched some television. We visited with Ben & Sue. And we stayed cool in the air conditioning. 

\n

Finally, along about 5:00, we ventured out to the grocery store. We wanted to pick up something for dinner so I could take a turn cooking. When Ben & Sue went with us to the Outer Banks in April, we learned they love grits. I asked them if they had ever had Low Country Shrimp & Grits and they had not. We brought them a bag of grits from our trip down south last month so I wanted to fix this especially for them.

\n

This isn’t a particularly difficult recipe to make, but it does take about an hour or so to pull together. We bought a pound of frozen medium sized tail-on shrimp, a lemon, a container of sliced mushrooms, a bunch of green onions, a package of fully cooked bacon, a package of shredded extra sharp cheddar, a small container of shredded parmesan, and a tube of minced garlic. The convenience of buying the prepped veggies, bacon, and cheese saves time.

\n

What better source for a southern recipe than Southern Living Magazine. I had as much fun reading about the origin of this dish as I had making and serving it. You can find the full recipe and directions here: 

\n

https://www.southernliving.com/grains/grits/low-country-shrimp-and-grits

\n

I have to say, this was a big hit for supper. There wasn’t an abundance of cooking so the kitchen didn’t get hot. It really was delicious. I made this with yellow grits, even though the recipe calls for white. I love both varieties. You know people love it when there aren’t any leftovers! We finished it off with some cold melon…watermelon and cantaloupe.

\n

After supper, we played a few hands of rummy as we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. Making memories. It’s the most important part of our travels.

\n

❤️

\n
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”    Luke 2:19 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-07-19T01:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/19/avoiding-the-heat.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/18/coffee-plowing-the-south-forty.html", "title": "Coffee \u0026 Plowing the South Forty", "content_html": "

\"Caribou “Can you tell by looking whether it’s got caffeine in it? Yeah…me neither!!!!”

\n

I love coffee. Like…LOVE coffee! I like to think I’m a coffee connoisseur, but I can’t name the region where a coffee was sourced just by tasting it or smelling it. I just know a good cup of coffee when I taste one. Ben & Sue are half-caff kids. No strong coffee for them. I learned to really appreciate coffee when Mr. Virgo was alive. If the spoon didn’t stand up in the cup, it wasn’t strong enough as far as he was concerned. And don’t DARE serve him a cup of coffee that you can read a newspaper through!

\n

When Mr. Virgo and I were first together, I griped incessantly about his coffee…it was too strong, it was bitter, it was wretched! I bought a coffeemaker that actually had two sides to it. He would make his coffee in one side…I’d make mine in the other. We both turned our noses up when we saw the other’s brew. Then, that coffeemaker broke and he finally convinced me to buy a Bunn. They are fabulous! Your coffee is ready in literally 1-2 minutes. It was great. 

\n

After making a big show of pouring half a cup of coffee and filling the mug with milk before I popped it in the microwave, accompanied by a heavy sigh, I started actually appreciating the flavor of his coffee. It wasn’t until after Mr. Virgo died, that I started drinking my coffee the same strength as his. A “hanging on to memories” kinda thing, I think.

\n

Ben & Sue have offered a place on the counter to put my own coffeemaker where I can brew my version of coffee, but I just haven’t taken the time to go out to the storage bins and search for it. Until I do, I am happy to have a cup or two of what is available. But at least a couple of times a week, I have to take advantage of the many coffee shops in the Metro Denver Area and get a “real” cuppa Joe. 

\n

Yesterday, Mr. FixIt and I had a list of things we wanted to accomplish. We went out to breakfast with Ben & Sue. We started out at Denny’s, but after 15 minutes and no one did so much as bring us silverware, we got up and left. We went to Perkin’s Pancake House. After breakfast, we headed out to run our errands. By the time we were finished, it was 3:00 and we decided to go to Caribou Coffee and get something cold and refreshing. 

\n

I am adamant about my caffeine intake. I cannot have regular coffee after about noon or else I’ll be up all night…ready to plow the south forty. I got about halfway through my iced coffee when I realized I forgot to order decaf! O. M. Gosh!!! As I’m writing this, it’s 8:30 Wednesday evening and I could start painting a barn if I had one! Zooooom! Zooooom!

\n

It’s been hot here, but nothing like the heat y’all are getting back east! Ninety-eight here is certainly not the same as ninety-eight back home. I hope you all are staying safe and well hydrated so you stay healthy!

\n

❤️

\n
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”    1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-07-18T01:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/18/coffee-plowing-the-south-forty.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/16/mother-cabrini-shrine.html", "title": "Mother Cabrini Shrine", "content_html": "

\"View “The view from Mother Cabrini Shrine is stunning!”

\n

The other night when I picked Mr. FixIt up from the airport, I was accelerating to get on the interstate when the transmission made an eerie slipping sound. I turned to him and said, “Did you hear that?” He did…it wasn’t just me! I had heard this same noise several times and I was really worried something was wrong with the transmission. But, Mr. FixIt has been in that truck hundreds of times and never heard it.

\n

Before I even got up yesterday, he and Ben had looked up the number for a reputable transmission shop nearby and as soon as I had a cup of coffee, I called them up. They told me to bring the truck right in and they would check it for me. The transmission fluid was low and they added a whole quart to it. Then the manager of the shop drove the truck around and came back. He said it made every sound it was supposed to and no slips. No surprise there. However, when I got out and drove it, I was pleasantly surprised to feel and hear how smoothly it was shifting, so I think we may have fixed the problem. When we prepared to leave, I asked how much I owed them and they said, “Not a thing. You have a great trip!”

\n

If you need a good transmission place in Arvada, Colorado…go to Jerrod’s!

\n

Since we suddenly had a free day in front of us, we ran to Starbucks for a cup of coffee then headed to the mountains. I was thinking of taking Mr. FixIt to Red Rocks Amphitheater, but I could see dark clouds starting to form in the west. I decided instead to turn into Mother Cabrini Shrine to explore instead.

\n

It has been a full forty years at the least since I’ve been up there. I once went up there and just sat in the field near the shrine to gaze out over downtown Denver. I haven’t explored when improvements were built there, but I don’t remember all those steps. My memory had a path going up and you could walk out into the field surrounding the statue of Jesus at the top of the hill. But, like I said…it has been four decades since I was there so I’m not sure my memory is accurate.

\n

I was surprised the chapel didn’t have candles to light in memory of someone. But there was a grotto below and a much smaller chapel with candles. I lit four candles for special people and said prayers for all of you. Then we went down to the springs. When Mother Cabrini purchased this land for a retreat for orphans, she told others she got it so cheap because there was no water. When she explored the land, she struck a rock with a staff, it broke open, and fresh spring water flowed out from it. We each drank a glass of this miracle water and thanked God for the blessing of the water in such an arid place. 

\n

Mother Cabrini is the first American to be canonized as a Saint. There is a small museum on the property with personal articles that belonged to her. There were also religious relics on display. You could even take a free third degree relic which was a laminated card with a tiny piece of fabric which had come into contact with Mother Cabrini’s clothing somewhere along the line. It was all quite fascinating.

\n

We left just as it started to sprinkle and headed to Olive Garden for an early supper. Then back to Ben and Sue’s. It was a fun day and a good workout with all the steps up to the Sacred Heart statue. This photo was taken about halfway up and if you zoom in, you can just make out the tall buildings of Downtown Denver in the distance. Day one of exploring is under our belts!

\n

❤️

\n
“\"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. \"Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”\n

Matthew 6:1-4 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-16T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/16/mother-cabrini-shrine.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Hope","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/15/a-celebration.html", "title": "A Celebration", "content_html": "

\"Celebrating\" “Celebrating a love…and a life.”

\n

When Mr. FixIt and I got married last October, it was really a rather spur of the moment decision. I didn’t wan’t my kids to have to spend money to come out for the wedding when we were planning a trip to Colorado this summer anyway. So, I told them we would just have a dinner together with those we love and celebrate that way.

\n

Yesterday was our day to celebrate our wedding with our Colorado peeps. Daughter #1 organized it and we had fourteen people over for the same menu we served at the actual wedding…pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, chips, and drinks. In lieu of a wedding cake, and the fact that we all need to fit in our pretty dresses in three weeks for Daughter #2’s wedding, we had fruit salad instead of cake.

\n

It was wonderful to have our loved ones around us. I really wanted them to spend some time with Mr. FixIt and get to know him better…and vice versa. It was such a lovely day and everyone had a great time.  And, today is my daughter and son-in-law’s 24th Weddiing Anniversary! Remembering that beautiful day and hoping they have many, many more!

\n

I am so blessed to have these wonderful people in my life.

\n

I ended the day with a note of sadness, however. I found out a sweet friend of mine died after a ten year struggle with cancer. Rae Ann and I connected six years ago after I joined Sisters on the Fly. She was the only Sister in my area. Rae Ann had an infectious laugh, a gravely voice, and was the best storyteller. She could make your sides split without even trying. I had the very good fortune of camping with her several times. The last time was after she found out her cancer could not be cured. She taught me so much about living the life you have to the fullest. She was camping and kayaking up to the last couple of weeks of her life. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, Rae Ann. You were a shining example of living in the moment and I celebrate your life today!

\n

❤️

\n
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, \"I will never leave you nor forsake you.\"”\n

Hebrews 13:5 ESV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-15T01:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/15/a-celebration.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Warning","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/13/revisiting-memories.html", "title": "Revisiting Memories", "content_html": "

\"Drum “Daughter #2…Marching to her own drum!”

\n

When Daughter #2 was thirteen years old, she and I took off for a three week road trip. It was epic. She was not only in that early teenager mode. We were also working on repairing the damage done from years of depression and too many prescriptions and martinis…not to mention the overdose. It took a lot out of our relationship.

\n

When I arrived in Denver this visit, the ultimate goal is the wedding. My baby is getting married. My little Moon Pie. Only, she’s a full grown woman…out on her own…thriving…dancing to her own drum, as always. We saw each other  the day after I got here and spent several hours visiting and dining out. She made me promise we would do one special thing…just the two of us…before the wedding.

\n

She wanted to go antiquing.

\n

I couldn’t believe my ears. Antiquing? This poor kid was dragged, kicking and screaming, into every antique store in West Virginia, I think. And several between there and Colorado. I loved going to antique stores. She did not. So, this was new. I asked her what brought on this miraculous transformation. 

\n

“I don’t know. Just…suddenly, I find myself looking at antiques online. For fun.”

\n

Ladies and gentleman…there IS life after adolescence!!!

\n

So, yesterday was our antiquing adventure. We started out by having lunch with Daughter #1, Big, and Little. Oh…if you have children, you know what that did to my heart…sitting there with my Colorado kids! ❤️melt After lunch, Daughter #2 and I went to the Brass Armadillo off I-70 and Kipling.

\n

We walked in and she stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened, her mouth dropped open, and she gasped.

\n

“This place is HUGE!”

\n

Yes, my girl…it is!

\n

We wandered around for three hours. She kept grabbing my arm and pulling me over to see this or that. Lots of oooohs and aaaahs and wows. Several times she wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tight and thanked me so much for doing this with her. That’s when I realized…this was SO much more than going to see a bunch of old stuff.

\n

This was a celebration. Of healing. Of love. Of warm memories shared. Even of forgiveness. This was a bonding ritual…something only she and I could share as the wedding rapidly approaches and her life is forever changed. This was incredibly special. And we enjoyed every minute of it. 

\n

We didn’t get to see 1/4th of the store before we were both fried. We left arm in arm and headed out to the truck. I drove her back to her car. As she prepared to leave she reached over and kissed me on the cheek.

\n

“Thank you, mamacita. That was so much fun!”

\n

You’re welcome, Moon Pie.

\n

❤️

\n
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”\n

Psalm 127:3 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-13T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/13/revisiting-memories.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Aging","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/12/saying-goodbye-to-towwanda.html", "title": "Saying Goodbye to TOW-Wanda!", "content_html": "

\"Camper\" “TOW-Wanda…being towed away to her new life with a boy.”

\n

Night before last, I put the camper on Facebook Marketplace at 10:00. It sold in thirty minutes! And, there were thirty people right behind the guy I sold it to, ready to step up and pay cash. I was shocked. I was forthright in explaining the camper needed work or would be perfect for a backyard she shed, writer’s nook, guest quarters, or kids playhouse. Still, the price and “camper” were enough to bring everyone out of the woodwork seeking a deal.

\n

The first person who said he wanted it was a guy who just got married on the 8th. He was so excited to get the camper, he was knowledgeable and fully understood what it was going to take to get her fixed. He wanted to fix up TOW-Wanda so he could take his son camping. He took a picture and sent it to his dad. Then he FaceTimed with his son and I could hear their excitement.

\n

This guy knew campers. He knew what it would take to really fix her right. I am so glad about that because I was worried someone who didn’t really know about them might get it and not heed my warnings and try to tow it to the mountains. We had a long talk. We negotiated a price that was fair and acceptable to us both. I told him, I could see God’s hand all over this. For me…to learn a valuable lesson about inspecting campers well before you buy them. And for him…to affordably get into a camper that he has the skills to fix so that he can be a good dad to his son. 

\n

Yes…I lost money on the deal. But, no one got hurt…just my pride. And there’s a little boy out there who is going to be one happy camper when he gets to go out in the mountains with his dad. There is no price tag on the making of a man.

\n

❤️

\n
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”\n

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-12T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/12/saying-goodbye-to-towwanda.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/11/blog-inspiration.html", "title": "Blog Inspiration", "content_html": "

\"Midsummer’s “Enjoying a midsummer’s eve in Colorado.”

\n

I was talking about my blog the other day with the owner of a lovely antique store in Minturn, Colorado. Just a stone’s throw from the glitz and glamour of Vail, Minturn still holds that little mining town feel it’s had for decades. It is kind of land bound…there can’t be a ton of new expansion and building outrageous mansions for the rich and famous. The town center is located just two miles off I-70, but it seems like a step back in time.

\n

I told the owner of the shop that my life experiences are “blog fodder”. Just about everything I do, I look for the gold in the moment. I ask myself, “How can I weave this into an interesting story without sounding like Aunt Bertha describing her breakfast for the umpteenth time?” I always look for ways my posts can be positive, uplifting, encouraging, and even empowering. I want you to come away with something good for your day…even if it’s just a smile or a giggle.

\n

Yesterday was bittersweet as I began emptying the camper and packing the items away in plastic bins. I need to be able to fit everything in my truck, including what Mr. FixIt brings with him from West Virginia. I’ll list it tomorrow so people can shop over the weekend and hopefully she will find a new home and someone will love her as much as I have. We girl campers have a strong attachment to our little homes on wheels.

\n

I bought some of those big ziplock bags that you vacuum the air out of and the compress the contents for easy storage. I’d never used them before but they were amazing. Ben and Sue have a huge dining room table to accommodate our large family at dinners. I had the top of that table piled two feet deep with pillows, blankets, towels, and my fur throw. By the time I got the items packed and the air vacuumed out, I couldn’t believe how compact it was. There is room in the back under the tonneau cover for one more large bin with some extra space around them. These bags will easily slip between and on top of the plastic bins, keeping the contents from getting wet.

\n

When I was finished with my chores for the day, I went out on the back porch to write. Sue has the most beautiful flowers this summer. It has been rainy and cool up to this week so they are thriving. It’s unusual to keep pots this pretty by the middle of July here in the semi-arid climate of Colorado. The air cooled to a reasonable 81 degrees by 8:30 so I sat there for a long time…admiring the beauty of a midsummer’s eve.

\n

I hope you are enjoying your summer. I was telling Sue at supper list night…I think I’ve only been home a week or so since the last week of May. It’s ok…I’m having a wonderful time and it will only be made better by Mr. FixIt’s arrival on Saturday. Two more sleeps!!!

\n

❤️

\n
“In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”\n

Ephesians 5:28 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-11T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/11/blog-inspiration.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/10/swift-water.html", "title": "Swift Water", "content_html": "

\"Whitewater “I enjoyed watching the kayakers at Eagle Water Park yesterday.”

\n

When my brother told me he was going to be at the Day Program all day yesterday, I decided to stop in for a visit to see how he liked it. I needn’t have worried. The activity yesterday morning was drum circle. He has loved the drums ever since he was a little boy and asked Santa for a set of bongos. I enjoyed every minute watching him really get into the music and the rhythm. It was so much fun to see him enjoying himself.

\n

I stopped at the cemetery on my way to town and visited with Mr. Virgo again. I was disappointed the night before at the state of the cemetery. The weeds were over your knees in some places. I was also disappointed there were no bluebirds. I always see bluebirds when I go and it wasn’t the same.

\n

Mike is the volunteer caretaker and usually keeps everything really well mowed and trimmed. This year, the rain and cool weather made everything grow so fast, it all got ahead of him. When I arrived there yesterday, he was mowing next to Mr. Virgo’s grave. Three years ago, when I visited the grave for the last time before I made West Virginia my permanent home, Mike was working on some new pine tree seedlings nearby. I went over and introduced myself. I slipped him a crisp $100 bill and asked him if he could keep watch over my husband’s grave for me because I wouldn’t be back for a year. Tears ran down his cheek when he saw the money and he shook my hand warmly.

\n

“I’d be honored to.”

\n

I have to say, there were a lot of weeds everywhere, but Mr. Virgo’s grave was neat and tidy. I called Mike over and thanked him profusely for his gentle care. We chatted for a good while as I pulled what little weeds there were. I laughed as I told him how Mr. Virgo would never pull the right plants when he worked in a flower bed because if it had a flower on it, it wasn’t a weed in his book.

\n

After visiting with my brother, I decided to drive up the road toward Sunlight Ski area. That is where we first lived when we moved to Glenwood in 1986. We had a five bedroom log house on two acres. As I drove up the narrow blacktop, a wave of vivid memories washed over me and I let myself go back to that place in my mind…how it felt to be 33…young, fit, my whole life ahead of me. There were times in the past after the divorce from that marriage where letting myself feel that would have been unbearable. But yesterday was sweet. It was a warm, good memory of when Daughter #1 was Little’s age and I was a stay-at-home mom for the first time in her life.

\n

Once I’d seen all I needed to see, I headed for Denver. But, I kept being drawn to the river. I stopped at Grizzly Creek and watched a guy in a wetsuit swim out to the middle of the raging water to capture a runaway kayak. It was shocking how fast that water was. I could easily see how people could drown in situations like that.

\n

I stopped at Eagle Water Park and watched kayakers battle the man made waves and rapids on the Eagle River. I ran into a guy that was camping in his truck and told me the clouds were actually angels and he had some really great pictures of them. I think maybe he’d been partaking in a little “herbal refreshment”, if you catch my drift.

\n

My next stop was Minturn. There used to be a really cute yarn shop there but it was gone. I went into a little antique store there and chatted with the owner for a while. I purchased a gift for my son-in-law’s birthday. The owner suggested if I had a few minutes to spare, I should go out behind her store and sit on one of the benches along the river and just enjoy…take a minute. I smiled because I’d been seeing signs all over Glenwood the last couple of days imploring people to slow down as they drive through town. 

\n

I went out back and watched a hawk hover on the warm wind currents over the river. The sun was warm on my skin and a soft breeze blew my hair across my face. I closed my eyes and listened to the white water rolling big rocks along the riverbed. When I looked across the river, my eyes wandered up the slope noting the incredible variety of wildflowers in full bloom. There was a cliff that ran along the roadside. In it, there was a large hole…a den, I’m sure. I wondered what creatures had called it home over the years. 

\n

I finally pulled myself away and got back on the road. It was going on 3:00 when I got to Vail. I’ll bet I haven’t been in Vail proper in twenty years. I pulled into the parking garage and wandered into the village. There were tourists everywhere, wandering around. I stopped and had a fabulous pizza for an early supper then got back on the road. I hit Denver at about 5:30, but most of the rush hour traffic was heading west.

\n

It was a beautiful day for a slow meander through the most amazing scenery. I arrived back at my little camper feeling as though I’d been gone a month instead of just a quick overnight. I felt good getting up there. I’ll be back to see my brother and take him with us to the wedding in a couple of weeks. Time is flying!

\n

❤️

\n
““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”\n

Job 12:7-10 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-10T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/10/swift-water.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/08/quality-time.html", "title": "Quality Time", "content_html": "

\"Granddaughter “Little snoozing in the morning sunshine.”

\n

Yesterday was so much fun. Little absolutely loved sleeping in the camper. She went to sleep much earlier than usual and I had to wake her up in time to have some breakfast before we left for church. She was very excited to go to “Nana’s Church.” The contemporary mega church model suits Little’s personality to a T. She sat with me and was focused on the sermon throughout. She loved the praise and worship music. She was so animated when we came out of church and declared she wants to go every week. I am highly encouraging that because she had a definite light about her when we came out. 

\n

After church, I took Little home and traded….Big came shopping with me all afternoon. We walked all over Flatirons Crossing Mall, had a delicious lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, enjoyed ice cream on our rest break between stores. She is a frugal shopper and had a wonderful time picking out just what she wanted. As I expected, they were things like athletic wear from Dick’s Sporting Goods…with a definite fashionista flair.

\n

The weather here in Colorado has been quite lovely. We have had rain just about every day and it cools things off nicely. The nights have been wonderful for sleeping in the camper with just the windows open and maybe a small fan. Daughter #2 is in the process of changing jobs and found out today her new job doesn’t start till after the wedding. That means we get some more time together this week. I’m so happy for her. This new job pays more, utilizes her degree, and sends her in a direction that offers advancement.

\n

Mr. FixIt is tying up loose ends at home…preparing to fly to Colorado this weekend. I can’t wait to see him! We really miss each other when we’re apart. He has mowing to do and business to attend to. I’ve been looking up things to do to replace the camping portion of our trip. I’d love to show him the Four Corners area and Mesa Verde. We’ll see what all we have time for.

\n

I hope you enjoyed your 4th of July weekend and have a wonderful Monday!

\n

❤️

\n
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”    1 Timothy 5:8 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-07-08T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/08/quality-time.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/07/making-little-memories.html", "title": "Making “Little” Memories!", "content_html": "

\"Twin “Little’s nest in TOW-Wanda!”

\n

Little is here! She has been at camp all week and we only saw each other for an hour after I arrived last Sunday. I spent a good deal of time with Big this week, so I could hardly wait till Little got back and came over to “camp” with me.

\n

She is my camper. No one else in my Colorado family is even remotely interested in camping. We had big plans to take the camper up in the mountains and stay a couple of days, but with the unfortunate demise of TOW-Wanda…we had to change plans.

\n

I have the camper pulled around behind Ben & Sue’s house, underneath a locust tree. It doesn’t offer anything but a feeling of protection from the frequent hail storms we’ve had this week. I’m plugged into electric and water so I have all the comforts of home in my own little suite.

\n

This incarnation of TOW-Wanda has a queen sized bed with a memory foam mattress that is swoon worthy. It had a bunk bed over the queen bed that also had a memory foam mattress on it. I removed that because I couldn’t sit up without hitting my head. The little dinette collapses down to make a separate twin sized bed that uses the seat cushions for a mattress. Not comfortable for an adult, but just fine for a kid.

\n

Since I’ll be selling this camper here, I went to Walmart yesterday and bought some plastic tubs with tight fitting lids. I spent a couple of hours yesterday taking things out of the camper and fitting them neatly into the storage bins and put them in the back of my truck underneath the tonneau cover. See? There’s a reason I got that before this trip!

\n

With all the extras removed, Little has plenty of room to stretch out and be comfortable while she camps with me. We went out for ribs last night. (Big is a vegetarian so Little and I have to get our carnivore cravings satisfied while her sister isn’t with us.) We had “Mamma Mia: The Movie” downloaded on the iPad to watch after dark.

\n

I don’t get to see my Colorado grands very often…so when I do, I need to make deep and lasting memories with them. Camping with Little last night. Shopping with Big this afternoon. Life is so good!

\n

❤️

\n
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”\n

Proverbs 17:6 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-07T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/07/making-little-memories.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","goRVing","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/05/hail-hailthe-gangs-all-here.html", "title": "Hail, Hail...The Gang’s All Here!", "content_html": "

\"Lilies\" “The beauty of sunshine and lilies.”

\n

Daughter #2 and I got a chance to spend a few hours together yesterday. We had coffee at the house then went shopping at Target. Man, that store has changed since the last time I went there. I used to shop Target all the time, but we don’t have one anywhere near where we live in West Virginia. After shopping at Walmart all these years, Target looks like an upscale department store.

\n

We went out to breakfast at Sam’s No. 3…a wonderful diner in Cherry Creek that has the most extensive menu I think I have ever seen. Eggs Benedict was my choice yesterday and it was divine. If you ever go to Denver and get to spend any time there, you really should go.

\n

We had a big family gathering with those who were in town yesterday. Lots of food and homemade ice cream. The fireworks were going off all around us. And Mother Nature provided some of her own! We had two big storms blow through with a tornado watch and lots of hail. It did succeed in cooling things off immensely, which was very nice.

\n

I showed the girls the dresses I’ve bought that I could wear to the wedding and we all agreed on one. Also, I gave them the quilt I made for their wedding gift and they loved it! It was a beautiful day with my Colorado family. 

\n

❤️

\n
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”\n

Proverbs 23:22 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-05T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/05/hail-hailthe-gangs-all-here.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Forgiveness","Aging","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/04/independence-day.html", "title": "Independence Day!!!", "content_html": "

\"Colorado “Colorado’s sky is always amazing!”

\n

It seems like I’m in Denver just about every Independence Day. Since I don’t travel here in the winters anymore, I make my trips extra long in the summer and they just about always hit during this fun, but noisy, holiday. As I am writing this, neighborhood fireworks are going off all around me and it sounds like a war zone. 

\n

Yesterday, I helped Daughter #1 upholster a padded cover for a chest she uses as a coffee table. Their new couch doesn’t have the recliners like her old one and they needed something comfortable to prop up their feet when they watch TV. It turned out beautiful and we were very proud when it was finished.

\n

Big has her learner’s permit and I rode with them to lunch yesterday. It brought back memories of when I taught her mommy how to drive. I was very pregnant at the time and it was quite an adventure. My granddaughter is a very conservative driver and she did a great job. I cannot imagine learning to drive in Denver traffic! It’s crazy busy here all the time now…not just rush hour.

\n

I forget how amazingly beautiful Colorado’s sky is! We came out of the grocery store at sunset yesterday and the clouds and light were stunning in every single direction. I stood there like a tourist seeing it for the first time…turning round and round taking pictures in the parking lot.

\n

Today is full of family, food, and fun! I hope you all have a fun and safe holiday!!!

\n

❤️

\n
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”\n

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-04T01:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/04/independence-day.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/25/road-trip-falling-into-place.html", "title": "Road Trip: Falling Into Place", "content_html": "

 

\n

\"Tonneau “Tonneau Cover for a Pickup”

\n

My old truck had a fiberglass topper on it. It was really nice. I had the top lined with a carpet liner as well as a carpet bed liner. I had a couple of garment rods, a light, and two 12v outlets installed as well. It had a rack on the roof for my kayak. It was a sweet setup. Then, when my truck was totaled, the topper and all it’s accouterments went with it.

\n

My new-to-me truck just has a plastic bed liner. There have been many times I have wished I had some way to tote things on my trips without necessarily having them visible to anyone who parks right beside us. I happened to mention this to Mr. FixIt the other day. He doesn’t forget things like this. We’ll get back to that in a minute.

\n

A lot of things fell into place yesterday. First, we thought we might need new tires before I head to Denver. Mr. FixIt called all around and finally found a suitable pair for a reasonable price at Sam’s, but still…mounted and balanced…four tires were going to cost nearly $800! A chunk of change, to be sure. That’s the price of owning a truck.

\n

We signed in at the tire desk, ordered the four tires, and paid for them. It was going to take about two hours so we started wandering around the store. About ten minutes later, they paged me overhead and we went back to the auto department. It turns out, I had a little over half the tread left on the tires and he didn’t want me to buy something I didn’t need.

\n

How refreshing! Thank you, Brandon!

\n

I did ask them, since they already had the truck back there, to please rotate the tires so they did that. As we were looking around the store, Mr. FixIt got a text. He said he had found a used tonneau cover for my truck for $150. I texted the woman selling it. She asked if I could also use a carpet bed liner! Well, yes…as a matter of fact. She then went on to tell me she was sick and tired of advertising stuff and if I wanted them both, she would sell them together for $75. Score! Now I can have a cover over my stuff during the Colorado trip.

\n

We went to pick up our mail at the post office and there was my new water pump for the camper. Mr. FixIt can get that put in for me today, I can clean out my camper and restock it, run to town, change the oil on the truck, and leave for my trip west…maybe on Wednesday! I am really looking forward to seeing my kids and grandkids so if everything lines up like this, I’ll be on my way sooner rather than later.

\n

Another road trip, Ranchers! Head ‘em up…move ‘em out!

\n

❤️

\n
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”\n

Proverbs 16:9 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-06-25T01:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/25/road-trip-falling-into-place.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/24/the-simple-things.html", "title": "The Simple Things", "content_html": "

\"Tractor “My birthday present…a shade for the tractor!”

\n

Mr. FixIt and I were in Florida on my birthday. Like most men…smart men, anyway…he wanted me to tell him what I would like for my birthday. I told him, if I were younger, I would dearly love to have a chainsaw. He smiled. I told him all the great things I would do with a chain saw. The only thing is, I don’t have the upper body strength to do much with a chain saw anymore. So it was a rather moot point.

\n

I couldn’t think of anything else. I don’t need tchotchkes. I like to buy my own clothes. I don’t need jewelry or anything fancy. Experiences are the best, but I was even drawing a blank for that. Finally, I told him there would come a moment when I would know exactly what I would like to have for my birthday and he could buy it then.

\n

After church yesterday, we stopped at Lowes to pick up some dust masks so I can mow without worrying about getting another sinus infection. While we were there, I turned to Mr. FixIt. 

\n

“Do they make some sort of umbrella or something to put on the riding mower so when I’m out mowing, I’m not sitting out in the hot sun?”

\n

“I’m sure they do, sweetheart. Let’s go look.”

\n

We came around the corner to the riding mower display and there, before my very eyes, was exactly what I wanted! My husband always looks at me in a rather bemused way…as though I’m some sort of strange and exotic creature he’s never seen before. And, I suppose in a way, I am. He has never known a woman who would want a sunshade for the riding mower as her birthday present.

\n

When we got home, he put my shade together and…unfortunately…there was a piece that was broken on it. I managed to fiddle with it and made it work yesterday while I was mowing, but we will return it for one that isn’t broken. It worked really well. The only think is, you have to be really careful when you are going under trees because the low hanging limbs will knock it down. 

\n

When I finished mowing, I came around the corner and Mr. FixIt was in the pool cleaning it out so that when I was done, I could take a refreshing dip. What a sweet man! Afterward, we went to the local pizza joint. We ran into my cousins and visited with them while we ate. It was a perfect, sunny summer day. My grandma would have declared we are “knee deep in June.” She would have been absolutely correct!

\n

❤️

\n
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.\"”\n

Genesis 8:22 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-06-24T01:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/24/the-simple-things.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Aging","Choices","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/22/the-deep-south.html", "title": "The Deep South", "content_html": "

\"Live “A canopy of live oak lines a stately boulevard in the equestrian city of Aiken, South Carolina.”

\n

I don’t know if y’all consider South Carolina to be the “Deep South” or not, but I do. Anything south of the Mason Dixon line is Deep South to me. I love the south. Southern hospitality, amazing architecture and delicious taste sensations await you in the south. When you can sit and get as much moisture off the outside of a cold glass of iced tea as there is liquid inside…you are celebrating the Summer Solstice in the Carolinas.

\n

When we left the condo yesterday morning, we made a bee line for St. Augustine where I met up with my longest long-time friend…my sister of another mother…my partner in crime…mi amiga who would open a can of whoop a** on anyone who ever did me wrong….THAT friend. We jumped out of our cars and ran into each other’s arms. We haven’t seen each other since my mom died fifteen years ago and our reunion has been long overdue.

\n

We crammed a lot into the following two and a half hours till we finally had to kiss and hug over the car door for another half hour. That’s a southern thing…the long front porch goodbye then the longer driveway goodbye. We finally tore ourselves away and headed for Aiken, South Carolina.

\n

My dear friend Deneene and her husband Mark got married this spring and we were unable to attend because we were away at the OBX. We had never been to their home nor had we met the newest member of the family…a lovely blue-grey French bulldog named Griffen. Shortly after we arrived, we went to visit Mary…a Sister on the Fly I met in Nashville four years ago at the Country Living Fair. Deneene and Mary met here and somehow I came up in the conversation and they both knew me. Small world.

\n

We went on a “windshield tour” of Aiken and saw much of the equestrian facilities. We drove around and ogled the stately homes along wide boulevards connected by tunnels of live oak dripping with Spanish moss. The air was sticky and hot and we soon found ourselves at Deneene and Mark’s favorite ice cream parlor. I had a blackberry ice cream that made me swoon, it was so good.

\n

I caught this picture of the lovely old live oak canopy. Mark stopped and let me out so I could patiently wait for the traffic to subside in order to get as unobstructed a view as possible. I stood in the middle of the street and marveled at the view. The story is, a physician used to drive his horse and carriage up this boulevard to and from his rounds. His wife felt so sorry for him in the scorching Carolina sunshine so she had these live oak trees planted to provide him shade.

\n

It was a lovely day and evening. Old friends are the touchstones we have with our former selves. Love knows no distance. Nor does it know time. Each visit picked up right where we left off the last time. You almost feel like, “So, anyway…as I was saying…” And they totally know what you’re talking about. That’s a GOOD friend…a dear friend…an honest and true friend.

\n

What an incredible honor it is to have friends like that.

\n

Today we head on home. It will be at least a ten hour day. I knitted all day yesterday. I can’t ask Mr. FixIt to do all the driving today though. I have to do my share. But I do so love to knit while we drive. We have periods of animated conversations. And, we have periods of companionable silence. We are great travel companions, come to find out.

\n

❤️

\n
“Again the watchman reported, \"He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.\"”\n

2 Kings 9:20 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-06-22T01:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/22/the-deep-south.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Humbled","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/17/early-bird-special.html", "title": "Early Bird Special", "content_html": "

\"Florida “Father’s Day in Florida…a little slice of Heaven!”

\n

It wasn’t that many years ago that I looked on as “old people” toddled into restaurants to eat dinner at 4:00 in the afternoon. The “Early Bird Special”.  “Bonkers!” I thought. “What on earth are they doing eating at this time of day? Don’t they know how to have FUN anymore?”

\n

HA!

\n

Guess who can’t eat anything other than Raisin Bran after 5:00??? Yeah…what goes around, comes around, don’t it?

\n

So Father’s Day started out great. A lovely breakfast served to my sweet man…father to a great family…love of my heart. Then, we headed to the Ponce deLeon Lighthouse. We’ve been there before. It was earlier in the day…I was in much better shape…and it wasn’t so darned hot the last time. The “feels like” temperature yesterday when we arrived at said lighthouse was 98 degrees. 

\n

When you came out of the drastically air conditioned gift shop into the Florida heat and humidity at 1:00 in the afternoon, it seriously felt like walking into a sauna. And, there were signs everywhere that said “No water bottles.” Among other important things to leave behind like pets and flip flops. 

\n

Seriously? You want a slightly pudgy West Virginian with heat intolerance to climb up 203 steps…without water…or air, for that matter. Ok, I’ve done it before…I’m sure I can do it again. As I climbed the stairs, I got to the first landing and remembered. THIS was the lighthouse I didn’t like before. It gets narrower and narrower the further up you go till it becomes really tight. AND…they don’t open the windows so there is zero air flow.

\n

The last time I felt like this was in 1989 when I climbed up the interior staircase of the hidden inner pyramid of Chichen Itza. Very narrow, steep stairs, slippery with the dampness, only the occasional incandescent bulb hanging dimly to lead your way. Four of us entered…our good friends, Hubby #2, and me. Only two of us made it up. Me and our friend’s husband. The others backed out with feelings of claustrophobia. 

\n

This felt tight and close like that and by the time I got up to that first flight, I couldn’t breathe. It was the heat and being out of and still feeling the effects of illness. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “Nope…not doing this one!” I went down and out and sat in a rocker on the front porch of the lighthouse keeper’s house, waiting for Mr. FixIt to come out on the balcony above.

\n

He snapped a few pictures and chatted with some folks from Roanoke then gave me a jaunty wave. When he came back down, he looked like a drowned rat. It was time to cool off and we headed for the air conditioned museums.

\n

Once we were cooler, we headed to the truck and drove down to New Smyrna Beach. I’ve got to tell you, driving down that narrow little street with the Father’s Day crowds didn’t feel much different than climbing that ever narrowing lighthouse with no air. I couldn’t believe how many people were crowded into such a tiny area. 

\n

I’ve been there before so I didn’t really need to get out. But it was Father’s Day…we do for the ones we love. I won out when we finally found ONE parking spot in a lot. You pay by entering your driver’s license number and stick in your credit card. When the fee came up in the window, I nearly fell over. $20.00! You had to pay for a full day. Nope! Not doing that either.

\n

We headed back toward our condo and we both decided we were hungry and wanted seafood. We came by Blackbeard’s Inn and remembered eating there the last time we were in Florida. We pulled in and had such a good meal. Blue crab cake and coconut shrimp with a baked potato. All perfectly delicious.

\n

What time was it, you ask? 

\n

4:00

\n

The Early Bird Special!

\n

sigh

\n

❤️

\n
‬‬“Do not reject me now that I am old; do not abandon me now that I am feeble.”    ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭71:9‬ ‭GNT
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-06-17T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/17/early-bird-special.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/06/one-hour-thirtyfive-dollars-a.html", "title": "One Hour \u0026 Thirty-Five Dollars = A Haircut", "content_html": "

\"Woman “Before and After…what a difference a haircut makes!”

\n

I haven’t really felt like my perky self for a while. Nothing I could really put my finger on. Maybe a little tired. Maybe a little down about aging. I’ve been losing weight but avoiding the mirror. It didn’t really dawn on me till I saw pictures from the baptism a couple of weeks ago and I was up on the stage with my bonus granddaughter. Gasp! I looked SO old! I looked like my grandma. Not that that is a bad thing, but I’m talking in her 80’s. I was in desperate need of a haircut!

\n

I always celebrate birthday month…not just a week or a weekend or a day. Nope…I was born in June…I celebrate JUNE! This month I turn 66. It’s only a number. I have more energy than I did at half my age. I remember when I turned 26. I was SO depressed! It had been a WHOLE DECADE since I got my driver’s license. Give me a break! Now it’s been half a century since I got my driver’s license. insert eye roll here

\n

No, it wasn’t my actual calendar age that was getting to me. It was my hair. I got lazy. I got tired of going in every six weeks and getting it cut. I got tired of sometimes having the perfect cut and other times wondering what went wrong. I got tired of spending the money on something that you just have to do over and over and over. 

\n

It’s not my fault really. I saw beautiful older women on Pinterest…long flowing locks of silver hair caressing unnaturally perky breasts. Stylishly dressed. Leaning against brick buildings in downtown New York City….their jacket carelessly draped across their shoulders…their chunky boho jewelry and oversized sunglasses deflecting my gaze from anything that could barely be called crepe-y skin. No…Pinterest assured me I would look uber chic with long, silver hair.

\n

Then, I took a look at myself and wondered what on earth possessed me to do such a thing. Me…in my JCPenney sleeveless summer dress made from t-shirt material. Me…of the ample upper arms and comfortable tummy. Me…of the “I know I have makeup SOMEWHERE in this house!” Me…of the Chacos and farmer tan and clip-on sunglasses and floppy brimmed had and a riding mower. Yeah…it was time for a reality check.

\n

I called Michelle on Tuesday and cried uncle. I said, “You win! I’m coming in to cut it off!” I’m almost sure I heard an audible sigh of relief from the other end of the phone. “How’s tomorrow at 11:00?” She didn’t want to wait too long for fear I might change my mind.

\n

An hour. Thirty-five dollars. That’s all it took to bring back my sparkle. It’s really true…if you LOOK good, you FEEL good. I walked out of there feeling like a million bucks! It’s such a simple thing…getting a haircut. Oh, and a pedi. A MUCH needed pedi. I hadn’t had a “Me Day” for such a long time. It was way overdue and I feel so much better.

\n

I sent the before and after photos to Mr. FixIt with a note…”Here’s the girl you fell in love with!” And you wanna know what he said?

\n

“You’re beautiful…but, I didn’t fall in love with your hair.”

\n

My cheeks hurt from smiling.

\n

❤️

\n
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”    1 Peter 4:8 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-06-06T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/06/one-hour-thirtyfive-dollars-a.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/04/field-of-dreams.html", "title": "Field of Dreams", "content_html": "

\"Field “My Field of Dreams.”

\n

I know, I know…how many pictures of a field am I going to post here, right? Oh…however many times I am moved by the view, I suppose…which is daily. Every day, every hour, the view changes with the light. This was taken Sunday afternoon after the heavy rain and hail that swept through the surrounding area. I love the way the sky is slightly pink as the sun begins to set over the hill far to the left there. The air is soft with humidity and brushes the edges of the woods with a velvety glow.

\n

I have a lifelong sister/friend who asked me yesterday if there wasn’t family who could come and mow this for us. After all…I’m 65. I smiled at her love and concern for me. Then I told her what I tell everyone who asks why I still mow. First, 65…nay, 66 in nine days…is young, if you ask me. Second, this is my home, too. Of course I’m going to work on it. Also, seriously…all I do is sit on a riding mower and drive around and around with headphones on listening to rock and roll music. How hard is that?

\n

My biggest reason is this…I spent my entire life praying to have exactly what I have now. I have so much joy in my heart, a few hours driving around cutting grass is the smallest of prices to pay. I truly love it! That being said, my shoulders are tired and sore when I’m done. I wish for a hot shower and a masseuse…only one of which is readily available. But it’s a good sore…a good tired. And I sleep really soundly when I’ve worked hard.

\n

I mowed the big fields yesterday while Mr. FixIt was in town working. We have a lot to get done before we head out camping on Thursday. According to the weather report, we are in for a cool, cloudy weekend with the possibility of rain showers. That’s ok…we’ll have plenty to keep us busy under the canopies. I bought walls for the canopy that will hold heat in. Gail has her canopy, as well. Camping is fun, no matter what!

\n

❤️

\n
“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”    Psalm 96:11-12 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-06-04T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/04/field-of-dreams.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/28/praying-for-others.html", "title": "Praying for Others", "content_html": "

\"Praying “Praying for others is the key to freedom.”

\n

As time passes, my daughter’s wedding is looming in the forefront of my mind. What to wear? Well, I’ve bought three dresses…so far. It depends what suits me that day, I think. The event seems to be fast and loose so I’m not terribly worried about that part. 

\n

As I headed into this, the idea of being the mother of the bride…for the last time really…filled me with delicious anticipation mixed with bits of trepidation. Her father and I have mended a lot of fences over the years and I am so proud of the way we can demonstrate good behaviors for our kids and grandkids. Long gone are the angry jabs at each other over a love gone awry.

\n

I overcame the majority of the pain, anger, and resentment through fervent prayer and good therapy. Prayer was my tool. I prayed my family would be healed. I prayed the father of my child would find joy and happiness with the woman he chose. The more I prayed for HIM, the happier I became.

\n

That being said, the enemy loves to sneak in and tell me lies. He loves to remind me I’ve gained a few pounds and my ex-husband will notice. He loves to make me second guess myself and be self conscious of my body and my dress choice. He loves to whisper in my ear and tell me if I would have been a better wife, that great big estate my ex owns could have been mine.

\n

Lies. They are all lies. I could have been the best wife in the history of the universe and the marriage could have still fallen apart. I’m not taking 100% of that one. I’ll comfortably accept my 50%. If I even consider my weight as being something my ex would judge me for, I’m setting myself up for failure and disappointment. 

\n

Here’s the thing…if we look for something, we WILL find it. If I look for judgement, I’ll feel judged. If I look for criticism, I’ll feel criticized…even if it’s subconsciously. And, as soon as I feel those things, I’ll react defensively. That whole scenario is a totally no win situation. Nothing good can come from that.

\n

Recently I read about a technique for recognizing the cycle of anxiety and stopping it in its tracks. The premise is, as soon as you feel the very first sensations of anxiety…even if it’s just the thought of feeling anxious…you pull back and become the observer. Recognize what is happening and say to yourself…”Hmmmm, that’s interesting. I’m having a feeling that stemmed from a thought. It is just a thought.” Then, you picture surrounding that thought in a bubble, reach out, and poke it with your finger.

\n

Poof!

\n

When you can recognize what anxiety really is, it’s much easier to step back, give it a poke, and send it on it’s way. It has been working quite well in the last few months. One would think, at the ripe age of 66 (in about three weeks), I’d have gotten a handle on anxiety long before now. Sometimes it’s the fear of having an anxiety attack that brings it on. It’s crazy…but it’s quite real.

\n

This wedding isn’t about me. His house isn’t about me. My weight isn’t even completely about me in that it was caused by taking steroids twice this year. I’m the only me I have. I am the only mom my kids have. The only Nana for my grands. I am my husband’s queen. He will think I am scrumptious no matter what I’m wearing or where I sit. 

\n

This is such a relief…to let go of fear. The fear of rejection. The fear of not being good enough. The fear of doing or saying something wrong. 

\n

I am enough. I have always been enough.

\n

 Dang…I love my sixties!

\n

❤️

\n
“But the moment one turns to the Lord with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see. Now, the “Lord” I’m referring to is the Holy Spirit, and wherever he is Lord, there is freedom.”\n

2 Corinthians 3:16-17 TPT

\n", "date_published": "2019-05-28T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/28/praying-for-others.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Marriage","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/25/steaks-on-the-grill.html", "title": "Steaks on the Grill", "content_html": "

\"Yellow “Iris on the creekbank.”

\n

I’ve felt a day ahead all week. Yesterday, I thought it was Saturday. That’s a happy kind of mistake…it gives me a whole extra day! We got lots done yesterday. It’s time to open the pool. I had no idea how much work a pool is. We put the cover over it last fall and it doesn’t fit just right. Then, all the rain collected on the top and pulled it down on the surface of the water. Top that with leaves, pollen, and algae and we had a mess to clean up. 

\n

It took us the longest time to get the cover out. We did everything we could to keep from dumping all that algae down into the water. Mr. FixIt finally got the submersible pump and managed to get the most of the water off the top. Enough to get it out of the pool, anyway. He hosed all that junk off of it and we spread it out to dry in the field while we started cleaning the pool.

\n

There is a tool you use to sweep up the leaves and junk out. It’s round with wheels that hold it an inch above the bottom of the pool. There is a hole in the top with a net bag over it. You attach a water hose and a long pole to it. Then you drop it in the water, turn on the hose, and it sucks the stuff out of the bottom and filters it through the net. All you have to do is empty the net when it gets full.

\n

Once we got the majority of the stuff cleaned out, we let the hose run and filled the pool back up to the correct level. That isn’t the end of it though. Now we have to start putting in the chemicals and algaecide till the water is crystal clear. Then, once a week or so, we need to clean the pool out and keep monitoring the chemical levels. Honestly, if it weren’t for the kids, I’d say the heck with it. It’s a boatload of work for the few times we actually use it. But, the kids love it and you know what you do for your grandkids.

\n

We relaxed on the deck around the pool last night and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. I grilled steaks and had corn on the cob and baked potato for supper. When I retired to the camper to write, the soft evening air was redolent with the heady aroma of the honeysuckle in bloom. I sneezed my head off…but the aroma was worth it. 

\n

❤️

\n
“I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees.”\n

Ecclesiastes 2:6 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-05-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/25/steaks-on-the-grill.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/24/thunderbolt-and-lightningbugs.html", "title": "Thunderbolt and Lightning(bugs)", "content_html": "

\"Dew “Dew on the grass. Lightning bugs. Whippoorwills. It’s springtime in West Virginia.”

\n

I saw the very first lightning bugs of the season on May 17th. It was the first night Mr. FixIt and I slept in the new camper. Then it got cold and I didn’t see any. But I saw a couple more last night. Some folks call them fireflies. We loved summer when we were kids…for so many reasons. But one of the best things was catching lightning bugs and putting them in a canning jar.

\n

PopPop would poke holes in a jar lid. We’d put a little grass in the bottom of the jar so the lightning bugs would feel at home. Then us kids would run all over the yard catching the little critters when they swooped up out of the lawn at dusk. We would capture as many as we could and then take the jar to bed with us to watch the magical little lights flash in the dark.

\n

Sometimes before bed, my Uncle Bud would bring a watermelon out of the cellar house and cut it up in thick slices. He’d cut each slice in half so we had a semi-circle of red sweetness to cool us off. Grandma would let us use the salt shaker and sprinkle a little on before we ate it. To this day, I can’t eat watermelon without salt. We had contests to see who could spit a seed the farthest. Uncle Bud always warned us not to swallow any seeds or we’d grow watermelons in our bellies. For a long time I thought pregnant women weren’t eating watermelon the right way!

\n

Once the watermelon was finished, grandma ran a basin of warm water and we washed up and headed to bed. If it was the peak of summer, we wore little seersucker babydoll PJ’s to bed with just a sheet to cover us. We didn’t know what air conditioning was. We were lucky to have a fan in Uncle Bob’s room that sucked all the hot air out of the house. When it was cool enough, someone turned off the fan.

\n

I remember so many summer nights with my jar of lightning bug on a chair by the bed, listening to the night sounds out at the farm. Whippoorwills. Owls. Peepers and tree frogs and bull frogs. When I was really little, we heard bobwhites. I think I might have heard one or two since then.

\n

This is why I love the farm. These memories. They’re as thick as cobwebs and unavoidable. West Virginia. The country. It all just brings me so much peace. I am so grateful I listened to that inner voice and came home when I did. I have never been so happy as I am here…in the home of my heart.

\n

❤️

\n
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”    James 1:17 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-24T01:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/24/thunderbolt-and-lightningbugs.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/23/wascally-wabbits.html", "title": "Wascally Wabbits!", "content_html": "

\"Man “Mr. FixIt…working in the garden.”

\n

Mr. FixIt came to me the other morning with a dejected sigh.

\n

“Something ate the beans.”

\n

Again? Hmpffff! Don’t they know that little piece of ground is OURS??? They have five acres. I just want this little patch. Yeah…not likely. We used the rabbit deterrent faithfully…until, we didn’t. All it took was one little rain and one lapse of memory and…poof! No more beans. I think it is the rabbits. But it could be that little chipmunk. Or deer. Or…whatever. The point is…unless you put some sort of protective fencing or netting or both around your garden, you cannot expect to provide a salad bar without getting dinner guests.

\n

That’s ok. We still have the tomatoes. Plenty of tomatoes!!! We had twelve tomato plants and one mysteriously disappeared. No footprints. No trace…just gone. So, we are left with eleven tomato plants and a couple dozen onions. We’re good.

\n

I went to the farm yesterday to get the shades from the big camper. For those of you who have been around for the long haul, you will remember the first thing I did when I bought that camper was take those hideous window coverings off. If I’m going to sell the camper, I need to put them back. While I was there, I did the last load of laundry and gathered some camping items I will need in a couple of weeks when we go to Blackwater Falls with the Girl Campers. That’s one thing I like about Girl Campers…you can bring your hubby if you like. We just ask that they do something on their own while we’re there so we can have our girl time. Mr. FixIt is taking his golf clubs.

\n

I’m taking the ice cream freezer. There is something so special about homemade ice cream when you’re camping. I also brought the screen house. The mosquitoes will be making an appearance before long and some people are more susceptible to bites than others. I want to make sure everyone is comfortable and has a place to sit out of the rain if need be.

\n

When I got home, Mr. FixIt had a table saw on the back of the truck that needed to be unloaded. It was way too heavy to pick up but we used our brains over our brawn and tipped it onto a dolly and down the ramps into the garage. Perfect! Just as we were done, the former Mrs. FixIt came over to pick up a tent to go camping. I really like her and we sat for four hours visiting. Then my bonus granddaughter and the baby came over with ice cream. It was such a beautiful day!

\n

I love that we can demonstrate for the younger generations that the family relationship doesn’t have to end with divorce. We just open our hearts more and let in love and healing. 

\n

❤️

\n
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”    Psalm 133:1 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-23T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/23/wascally-wabbits.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/21/girl-camper-quilt.html", "title": "Girl Camper Quilt", "content_html": "

\"Cute “The Girl Camper Quilt is almost finished!”

\n

I spent the day yesterday at Schoolhouse Quilts. I finished sewing the border on the quilt and Carolyn did the machine quilting. I sat and visited and looked at quilting books for inspiration while the quilt was in the longarm. They make these things so fancy these days. First, she scrolled through the different patterns the machine could quilt in, then you simply put it in the rollers that hold it and push go. You do have to kind of keep an eye on it, but it’s pretty amazing how fast you can machine quilt. I think there’s probably 12 hours of work in this quilt. I do still have to hand stitch the binding down yet. It will be a prize in a giveaway we’ll be doing soon so stay tuned for details and how to enter to win!

\n

We slept in the camper again Sunday night. I am not kidding…I could sleep in my camper every night of the year. I love it that much. I love CAMPING that much. I was going through my calendar yesterday and realized the next Girl Camping event is in sixteen days. The time really flies once warm weather gets here, doesn’t it? It seems like it crawls all winter.

\n

The weather is so beautiful right now. We had rain and I swear, between the rain and the heat, you can actually HEAR the grass grow! I know starting today, we’ll have to start the next round of mowing. I don’t mind mowing, really. It’s fun to get out on the riding mower and let my mind wander as I watch the fields become groomed lawns. But when you start having to mow twice a week, it does get tiresome. 

\n

Still…with all the work, with all the heat and humidity and bugs and mowing…I wouldn’t trade this life for anything in the whole world! This week we clean and open the pool and mow and hoe the garden. I also will sew the binding on these two quilts and maybe even knit a little on the socks I started at camp. That plus keeping up with my writing schedule and I’ll be one busy Mountain Mama! 

\n

❤️

\n
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”    Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-21T01:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/21/girl-camper-quilt.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Love","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/20/a-lovely-summer-evening.html", "title": "A Lovely Summer Evening", "content_html": "

\"Peony\" “Spring? It’s more like summer here in West Virginia!”

\n

Ok…it’s not officially summer for another month. But the temperature on the truck was 93 yesterday afternoon so that is close enough for me! Mr. FixIt and I camped in the yard beside the big building Saturday night and it was wonderful. The windows were open and a small fan on low kept us very comfortable. The mattress in the camper is better than any in the house and it’s the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a week. The climb-over-you bed configuration wasn’t a problem so I think we’re a go for the big Colorado trip later this summer.

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Church was wonderful…again. As I stood there, holding Mr. FixIt’s hand, praising with the other…I counted my blessings as I counted my bonus family down the pew. Afterwards was breakfast out and catching up with what’s going on in their busy lives. (They thought it was very funny that their grandpa and I camped in the yard. He does lots of new things since I came along!)

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We delivered a saw to his son and checked out the deck they are rebuilding. Then we headed home. I had a deadline to meet on this new writing project I’m involved with so I climbed in my little camper, turned on the AC, and got busy. In the meantime, someone came to look at the camper we are selling. When we were both finished, we did that very fun thing we love to do…we took a drive and stopped for ice cream!

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As we walked back in, the light was perfect on our peonies just outside the back door so I had to stop and snap a picture. It was the perfect summation of the day…soft and sweet, warm and blessed. As I write this, I am again in the little camper, the windows flung open, the frogs peeping in the creek beyond the far field. What a rich and lovely life we lead!

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❤️

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“The season has changed, the bondage of your barren winter has ended, and the season of hiding is over and gone. The rains have soaked the earth and left it bright with blossoming flowers. The season for singing and pruning the vines has arrived. I hear the cooing of doves in our land, filling the air with songs to awaken you and guide you forth.”    Song of Songs 2:11-12 TPT
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-20T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/20/a-lovely-summer-evening.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/19/another-quilt-top.html", "title": "Another Quilt Top", "content_html": "

\"Camper “Cute camper material for a raffle quilt”

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My dear friend Gail and I will be co-hosting a Girl Camper Gathering at Blackwater Falls next month. Gail is so talented and we have so much in common…it’s always fun to camp with her. We have some great ideas for fun things to do while we are camping. This is our Kick Off to Summer Camping Event so I wanted to do something special so I’m making a lap quilt to raffle off. There will be more details as we get things finalized. If any of you are interested in camping with me, this would be an excellent opportunity! Blackwater Falls has cabins and a Lodge so there are alternatives to traditional camping if that’s not your thing. It is a beautiful park with lots to see and do.

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I went to Schoolhouse Quilts again yesterday and sewed for a few hours. I almost have the top for the little camper quilt finished. I’ll have to go in next week to finish it up. I just LOVE this material and the colors are SO Girl Camperish. Carolyn who owns the shop had some really cute ideas for the border so I can’t wait to share it with you when it’s done.

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Mr. FixIt and I went to the cemetery yesterday to decorate the graves of my family. We will do his family’s after church today. I wanted to avoid the rush of next weekend, especially at the little country cemetery where my family members are. There’s one little lane that goes in…the same lane comes out. And it’s on a hillside so there’s no wiggle room to pass each other.

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After the cemetery, we went to North Bend State Park and checked out the campgrounds. The main campground was jam packed with kids, which I think is wonderful. They were riding bikes and playing games and enjoying themselves immensely. I am so glad their parents are getting them out and teaching them the love of camping. That being said, I am past the age of wanting to camp in a crowded campground full of screaming children. Fortunately, there is a new campground for the older, more sedate crowd. It was far more to my liking.

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We ran to the farm and had dinner out so it was date night for us. It was a welcome respite to mowing, mowing, mowing!

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We didn’t get to go camping this weekend so we camped last night at home in my new-to-me camper. This was our first attempt sleeping in this camper together so we will see how the climb-over-you bed arrangement works.

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❤️

\n
“However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless.”    Ecclesiastes 11:8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-19T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/19/another-quilt-top.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Love","Peace","Presence","Girl Camper","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/18/quilting-and-thunderstorms.html", "title": "Quilting and Thunderstorms", "content_html": "

\"Quilting\" “Sewing a quilt for my daughter’s wedding gift. The finished top below. Now it will be machine quilted.”

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I was trying to remember the last time I made a quilt. I do believe it was a wedding gift for Daughter #1. They’ve been married 24 years this July! So, it’s been a long, long time. Twenty-four years ago, I had a lot more patience doing piece work than I do now. I made a beautiful king sized quilt in an intricately pieced pattern. It took me a long time to make the quilt top and I knew I would never get a quilt that big hand quilted in time for the wedding. I had heard about Cabin Creek Quilters so I took it there to see if anyone could quilt it for me.

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The lovely lady in the fabric room in a house WAY up a single track dirt road up a narrow holler was kind enough to do it for me. I picked it up the following summer when I came to West Virginia for a visit. I asked her what I owed her and she said $100! I refused to pay her that. I paid her $200 and that was a bargain.

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The quilt for Daughter #2’s wedding is different. I used precut 10” squares and decided the machine quilting would be the showpiece. Their colors are purple and green. I finished the quilt top yesterday and left it with the shop owner. She will sandwich the batting and backing fabric and sew on the binding. I’ll finish the hand-stitching on the binding myself. 

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While I was at the shop, I saw some really cute fabric with little campers on it. I’m going to make a throw with it. I don’t know if I’ll make another quilt with an intricate pattern again, but I might. It was really fun to sit at the quilt shop and sew all afternoon. It was reminiscent of my little needlework shop when the gals would come sit and stitch all day on Wednesdays. Those were wonderful memories.

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It rained terribly hard yesterday afternoon and it made the humidity go up to 90% last night. Today is supposed to get up to 89 degrees. I think I could live at 72 degrees year round and be perfectly happy. At least the basement didn’t leak! All that rain brought out the frogs. We had them calling in the yard all night. I love the night sounds here. Night before last there was a whippoorwill on the old TV antenna over our bedroom window. Believe me, they aren’t as pleasant to hear incessantly nearby as they are off in the distance. 

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I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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❤️

\n
“Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.””    Acts 14:17 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-18T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/18/quilting-and-thunderstorms.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Be Joyful!","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/17/farm-life-is-a-good.html", "title": "Farm Life is a Good Life", "content_html": "

\"Flora “Clockwise from top left: Grandma’s peonies, a row of tiger swallowtails, the peonies out by the road, bearded iris alongside the house, the view from the road, tiger swallowtail up close”

\n

As I was washing the breakfast dishes yesterday, something outside the kitchen window caught my eye. I stood quietly and studied the branches in the cedar and maple trees that frame my view of the yard. Suddenly, I saw it again. A fledgling house wren just took it’s first tentative flight from the nest. It snuggled in amongst the leaves, trying not to draw attention to itself. Mama came flying down and sat beside her brave baby. Soon, she swooped down to the grass and picked up a bug and brought it back to the little one. And so begins the feeding and teaching till this little fellow can survive on his own.

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I smiled as I dried my hands and set to my morning chores. Mr. FixIt would be home soon and I needed to get things together to go out to the farm. I packed a couple of bags and gathered the laundry to do while we were out there. I took my morning coffee out on the deck by the pool. Then I wandered over to the garden. I sprinkled the plants with rabbit repellent. I caught sight of a chipmunk darting around the corner of the big building out back and wondered if the repellent works for them, too. 

\n

When Mr. FixIt got home, I helped him get the riding mower and the push mower on the utility trailer. Why we didn’t think of doing this two years ago, I’ll never know!

\n

When we got to the farm, we unloaded the mowers and I hopped on the riding mower. If you remember correctly, when I was mowing the farm by myself it took me a good five hours. I had to mow thirty minutes then cool off and rehydrate…over and over till I was done. I literally finished mowing in less than fifteen minutes with the riding mower! Mr. FixIt took the push mower and mowed the ditches out front and the perimeter of the yard. The edges of the lawn are too soft to use the riding mower. It could collapse the creek bank and take me with it.

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When we were finished, I cooked a good supper of pork chops, lima beans, and Amish potato salad. We sat down to watch the news and there it was…bad storms coming. We were prepared to stay a night or two, but until we fix that drain at the bottom of the steps, we have to be at the Ponderosa if there is a threat of heavy rain or else we’ll have a flooded basement.

\n

I washed the dishes and was getting things ready to head back home when Mr. FixIt called to me to bring my phone outside. There, on the driveway, were six or seven tiger swallowtail butterflies, intently feeding on something. I have no idea what. When I startled them at one point, they rose up and circled around and around us for several minutes in a dazzling butterfly dance. Then, just as quickly, they settled back down in the same spot. It was magical and went on for forty-five minutes or so. 

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We finally had to say goodbye to the butterflies and head back to the Ponderosa. Sometimes farm life is a hard life. But, it’s really a good life.

\n

❤️

\n
“May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness— an abundance of grain and new wine.”    Genesis 27:28 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-17T01:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/17/farm-life-is-a-good.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/16/wednesday-evening-walkabout.html", "title": "Wednesday Evening Walkabout", "content_html": "

\"Flora\" “Clockwise from Top Left: Abundant Blueberries, Honey Locust, Wild Grape Vine, Beautiful Peonies”

\n

I finished mowing at the Ponderosa while Mr. FixIt was in town working on a porch he’s building. There were several areas around the edges of the fields where brush, vines and trees had encroached into my mowing space. They are the worst when they hang over and I have to try to mow under them. I bend way far forward over the riding mower, but sometimes a briar will jump out and grab me. So, last night after supper, I did my walkabout and took the loppers with me. I pruned back a lot of branches and threw them into the woods for the critters to munch on and hide in.

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I finished the back property line before I gave up for the evening. I love how the fields look when they’re freshly mowed. They smell so good and they are all smooth and even. I snapped a few pictures as I moseyed around looking at the many varieties of trees in the woods beyond the far fields. I love this time of year. The dense foliage makes the shadowy underbrush dark and a cool breeze comes out smelling of musty earth and moldy leaves. It’s a rich aroma of sweet decay combined with cut grass, honey locust, and creek water. It’s heavenly, earthy, decadent. It makes me happy.

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Once my tools were put away, I climbed in the little camper, snuggled back into my favorite corner and looked out at the sun setting over the far hill. The reflections of the puffy white clouds and bluebird sky on the windshield of my truck added movement and color to the scene. These are my tranquil moments. It’s MY time. Mr. FixIt is in his recliner inside, watching the news. We both worked hard today. It makes the evenings such a gift.

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We are blessed beyond belief. We have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and love in our hearts. We have a wonderful family. We have our health. We have each other. As I was walking around the field last night, a bluebird dashed in front of me and I smiled.

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“Well…hello there, Mr. Virgo. I’m doing just fine!”

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❤️

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“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”    \n

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-05-16T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/16/wednesday-evening-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/13/camp-hairdont-care.html", "title": "Camp Hair...Don’t Care!", "content_html": "

\"Images “Images from camp…The Three Amigas (Gail, Janine, & Ginny), fishing, TOW-Wanda III, and ramp casserole in an iron skillet.”

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OMGosh! Other than not having subzero temperatures, this week has been quite reminiscent of my first winter in TOW-Wanda Grande. I was parked up on the banks of the Ohio River with no running water. This state park has a few electric sites and I was lucky enough to get one. But, there’s no water at the sites. I had to rely on the freshwater tank for flushing the toilet and bottled water for drinking. Since I don’t have the propane system or the water heater checked out yet, I had to heat up water in the microwave or running it through the coffee pot for washing dishes or taking sponge baths. I am really looking forward to a proper shower when I get home today. I definitely have camp hair. And I definitely don’t care!

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Everyone left yesterday and headed home. All except for me, that is. I already had last night reserved thinking at least someone would stay over. That’s ok, though. I used the day to do some writing I have a deadline for. Then I did a little knitting and watched old Andy Griffith reruns. All the kids either texted or called me for Mother’s Day which was so nice. Gail came back to the campground after dinner and brought me some homemade cream of broccoli soup. It was a really good day.

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Gail and I are cohosting a Girl Camper event next month at Blackwater Falls so now I can turn my attention to that. I ordered a floral canopy with matching chairs to set up at that outing to give people a place to sit when they come to visit. When you have a campout with a group of Girl Campers, everyone wants to see inside each other’s trailers so we usually have a little snack out or a cocktail to share with guests. 

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The gal who camped right across from me this time had her little camper all decked out on the inside like a vintage one, but it was brand new. She used her grandmother’s quilt to cover the seat cushions and had her mother’s 25th anniversary silver tea set on display. She made banners for each window from embroidered linens. It was absolutely darling. When her husband peeked in to see what she had done to the inside he said, “Really? Really??? You had to do all PINK?” She created a grey interior for him and switches it out. That seems like a lot of work to me, but as long as the hubs is happy.

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So, today I pack it up and head home. I can’t wait to see my Mr. FixIt and give him a squeeze. He sent me a picture of the garden and the beans are all up. He’s been spreading the rabbit repellent and so far, so good! They haven’t eaten any of the young plants.

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Hope you have a Happy Monday! 

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❤️

\n
““All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded:”    Exodus 35:10 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-05-13T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/13/camp-hairdont-care.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","goRVing","Love","Peaceful Moments","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/12/what-a-hoot.html", "title": "What a Hoot!!!", "content_html": "

\"Coffee “Coffee in the camper…my favorite thing about camping!”

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The Girl Campers have been meeting at Beaver Creek State Park for the last three years or so. Some come for a day or two. Some come for a full week of fun. Gail is our Hostess Extraordinaire. Janine, our fearless leader and “Camper in Chief” is here with her Mister and anytime the three of us get together…it’s the Three Amigas. A good time is always to be had when we gather around the campfire.

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\"Woman “Janine loved her socks!”

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We have a Spring and a Fall “What a Hoot” event. Where did we get that name, you ask? We get to listen to the owls! We cannot call them in the spring because they are on the nest. But in the fall, we can play their calls over a speaker and call them in close so we can hear them. It’s beautiful.

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\"Pawpaw “The blossom of the pawpaw tree. Isn’t it beautiful?”

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The park naturalist came again yesterday. He took some of the campers on a guided nature walk and identified several varieties of wildflowers. Then later in the afternoon, we went fishing. One of our gals caught a good sized catfish on her second cast. I casted fifty times and didn’t catch a thing but I had fun!

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\"Woman “Sherri caught a catfish on her second cast!”

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I finished knitting the socks I was working on. Janine has been marveling over them for a year. That’s how long it took me to knit them! So, I gifted them to her and she was so tickled.

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\"Camping “Some of the girls made camping journals to keep as a memento from their trip.”

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Dinner last night was a smorgasbord of soups and fresh fruit. Bourbon Brownie S’mores for dessert! I didn’t have the ones with bourbon…I had mine plain. But they were gooey and decadent. Today, I get back on my diet!

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I hope you enjoy the photos! I’ll be heading back to the Ponderosa tomorrow!

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Oh, and…it’s Mother’s Day. Moms come in all shapes and sizes and descriptions. Some of us are moms. Some of us chose not to be. Some wanted to be and couldn’t. Some were…and lost their babies in one way or another. Some lost their relationships in some way. A lot of us have lost our moms by the time we get to be my age. And, some are fortunate to yet have theirs. The bottom line is…no matter what state you are in….it’s Mother’s Day. I hope it is a good day for you and yours…even if there are tears.

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I miss my mom…my grandma…and my “other mother”, Louisa. I’ll see you all some fine day.

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And, I miss my girls. I’ll see them soon!

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❤️

\n
“Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.”    ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-05-12T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/12/what-a-hoot.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","Love","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/10/my-view.html", "title": "My View", "content_html": "

\"View “Oh, how I have missed the big picture window over the bed!”

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The thing I have missed the most since I bought TOW-Wanda Grande was the window over the bed. Propping up on pillows with a cup of coffee in the morning and looking out on the sunrise is priceless. And now, I have that back. The other things are the windows at the head and foot of my bed. The windows in TOW-Wanda Grande don’t open very wide and you really don’t get a good breeze. I love having that window open over my head and feeling the cool evening breeze wash over me. It’s also nice to hear the night sounds of frogs and crickets and whatever fauna is lurking around in the dark.

\n

The more I stay in this little camper, the more I absolutely love it. I did have a little problem. I noticed a trail of little black ants making their way up to the cabinet over the refrigerator on Wednesday night. By yesterday morning, there was an army. I opened the cabinet and took all the food out and discovered they had found an open packet of Club Crackers in a box. How can they find this stuff?

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I pulled everything out and sprayed with a botanical ant killer and they were soon gone. It seems ants have been terrible this year everywhere. We are having a huge problem with them at the Ponderosa.

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Other than that, and the bed being a tad bit firm for my liking, my heart just sings in this little tiny, tiny home on wheels.

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More girls are arriving daily and I believe all should be here by this evening. We have been knitting and talking and eating and napping. Oh, and having campfires. Gail has this new thing she bought called the SoloStove. It looked similar to the tub out of a washing machine and when you burn wood, it doesn’t smoke. You can still smell a wood fire, but just enough that it’s pleasant and it doesn’t choke the life out of you. Life doesn’t get much better than that!

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❤️

\n
“A friend loves at all times...”    Proverbs 17:17 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-10T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/10/my-view.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/09/camping-with-the-girls.html", "title": "Camping With the Girls", "content_html": "

\"Sunset “The sun sets on another fun day camping with the Girl Campers.”

\n

There is something special about camping with a bunch of gals. In ancient times, women gathered at the well when they went to fetch water. Farm women gathered at the Grange or at barn raisings, or when babies were born. Quilting Bees and Afternoon Teas. Women have always wanted/needed the company of other women.

\n

When I was much younger, I got along with men better than women. I found women to be gossipy or competitive…neither of which were appealing. However, since Mr. Virgo died, I have learned to appreciate my fellow females. Especially when we are sitting around a campfire or under a pavilion on a rainy afternoon. 

\n

My favorite campouts always include an afternoon siesta. Lots of talk time and knitting. Catching up with people to find out what’s been going on in their lives. When you come to a camping event that occurs once to twice a year, that may be the only time to get to see these women and they become good friends. Lifelong friends.

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I came back over to the camper after supper last night and caught the sun just before it dipped below the horizon. I thought it was lovely how the light changed to a golden green glow. These are the moments that make me remember why I bought my first camper. I want to do this as long as I am able. 

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Oh, yes…I love camping with Mr. FixIt. But, there’s just something special about camping with a bunch of gals.

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❤️

\n
“O God, to the farthest corners of the planet people will stand in awe, startled and stunned by your signs and wonders. Sunrise brilliance and sunset beauty both take turns singing their songs of joy to you.”\n

Psalms 65:8 TPT

\n", "date_published": "2019-05-09T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/09/camping-with-the-girls.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","goRVing","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/05/rainy-days.html", "title": "Rainy Days", "content_html": "

\"Rhododendron “Grandma’s rhododendron is starting to bloom out at the farm. I think it might have gotten a little nipped by the polar vortex this winter, but it sure loves these rainy days!”

\n

It has been rainy in West Virginia the last couple of days. We’ve even had some thunderstorms, which I dearly love. I remember really missing them when I lived in Colorado. The thunder doesn’t roll there like it does here. The rain held off till Mr. FixIt and I were finished changing the oil in both trucks. I sat on the mechanic’s stool, looking up at the sky when it started to sprinkle and asked God to please hold off for an hour or so. He was so gracious to do so. Thank you.

\n

I was very disappointed. We had everything set up. I got the truck up on the ramps with Mr. FixIt’s guidance, and I got down under the engine and set to work. Try as I might, I simply could NOT loosen the plug in the oil pan. I couldn’t get in a good position to get leverage. The battery pack for the headlamp sat on the back of my head wrong and kept getting in my way. And for some reason, I didn’t like the feeling of that truck over my chest on the plastic ramps Mr. FixIt has. His metal ones were stolen and I just didn’t trust plastic to hold that truck up off me. It gave me the heeby-jeebies.

\n

Mr. FixIt took my place and, with some difficulty, finally got the plug out. I got BACK under the truck and tried to loosen the oil filter and it wouldn’t budge. I hated to admit defeat, but i just don’t have the arm, wrist, and hand strength I used to have. I climbed back out and sat on the stool handing Mr. FixIt what he needed, when he needed it. When he was finished, I held the funnel while he poured the oil in.

\n

“I’m sorry.” I said, dejectedly. “I just couldn’t do it.”

\n

Mr. FixIt looked at me with soft eyes and said, “That’s ok, baby. That’s what husbands are for.”

\n

For one second, the feminist reared up in my head…then I stopped. I looked at this kind, gentle, yet strong man and said…

\n

“Service. That’s your love language, isn’t it?”

\n

He smiled and went back to the task at hand. I didn’t even offer to try helping him when we got his truck up on the ramps. We just chatted as he told me stories or pointed out the differences between the two trucks and their filters. I sat on the stool, smiling and sending up a big “Thank You” for my many, many blessings.

\n

❤️?❤️

\n
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”    James 1:17 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-05T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/05/rainy-days.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","God","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/04/unbeatable-laughterunbearable-tears.html", "title": "Unbeatable Laughter...Unbearable Tears", "content_html": "

\"Cake “Chocolate cake pops aren’t the most delectable looking things till they get their pretty candy coating.”

\n

The last couple of days were an incredible jumble of extreme emotions. First, we had an intense discussion about the impact of addiction in this area and on our lives. It was deeply personal and what is said in the room, stays in the room. Suffice it to say, I could not wait to get out and call my daughters and thank them for never going down that particular path. As I left messages for them…(who’s kid ever answers the phone these days?)…I broke down in tears. Because…instead of my kids being addicted…it had been me when they were growing up. I hate that I exposed them to opioid and alcohol abuse and the aftermath it caused. But, what the enemy tried to kill, God has used to our good and His glory. 

\n

Later in the evening, Daughter #1 called me back. I adore both of my girls and they couldn’t be more different. My firstborn has always been the strong, dependable kid who turned into a wonderful woman and an excellent mother, but she’s not a terribly demonstrative person. She is a little crusty on the outside but soft in the center but she’d rather chew off her arm than show it. When I answered the phone, I could hear that slightly vulnerable tenderness in her voice that I so seldom get to hear and my heart melted.

\n

She went on to regale me with a story about her evening. It seems HER firstborn informed her earlier in the week that she needed cake pops for a going away party for one of her friends. She needed them yesterday. And…she wanted them shaped like pineapples for some reason. Now, Daughter #1 is highly creative, and an incredible teacher, but she was not particularly crafty or interested in baking when she was young. It’s amazing what we do for our kids, isn’t it? 

\n

She looked up how to make cake pops on YouTube and Pinterest. She e-mailed her principal who makes cake pops for stress relief. She found out that…surprise, surprise…cake pops are not baked in molds with sticks in them and then dipped in frosting. Actually, you bake the cake, let it cool, crumble it up very fine, then mix in a little bit of frosting. Just enough to work it together into a ball but not enough to get it wet. I had no idea!

\n

Since my granddaughter asked for chocolate, my daughter baked two layers of chocolate cake. Then she used a small ice cream scoop to make balls of the dough and rolled them into a slightly oblong egg shape to represent little pineapples. Then she stuck sticks in them that had been dipped in the melted candy coating so they would stick. At this point, it struck her what her little creations actually LOOKED like and she had to send me pictures. We laughed til we cried. It was so delightful. I was so proud of her…for everything. Being a good kid and a great mom. For having a sense of humor. For loving me so much, even though I make her crazy half the time and she can’t let me know either way.

\n

Then, yesterday, one of my mom’s cousins texted to tell me another cousin in Illinois passed away on Sunday. That made me sad because I just loved Betty Mae. When she and her family came to West Virginia to visit my grandma, it was an EVENT, I’m telling you. I sent a potted plant with a note and then called my aunt and uncle to make sure they knew.

\n

Remember I told you I made the difficult decision to not go to my niece’s graduation in Indiana? Well, I found out the graduation is outside today…in the rain…in Indiana…in tornado season. They’re giving them ponchos to wear. Oy! That’s not why God prompted me to cancel, though. Mr. FixIt was driving home yesterday and he got the strongest urge to call his best friend. When he did, his friend was crying because his wife had just passed away. His friend is going to need him here and I am so grateful I listened to the whispers of the Holy Spirit telling me not to go!

\n

The camper is almost ready for my big camping trip next week. I installed a new smoke detector yesterday, packed some things in the overhead cabinets over the dinette, added deodorizer to the tanks, and swept the floors. There were a couple of very small holes on the wall where I removed some curtain hardware so I filled them with a little caulking. I tried putting the quilts that I wanted to use on the bed but they are too small for the queen bed. That’s ok…I’ll use the all white quilt I used in big TOW-Wanda and just fold the extra quilts at the bottom of the bed for decoration. The only thing left to do is wash the floors and windows, lay down the rugs, take out the trash, and finish packing. It’s supposed to storm all day today, so I can get in there and play…and maybe we’ll camp in the driveway tonight! 

\n

❤️

\n
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”    Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV\n

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.””    Revelation 21:4 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-05-04T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/04/unbeatable-laughterunbearable-tears.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/02/a-trip-for-tomatoes.html", "title": "A Trip for Tomatoes", "content_html": "

\"\" “Shari Sims and her precious pooch greet customers at Sims Greenhouse in Palestine, WV”

\n

Twenty-eight years ago, Shari Sims and her husband opened a little greenhouse in Palestine, WV. It’s a tiny little blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town on the quintessential two-lane blacktop way out in the country but you’d never know it from the looks of the enterprise they’ve got going now. I counted at least four greenhouses filled to the brim with the most gorgeous flowers and vegetables.

\n

\"Succulents\" “I love the colors of succulents…so soft and soothing.”

\n

We browsed through the many varieties of tomato plants and chose ten. Several of them were at least two feet tall and already have tomatoes set on. $14.00 for all of them! I couldn’t believe it. They also sell wholesale to businesses. We visited with several people as we looked around in the various greenhouses. Shari’s son is soon graduating and has taken an interest in the plant business and runs a separate greenhouse that raises lettuces. I’m really looking forward to that when he opens.

\n

Sims Greenhouse, 7460 Palestine Road, Palestine, WV ( out Rt. 14 past Elizabeth)

\n

\"Greenhouse\" “Rows and rows of the most beautiful hanging baskets and the heady aroma of petunias…enough to make you swoon!”

\n

As we were on our way home, I asked Mr. FixIt to drop me off at the little quilt shop that opened this winter. I have decided to make my daughter and her fiancée a quilt for their wedding gift. I can sew it when I’m with the Girl Campers next week. It’s just going to be quick with 9.5” squares in shades of purple and green…their colors for the wedding.

\n

\"Moss “Moss baskets add a lovely texture”

\n

I have to tell you…I felt so much better yesterday. We watched the evening news last night and they said I-70 from Pittsburg to St. Louis is going to be under severe weather warnings and that’s exactly where we would have been today if I hadn’t listened to that still, small voice guiding me to stay home.

\n

I worked on the camper this afternoon and have it about two-thirds ready. The issues with the propane and the water heater won’t be fixed before I go, but it’s going to be fine. I have dry-camped many, many times. I have electric at my site and a microwave. I can heat up water that way and wash my hair and “bathe”.

\n

It was really hot and humid here yesterday but we are expecting thunderstorms the next couple of days. It was 89 degrees here yesterday afternoon! May can still have some chilly days so I don’t think we’ve hit “summer” weather yet. But, my oh my….it is SO beautiful here this time of year!

\n

❤️

\n
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”    Proverbs 3:5 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-02T01:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/02/a-trip-for-tomatoes.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/28/home-sweet-home.html", "title": "Home, Sweet Home", "content_html": "

\"Welcome “Home, Sweet Home…West Virginia!”

\n

I keep forgetting what a long drive that is coming back from the beach in one day. Twelve hours. And that’s not dilly-dallying around, either. Potty breaks only. It rained the last hour and I-77 is under perpetual repair so that slowed us down a bit. It was in the low 50’s when we got home which was a darned sight cooler than the beach was, but we were so grateful for God’s travel mercies. We only saw a couple of minor accidents on the way home. It was such a wonderful trip.

\n

When you get home like that, the last thing you want to do is empty the truck, but we did anyway. It’s almost all put away.

\n

We sprayed for ants before we left and there were just a few sighted. Nothing like before we left. And there was NO WATER in the basement! I prayed hard for that one. TRULY the very last thing you want to do when you get home from a long trip is to suction water out of a soggy basement. Oh, and the grass is nearly a foot deep in places! We mowed the day before we left. Oy!

\n

\"Redbud\" “Redbud are still blooming on top of the mountains in West Virginia!”

\n

So…we are home safe, suntanned, and very tired. I’ll leave you early with some photos of the day. The dogwoods are in full bloom. The redbud are past their prime except for the top of the mountains. I caught this one at the West Virginia Welcome Center on I-64. The Welcome to West Virginia sign is always a beautiful sight, even though it signals there are still at least three and a half hours of driving left!

\n

\"Dogwood\" “The dogwood trees are in full bloom and are like little fairies in the woods.”

\n

I would like to take this opportunity and congratulate my dear friend Deneene on her marriage to her sweet Mark yesterday. It was an intimate family-only affair but I got to see it on FB Live. Unfortunately, we will be unable to attend their open house in South Carolina next weekend as we will be watching my niece graduate from college in Indiana. I had the honor of walking with Deneene in her early grief and have watched her heart heal and expand to include new love. Congratulations, my sweet friends! I love you and miss you so!

\n

Happy Sunday…can’t wait to get to church!

\n

❤️

\n
“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”\n

Psalm 139:9-10 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-04-28T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/28/home-sweet-home.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","God","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/27/goodbyefor-now.html", "title": "Goodbye...For Now", "content_html": "

\"Best “Best Friends”

\n

Goodbyes are so hard…especially since losing Mr. Virgo. My world perspective has forever changed and grief has colored every thought since that fateful day. I am so aware of how tenuous life is and how strong the bonds between us and those we hold most dear.

\n

Today we have to say so long to our dearest family/friends as they head back home to Colorado and we head back home to the Ponderosa. We have had such a delightful week. The weather seriously couldn’t have been more perfect. Our first morning here dawned sunny and gorgeous and remained the same the entire week until a band of severe thunder storms came through last evening. It rained hard into the night and brought cooler temperatures but today is supposed to be sunny with a high around 70 so it will be perfect traveling weather.

\n

While grief and death are not in the forefront of my thoughts anymore, there are certain things that have changed because of my loss. Now, when I see a scene, I see it through the eyes of a widow and know the scenes I wish I had pictures of. As we watched the sunset in a quiet cove along the sound in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore the other night, I looked back. I noticed Ben & Sue turn to take in the last of the golden light as the sun dipped below the horizon over the glassy surface of the water. I smiled as Sue reached for Ben’s hand and I reached for my cell phone to snap this picture. I added the location and date and sent it to her. 

\n

We do not know when our time will come, but we do know statistically that women outlive their husbands. When Mr. Virgo died, I really had fewer photos of him than I thought. I wanted to make sure Ben & Sue had all the special events of the week recorded for posterity. 

\n

As we drove down to the beach last weekend, I kept thinking…”It’ll be over in an instant and we’ll be driving back home.” And, here we are. But…oh, my. We made some beautiful memories together this week and I will cherish this time together for the rest of my life. 

\n

❤️

\n
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”    Psalm 133:1 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-27T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/27/goodbyefor-now.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Grief","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/26/ohohobx.html", "title": "Oh...Oh...OBX!", "content_html": "

\"The “Is there anything better than spending time with loved ones?”

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This has been the BEST week! The weather has been amazing. The company SO much fun. And the food has been divine. The only thing that could have made it better would be if ALL the family could be here.

\n

We started out with a hearty breakfast. I had a box of matzoh leftover from the Seder demonstration at church group the other night and brought it along. My very favorite Passover breakfast is Matzoh Brei. You take the sheets of matzoh and crumble them up. Pour enough hot water over them to cover them and let them sit for a while. Then you squeeze the water out of them and place the wet matzoh in another bowl. Beat three or four eggs with some cinnamon, a dash of salt, and a little vanilla extract together then pour it over the wet matzoh and stir till you get a thick batter. Drop 3/4 of a cup of the thick batter on a hot oiled griddle and cook till browned and set in the middle. Serve with butter and syrup like pancakes. Yummm!

\n

We all gathered our things and headed to the beach. Sue and I walked for a while and the guys fished. Mr. FixIt let me cast for him once. We got out the umbrellas and sat for a long time watching a school of dolphins playing in the surf not too far from the shore. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any cooler, we saw the blowing mist from a small humpback whale that  breached and showed his beautiful tail fin as he dove back into the sea. OMGosh! That was SO exciting. The guys never got a nibble while we were there so Sue and I decided to head to the indoor pool and exercise. We did some stretches and water aerobics moves till we were tuckered out and headed for the condo.

\n

After our showers, the boys come in with stories and pictures of all the fish they caught AFTER we left! Skates, shark, drum, croaker…they were busy but as always, practiced catch and release. It is the sport that is fun…not the killing.

\n

Once we were all cleaned up, Mr. FixIt hunted up a restaurant that served scallops as that is Ben’s all-time favorite. We discovered Henry’s in Kill Devil Hills and it did not disappoint! I had the best coconut shrimp. Sue had a blackened tuna steak and the boys both had scallops. The hush puppies were really good. We were all too stuffed to order a rich dessert. We stopped at the Ben Franklin store for souvenirs for the grandchildren and Walmart for milk and we were done for the day!

\n

As Sue and I were splashing around in the pool in the afternoon, I shared a concern that’s been bugging me just a little. My younger daughter is getting married in August and I am heavier than I wanted to be. I still have some time to lose weight, but that’s not the point. I’m self-conscious because my ex-husband will see me as fat. It’s ridiculous that I should even let that thought in, but there it sits. Sue has known me through thick and thin since my older daughter started dating her older son. We talked about it as we bounced around in the water with our ample sixty-something tummies and laughed at how silly we can still be, even when we KNOW it doesn’t mean diddly squat what others (ESPECIALLY ex-husbands) think! We talked about dressing strategies and letting go of the rest.

\n

This has been an excellent week for me…just what I needed. A week of fun and sun, sand and surf, and lots of love. My best champions are with me this week and I feel surrounded by their love and care. As Ben & Sue head off to the airport tomorrow, Mr. FixIt and I will drive home to the Ponderosa for a few days of mowing before we pack up the new camper and head out on her maiden voyage to Indiana!

\n

My heart is so full! 

\n

❤️

\n
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”\n

Colossians 3:15 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-04-26T01:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/26/ohohobx.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/25/the-tourists.html", "title": "The Tourists", "content_html": "

\"OBX\" “A day in the life of an OBX tourist.”

\n

It is so much fun to see a place through new eyes. Although this is only my fourth trip to the OBX, I’ve seen all the sights multiple times. Sharing them with some of my Colorado family has been such a joy. 

\n

Yesterday, we took off a little earlier than usual, picked up a quick breakfast at McDonald’s, stopped to buy some cold medicine to keep me upright, and headed to the Elizabethan Gardens over on Roanoke Island. I think that is one of my very favorite places on the OBX. It’s only a mile around the gardens, but there is so much to see. It’s also interesting to compare one year to the next as far as the bloom. Last year we were at the peak of the camellia bloom and this year we were just past. Some of the trees had already lost all their blossoms. Many of the azaleas were just past their prime as well this year but there were a few rhododendron in full bloom which is such a treat. The gardens need about fifty more gardeners to clean up the winter detritus but other than that, it was gorgeous. And, it was a glorious day! About 78 degrees with a nice breeze off the sound. Such a treat!

\n

The next stop was the aquarium where we slowly browsed our way through, reading the information placards and taking photos. We especially enjoyed the Turtle Hospital and the educational area where we petted the sting rays. Afterwards, we stopped at High Cotton for ribs, collard greens, slaw, hush puppies, and sweet tea. My favorite place but yesterday wasn’t my favorite visit there. I’m going to chalk that up to having a cold and my tastebuds were off.

\n

After we returned to the condo and I took a quick nap, we high-tailed it over to the sound side to catch another beautiful sunset. Sitting on the deck of the Sunset Grille, a cold beverage in hand, my sweet man and two of my dearest friends in the world…it doesn’t get much better than this!

\n

❤️

\n
“He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns midnight into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land— the Lord is his name.”    Amos 5:8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-25T01:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/25/the-tourists.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/24/from-pancakes-to-ghost-crabs.html", "title": "From Pancakes to Ghost Crabs", "content_html": "

\"Ghost “Ghost crabs…creepy little monsters in the night”

\n

We started our day out on the perfect note with a plate of pancakes from Stack ’em High At Milepost 4.5. My only disappointment was Christina wasn’t there. She and her husband own the restaurant and I’ve come to look forward to visits with her as we munch on her fabulous pancakes!

\n

After breakfast, we took the guys over to buy bait and their fishing licenses. Then, we dropped them off at the condo to go fishing and us gals went shopping. The only thing we purchased was yarn for a baby blanket and headed back to the condo.

\n

By this time the guys were finished fishing and we ate taco salads out on the deck in near 80 degree weather. I took a nap…I’m kind of feeling like I have a cold coming on but it could be allergies. The day ended with a walk on the beach with flashlights looking for ghost crabs. 

\n

They are nearly transparent and range in size from little baby ones that aren’t an inch across to about 5 inches. It’s always really neat to go out on the beach at night and if it would have been a little warmer, we might have gotten our chairs out and sat out there to watch the stars. As it was too cool for star gazing, we went back to the condo and finishing watching Forrest Gump and then watched The Lake House. 

\n

It was another lovely day spent with special people.

\n

❤️

\n
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”    Proverbs 31:27 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-04-24T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/24/from-pancakes-to-ghost-crabs.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/23/hatteras-national-seashore.html", "title": "Hatteras National Seashore", "content_html": "

\"Sunset “Sunset over Pemlico Sound”

\n

The only thing more fun than exploring a new area is showing it off to friends who’ve never been there. This is my fourth trip to the Outer Banks. Mr. FixIt is sixty-seven and has only missed one year coming here. Some years he came here multiple times. Suffice it to say…this is a favorite destination.

\n

We cooked a hearty breakfast yesterday and then headed out to explore. The first stop was the Wright Brothers National Monument. The new Visitor’s Center is open and very nice. We meandered through the exhibits and learned about the different phases of developing the first airplane. We saw the markers that indicated the length of the first few flights. The guys hiked up the mound to the monument and looked around.

\n

We stopped at both the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and explored. We found some really great pizza. We wandered around Hatteras Village and stopped for ice cream along the way back. We kept an eagle eye on the setting sun and slipped across to Pemlico Sound to an abandoned campground. We sat on old, weathered picnic tables and endured a swarm of gnats and the occasional mosquito in order to watch another beautiful Carolina sunset.

\n

We got back to the condo long after dark. We drove through a thickening sea mist that settled over the island and made the windshield kind of greasy looking. It was another beautiful day spent with loved ones. 

\n

❤️

\n
“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”    Genesis 1:21 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-23T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/23/hatteras-national-seashore.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/22/service-sunshine-and-seafood.html", "title": "Service, Sunshine, and Seafood", "content_html": "

\"Low “Low Country Shrimp and Grits”

\n

We enjoyed our Easter service at the United Methodist Church across the road from our timeshare. We attended the contemporary services and the music was very nice. The sermon was thought provoking. And it was fun to go to a Southern church and see folks in their Easter dresses. The children enjoyed a demonstration up front with the Pastor before the services began. The church itself was lovely with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Curratuck Sound.

\n

Afterwards, we drove around and found a restaurant that was open and had a seafood extravaganza and ate till they had to roll us home. I had the Low Country Shrimp and Grits. Yummmmmm. We came back to the condo and some napped while others walked or made phone calls. We were all still too full to eat dinner but we did finally polish off the apple pie we started Saturday night.

\n

It was a lovely, lazy, family day sharing stories and photos. Today, we are tourists!

\n

❤️

\n
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.””\n

Mark 6:30-31 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-04-22T01:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/22/service-sunshine-and-seafood.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Holiday","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/21/easter-sunday.html", "title": "Easter Sunday", "content_html": "

\"Curratuck “The sunset over the Curratuck Sound:

\n

I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older…or maybe it’s gaining a deeper connection to God…but Easter this year seems to have a much, much deeper meaning for me than ever before. I have a close church family relationship…probably for the first time in my life. And I have Mr. FixIt and my bonus family to go to church with. Whatever the reason, this Easter is completely different…personal.

\n

We arrived at the beach yesterday afternoon and did our obligatory stop at the grocery store. We weren’t at the condo more than half an hour when my son-in-law’s parents arrived. Oh, my…I love them dearly and was SO excited to see them. Ben & Sue are the salt of the earth. Good, hardworking people with great character and a terrific sense of humor. I’ve known them now since 1993 or so. I’ll tell you what…my daughter won the lottery when it comes to her husband and in-laws!

\n

Sue and I never really talked about faith much till the last couple of years and it has been wonderful to share that part of myself with her. We have a lot of wonderful discussions and I am so happy to have them here with us this week.

\n

We found a church right across the street that has an 11:00 service today so we won’t miss Easter.

\n

May you all have a blessed Easter! And for my Jewish family and friends…Happy Passover!

\n

❤️

\n
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ””    Luke 24:6-7 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-04-21T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/21/easter-sunday.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/19/good-friday.html", "title": "Good Friday", "content_html": "

\"Flowering “My grandma’s pretty posies…I love to visit them.”

\n

I ran to the farm yesterday to pick up my laundry I left hanging to dry. I took a quick walkabout to see Grandma’s posies. She loved them so much and I always feel so close to her when I see them. 

\n

Grandma loved Easter time. Her flowers were beautiful and she almost always had all of her family together to go to church. I feel terrible that I won’t be attending church with the kids this weekend, but there is a church right across the road from the condo so we will still get to go to an Easter service.

\n

The bags are packed. Going to the time share is much like camping…we take extra linens and pots and pans because the one’s there are somewhat lacking in substance. We also bring some dry goods with us because groceries down there are so expensive. So, the truck will be packed first thing in the morning and we’ll hit the road no later than 9:00.

\n

Small group last night was wonderful. I talked to the girls about Passover and the rituals around the Seder meal. I brought some traditional foods for them to taste. They weren’t crazy about the gefilte fish!

\n

Kathy spoke about Easter. She told how Jesus washed the feet of the Disciples. Then, she prepared a basin and pitcher of warm water and washed all of our feet. It was a humbling experience. When she was done, I stepped forward and invited her to sit so that I could wash hers. I followed her example and told her the beautiful attributes Jesus sees when He looks at her. I thanked her for being such a shining example of a humble servant for all of us to see. And I told her how much I dearly love her.

\n

What a wonderful way to start out our week!

\n

❤️

\n
“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”   John 13:1-17 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-19T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/19/good-friday.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/18/the-beloved-eastern-redbud.html", "title": "The Beloved Eastern Redbud", "content_html": "

\"Redbud\" “I couldn’t get a good photo driving today, so I found this one through Google. This is what the redbud trees look like with the fresh, spring green of new growth. Stunning!”

\n

I think I would be hard-pressed to choose just one singular thing that I love the most about West Virginia. There are so many things to choose from…my grandparents’ farm, the lush green woods, the beautiful Ohio River, the sounds of peepers and the numerous birds including whip-poor-wills and owls and mockingbirds. They are all so incredibly beautiful. But, if I had to choose just one thing, it would be the redbud trees in the spring. 

\n

These purply-pink flowering trees burst forth in early April bringing breathtaking views around every bend. They tend to stick close to roadways and the stunning shock of pink against the bright spring green of the new growth makes me catch my breath and utter oohs and aahs like watching the Fourth of July Fireworks. They are at their peak this week and I am sure we will have quite the show on our drive south on Friday.

\n

We are both SO looking forward to getting away. We finished the first big mow of the season yesterday and we are so sore we can hardly move. By having the far field brush hogged, our mowed acreage has increased to six acres at the Ponderosa. For those who don’t know, a brush hog is a powerful mower you pull behind a tractor. It cuts down grass much like cutting hay and if you want to return the field to regular mowing, you have to keep after it. However, it isn’t easy mowing. The ground in uneven and choppy and you about lose the fillings in your teeth when you run over it with the riding mower. It will take a while for the grass that grows to look more like a lawn and less like a pasture.

\n

The roughness of mowing, as well as it being our first cutting of the season, has my shoulders, neck and arms screaming. Not even a hot bath could help. Hopefully sleep and NSAIDs will do the trick.

\n

My appointment at the orthopedist went well. He wants to do an MRI of my foot to check for stress fractures. That will be done as soon as we get back from the beach. Today will be spent packing during the day. This evening, I will be reading the Passover Haggadah to my small group from church. I love remembering the Jewish holidays.

\n

❤️

\n
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”    Colossians 3:23 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-18T01:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/18/the-beloved-eastern-redbud.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/16/evidence-of-healing.html", "title": "Evidence of Healing", "content_html": "

\"Lighthouse\" “A memory from a time long ago and far away…”

\n

I know April is a hectic time of year what with my daughter’s birthday and taxes being due. I was also quite busy this spring writing and editing my book. And, our annual trip to the Outer Banks is this weekend so my mind was preoccupied. As I sat down at the computer yesterday to write my post, I was confronted with one of those Facebook memories complete with scads of photos….of Mr. Virgo’s and my Honeymoon. 

\n

I couldn’t believe it. It was on the 7th and it never once crossed my mind. I remember one year I almost forgot. It was probably four years after his death and I felt so terribly guilty because I nearly went the whole day without thinking about it. This time, it was a whole week PAST the anniversary and I may not have remembered at all if I hadn’t seen the photos. But, I didn’t feel guilty. I actually felt somewhat relieved.

\n

There was a point in my grief when I thought I never would feel even somewhat normal again. I didn’t believe I would ever feel joy or freedom and certainly not romantic love again. Yet, here I am. On the other side. I’ve no doubt I still have my moments. NOT remembering seems monumental in some way.

\n

Not focusing on or remembering an important anniversary doesn’t mean I have forgotten Mr. Virgo…or anything about him. It just means time has passed and I am healing. I’ve moved….forward. I wish I could have had some serious reassurance four or five years ago that so much healing could occur in what is a relatively short time in grief years.

\n

This time fourteen years ago, we were driving up the west coast on Highway 1. I wanted to stand on the beach with my husband. Fourteen years later, I’m packing to leave for a trip to the east coast so that I can stand on the beach with my husband. 

\n

Ironic.

\n

The whole thing makes me smile. It makes my heart soften. It makes me ever so grateful to have known…and to now know…such great love.

\n

❤️

\n
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.”    Song of Songs 1:2 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/16/evidence-of-healing.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Marriage","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/15/hummers.html", "title": "Hummers!", "content_html": "

\"Hummingbird\" “The hummingbirds are back!”

\n

They’re baaaaaaack! I was stretched out in TOW-Wanda, relishing my very satisfying afternoon nap, when I turned over and gazed out this great big, beautiful front window at the stunning pink flowers on the shrub nearby. That’s when I saw her…a lovely iridescent hummingbird, hovering around the heady floral aroma…getting some much needed nourishment from her migration. My heart leapt for joy! I do so love this time of year…the day I get the taxes done for another year!

\n

This time…I promise…THIS time I will keep my records straight. I will make sure enough is withheld for taxes. I will NOT put it off till the very last minute! I promise!

\n

Yesterday was a coffee day for the girls from my class and it was such a beautiful day. So many of them couldn’t come for one reason or another and we missed them. Mr. FixIt came and met me at the local library and we sat down to get our taxes done. It went pretty fast because I had most everything completed the day before. We just tidied up loose ends and ended up filing jointly. It saved us some money.

\n

When I finally hit “send” and the returns went flying through the wires on their way to the IRS, I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief. I turned to Mr. FixIt and said, “Steak! Give me steak! And a baked potato! And broccoli!!! He grinned ear to ear. He was just as glad to have the taxes over so he could get his wife back instead of Godzilla!

\n

We hit traffic coming through town. It was the Easter Parade! I haven’t been to one of those in decades. I rolled the window down and heard the high school marching band going by. I could see them through a parking lot as I sat in traffic. Children rushing for thrown candy. Balloons being carried through the crowds. And finally…the Easter Bunny. It made me realize…since my littles are either too far away, or too big, or too little for the Easter Bunny, I hadn’t even given the furry guy much thought, even with all the store displays. Today after church, we are taking our great granddaughter to the mall to see the furry guy himself. Then I can give the baby her book…Baby’s First Book of Bible Stories. We bought it for her Baby Dedication and forgot to bring it with us. And, we won’t be here for Easter…we’ll be at the beach. There is a church right across the street from out condo so we can still go to services.

\n

The steak was fabulous. Then we went to the park to walk. I couldn’t walk more than half a mile with this painful foot. I have an appointment Wednesday with the Orthopedist to determine what’s going on. I think it’s a Morton’s Neuroma. Let’s lay odds if I’m right or not.

\n

We got home and I fell asleep in the camper…I really LOVE having a window open right above my head! Beautiful, beautiful day! 

\n

❤️

\n
“I know every bird in the mountains...”    Psalm 50:11 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-15T01:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/15/hummers.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Humbled","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/08/a-room-with-a-view.html", "title": "A Room With a View", "content_html": "

\"Camper “This was the biggest selling point on this camper.”

\n

I could hardly wait to get home yesterday afternoon. We had a beautiful day….the baby dedication at church was lovely and we had a family breakfast afterwards. Then we ran errands. It rained while we were in church and again while we were eating breakfast. Then it was dark and cloudy all afternoon. We got home about 4:00 and I made a bee line for TOW-Wanda III and a much anticipated Sunday afternoon nap. I was no sooner tucked in till the sky opened and the sound of rain on the camper roof lulled me quickly into a deep sleep.

\n

When I woke up…this is what I saw and I smiled from ear to ear. This window. I love all the light in this camper and this window takes the cake. I can prop myself up in the corner with my lap desk and iPad and be a totally happy camper! 

\n

I remember all the times in Little TOW-Wanda when I sat like this, propped up with a mug of good coffee and a stack of magazines…staring out a window like this and letting God’s nature heal my broken heart. Oh, how I’ve missed this. To turn over and see the sky. To gaze at stars as I drift off to sleep. I’m itching to get off on adventures but there’s stuff to be done first.

\n

Today we are heading to my friend’s house to pick up the camper she’s giving me. I have no idea what shape it’s in so we’ll see. Then there’s taxes. The bathroom is coming along…Mr. FixIt has plumbing to do before we can move the rest of the shower stall in. I need to clean out TOW-Wanda Grande and get her on the market. I need to clean out the truck because we leave the 19th to head to the beach. The first mowing at the Ponderosa occurred this weekend. That means the yard at the farm is going to need mowed this week, for sure. 

\n

And off we go. This is the time of year when we hit the ground running. That lazy nap yesterday, stretched out in my little new-to-me camper looking through my big picture window at the rain on the flowering bushes, will just have to hold me over for a while.

\n

❤️

\n
“Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive. You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because GOD will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.”    Proverbs 3:21-26 MSG
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-08T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/08/a-room-with-a-view.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Presence","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/07/towwanda-iii-day-cleanup.html", "title": "TOW-Wanda III: Day 1 - Cleanup", "content_html": "

\"Camper “The first thing that had to go was the bunk bed over the main bed.”

\n

The first thing I did yesterday…after coffee, of course…was head out to the new camper. I could hardly sleep the night before, I was so excited. I didn’t realize how very much I missed my first camper till I got a load of this one! I hooked it up to electric and checked out the systems again. The air conditioning worked fine. I cleaned the filter screen in the AC unit so it works more efficiently. The fan, lights, and microwave. I haven’t checked the refrigerator yet.

\n

Mr. FixIt was kind enough to bring a ladder and some RV cleaning products out to the camper for me as well as a hose and scrub brush. I started scrubbing with an RV wash/wax combo and followed up with a Norwex cleaning cloth and Norwex cleaning paste to get the black streaks off. I rinsed it well and checked inside…NO LEAKS! Yesssss! No leaks is a good thing…especially with a 2007 camper. This thing is built exceedingly well. 

\n

The camper is a Cikira Classic Cruiser 18FB…which roughly translates to an 18 foot camper with a front bed. From what I can find, Cikira RV wasn’t around for very long, but I don’t think that was because they lacked a quality product. If this camper is any indication, the quality is excellent. The RV industry isn’t easy to break into. But more importantly, look at the date of my camper. The economy in 2007 was booming and people were traveling a lot. Then 2008 came and the bottom fell out of the market. No one was spending money on anything extra. I know…that’s when I had to close my needlework shop. Hobbies like camping and needlework are the first to go when it comes to extraneous expenses.

\n

Once I had the outside walls scrubbed down, I opened the awning and gave it a good wash. I left it open to dry in our beautiful 72 degree weather and closed it up before dusk so it wouldn’t gather the dew. Then it was time to head indoors. The first thing that had to go was the bunk bed overtop the main bed. The previous owners had a 10 year old daughter who loved the bunk above, but it was too confining to lay underneath it and I knew I would hit my head every time is sat down. The bunk was secured with sturdy angle iron and the plywood base was screwed securely to it. I removed the twin size memory foam mattress and Mr. FixIt helped me carry it down to the storage room. We can use it for an extra if we have overflow company. 

\n

The front piece of the bunk bed was a long piece of heavy angle iron attached to a decorative wood front. I removed that piece but left the other three pieces of angle iron connected to the three walls above the windows. This way, if we ever need the bunk bed again, we can pop it back in easily enough. Taking that bunk out opened up the entire bed area and made it much more comfortable, roomy, and light. By this time I was fried so I gave in and snuggled up on my new bed and took a nap. 

\n

So, our blessings continue. Our great granddaughter is being dedicated to Jesus in church this morning! My heart is so happy!

\n

❤️

\n
“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”\n

Mark 10:16 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-04-07T01:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/07/towwanda-iii-day-cleanup.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/01/vibrant-women.html", "title": "Vibrant Women", "content_html": "

\"Vibrant “Vibrant Women…a women’s ministry.”

\n

Something phenomenal happened Friday night and it has taken me this long to process it. Actually, I’m sure I’ll be processing it for some time to come. We have a husband-wife team leading our church. It has been wonderful to watch Pastor Heather growing into a strong leader for the women of our region. A little over three years ago, God planted a seed in her to lead a Women’s Ministry. She gathered her friends together, told them her ideas for this movement, and asked them to start feeding her possible names. When she heard “Vibrant Women”, she was moved. Vigorous. Energetic. Lively. Vital. All words that resonated with where she wanted to go with this movement….words that described women of strong faith.

\n

This was the third Vibrant Women event held at our church…the second I have attended. It’s come a long way since the beginning. I think there might have been two-hundred women at the first one. Friday night saw almost SEVEN HUNDRED women packed into our church. There wasn’t a seat in the house. The sound booth said at one point the decibel scale peaked out at the same level as a jet engine. It was crazy fun. The energy level in that room was amazing.

\n

We had a guest pastor…Pastor April Carter of the Together Church in Yakima, Washington. Pastor April spoke about Living Beyond Fear. Oh….she touched every single one of us. At the end of her message, she told a personal story. Someone who works in her church called her…panic stricken. Then he arrived home, his house was surrounded by police, fire, and ambulance crews. They would not let him in the house. The only thing he knew was, something happened that involved his son. Pastor April and Pastor Micahn headed to the hospital to meet them.

\n

As they sat there, waiting for word of what was going on, she absentmindedly fingered a necklace she was wearing that a friend gave her. It is engraved…”I Can Do Hard Things”. The time dragged slowly by. They prayed together. They held each other up. And, finally…the doctor came out. Their friends’ son had gotten his hands on a gun and somehow accidentally shot himself. And they could not save him. Pastor April closed her eyes and repeated to herself…

\n

“I can do hard things. I can do hard things. I can do hard things.”

\n

Since Mr. Virgo died, I haven’t been so good in medical emergencies. There have been times I haven’t been able to show up for people who need me to do hard things. Pastor April challenged us to put on our boxing gloves and get in the ring of life and fight. Listening to her, I felt empowered. I felt stronger. I felt like trying harder and being the best version of myself I can be. I mean, isn’t that what faith does for us? 

\n

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Even the hard things.

\n

We were doubly blessed in that Pastor April delivered our message at church yesterday too so we got to hear her twice this weekend. I googled her name on YouTube last night and there was a message called “Hard Reset”. You should give it a listen if you are interested. She is very good. 

\n

❤️

\n
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”\n

Philippians 4:13 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-04-01T01:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/01/vibrant-women.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/29/my-friends.html", "title": "My Friends", "content_html": "

\"Whitetail “The little whitetail deer of West Virginia are so delicate and fine boned compared to the larger mule deer of Colorado.”

\n

Thursday nights have been fun the last three weeks because I’ve spent the evening at the local pizza shop…munching on yummy pizza and people watching. Last night, my friend Charlotte came to have dinner with me and catch up. Charlotte and her husband, my second cousin Rick, are the couple that took my farm cats down to their barn to live. She says they are doing really well. As a matter of fact, four or five beautiful ducks showed up recently and have taken up residence with the cats and a plethora of roosters. A lot of times, people end up with more roosters than they need to get the job done and they end up down at Charlotte’s barn. She has quite a menagerie now. Next week, my small group meetings begin for our Spring session so I won’t be hanging out at the pizza joint for a while.

\n

The other night, I came out to the camper with Mr. FixIt’s headlamp on my head. As I was unlocking the door, something caught my attention and I turned to my left. The light swept across the big field and it looked like the lions of the Serengeti out there. Nothing but eyes shining back at me from just above the grass level. There must have been a dozen deer bedded down out there and at first, it was downright spooky till I figured out what they were.

\n

We don’t have any new babies yet. It won’t be long before we see little spotted fawns gamboling about in the fields of The Ponderosa. Once in a while, we sleep out in the camper now that the weather is getting warmer. When Mr. FixIt joined me the other evening, a huge possum was standing just outside the camper and about scared the stink out of him. The furnace was running and I had the music on so I didn’t hear him yelling. 

\n

I haven’t smelled any skunks out yet. The birds are starting to nest in the eaves. We have had a problem with swallows nesting in the chimney so we need to get it covered before too long or they’ll be back. I noticed the mockingbird was back this week. It sits on the old TV antenna above our bedroom window, its distinctive call sounding like a multitude of birds. I’m waiting to hear the whip-poor-wills and the owls.

\n

Tonight is the women’s conference at my church and I’m really looking forward to going with my bonus girls. Afterward, I’m headed to the Girl Camper weekend and the Camper College near Huntington. A fun girl’s weekend!

\n

Mr. FixIt is making great progress on the master bath now and the flooring is about to go down. He did a wonderful job on the drywall. That is something I never did in all of my renovation projects. It’s hard to handle a full sheet of drywall by yourself. Fortunately, he only had to patch a few places. Hopefully we get this project done soon as there are many more in the lineup and the weather is getting nicer every day. We are about to head into our warmest week yet and it’s none too soon!

\n

Happy Friday, everyone. I hope you are going to go out and enjoy this beautiful spring weather in your neck of the woods! 

\n

❤️

\n
““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”    Job 12:7-10 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-03-29T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/29/my-friends.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/25/into-the-woods.html", "title": "Into the Woods", "content_html": "

\"Satellite “A satellite view of The Farm….lots and lots of trees and hills.”

\n

You have seen pictures of the farmhouse I’ve been caring for…the home of my heart. I’ve tried to describe what the 74 acres looks like. “Lots of trees and woods” is a bit of an understatement and it’s hard to picture if you are unfamiliar with the dense deciduous woods of West Virginia.

\n

I went on Google Maps and took a satellite view of the farm. I wasn’t able to get all the land in one picture without making the house look so small you couldn’t see it. But, that little red dot in the lower left corner is the map pin on the house. And those dense woods you see there is maybe two-thirds of the farm itself. Inside those woods are trails and roads, creeks and rocky outcroppings. And somewhere off to the right about one-third up from the bottom is the strawberry shed where we sorted berries for the farmer’s market.

\n

The ground gains elevation rapidly on both sides of the house and comes together in a “V” and on up the hills to the back of the farm. The little creek that comes down off those hills and runs right past the bedroom window roars when there’s been heavy rain. It crosses under the road through a two or three foot culvert and joins the bigger creek across the road. That flows on down to a larger river, to a larger river, to the Ohio River to the Mississippi River, and finally to the Gulf of Mexico. Water from our farm. Isn’t that cool?

\n

Well, in theory it is cool. But this is the time of year for massive flooding so our rushing creek water gets added to thousands of other creeks and the drainage backs up. Our watershed isn’t related to the flooding in the Midwest. Their flooding is of epic proportions and people are still trying to dig out from under that.

\n

Before Parkersburg built the flood wall, town used to flood a lot. When I was a little girl, around five years old, the creek that ran beside our house overflowed its banks and we were evacuated by rowboats going up our street. Since then, a lot of mitigation work has been completed and they don’t see that kind of flooding anymore.

\n

We are supposed to be getting rain all day again. A little cooler today, but soon….soon we will enjoy long stretches of warm spring days and we can spend more time outside. The forsythia is just started to bloom. Whole hillsides are covered with bright yellow daffodils. They were an inexpensive flower that farm wives could afford to put in their yards to brighten up their little corners of the world. As a matter of fact, you drive along country roads and you can tell where houses once stood by the evidence of daffodils in a square or rectangle…surrounding the perimeter of a house long gone.

\n

The grass is greening up. Mr. FixIt and I remarked that we’ll be mowing before long. And, the spring onions are sending up their shoots in clumps all through the lawn. The first time or two that we mow, it will smell strongly of onions when we pass over them. When I was a little girl and we milked cows, the milk smelled and tasked of onion. NOT want you want to eat on your !Cheerios! The butter also smelled like onions…not quite so bad if you were putting in vegetables, but yucky if you were putting on biscuits with jelly.

\n

I love, love, love this time of year. Time to roll up our sleeves and get stuff done! 

\n

❤️

\n
“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.”    Deuteronomy 32:2 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-03-25T01:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/25/into-the-woods.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","God","Peace","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/24/sunday-memories.html", "title": "Sunday Memories", "content_html": "

\"Hanky\" “Grandma always carried a fresh hanky wherever she went.”

\n

I was looking through my picture albums on my iPad yesterday. I sometimes browse to find old memories that stir up a story for you. This one did just that. I’ve been writing about The Farm since early on in this blog. Grandma’s farm holds a king-sized piece of real estate in my heart so my stories often center around my memories there. And, since I am knee deep in editing my rough draft for the book, I have been writing and re-reading these stories.

\n

For as far back as I can remember, my grandma tied a shiny dime in the corner of a clean hanky and gave one to each of us kids to take to church. The hanky for our little noses…the shiny dime for the collection plate. Then Pop-Pop gave us each a stick of Beeman’s gum. Actually, we only got half a stick till we got older. I can remember when I ‘graduated’ to a full stick…I felt so grown up.

\n

\"Bethel “Bethel Chapel…the little church on the hill. I drew this picture June 28, 2001…sitting on the sidewalk out front.”

\n

The little church-house up on the hill has been there since June 9, 1914. It hasn’t had a lot done to it in all those years. Two rooms were built on the back for classrooms and an indoor bathroom…something we didn’t have the pleasure of when I was growing up. The windows have been replaced. The belfry was listing to one side so it’s been shored up. It has been painted countless times over the years. When my cousin Rick and his wife Charlotte got married, my Aunt Peeps painted that church all by herself so it would be fresh for the wedding. That woman loved to paint!

\n

I have some really wonderful memories of that little church. And I’ve had some of my most traumatic there. This was the church where the little circuit preacher literally scared the pee out of me and I headed off to find God some other way. That led me to eventually becoming Jewish for twenty-seven years, and now…here I am…full circle and back to my roots. This was also the church where my parents were married, where my Pop-Pop was one of the lay-ministers, and where his funeral was held. Many Sundays I sat in the hard wooden pews as a little girl with my feet dangling mid-air, clutching my little hanky and worrying out the knot to get my dime ready for the collection. Many Sundays, Aunt Idy played the rickety old piano…it’s keys sticking and horribly out of tune. 

\n

Aunt Idy lived in a crooked white house. She was a tiny, frail little thing…never married. She helped care for her invalid sister and brother and she was my grandma’s best friend. Once a week, Aunty Idy called to get the latest “news” for the Ritchie County Gazette. She wrote the column about the latest goings on up Dutchman road and Grandma always cringed when she saw something about herself in the paper. She abided by the rule “Fool’s names, like their faces, always seen in public places.” It was usually something like “so-and-so had a visit this week from such-and-such from somewhere” or “Mr. & Mrs. Somebody went to Parkersburg this week to see the doctor. All were given a clean bill of heath!” Thank God Grandma never told her about hemorrhoids!

\n

Grandma’s hankies. I have a couple of them somewhere in my things…the things I couldn’t part with. I don’t know that my kids will be interested…or even my grandkids. So, maybe when it’s my time to go, I’ll tie a shiny dime in the corner and go looking for Grandma. 

\n

❤️

\n
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.””    2 Corinthians 9:6-9 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-03-24T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/24/sunday-memories.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","West Virginia","The Farm","Comfort","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/23/the-bodega.html", "title": "The Bodega", "content_html": "

\"The “Coffee at The Bodega”

\n

I decided to treat myself yesterday and stopped in the brand new coffee house that just opened. The Bodega. In Spanish, bodega actually means grocery store. But a broader meaning is a meeting place where you get supplies. I knew when I walked into this sweet storefront…this wasn’t your average run-of-the-mill coffee house. There was something special going on here.

\n

The atmosphere is soft, inviting, with a great big overstuffed sofa with a soft blanket and pillows. Next to it was a huge, supple leather chair. Small tables, fresh flowers, and a sort of fresh vintage farmhouse vibe made the place very comfortable. I ordered one of the homemade cinnamon rolls and a latte. Both were delicious. The staff were warm and inviting and are willing to accommodate the Coffee Divas when we gather for our monthly caffeine infusions.

\n

As I sipped my latte, I caught the music overhead…worship music. I have been immersing myself in praise music lately. I find my spirit uplifted and my writing goes much more smoothly when I get into the Word and Praise more. Then, when I am actually writing, I listen to the Nature Sounds station on Pandora. If I listen to praise music while I write, all I want to do is sing!

\n

The owner of the coffee shop was a missionary in Honduras for some time. While there, they had a gathering place where they received their marching orders for the day. They called it The Bodega because a lot of good things came into and went out of their doors. When she came back to the states, she took some time to heal and ponder how she could create such a place here. There are so many within the surrounding area who need loved on and  lifted up. 

\n

After countless “what ifs” she decided to just go for it and jumped in with both feet and thus, The Bodega was born. The owner is looking forward to seeing what kind of great things God has in mind for this little oasis. And so am I. 

\n

❤️

\n
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”    Mark 16:15 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-03-23T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/23/the-bodega.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/18/a-night-out.html", "title": "A Night Out", "content_html": "

\"Embroidered “I love vintage embroidered linens.”

\n

When we finally got home from town after church yesterday, I went out to TOW-Wanda and started getting her ready for the camping season. And, by getting her ready I mean I made the bed. And got in it. There’s nothing better than a good book in your camper on a Sunday afternoon. That, and a little snooze.

\n

As I was getting the linens out to dress the bed, I came across these pillow cases. The blue and white one was purchased as part of a set made from antique German linens I purchased in Colorado in the ‘80s. The antique dealer had them embroidered…the pillow cases with the scroll embroidery and the shams with “Good Morning” and “Good Night”. I love this set and had forgotten the pillowcase had made it’s way into my camper at some point. 

\n

The other pillowcase is from a set I had my mom embroider when she came to Colorado one time. She used to embroider all the time and I loved the idea of having something she made to carry with me forever. It makes me smile and think of her.

\n

I sent my manuscript to the proofreader last week. There were a few typos she highlighted for me. And, there were a couple of notes to areas that needed fleshing out in my book. She mentioned she wanted to know more about my mom and our relationship. When I curled up under the covers in TOW-Wanda yesterday, I thought of my mom…Wanda. I picked up my iPad and wrote more about this kind and loving soul who was my mother. She was one of a kind and I loved listening to the rain on the roof as I walked down memory lane with my mom.

\n

Mother-daughter relationships can be tricky. My mom and I butted heads a lot. In all honesty, I was always a little too big for my britches, as my grandma would have put it. I was married to a doctor. I had a career in medicine. I had traveled a lot more and had lived in big cities. I fancied myself ever so much more sophisticated than my mom. It wasn’t until after the overdose that I realized what a horse’s patoot I had been to my poor mother. The only defense I have is the fact I was on Prozac for so many years and it changed my personality so that I really didn’t care much about others.

\n

Fortunately, I got off all the meds and alcohol and grew up quite a bit so that my mom and I had a much better relationship the last few years of her life. It would have been so terribly sad if she would have died before we got to that point. She has been gone for 15 years now…so hard to believe. I am so happy I have tangible reminders of her and that I chose to keep them when I downsized. There are some things you just can’t get rid of and this pillowcase is one of them.

\n

When Mr. FixIt came home, he came out and joined me in TOW-Wanda and we spent the night in the camper…our first night out for 2019. Maybe it’s not quite camping weather because they were predicting a bit of snow overnight, but we had plenty of cozy comforters and a furnace to keep us warm. Bring on the camping season!!! 

\n

❤️

\n
““Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.””\n

Ephesians 6:2-3 NLT

\n", "date_published": "2019-03-18T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/18/a-night-out.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/15/heaven-sent.html", "title": "Heaven Sent", "content_html": "

\"Spring\" “I know it isn’t officially spring, but….this is good enough for me!”

\n

Beware the Ides of March, they say. March 15th hasn’t always been my favorite day. For instance, this was the day Hubby #2 told me he wanted a divorce. Not one of my better days. This was also the day of Mr. Virgo’s viewing and Rosary which knocked all previous bad days out of the bad day competition up to that point. I think the 16th nudged ahead of that one.

\n

Now though…now is different. Even though it’s not officially spring in West Virginia, you can’t tell Mother Nature that. Yesterday was stellar with a temp of 79 degrees at 4:00pm. After watching videos of the bomb cyclone that tore through Colorado on Wednesday, I was ever so grateful to sit in TOW-Wanda and write. The sounds of the peepers serenaded me as the stiff breezes rocked the camper gently. I even rubbed it in by video chatting with my favorite peeps in Denver and showed them the sunshine and open windows in my camper. Yeah…they don’t like me much right now….can’t understand why. insert eye-roll here

\n

We all have good times and bad times in life that cycle up and down. I don’t forget the bad times. In the throes of acute grief, you honestly don’t believe you will ever feel joy again so it comes as a surprise when you first feel it. You even feel guilty because, after all, how can you possibly laugh when your person died? Eventually, one smile brings two. Laughter slowly replaces tears. Warm memories eventually move the pain of loss a little further back in your mind till eventually, even one day after the angelversary, you can feel the sun on your face and appreciate a warm spring day with undeniable joy in your heart. 

\n

Life is good. God is great. Spring is here. Joy abounds. Breathe. If these things aren’t here for you yet…hang on. They’re coming. ❤️

\n
\n “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”    Proverbs 17:22 NLT
\n", "date_published": "2019-03-15T01:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/15/heaven-sent.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/11/tap-tap-tap.html", "title": "Tap Tap Tap", "content_html": "

\"\" “Typing away…tap, tap, tap!”

\n

I am back to work on the book. I’m editing the first rough draft and it’s going really well, actually. My prayer going into this was to have a cheerful heart and find joy in the process. It’s amazing what a change in attitude can do in making a normally arduous task into something of a pleasure. Fresh eyes and a little distance gives you a new perspective and it’s easier to identify where the story needs polishing.

\n

I took yesterday off. Grandma always instructed us to keep the Sabbath. She told me if I ever sewed anything on Sunday, I’d spend all of eternity picking it out with my teeth. I can approach editing with more joy than before, but that doesn’t mean I want to spend all eternity doing it! We went to church with the family and then brunch. 

\n

I bought the piece to fix the toilet at the farm. I need to fill the propane tanks for TOW-Wanda. Then I can hole up in the camper and write. Oh…and I finally took down the Christmas tree. I figured it was time with the spring forward thing!

\n

We had such a lovely warm day yesterday. We got out of the truck after church and the peepers were singing! That is definitely the harbinger of spring. We made it through another winter! 

\n

Oh, I wanted to tell you about something that happened last week. Actually, it started about a month ago. I had a small mole on my temple that suddenly started to grow. I didn’t think much of it, but when it became tender and was really getting quite noticeable, I figured it was about time to call the dermatologist to go in and have it taken off. 

\n

Then I heard a sermon on healings. The premise was to not only pray for the healing….but to believe in the healing and thank God for it as if it had already occurred. Last week, I placed my finger on the growth and thanked God for taking it away for me. I just believed it was gone. I really wish I would have taken a picture of the growth for proof because…in two days’ time, it quite literally dried up and fell off! I run my fingers over the smooth skin where this growth was and I am just so amazed. Power of suggestion? Placebo effect? Nah…I’m going with divine intervention! Isn’t that amazing? ❤️

\n
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”    Jeremiah 17:14 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-03-11T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/11/tap-tap-tap.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Humbled","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/06/a-change-of-scenery.html", "title": "A Change of Scenery", "content_html": "

\"The “Running out of propane sent me running for the farm.”

\n

I had a lovely, slow start to my morning yesterday. I had a full day planned out in “the office”, reading and editing the rough draft. Went out and turned the furnace on ahead of time to warm it up since it was a frigid 17 degrees. I fixed my coffee, gathered my book bag, kissed Mr. FixIt goodbye, and headed out to TOW-Wanda.

\n

I wasn’t out there 20 minutes when it seemed to be getting colder instead of warmer. I got up and checked the air blowing out of the heater vents…barely warm. I lit the burner on the stove and even on high, there was barely a flame. I was very close to running out of propane. So, I shut it all down, packed everything back up, and headed back in the house.

\n

As I’ve shared before, we are in the midst of renovating the master bath, which usually has Mr. FixIt hopping. However, with it being 17 degrees, he wasn’t very motivated to go out to the building and cut drywall. I knew I would be tempted to blow off what I intended to do and just hang out with my buddy all day. Instead, I announced there was a change of plans.

\n

Since my book bag was already packed, I decided to come to the farm for a few days of intense editing time. After a snooze in the recliner, Mr. FixIt found the motivation to work on the bathroom…since his playmate wasn’t going to be there. It sounds like a win-win, I do believe. I arrived, fixed some lunch, and carried my coffee to the front window where Grandma always watched the world go by. My portable desk on my lap, my iPad open and at the ready, I found my gaze continually pulled to the view before me.

\n

There is the clock I bought Mr. Virgo for his last Christmas. There is the little birdhouse my dear friend Charlotte gave me. You can see the newel post my Uncle Bud made for Grandma when I was a very little girl. He had a penchant for all things cedar. Out front, the bird feeders were attracting the usual flock of chickadees, finches, and tufted titmice. The doves gathered around on the ground below, scavenging what had been knocked aside by the others as they looked for their favorite tidbits among the seeds.

\n

I kept hearing a banging sound I couldn’t identify. It sounded like the popping sound the old gas stove made before we switched out for the new one. I sat in the bathroom for twenty minutes waiting for it to kick off and back on but it never did. I sat in the bedroom and finally heard the sound again. It came from the front of the house. I walked around out front and couldn’t find anything and just as I was coming back inside, a gust of wind knocked something on the front porch and duplicated the sound. A little repositioning and the problem was solved.

\n

The deep gong of the only wind chime I can tolerate let me know the breeze is picking up. It’s cold and white outside, but in here, it’s warm and toasty. We have free gas at the farm. My Pop-Pop always said, the free gas was worth more than the farm itself. I believe he is correct, from a strictly monetary and convenience standpoint. But I would beg to differ in the real value of these 74 acres. This is…and will always be…the home of my heart. It’s old. It’s drafty. The roof leaks in a couple places, but not bad. The linoleum flooring is cracked and has holes here and there…it’s pattern worn and faded. 

\n

The original double hung windows are single paned in desperate need of a good washing. The nail heads show through on the old plaster and lathe walls. The boards creak in just the right areas to play the same tune I’ve heard all my life as I wander through the rooms. The pump kicks on out in the cellar house, reminding me our water doesn’t come through some treatment plant but is filtered through the sand and limestone far below my feet. It’s been briny ever since they capped off the wells on this property over 60 years ago.

\n

As I write this, propped up in Grandma and Pop-Pop’s bed, the window is cracked open just enough so I can hear the soft gurgle of the creek beneath the bedroom window. You don’t really have to have the window open to feel the wind blowing outside. All you need to do is stand near the front or back door and hold out your hand. The wind blows around the edges quite easily.

\n

A thought has been nagging me for a week till I finally figured it out. My grandma died 20 years ago March 2nd. It is so hard to believe she has been gone so long and I miss her every day. I think that’s one reason I love this farm so much. I know SHE loved it, and I loved her. This is where I feel closest to her.

\n

Ok, so…I didn’t get as much done yesterday as I would have liked. That’s ok…my heart is full and my spirit is warmed by the rich memories these walls hold for me. I’ll take getting recharged here over stressing about edits…any day of the week. Today will be another day and I can start refreshed…coffee in hand…warmth in my heart. ❤️

\n
““But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.”\n

Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-03-06T02:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/06/a-change-of-scenery.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Wisdom","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Writing","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/25/power-outage.html", "title": "Power Outage", "content_html": "

\"Power “A power outage is not uncommon in the country.”

\n

One of the disadvantages of living way, WAY out in the country is the frequent power outages. I do have to say, I believe this is the first one I’ve experienced here at the Ponderosa. Mr. FixIt has told me stories of outages that have lasted over two weeks out here so I am sure praying this isn’t one of them.

\n

We’ve had tons of rain. That softened the ground. Then Sunday morning, the wind picked up and there are trees down everywhere. If they take down a power line, or snap power poles in half, or even make the wires move so much they cause a transformer to blow, then you’re out of luck. Last winter, in preparation for just such an event, Mr. FixIt pulled the generator out of the big building and set it up by the back door. He had a tarp over it to protect it from the elements. We are good Scouts!

\n

We went to church yesterday before the wind picked up. The power was on and we didn’t think anything of it. By the time church was over and we had our usual brunch afterwards, we still had a couple of errands to run before delivering our family to their house. We didn’t get home till about 4:00. We left the sump pumps running when we headed out for church. Mr. FixIt was up four or five times during the night checking the water level. Finally, at 5:00am, it was time to turn them on. When we came to the door, my husband cocked his head and said, “The power’s out.” The pumps weren’t running.

\n

He headed downstairs and the water was starting to seep in under the door. We had to get those pumps running ASAP. I said a prayer and the generator started right up. We WERE good Scouts….except for one thing. The gas can was empty! Mr. FixIt headed to our little town to fill the can however, the gas station was also without electricity. The only choice was to run to the next bigger town, which I did. I got back before he had to leave for bowling. We added oil to the generator and filled the tank and started it back up.

\n

My sweetie ran an extension cord into the house so I could have a lamp. We had water. We had natural gas for cooking and for the stove that heats the living room. I bundled up and cuddled under my fur blanket, and started writing. He asked if I would be ok when he left. I laughed because this isn’t roughing it. I’ve lived in a camper on the banks of the Ohio River with no running water, a foot of snow on the ground, and -15 wind chill. This is nothing….just a minor inconvenience. It’s life in the country. I have no idea how long the power was out before we got home. And, at the time I am writing this, I have no idea how long it will be off. I called the power company and they said it was a widespread outage. It is affected 3,800 - 4,000 customers in our county alone. It comes on when it comes on.

\n

I remain joyful and keep praying and I’m so thankful for a house and a generator, and a camper with heat should we continue without power into the night. I will remain thankful in all circumstances. ❤️

\n
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”\n

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

\n", "date_published": "2019-02-25T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/25/power-outage.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Courage","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/24/an-early-spring.html", "title": "An Early Spring?", "content_html": "

\"Forsythia “The forsythia have leaves already! Spring can’t be far away!”

\n

Sometimes Facebook memories are great. They remind us of what was happening a year…two years…five years ago. I have to admit, they were really awful when I was in the throes of active grief and some wonderful memory with Mr. Virgo popped up. They don’t hurt so much now and I enjoy seeing where we were.

\n

On February 15th of last year, the peepers were out. It was 65 degrees. Peepers are those little frogs we’ve talked about many times here and they are the harbinger of spring. Unfortunately, our climate is so messed up, the flora and fauna get confused when we have these waves of warm weather. So far, I haven’t heard the peepers yet.

\n

I was heading out to TOW-Wanda on Friday to write and saw the forsythia bush has leaves on it! I know our growing season is much longer here in West Virginia than it is in Colorado. But this kind of surprised me. Some of my friends have posted pictures of their crocus coming up already. We did have a pretty mild winter and other than that week of the Polar Vortex, things have been pretty mellow.

\n

I don’t mind that a bit. I am getting a little bit tired of all this rain though. I mean…it’s like build-an-ark rain. The ground is super saturated. Today is supposed to be really windy. The two combined will bring lots of trees down. The other night I had that tree fall in front of me on my way home from the farm. Last week, Mr. FixIt had to take a detour around a big tree that fell across both lanes. Then yesterday, I was coming home from town and another HUGE tree fell about twenty feet from that one. It wasn’t there when I drove in earlier. Fortunately, this one was old and fell apart when it hit the road. People were driving over the crumbled up bits.

\n

I’ve got to tell ya, I’ve never looked at the trees along the roads like I have in the last two weeks. A couple of summers ago, the highway crews cut the trees way back on the main road going out to the farm. They’re going to have to do that on this road before too long. There are trees literally hanging out over the two-lane and that’s scary.

\n

The writing continues…60,526. I wrote 8,000 words on Friday alone. If I could be this prolific all the time, I’d have a shelf full of best sellers! Here’s hoping! ❤️

\n
“then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil.”\n

Deuteronomy 11:14 NLT

\n", "date_published": "2019-02-24T02:30:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/24/an-early-spring.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Presence","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/21/dining-in-save-money-save.html", "title": "Dining In: Save Money, Save Time", "content_html": "

\"Guacamole\" ‘Homemade Guacamole is the BEST!”

\n

I used to adore going out to dinner. LOVED it! Mr. Virgo ruined that for me. After spending the majority of his working life in the food and beverage industry, restaurants held no allure for him. He “inspected” every place we ate. He pointed out infractions. He critiqued menus. And don’t get me started about what happened when the food arrived. Let’s just say, sleeping in hotels and dining in restaurants have lost their allure for me as well. 

\n

Don’t get me wrong…I’ve eaten at some fabulous restaurants and eaten some amazing food by renowned chefs. It’s just that…I’m a pretty darned good cook and I can make just about anything as good as, if not better than some restaurants and I don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for the experience. I can have the food cooked, the kitchen clean, and sitting with my feet up in the time it takes us to just drive to a restaurant given where we live. I’d rather do it myself.

\n

Mr. FixIt’s birthday was the first week of February. His son and family have been after us ever since to meet for supper, but every time they asked, it rained and we have to be here to mop up the basement if it leaks. It’s just not worth it to go then spend four hours mopping up. When they called this week, I asked them to just come here. They arrived last night and I had a Taco Fiesta lined up on the bar in the kitchen.

\n

Seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and onions, jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream and your choice of soft or crispy shells. We had Key Lime Pie for dessert. There was plenty left over for at least two more meals. The entire thing, including a 12-pack of soft drinks cost $45. You couldn’t get two meals for that at a nice restaurant. I know the food that was in it. And I know the kitchen and my hands were clean and free of diseases. 

\n

I’m older now…I don’t need as much fru fru as I once thought I needed. The truth is, I didn’t need it when I had it. I just got in the habit. I have to say, the avocados right now are perfect. So many times you get them and they are hard as a rock but these were perfect and blemish free. Making homemade guacamole is a cinch. 

\n

GINNY’S GUACAMOLE

\n

4 ripe avocados

\n

1/2 cup shredded onion

\n

1 large tomato, cubed

\n

Juice of 1 lime

\n

1-2 tsp minced garlic

\n

Salt to taste

\n

Halve avocados, remove pit, and scoop out flesh into medium bowl. Add onion, tomato, and garlic. Squeeze lime halves over avocado mixture. Fold ingredients together till gently combined. Season to taste with salt.

\n

If storing for any length of time, place one of the avocado pits in the bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate till needed. (The pit keeps the guacamole from turning brown.) Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer or top off your tacos with a generous spoonful.

\n

A lot better…and cheaper…than anything you can get in a restaurant!

\n

❤️

\n
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”\n

Ecclesiastes 9:7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-02-21T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/21/dining-in-save-money-save.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/18/memories.html", "title": "Memories", "content_html": "

\"Mother “Mother Earth News was my manual for a good life.”

\n

Daughter #1 texted me this photo yesterday of Mother Earth News magazine. She said “I didn’t know they still published this.” I looked at the text and smiled. It hit my “mom feels” for a number of reasons.

\n

First, because I just wrote in my book the other day about a time when the Mother Earth News magazine was a huge part of my life. Second, because she remembered it. And lastly….she is a very busy adult, teaches full time and moms my two beautiful granddaughters and lives in Colorado…we don’t get to share moments like this very often.

\n

I was a frustrated farm girl in the big city of Denver while my husband was in medical school. I read Mother Earth News like an instruction manual for life. I baked our bread, made homemade granola, yogurt, and even tofu. I canned fruits and vegetables, made jams, jellies, relishes and pickles. I would have raised chickens if city ordinances would have allowed it back then. When we bought our first home on two acres, I set out to make it a little farm. That didn’t really work out so well because of the semi-arid climate. But I certainly had fun trying.

\n

The fact that my daughter remembered my penchant for this magazine just tickled me to no end for some reason. It helped me reach back across time to her youth. It was a hundred lifetimes ago…and it was just yesterday. It’s the simple things that bring the most joy, isn’t it? ❤️

\n
“Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.\"”\n

Genesis 6:21 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-02-18T02:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/18/memories.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/16/verbosity.html", "title": "Verbosity", "content_html": "
\n
    \n\"Keyboard\"“I’ve typed over 25,000 in seven days, not including my blog posts. Crazy!”
\n
\nMy mother said I had the “gift of gab”. Daughter #2 swears I can “talk to a tree”. They are both correct. I am, as my longtime sister/friend puts it...wordy. I try to trim my words down, but If I don’t tell you the back story, how are you going to get the significance, right?\n

I fixed my coffee and stepped into TOW-Wanda at around 10:00 yesterday morning. By 4:30, with only one short break, I had over 25,000 words written over the course of seven writing days. I think that’s got to be some sort of record! For me, anyway.

\n

It made me curious…what is the average word count for authors? Turns out, Google knows everything. Ernest Hemingway churned out 500 to 1000 words per day. Stephen King claims he types upwards of 2000 words per day. One thousand words per day is the average for bloggers. Twenty-five thousand words in a week isn’t counting the blog. Holy cats!

\n

A memoir, or autobiography, is in the same category as a novel and should be between 80,000 and 89,000 words. It’s important to keep track of your word counts. Too few words and you aren’t giving your readers enough. Two many, and you’re trying to emulate War & Peace and it’s snoozeville. Anything over 100,000 is more expensive for a publisher to produce so it’s important to try to land somewhere in these guidelines.

\n

So, I’m at 25,000 words. If I can continue at the current rate, I could have the rough draft done in less than a month. That would be awesome. Thanks for hanging in there with me! I’ll be back out there today. My plan is to just take Sundays off. ❤️

\n
“\"Have you understood all these things?\" They said to him, \"Yes.\" And he said to them, \"Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.\"”\n

Matthew 13:51-52 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-02-16T02:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/16/verbosity.html", "tags": ["Faith","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","God","Wisdom","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/14/on-lovingunconditionally.html", "title": "On Loving...Unconditionally", "content_html": "

\"A “I am a Christian AND I love everyone… unconditionally.”

\n

The other day, a West Virginia delegate made a series of ugly and disparaging comments about the LGBTQ community. He compared them to terrorists and the Ku Klux Klan. He was interviewed later and given an opportunity to clarify his position, and it was actually SO much worse than what was originally reported. When asked what he would do if his son or daughter came home and told him they were gay, the delegate said if it was his daughter, he would take her for a pedicure. If it was his son, he would take him hunting. And if, upon their return, they still said they were gay…he would take them out and “see if they could swim”. The interviewer was aghast and asked, “Are you saying, you would take them out and try to drown them???” He just looked at her with a sinister grin and didn’t answer.

\n

I was sickened, on so many levels. First and foremost, that he has this kind of hatred in his heart and calls himself a Christian. Second, that he would turn away from his children, or worse…do them physical harm. And, finally…it HAD to be a West Virginian. Why did he have to come from MY state? The answer is, because there are people like him in every state.

\n

Here of late, I have been so uplifted and fortified by my faith, I have been shouting “Hallelujah!” from the rooftops. And that’s how I feel…excited by the ways I see God move in my life. Excited about the opportunities to share my stories of his love and provenance. Then, this week…I received this wedding invitation. And I was reminded, I may be giving people the wrong idea about who I am in my faith.

\n

Some people may equate my bold Christian joy with the kind of person who denigrates those who are unlike them, like that delegate from West Virginia. Nothing could be further from the truth. I do not discriminate against anyone. I’m not perfect, but I certainly try to emulate Jesus at every turn. He loves everyone. He does not see people from the outside. He looks at their hearts. After raising my daughters in the Jewish faith, I was appalled when Daughter #2 came home from school crying because the kids called her a “stupid f****** Jew”. I held her close and tried to explain ignorance and intolerance and bigotry. It broke my heart. 

\n

I respect all faiths, save for those who kill people in the name of their god. I respect all people, save for those who kill or maim or injure children or animals. When I raise my voice in praise for Jesus, I don’t want it to exclude my love for others who don’t believe as I do. I don’t want to walk ahead of and ignore the one who is still looking for God. I don’t want the Muslims and the Jews and the Seiks and the Hindus and even the atheists…anyone of any faith…to think I do not love them equally. I look for, and see, the God in all people. That divine spark that comes from somewhere far beyond the stars. That sign of something far greater than any of us here. 

\n

I also embrace the LGBTQ community as my fellow human beings, who house that same divine spark as me. It is not my place to judge anyone…not even that delegate from West Virginia. Everyone will be judged by their maker in the end. It’s not my job. At the same time, I’m going to tell you about this amazing Jesus who rules my life. And, I’m going to show you, as best I can by the way that I live, how a good and loving and forgiving Father has changed me. The two can, and in my humble opinion SHOULD walk hand in hand.

\n

Because, you see…that wedding invitation we got in the mail this week? That’s from Daughter #2 and her fiancée…a very kind and loving woman who has helped my baby become a better version of herself. They are getting married in Colorado in August. They love each other completely… unconditionally. How can I not do the same with both of them? This is my child. We love who we love. It is not my place to judge. You may do what you wish, but I do pray I will always, always, always land on the side of love. Because that is the way Jesus loves me.

\n

***If you don’t agree with me, that’s ok…I won’t judge you either. I know this is a hot topic for some, but this is my house, my rules. We speak with respect here. This is a case where we’ll take my grandma’s advise…”If we can’t say anything nice, we won’t say anything at all.” ❤️

\n
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”\n

Romans 14:1-4 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-02-14T02:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/14/on-lovingunconditionally.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!","Marriage","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/09/the-farm-and-me.html", "title": "The Farm and Me", "content_html": "

\"window\" “The Farm is my ultimate happy place!”

\n

If the weather hadn’t turned colder yesterday, I would have spent the night out in TOW-Wanda last night. But, with a low of 17 degrees forecast, I opted for the next best thing and headed to the farm! I made sure Mr. FixIt had everything he needed, filled him with more cold meds, propped him up in his recliner with a cover and a heating pad and made my escape. He still has some potato soup to warm up and I promised I’d be back sometime today. I could sit and watch him suffer and watch TV, or I could write. With his full support, I chose writing.

\n

And write I did! As of the time I am typing this post, I’ve written 7141 words since Thursday morning at 11:00. That’s a lot of words! The goal when you write is just to get the rough draft down. Write it all out…worry about editing later. That is the most difficult part for me. I want it perfect the first time so I don’t have to go back over it again. I don’t know anyone that works for.

\n

I stopped at my cousin’s barn on the way out here yesterday to leave 80 cans of cat food and a 40 pound bag of dry cat food. Yes, I was prepared for the winter and had just purchased all that a few days before the cats were moved to their new home in the big barn. So, they were gifted cat food aplenty! I was thrilled to learn the kitties are hanging out there and haven’t wandered off. I saw Kitty Boy, the young short hair. My cousin said they were both there last night when he fed them. There are six roosters down at the barn and they all get along fine. This makes me happy!

\n

The farm is my time machine. Every time I get to stay here, I am swept back to my childhood. I get to feel all those really great feelings again. This farm and TOW-Wanda are my happy places. Right now, as I write this, I am propped up in Grandma’s bed. I cracked the window open when I first got here so I can hear the water running in the creek. We’ve had a lot of rain this week so the runoff is pretty high. 

\n

I’ve been really surprised we haven’t lost more trees out here. There are mudslides all around these parts this time of year. The ground freezes hard and when it thaws, it’s aerated. Then the heavy rains come and the ground gets so saturated, all it takes is a good windstorm and trees get uprooted. Mud and rocks slip down, sometimes covering the road…sometimes taking the road along with it. 

\n

As Mr. FixIt came home from bowling Thursday night, he called me to say there was a huge tree lying across the road at the top of a hill less that two miles from the house. He managed to turn around and, knowing every backroad within fifty miles of here, made a quick shortcut that would bring him back out on the two lane just past the tree. We were asking on the phone as he drove when he said, “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” I asked what was wrong and he said he drove right into standing water on the road. He wasn’t driving too fast…it was just there before he knew it. It’s easy to see how people can get caught up and swept away in high water when you have little to no warning it’s ahead. Thank goodness, he got right through and was home in no time.

\n

I stopped at the Piggly Wiggly on the way to the farm and picked up a few things. I had a small steak and baked potato for dinner. Yummmm! I’ll spend today writing and doing laundry before I head home. I hope you all are planning a wonderful weekend! ❤️

\n
“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”\n

Psalm 45:1 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-02-09T02:30:22-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/09/the-farm-and-me.html", "tags": ["Faith","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Courage","Peaceful Moments","Writing","Choices","The Cats","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/07/time-to-visit-my-friend.html", "title": "Time to Visit my Friend", "content_html": "

\"Camper “TOW-Wanda in the fog at the Ponderosa.”

\n

I have a tendency to get antsy. I get bored pretty easily and being cooped up in the house drives me batty after a while. Poor Mr. FixIt was down for the third day in a row with a virus. I fixed him tea. I made him a pot of homemade potato soup. I gave him cold meds. I tucked him in his recliner with a heating pad. I even watched a movie with him. But, as much as I dearly love the man, I had to do something else for a little bit.

\n

I’ve been wanting to spend the night out in TOW-Wanda for some time now. Even though I camped with her up on the Ohio River this time of the year in 2015, doesn’t mean I am necessarily anxious to repeat the experience when the temperature hovers below freezing. This week is different. The temp today is supposed to get up to 70 degrees! Yesterday was a different story. Even though it was around 62 degrees out there, it was grey and foggy after a day of rain. When the rain cleared up a bit, I packed up my bag with knitting, books, my iPad, and my phone and headed out for a break in my little home on wheels.

\n

I really miss her in the winter. I took the covers off the bedroom windows, slipped out of my shoes, and snuggled in under a pile of blankets. Once the initial chill of the cold bed began to subside, I sighed and pulled the blankets up under my chin and rolled on my side. I could hear the creek out by the road…roaring and swollen from the rain. A lone crow cawed from the tree line out at the far end of the big field. As much as I would have loved to pull out my book, or pick up my knitting…I just sank down into the memory foam mattress and let TOW-Wanda cradle me with the safe, warm feelings I always get when I spend time with her.

\n

I thought about the cold, October rains that I drove through when I brought her to West Virginia for the first time. I remembered the sounds of the riverboats breaking through the crust of ice on the Ohio River as they carried theirs loads of coal and assorted cargo. I thought about the many times my fear and anxiety were eased when I escaped with her to the woods. She was my sanctuary. My safe haven. My diversion. My home when I really had no one in my self-appointed exile. She is where I did my best healing. Sometimes I just need to go spend some time with her.

\n

I drifted off for just a bit and roused when it was getting dusky out. I could see the fog settling in the back field as it rose from the roadway. I smiled and thanked her for being here where I can visit anytime. It’s much better than when I had to store her away from me for the winter. I’m at a place where I am ready to work on my book again. I have accountability partners in my friends Janine and Gail. Janine reminded me yesterday it was time to get to work. My goal is 500 words a day. That ought to be a piece of cake considering I already write to you lovely people that much quite easily. TOW-Wanda is my studio, my office, my writing space. Today, I will go out and prop all my pillows around the twin bed in my slide-out, which I call my “sunroom”, and write with the windows flung open to catch the warm air. Air with the promise of spring. It’s going to be a good day. ❤️

\n
“And I say, \"Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah”\n

Psalms 55:6-7 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-02-07T02:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/07/time-to-visit-my-friend.html", "tags": ["TOW-Wanda!","Camping","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/06/i-need-that-joy.html", "title": "I Need That Joy...", "content_html": "

\"Joy “I Need That Joy…down in my heart!”

\n

I love, love, love the way God works in my life! It’s like an elaborately woven tapestry with bright colors here and dark colors there…never seeing what’s developing in the picture till you get some perspective. That’s when you start to see how this thread that was pulled over here is causing that thread to move over there. And then you see…you really SEE. And you know beyond a shadow of a doubt…it is GOD!

\n

Case in point. We were standing in the lobby Sunday waiting for the doors to open and head into church. I was talking with my step-daughter about my blog and how my spiritual walk began to blossom within it. I explained how the enemy really started attacking me when I opened up my heart and started praising God in my writing and adding scripture to my posts. I attended my very first Revival and was baptized in the Spirit which took things to a whole new level. Pastor Matt told us one night to take back our homes and our properties and to banish the enemy from the premises. The next morning, I got Grandma’s old bible from the buffet and walked around the perimeter of the yard, hands outstretched, shouting praises without shame. I informed the enemy he had no dominion over me or my house and I showed him the boundary. It’s one of my favorite stories and it was the first time I had shared it with my bonus family.

\n

Soon, we went into the sanctuary and were seated. Pastor Justin gave a wonderful sermon about patience. At one point, he started getting animated and talked about banishing the enemy from our homes and properties. I sat back and smiled and thought, “Here it comes!” He went on to say, “Take your bibles and walk around the perimeter of your property and send the devil packing!” My step-daughter and I whipped around and looked at each other, mouths gaped open, and laughed out loud. I love it when that happens. And when you are attuned, it happens a lot. You just have to pay attention. I was so glad God showed them he was there!

\n

I told you earlier this year new things were coming. I still can’t talk about the specifics yet, but I knew there were a couple of associations I had to sever before I could move forward into the new project. I’ve waffled, I have to admit. Because a “bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”, as my grandma used to say. I prayed about it and told God I put all my trust in him and I know he will open the new doors where he wants me to go. I hit “send” on the last e-mail and immediately, Spirit told me to turn on the Christian radio station I was listening to earlier in the day. I did, and the worship song “Joy” by King & Country came on. Now, I’ve never heard that song, but listen carefully to the lyrics and you will hear God saying, “Yes! Things were critical and you made a choice. Now…feel the JOY!”

\n

Wow…these kinds of things really pump me up! My body was humming like I was plugged into an outlet. And, in all actuality, I was. I was getting recharged by the Holy Spirit. I couldn’t help but feel that “joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” More to come down the road as the journey continues. ❤️

\n

youtu.be/lA7n7TwPD…

\n
“Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!”\n

Psalms 47:1 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-02-06T02:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/06/i-need-that-joy.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/28/some-updates-on-the-kids.html", "title": "Some Updates on the Kids!", "content_html": "

\"Baby\" “Baby Gwendolyn sitting up with her braces on her legs. Making progress!”

\n

Remember sweet baby Gwendolyn who we have been praying for since last summer? Look at our big girl…sitting up in her high chair with her braces on her little legs. She still is having issues with her hands but she is slowly learning to grasp things. Her lower jaw is receded and she cannot eat yet so she has a stomach tube tube for feeding. But she is bright as a new copper penny and as sweet as a summer rain! What a blessing she is to all who love her!

\n

\"Braving “Little Khloe is battling leukemia and just lost her hair. She celebrated by braving bare in a fashion show! She’s a rock star!”

\n

Then, there’s little Khloe. Her great grandma went to high school with us. Khloe found out she had leukemia last summer. Last weekend, her family threw an “It’s Just Hair” party where she and many members of her family shaved their heads in support. Khloe lost almost all of her hair and she was tired of it just coming out in chunks so she just wanted it all off. She has a bunch of really cute wigs, but yesterday she was in a fashion show for Justice girls wear and boldly bare with a cute glittery unicorn headband. This brave little girl rocks!!!

\n

Here are two precious little girls, going through some pretty big struggles. And their brave families backing them up. It makes any little problem I may think I have pale in comparison. They are living, breathing examples of prayers being answered. I love when Jesus shows us His works.

\n

I’ve been praying for my bonus family and last night, the grands with their significant others went to church with me! What a joy that was! And, they want to come next week with my husband and me. So, it was a really, really wonderful weekend. I hope you have a blessed Monday, y’all!

\n

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone! ❤️

\n
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”\n

3 John 1:2 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-01-28T02:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/28/some-updates-on-the-kids.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Grace","Love","Courage","Humbled","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/27/building-up-my-stash.html", "title": "Building up my Stash", "content_html": "

\"Hand-knit “Eighteen hand-knit cotton dishclothes are perfect for impromptu gifts.”

\n

Yesterday was a decompression day. Taking care of and loving on lots of people this week left me needing a day that was all about me, for the most part. I’m almost finished with the cotton yarn I bought to knit dishcloths. There’s probably enough to make a couple more. I have eighteen in my stash. I like having these around for impromptu gift giving. I also get a bar of lavender soap every time my doTerra order comes around and I don’t need vitamins. I put these things all away to have ready for birthdays and hostess gifts.

\n

I have this whole bonus family through marrying Mr. FixIt and I am thrilled to say the grandkids are going to church with me today! Mr. FixIt and I will go at noon then when he bowls this evening, I’ll take the grandkids with me and treat them out to dinner after church. I wanted to spend some quality time alone with them. Bonding time is important in step-families…even when the kids are all grown up. I’m so excited…I can hardly wait!

\n

I told you I would let you know if I slept well again when I practiced handing everything over to God before bed. Well, I did and it was amazing how fast I fell asleep…and stayed asleep all night. I think I’m onto something here!

\n

We haven’t been to church for two weeks because of bad weather. I can hardly wait to get there today…twice! Have a blessed Sunday, dear ones. I’ll see you this evening for Sunday Night Prayer Circle. ❤️

\n
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”\n

Proverbs 17:6 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-01-27T02:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/27/building-up-my-stash.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/23/that-flash-of-red.html", "title": "That Flash of Red", "content_html": "

\"Male “Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal in the forsythia bush.”

\n

Cardinals don’t migrate, so we have an abundance of them here in West Virginia. It is our state bird, along with that of six other states. I grew up calling them “redbirds”. They were my grandma’s favorites and she took such delight when she saw a flash of crimson darting in and out of the shrubs out on the farm. 

\n

This picture shows a pair of cardinals. The male of course is flashy and bright with a black mask across his face. The female is a dusty, rusty reddish grey. They both have a peaked crown of feathers on top of their heads. They had a distinct chirp you cannot miss. This pair is nesting in the forsythia bush out by the corner of the house. Mr. FixIt pruned them way back just before the wedding when he cleaned up the property. 

\n

I just love these birds. We have talked about them here a lot. We have discussed whether they signal a visit from a loved one who has passed. I like to think, since Grandma loved them so much, it is her flying by to say hello, but the truth of the matter is, you see them here year-round.

\n

It finally warmed up a bit yesterday but we still worked inside. The dry, winter air in the house has caused the glue to dry out in the joints of some of our bigger pieces of furniture so Mr. FixIt took a support rail off and used wood glue before screwing the piece securely back together. I knitted and made a big pot of Beef Stroganoff for dinner. It was a pretty laid-back day and we really enjoyed it. ❤️

\n
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.\"”\n

Genesis 8:22 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-01-23T02:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/23/that-flash-of-red.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Presence","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/13/the-kitchen-window.html", "title": "The Kitchen Window", "content_html": "

\"Kitchen “The view out my kitchen window at the Ponderosa allows me to watch the birds at the feeder.”

\n

When I was growing up, I spent as much time out at my grandma’s farm as I possibly could. I never minded washing dishes at Grandma’s because there was a big window over the kitchen sink. I’ve moved many times over the years and was always so pleased when the kitchen had a window over the sink. It didn’t really matter the view…as long as I could see out and open it for some fresh air, I was a happy camper.

\n

I was thrilled when I found out Mr. FixIt’s house has a window I can gaze out as I wash the dishes. He keeps a bird feeder full for me so I can watch the birds fly in and out of the surrounding trees and brush to light just beyond where I stand. Yesterday, there were several cardinals. There’s nothing prettier than the flash of a redbird swooping in and landing just in front of me. Their brilliant scarlet plumage against the new fallen snow is breathtaking. They say a cardinal is a sign a loved one is visiting from heaven. If that is true, our house was a busy place yesterday. There were also chickadees, tufted titmice, a pair of mourning doves, and the occasional downy woodpecker added to the mix.

\n

In the late summer, early fall, the deer gather under that tree you see out there in the yard and eat the fallen crabapples. In the late spring, Mr. FixIt puts up the hummingbird feeder and fills it for me. He loves the birds as much as I do.

\n

We didn’t get the snow that was predicted…as least not by the time of this writing last night. Mr. FixIt has half the bathroom subfloor put down in the master bath. He came in from checking the mail and handed me a package…a canvas print of Daughter #1 and her family. Now I need to plan a family portrait wall!

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If it’s slick this morning, we’ll stay home and watch church on TV. I must say, it was very nice to not leave the house at all. It was a beautiful day filled with knitting and love. It doesn’t get much better than that! ❤️

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“I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.”\n

Psalm 50:11 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-01-13T02:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/13/the-kitchen-window.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/10/johnny-jaxxa-story-of-devotion.html", "title": "Johnny \u0026 Jaxx...A Story of Devotion", "content_html": "

\"Doggy “Rosie (L), Jaxx (C), and Johnny Boy (R) celebrate Johnny’s 4th Gotcha Day!”

\n

We talk a lot here about death and dying, loss and grief. We talk about losing our parents…aunts…uncles…cousins, our siblings, our children, our friends, and our spouses. We don’t talk a whole lot here about when we lose our beloved fur-babies…those wonderful fur-covered angels that grace us with their presence for a few short years, only to be yanked away far, far too soon.

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Losing our beloved pets affects most of us the same way as losing a human member of the family. Our hearts break. We grieve. We are lost. We get the same brain fog. The same yearning. If you are an animal lover and have ever been fortunate enough to share your life with a companion animal, then you know what I am saying is true.

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\"Sick “Johnny Boy arrived so sick with Parvovirus we didn’t think he would live.”

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My first dog as an adult was an Aussie/Blue Heeler mix named Boofer. She was brilliant. The only dog I truly did not have to train. I just talked to her and she knew exactly what I wanted from her. And she would do her level best to please me. She had to be put down at the young age of seven after a diagnosis of a pituitary tumor. We managed her symptoms with medication as long as we could but when she went blind, it was time to set her free.

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Animal owners know their time with their fur-babies is limited. Boofer was gone too soon. Old Mama Kitty was at least 23-24 years old. Sidney was 14…a big, goofy black lab who owned my heart during a really dark period of my life. Mr. Virgo showed up with a 10-year-old Yorkie/Maltese mix named Cricket who lived to be seventeen. She died just three months before Mr. Virgo did. That was my last dog. I just didn’t have it in me to do it again and my lifestyle isn’t conducive to pet ownership.

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\"Boxer “Johnny Boy is absolutely CRAZY over kittens! He has to have one…always!”

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My friend Aimee is the Grande Dame of animal rescues. If it moves and squeaks, oinks, meows, moos, neighs, or barks…Aimee has to bring it home. Her husband rolls his eyes when another goat or chicken or rabbit or puppy makes an appearance at their West Virginia homestead. It’s all a show…he adores Aimee and if she needs to rescue another dog, she rescues another dog. As she says…she married well.

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Four years ago, Aimee fostered little Johnny Boy…a mastiff-boxer mix who was dreadfully thin. They soon found he was also dreadfully sick. Johnny nearly died….several times…of parvovirus and parasites and any number of problems. They went to every length to save this little guy’s life. When he got through the initial illness, Johnny Boy started having trouble walking. His joints became swollen and painful. They finally discovered he had a very rare disease of the epiphyseal joints in his legs. After a trip to the State Veterinary School in Columbus, a treatment was finally found and Johnny boy began to thrive and grow. 

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Then, just before the holidays, Aimee found hundreds of little bumps under Johnny’s skin. Again, Johnny Boy does nothing halfway and it took quite some doing to get a diagnosis. When they did, it was not good. It was a rare cancer and there is nothing they can do for him. So, Aimee decided Johnny Boy’s end of life would include the very best days ever. 

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\"Bonded “Johnny & Jaxx…BFF’s Forever!”

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A few months ago, Johnny’s BFF…Jaxx…moved to Florida with his human person. And Johnny was devastated. When they found out Johnny Boy doesn’t have a long time to live, Jaxx’s owner drove him from Florida and left him in Aimee’s care for as long as Johnny needs him. Johnny and Jaxx are insanely bonded. I mean…they FaceTime each other. Seriously!

\n

The other night, Aimee threw Johnny Boy a four year “Gotcha Party” to celebrate and Johnny, Jaxx, and Rosie donned their party hats and sat in the little chairs around the table. They ate scrambled eggs for supper and had Pupcake for dessert. I loved watching the video!

\n

Aimee posted a video yesterday that shows Johnny having a little trouble breathing. His type of tumor releases histamines and they make his nasal passages swell which in turn makes it difficult to breathe. She knows this is the beginning of the end. And, trust me, she will never let Johnny Boy suffer. When it is his time, she will let him go peacefully. In the meantime, she suffers the anticipatory grief knowing Johnny’s time on earth is short. Yet, she shares him with us…and with Jaxx. I SO love this crazy mutt who came in and stole all our hearts and showed us what loving a rescue is all about. He truly is made of love and sunshine. ❤️

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“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”\n

Proverbs 12:10 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-01-10T02:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/10/johnny-jaxxa-story-of-devotion.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/02/hope-and-joy.html", "title": "Hope AND Joy!", "content_html": "

\"Paul “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” - Paul Coelho

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The other day I said my word for 2019 would be “Joy”. Then I decided it really should be “Hope”. Well, we all know it is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind and I’ve decided to have TWO words this year…Hope AND Joy! No reason I can’t strive for both and they go hand in hand, right?

\n

I was looking through my photos from the last year. I try to use my own photos for my blog but sometimes something comes along that I just need to share. That is the case in today’s meme.

\n

One of the photos I saw yesterday as I was preparing to write this post was one of my sweet Uncle Bud, devoted husband of my Aunt Viv who died the day after Mr. FixIt and I got married. I was so worried about him the last couple of years. As Aunt Viv’s dementia worsened, he got less and less sleep and had absolutely no time to take care of himself. The last two years he also had the added responsibility of caring for his sister…the elderly aunt I originally came to West Virginia to try to help. I really hated that hers and my inability to get along added an extra burden on him, but it couldn’t be helped. She and I were oil and water. Or probably more accurate, gasoline and a match.

\n

Every week, I called my Uncle Bud to see how he was doing. And all too often I suggested perhaps they should seek some sort of alternative to caring for both women in the home, virtually unassisted. And every time, he patiently replied, “We’ll see.” I realized long back, this is not my place to butt in, so I tried to stay out of it. I wasn’t always successful, but I tried.

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When my aunt finally passed, I realized…that was his sweetheart. The love of his life. He took vows that he would love her and care for her in sickness and in health. While no one would have held it against him if he would have placed either of my aunts in a nursing home, this was just not the way he was raised and he has a huge heart. He simply could not do that for his wife. And now, I am sure, he will care for his sister as long as he possibly can.

\n

When I came across a picture of my Uncle Bud yesterday, I had to smile. Here was this 80-something year old man whom I adore, hunched over his brand new smart phone. Apparently, someone felt it was time for him to ditch the old flip phone he’s been using forever and come into 21st century technology. 

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I can just imagine what he must think. I remember when I got my first laptop. I brought it to West Virginia to show my grandma. I signed up for AOL specifically so I could use the internet anywhere. I plugged it into her phone line and rang up the dialup modem. After the beeps and boops, up it popped. We sat there for hours looking up stuff. She was intrigued, but I don’t think it really sank in what she was looking at. It was all a mystery to her.

\n

As I head into the new year armed with “HOPE” and “JOY”, I want to remember always that it is my example, not my opinion, that will change the world. It takes a village to change things. And if we all work together, we can raise the collective vibration of the planet to a place of awareness and peace. If we strive to go high when others go low, we can set our sites on a common goal…one of peace and mutual understanding. When we keep God at the center, he equips us with all we need to succeed. This is my prayer…my most fervent hope, in order to find infinite joy! ❤️

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“But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation. To him be the power for ever! Amen.”\n

1 Peter 5:10-11 GNB

\n", "date_published": "2019-01-02T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/02/hope-and-joy.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/29/looking-for-the-light.html", "title": "Looking for the Light", "content_html": "

\"Sunset\" “Looking for the Light”

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In the next week or two, one after the other…folks will be taking down their Christmas lights. My goodness, I know people who take their decorations down as soon as the last present is opened! Me? Well, if I didn’t have to dust the darned thing, I’d leave my tree up all year. Oh, I love my tree! Mr. FixIt picked out two or three trees and sent me pictures of them when I was in Colorado that first Christmas we were dating. I chose the one I wanted and he picked it up on sale after the holidays. He’s such a good man!

\n

Thankfully, we are past the winter solstice, and the days will incrementally reward us with more and more light. But it will be a while before we really notice it. Until then, I will hang on to my sweet, white lights on my tree. And my scented candles. And my battery operated candles that automatically turn on and off. And the little candles in each window that stay up all year. And the accent lamps. There are no curtains on the windows so I can squeeze out every moment of light every day. I crave light. 

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In the past, I have fallen victim to the habit of saying, “I hate winter!” “I hate the cold weather!” “I hate the snow!” Well, you know what? Whether I hate it or not, it is going to be here. Defeatist jargon steals joy. Either way, hate or joy, it’s still going to be dark and cold. So why not choose joy? Why not change the negative self chatter to something like…”There is joy in this moment.” There is joy in that sunbeam, no matter how briefly it shines. There is joy in the snow…no two snowflakes are alike. There is joy in the trees as they stretch their naked arms up into the sky, their roots settled in for a rest before they burst forth with their gift of green.

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This transformation of my thinking doesn’t come in a straight line. I’ve found myself being decidedly grumpy occasionally over the last couple of weeks. Then I remember my word…presence…and I come back. It may be a forever battle, but my war cry will always be “Joy!”

\n

That is my word for 2019. Joy!

\n
“These people who live in darkness will see a great light. They live in a place that is very dark. But a light will shine on them.” Isaiah 9:1-2”\n‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭ICB‬‬
\n", "date_published": "2018-12-29T02:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/29/looking-for-the-light.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/24/christmas-a-season-of-healing.html", "title": "Christmas: A Season of Healing", "content_html": "

\"Santa “My Santa and Mrs. Claus”

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Dear Santa,

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This is the sixth Christmas without my Mr. Virgo. I know you remember the day I sat beside you in your great big comfy chair. It was that first awful Christmas after he died. I was crying and you saw me standing there alone. And that great big heart of yours was so soft…you moved over to make room for me and patted the seat, letting me know I should come sit for a while. 

\n

I was crying…trying so hard to regain my composure. You waited patiently for me to gather my wits about me. Finally, I leaned towards you. You leaned in to hear. “My husband died. I need a new heart.” I could almost hear your heart breaking for me. You put your arm around my shoulders and whispered back. “I’m so sorry.” Your voice was thick with emotion. You patted my back as my shoulders shook with sobs. 

\n

It wasn’t long till I got it together. I apologized for being such a mess. You said, “Nonsense. You’re perfect!” As I prepared to leave, you asked, “Won’t you have your picture taken with me?” My heart skipped a beat and for just a moment…a fleeting moment, I felt the joy of childhood as I nodded yes.

\n

We took a photo, you and I…and we were bonded in that moment. I’ve written to you every year since that December day in 2013. I’ve related my progress as I’ve navigated this grief journey…my ups and downs. My successes and the stumbles. And here it is…2018…and have I got news for you!

\n

I got married!!! Yes…it’s true! I came back to West Virginia two years ago. Along the way, I ran into my best guy pal from high school and, well…the rest is history! We were married in a field at his home. We were married by our lifelong friend…a pastor. And, Santa…he such a good man, my Mr. FixIt. We are two peas in a pod. He goes to church with me every Sunday. It is the first time I have been equally yoked in a marriage and it is amazing!

\n

I just wanted to let you know I’m doing well. I still have moments where I experience grief. I always will…it is the price you pay for great love. I continue my mission of writing here and reaching others who are on the same journey. Thank you for being there for me that sad, sad day. Thank you for being my cheerleader. And thank you again…from the very bottom of my heart…for being real and asking Jesus to bring me a new heart. ❤️

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“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”\n

Psalm 147:3 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2018-12-24T02:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/24/christmas-a-season-of-healing.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Courage","Be Joyful!","Marriage","Uncategorized"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/21/hot-cocoa-knitting-winter-solstice.html", "title": "Hot Cocoa \u0026 Knitting \u0026 Winter Solstice", "content_html": "

\"Hot “Hot cocoa and knitting…stop and enjoy the season.”

\n

Productivity is a matter of personal interpretation. Did I wrap presents yesterday for the family Christmas dinner tonight? Um…nope. Did I bake the Pepperoni Rolls like I thought I would? Huh, uh.  However, I DID sip hot cocoa while listening to Christmas carols and knitting dishcloths. Why? I’ll tell you…

\n

Because, we get so wrapped up in trying to have the perfect Hallmark holiday that we forget to just…be. To enjoy the moments. To sit down with someone you love and watch the rain pour down and ask if we’re ready for another cup of tea. To listen to Christmas music. To feel the warmth of the fire. To catch up with a friend on the phone. To read Christmas cards. To light candles with the scents of pine and cinnamon apples. 

\n

Those presents will get wrapped. Dinner is a pot of chili with peanut butter sandwiches and a pan of homemade cinnamon rolls. Easy peasy. We don’t get yesterday again. We only get today. Don’t be so busy trying to make something perfect that you forget to enjoy the process. Today, you have my permission to put your feet up, have a cup of tea, and knit. The rest will get done…or maybe it won’t. But you’ll feel ever so much better by slowing down. Breathe! Today is the first day of winter…the shortest amount of daylight of the year. Winter Solstice. It starts getting brighter from here on out. ❤️

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““Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway? But you say, ‘I can’t help it. I’m addicted to alien gods. I can’t quit.’”\n

Jeremiah 2:25 MSG

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2018-12-21T02:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/21/hot-cocoa-knitting-winter-solstice.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Presence","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/07/finding-a-friend.html", "title": "Finding a Friend", "content_html": "

\"Two “I met one of my readers last night for dinner when she came through town! So nice to meet you, Jo!”

\n

I often receive private messages from readers with comments, suggestions, questions, and sometimes seeking a little extra love and support if they are going through something particularly tough. This was the case when I heard from Jo. Her husband had been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Like me, she knew she needed to put something joyful in front of her to get through what she knew was coming. She was experiencing anticipatory grief.

\n

Jo was intrigued by my camping escapades and how I used my little camper travels to help me navigate grief. She joined Sisters on the Fly and borrowed a Class C RV from a friend. While her husband was still well enough to go, she took him camping. They enjoyed that trip, but her husband made her promise not to buy that particular RV. It was older, and he knew repairs would be coming soon. He didn’t want her getting stranded somewhere or to be saddled with extra expenses so she promised.

\n

We talked about getting together in the spring, then spring turned to summer and Jo’s husband continued to worsen. Then, after 45 years of marriage and countless sessions of chemo and radiation, her sweet husband passed peacefully, November 17th, surrounded by his loving family at home. A wake was held in Virginia last weekend and Jo made arrangements to have a second wake in Indiana with her eight siblings and their families this coming weekend.

\n

While she could have flown to Indiana, Jo decided to drive, much to the dismay of her family. Not a week as a widow and she was already being told “You’re too old!” “You can’t do that alone!” Luckily, this tiny woman with the spiky white hair is feisty and put the kibosh on that. She informed them that, not only was she going to drive to Indiana…alone…she was going to start looking for an RV. They were aghast! She had another reason for wanting to drive. She knew she would be traveling through West Virginia and she wanted to meet me.

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Jo contacted me early this week and told me she would be heading through my area Wednesday and she wanted to take me to dinner. I jumped at the chance. We met at Texas Roadhouse and talked for FOUR hours! We talked with the ease you feel when you have a lot in common with someone. We told stories, asked questions, and laughed the evening away. One particular story tugged at my heart strings and made tears sting my eyes.

\n

When her husband was so ill, Jo’s friends and family kept asking what they could do to help. There were far too many casseroles and plates of cookies already so she decided to start “The Toothbrush Crusade”. You see, even though they had owned and operated a Christian school together for the last twenty years, Jo’s husband was not a believer. So, she asked everyone to pray for her husband’s salvation while they were brushing their teeth. That was around two minutes, at least twice per day that people would be praying for him. I’d love to say her husband was struck by the Holy Spirit and proclaimed his faith before he died, but that isn’t the case. He did tell her he would believe “for her”, but we know that isn’t how it works. 

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We do not know what goes through the mind in the moments before death. I reassured Jo that, even though we believe, we do not know the mind of God and we are not telepathic. People’s faith is personal and between them and God. She had done everything she could to bring him to Christ. She understands now she has to just wait till she gets there and finds out for herself. My hope is that, in those final moments, he saw a fork in the road and made a choice to move towards the light.

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As the evening drew to a close and we ate the last of the dessert we split between us, we proclaimed ourselves as friends for life. Jo and I posed for the obligatory photo to commemorate the occasion, gave a good long hug, and went our separate ways till we meet again. I so enjoyed our time together. The last thing Jo said when she turned to leave was, “Keep doing what you’re doing…you have no idea how much you are helping people.” I quickly replied, “I’m just the transcriptionist. It’s all God’s doing!”

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As I got in my truck to head home to Mr. FixIt, I said…”Lord, I always ask you to bring me the words to write and the people on the other side of the screen who need to read them. Thank you, Lord, for showing me they are there.” ❤️

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““Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ ””\n

Matthew 19:17-19 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2018-12-07T02:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/07/finding-a-friend.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Humbled","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/04/a-victorian-christmas.html", "title": "A Victorian Christmas", "content_html": "

\"Lynn “Lynn Nicholson opened her home for the Victorian Christmas Tour this weekend. Lynn has been a faithful reader for the last three years and it was a treat to visit with her!”

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It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does…it blows me away.

\n

Gasp! “It’s Ginny McKinney!” 

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I had just stepped into the door of Lynn Nicholson’s house when I caught her eye from across the room. 

\n

“OMGosh! It’s you!” Lynn said as she walked toward me. “Welcome to my home!”

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\"Christmas “Lovely Christmas Villages are all around the living room in Lynn’s lovely home.”

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We greeted each other with a warm hug as if we’d met years ago. And, in a way, we did. I had recently arrived in West Virginia when I saw in the paper they were having a walking tour of Victorian homes in the Historic Julia-Ann District in Downtown Parkersburg. I knew these beautiful homes by sight as we often drove by when I was growing up. I remember pressing my nose to the window in the backseat of the Oldsmobile, dreaming of what such elegance might look like inside. Never dreaming one day I’d know people who lived there and could go inside to visit. 

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\"Belsnickel-like “Icy crystals are sprinkled over the Belsnickel-style Christmas decor Lynn is so fond of collecting.”

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The summer of 2015, I walked up and down the streets of Julia-Ann Square visiting yard sales. A woman and her husband were sitting in the driveway in front of their lovely home. We struck up a conversation and immediately clicked. I gave her my card. Now, three years later, I step into her home on the Christmas tour and…she knows me. I mean…she really KNOWS me. Lynn has been reading my blog every morning since the day we met in her driveway and I am equally thrilled and humbled. 

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\"Belsnickel “More Belsnickel decor.”

\n

As we walked around her house, Lynn shares her treasures and gives us a history of the home. It was built in two phases. The original part of the house is log and sits in the back of the lot. Additions were added on over the years and the house gives off a Federalist vibe with a taste of Colonial thrown in for good measure. The principal floors are impeccable and built in bookcases provide ample space for the family heirlooms they keep on display year round. 

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\"Three “As I visited with Judy Smith in the Caswell-Smith House, who should walk in but…Hubby #1 and his lovely wife! How fun!”

\n

There were four houses on the tour this year. One is owned by one of my former classmates from high school, Debra Schaffer. Another is a massive mansion that is for sale. But the one house everyone always raves about belongs to my lifelong friend and relative, Judy Smith and her husband, Norm. If you recall, Judy and Norm had us over for dessert the week after the wedding. Norm gave Mr. FixIt the tour of the house as Judy and I sat and visited. 

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\"Two “Charlotte and me…in the perpetual Christmas room at the Caswell-Smith House.”

\n

The Smith-Caswell House is truly like stepping into a museum. And they live there. You can go there any time of the day and it looks the same. The beds are always made. The dishes are always done. The house is always dusted and impeccably clean. And every surface is adorned with something delightful. Music boxes, statuary, silver, crystal, china, and art from around the world is virtual eye candy. The icing on the cake is the warm hospitality with which every guest is greeted. This home was not only decorated for the owners, it is appointed with the guest in mind. The Smiths know this house is bigger that them. It belongs to us all a little bit. At least during the summer Garden Tour and the winter Christmas Tea. 

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\"Scale “The new train in the postage-stamp sized backyard at the Caswell-Smith House.”

\n

I took my wonderful friend, Charlotte with me this year. She is my cousin’s wife and my dear friend who graciously feeds the cats at the farm when I am not there. I wanted to do something special to repay her and since she has never toured the Victorian homes, we met for a long afternoon of browsing and sitting for cookies and Wassail. 

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\"Feather “Vintage feather tree with hand-blown Victorian glass ornaments.”

\n

As we stood in the small first floor bedroom in Judy’s house…in walked Hubby #1 and his wife! This brought the visit full circle and allowed me to connect the dots for Charlotte. Judy’s parents lived in what is now the home of my heart…my grandparents’ farm. Her parents brought her home to that house after she was born. They moved and my grandparents purchased the farm. Our families were always close and I always called her parents Uncle Ken and Aunt Lucy. When I started dating Hubby -#1, he spoke of HIS Uncle Ken and Aunt Lucy and they turned out to be the same people. Uncle Ken was my former mother-in-law’s brother. Confused yet? Hang on! When I married Hubby #1 and we had Daughter #1, that made her and my grandchildren blood relatives of Judy! I love that I am close to my exes and consider them family. I get along well with their wives. Heck, I get along well with Mr. Fixit’s ex wife. I try to exemplify love in all relationships so the generations coming up know it doesn’t have to be ugly when marriages don’t work out. 

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\"Group “The day started out having coffee with my home girls…the ‘71 Divas Do Coffee!”

\n

I want to end by letting you know I spoke with my cousin Tom’s wife last night. She wanted me to know she is doing surprisingly well. She has her moments, but having the four and a half years to grieve along the way as she prepared to say goodbye has been a great help in her adjustment. She appreciates everyone’s prayers. So, thank you for that. 

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Life is a huge quilt. We are all connected in some way, but love is the thread that holds us all together. ❤️

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“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”\n

1 John 4:19-21 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2018-12-04T02:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/04/a-victorian-christmas.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","West Virginia","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/01/grandma-lois-very-best-chocolate.html", "title": "Grandma Lois’ Very Best Chocolate Cake", "content_html": "

\"Homemade “Homemade chocolate cake…Grandma Lois’ recipe.”

\n

My son-in-law’s Grandma is one of the sweetest and feistiest women I know. Grandma Lois is 90 and now lives in a nursing home. But up to just a few years ago, she drove herself around in her little Ford and assisted in a grade school classroom several days a week.

\n

Grandma Lois and Grandpa Bud had an upholstery business. She was always a hardworking woman. She didn’t stop working when her husband passed suddenly. She’s the matriarch of a wonderful, salt-of-the-earth family. I tell people when Daughter #1 got married, she won the lottery with these wonderful people.

\n

Grandma was a member of a womens’ social club. One gathering had everyone bring their favorite recipe on a card to exchange. This is the recipe she received that day. My son-in-law LOVES chocolate cake and this is the family’s go-to chocolate cake for special occasions. I took this one with me to my cousin’s for Thanksgiving and I’ve had many requests for the recipe. I always check with the source before I share old family recipes and they were happy to let more people enjoy this yummy cake.

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I’ll make another one to serve for drop-in company here at the Ponderosa. Hope you enjoy it!

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Favorite Chocolate Cake

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3 cups flour

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2 cups sugar

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2 tsp. Baking soda

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1/2 tsp. Salt

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1/4 to 1/2 cup cocoa

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 Sift together the above then add - 

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2 eggs

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1 cup Wesson Oil 

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2 T. Mayo

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3 tsp. Vanilla

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1 cup sour milk (add 2 T. Vinegar to milk & let sit 5 min.)

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 OR you can use one cup buttermilk instead

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1 cup boiling water

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Put all ingredients in bowl; put boiling water in last. Beat 2 minutes or so.

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Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

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Let cool in pan for 10 minutes then tip out on a cake rack to cool. Slice “domed” top from each layer before frosting with your favorite icing. 

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Makes two good sized layers.

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If making cupcakes, bake for 20 minutes.

\n❤️\n
“Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each Israelite man and woman.”\n

1 Chronicles 16:3 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-12-01T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/01/grandma-lois-very-best-chocolate.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Fun","Comfort","Love","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/27/its-beginning-to-look-a.html", "title": "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas", "content_html": "

\"Vintage “My favorite ornament from childhood.”

\n

I heard a mother comforting her child once. The little one was crying about something that had happened earlier. The mother said, “Oh…are you remembering how you were sad earlier?” I loved that. She wasn’t dismissing the child’s feelings and at the same time, she was teaching her “It’s not happening to you now. It’s just a memory.”

\n

As we were decorating the tree yesterday, I was hanging the special ornaments Mr. Virgo and I purchased together. I felt a melancholy come over me. And, as this is what I do, I examined the feelings and let myself feel them. Then I remembered the mother comforting her child and I smiled. The melancholy I felt wasn’t sadness in the moment. It was holding the items we cherished and remembering how sad that first Christmas was after he died.

\n

Grief is quicksilver. It rolls around and shape shifts through time. And, once you get to a certain point, the weight shifts forward. It doesn’t drag you back so hard. When I first started to notice that pattern shift, I didn’t trust it. I’d had far too many instances of stepping on the rake in the tall grass. Once I experienced this new space where grief stays put…at least most of the time…I could start living again and looking forward.

\n

This ornament was my favorite as a little girl. I have several of my mom’s ornaments and I think of the little house on the corner where we lived. I think of the farmhouse where we spent Christmas morning with my grandparents just once or twice that I can remember. We’ll go out to the farm this week and decorate and stay a few days, I think. I don’t dread Christmas anymore. I never understood my great grandfather when he would say, “It’ll stop hurting when the pain goes away.” I always thought that was just a silly thing he said. But, in the context of grief, it makes perfect sense. It DOES stop hurting when the pain goes away. ❤️

\n
“...The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, GOD, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up.”\n

Psalm 94:16-19 MSG

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-27T02:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/27/its-beginning-to-look-a.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/25/a-tale-of-thanksgiving.html", "title": "A Tale of Thanksgiving", "content_html": "

\"Thanksgiving “Thanksgiving Turkey”

\n

Multiple trips to the store.

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Two turkeys because the frozen one refused to thaw.

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Two full days cooking.

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A fifteen minute feeding frenzy in which 90% of the food was devoured.

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Followed by three hours cleaning the kitchen.

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I am thankful for the following things.

\n
    \n
  1. Thanksgiving only comes once a year. 
    2. \n
\n

And…

\n
    \n
  1. Thanksgiving only comes once a year.
    2. \n
\n

❤️

\n
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”\n

Colossians 3:17 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-25T02:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/25/a-tale-of-thanksgiving.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Holiday","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/23/flexible-is-my-middle-name.html", "title": "Flexible is My Middle Name", "content_html": "

\"WV “Thanksgiving Sunset on North Mountain”

\n

The first change in holiday plans came when my cousin’s mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital and we decided to stay home Wednesday night and leave yesterday morning. Then, when we got there, we found out my elderly aunt fell this week and was too banged up for her brother to bring her for dinner. So, Mr. FixIt and I packed up some food and headed for a visit with them. 

\n

As we were driving, I suggested we go back home after dinner instead of staying the night. We have fourteen for dinner tomorrow and there is much to be done. We returned to my cousin’s to eat and then headed home. It’s hunting season in West Virginia and the deer are all stirred up. We nearly hit six deer in the first ten miles. We arrived home, safe and sound. Fourteen hour round trip but OH so worth it!

\n

The uncle we visited is the one whose wife died the day after our wedding. I’ve been worried about him because he and my aunt were inseparable since they were in high school. He still has my elderly aunt living with him but right now he’s doing much better because he is getting some regular sleep. 

\n

Sometimes, after being the long term caregiver for a dying spouse…there can be almost a sense of relief. Not that the loved one is gone, but that the suffering has ended. Fast on the heels of that can come guilt. You know you did everything you could while your person was here. You know you were at the end of your rope. But, you can easily punish yourself for feeling relieved that you can eat and sleep and rest. Once your mind goes into guilt mode, it’s easy to start finding other things to feel guilty about. Those times you lost your patience. Those times you said or did things you regret. It’s easy to beat yourself up about that because you KNOW you aren’t glad they’re gone. You just needed the pain to stop. For them, and for you. 

\n

This doesn’t happen with everyone, but it happens more often than you think. And it’s hard to admit. Being a long term caregiver is not something I have gone through personally, but I’ve been around enough close family members to see how difficult it is. My point is, if you experience a sense of relief, please don’t beat yourself up. You’ve done a long, stressful, most difficult thing easing a loved one through their final journey. Be gentle with yourself. ❤️

\n
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”\n

Romans 8:28 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-23T02:30:42-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/23/flexible-is-my-middle-name.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/22/nothing-like-the-last-minute.html", "title": "Nothing Like the Last Minute", "content_html": "

\"Fresh “A fresh turkey takes the guesswork out of thawing.”

\n

We were going to leave yesterday to travel to my cousin’s for Thanksgiving dinner but they have a loved one in the hospital and wouldn’t be home till late. We decided to leave bright and early this morning as that would give us another day to prepare for our company coming Saturday.

\n

Mr. FixIt and I bought a 25# turkey in preparation for 14 guests and plenty of leftovers. We bought said bird early last week. I pulled it from the freezer and put it in the fridge in the garage on Friday. I figured it would be totally defrosted in the ensuing eight days. Well, yesterday morning it was still hard as a rock. I mean, maybe the slightest icy give under the skin, but that’s it. No way that monster is going to be ready for Saturday’s guests. Heck, it might not be ready for CHRISTMAS at that rate. 

\n

I pulled the turkey from the fridge and let it sit in a galvanized tub on the basement floor till I realized the temps are supposed to be down in the twenties over the next few nights. That thing will never make it and since we’ll be gone for a couple of days, I can’t put it in the sink with water or leave it out of the fridge in case global warming shifts into high gear before Friday. I made the decision…I had to go to town and buy a fresh turkey. On the day before Thanksgiving. In a small town. My chances of meeting success were drastically slim.

\n

I left Mr. FixIt and his vacuuming (for the fourth or fifth time this week…I’m not sure there are fibers left in this carpet. But, I digress.) and headed to town. The first store I come to…besides Dollar General…is Walmart. Since Dollar General most assuredly doesn’t carry fresh turkey, I elected to stop at Walmart. I didn’t hold out much hope and I was totally prepared to have to drive all over town. I sent up a little prayer and said, “Lord, you know I’ll drive all over town to find a fresh turkey but I sure would love it if You would make sure I find one at the first store I come to?” Sure enough, there was my turkey…and everything else I needed!

\n

\"Homemade “Homemade chocolate cake…Grandma Lois’ recipe.”

\n

I came home and baked a cake for today. My son-in-law’s mom makes this cake all the time. Her mom got the recipe in an exchange at her ladies club years ago. It uses buttermilk, mayonnaise, and boiling water and it is the BEST chocolate cake I think I have ever had!

\n

\"Hydroponics “Butter crunch lettuce…one hour from harvest to table…in November! Hydroponics rule!”

\n

Later in the day, my friend Diane posted she had just bought some hydroponic lettuce produced in our tiny little town. I asked where I could get some and she brought a head over as a gift. It was fabulous and I can assure you, this is where I’ll be purchasing my salad greens this winter. And…NO fear of E. Coli! Win-win.

\n

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. May your turkey be tender and your gravy lump-free! I am thankful for all of you!!! ❤️

\n
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”\n

1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-22T02:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/22/nothing-like-the-last-minute.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Holiday","Wisdom","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/19/loving-what-is.html", "title": "Loving What Is", "content_html": "

\"Woman “Snapchat filters make me see the beautiful woman inside. The mirror makes me see the beautiful Child of God that I am on the outside!”

\n

I love my grandkids. I don’t get to see them and interact with them enough. Big is 14. Little is 11. Both are at the age where their interests lie elsewhere. Still, Little and I engage in bouts of “Let’s top each other in Snapchat.” She always wins. She does the cute and funky filters that twist your face up or adds bunny ears and whiskers. I go for glamour shots that take away my wrinkles and gives me the face of a super model. Vain? Not really. More like seeing the woman I feel like.

\n

I’m sixty-five. Even in my primest of prime years, I was never super model material, but I could turn a head or two. I still can, if truth be told. Just ask my new, still-smitten husband. He thinks I’m the most beautiful woman on the planet! And, when I bask in his love-light, I feel even MORE beautiful. Isn’t that lovely?

\n

When I look in the mirror and I see the wrinkles, the graying hair, the sagging skin, the cellulite I realize I am not looking at myself correctly. I am listening to the enemy whisper…”You’ll never be enough.” Instead…I change my focus. And you know how I do that? I listen to Jesus.

\n

Here’s what Jesus tells me.

\n

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling: there is no flaw in you.” (Sol. 4:7)

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“You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’S hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” (Is. 62:3)

\n

“Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” (Ps. 34:5)

\n

“For we are God’s masterpiece…” (Eph. 2:10)

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“…Created to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10)

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“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Lu. 1:45)

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“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” (Ps. 46:5)

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“She is worth far more than rubies.” (Prov.31:10)

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“But by the grace of God I am what I am.” (1 Cor. 15:10)

\n

“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands…” (Is. 49:16)

\n

This is your time. God is within you. You are inscribed on His hands. Did you hear that?  On his HANDS! He will fulfill his promises to you. You do your part…believe. Leave the rest up to God. Do you seriously believe the Almighty who created the stars in the sky does not count the hairs on your head? You are precious in His sight. Really.

\n

Now, go out there and hold your head up high on this Monday morning. Smile at that person in the mirror. Need I remind you that you are a beautiful, perfectly imperfect image of God? You are loved. You are cherished. You are coveted. You are protected. You are awesome. There is ONLY ONE YOU. 

\n

I know. You may not be feeling it. You may be going through some pretty tough times right now. You may feel discouraged. You may be facing a crisis. You may be battling demons. You may be in the dark throes of grief. God has put it on my heart there is someone out there I need to tell this to so listen carefully. This is not the end of your road. He has a purpose for you that you haven’t even imagined yet. Don’t quit. You cannot fail as long as you do not quit. That miracle might just happen in the next five minutes, so stick with us here. Reach for Jesus’ hand. He will never, ever turn his back on you. He will never leave you. He will never cut you down or say mean, hurtful things to you. He will never make you feel small. He will never make you feel “less than”. He will meet you right where you are and love the stuffin’s out of you. Trust me on this.

\n

You are a child of God. ❤️

\n
“...And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-11-19T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/19/loving-what-is.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/15/the-art-of-giving.html", "title": "The Art of Giving", "content_html": "

\"Shopping\" “Shopping for warm blankets with my small group.”

\n

I love this time of year. However, the first Christmas after Mr. Virgo died, I was so incredibly lost. I went to Denver to be with my family because I couldn’t bear to be alone. I think that’s pretty common among those who have lost a spouse.

\n

The holidays were so special to my late husband. He lived for Christmas especially. He planned all year. He paid attention to what I needed or wanted and he was incredibly generous with gifts…too much so, really. But it gave him such joy to see the look on my face when I opened something from him. He just wanted to keep seeing that look.

\n

That first lonely Christmas, one of the layers of the onion peeled back and revealed my days of receiving his well thought out gifts were over and it was just another beautiful thing torn from my life. I was bereft. I wanted something special from him, and since that was impossible, I decided to do something special for me. 

\n

I was driving down a busy Denver street the week before Christmas when I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit.

\n

“There…go there.” 

\n

I looked to the right and it was Walmart. I dutifully turned in and parked. As I was walking in, I heard….

\n

“Pay it forward.”

\n

I went to the layaway desk and inquired how I could pay off someone’s layaway. Unfortunately, they had called in the layaways the week before so whatever hadn’t been paid for was returned to the shelves. Not to be deterred, I went to the ATM, withdrew some money, bought a card, and sat down to write a note in it. I told the recipient about this gentle man who loved Christmas and the joy of giving. I told whoever was going to receive this that I was giving them what he would have given me. Then I sat down on the bench at the front of the store and waited for the next instructions.

\n

“Go back there. To the left…you’ll find them there.”

\n

I headed for the back left and found the toy department. I wandered around and saw several shoppers but none stood out. I went around the corner of an aisle and there they were. A young mom and dad. They pulled a toy from the shelf, looking hopeful. Then they looked for the price, looked at each other, looked defeated, and put it back. They did this several times as they moved slowly down the aisle. There was very little in their cart.

\n

I roamed back and forth, acting like I was very interested in something, but all the while trying to listen without being too obvious. What I wanted was for the woman to wander away from her bag for a moment so I could slip the envelope in and be on my way with the young couple none the wiser. She was a smart girl…she never left her bag for a moment. Finally, I decided I just had to move forward or I was going to look like a crazy stalker.

\n

I walked up to the woman and said, “Here. I think this is yours.” I handed her the envelope with the bills stuffed inside. She was puzzled. She looked up from the envelope and our eyes met. I smiled warmly, pulled her to me in a mom hug, and whispered, “Merry Christmas.” Then, before she could let it register, I turned on my heel and walked away straight out of the store, without looking back.

\n

I got to the car and my knees were shaking. I would have loved to have seen her face. But then she would have wanted to thank me or maybe even refuse the gift. Neither of which I wanted. I put the car in gear and headed to meet my family knowing I had shared something special with someone who needed it. I remember when I was a poor, single mom…trying to do the best for my own little one with very, very little resources. It felt good to give.

\n

The church I attend is huge, so in order to have that sense of a “church family”, we have small groups that meet for several weeks per session. The group I belong to has such amazing, strong Christian women. We are in a chat group and we offer prayers and support to each other as we share and learn and grow in the Lord. 

\n

This year, our Pastor challenged the groups to find a service project and complete it by the end of the session. We couldn’t decide on just one so we supported two. The Women’s Care Center and the Mission for the homeless. Last night we met at a discount store in town and loaded three shopping carts full to overflowing. We bought children’s clothes, long john’s, hats, and 20 blankets and wheeled our purchases to the foyer. There, we stood around the carts and placed our hands on the bounty and prayed…out loud, in the store, in front of God and everybody. We asked for God to bless these items that they would doubly warm the recipients. We asked that they feel God’s love for them when they wrap themselves in the blankets. Then we headed for the mission.

\n

\"Bags “The bounty!”

\n

When we came in, laden with bag after bag of stuff, the man behind the desk said, “What have we here?”

\n

“Blankets! From The Warehouse Church!!!” We said, in unison.

\n

“Oh, my gosh…that’s exactly what we needed. I ran out of blankets this evening!”

\n

I smiled. I kinda felt Mr. Virgo grinning…poking me in the ribs.

\n

“See, babydoll! That’s what I’m talkin’ about. It’s better to give than to receive. Giving is an art form.”

\n

Yes…I do love this time of year. ❤️

\n
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.””  2 Corinthians 9:7-9 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-11-15T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/15/the-art-of-giving.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/09/remaining-hopeful-in-a-hopeless.html", "title": "Remaining Hopeful in a Hopeless World", "content_html": "

\"News “When the news is on fire, how do you stay hopeful?”

\n

We awoke yesterday to the news of yet another mass shooting. We are only three days out from another season of hateful politics. Glaciers are melting and species are disappearing. Computers can generate images that are easily passed off as truth. China just released the first AI news anchor. There will come a time when we won’t be able to tell what’s real and what isn’t. There’s so much death and destruction, murder and mayhem, and just pure evil in this world. How do you remain hopeful in a world like this?

\n

I was reading some comments yesterday on a news post. One after another, people expressed hopelessness. I just read that a college student was supposed to go to the place in Thousand Oaks but she had homework. As a child, she went to a school in Colorado where a gunman broke in, took hostages, and eventually killed a girl then himself. She asked her mother why death followed her so much. There were people at the dance hall who had been at the concert in Vegas that was attacked. How on earth do you remain hopeful in circumstances like this?

\n

Compound all this with grief and it is SO easy to become hopeless. To succumb to sadness and depression. I mean, here I am…the perennial cheerleader…the veritable Pollyanna, as Mr. Virgo called me. I’m weary of all this negativity. It’s beyond negative. It’s evil. 

\n

I can’t just stick my head in the sand. I can’t stick my fingers in my ears and yell “LA LA LA LA LA I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” I can’t cover my eyes and pretend I don’t see what’s going on. That isn’t productive. It isn’t healthy. And it’s not realistic. Granted, I don’t watch TV so one might say I am practicing avoidance. I say I’m being selective. I choose my media outlet based on who I feel gives the most fair and unbiased news reporting. I cross check sources and references. I Google things I am skeptical about. I practice critical thinking. En masse. It’s tedious. It’s time consuming. But it’s the only way I can keep my senses from being barraged and eventually overwhelmed. 

\n

I look at the world through the lens of my faith. I am a Christian. And I am a Liberal Democrat. I have not looked up the statistics, but I am sure I am in the minority…looked at distrustfully by both sides. And therein lies the problem. Sides. Division. US against THEM. Divisiveness is encouraged. Chaos is a smokescreen. The enemy is very, very busy now.

\n

When I find myself feeling mired down by all the hatred in the world, I remind myself…I’ve read the Book. I know how this story ends. The light prevails over darkness. Faith, hope, and love. God tells us love is everything. It is behind every commandment. We are to love God with every ounce of strength we have. And, we are to love our fellow man as we love ourselves. 

\n

The enemy whispers doubts and delusions. Yes. There are evil things happening. Yes, there is darkness all around. But, I can put light out there. I can find ways to bring God’s light into the world. I can carry the love of Jesus in my heart and let Him shine through my thoughts and actions. And if I can do that, others can do that. The enemy wants me to believe I am the only one trying to make the world a better place. He says things like, “Why are you even bothering?” He is whispering lies meant to break me, to discourage me. But I won’t be discouraged. I’ll WALK STRONG as long as there is a breath in me. I will always look up. I will seek God’s face. I will ask for his comfort and guidance. I will pray for discernment to show me what is true and what is not. But most of all, I will trust Him. Because of His promises to me. He has never, EVER failed me. And that, my friends, is how I remain hopeful in this fallen world. ❤️

\n
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”  Proverbs 25:21-22 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-11-09T02:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/09/remaining-hopeful-in-a-hopeless.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/07/election-day-and-the-bbc.html", "title": "Election Day and The BBC", "content_html": "
\n

\"Autumn “The colors at the farm were amazing!”

\n

Election Day

\nUnless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere, you all know yesterday was Election Day. Which makes today the best day of the year...no more political ads for the next 12-18 months. There is something to be said for NOT watching television!\n

I left after breakfast to head to the polling place. When I got there, the digital system to sign attesting your eligibility to vote was not functioning properly. It would not take my signature. We fiddled with it for over fifteen minutes till the gentleman finally held the connecting wire in exactly the right position. Once it accepted my signature, I turned and faced a sea of faces. Apparently, I was not the first to have difficulty signing in. There must have been 30 people sitting around waiting for their turn at the computer screen to vote.

\n

\"Farmhouse “I love this little red farmhouse and how it looks in the fall colors.”

\n

“Good ol’ Days”

\nThe woman in front of me remarked on the “good ol’ days” when she worked the polling place, she pushed for modernization. Now? Not so much. Colorado has a 100% mail-in ballot system. They said the costs of elections have gone down tremendously, the number of voters participating has got up, and the threat of election manipulation is zilch. They should do that everywhere and forget the electronic system which can be hacked by a ten-year-old in less than fifteen minutes. All was not lost, however. My neighbor came in a little bit after me and we had a wonderful time catching up.\n

Getting out to vote today had another distinct advantage. I got to meander about the countryside and enjoy the beautiful colors again. I loved watching the leaves rain down, filtering through the sunlight creating a dazzling display of red, gold, and yellow sparkles. Looking in the readies mirror, I could see the leaves kicked up by the truck and they spun around and around behind me.

\n

\"Camper “There is Joy…still under her tarp. I have to get her moved to the Ponderosa and try to get something done with her before it gets too cold.”

\n

Texts Can Offer BIG Surprises

\nAfter voting, I headed to the little town of Harrisville, home of Berdine’s Five & Dime where I purchased a few ounces of chocolate covered peanuts...my guilty pleasure. When I returned to the truck, I noticed a message had come in. Someone from BBC 5 Live radio was trying to reach me for an interview regarding coping after the loss of a spouse. It took well over an hour to connect because they were in England and I was in the boonies of Appalachia. I was asked some base questions and told the producers would contact me at 5:30pm. That gave me time to drive home to await their call.\n

\"Autumn “This looks like a painting, but it’s a photo I took on my way home from the farm last evening as the sun was setting.”

\n

Sure enough, the call came through. The producer connected me to the live line so I could hear the show as it progressed. The interviewer played a segment of an interview earlier in the day, then went live to the three of us being interviewed. Two men and myself. I truly enjoyed listening to their responses because I was amazed at how similar our experiences were. Our segment lasted about half an hour. I listened back and I think it went very well. You can listen to it here. Our segment begins a few seconds after 22:27. ❤️

\n

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0000zxg

\n

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”  Psalm 126:5-6 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-07T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/07/election-day-and-the-bbc.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Humbled","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Press"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/05/home-again-home-again.html", "title": "Home Again, Home Again...", "content_html": "

\"Road “Riding shotgun gives me beautiful views as well as time to knit.”

\n

What a day! I am most fortunate that Mr. FixIt drove all the way home so I could sit and knit and talk and look at the GORGEOUS colors! The trees are at their peak right now.

\n

\"Hand “Knitting socks as we drove through the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains.”

\n

We only had one hold up coming home. There had been a fender bender and before they could get it cleared, there were two more in the resulting slow down and congestion. We were only delayed by about ten minutes. Nothing else happened till we were 45 minutes from home.

\n

I had been texting with the friend we were with when they hit the deer last week. She texted, “Don’t hit any deer!” I hadn’t even looked up from my phone when Mr. FixIt hit the brakes and swerved. I heard a tiny thump but we didn’t run over anything. He said a deer was just starting to cross the road and he though he had just grazed her. We pulled over where there was adequate light and there was no damage whatsoever.

\n

As we headed out our road, someone flashed their lights to warn us of something ahead. There was another deer…hit and injured, but not dead. That’s the worst because I hate to see them suffer. I did not take my pistol with me on this trip so there was no putting her out of her misery. I needed to get her off the road to prevent an accident. I pulled her by her front legs and she bleated like a lamb. I’ve never heard a deer make that sound. It just broke my heart. I called 911 and they said they would send someone out to see what they could do for her.

\n

I am grateful we made it home safe and sound. Thank you, God! Now, life will get back to normal, right? (Insert laugh track here!) ❤️

\n

““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”  Job 12:7-10 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-05T02:30:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/05/home-again-home-again.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Presence","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/03/adding-to-my-yarn-stash.html", "title": "Adding to My Yarn Stash!", "content_html": "

\"Yarn “Yarn is one thing I am willing to accumulate. I love knitting socks as gifts and the Lord loves a cheerful giver!”

\n

There are very few things I will buy anymore. Besides food and the occasional piece of clothing, I just do not shop like I used to. Working so hard at downsizing, and going through the emotional roller coaster that caused, keeps me from accumulating too much. One place I do add is yarn for socks.

\n

Once I closed my needlework shop in 2006, I really didn’t do any stitching or knitting. I burned out on fiber arts because it became “work” for me. It wasn’t fun anymore. Then, after losing Mr. Virgo, I just couldn’t concentrate enough to focus on anything as intricate as a pattern. I couldn’t even read a book. My creativity had suffered a fatal blow when grief took over my brain.

\n

When we were down here at the Outer Banks last spring, I went into a wonderful yarn shop in Kitty Hawk called Knitting Addiction. ( knittingaddiction.com ) I explained that I hadn’t knitted in a long time but that I had made socks before. I really enjoy them because they are a fairly quick project I can work on while we travel. It’s easy to knit on them in the warm months of the year because they are small and you don’t get overheated. And, they look pretty darned impressive when you are finished. They make a nice gift, too. 

\n

I was really excited when they predicted rain for yesterday because I told Mr. FixIt the first rainy day of this trip would be our exploration day. Our first stop was Stack ‘em High…our favorite pancake place down here. As soon as we were adequately stuffed, we headed to our favorite antique store and browsed around. Again, I like to look…not buy. Unless it’s a good bargain on a quilt. That I will usually spring for. I love quilts.

\n

When we finished at the antique store, we headed straight to Knitting Addiction. Mr. FixIt has learned to leave me to my own devices in a yarn shop because I love to walk around and feel the yarns, examine the contents, browse the patterns, and see what kind of new fibers and colors are available. I was happy as a clam. I chose several skeins and had a lovely chat with the shop owner. It pleased me to see her doing well after suffering a couple of big losses last year. Her partner and her beloved dog both passed. She had a new rescue dog…a sweet but slightly skittish mutt named Carolina Jane. Carolina came from an abusive home so she is quite leery of humans…especially men. This is her forever home and she is blossoming from all the love that is being showered on her every day.

\n

There was a second yarn shop I didn’t know about further down the island, but the selection was much smaller. There was the addition of some cross stitch patterns featuring local attractions like lighthouses, but for some unexplainable reason, one corner was filled with kitchen stuff. I did buy two skeins of sock yarn there, as well. 

\n

I’m pretty much set for knitting material for the winter now. I wish I could knit really fast and get a bunch of socks made by Christmas, but I don’t see that happening. I love giving them away as gifts because they are always appreciated.

\n

Today is our last full day at the beach. We usually drive home all in one day when we head back. It will be raining again today so we are heading to a lighthouse down the island from here. Mr. FixIt’s son-in-law passed away a year ago June and his ashes have been spread at the beach down there. We are going to pay our respects. Mr. FixIt is really good about visiting with people who have died so he will introduce me to George today. Then we will come back and start packing so we can get an early start tomorrow. The week flies way too fast when you come to the beach. 

\n

Oh, and don’t forget to set your clocks back tonight! If not, you’re going to be sitting in the parking lot at the church for an hour in the morning. ❤️

\n

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-03T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/03/adding-to-my-yarn-stash.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Downsizing","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/01/this-is-how-we-honeymoon.html", "title": "This is How We Honeymoon", "content_html": "

\"Kiteboarders “Got to the sound just in time to catch the kiteboarders framed by the sunset!”

\n

Yesterday was so wonderful! After a nice breakfast, we headed out to the beach. It was in the low 60’s but the wind didn’t pick up till around 3:30 or 4:00. Mr. FixIt fished all afternoon while I finished knitting a pair of socks. He only caught two little sheepshead…a perch-like fish. We didn’t learn until later that they have teeth that look human! Darn…maybe we’ll catch another one today!

\n

When we came in from the beach, I made a pot of spaghetti with sauce and garlic bread. There will be plenty of time to watch our diet when we get home. This is our honeymoon! After dinner, we chased the sunset and found a little cove on the sound where we could park and watch the kite boarders. There were four of them circling around and around as a photographer worked from the water. They were all wearing wetsuits because the water is getting pretty cool. The sunset was spectacular with the kites flying in the foreground. 

\n

Afterwards, we enjoyed an ice cream cone.

\n

Yes…the Outer Banks is great! I think we’ll just stay on a permanent honeymoon! ❤️

\n

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

\n

1 Peter 1:22 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-01T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/01/this-is-how-we-honeymoon.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/30/grief-love.html", "title": "#Grief \u0026 #Love", "content_html": "

\"Man “Mr. FixIt fishing on the Outer Banks.”

\n

This man. This love. There was a tipping point in my grief. That point where you cross a raging river and the bridge collapses after you. You can’t go back. And, once you’ve lived in the new place a while, you know things have changed in your heart. That other place isn’t your home anymore. This is where you belong. Where you were meant to be. The whole exercise made possible because of the sum of your experiences. 

\n

Do I wish Mr. Virgo hadn’t died? Of course I do. But I live in this world now. This life. This is the phoenix rising. 

\n

This man. This love. ❤️

\n

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”  1 John 4:7 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-30T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/30/grief-love.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Wisdom","Be Joyful!","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/17/here-comes-the-bride.html", "title": "Here Comes the Bride", "content_html": "

\"Bride\" “One of my favorite moments…locking eyes with a fellow widow whom I mentored…knowing we BOTH have found our second-chance loves.”

\n

It all went so fast. Here we are, just a few days after the wedding and I don’t remember all the details. That happens to every bride, I think. You throw so much into the planning, and so many last minute details happen the day of the wedding. Friends and family came at 2:00 to help me get ready. The ceremony was at 4:00. The girls were still messing with my hair when I asked the time. 3:20! I still hadn’t put on make up or dressed!

\n

I don’t wear a lot of make up ordinarily…and when I do, it’s not much. Throwing that on was no big deal. I slipped on my boots and my new daughter and granddaughter helped me into my dress. In no time at all, I was ready. The music wasn’t. I told them I didn’t care…I’d walk out singing “Here Comes the Bride” if I had to…I was ready….REALLY ready!

\n

They helped me out to the tent…one carrying my train…the other hoping for the music to start. And, it did! Just as I got to the tent, I looked up and there was my sweet friend, Deneene. She was one of what looked like a whole sea of smiles and cell phones pointed at me. I looked at her with a knowing smile. You see, Deneene was referred to me when she was a relatively new widow herself. I was a couple of years ahead of her. I mentored her for the next couple of years. I was for her what I wished I’d had. Someone who had recently walked the path and could relate. Someone who could say this is perfectly normal. Someone to hold out a hand…not to pat it, but to offer a lift up. Then, Deneene met HER new love. And we walked this new territory together. She caught that knowing look in this picture. I think it is one of my favorites. Because I’m looking at another widow in love. I’m looking at my friend that helped me as much as I helped her. I’m looking at hope and joy and strength and perseverance and courage and reflecting it all back.

\n

We all are nothing more than the sum of our life experiences. I was ready to marry…every time I married. But I didn’t know then what I know now. Now I know what love is. I know how fragile life is. I know how to face the unimaginable and still live. I know how to live alone when it’s impossible to breathe. I know how rare it is to find someone so incredibly compatible. I know SO much more than I knew when I married Mr. Virgo. This man, this love, this marriage will reap the benefits of that knowledge and experience. I am so grateful to be where I am today. It is only through God’s grace and love that I found my way through the darkness. There may still be darkness ahead…but now there is hope. ❤️

\n

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

\n

1 Peter 5:10-11 NIV

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-17T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/17/here-comes-the-bride.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Courage","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/13/sparkles-and-sunshine.html", "title": "Sparkles and Sunshine", "content_html": "

\"Sparkly “My fancy earrings from Daughter #2…perfect for the wedding!”

\n
“Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way.”  Ephesians 4:2-3 NCV
\nOur good friends, Dianne and Bobby came over to the Ponderosa yesterday and helped us decorate the tent for the wedding. We moved the forty bails of hay and made rows of seating. We strung five hundred white twinkle lights above. We set up the serving tables and hung the cross at the front. We have the extra bales out front and I finally found a use for these two pieces of rustic decorative fencing I’ve had for years. The quilts are all in plastic tubs to keep from gathering moisture. The pulled pork goes in a slow oven in the morning and the fried chicken goes in the smoker to heat up.\n

The soft drinks and water are already in the big galvanized washtubs chilling outdoors overnight and ice will be added in the afternoon. My sweet friend Deneene came from South Carolina and arrived at 4:30. We went to town to fill up two big propane tanks for TOW-Wanda because I ran out of propane in the middle of the night. It was REALLY cold by morning! We dropped the tanks back off at the Ponderosa then we went to the farm to get Mr. FixIt’s white dinner jacket. As I was leaving I saw my mom’s quilt peeking out from under a stack of linens and grabbed it. I also brought the big box of fireworks we bought for the wedding. 

\n

And now, the day is here. I found a bag with a bunch of jewelry in it when I was at the farm yesterday. Last night I was showing my friend Deneene something in the bag and ran across these earrings. Daughter #2 bought me these for Christmas many years ago. I never had an occasion to wear time so they have been tucked away in a safe place…just waiting for the most special occasion. I sent my daughter this picture and asked if she remembered these. I told her I finally have a special occasion to wear them. You’re supposed to have something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. I haven’t borrowed anything yet, but the center stone in these earrings is the palest ice blue topaz, they’re old in that I’ve had them for years and they’re new in that I have never worn them. My daughter said that made her all fuzzy inside. I wish my girls could be here. But we will celebrate when we get to Colorado next. 

\n

Today! TODAY!!! I’m marrying my best friend today. The sweetest man on the planet. I’ve never been more ready, more prepared. 

\n

“Thank you, Jesus…for every gift, every blessing, every friend and family member. Bless those who cannot join us today. Bless my cousin Tom and his wife Suzy as he fights the ravages of mesothelioma. Bless my Uncle Bud and cousins as they sit with their wife and mother as she inches toward her final journey home. And Bless all these wonderful people who come here to read about how You impact my life. Lord, thank you for the gift of love from Mr. Virgo. Thank you for letting lightning strike twice and bringing me Mr FixIt. This is a love affair for the ages!

\n

And, as always…To God be the Glory.

\n

Amen”

\n

❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-13T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/13/sparkles-and-sunshine.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Starting Over","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/11/thanking-god.html", "title": "Thanking God", "content_html": "

\"Wedding “The wedding tent!”

\n
“Everything God made is waiting with excitement for God to show his children’s glory completely.”  Romans 8:19 NCV
\nI hadn’t even had my coffee yesterday morning when I heard the diesel dually pull into the driveway just beyond TOW-Wanda’s door. I felt a thrill in my veins. \n

“They’re here!” I thought. “The tent men are here.”

\n

Sure enough, two guys in a pickup with a great big tent rolled up in the back were waiting for directions as to where to erect said structure. I walked out in the field and showed him the site Mr. FixIt and I had chosen the night before. I want the tent positioned so people turning in from the main road will have a straight on view. 

\n

It wasn’t 30 minutes and they had the tent up. They forgot to bring the sides to protect from the rain, so the owner of the tent company brought them later. I was thrilled to see him. You see, Andy grew up two houses from me. I am ten years older than him but I remember him as a little boy. His dad used to have a little carnival and concession business that turned into a tent rental enterprise. When I was a little girl, Andy’s dad used to store his carnival rides in the yard behind their house. He had a cotton candy machine on the back porch. Sometimes he would start it up and give all the neighborhood kids free cotton candy. It was a pleasure to visit with Andy and talk about the old days in the neighborhood. 

\n

The tent hadn’t been up two hours when it started raining. We were going to decorate the tent but it was too wet. I went to town for my final fitting and brought the dress home with me! It’s hanging here in TOW-Wanda. It’s supposed to rain all day today. I’m looking forward to a lay low day of doing nothing. Mr. FixIt and I are exhausted. We need to rest up for the two days ahead!

\n

Thursday…Friday….SATURDAY!!! ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-11T01:30:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/11/thanking-god.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Presence","Be Joyful!","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/10/rustic-wedding.html", "title": "Rustic Wedding", "content_html": "
\n\"Quilt\n\n
\n
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
\nThe first rustic wedding I ever attended was my cousin’s oldest daughter’s. It was lovely. I stole the idea of using hay bales for seating from her, with her blessing. I’ve been on the hunt for quilts the last couple of weeks to lay over the hay bales and I’ve found enough, I think. I was rummaging around in some tubs and found some quilts I’d forgotten I even had. This one has a story. \n

There was once a time in my life when I was downright agoraphobic. I could go to work and I could go shopping, with some discomfort. But to go “out”…to stretch my boundaries and go someplace alone was way too much for me. I would be sick for three days before I traveled anywhere just fretting about it. I’m not sure why or how I got that way but it took quite a while to get over it. 

\n

I started by taking off by myself in WV when I went home in the summers for a visit. I knew WV. I was comfortable there. One summer, my older daughter was visiting her father in Kentucky and Hubby #2 was in medical school. I had saved up all year to go see my family and while I was there, I went on a little three day road trip. I was driving in the southern part of the state when I saw a sign for Hinton, WV. There was a railroad museum and a few antique stores so I took the exit and meandered on the backroads of WV till I found myself in a dusty little town on the banks of the New River. Most of downtown Hinton was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It reached its peak population in 1930 with 6,654, according to the census. The population has steadily dwindled over the years till the year 2016 recorded 2,469 living souls inhabiting this bucolic little burg. 

\n

I stopped at the only shop open that rainy summer afternoon. The old railroad station was a thrift and antique store. My collecting passion at that time was quilts and there was a lovely wedding ring baby quilt hanging on the wall. It was done in soft pastels and the stitching was really rough. But something about it spoke to me. It had a little hand-printed tag with a woman’s name and the price. I can’t remember now how much I paid for it but I’d be surprised if it was over fifty dollars, given that Hubby #2 was in medical school and money was scarce. 

\n

I asked the sales clerk if she could take down the quilt so I could get a closer look. What I thought was just “rough” quilting looked more like a young child had done it. I nearly told the clerk to put it back but that quilt kept speaking to me. I asked her if she knew the woman whose name was on the tag. Was she the quilter?

\n

“Oh, that would be Miss Nellie,” she said. “She’s an old, black woman that lives in a cabin back up the holler yonder.” She pointed in a general direction off somewhere to the south. “She’s blind, don’t you know!”

\n

“Really? And she made this quilt?” I asked. I ran my fingers over the rough stitches, the pieces all puckered. “How does she do that?”

\n

“Well, her granddaughter cuts the pattern and sets the pieces out on the dining room table. Then Miss Nellie sews them by hand, one by one, feeling for the next shape to fit in. She’s been quilting all her life so it’s her fingers that ‘see’ the work,” the clerk explained. 

\n

It was such a piece of American Folk Art, I had to have it. That quilt hung over our bed for a very long time. Over the years, it’s been toted and packed and moved and somehow it got wet. There are stains I can’t remove, but that just seems to add to its charm. This will be one of the quilts that graces a seat at our wedding on Saturday. I’ll picture Miss Nellie in her best Sunday-go-Meetin’ dress, her cracked patent leather handbag resting on her lap…a hanky clasped in one hand. I’m sure weddings made her cry. She is surely long gone now. She was ninety one when she made this quilt. 

\n

They are delivering the tent today. Our longtime friends, Dianne and Bobby are coming over to help us decorate. The hay will be under cover for the hard rain we are expecting tomorrow. My final fitting for my dress is this afternoon. I am meeting a friend for coffee and a little visit first. She has some quilts for me to use. 

\n

The grandkids were over yesterday and while I worked inside and visited with our granddaughter and great granddaughter, her husband was out with Mr. FixIt moving the woodpile that refused to burn. They hauled it down to the end of the field along the fence line in the woods near the old apple tree. They loaded the trailer up with more junk to take to the scrap yard today. They cut down trees around the building and piled the second brush pile a little more compactly and set it ablaze. It’s almost gone now. We had burgers and sat out by the pool as the sunset cast shades from hot pink to salmon to yellow-gold in the sky above us. A day well-worked is a day well-lived. 

\n

The place looks SO much better. I told Mr. FixIt there comes a point when he has to say enough is enough. And you know what? It’s going to rain tomorrow so God is going to force him inside to take a day of rest before things get exciting Friday! Wednesday-Thursday-Friday….

\n

SATURDAY!!! 

\n

It’s almost here!!! ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-10T01:30:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/10/rustic-wedding.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/09/i-have-a-dream.html", "title": "I Have a DREAM!", "content_html": "

\"Dream\" “I have a God dream!”

\n
“But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”  Genesis 50:19-21 NIV
\nA big dream. I’m not talking about an in-my-sleep dream. I’m talking about a GOD dream. I was thrilled this morning when my church shared the video of Pastor Jabin Chavez when he spoke at the Warehouse Church a couple of weeks ago. This is the video we saw in church Sunday. I told you yesterday I wanted to process it some more before I discuss it further. It touched me deeply and I really want to share it with you to see if you have the time. This is one of those messages that touches your soul. \n

youtu.be/XyjzqjJPy…

\n

We are inching ever closer to the end of a very long list of things we want to get done before the wedding. We went to the farm yesterday and mowed. I moved boxes and filled the bird feeders. We emptied the truck and trailer of hay and covered it with a tarp. Mowed, cleaned, picked up junk. I’m still working on cleaning all the parts of the smoker. (I love the product but the clean up is a bear.) I’ve come up with more quilts! 

\n

FIVE DAYS!!!!!

\n

 

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-09T01:30:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/09/i-have-a-dream.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Courage","Humbled","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/08/a-perfect-autumn-day.html", "title": "A Perfect Autumn Day", "content_html": "

\"Old “Old tractor on a perfect autumn day in WV.”

\n
“O clap your hands, all you people; Shout to God with the voice of triumph and songs of joy.”  PSALM 47:1 AMP
\nWhat an amazing day. First was the message at church. We had a guest pastor preach a few weeks ago and I didn’t get to go. They replayed his sermon yesterday and I am telling you...I was dumbfounded. I sat with my hand clasped over my mouth through most of it because he was speaking directly to me. Have you ever had that happen? You have a set of things bothering you and you go to church and God speaks to your heart...directly addressing that thing, that ONE thing that has troubled you or you’ve been dragging around. That was yesterday. It hit SO many points, I’m still processing it. I’ll talk more about that when I get it figured out. \n

After church, we went to a produce market and bought some pumpkins and gourds for decorating then we came home and picked up the utility trailer and headed way out in the hills to pick up two pickup loads and a trailer full of hay bales. Forty in all. I think that should be enough for seating in the tent. I took some really cool photos at the hay dudes farm. Such a nice young man. His dad had bought the farm from his grandma when she became sick. Then, just a few months after his grandma died, his dad died in an accident and he inherited the farm at the age of twenty-eight. He’s a clean-cut, hardworking young man and I really liked him. 

\n

I’ve come up with six more quilts. The hunt is still on!

\n

SIX DAYS!!!!! ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-08T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/08/a-perfect-autumn-day.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Love","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/05/yeehawbargains-galore.html", "title": "Yeehaw...Bargains Galore!", "content_html": "

\"Pulled “We’re keepin’ it country and serving smoked pulled pork sandwiches at our wedding reception.”

\n
“It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.”\n‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:54‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\nI went yesterday to get my hair trimmed for the wedding. There is nothing worse than getting your bangs trimmed and finding they’re just that little bit too short for your liking, especially if there is something huge like a wedding soon. If you get them done the week before, at least you’ve become accustomed before the event. I’m happy to say, Michelle has only let me down once and that’s because I wasn’t paying attention. Now she makes sure we make eye contact when she asks if I want layers in my hair. \n

I picked up my boots from the shoe shop then went to Big Lots and bought a couple turquoise table clothes and a set of sheer curtains for decorating the tent. And I got some ribbons and things for a little garland idea I have. Then I met up with my small group for dinner instead of the usual bible study because the leader is out of town. 

\n

I’ve been very carefully watching the budget for the wedding. I want nice but reasonable. In keeping with that, I stopped at the store to buy forty pounds of pork butt. Pork butt and shoulder roasts are not expensive cuts of meat but with the proper preparation, they can knock your socks of while feeding a large crowd affordably. We decided to have smoked pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw and potato chips. We’ll purchase some fried chicken for those who don’t like pork. 

\n

There are as many pulled pork recipes as there are pigs, I think. I’ve read several and, as usually, I will draw a little from this recipe and a little from that recipe till I get what I want. I read only how many pounds of pork to buy in order to feed the number in your crowd…in my case, 44 pounds for around eighty people. I priced the difference between buying individual ingredients and making my own rub or buying ready made and ready made won. I bought several jars of different varieties and will combine them to make my own. The same with barbecue sauce. I have no idea how much barbecue sauce we’ll use so I bout twelve bottles. I may not need to ever buy it again! All told, I was pleasantly surprised when the total at the grocery story was $136! I expected to pay twice that!

\n

Today, I’ll heat up the smoker as I prepare the meat. We’ll go over the details of that tomorrow. 

\n

This is getting exciting, my friends!!! ❤️

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-05T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/05/yeehawbargains-galore.html", "tags": ["Fun","Gratitude","Love","Courage","Be Joyful!","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/22/a-change-is-gonna-come.html", "title": "A Change is Gonna Come...", "content_html": "

\"Changing “A change is coming. Can you feel it?”

\n
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”  Proverbs 20:6-7 NIV
\nYesterday, I told you there were some big decisions I’ve been working on the last few months. Today, I want to talk with you about one of them. The most important one. This is a REALLY long post...but hang in there with me. You won’t be sorry.\n

Not long after Mr. FixIt and I became a serious item, God started working on me. For a long time, whenever I walk into church, I say a little prayer. I always say, “Lord, if there is a personal message you have for me today, please anoint the Pastor’s words so he can deliver it to me.” Countless times, God answers my plea and the Pastor will literally come to the front of the stage, stand right in front of me, look me straight in the eye, and say something that is unmistakably personal. Something exactly about what I’ve been working on, or worrying over. I would say it’s uncanny, but what it really is…is supernatural. Our God is a supernatural God. He listens, and He communicates…through the Holy Spirit. Through a total stranger. Through your Guardian Angel. If He has a message, and you ask Him to tell you loud and clear, He doesn’t need a megaphone. He’ll beat you over the head with it if it’s something you truly need.

\n

From the time Mr. FixIt and I got serious, I’ve been getting messages from God that we shouldn’t be living together without being married. I have to be honest…this has never bothered me before. I’m a product of the ‘60s and I never had a problem living with someone before we got married. But this time is different. It’s been wearing on me. And I think I’ve figured out why.

\n

The biggest reason is my faith has grown exponentially since Mr. Virgo died. I had to make God the center of my life in order to survive that loss. In order to not feel so alone. And God has drawn me ever so close to Him. He has guarded me and protected me. He has led me through some terribly difficult times. He has been my rock…my anchor. In the past, that has not been the case. My relationship with my husband was my focus. My relationship with God suffered and therefore I suffered. And I wasn’t even aware of it.

\n

Mr. FixIt and I keep God at the center of our relationship. Or…so I would love for everyone to believe. See, here’s the thing. You’re either all in with God. Or, you’re not. That’s why I’ve been feeling off about cohabitation. Now, there is the issue of widow’s benefits. I had been told when I first went to Social Security after Mr. Virgo died, that if I remarried I would lose my widow’s benefits. I’ve kept that information in my mind all this time without questioning. Until last weekend.

\n

Mr. FixIt and I have spent a great deal of time apart in the last month between being sick and in the hospital, camping with the Girl Campers, and going to Country Living Fair. The reason I took my camper up with me and camped alone instead of bunking with my gal pals was…I needed some alone time with God. These wonderful women I was with are two of my strongest Christian friends. They mentor me. They are sounding boards for me when I have questions. They are my fellow prayer warriors when I need them. I confessed how I was feeling and they talked with me about it.

\n

While camping alone, I prayed deeply. I told God my worries. I told him I totally trust in Him and that I know without question that He will provide for me. But I’ve been so worried about losing my widow’s benefits because my own Social Security is paltry. I was a stay-at-home mom, so I didn’t make a lot of money in my lifetime. Mr. Virgo, however, worked in 5-Star resorts and restaurants all his career. He died before touching his Social Security. My benefits through him are far more than my own. Not enough to live in the lap of luxury, mind you. But enough to live on if I were extremely frugal. I asked God to give me a sign that I wouldn’t lose my benefits if I remarried.

\n

Then, I listened. “Google. What happens to widow’s benefits if you remarry?” Simple enough, right? I mean, why didn’t I think to Google that a long time ago? Because….it wasn’t the right time. Mr. FixIt asked me to marry him just a month after we started dating. It was too soon. We needed to get to know each other more. We needed to grow together in our faith. And, I needed more time to work through my grief. This was God’s perfect timing. I Googled the question and page after page of answers came back. “If you remarry after the age of 60, you will NOT lose your widow’s benefits.” Wow! The reason it stuck in my head so long ago was, I was only 59 when Mr. Virgo died. They told me if I remarried, I would lose my benefits. But that was THEN. Grief brain didn’t allow the rest of it to soak in. 

\n

I sat back…stunned by this revelation. I looked up and said, “Thank you, God. That’s all I needed to know!” Then I texted Mr. FixIt.

\n

“I miss you. Let’s get married.”

\n

Without missing a beat, he wrote back. “OK! We’ll set a date when you get home! What prompted this?”

\n

“God.” I said.

\n

So, we set a date! Yes, my lovely Ranchers…we’re getting MARRIED!!!

\n

Ohhhhh….Emmmmmm…..Geeeeeeeee!!!

\n

I’m all in. I can’t, in good conscience, profess my faith AND live in a way that I feel, for me, is counter to that. So I’m following my conscience and God’s clear instructions to marry this very wonderful man that He sent me. We chose October 13th as our wedding day. When I was looking through the calendar, the 13th jumped out at me. I seemed to remember it being a family anniversary. I looked up on my family tree and indeed…it was my Grandma and PopPop’s anniversary! Those two in whose bedroom I am currently propped up, writing to you! PopPop died on my mom’s birthday…August 26th. Just seven weeks before their 50th Wedding Anniversary. I know how terribly sad I was when Mr. Virgo died just three weeks shy of our 6th anniversary. I can’t imagine what my grandma went through losing her forever sweetheart so close to such a monumental event. I am thrilled we can celebrate our wedding on their special day!

\n

So, there it is, my friends. A change is gonna come. Will I still be a widow? Yes, I will always and forever be a widow. AND, I will be a wife again. Never in my wildest dreams would I have anticipated something so precious happening again. I know Mr. Virgo had a hand in this. He and God stopped at the 9th or 10th hole one day when they were playing a round of golf. 

\n

“Hey, look down there at that beautiful woman. Do you think we can send her someone to love who will love her back with the white-hot heat of the sun?”

\n

And God said…”Ha! Watch this!” ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-09-22T01:30:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/22/a-change-is-gonna-come.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/06/girl-camping.html", "title": "Girl Camping!", "content_html": "

\"Coleman “Vintage Coleman Coffee Set”

\n
“I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.””  Psalm 55:6-8 NIV
\nAs I was driving up to the campground yesterday, every mile passed filled my heart with a lightness I haven’t felt for many months. Was it getting away? A little. Not FROM Mr. FixIt...but TO my dear camping girlfriends. Some of whom I haven’t seen in a year. \n

I think the most noticeable difference was…I actually FEEL good. I haven’t felt great since last February or March. And I know I can’t prove this, but I think the antibiotic they gave me for this lung episode fixed my gastritis. It’s the first time in months I’ve been able to eat without feeling ill afterwards. And no stomach pain. I won’t jinx it by trying to figure it out. I’m just grateful it’s better. 

\n

I pulled into the campground at 3:00 and two of my besties were here. It’s always so exciting to see them! We all decided to take a little snooze and then go grocery shopping. We had dinner together in the big fifth wheel because it’s really hot and sticky here. It’s supposed to rain about midnight and all day tomorrow. None of us mind that a bit!

\n

I’ll take pictures of the Avion tomorrow. I forgot when it was daylight. I’m sitting outside writing this at 9:00…listening to the night sounds. Haven’t heard an owl yet. They are heard here often. This is a vintage Coleman coffee set that was on the counter when I arrived yesterday. So fun to stay in a vintage camper. I don’t believe I have ever had the pleasure!

\n

❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-09-06T01:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/06/girl-camping.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/06/once-upon-a-time.html", "title": "Once Upon A Time...", "content_html": "

\"Best “Your wedding day is your ‘Best Day Ever’. But what about attending weddings when you’re grieving?”

\n
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”\n‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\nWeddings are joyous occasions for family and friends to gather and witness two people joining in a lifelong commitment. Just like baptism is the outward sign of an inward commitment, so is a wedding. Mr. FixIt and I went to his granddaughter’s wedding on Saturday and it was so touching to hear her voice thicken with emotion as they said their vows. Toasts were given, tears of joy were shed, as well as tears of sorrow as the bride’s step-father passed away unexpectedly last summer. My heart went out to her mom...his widow...my sweetheart’s only daughter.\n

There have been times when a wedding cut me off at the knees. After a painful divorce many years ago, a wedding was a slap in the face…a reminder that my marriage had failed. My second to do so, actually. Then, after losing Mr. Virgo, it was a stab in my heart…a huge neon sign that read “You are a WIDOW!” Which, translated meant…”You are not married anymore!” That’s not really true…yet it is. It’s a heck of a place to be in your head.

\n

I distinctly remember riding a city bus one time after my second marriage ended. There was a couple on the bus…sitting close, holding hands, looking lovingly into each other’s eyes. I wanted to literally get up out of my seat and go slap them. After losing Mr. Virgo, my response was different. I wanted to tell every single person who was in a relationship to CHERISH EVERY MINUTE!!! I wanted to lecture them of the sin of taking their person for granted…for not appreciating every single thing, every word, every action the other did.

\n

Attending a wedding when you are grieving, no matter what the cause, may be difficult. If you feel you just aren’t up to it, then by all means decline. I’m sure most people will understand. If the wedding is for a close family member or friend and you feel you need to go, pace yourself. Take breaks for a bit of fresh air or to go to the powder room. Hopefully, the bride has extended a “plus one” invitation and you can bring a friend for support. (I always encourage brides to extend a “plus one” invitation for widows/widowers as a courtesy. We sometimes need that extra boost of confidence a friend can provide.)

\n

I am grateful to have come through that and can now attend a wedding…happy for the newlyweds. I can remember the past with less pain and more love. It is such a blessed relief to be in this place of peace. That being said…I was immensely relieved the bride and groom did not choose “At Last” for their first dance. ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-08-06T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/06/once-upon-a-time.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/05/playing-dress-up.html", "title": "Playing Dress Up", "content_html": "

\"Couple “Playing dress up is fun. Mr. FixIt and me…at a wedding.”

\n
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”\n‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭8:6-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\nOne of Mr. FixIt’s granddaughter’s got married yesterday. I bought an outfit when I was in Colorado. I needed something nice to wear to weddings...including Daughter #2’s when it comes around in the next year or so. It’s nice to have at least one dressy outfit, even though I don’t have very many occasions to dress up anymore.\n

Mr. FixIt came home with his tux the other day. He said he thought he would just dress at home and not bother toting it back and forth but I talked him out of that. First, he didn’t want his backside to look like he’d been sitting in a truck for an hour. And second, it was in the high 80’s…I knew he would be miserable.

\n

He carried the tux in the church and headed to the room the men were dressing in. I killed time wandering around the church, reading the guest book, and chatting with early arrivals. Then someone said, “Here he comes!”

\n

I turned around and caught my breath. I’ve never seen him in a tux before. Wow! I knew there was a reason I liked this guy! Don’t men look great in a tux? They are always so dashing and sophisticated…sort of like Sean Connery. I gave him my brightest smile and stuck to him like glue all afternoon.

\n

The wedding was sweet, the bride was beautiful, the cake divine. The weather was perfect and everyone was happy…beyond the usual wedding day jitters. The Pastor told a story about the Velveteen Rabbit and compared it to marriage. We get older. We get a little worn and frayed around the edges. But we never become more genuinely real than we do when we are loved. What a lovely goal for a new marriage…to love and be loved until we are our most real selves.

\n

There’s something about weddings. They bring out the sweetness in us. They bring us closer and remind us of what’s important in life. Love. They also remind us of love gone too soon. I always think of Mr. Virgo in times like this. I reflect. And, more often than not, I smile at the memories. ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-08-05T01:30:22-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/05/playing-dress-up.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/03/afternoon-walkabout.html", "title": "Afternoon Walkabout", "content_html": "

\"Hooded “Hooded Warbler”

\n
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!” Luke 12:27-28 NIV
\nMr. FixIt and I decided to walk up the road yesterday afternoon before we headed home from the farm. The heavy truck traffic from the gas pipeline construction has eased up slightly and the road repair crew had moved back toward the bridge, so walking was a little safer and more enjoyable. I was particularly interested in a mulberry tree down the road. I wanted to check if the berries were ripening so I could make some jam and jelly. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a single mulberry on the tree. Last year at this time is was loaded so the only thing I can figure is the late freezes this spring got them. \n

Just as we headed out for our walk, this beautiful Hooded Warbler darted into the spicebush next to the porch. I have never seen one and had to look it up to find out what it was. What a beauty…and such a sweet little song it sings.

\n

The photos, in order:

\n

\"Cicada\" “Cicada”

\n

As we walked along, I scanned the roadsides for interesting things to photograph. A cicada caught my eye, as did this black and yellow millipede. Creepy crawlies, to be sure. According to projectnoah.org, “Some millipedes emit liquid secretions of hydrogen cyanide gas through microscopic pores, so always wash your hands after handling.” Yeah…like I’m going to be picking THAT thing up! ? 

\n

\"Flat “Flat Backed Millipede”

\n

This is the most I’ve revealed of Mr. FixIt. Six-foot-one and sweet as can be. I love this guy! ❤

\n

\"Man “Mr. FixIt…ooooh, I love this guy!”

\n

When Daughter #1 brought her future husband to West Virginia to meet the family, we stayed in this sweet little cabin up the road from the farm. It is owned by my mother’s cousin. My aunt called it “Jack-in-the-Pulpit Inn” because of all the wildflowers around. 

\n

\"Old “Jack-in-tha-Pulpit Inn”…an old log cabin down the road from the farm.”

\n

Goldenrod or Ragweed made my grandpa sneeze like crazy. He just hated when it came in bloom, but they are so pretty alongside the roadways.

\n

\"Goldenrod\" “Goldenrod”

\n

Queen Anne’s Lace is one of my favorite wildflowers. If you look closely, you can see the “Queen’s Heart” in the center.

\n

\"Queen “Queen Anne’s Lace”

\n

I have no idea what this little butterfly is. I spend about ten minutes trying to find out and gave up. Anyone know? 

\n

\"Butterfly\" “Little Brown and Orange Butterfly”

\n

This one I know…it’s a Tiger Swallowtail.

\n

\"Tiger “Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly”

\n

Ahhhh, sweet Honeysuckle vines. When its hot in June, you can smell this from a mile away on a warm summer night.

\n

\"Honeysuckle\" “Honeysuckle”

\n

This little guy is a Red-Spotted Purple. People often mistake these for swallowtails, but as you can see…no “tail”.

\n

\"Red-Spotted “Red-Spotted Purple”

\n

These last two pictures show the damage to our road from all the heavy equipment running up and down the road all day long. I will be so glad when they get this pipeline and compressor station completed and the pipe liners move on down south.

\n

\"“Road “Road damage from gas pipeline equipment,”

\n

\"Road “Deep grooves in the asphalt from six-axle loads of rock.”

\n

Walkabouts are fun on the farm, and I truly love sharing the beauty with you all. It’s Friday! I hope you are going to do lots of fun things this weekend. Mr. FixIt’s granddaughter is getting married tomorrow so this is a BIG weekend for us. ❤

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-08-03T01:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/03/afternoon-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/13/little-me.html", "title": "Little \u0026 Me", "content_html": "

\"Nana “Little & Me”

\n
“For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬
\nI make it a point to spend one-on-one time with the grandchildren when I visit them in Colorado. Little is my “maker” so yesterday we baked her daddy’s birthday cake. She “painted” on the iPad for quite a while. Then she stayed the night with me over at her paternal grandparents’ house where I stay when I am here.\n

I love the frankness of this child. She tells long tall tales but she also speaks truth that cuts to the chase. She has a way of feeling great empathy and is forever the champion of the underdog. She made me promise to take her to church while I am here. We listened to praise music as we drove around yesterday.

\n

Today will be spent doing some sort of art project…not sure what yet. Tonight we celebrate several birthdays and an anniversary. I head to the mountains again this weekend for a good visit with my brother. Just about every day of the rest of my trip here is spoken for. It will be over before I know it. But, we’re making memories here, and that’s the name of the game! ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-13T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/13/little-me.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Presence","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/07/gods-gifts.html", "title": "God’s Gifts", "content_html": "

\"Procreate “Little is quite the artist.”

\n
“May you see your children's children!...”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭128:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬
\nGrandchildren. What an amazing gift they are. My heart breaks for people who long for them and don’t get to experience something so amazing. One of the best parts about being a Nana is getting the best parts of the children. Their behaviors are different around grandparents...especially when they don’t get to see them quite as often. I haven’t seen my Colorado family since last August. A lot of growing up occurred in that time.\n

Big is just a tich taller than I am! How did this happen? She is lovely and elegant with her long, wavy blond hair. She’s an athlete…a swimmer. Dedicated and focused with a dry wit. She’s quiet, observant, fiercely loyal, and bright. I’m looking forward to having some alone time with her. We like to go shopping. She’s a frugal shopper and is careful to get the most with what she has. My first grandchild. I’ll never forget the summer after Mr. Virgo died. I brought the camper down to my son-in-law’s parents’ house and Big climbed up on the bed and talked to me for two hours straight. Before that, I’d have been hard pressed to get two sentences out of her. She’s fourteen now, and camping is SO passé. She likes to camp at the Marriott.

\n

Little…ah, little. She is at that delightful age when everything warrants a l-o-n-g story. Her words tumble out faster than my sixty-five year old ears can keep up with. The bottom eight inches or so of her long blond hair is now a faded turquoise blue. She wears pink lip gloss and pale blue eye shadow. She is all of eleven, but her soul is ancient. She is a maker…just like me. We were driving around yesterday and she was talking about her ADHD. She informed me very matter of factly…she can choose to look at it as a disability or a super power. She chooses super power. It gives her the advantage of having lots of energy. She admitted the downside is anxiety, however…she thinks that gives her empathy for others who go through the same thing. She is so relatable. Her insights blow me away. Our time will be spent doing art projects. Today’s picture is one she drew on my iPad using the iPencil and a program called Procreate.

\n

I savor every moment I get with these two. Before I know it, they’ll be grown and out on their own in the world. ❤

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-07T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/07/gods-gifts.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/04/coming-back-to-life.html", "title": "Coming Back to Life", "content_html": "

\"An “An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but don’t forget your mental and spiritual self-care.”

\n
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”\n‭‭3 John‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬
\n“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” So says the old wives tale. While it may not keep you healthy 100% of the time, good clean eating and regular exercise go a long, long way toward improving your quality of life. Since I started Medicare on June 1st, I have been playing catch-up with my healthcare. I’ve seen my family doctor for a physical. I’ve had my mammogram and resultant biopsy and surgery. I’ve had blood screening. I have an appointment to see a dermatologist for a thorough skin check since I have a history of melanoma. And I have to see a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy.\n

It is important to keep up with preventative care, but it is often difficult after becoming a widow. Like the self-care issues we discussed yesterday, seeing your family doctor and dentist is vitally important. You go through one of life’s worst stressors when a loved one dies. This is not the time to neglect your health. Often, the stress of losing someone close to you can actually trigger diseases. I developed an autoimmune disorder after losing Mr. Virgo and had Plantar Palmar Psoriasis. My hands and feet developed thick, hard skin and split like a million razor cuts. It was painful and debilitating and took four years to resolve. A change in finances and a lack of adequate insurance kept me from finding a primary care physician when I moved to West Virginia. I had to rely on my Colorado doctor and see her when I was there for visits. Fortunately, I never had a major health issue, but now I am behind on my routine health maintenance.

\n

Healthcare isn’t the only area that needs your attention when you are grieving. It is important to nurture yourself with something that brings you joy. It could be anything from raising African violets to playing a musical instrument to buying a camper and heading for the hills. Find something…anything (healthy)…that brings you joy and do that. It isn’t easy at first. You may feel too tired. Too overwhelmed. Too guilty. You may have genuine difficulties financially that you need to work around. You may have family who think it is absolutely bonkers to go traipsing off into the wilderness and backroads of Colorado…but do it anyway. If it scares you…do it anyway. Sometimes the fear doesn’t go away so we just have to do things while we are afraid. Eventually, it gets easier. Little by little.

\n

Make a plan. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work out. Make another plan. Or another one. Find your joy again. And remember, it will be different than the joy you felt before this terrible thing happened. Different. Not bad…just, different. A new normal. Make an idea board with clippings from magazines. Make a Pinterest page. (Or several! Who can make just one, right?) Start a Facebook page or a blog to journal about your self discovery. That’s how I became a writer and speaker. Find groups of like-minded women…be it politics or philanthropy or travel or quilting. Join forces with others. For me, it was Sisters on the Fly and Girl Campers.

\n

You can perform CPR on yourself…you can “Change”, you can “Plan”, and you can “Recharge”. Come back to life. In your own time. In your own way. On your own terms. But try…in every thing you do…try to find joy again. Life is waiting for you. God will walk with you every step of the way. And I’ll be here to encourage you and be your cheerleader. ❤

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-04T01:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/04/coming-back-to-life.html", "tags": ["Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/16/im-walkin-on-sunshine.html", "title": "I’m Walkin’ on Sunshine", "content_html": "

\"Coffee “Sitting in the morning sun, coffee in hand, Country Living Magazine…birds and roosters entertaining me. It’s a beautiful life!”

\n

One of summer’s delights in the east…a warm morning spent outside reading and sipping my morning coffee. We’ve hit the summer thunderboomer circuit early this year here in West Virginia. The skies are brilliantly clear in the morning. The humidity is high from the rain the afternoon before. The temperature soars by noon and the thunderclouds begin to build till they boil over. Thunder, lightning, hail, high winds all can play havoc with your plans.

\n

Mowing seems to be the big thing around here in the summer. I have to say, I did not miss lawn care and home maintenance in the years I traveled and lived in TOW-Wanda. It was a welcome break. But now that I have the chance to dive into the great outdoors and get dirty and sweaty, I have to admit, it beats going to a gym any day of the week.

\n

I mowed with the self-propelled push mower at the farm yesterday. What a workout! The yard is well over an acre, the temperature in the high eighties, the humidity sticky and thick. With my propensity towards heat exhaustion, I only mowed 15-20 minutes at a time, then took a break to rehydrate and lay in front of the fan. At that rate, it took me five hours to complete. It’s so beautiful when it’s finished. I took a few moments to just wander around and enjoy the surroundings. The rhododendron is just about to burst into bloom, as are the irises and peonies. The farm cats lazed around beneath the Rose of Sharon and the huge hydrangea bush along the creek. While the flowering quince is fading, the spice bush is in full bloom. I love this time of year.

\n

We are getting things geared up here at the Ponderosa to prepare for a summer of entertaining. Mr. FixIt has been working in the pool to get it open. We still need to pressure wash the deck but will wait for a dry spell. I’m heading out today for another road trip. This time I’ll be camping with the Girl Campers at a State Park in Ohio for a week. It’s a Mister Sister event so my mister will be joining me this weekend. I love camping with the girls! This year, our hostess…my dear friend Gail…is going to teach me to spin wool for sock yarn. I’ll have time to sit and knit on my socks and finally read my friend Michelle Cummins’ new book, The Reel Sisters. Peace and quiet in the beautiful woods surrounding one of my favorite campgrounds.

\n

As I sit here on the deck in the warm sunshine, a nice breeze blowing, listening to the rooster down the road, reading Country Living Magazine…my heart is overflowing with the blessings of my life. I’m such a far cry from the early days of my grief. The contrast is startling. The heart can mend itself…scarred, certainly. But infinitely full of hope. ❤️

\n

“So I rejoice, and I am glad. Even my body has hope.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭INternational Children’s Bible

\n", "date_published": "2018-05-16T06:39:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/16/im-walkin-on-sunshine.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/13/craving-the-sun.html", "title": "Craving the Sun", "content_html": "

\"Woman “Late Winter Sun”

\n

We are having a warming trend here in West Virginia. The monsoonal rains are beginning and we will have long stretches of grey, rainy days in the next few weeks. Still, the night time temperatures drop and we awoke to a skiff of snow and icy roads yesterday. After totaling my truck this time last year, I am really skittish about driving on dicey roads so I’ve been hanging out at Mr. FixIt’s place while he goes to town for physical therapy on his hand.

\n

Yesterday was really sunny but with a high of only 41 degrees. The back door faces west and the sun was streaming in so I pulled my recliner over and soaked up some rays. OMGosh! It felt divine. An hour sitting in the warm sunshine did wonders to boost my mood and got me thinking about getting outside camping, hiking, fishing. This is the week of the Sisters on the Fly Great Winter Camp In. We are supposed to capture pictures of ourselves doing anything camping related. I’m going to get out in the camper this week…even if it’s just for a few hours to write. I really miss TOW-Wanda by this time of the year.

\n

It’s almost time to start working on fixing up my 1967 Franklin Camper. I would love to have it ready this year to camp in. As I sit here writing this, a pair of cardinals are at the feeder in the back yard. I’m hearing more birds in the mornings. The pile of firewood is stacked by the fire ring ready for coming evening gatherings. The pool is still iced over. But the days are getting longer and with warmer weather and rain comes the promise of spring. I can hardly wait! ❤️

\n

“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”\n‭‭Hosea‬ ‭6:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-02-13T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/13/craving-the-sun.html", "tags": ["Hope","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","West Virginia","Gratitude","Wisdom","Presence","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/28/the-is-the-day-the.html", "title": "The Is The Day The Lord Hath Made", "content_html": "

\"Praise\" Praise

\n

Let us celebrate and be GLAD in it! It is so easy to celebrate and be glad in the day when all is right in your world, isn’t it? I mean, we want God’s blessings, right? We are happy in our blessings and we (hopefully) thank God for providing for us. It’s a different story when things aren’t going well. It is SO hard to celebrate and be glad when your world is falling apart. I don’t think God is asking you to go out in the streets and celebrate with singing and dancing if you are sincerely in the throes of pain. We can still celebrate the fact we have a loving Father who is going to use our pain for good in some way. He is working in the background, far beyond our understanding, twisting and turning events to bring you favor. We can still be glad in the day he has made, even if we can’t drag ourselves out of bed to enjoy it. I’ve been there. I know what mattress surfing is like. And I still rejoiced that I had someone who loved me more than I could ever imagine.

\n

Bringing joy into the world isn’t always easy, but the more you try, the more you succeed, and the more you succeed, the more joy you have to give. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. When I see joy in someone, I stop them and recognize it in them. We are here to love and encourage one another. When you let someone know that you SEE their efforts, your encouragement causes them to grow and expand. It’s an amazing gift you give them…and give yourself.

\n

I ran across this video last night and I just had to share with you. Here’s a little girl with more joy than she can possibly contain. Here’s a future worship leader! A future teacher! A future politician! A future doctor! She has the whole world ahead of her and plenty of joy to share. This is the day the Lord hath made…let us rejoice and be glad in it! Go out there and make it a great day today!!! ❤️

\n

youtu.be/3QivliBtp…

\n

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-01-28T02:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/28/the-is-the-day-the.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/23/further-inspection.html", "title": "Further Inspection", "content_html": "\"Vintage\n

The more I pry into this camper, the more work there is to be done. Oy! Good thing I’m not in any hurry!

\n\"Vintage\n

I had a lovely day yesterday. I got a lot more done in the camper but got to a stopping point and had to go to town for a special bit to remove screws. I stopped at an antique mall and picked up the white metal cabinet and the little chandelier for my camper renovation. Ran errands, then picked up a salad and a friend and went to the park to listen to live music.

\n\"Old\n

As I was listening to the music, I kept looking over at this guy sitting nearby and decided I knew him. After the concert, I asked. Turns out, I did know him. He broke my heart in high school! I had asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance and he said he’d go. The next morning at our lockers, he said, “You were just kidding about the dance, weren’t you? I’m dating a gal that does to the other high school.” Oh, my feelers were hurt. I had such a crush on him! And there he was, sitting twenty feet from me.

\n\"Old\n

When I stood up to go over to say hello, our eyes met and I saw a flicker of recognition. He smiled politely as I went over to say hello. And when I reminded him of my name, he remembered me. He told me he remembered me as a sweet girl with long brown hair. He didn’t remember the dance scenario. He seems just as darling as he did in high school and I was thrilled to get to see him and meet his wife.

\n\"Water\n

I love seeing the people I grew up with doing well. So many are still here in da ‘burg. I am enjoying an active social life which keeps my world interesting. It’s Friday, y’all! The first official summer weekend. Have fun!!! ❤️

\n

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”\n‭‭John‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-06-23T01:55:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/23/further-inspection.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/19/weekend-walkabout.html", "title": "Weekend Walkabout", "content_html": "\"\"\n

We are truly knee-deep in June now here in West Virginia. We’ve been getting some rain finally. But oh my…it has been so hot so now it’s muggy. It is a pleasure to lay in front of an open window at night, though. When the cool of the evening comes in and you pull a quilt up to your chin, it makes for divine sleeping weather.

\n\"Magnolua\"\n

I went to town for the last Saturday evening service at my church till fall. I love going on Saturday night, going out to dinner with a friend afterwards, then taking a long walk by the river as the day cools off. It was a perfect evening.

\n\"Marietta,\n

As I write this, the thunder is rolling on the surrounding hills. I love thunderstorms! So far we have been really lucky and haven’t lost electricity. The cats are sitting at opposite ends of the porch. Old Mama Kitty has her nose out of joint because I scooted her away when she tried to jump up on me. She has never done that so I suppose I am now officially the Food Goddess of the tribe. I wouldn’t mind giving her a cuddle, but fleas and ticks have been a problem in the past and I found I was out of flea treatment when I looked. I must put that on my list.

\n

The turkeys are calling in the bottom across the road. A pair of cardinals are chasing each other around the locust flowers. An Eastern Bluebird has made his appearance the last few evenings and sits on the phone line a few feet from me as if he has no place better to be. Mr. Virgo has always sent me bluebirds. This one showed up the day I brought “Joy” home. His official seal of approval.

\n\"1967\n

I went to church at the little white church on the hill yesterday so I could say farewell to young Pastor Matt. He is taking a new charge, and a new wife we found out yesterday, to a small town north of Cleveland. I have grown quite fond of that young man. He has helped me reach something deep inside that has never been touched. I feel filled by the Holy Spirit through deep, fervent prayer and anointing. The last night I attended Revival, I was facing a situation coming up that normally would fill me with fear and dread and anxiety. I needed to be absolutely at the top of my game last week to help a friend through a scary medical procedure. At the altar call, I went forward and knelt and prayed that God would remove this fear from me completely so that I could be of service to my friend. I had no sooner knelt down when I felt hands on my back and shoulders. Pastor Matt’s father is a pastor as well and he put his arm around my shoulders and started praying loudly over me. Exultant, exuberant, fervent pleas went up asking for exactly what I was silently praying for. He shouted, “Lord, bring this sister the strength and courage she needs to go through what she is faced with this week. Let her be strong and fearless as she marches through what she needs to do!” This went on and on. I was stunned. How did he know? I felt like I had the wind knocked out of me and I could do nothing but bask in this praise and prayer surrounding me. I was totally drained when I got up and went back to my seat. And you know what? From that moment on, any dread, any anxiety, any fear left me completely. I helped my friend get through the procedure as though I’d had a sedative, I kid you not. It was downright supernatural. I want more of that. How could you not want more of that?

\n

I’m loving this space that I’m in right now. I’m walking in love and light and Spirit. It’s incredibly peaceful. As I sign off for the night, the lightning bugs are rising, the rain is falling, and the thunder rolls. I hope you have a wonderful Monday. Make a choice to have a good week. Lift people up. Pay it forward. Be good and kind to one another. Life is a beautiful thing…really appreciate it while you’ve got it. ❤️

\n

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”\n‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:14-17‬ ‭NIV

\n", "date_published": "2017-06-19T01:55:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/19/weekend-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","The Farm","Gratitude","God","The Cats","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/11/21/the-nest.html", "title": "The Nest", "content_html": "

\"Bird’s “A bird’s nest from the farm.”

\n

One late fall day, I was walking down the long drive to get the mail and paper when I noticed an abandoned nest in the ditch. I’m not familiar enough to know what kind of bird made it although it is lined with mud. I know swallows do that. I picked up the little nest and sat it on the end of the old wooden ironing board I use as a perch for the cats and there it sat. That is, until I “decorated” for the holidays. I thought it looked better sitting beside the old hunting boots I found in a barrel downstairs.

\n
\n

One of the joys of living out on the farm is the vast number and variety of birds here. I could hardly wait to put out bird feeders. I have them situated so I can see them from the rocking chair in the front window. They remind me of a verse in the Bible that tells us not to worry about getting the things we need because if God provides for the sparrow, he will certainly provide for us. Everything a bird needs is found in nature. Our added efforts to draw them in with extra food only baits them for our viewing pleasure. But, even though God gives the worm, he doesn’t provide room service. The birds still have to get out every day and forage for sustenance. They have to work for their blessings…they just don’t worry about it. Good advice.

\n

God has buckets of blessings with our name on them. They are the blessings HE wants for us…not our selfish requests. HE wants to prosper us, but on HIS terms…not ours. I can’t just sit here in the rocking chair and wait for UPS to hand deliver my blessings. I have to suit up and show up. I have to prepare myself through prayer and meditation. I have to treat my body like the temple it is with proper food and activity. I have to maintain my health. For me, personally…I have to be in the Word every day. I have to practice all three parts of Matthew 7:7…ask, seek, and knock. The action words. When I “ask”, I ask for the blessings HE wants to give me. When I “seek”, I ask how I can best serve HIM, not the other way around. And when I “knock”, I beg God to open the door to His heart and shower me with the abundance HE has in mind. That is how I “work for my supper”. He feeds my spirit AND my life.

\n

So, just as the bird must work for the blessing of food, so do I. I am grateful for the beauty…and the bounty…in my life. ❤️

\n
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\n
\n", "date_published": "2016-11-21T02:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/11/21/the-nest.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/11/19/taking-a-moment.html", "title": "Taking a Moment", "content_html": "

\"Kicking “Kicking back on the porch at the farm.”

\n

I’m not slowing down till spring! I looked at my calendar yesterday and realized I have no down time till mid-January but that’s when I sit down with my web developer and work on my new website. That’ll take at least two weeks then I’m thinking of heading south for a little fun in the sun and avoid the incessant shades of a grey winter in the Mid Ohio Valley. Today is coffee with the girls and lunch out, tomorrow is church and live music with a gal pal. Next week is travel to visit family for Thanksgiving. The next week I travel to Colorado till the end of the month. So, today I’m chilling out on the front porch. “Chilling” is a misnomer as it is over 60° and the sun is shining. I’m sitting with my feet up and doing the crossword. I’ve set up the bird feeders so I can see them from my front window and I am definitely enjoying their chatter as they jockey for position. They flit back and forth from the feeders to the safety of the nearby snowball bush. Yellow finches, house wrens, chickadees, and tufted titmouse. The occasional cardinal or blue jay for color. The young farm cat sits on the creek bank scowling in frustration at the missed opportunities to grab a snack. I’ve placed the feeders high enough he can’t get to my birds. Asian Lady Beetles drop in as they are attracted to the warmth of the wood on the front of the house as the sun sets. They are especially draw to places of contrast…light next to dark…like you find around windows and doors. I believe the flea spray kills them. They light on the floor of the porch and are dead in short order. It feels good to just stop and sit for a little bit and soak up the sun and the sounds of nature. Before you know it, the world will be blanketed in white and we will wish for a day like this. ❤️

\n
\n
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”    Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NIV
\n
\n", "date_published": "2016-11-19T02:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/11/19/taking-a-moment.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/10/19/drumroll-please.html", "title": "Drumroll, Please!", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

Marshmallow Ranch hit a milestone yesterday...5,000 followers!!!!

\n\n\n

Oh. Em. Geeeee!

\n\n\n

I was out to lunch with a friend when the ticker turned over and that magic number showed up. I squealed with delight, high-fived my lunch partner, and clapped my hands. What started three and a half years ago as a place where I could vent and share my innermost feelings of grief has grown into a place where 5,000 souls gather to share and care our way down this rocky road called life. We laugh. We cry. We praise. We lift each other up when the burden is heavy. We celebrate our accomplishments, no matter how small.

\n\n\n

I am so proud of the vast amount of content this page has generated. Countless hours and a ton of blood, sweat, and tears have been poured into every word. I am so grateful for a loving God who has seen fit to give me this task. He dictates the words...I just type 'em. I'm grateful for every one of you beautiful souls for listening to me rattle on. I'm grateful for your input, your encouragement and the occasional kick in the pants when I need it.

\n\n\n

Thank you! Thank you for making my heart sing when I thought it would be forever broken! I love you all!!!

\n\n\n

❤️

\n\n\n
\n

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.\"”‭‭

\nJohn‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭ESV‬‬\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-10-19T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/10/19/drumroll-please.html", "tags": ["Growth","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/09/19/opportunity.html", "title": "Opportunity", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

What a beautiful weekend! First, the Country Living Fair was amazing. I got to spent a good block of time with my friend and mentor, Janine Pettit of the Girl Camper podcast and goRVing fame. We did live broadcasts from the fair which was great fun. TOW-Wanda is ready to put away for the winter. Her water pump works fine according to the guy at the RV shop. It didn't work for me all summer. Go figure. Her bearings have been repacked and they rebuilt the wall behind the bed where the water leaked in because a seal was missing from when it was built.

\n\n\n

Church was absolutely amazing yesterday. And, my talk at pub church was very well received. I felt the Holy Spirit speak into my life on many levels the last few days and it was a beautiful thing. I love it when God brings me opportunities to speak into people's lives. I videotaped my talk last night but have to wait till I find Wi-Fi to upload it.

\n\n\n

I need to get a lot done in the next few days. The flea dude comes back Wednesday. I'd like to get some more painting done in the house. I need to spray the poison ivy before the leaves fall off and I can't recognize it. And, I'm going camping with the Girl Campers this weekend! Autumn is coming...life is good!!!

\n\n\n

❤️

\n\n\n
\n

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”‭‭

\nProverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-09-19T01:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/09/19/opportunity.html", "tags": ["Fun","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/09/16/flowers-for-my-table.html", "title": "Flowers for my Table", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

In the 21 years of my second marriage, I can count on one hand the number of times I got a bouquet of fresh flowers for no reason. As a matter of fact, I can count on one finger. It happened once in all that time. I understand why. For one thing, we didn't have the money for it till the later years. For another, I was married to a man whose idea of romance was best demonstrated in his marriage proposal delivered during the commercial break of an Audie Murphy movie one Saturday afternoon.

\n\n\n

\"So...you wanna get married?\"

\n\n\n

\"I'm sorry...what?\"

\n\n\n

\"I'm not sayin' it twice.\"

\n\n\n

Ummmmm...yeah, sure. That'd be great. No, romance was not his strong suit. So, after we separated, I bought myself a beautiful bouquet of fresh cut flowers every week for five years. I was making up for lost time. Nothing extravagant...just a little bouquet picked up in the produce section of the grocery store. I don't ask for much.

\n\n\n

Then Mr. Virgo came along. He brought me flowers a lot. Not every week. But he would often buy me a white orchid that would bloom for weeks. And when it died, he bought me another one. He was good about that. And cards? Man...that guy could buy a card that was absolutely guaranteed to make me cry like a little girl. I mean like snotty mess cry. That's a real man right there.

\n\n\n

After Mr. Virgo died, I stopped getting flowers. No more sweet bouquets from the case at the grocery store. Oh, there have been a couple of suitors along the way who were kind enough to bring me a bouquet or two. Then, when I started staying out at the farm, I decided it was flower time again. All white bouquets are my favorite. I love the clean, elegance of the white blooms against the green of the foliage. It appeals to my inner Grace Kelly. It's a tiny indulgence that packs a big punch in the joy department.

\n\n\n

This week's bouquet was still so pretty when I left that I didn't want to leave it to die alone. I toted it with me to Columbus and up to my hotel room Wednesday night. Then, when I changed hotels yesterday morning, I totally forgot it in the room! Bummer. I hope someone gets to enjoy it. I'll get another next week.

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❤️

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““Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”

\n‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-09-16T01:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/09/16/flowers-for-my-table.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Comfort","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/09/04/sunset.html", "title": "Sunset", "content_html": "\n
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There is something special about sunsets. For me, they are a gift from God. A reward after a good day. A gift of comfort after a bad one, with the reassurance there is still beauty in the world. I've been getting a lot of gifts from God lately. A beautiful bouquet of white flowers, dinner with a friend, Old Mama Kitty rubbing on my legs and purring her heart out when I feed her, quiet mornings on the farm sipping my coffee and watching wild turkeys running up the road. Yesterday morning, I looked up in time to catch a bald eagle flying overhead. It was a fleeting glimpse, but I'm sure that's what it was. Such beauty in the world.

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The yard needs mowed out at the farm. The thing about West Virginia, more rain equals more grass. The neighbor down the way mows for my aunt but only once a month. By that time, the place really needs a brush hog run over it. I bought a gas powered trimmer yesterday to run around my camper and to use at the farm. There's a mower up in the barn that I'm going to check out and see if I can get running. Mowing is good exercise and it will look nicer. And, it feels good to work hard and see the results of your efforts. Hard work never hurt anybody, or so said my grandma.

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❤️

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“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.”

\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭65:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-09-04T01:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/09/04/sunset.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/08/26/in-his-house.html", "title": "In His House", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I plugged the address of my hotel into the GPS, checked my messages one last time in Wi-Fi range, took a sip of my coffee, and hit \"GO\". Mavis, my lovely electronic travel companion, immediately piped up.

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\"Follow the highlighted route.\"

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Cool, chica...road trip!

\n\n\n

I love to drive. The fact that I've put 42,000 miles on my truck in 23 months should be proof enough. This trip to DC brought me over Shenandoah Mountain with its myriad twists and turns and steep 9% grades. The Virginia/West Virginia border crosses at the peak with a stunning view of the Shenandoah Valley below. Purple mountains' majesty.

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Once at the bottom, on the Virginia side, there is a long straight stretch that takes you through a portion of the George Washington National Forest. The sun was just reaching the 10:00 point when I noticed the way it beamed down through the trees, sending rays of light splashing on the gun-barrel highway. I glanced behind and ahead...no one within sight. I pulled over, turned off the truck, rolled the windows down, and breathed deep the loamy wet scent of the deciduous forest floor. The morning dew dripping from leaf to leaf sounded like bacon frying far off. Bird songs echoed like the plunk of a small waterfall...lilting, melodic. Life in C Minor.

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Vivaldi's Four Seasons wafted out the sunroof to serenade the unseen creatures in the woods. A breeze stirred, it's gentle fingers brushing a tendril of my lengthening gray against my cheek...the cool air bringing a thrill on the backs of my bare arms. Autumn is nearing. Mother Nature is wearing the tired green of late summer. I closed my eyes and smiled.

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I had miles to go. In a couple of hours I would be weaving my way through the lunch hour traffic of our nation's capital. But, for this one moment, here on a deserted stretch of wooded highway, I enjoyed a quiet gathering in God's holiest of churches. I was in HIS house. And, in that moment, my life was perfect.

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❤️

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““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

\n‭‭Job‬ ‭12:7-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-08-26T01:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/08/26/in-his-house.html", "tags": ["Fun","Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/08/24/rest-in-peace.html", "title": "Rest in Peace", "content_html": "\n
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I come to the family cemetery several times a week. There is no cell service at the farm, so this is the nearest place available. I bought my mother a low stone that is much like a bench. When I am staying at the farm, I come here, visit, listen to the sounds of nature, and write my post for the next day. It's so peaceful up on this hill.

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When Mr. Virgo died, I had him buried...at his request. I would have preferred cremation so I could scatter his ashes in all our favorite places. Instead, I had the funeral director cut a lock of his hair so I could leave a few strands at the important places in my life. This is one of them. I buried some of his beautiful silver hair beside my mom's headstone so I can visit him, too.

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I'm heading east today to visit family overnight then head on to DC on Thursday for the conference I'm speaking at. I'm SO excited!

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When I think of my life on March 11th, 2013 compared to today, it boggles my mind. That was the day before Mr. Virgo died. The day before my life changed forever. The day before I lost...everything. Everything that mattered to me. That's what it felt like. Of course, I didn't really lose everything. I have wonderful friends. I have a loving family. I do meaningful work. I spread a message of love and hope and joy. My life is rich and full and beautiful. I love and am loved. A friend came to visit me for lunch yesterday and asked if I was happy. I didn't even skip a beat and said \"Yes.\" I am happy. I told my friend you don't ever get over this kind of loss. But, you do get through it. You learn how to work around that hole in your heart without falling in every single time you get too close.

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For the longest time, I felt I would be betraying Mr. Virgo if I said I was happy. I even felt guilty for FEELING happy. That is perfectly normal. Now I can feel him smiling when I feel joy. He would want this for me.
Rest in peace. Live in peace, too.

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❤️

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“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”‭‭

\nColossians‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-08-24T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/08/24/rest-in-peace.html", "tags": ["Family","Gratitude","Courage","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/08/23/the-flea-conqueror.html", "title": "The Flea Conqueror", "content_html": "\n
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Yes...yes, the fleas are gone! I am victorious!!! Ok, God and the Dodson Brothers are victorious...but I did my part in the wranglin'! I went back to the farm Sunday night. I went to the bathroom and found a flea on my ankle. I called the exterminator first thing yesterday morning and said, \"I still have fleas!\"

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\"Really?\" Mr. Exterminator Dude said.

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\"Well...there was a flea on my ankle last night!\" I said, rather indignantly.

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\"Hmmmm...one flea? Could it have been a hitch hiker?\" he asked.

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I realized I was going to have to actually put the phone down and venture down to the basement to check. That place has given me the creepy crawlies ever since the Great Flea Swarm of '16!

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\"Ok...hang on, let me go check.\"

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I skipped down the steps hoping my feet wouldn't actually have to touch the floor when I got down there but levitation has never been my strong suit. I tiptoed as fast as I could to the most offending area and stood stock still, willing myself to not break and run back before any hungry critters could detect my body temperature and come hopping over for a snack.

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\"Count to ten, Ginny. For crying out loud...you're a grown woman!\"

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...2....3......4.......5! Enough already! I glanced down at my feet. Nothing! Really??? I sat on the steps and pulled my feet closer, you know, just to make sure.

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Nothing!!! I'm a Flea Conqueror!!!

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I flew back up the steps and grabbed the phone.

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\"They're gone! They're gone!!! OMGosh! I could kiss you!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!\" I was absolutely giddy with excitement. Weren't fleas one of the ten plagues in the Bible?

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\"You're welcome, ma'am.\" he chuckled. \"You check again next week and if they come back you just call me, ok?\" Mr. Exterminator Dude sounded somewhat amused. I don't know why. Doesn't everyone want to kiss their exterminator? Thank you, Lord for banishing these evil little monsters from my beloved farmhouse!!!

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❤️

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“If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow. They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields. They will fill your houses and those of all your officials and all the Egyptians—something neither your parents nor your ancestors have ever seen from the day they settled in this land till now.’ ” Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh.”

\nExodus 10:4-6 NIV\n
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Ok...not fleas. But close!

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-08-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/08/23/the-flea-conqueror.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","The Farm","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/08/18/ginny-lynne.html", "title": "Ginny Lynne", "content_html": "\n
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That is me on my first birthday. Grandma called me \"Pet\". I think she called all little ones \"Pet\", but I'm going to pretend it was just for me. I'm painting the living room while I wait for the toxic waste to nuke the fleas. It may be working. Of course, I'm probably going to grow a third arm out of my forehead!

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As I was painting I noticed it was getting really black outside. I'm beginning to be able to read the skies better out there now. I'm used to the wide open sky of Colorado where you see a storm coming from miles off. This one looked bad so I quit painting and quickly cleaned up. The pump on the well runs on electric and service can get dicey in the country. Good thing I did because I no sooner turned off the water till the skies opened up and we got a torrential downpour. We had a big crash of thunder, the electric flickered a couple of times, then went off at 6:00. It was still off at 9:45 in the morning when I headed to the nearest place for coffee and Wi-Fi. Yes...Wi-Fi! There's a little town east of me with a gas station, convenience store, restaurant and tire center. Good country breakfast, coffee and Wi-Fi. And they said I can stay as long as I want to! Wahoo!!!

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So, with a full tummy, hope for a flea-free house, and deadlines to meet, I leave you for another day.

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❤️

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\n

“You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.”

\nPsalm 75:2 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-08-18T01:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/08/18/ginny-lynne.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","The Farm","Comfort","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/08/14/broken-mended.html", "title": "Broken \u0026 Mended", "content_html": "\n
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One second and forty-five years. It only took one second to drop the cream pitcher that broke this plate. It's irreplaceable, really. But I'll tell you about that in a minute. First, I want to tell you about how mending can take forty-five years to complete.

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When I was a young girl, I was already broken in many ways before I got to high school. Childhood sexual abuse and an alcoholic father took a toll on me long before I graced the halls of Parkersburg High School. Come to find out, I wasn't alone. The rigors of adolescence plays havoc with our world view. At least it did with mine. I was inwardly quite shy and insecure. There were perceived slights, teasing, bullying...few of us escaped that brand of pain.

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This class reunion was remarkable in many ways. It was pretty chill. Till the last two hours. Then it happened. Everyone let their hair down...or what was left of it. We danced with wild abandon. We laughed till we cried. We walked up to people who wouldn't have given us the time of day or we secretly loved from afar and held on. There were surprises at every turn. There was gentleness and love. Genuine caring and respect. There was mending...of relationships, of inner turmoil...an acknowledgement of more similarities than differences because of our common bond of cultural, emotional, and educational experiences. There was a sort of collective sigh of relief that we're not dead yet so bring on the party!!! In other words, I'd have to say, this was a successful reunion. And, the richness of Facebook will keep us reaching out to one another.

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Now, the plate. Yesterday morning, we had a lovely gathering of the '71 Divas for coffee at my lifelong family friend's house in the historic district. I was doing dishes at the end of the event and dropped a creamer onto a plate...breaking it. Then, I found out it had belonged to our hostess' mother who recently passed away at 101. As a matter of fact, it had been a wedding gift. I felt horrid. I spent a good portion of the day scouring the Internet for a replacement. Some things break and need replacing. And sometimes they just need a lot of time and life experience to mend themselves.

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❤️

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“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.”

\nPsalm 91:11-13\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-08-14T01:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/08/14/broken-mended.html", "tags": ["Fun","Aging","Be Joyful!","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/08/03/sisters.html", "title": "Sisters!", "content_html": "\n
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One of the benefits of joining Sisters on the Fly is the number of Sisters you get. You can go just about anywhere and find a Sister. And, if you ask, you just might get five of them together for dinner!

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Two years ago, Carol (seated in black) reached out to me here on Marshmallow Ranch saying she admired what I was doing but she wasn't sure she could do it...physically. We wrote back and forth for quite some time and finally I got the message I was looking for...she'd bought a camper and joined Sisters on the Fly. Then, of course, all her friends wanted to join. It is like that with the Sisters.

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I stopped in Abilene yesterday to see the Eisenhower Museum then came to Topeka to visit these great women and eat some terrific Italian food. They housed me and took good care of me. What a treat to be in such good company!!!

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Today, I take off again!

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❤️

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“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.”

\nActs 2:42-44 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-08-03T01:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/08/03/sisters.html", "tags": ["Sisters on the Fly","Fun","Be Joyful!","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/08/01/on-the-road-again.html", "title": "On the Road Again!", "content_html": "\n
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Heading east today. Stopped for a bite to eat. Who doesn't love listening to the Allman Brothers singing \"Whipping Post\" in IHOP, right? Alone again, but so much to be grateful for...so much to look forward to. Life is an adventure. What will I see today?

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-08-01T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/08/01/on-the-road-again.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/07/24/up-the-crystal.html", "title": "Up the Crystal", "content_html": "\n
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Hotter than blue blazes yesterday so Little and I escaped to the high country. Redstone, Colorado is an old mining town. There's a castle there. Formerly known as Cleveholm Manor, Redstone Castle is a treasure. The mansion was built by a coal baron for his East Coast city wife or she wouldn't join him in this wild and wooly land. Nowadays, Redstone Castle can be rented out for special events and tours are given regularly. I went to a party there once that was quite memorable.

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There was a band playing in the park last evening. Dr. Robert is a Beatles tribute band I really enjoy. The drummer is Hubby #2's wife's son. Convoluted connection, but always fun to hear live music in the park. There is a shaded playground by the park so Little made friends with every kid in the area and played for hours. She goes back to her mama today. The only thing we didn't do that she wanted was rafting and the zipline. She's still a little short for that. We'll do that another time.

\n\n\n

Now I have a week to get things done before I head back east. I have several appointments and friends to visit while I'm here. I'll spend some quality time with my brother. I'll head back to Denver Saturday and spend my last full day with my family before I hit the road. And then, this part of The Grand Adventure is over. It all passes so quickly.

\n\n\n

I stood on the front porch of the cabin last night with Little. She said, \"Nana, this was an extraordinary trip.\" I smiled at her choice of words. I said, \"More extraordinary than New York?\" She looked pensive and said, \"Welllll...it's tough to beat New York.\" Yes, doll...I know. But this was pretty darned extraordinary if you ask me!

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❤️

\n\n\n
\n

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

\nPsalm 16:11 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-07-24T01:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/07/24/up-the-crystal.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Camping","Fun","Be Joyful!","Memories","Littles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/07/23/busy-busy-busy.html", "title": "Busy, Busy, Busy", "content_html": "\n
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Pancakes for breakfast. Walmart for the fishing license and bait. We went fishing yesterday and Little \"almost caught a fish\". She's sure of it because there was a little piece of her worm missing. I'm not as convinced because there was a kid fishing every 10 feet around that lake. What a cool sight to see! Little had an ethical dilemma. She wouldn't use live bait because she wouldn't kill it. And, she was very concerned about the pain she might inflict on a fish by hooking it. I assured her as best I could that fish brains are rather small and unsophisticated but how should I know if a fish feels pain or not? Now she's got ME feeling bad!

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We ate a late lunch by the river then headed back to our very hot cabin with no air conditioning for a little siesta then off to the Hot Springs Pool to play for a few hours. Dinner was wonderful at a nice restaurant. Little raved about the food and used her very best manners. The night was topped off with s'mores around the campfire.

\n\n\n

We were standing in the pool talking and I caught one of her \"look into your soul\" stares and I smiled. I said, \"You know, Little...someday you're going to be a big, grown-up lady and you're going to look back on this day and remember everything we did and it's going to be a very special memory. I want you to know...some day I'm going to be a very old woman and I'm going to remember this day, too. And, it will make me smile.\" She beamed, squeezed my hand and swam off, giggling. My little mermaid.

\n\n\n

❤️

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\n

“I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,”

\n2 Peter 1:13 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-07-23T01:16:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/07/23/busy-busy-busy.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!","Littles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/07/22/camping-with-little.html", "title": "Camping with Little", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

Little says the deepest things. We were driving up to the mountains yesterday. As she was calculating how much longer we had to go and measuring the merits of s'mores vs. other desserts, she quietly said, \"You know, Nana...I'm not weird. I'm unique. There ARE no weird people. We're all just unique.\"

\n\n\n

She's been my spiritual, deep thinker as long as she could articulate her thoughts. And she is always delightfully refreshing. We were discussing my lifestyle. She said, \"Your lifestyle isn't weird, Nana. It's unique, like you. The world is your home. And that's pretty cool!\" Ahhhh, she gets me! We sat on the deck overlooking the river and discussed which would be more fun...river rafting or zip lining. She said there will be fishing on this trip, and we won't have to quit just because Big is bored. She's interested in trying kayaking. OMGosh! She's mini me!

\n\n\n

This is our special time together. She remembers last year with great appreciation. I'll make sure she remembers this one, too.

\n\n\n

❤️

\n\n\n
\n

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

\n1 Timothy 4:12 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-07-22T01:30:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/07/22/camping-with-little.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/07/17/magic-moments.html", "title": "Magic Moments", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I spent the day with Big yesterday. There's something magical when you break through the barriers of a twelve-year-old who is entirely too cool for you. She's not into tent camping. I'll be lucky to get her out in TOW-Wanda next time I bring her. A tent would push her over the edge. Her mommy was the same way. If she couldn't plug in her curling iron, she wasn't interested. Then she went off to college and did a ten day rafting trip down the Colorado River and about blew my mind.

\n\n\n

Since I'm taking Little camping next week, I told Big we would have a special day this weekend and do whatever she wanted. She chose to visit the Denver Aquarium. Then we went to lunch at PF Chang's and sat out on the deck overlooking the mountains. After lunch, we went to Park Meadows mall. It's the biggest mall in the Denver Metro area and we got quite a workout. We had to take a break for ice cream, of course. We did back-to-school shopping. OMGosh! I totally forgot how much fun shopping with a pre-teen girl is!

\n\n\n

Big was at swim practice at 8:00 yesterday morning so between that and shopping and full tummies, we were pooped by 4:00 in the afternoon so we headed home. She was asleep before we hit the interstate. When we got home, there was the obligatory fashion show for her mom. Then...she melted my heart. She came and sat in my lap and cuddled for a while. So sweet. So appreciative. So grown up yet still a little girl. It was a precious, precious moment I will always cherish because they grow way too fast, don't they?

\n\n\n

❤️

\n\n\n
\n

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

\nPsalm 127:3 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-07-17T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/07/17/magic-moments.html", "tags": ["Family","Gratitude","Aging","Be Joyful!","Littles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/07/14/drumroll-please.html", "title": "Drumroll, please...", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

The book proposal has been submitted! I hit \"send\" around 3:00 yesterday afternoon. Forty-three pages, nearly 20,000 word proposal for a thirty chapter book with a projected word count of 76,000 words! Holy cats!!! Within moments, I was dancing around the kitchen like I'd just chugged three Red Bulls. Within an hour I was like \"Hmmmm, I hope she likes it. Do you suppose I should have talked a little more about this and a little less about that? I wonder how long it will take to hear from her! OMGosh! They're gonna hate it. I mean, what's so important about my story?\"
\"Shut up, Ginny, and dance!\"

\n\n\n

Wahoo!!! I danced, then I went out for dinner with Sisters and celebrated with Mexican food! Afterward, we walked around this lake. Michelle timed the walk perfectly so we could catch the sunset from the far side. Beautiful night!

\n\n\n

Now, this doesn't mean I'm done. This just means the proposal is done. At least the first draft is. Now I keep working on the chapters while I wait to hear from Italia, my agent. I'll never be \"done\" writing because there will always be another book, another post, another story. I'm good with that. I cannot imagine a day without writing. I really can't.

\n\n\n

❤️

\n\n\n
\n

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

\nActs 20:35 NIVA\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-07-14T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/07/14/drumroll-please.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Writing","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/07/12/water-world.html", "title": "Water World", "content_html": "\n
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So, what do you do when it's your daughter's birthday and she wants you to go to Water World with the crew but you accidentally erased a whole chapter of your book over the weekend and hadn't quite got around to backing it up properly and it was absolutely nowhere to be found and you need to write the whole darned thing over and it was one of the more difficult chapters to write anyway because it's all emotional and you thought you were done with that part but apparently that was just a pipe dream? Well, you go to Water World and plug in your laptop and write and your family love you and support you and make sure you're comfortable and have plenty to eat and drink and then you float down the Lazy River for an hour while you take a break and it was so awesome you didn't want to stop but the sun was hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk and you prayed the sunscreen would do what sunscreen does so you can sleep comfortably after a huge dinner of ribs, beans and coleslaw! That's what you do! And, at the end of the day, you thank God for giving you another chance to get it right. My life is blessed!

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❤️

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-07-12T01:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/07/12/water-world.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","Writing","Be Joyful!","Littles","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/07/11/happy-birthday-judy-ann-grabowski.html", "title": "Happy Birthday, Judy Ann Grabowski!", "content_html": "\n
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She was a little towheaded tomboy but she loved a twirly dress and shiny party shoes with buckles. She loved her Hobby Hobby doll. She said mazagine and cackeltator. She \"put on a show\" to anyone who would stand still long enough, dragging her step stool out for a stage. She learned to be tough because we didn't have time nor money for foolishness. She never broke a bone on my watch but boy when she did, she was steel. She flew alone from the age of four to go see her Dad across the country. I think about that now and can't believe I let her go. It was a different world back then.

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I taught her to drive a stick shift when I was nine months pregnant with her sister....and we all lived to tell the tale. I saw her through homecomings and proms and college and her wedding. She gave me two beautiful granddaughters. There were things I wish I had done better, but she has turned into the strongest woman I know. A good woman. A hard worker. A good wife and mother. The kind of woman you want for a friend because she'll hold up the mirror and slap you and show you who you are so you can grow. She is direct and maybe sometimes a bit too blunt. I love her with the white hot heat of the sun, my sunshine girl. I am so, so proud of her.

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Happy Birthday, my sweet girl!

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❤️

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\n

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

\nEphesians 1:16 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-07-11T01:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/07/11/happy-birthday-judy-ann-grabowski.html", "tags": ["Family","Gratitude","Love","Be Joyful!","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/07/10/getting-closer.html", "title": "Getting Closer", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

OMGosh, you guys...I'm so excited! I'm so close to having my book proposal done I can almost taste it!!! Last night, I sat down with my son-in-law's parents and read the first nine chapters to them. They loved it. Ok...they love me and that's kinda like your mom telling you you're pretty. She kinda HAS to, ya know? But, I really believe they loved it! And they know my story. They could tell me where to clarify, where to stick this or that story or tidbit of information in. It was the very first time I have ever let any of my family into my book world. Wow!!! It made it REAL!

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This is like giving birth after a 63 year gestation. It is truly a labor of love and now I'm getting really excited!

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❤️

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“There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you.”

\nDeuteronomy 12:7 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-07-10T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/07/10/getting-closer.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Writing","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/29/breakfast-talk.html", "title": "Breakfast Talk", "content_html": "\n
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A lot can be learned over a stack of pancakes when you're enjoying them with a nine-year-old. For instance, she is very proud of the fact she is overcoming a learning disability and succeeding in school. She loves math and reading and writes stories. She tells me she's a \"maker\", just like me. This one is like me in so many ways. Demonstrative, emotional, tender hearted, and oh so funny.

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As the pancakes slowly disappeared, she started talking about God. We've talked about God many times and I am always very careful not to be too pushy about religion. I was scared away from the church around her age. Yesterday was different though. She started talking about Jesus. I asked her who Jesus was. She said \"The Son of God. He came here to give us the chance to be as perfect as we can be.\" I asked her how she knew about God and Jesus. She said \"Nana, I was born knowing them. I've ALWAYS known them.\" I asked her if she remembered being with them before she came here and she said \"No, it doesn't work that way, Nana. You forget that part when you're born.\" Out of the mouths of babes.

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We spent the rest of the meal talking about grief and how it affects people differently. We talked about the waves and how sometimes you're fine and sometimes you're not and you never really know when it will bother you. We talked about promises and how from now on, when I'm asked to go do things, I'm going to say how much I'd love to do that and it will depend on how I'm feeling when the time comes. She looked at me with steady eyes and said, \"That's a good idea, Nana. It will keep everyone from being disappointed, including you.\" Oh, how I love this kid. She's my mirror.

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Yesterday included a day at the zoo. We rode the train and had lunch outdoors. We came back to cool off and snooze. We finished the day with the BEST barbecue EVER and went swimming. Little ended the night with \"This was the best day ever, Nana!\" It doesn't matter to her what we do, she says...as long as she gets to do it with me. Today we ask for travel mercies as we drive back to Colorado.

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❤️

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“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””

\nMatthew 19:13-14 NIV\n
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Photo Credit: thehillsbar.com

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-29T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/29/breakfast-talk.html", "tags": ["Family","Love","Be Joyful!","Littles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/14/colorado.html", "title": "Colorado!!!", "content_html": "\n
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Yay!!!!

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\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-14T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/14/colorado.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/13/happy-birthday-to-me.html", "title": "Happy Birthday to ME!", "content_html": "\n
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I love my birthdays! Mr. Virgo always made it a special day for me so I like to carry on that tradition. It's the least thing I can do, right? ?

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I got a late start out of Bristol yesterday. Just after I left I-81 and got on I-40 west, I get one of my God messages.

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\"Check the air in your tires.\"

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\"Nah...they checked it recently when I got the new ties on the camper.\"

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\"Check the air in you tires.\"

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\"Seriously, it hasn't been that long ago. I looked at them. They looked fine. The pressure light isn't on. They're fine. Really. Trust me.\"

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\"Check the air in your tires!\"

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\"Awwww, c'mon! I'm running late!!!\"

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\"CHECK THE AIR IN YOUR TIRES...NOW!!!\"

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\"Fine! Fine! I'll check the air in my tires!!!\"

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There was a rest area one mile ahead so I pulled in. I got out my tire gauge and checked the air. Front, left...35psi. Front, right...35psi. Rear, right...35psi. Rear, left...>100psi! What?!?! That couldn't be possible. The tire would blow if it was that high. I tested them again. Same thing. I let them cool off a bit, tested them again, and STILL got greater than 100psi. I googled Walmart Tire Center and found one less than ten miles away. I went in and asked if they could check my tire pressure.

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35...35...35.......35!!!! Crazy! I asked the guy if he was sure. He said yes and showed me. Then he said, \"Whoa...wait a second. What's this?\" He shined a light on the tire and there was a two inch split right between the tread. It was on a part of the tire I couldn't see when I initially checked my air pressure. I never would have known if that one tire hadn't given such a weird reading.

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God looks out for us in all things. He can direct our feet to save us from calamity. I am so blessed I listened yesterday and I checked my tires! I get to have another birthday today!!!

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??❤️??

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“For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.”

\nProverbs 9:11 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-13T01:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/13/happy-birthday-to-me.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","God","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/11/chef-travis-of-basq.html", "title": "Chef Travis of Basq", "content_html": "\n
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Mr. Virgo was a trained Chef but preferred the managerial side of restaurants. He owned his own restaurants, he ran others. When he died, he was running the restaurant at The Ritz Carlton in Aspen. That's about as prestigious an address you can get in the food and beverage industry.
Dining out with Mr. Virgo was a challenge. He was as quick to point out flaws as he was to offer praise. He ruined my ability to enjoying dining out for years.

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I love my birthday and I celebrate my birthday month! While Monday is the actual day, my cousins and I celebrated my birthday last night with dinner in Bristol at a wonderful restaurant called Basq. I had the most delicious wahoo (fish) dish. I even threw caution to the wind and had dessert! I was fortunate to visit with Chef Travis after the meal and sing his praises. After boating all afternoon, dining out in the evening then walking around an antique car show, I was pretty whupped. And today we're going fishing! I'll get pictures!

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❤️

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-11T01:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/11/chef-travis-of-basq.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","In the Kitchen"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/08/road-trip.html", "title": "Road Trip!!!!", "content_html": "\n
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I can't believe it's finally here...the first day of another adventure!!! Do you all realize you've been riding along with me for nearly 60,000 miles??? We've been on so many trips together...CO, WY, NB, SD, NM, UT, KS, IL, IN, OH, WV, TN, KY, VA, NC, SC, MD. Today, I'm heading back down to Bristol, TN to visit family for a few days. TOW-Wanda is staying here. I have places to stay when I travel this time and I'll only be gone about six weeks so it just didn't make sense to drag her around. I have all my camping gear packed up so I'll be doing some tent camping.

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I'll have much more flexibility without the camper so I'm looking forward to doing a little more exploring this trip. I'll post pictures of interest and update you as to my progress.

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I look back at my early travels. Honestly, I'm not sure how I did what I did the first year. I was pretty lost.

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The Brandi Carlile concert last night was absolutely amazing! One of the very best I've seen...truly. If you ever get the chance to see her live...you really should! Talk to you soon!

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❤️

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“You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.”

\nDeuteronomy 28:6 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-08T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/08/road-trip.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/06/two-sleeps.html", "title": "Two Sleeps", "content_html": "\n
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When my oldest was little and I was trying to teach her the concept of time, I would give her the number of sleeps till the event. I'm counting down to my next ROAD TRIP!!!

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Wednesday I leave this amazing river to head for Tennessee for a few days then it's off to Colorado for the summer. While in TN there will be boating, fishing, BBQ and family visiting.

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I have a boatload of work to get done before I leave. You know how it is before a big trip. I've decided not to take my camper. The wear and tear on the truck and trailer, and the added expense of gas were the determining factors. So, since my camper is really just a glorified handbag, I have to decide what to take and what to leave behind.

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I'm looking forward to low humidity and my babies!!! Not in that order!

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❤️

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“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

\nProverbs 3:24 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-06T01:30:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/06/two-sleeps.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/01/wild-marshmallows.html", "title": "Wild Marshmallows", "content_html": "\n

Giggle

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-01T01:30:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/01/wild-marshmallows.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/25/hope.html", "title": "Hope", "content_html": "\n
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There was a time in this journey when I had no hope whatsoever. I forgot Who loved me...Who had my back, always. I could see nothing past the next tortuous hour. Nothing but tears and pain...anger and frustration. Day after never-freaking-ending day. Anyone who says we do not experience hell on earth has never walked the path of grief.

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Yesterday was a reminder of how beautiful life can get once the flames of this journey die down and you're left wearing a shiny new coat of armor. I was vacillating a bit yesterday morning...write, which needs doing, or exercise, which MUST be done, no options. My trainer dude, Paul is out of town and it would be a little easier to slide by without working out. But then, in his ever vigilant way, he texted with his cheerful \"So...you Q-stepping today?\" Ummmmm, yes! I was just on my way out the door. Don't tell him I was actually sitting with my coffee in the sunroom still debating. His texts are all I need to remind me how important I am....to ME. To the future ME. To those who love me. I laced up those shoes and jumped in my truck! Off to the steps.

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I decided to shoot for SIX. The good people putting on the International Conference on Positive Aging had asked me to create a little video promoting my talk in August. Instead of getting all foofy and filming myself talking, I filmed the steps as I climbed and talked about Mr. Virgo and turning into the PopTart Queen and how this is my year to thrive. Why talk about positive aging when you can show what it looks like?

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No amount of comfort food can beat what fitness feels like! I am filled with hope for the future now. Please, please grieve with hope because it will not be this painful forever. It gets better.

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❤️

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Addendum: I felt so good after writing this, I did two more. 8x175 steps! Then off for a big salad and a well deserved pedicure!

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“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

\n1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/25/hope.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/21/women.html", "title": "Women", "content_html": "\n
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My church is young. It's energetic and enthusiastic and encouraging. I've never been to a church where people countdown the last 10 seconds before the door opens because they're so excited to go in. It's astonishing. The church I go to in the Denver area is similar, but I like this one even better.

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Last night was the kickoff event for the new Women's Ministry that's starting. It was a wonderful evening and very empowering. A woman narrated a piece comparing women to redwood trees. Redwoods are some of the largest trees there are, but they don't have a very deep root system. On their own, they could never withstand strong winds. But together, their roots weave around and intertwine creating a complex support system. It's the same way with women. If we isolate, we are much more vulnerable. In nature, the predator attacks the weakest member of the herd by separating it and attacking. In many ways, we are stronger and safer when we are supported by other women.

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My talk on Thursday night was well attended. There was great feedback and I had my friend videotape it. I'll try to figure out how to crop a small segment and post it. Looking back over the recording is always difficult because I pick out the annoying little habits I have that no one else would even notice. It keeps me humble and always seeking to improve.

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❤️

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“The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.””

\nGenesis 2:18 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-21T01:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/21/women.html", "tags": ["Strong Women","God","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/20/that-girl.html", "title": "That Girl", "content_html": "\n
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You remember her...that girl that loved to ride bikes, climb trees, catch lightning bugs. The one that fought the bath because it meant she had to stop playing and come inside. You remember...that girl that could eat anything and never gain an ounce because she played so hard all day. The one who liked to sneak a puppy or kitten into her bed when she thought no one was watching. The one who would defend her best friend's honor even if it meant she took the lumps. You remember.

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Where did she go? When did we forget to ask her out to play? Why did we think we didn't need her anymore...that she was a baby, someone we'd outgrown? I was so busy raising my kids, being a wife, entertaining....I distinctly remember that day when I remembered something important that I had long since forgotten. I remember telling my ex-husband I didn't know how to play anymore. It was such a sad thing. I remember how resigned I was to the loss...as if it was perfectly normal to kill this little girl that had lived in me all those years. That's what I did you know...many of us did. We left her in the dust by the side of the road. We left her to wither up on the back shelf of our closets with the clip on skates and the croquet set. I missed her, but I didn't know how to get her back.

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That's when the Sisters came into my life. I found the Sisters on the Fly very shortly after losing Mr. Virgo. It didn't take long to figure out who these women were. They were The Rescuers. They take us sorry old women and rescue the little girls inside them. And they don't take no for an answer. It's not just the Sisters. There are many Girl Camper groups out there. Facebook has lots of groups like Camp Like a Girl, Girl Camping, Mitten Kittens to name a few. And if camping isn't your thing, I'm sure there's a group out there that exactly fits you. The important thing is to step out of your comfort zone, shake things up, do something different, and find that little girl. She's in there...c'mon, let's go get her...

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It's Fitness Friday...lets go outside and play!

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❤️

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“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

\nJohn 15:12-13 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-20T01:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/20/that-girl.html", "tags": ["Fun","Aging","Fitness Friday","Choices","Be Joyful!","Fitness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/15/a-womans-dance.html", "title": "A Woman's Dance", "content_html": "\n
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Our gathering of wild and wonderful women has drawn to a close and we will be traveling our separate ways today. I am always a little sad when these events end. There is something so special about bonding with women over food and drink, laughter and tears, singing and dancing, and the sharing of stories. We cross any barriers, real or perceived, as we reach out to each other and celebrate our differences and embrace our similarities. And when we leave the fire, we take with us a piece of each other's hearts and are all the richer for the experience. We are better for having met.

\n\n\n

As the evening drew to a close, the drizzle turned first to sleet then to snow. I believe the weather has been warm enough to limit any real accumulation on the roadways, but there are three fairly high mountains I need to cross to get home today. Please keep us all in your prayers for travel mercies.

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❤️

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“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

\nHebrews 10:24-25 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-15T01:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/15/a-womans-dance.html", "tags": ["Strong Women","Fun","Be Joyful!","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/12/st-annual-maizie-day.html", "title": "1st Annual Maizie Day!", "content_html": "\n

Today would have been Maizie Morrison's birthday. Maizie was the mother of the originators of Sisters on the Fly. Maizie was given the honorary Sister #0. I was fortunate to get to meet her the January before she passes away. In honor of our collective \"Mom\", we are to go outside and do something fun. Here's TOW-Wanda all set up to camp for the weekend in the beautiful hills of WV. Cheers, Miss Maizie!

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-12T01:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/12/st-annual-maizie-day.html", "tags": ["Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/11/music-from-the-heart.html", "title": "Music From the Heart", "content_html": "\n
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For a very long time after losing Mr. Virgo...my world went dark and silent. I saw no colors. I heard no music. There was no real joy except when I hugged my children and grandchildren and when I snuggled down in TOW-Wanda. I was floating in this cosmic wasteland, searching for something I remembered...something familiar. Something that was now far removed from me. I had a sense things would eventually come back into focus. I did everything I could to move the time line along, but there was no way that was going to happen. I had to just resign myself to the fact I was going to have to ride this one out.

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I started seeing color again in the second year. Music came back into my life in the third year. This year...my year to thrive...has seen a virtual explosion in my life. My heart is full to overflowing and love is splashing everywhere. My mind has opened and I'm learning and growing. Age is blessing me with cahunas big enough to shoo away the negatives and draw the positives very close. God is blessing me with the most beautiful people in my life and such amazing opportunities. Wisdom and discernment are gifts of age and man, am I glad those two finally showed up!

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I love how music has filled my life again. Special songs with poignant lyrics keep turning up to fill my heart. I throw the door open wide and invite them in. Bring your friends...we're celebrating. Life, love, spring, rain on the camper roof, the smell of new mown grass. Curried salmon. Juicy fresh berries. Thunder. And...Blue Velvet...At Last...The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. I'm drunk with the love of life. This is the hope I wished for. I prayed for this. This is me...living life again. There may very well be dark days on occasion but now that I know this is possible, those dark days don't scare me anymore.

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❤️

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“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

\nRomans 12:9-10 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-11T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/11/music-from-the-heart.html", "tags": ["Grief","Comfort","Courage","Be Joyful!","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/04/27/towwanda.html", "title": "TOW-Wanda!", "content_html": "\n
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Oh, I'm so excited! I've been sleeping in TOW-Wanda since Sunday night and I can't tell you how happy this makes me. I have missed my cozy little \"tiny home on wheels\"! I love my memory foam mattress and my 800 count sheets. I love feeling like I'm living outdoors. I'm cleaning her up as I go. I should have done that in the fall but I camped so late in the season it was really cold when I parked her. Actually, it was kind of nice sweeping up the sand from Myrtle Beach and remembering such a great trip.

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I need to vacate the modular I've been staying in by Saturday so I've really been organizing the contents of the camper and downsizing even more. I can't believe how much junk I have still! The weather has been stormy so it's perfect for staying inside and getting stuff done.

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I'm starting my travel plans for the year which always gets me itching to be on the road. I'm camping with the GirlCampers in mid-May and can't wait for that! Our first WV camping trip and I'm excited to show off my home state. I'm planning on hanging out here in WV till towards the end of June this year so I'm going to get out on the river to kayak as much as possible. My exercise has me fit enough to hike and bike longer distances which makes for fun playtime outside. I try to fill each day with joy, fun, work, and time to feed my soul. This keeps me balanced and healthy...a worthy goal for us all.

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❤️

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\n

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,”

\nEcclesiastes 3:1, 6 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-04-27T01:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/04/27/towwanda.html", "tags": ["Health","Camping","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Fitness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/04/17/a-step-back-in-time.html", "title": "A Step Back in Time", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

The ubiquitous produce market. The south is dripping with them. My cousins and I took a \"buggy\" ride down the hill last week to pick up some produce at Scotty's Market in Bluff City, TN. One step across the threshold and time seems to slow down. From rutabagas to fresh North Carolina strawberries, the options are plentiful. There is a row of chippy painted chairs in a line in the back. A respectable collection of cast iron cookware graces a wall. The clerk offers me a strawberry as I wander around. The floors were gravel and gave the space a quiet atmosphere. Large flat plank tables held the produce. Workers hovered over bins and picked over the fruits and veggies, pinching away the bad bits. I love stopping to really experience the flavor of the small towns when I travel.

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This is such a beautiful time to travel. Where have your travels led you to a pleasant surprise?

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❤️

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\n

“Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.”

\nGenesis 1:11-12 NLT\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-04-17T01:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/04/17/a-step-back-in-time.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/04/17/dawn-on-the-river.html", "title": "Dawn on the River", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

I will soon be moving back into my camper after a winter spent indoors. It has been wonderful to have running water...an amenity I did without last winter. And, as it turns out, this winter was much milder than last year.

\n\n\n

I'm really looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again. My memory foam mattress has been calling my name for quite some time. I'll still be camped here on the river till I head back to Colorado. I love this river and will cherish the time I've spent here. Watching the sunrise has never been more appealing than it is right here so I wanted to share it with you today. Have a blessed day!

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-04-17T01:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/04/17/dawn-on-the-river.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/04/11/big-news.html", "title": "Big News!!!", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

I have been approached by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management Company with an offer to represent me. With much consideration, research and prayer, I have agreed and signed a contract. I have an agent! Wow!

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(Edit: I decided later to take my writing in a different direction and am no long represented by this company, but it was a fun ride!)

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❤️

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To God be the Glory!

\n\n\n
\n

“I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.”

\nPsalms 118:5 KJV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-04-11T01:30:22-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/04/11/big-news.html", "tags": ["Writing","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/04/10/tennessee-redbud.html", "title": "Tennessee Redbud", "content_html": "\n
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This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before. ~ Maya Angelou

\n\n\n

I can't remember my last difficult day. I no longer pontificate each sadness that washes over me. I haven't had a \"bad night\" in a few months. I don't hold my breath as much anymore. My tongue is no longer pressed to the back of my teeth in an effort to keep from screaming. My tears are sweet reminders of a precious love instead of gut wrenching sobs of relentless sorrow. There is measurable, palpable relief oozing from my soul.

\n\n\n

Thinking back over the last three years, I vacillated between thinking I would never, ever get past this to seeing far off glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel. There's no finite \"end\" to grief. It is my lot in life. It is what I live with. But it no longer defines me. There was a time in the not so distant past that I led off many new introductions with, \"My name is Ginny. I'm a widow.\" As if it were some sort of 12 Step program and I was stuck on the first one. Grief was my primary language. I remember those days. I remember how painful they were...how confused, frustrated, and flat out angry it made me.

\n\n\n

Each day is a beautiful gift. Each experience is an opportunity to stretch beyond who I was yesterday toward who I'll be tomorrow. Each morning is a time of great anticipation and each night brings a moment of quiet reflection and sincere gratitude. And in the middle is \"now\". These are the days after death row. The sentence has been commuted. These are the days I wanted to know in my heart were coming, but wouldn't have believed were possible.

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These are wonderful days. I've never seen them before.

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❤️

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\n

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

\nPsalms 118:24 KJV\n
\n\n\n

***Oooooooh...tomorrow's Monday. Something BIG is coming Monday. That's tomorrow, by the way. Be sure you come back and read tomorrow's post.***

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-04-10T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/04/10/tennessee-redbud.html", "tags": ["Grief","Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/04/05/on-being-alone.html", "title": "On Being Alone", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I love road trips. I love to drive because I do my best thinking behind the wheel of my truck. I work through all kinds of issues as the miles fly by. I have whole conversations with people and they always end up going my way. I make plans, solve problems, write stories. I do this best alone. Don't get me wrong...traveling with Mr. Virgo was a hoot and a half! He always had a good story or a funny joke. He always spotted the best places to stop and enjoy a good view. Travel with Mr. Virgo was a joy! I know some don't, but I travel well alone.

\n\n\n

I drove to Louisville yesterday. I'm spending the next two days solid with a media consultant creating my new website. I'm really excited about it! The drive down was lovely. Rain coming out of WV and across most of Ohio gave way to sunny skies in Kentucky. It gave me six hours of fairly uninterrupted drive time. Eating was fine. Exercise was not but I did walk the steps to the third floor several times so that counts as something!

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Stay tuned for more fun adventures! There's SO much going on in the background that I can't talk about yet but it's gonna be awesome!

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❤️

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\n

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

\nJames 1:22-24 NIV\n
\n\n\n

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-04-05T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/04/05/on-being-alone.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/04/03/direction.html", "title": "Direction", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

It doesn't matter what you call it...fate, kismet, destiny, serendipity, divine intervention...it's real. It's when something happens at exactly the right time in exactly the right way it needed to in order for the outcome to occur. It happens to everyone, all the time. You just may not be in tune with it.

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My lifestyle is such that I have the freedom currently to do pretty much whatever I want, when I want. I have few deadlines. I have no real schedule to speak of. On a typical day, I wake up and meditate and converse with God. Then I check in here and my personal FB page. I check the news and weather. I glance at emails. I read. I allow two hours for this nebulous journey then I get up, put on my coffee. After that...it's anybody's guess where I'll end up. I train, have lunch, run errands, do chores, write, research, prep meals, and have dinner...with friends or alone. It's a simple life and allows much more clarity than I have ever experienced in my life. It's like living in a foreign land where everything is beautifully outlined in light. I notice things more. I feel and sense more. And God absolutely drops everything I need in my lap. He's been pretty generous with the things I want as well.

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Yesterday, I was walking through the Kroger store. I walked past the meat aisle and laughed at a memory. John Shepherd was the general manager of the Kroger my mom always shopped in. My boyfriend (who later became my first husband) also worked there. I remembered a story about John eating a steak on Good Friday and saying \"You're a fish! You're a fish!\" as he cut it up. This led me to try to remember the others who worked there at the time, one of whom was Jim Wilson. I loved Jim. He was a Pastor and worked at the store, in produce, I believe. My boyfriend and I attended his church a couple of times. I knew John died many years ago, but I hadn't heard a thing about Jim since 1973.

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I turned away from my reverie and finished gathering my groceries. The lines were long and I chose one. After waiting several minutes, I remembered something I needed and went off in search of it. When I came back, all the lines were long except one. I piled my items on the belt as the clerk assisted the couple in front of me. When it was my turn, I stepped up and started rummaging around in my purse for my wallet. The clerk asked how my day was going and I replied, still looking in my purse. \"It was busy...but great!\" I found my wallet and looked up at the clerk for the first time.

\n\n\n

It was Jim!

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My knees actually wobbled. My jaw dropped. I knew it was him...but I didn't want to come across all creepy so I asked,

\n\n\n

\"Aren't you Jim?\"

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\"Yes.\"

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\"You were a Pastor?\"

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\"Still am!\"

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I introduced myself and after a while, I had to apologize profusely to the people in line behind me for keeping them waiting. Jim and I quickly exchanged info so we wouldn't lose track again. Later in the evening, we had an hour long conversation.

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God is the perfect orchestrator of all things. I never question anymore. There's a reason we were brought back in contact. I think it was for something Jim was about to discuss with me. We were talking about my writing and how it has developed a following over the last few years. I told him how I pray over my keyboard for the right words and for the people who need to hear them. Then, I half apologetically told him I ask God to provide for me financially through my writing. Jim went on to talk about Matthew 7:7 \"Ask and it will be given...\" He pointed out there are two other parts to that. \"Seek...\" and \"Knock...\" All action words. We aren't told to ask and then sit back and wait for the silver platter. So, I ask God...then I seek God...then I knock on the door of His heart. And He blesses me.

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What a beautiful life this is!

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❤️

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\n

““Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

\nMatthew 7:7-8 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-04-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/04/03/direction.html", "tags": ["Faith","Be Joyful!","Kindness","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/03/29/toot-toot.html", "title": "Toot, Toot!", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
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I always feel like I'm tooting my own horn when I post places I can be seen in the media, but....dang! The New York Times and now Fox News? Pretty cool! My life. If you would have told me three years ago this is what my life would look like, I couldn't in a million years have imagined it to be true. I never dreamed I would have even LIVED three more years, let alone have a successful blog and all these amazing opportunities. God has been so good to me. My family and friends have been so good to me. YOU all have been so good to me. Thank you, thank you thank you!

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❤️

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News Release: Ginny McKinney of Marshmallow Ranch makes Fox News! @foxnews FB/marshmallowranch @girlcamper528 @sistersonthefly @rvfamilytravelatlas @gorving @gotowv @downtown_pkb @visitpkb @wvsocialmedia #life #living #rv #good #camping #camper #travel #traveltrailer #fulltimerv #camplife #girlcamp #glamping #widow #widower #ginnymckinney #marshmallowranch

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-03-29T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/03/29/toot-toot.html", "tags": ["Be Joyful!","Press"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/03/10/camping-season-is-almost-here.html", "title": "Camping Season is Almost Here!", "content_html": "\n
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Sitting in the living room last night, I could hear the peepers calling from the ponds across the tracks. It is, without a doubt...SPRING! And with the warm days come thoughts of the great outdoors. And what do I love best about being outdoors? Camping!

\n\n\n

We are rapidly approaching camping season and my atlas is already getting a workout. I am heading out next month on my first road trip of the year. I'll be heading to Louisville for three nights. I'm sitting down with a mentor in media presence. So the first three days will be working then I am heading to Bristol, TN. I'll take my tent camping gear as well as the trailer and play it by ear. Hopefully the weather will be lovely.

\n\n\n

It would be fun to gather with any \"Ranchers\" who may live in the areas I'll be visiting! Also, if anyone is interested in having me speak, please message me. If I can throw some speaking engagements in the trip, that would be extra fun! I'm really ready for a road trip!

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❤️

\n\n\n
\n

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;”

\nPsalm 91:11 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-03-10T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/03/10/camping-season-is-almost-here.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/03/06/make-a-joyful-noise.html", "title": "Make a Joyful Noise", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I went to watch a friend sing karaoke Friday night and man, was that fun! I love to sing and three of us stood in as \"Glady's Pips\". Then last night I went to friend's to listen and sing along with some really good musicians.
I sang in choirs when I was in school but the rest has been in church, my car and the shower. I am building up my nerve to sing solo at karaoke next time. I push my limits. I push out my boundaries to do things I've never done before.

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A change is coming. Next Saturday is the three year angelversary of Mr. Virgo's death. We'll be talking this week about where I am now on this grief journey and my goals for the next year...so stay with me!

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❤️

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\n

“The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain.”

\nDeuteronomy 1:6 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-03-06T02:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/03/06/make-a-joyful-noise.html", "tags": ["Fun","Be Joyful!","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/02/27/do-it-now.html", "title": "Do It Now", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I came across a darling story on FB yesterday. You may have seen it. Norma is almost 91. She lost her beloved Leo and during the two week period he was dying, Norma was diagnosed with a large mass in her uterus which was most likely cancerous. Her son and daughter-in-law sat down and had a long talk with Norma prior to her doctor visit to hear the final diagnosis. They explained what the likely scenarios might look like and asked her what she wanted to do. They gave Norma options. She could have the surgery and treatment. She could go into assisted living to while away her last month's on earth. Or, she was welcome to pack a bag, hop on board the RV they lived in full time, and spend as much quality time as she could traveling along with them. Her family told her they would drive her anyplace she wanted to go.

\n\n\n

When the time came, they sat listening to the doctor confirm their gravest fears. If Norma could even survive the massive surgery, which was questionable, the treatment would surely kill her. She had just witnessed her beloved Leo die in hospice. She wasn't about to do that...to herself OR to her family. She stood up, thanked the doctor, but said \"No, thanks. I'm hittin' the road.\" Norma's family explained their plans to the doctor and he was all for it.

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Isn't it wonderful that Norma has the option to live out her days, traveling the highways and byways of America, seeing things she's never seen? Revisiting places that brought her joy in the past. Meeting so many people and making new friends. And kudos to her kids for taking this on and providing such loving support of their loved one in her old age. I am in awe. I would love to meet this beautiful woman and her kids!

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Time passes so quickly when you reach that tipping point, doesn't it? We don't know the number of days we will get, but when we arrive at the point that doubling your age and then living that long isn't possible, you know you're traveling a journey that no longer seems endless. Those of us who have lost a loved one have a deeper understanding of the thin film between life and death. This finite thread we hang by can snap at any moment. Why not spend those last good months in the front seat of an RV heading west into the sun? That's how I'd want to go.

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You can follow along and read about Norma's travels on Facebook HERE.

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❤️

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“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

\nProverbs 27:1 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-02-27T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/02/27/do-it-now.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/02/26/you-cant-make-old-friends.html", "title": "You Can't Make Old Friends", "content_html": "\n
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I have the luxury, at least for the time being, of sitting down with my coffee every morning and reading your responses to my posts. There have become a number of familiar names who respond regularly. I haven't met the vast majority of you. I don't know all of your stories though I am honored when you share your hearts with me, as I share mine with you.

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I feel a sort of kinship to you, although my crotchety old aunt refers to you as my \"pretend friends\". We are made sisters by the shared experiences of grief, of divorce, of motherhood. We are the family of woman, sharing bits and pieces of our lives as we walk each other home.

\n\n\n

As I contemplated this yesterday, coffee in hand, my cell phone alerted me. I had a message from my friend, \"Hattie\". She told me she's been thinking about me a lot lately she considers me her very \"specialist\" old friend. It was attached to a link to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' song \"You Can't Make Old Friends\".

\n\n\n

I told her to hang on, I'd go watch. She watched it again as I did. My heart swelled and tears spilled down my cheeks. You see, \"Hattie\" isn't JUST my friend. She is my nonbiological sister. She is my soul partner.

\n\n\n

I met \"Hattie\" in Sophomore Choir. She sat in front of me that first day and had a dress on made from the same fabric as mine. A white background with mod hot pink daisies with neon yellow centers. I tapped her on the shoulder and she turned to look at me. I pointed to my dress, she looked down at hers. And we laughed and laughed. \"Hattie\" was everything I wanted to be. Petite, long blonde hair, tan, fit, and a voice that belted out any tune she tried. She could play the piano which made me green with envy. But, what drew me to her the most was that personality. \"Hattie\" brought sunshine with her to every room. She walked with a determined stride. This girl had purpose and I instantly loved her.

\n\n\n

As graduation often does, we moved in different directions in life...she eventually to the South, me way out West. \"Hattie\" was my mother's \"other daughter\" and they remained close, even vacationing together. We always stayed close but there were stretches of time we didn't actually talk. But, we always knew the other was there...with truth, love, and laughter.

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As I watched this video, knowing my oldest, dearest, most special-est friend had sent it to me and was watching it with me, my heart reached across the miles and held hers...with a fierce love only old friends can elicit. I pray you have one such old friend in your life. I cannot bear the thought of standing here without her. Instead, I will love on her every chance I get. I will tell her over and over how important she has been in my life. How important she IS in my life because...you truly can't make old friends.

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❤

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\n

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

\nJohn 15:12-13 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-02-26T02:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/02/26/you-cant-make-old-friends.html", "tags": ["Family","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Be Joyful!","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/02/13/group-therapy.html", "title": "Group Therapy", "content_html": "\n
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There is comfort in a group who have suffered similar fates. They may not have suffered the same loss, but we all have experience SOME sort of loss in our lives and that give us a certain kinship. We are sisters of different mothers. We have a level of understanding merely by the fact we have no Y chromosome. (I know there are some guys who read me here, but the vast majority are gals so I'll address them specifically. I'll get to you guys soon, k?) We share similar experiences and circumstances simply because we are women.

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Experiencing extreme grief is probably as close to certifiably crazy as most of us will get. When we isolate ourselves in the process, we can begin to feel we are the only ones who feel this way. We feel crazy. But, we're not crazy. We're grieving. That's why I joined Sisters on the Fly. Having experienced a major depression in my life, I knew the potential was there to slip into those dark spaces in my mind and I didn't want to go there. Being with the Sisters was not only a safe place, it was also the first place where I didn't feel like such a victim. When I shared my loss, I was not met with hand-holding and \"There, there...poor dear.\" No...I was met with, \"Damn...you lost your husband? I did, too. It really sucks, doesn't it? (hug) C'mon...a bunch of us are going fly fishing. Wanna learn?\" I had found my people. The Sisters empowered me to step into and embrace my new position in life.

\n\n\n

Camping season is coming. I know, I know...it's 10° out and snowing right now. But, spring is coming, and we can get outside and play and blow off some stink. We can have fun and do stuff. We can be brave anywhere. But if we're going to be brave, we might as well be doing it outside with a bunch of wonderfully talented women with huge hearts and a cowboy hat! Look them up here on FB at Sisters on the Fly or on the web HERE.

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❤

\n\n\n
\n

“She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”

\nProverbs 3:15 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-02-13T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/02/13/group-therapy.html", "tags": ["Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","Camping","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/02/08/monday-morning.html", "title": "Monday Morning", "content_html": "\n
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Such possibilities! Another week...a fresh start...our own little mini do-over we are gifted with 52 times a year. What new thing will you tackle this week? What masterpiece will you create? Will it raise the world and those occupying it to a higher level? Will you build up or tear down?

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I'm an instant gratification kind of gal. I want to see the results of my labor in a timely fashion. That doesn't always happen. Sometime the things we pour our hearts into never see the light of day. A labor of love can be as grand as a person's life work or it can be as small as a fine orchid on a windowsill. But, no matter how invisible your accomplishment appears, there are always at least two people who know it exists...you and God.

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These masterpieces can remain buried till years after the creator has passed. Artists often only become renowned posthumously. What a lovely thing it is when a treasure built with love and hard work is recognized in the person's lifetime. To witness the joy your work brings to the world is the rich reward every maker deserves. I recently stumbled upon a video that bears witness to just such an event and I was charmed.

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Sir Anthony Hopkins is the well known actor most famous for the heinous role of Hannibal Leckter in Silence of the Lambs. One has difficulty looking at him without thinking of fava beans and Chianti. Mr. Virgo served Sir Anthony and his wife on numerous occasions at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. He said he was a very kind and unassuming man. Gracious to a fault.

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I had no idea this man of many faces was also a composer. I have attached a lovely video to enjoy with your morning coffee today. It shows Sir Anthony hearing the waltz he composed 50 years ago for the first time. It is quite beautiful...both the music and the reaction of the man who wrote it. Enjoy...and remember, create your best masterpiece with your day. Someday you might be given the gift of seeing the joy it brings others...but, you will surely be given the gift of knowing God sees.

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CLICK HERE

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❤️

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“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

\nPsalm 51:10-12 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-02-08T02:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/02/08/monday-morning.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/02/07/star-struck.html", "title": "Star Struck", "content_html": "\n
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I would have made a great groupie back in the day. Living near Aspen for nearly 30 years taught me they're ordinary people with high profile jobs. So, I'm careful about approaching celebrities. But, I could have been a great groupie because I love going to concerts.

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I've been holed up writing for the last week, pretty much. When I received the group text declaring the need for a girl's night out, I jumped at the chance! Benton Blount played at a local music venue last night. He was a contestant on America's Got Talent last year and man...does he ever have talent! He and his band put on a great show. I especially loved the version of Jolene. He was a very humble, down to earth young man. We talked about his little boy getting a new tooth this week that's making him cranky and they have a new baby girl coming in four weeks.

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I hope he is wildly successful. And, I hope he remains humble. He was quite endearing.

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❤️

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“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.”

\nPsalm 131:1 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-02-07T02:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/02/07/star-struck.html", "tags": ["Fun","Be Joyful!","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/26/full-moon.html", "title": "Full Moon", "content_html": "\n
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I love a full moon. It's full of mystery and promise. I am a creature of the light so when it's a clear night and there's a full moon, especially after a snow, the world has an ethereal glow...an other-worldly spirit...and I am enamored.

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I see moonrise far more often than sunrise. I'm just not a morning person. There is an optical illusion when the moon rises, making it appear huge when it's near the horizon. I will never forget the first time I saw a moonrise over Denver as I was cresting the hill at Genesee on I-70. It was October, a harvest moon. A friend had taken me to Vail for dinner and we were driving back. We came around a bend and I swear, the moon filled the sky! I made him stop the car and I cried at the perfection of it all. I am touched by the beauty of nature.

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I love to snowshoe under a full moon. I love to watch the moon rise through the trees when I'm camping. When Mr. Virgo first moved in with me, he was appalled that I had no curtains. I told him I COULDN'T have curtains....they block my view of the moon! I love when I wake up in the night to the moon shining in my face. It makes me feel safe, for some reason.

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Although this picture doesn't do it justice, the moonrise was beautiful Sunday night as it reflected on the icy Ohio River. It won't be long till the river freezes over if this keeps up. As it is, chunks of ice flow downstream and reflect the moonlight perfectly. Winter is not my favorite season, so I make myself search for the beauty in it.

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I found it this night.

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❤️

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\n

“Who is this that appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars in procession?”

\nSong of Solomon 6:10 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-26T00:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/26/full-moon.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/25/midnight-munchies-musings.html", "title": "Mid-night Munchies \u0026 Musings", "content_html": "\n
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I should never, ever attempt to \"go to bed at a decent hour\". It never really works out for me. It doesn't matter what time I go to sleep...I'm wide awake three, maybe four hours later, ready to plow the south forty, and most people won't be getting up for another four hours, at least. There are few people to talk to at 2:30am. So, I'm reduced to surfing the web eating ice cream and writing about it. And you, my dear devoted readers, are placed in the enviable position of sitting back with your morning cuppa Joe and joining me on a little romp through internet history.

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According to the Facebook page of The Schriever Creative Agency, I garner approximately .00005% (give or take a decimal point or two) of the daily readers of Facebook. Wow...stellar! This exercise in futility began when I read a guest blog post by Norm Schriever (who I can only assume is the creative genius behind The Schriever Creative Agency) about how to become a best selling author. Apparently, there are some in the author circle who will do whatever it takes to gain the coveted title \"Best Selling Author\". That \"status\" gives one a certain credibility at cocktail parties and when being introduced to strangers. But, what does it really mean?

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There are many best sellers lists, among them Amazon, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and (according to the esteemed and very funny Mr. Schriever)...Walmart. Then he went on to make a disparaging comment about West Virginians and their teeth, which I'm willing to forgive for a moment of his time and an endorsement. Yeah, ok...maybe not. Anyway, as I continued reading said blog post, I found there are ways of circumventing the system (am I not surprised) and SOAR your way to best seller status on Amazon by either beating their algorithm and buying a couple hundred thousand copies of your own book, or paying someone to navigate you to the top by doing the same thing only adding the much coveted \"book review\". I suppose \"Best Selling Author\" hides the smoke and mirrors but, naïve as I am, I want my status earned the old fashioned way. When people hear \"Best Selling Author\" they automatically think of The New York Times Best Sellers List and it seems a bit dishonest to pull the wool over their eyes.

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After reading this immensely encouraging little tidbit, I went on to discover a post my new friend Norm shared about the history of social media which further drives home what a tiny little speck of the blogosphere that I command. But I'm not going to let a little thing like virtual obscurity hold me back! I'm 9 ( count them......N-I-N-E!) readers shy of 4,000 and by golly, we're gonna take this thing home! Are ya with me?

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Sighhhhh.....I need more sleep.

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Pass the Chunky Monkey, will ya?

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❤️

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\n

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”

\nLuke 9:25 NIV\n
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Photo Credit: I have absolutely no rights whatsoever to use this photograph and it probably constitutes trademark infringement, or some obfuscated term, but let's consider it my little contribution to further establishing the existence of my two favorite men, Ben & Jerry, in the mid-night munchie marketplace, shall we? You're welcome.

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-25T02:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/25/midnight-munchies-musings.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Be Joyful!","Control"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/18/reba-bee-bop.html", "title": "Reba Bee Bop", "content_html": "\n
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Sometimes I really miss having a dog. I haven't had a big dog for 15 years but when Mr. Virgo came along, he brought a little ten pound Yorkie Maltese mix. Cricket was 10 years old when she arrived so she was 17 when we sent her ahead of us to the Rainbow Bridge. She was a crotchety old woman by that time. She wouldn't let you touch her, bathe her, brush her, or trim her nails.

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My last big dog (besides a very brief stint with an insane standard poodle that was much happier living with a littermate) was Sidney, my very large black lab. He was such a good boy and I dearly loved him. I just don't live a lifestyle that is conducive to being a responsible dog owner. I'm just becoming proficient at taking care of myself on my own!

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The lovely yellow lab pictured is Reba, who excels at agility training. Her sister is Maggie, a golden retriever who is a therapy dog. They both loved on me all weekend and gave me lots of therapy. Their mommy is Jamie, who is one of our fellow Ranchers. She was kind enough to open her guest room, her heart, and her jacuzzi tub to this very weary traveler. I gave my second talk of the weekend yesterday and today I'm heading back to West Virginia and this long odyssey comes to an end. Now, the intense work of wrapping up the books begins.

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❤️

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\n

“Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.”

\nJoshua 1:16 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-18T02:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/18/reba-bee-bop.html", "tags": ["Love","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/14/an-afternoon-with-the-wyeths.html", "title": "An Afternoon with the Wyeths", "content_html": "\n

I spent yesterday afternoon browsing the Wyeth exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. I've always admired Andrew Wyeth's work but was unfamiliar with that of his son, Jamie. Having been trained by his own father, Andrew Wyeth went on to train Jamie, so it is no surprise there are similarities in their styles. I took the auditory tour as I do like to hear the back story of certain pieces of art. This particular tour was a delight as there was quite a bit of audio commentary by the artists themselves thus giving a glimpse into their lives and their thinking at the time a particular piece was created.

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From Jamie's pet pig, Den Den, to Andrew's stunning nude studies late in his career, this exhibit was a feast to the senses. I was not wrong when I stated that Western Ohio - Eastern Indiana made me feel I was walking through an Andrew Wyeth painting, even though both artists painted in Pennsylvania and the rocky coast of Maine.

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Whenever I come out of an art exhibit, play, opera, musical, concert, or symphony, I walk with a different step...a new perspective, a renewed sense of purpose, an urgency to create some sort of legacy of my own. This always changes something deep within me...a paradigm shift. If you have the opportunity, I would definitely recommend a trip to your nearest art museum or gallery this weekend. Give your brain some soul food and devour some art.

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❤️

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“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.”

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-14T02:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/14/an-afternoon-with-the-wyeths.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/08/snow.html", "title": "Snow!", "content_html": "\n
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Last winter in WV was dismal. Cold, windy, snow...snow...and MORE snow. Denver was downright balmy till late. This year, Colorado is getting socked with snow upon snow and people were mowing their lawns New Year's Eve in WV! Annnnnd....where am I? In the cold and snow...both times. It's not so bad though. Look at this beautiful picture. I went up to the cemetery yesterday to say goodbye to Mr. Virgo on my way out of town. We had about 5 or 6 inches of new snow overnight. There was a low ceiling of clouds so as I climbed the hill I was enveloped in their gauzy swirling mists. I snapped this shot as the sun was just starting to burn through. This is the view from his grave. Isn't it beautiful? It's so peaceful and quiet up there. I love going up to visit him. I imagine him in the wind.

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The drive back was fine. There were cars and trucks in the ditches and median but by the time I went through it was just slushy. It was icy and snow packed over the passes but I just dropped the Jeep in 4WD and exercised caution.

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My friend Marion Corbin Mayer and I are hosting a Salon on January 17th from 2-4. If you live in the Cincinnati area, please come. I'd love to see you! Marion will be showing her beautiful paintings and I will be speaking about \"Left Turns & Lemonade\".

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Creative Catalyst Studio is located in the Essex Studios Complex, 2515 Essex Place #231, Cincinnati, OH 45206. Please RSVP to Marion, 513-368-1994 Free, but space is limited. There are over 100 studios at Essex so you need to call to get into the building.

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❤️

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“From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens when the waters become hard as stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen?”

\nJob 38:29-30 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-08T02:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/08/snow.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/03/happy-birthday-marshmallow-ranch.html", "title": "Happy Birthday, Marshmallow Ranch!", "content_html": "\n
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Three years ago, I set out on an adventure. I had been working a high stress job that I loved, but it was making me physically ill. I needed to make a change. I dropped to part-time doing clinical pharmaceutical research. I took the month of December off to recuperate and enjoy a wonderful holiday season with my sweetheart. It was his first Christmas off in forty years. Little did we know, it was to be his last.

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At the beginning of 2013, I decided I wanted to try to make a living from my own creativity. I drew on a family story to come up with the name Marshmallow Ranch and created this Facebook page. I started making jewelry from antique silverware and old maps. I began networking with other creatives. Sales started to grow. I slowly gained a devoted group of followers. Then, in March, the unthinkable happened and Mr. Virgo died suddenly leaving me lost and alone.

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I had about 400 \"likes\" on this page then. Everyone was so loving and supportive. My family rose to the occasion...even my ex-husbands and their spouses were there for me. And you were there for me. Yet I was alone in a crowded room. I bought a couple of books on grief but nothing spoke to me. I needed to write my own story about this journey. I told you beautiful readers, some of whom are still following me, that I needed to talk this through. And you were my captive audience. Many of us are boomers. We are of \"a certain age\". And we are being left...on purpose, by chance. Apparently this has struck a chord with people because now I'm just shy of 4,000 readers.

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I was sitting in a Starbucks yesterday as I wrote this. A woman came and sat in the chair next to mine. She pulled a water bottle out of her bag. The label said \"Ritz Carlton\". Hmmmmm... Mr. Virgo was working there when he died.

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\"Are you staying at The Ritz?\"

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\"Oh...no, I work there.\"

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\"Really?!\" I asked if she knew Mr. Virgo.

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\"Yes. He passed? Yes! Yes, I knew him. It was a shock for us. He was there. Then, so suddenly, he was gone. I was traveling and didn't hear about it till several days after the fact. It was very sad. We miss him.\"

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Yes. Yes, it WAS very sad. I miss him, too. And now, three years later, there I was...sitting in a random Starbucks telling you, my loyal readers, that I am celebrating a bittersweet occasion. The birth of Marshmallow Ranch. The death of a wonderful man. And the rise of a new life as a creative writer of words, a taker of pictures, a lover of life. When a random woman, who knew and cared about my beloved Mr. Virgo, came and sat by me, a total stranger, to let me know he was not forgotten. Isn't life beautiful? And...isn't God amazing?

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Happy Birthday, Ranchers!

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❤

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“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”

\nJohn 16:20 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-03T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/03/happy-birthday-marshmallow-ranch.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/18/winter-wonderland.html", "title": "Winter Wonderland", "content_html": "\n
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I am developing a love for photography. And, I've always been a techno-geek and love the cool new apps that can manipulate your photographs turning them into faux paintings. This is a picture I took a couple of years ago at the Ute Museum near Durango, CO. I used an app called Waterlogue and turned it into a \"painting\". I would never try to pass my work off as real paintings out of respect for artists. I know the blood, sweat and tears that go into works of art. At the same time, in order to have the photo to manipulate, one must have some photographic skills so I'll accept that. I'm always looking for something new to accompany my posts, so this seems to be another creative outlet for me as it appeals on so many levels. I've been thinking about making note cards and holiday cards and selling them on my Etsy page. Maybe next year.

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Speaking of creating things, I decided to make blankets for my grandchildren for Christmas to go with their newly painted bedrooms. One day I would like to make them each a quilt, but have not had the time for that so I elected to make them something soft and cuddly. I ordered two yards each (per blanket) of a print and a solid of a material called Minky. It's ultra soft. I found the perfect patterns and colors on fabric.com. Then I had batting sandwiched between the top and bottom, stitched all around three edges then turned inside out and the end stitched. Yesterday I stretched them out on the dining room table and tied them like you would tie a quilt. I think they will be very warm blankets that will take them to adulthood. I chose patterns that weren't little kid stuff. As with most anything you make, especially if you have to ship them, I could have bought three blankets each for the amount of money I put into them. But, these were made by Nana so that's what's important.

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We went to my youngest grand daughter's Christmas program last night and it was so fun to watch my \"Mini Me\". She's exactly like her mama...a drama major in the making. So much fun! And, speaking of fun, I get to meet some Sisters on the Fly for lunch today! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

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❄️❤️❄️

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“You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have.”

\nGenesis 45:10 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-18T02:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/18/winter-wonderland.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/12/sharing.html", "title": "Sharing", "content_html": "\n
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As I was leaving the B&B yesterday to head to the commencement, my host told me there was a grocery store not far away in case I wanted to buy my daughter some flowers. I stopped and picked out a graduation card, but as I stood in front of the flowers, it just seemed a waste since she has to fly back home on Sunday. I absentmindedly twirled my necklace and felt the sudden sting of tears. It's not what you think though...not entirely.

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Julie's father and I were married when I was not much more than a child. I was 19 and he was 20. He gave me a diamond ring on Valentine's Day our senior year of high school. As so often happens when you marry too young, our marriage didn't last but I got this really great kid. When I married the second time, hubby #2 was in medical school. We had nothing. So we took the diamond out of the old setting, put it in a new one and called it good. When that marriage failed after 21 years, I tried to give the engagement ring to my oldest but she wasn't much into jewelry so she declined.

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I dropped the ring in my jewelry box and forgot about it. Then Mr. Virgo came along. When he proposed, he gave me a ring that was very contemporary. I asked him if we could put the long held diamond on one side of the main stone and get one to match on the other. Continuity. When Mr. Virgo died, I had a piece of the ring with that old diamond in it removed and made into a necklace.

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Yesterday, when I was trying to figure out what to give my firstborn to commemorate such a milestone as getting a Master's degree...and my hand automatically rested on the pendant at my throat, I knew it was time. It was time to pass this stone on to her now. I wrote my sentiments in the card then tore two little slits in the top edge where I could slip in the chain.

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At dinner, the girl at the next table got an Apple Watch. Ooooohs and aaaaaaaahs. I slid the card across the table and she opened it. She was thrilled...in that special non-demonstrative way she has. But I knew. Because she hugged me, said a warm thank you, and showed it off to everyone.

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My neck will only feel naked for a while. But I'll get to see that sparkle at the base of her throat now. I looked over at her during dinner. Her hand automatically reached up to touch the necklace exactly as mine always did. And I smiled.

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❤️

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“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

\n1 Timothy 4:12 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-12T02:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/12/sharing.html", "tags": ["Family","Gratitude","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/11/a-different-kind-of-christmas.html", "title": "A Different Kind of Christmas", "content_html": "\n
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Warning: Kleenex Moment

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https://www.facebook.com/markschultz/videos/10153764558437603/

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I've always been the kind to cry during Kodak commercials. I should have been an official tester for sappy Hallmark cards. Things move me. Beauty breaks my heart open. Babies, puppies, soldiers coming home to their mamas....puddle. My mom always said I wore my heart on my sleeve and I do. That's not a bad thing. It may not always be comfortable for people but it's rarely inappropriate to shed a tear in public. It's what makes us human. And we need a whole big dose of humanity and love in our world right now. So, on that note, I'm sharing this beautiful song. Music is the universal language of love and light. Let's spread some around and get this weekend off to a loving start, shall we?

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❤️

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-11T02:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/11/a-different-kind-of-christmas.html", "tags": ["Love","Holiday","Be Joyful!","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/07/hallelujah.html", "title": "Hallelujah", "content_html": "\n
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Yesterday was one of those wonderful days that started out great and just kept getting better. When I first woke up, I still had some remnants of a headache that's been bugging me in the background. So I thought I'd just hang out at home, laze around, and skip church. Then that still, small voice said to get up and go so I got up and went. I was so happy I did because it was another one of those days when the sermon was personally written to me. Have you ever felt that? You go into church, maybe thinking about a problem, or wondering about something and before you know it, you get your answer. I love it when that happens.

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After church, I headed down to the historic district for the Victorian Christmas Tour. I have some close family friends who have the most amazing house down there. Honestly, it's like a museum. I'll post some pictures over the holidays that I took during the tour. It was fun to go inside some of the houses I'd always wanted to peek into.

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Next stop was a lunch treat at Olive Garden. Leftovers for dinner made it more affordable. After lunch, I went back to the Victorian to get some pictures without the crowds. Then I headed up to St. Mary's Basilica of the Assumption in Marietta, OH to hear Handel's Messiah. The picture here is of the ceiling. What an amazing concert. Stellar talent. I saw people I knew which is always nice.

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These are the days you live for. Where joy tips the scale and grief is way below the surface. These are the days you want to keep at the front of your memory box to prove to your dark side there is truly light out there.

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❤️

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“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”

\nPsalm 18:28 NIV\n
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\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-07T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/07/hallelujah.html", "tags": ["Fun","Holiday","Be Joyful!","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/01/hello-december.html", "title": "Hello, December!", "content_html": "\n
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And....here it is. December! That glittery, glamorous, gaudy fun-filled extravaganza that helps us through the longest nights of the year. For most, it's a tinsely time to cook up some really delicious treats, plan some really outrageous surprises, attend some really crazy parties. And, oh my gosh! Do we have the party mavens to show us how it's done, or what? Martha Stewart is so perfect with her staff of thousands, creating color glossies of the PERFECT holiday with the PERFECT decor and the PERFECT gifts with the PERFECT food. All the Madison Avenue gurus have this whole thing carefully orchestrated. They have done the research. They know how to make us want what they have to sell. They know what buttons to push. They know you don't want to feel like a failure because you didn't carve your own ice sculpture or hand decorate five dozen sugar cookies for the church bazaar. So they give you every recipe. They give you detailed instructions for crafty things. They make it SO easy for us. And what happens when it's over? We're over-extended, over-budget, overweight, and overwhelmed. I know I probably ruined a lot of the magic of Christmas for my kids because I pointed out how the companies were just trying to manipulate them and trick them into buying their stuff.

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I think one of the joys of being \"of a certain age\" is letting go of some of that holiday expectation. After all, it's not our first rodeo. Once you've had sixty or so Christmases under your belt, your vision is a little clearer. Along with aging often comes a more fixed income and there isn't a lot left over to do for the kids and grandkids like you used to. Grief can creep in and tug at your heart strings. Some of us want to make up for the loss of our spouse by giving the family a really nice holiday. Others may want to forget the whole thing and hope no one realizes it till it's over. There is no right or wrong way...but I can give you some suggestions based on my personal experience.

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1) Take it easy on yourself. No one expects from you what you expect from yourself. It's not a magazine. It's life. It's real and messy and families fight and feelings get hurt and we kiss and make up. Or, we don't. It's life. What happens between January 1st and November 30th is far more important than what happens in December. Don't sweat it so much.

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2) Write everyone's name down who you are recognizing with a gift. Write down how much you can afford to spend on each person. Stick to that. You can't make your family feel its loss any less by buying things you can't afford then adding the stress of debt in January. Better yet, choose an affordable amount and donate it to a local food pantry, or take the kids with you to purchase things for underprivileged kids. Let Santa and their parents buy their big stuff. My grandchildren are each getting a blanket that I made for them. They honestly don't need more stuff. They need time with me.

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3) Enlist a trusted friend to help you be accountable.

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4) Get some regular exercise. Eat right. Get a good night's sleep. Decision making skills are directly effected by good self care.

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5) Stop buying those $&@# magazines. Ok...forget that. I bought two yesterday. Sigh. They're just so darned pretty, aren't they?

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Well...Hello, December! Be gentle with me.

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❤️

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“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

\nMatthew 6:3-4 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-01T02:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/01/hello-december.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Gratitude","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/11/24/a-trail-of-sparkles.html", "title": "A Trail of Sparkles", "content_html": "\n
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They are sitting in the booth across from me. A frail elderly man, a middle aged woman, and a young woman with a developmental disability. They are out for a celebratory holiday meal together. She orders waffles. He has a small senior meal. Her voice is loud with excitement. They don't notice because they are too busy loving her.

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As soon as the plates are cleared, they bring out a big bag of Christmas presents. She opens each one and let's out a squeal of delight and claps her hands. A makeup bag. A bracelet. A t-shirt. Pajamas. Through overheard comments, I've come to understand what's happening. Dad is here, perhaps from out of town, visiting his daughter. She has been accompanied to the restaurant by her caregiver. The love between these two is palpable across the room.

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The inevitable occurs. Their little reunion celebration is ending and it's time to go. She turns to her dad and says, \"You'll see me on Thanksgiving, won't you?!\" And he mumbles something unintelligible, his frail shoulders sinking with the weight of emotion. Her face crumbles and with a breaking heart, she weeps openly. She understands she's out in public. This is a restaurant. A special place. She tries so hard to regain her composure. The old man carefully takes off her glasses and gently, lovingly wipes away her tears. He slowly cleans her glasses and puts them back on her sweet face and strokes her cheek. She takes a couple of breaths and looks up into his sad eyes and says, \"Don't worry, daddy. They're happy tears. They're happy tears.\" He pats her hand, this beautiful child of his.

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I turn away. I don't want them to see my own tears as I hear her bravely say, \"It's ok. I'm happy now. It's ok, daddy.\"

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As we get into the business of gathering our loved ones around us this week, let's not forget there are those less fortunate. When we get upset that the turkey's dry, or Aunt Betty is pissing everybody off, or the kids spilled something on the carpet, AGAIN...let's remember a young woman who cried because she doesn't get to be with her daddy for Thanksgiving. I know I won't. I'll never forget this moment...ever.

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❤️

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“Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.”

\nMatthew 15:29-31 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-11-24T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/11/24/a-trail-of-sparkles.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/11/20/more-excitement.html", "title": "More excitement!", "content_html": "\n
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RV Family Travel Atlas produces an excellent podcast series about their adventures as a family of five, living and traveling in their RV. In Episode 63, broadcast this morning, they discuss Janine Pettit's new podcast series called Girl Camper: Going Places, Doing Things in which I was featured yesterday (Episode 5). If you have the time, listen to these two podcasts. I was so humbled by the kind things they said about me and the interview yesterday. I'm featured right at 13 minutes into the broadcast. What a happy feeling this gives me!

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❤️

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Listen to the Girl Camper Podcast HERE.

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-11-20T02:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/11/20/more-excitement.html", "tags": ["Camping","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/11/08/seven-bucks-and-a-burger.html", "title": "Seven Bucks and a Burger", "content_html": "\n
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I'll say one thing for the Mid-Ohio Valley...you can sure have a good time on the cheap. Really good entertainment can be found in venues like this one in Marietta, Ohio. For less than $20, I heard two bands and had dinner. It was a whole lotta fun!

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It almost didn't happen, though. I had been planning for a week to meet a friend there but an hour before the show I thought, \"Nah...I don't want to go out.\" I hadn't gone out all day and it just seemed easier to beg off. Easier, but not necessarily better for me. Sometimes, especially at this time of the year, it's just too darned easy to stay home and eat a big bag of potato chips and pop tarts. Trust me...I know this. I have the toughest time making myself cook when it's just for me. Give me a bowl of cereal over the kitchen sink and I'm good on way too many nights. I couldn't risk it...I had to go out. In the end, other than the fact the main band was SO loud I thought my ears were bleeding, I'm really glad I went.

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Resisting the urge to hibernate isn't easy, but it's important. Get out there. Socialize. If you don't have friends, make some. Just don't get too comfy with your fuzzy slippers and Ben & Jerry's.

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❤️

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“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.”

\nPsalm 47:1 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-11-08T02:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/11/08/seven-bucks-and-a-burger.html", "tags": ["Fun","Be Joyful!","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/11/01/needles-pins.html", "title": "Needles \u0026 Pins", "content_html": "\n
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I can't believe I haven't talked much about the needlework shop! In early 2001, I was the \"Downtown Shop Girl\". I covered for the owners of several little shops so they could have a day off during the week. I worked in a couple of clothing stores, a home and giftware shop, and a lingerie shop. It was really fun! I loved the merchandising and contact with customers. After doing that for a year, I was encouraged by family and friends to open a little shop of my own. Obviously, when you're going to head out on an adventure such as this, you go straight to your girlfriends and ask what kind of shop they think the area needs. Well, we were in our 40's, we had little kids, and we were heavy into cross-stitch so....cross-stitch it was and Needles & Pins was born.

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A friend of mine owns the Hotel Denver and I visited her one afternoon to discuss my vision. I was looking for a little Victorian house or space in a building and knew she had her finger on the pulse of Glenwood Springs. I was pleasantly surprised when she suggested the Historic St. James Inn...an old building they owned. They had been thinking of renovating it for some time and this was the impetus they needed. We set to work and designed a space perfect for housing a darling little needlework shop. Inventory was purchased, displays were created, hundreds and hundreds of items were priced, labeled and hung on pegboards. Finally the day came and I opened shop.

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I had a huge table in back with a dozen chairs around it. Every Wednesday, women would come the moment I opened the doors. We would sit and stitch and drink coffee, and laugh, and solve the world's problems. Then we'd order lunch and do it all over again till it was time to close up shop for the day. It was therapy with thread. The shop lasted a couple of years but it never turned a profit enough to support me. I needed to move on with my life and get into something with a solid paycheck. It broke my heart to close. And the hearts of many others.

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You know how they say everything happens for a reason? Well, I no sooner had that shop dismantled when my mother passed away unexpectedly. I spent several months in West Virginia cleaning out her house then remodeling it for sale. I returned to Colorado in September of 2004. I was offered another space for my shop and thought I'd give it one more shot. It was never a huge commercial success. Then Mr. Virgo came along and it was MUCH more fun to play with him than it was to work six days a week. So, I closed for good in the spring of 2006. One of the things I did in my shop was design cross stitch patterns. Somewhere in my things I have a couple of my original designs stitched up. I had it charted and ready to print under a little division of Needles & Pins called....drumroll, please...Marshmallow Ranch! And, there you have it! The history of a teeny, tiny little needlework shop.

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❤️

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““It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.”

\nProverbs 20:14 NIV\n
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Photo credit: elitestitch.com

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-11-01T02:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/11/01/needles-pins.html", "tags": ["Fun","Be Joyful!","Crafts"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/26/joy.html", "title": "Joy", "content_html": "\n

When you are actively grieving, you are quite certain you will never, ever feel joy again. I had a deep instinct just three days after losing Mr. Virgo. I had stopped at the local bookstore to buy a book on grief. The only thing I knew was what I had experienced losing my grandparents and my mom. I had read a few articles by Elizabeth Kübler Ross. It didn't matter. I could have had a PhD in Psychology and I still wouldn't have been any better prepared to lose the love of my life. The books and articles meant nothing to me. I couldn't relate, mainly because I was in shock and couldn't relate to much of anything in the world.

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In the wee, dark hours of the third day, I was clutching my iPad to my chest, curled in a fetal position, eyes red and swollen from crying, unable to breathe, and I knew. I knew more than anything I had to grieve my own way...organically. I was going to reach inside and look for cellular memories in how to live after loss. I was going to allow myself the indulgences and mistakes and agonizing hours of wailing grief in order to make it through this. I knew I needed something joyful in front of me and that's where TOW-Wanda came in.

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Day after day, month after month, I came further and further away from my pain and closer to my self. I'm feeling an inner shift...another layer opened, another layer mended. I'm almost settled into my digs for the winter. I'm reconnecting with family and friends, meeting new people, going out to eat and hear live music. I'm exercising, eating right, sleeping better. As soon as the weather turns cold and I'm stuck inside, my focus will turn to writing. Writing brings me great joy and peace.

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❤️

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“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

\nIsaiah 55:12\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-26T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/26/joy.html", "tags": ["Grief","Courage","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/25/autumn-wanderings.html", "title": "Autumn Wanderings", "content_html": "\n

It was a typical autumn day in West Virginia yesterday. I was driving home when I noticed this darling camper turned Cupcake Bar. I had to do a U-turn and go back. I'm so glad I did...it was a sweet diversion!

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The Naked Cupcake by Simply Vintage Cakes & Catering - Parkersburg, WV 304.991.4407 Find them on Facebook HERE.

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Sussie Hitt with Executive Pastry Chef, Rebecca Wyatt

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Rebecca Wyatt applies the final touch...caramel drizzled over a pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese buttercream frosting. Divine!

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Indian Corn

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A Bountiful Harvest

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Cheery Pumpkins

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Flowering Kale with Mums

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A comfortable spot to sit with a cupcake and coffee on a rainy Autumn day.

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The flashy orange of mini pumpkins vs the earthy textures of mini Indian corn nestle in this metal bicycle sculpture.

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The richness of color and texture in a box full of gourds is a feast for the eyes.

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Pots of flowering kale sit amongst a variety of pumpkins and mums.

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A visual delight under drizzling skies.

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-25T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/25/autumn-wanderings.html", "tags": ["Fun","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/24/boots.html", "title": "Boots", "content_html": "\n
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There is nothing like a good pair of cowboy boots that you've worn forever. I have a pair I've worn for nearly 30 years. They are molded to my feet. They are as comfortable as house slippers. There was a little boot scootin' going on last night. Rock 'n roll, not country, but scootin' nonetheless. I love going to venues like that and watching the younger crowd moving in and out of this play...like a choreographed dance really...checking each other out, tag teaming to get the shy girl introduced, then coming back to the table and giggling like 16 year olds.

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Does this just not happen when you're 62? Do we project that \"OMGosh! I'm so over all of this. Don't bother me\" vibe? Do all men my age want someone in their 30's? It's discouraging...not that I am interested in meeting someone in a bar. Because what do you get? Someone who hangs out in bars and picks up strangers.

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There was a guy and gal at the music venue last night. I thought maybe they were dating by the way they danced. Turned out they have been divorced for quite sometime but they really like to dance and hang out together. It was a boatload of fun last night. Good music, good company, good times!

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❤️

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“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,”

\nPsalm 30:11\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-24T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/24/boots.html", "tags": ["Fun","Be Joyful!","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/12/flip-flops.html", "title": "Flip Flops", "content_html": "\n
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Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day. My travel buddy and I hunted down the Fractured Prune...a franchise donut shop that makes your donuts hot and fresh to order. I was disappointed because all they had were white cake donuts. Lots of toppings and glazes to choose from, but cake donuts are not my favorite. And really, once you've had SWEET COLORADOUGH or VooDoo Doughnuts, nothing else compares. It was still fun to explore.

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We went to a flea market and wandered around for a couple hours. There was a guy standing out front with a karaoke machine singing Gospel music and, OMGosh! He gave me chills. He moved a whole lot of people right there in the parking lot. It was awesome to see. I bought all three of his CD's because he was incredibly easy to sing harmony with. I love Gospel music and I love to sing in my car.

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Once we got back, it was beach time. Our friends joined us. There was shelling, and walks, and laughter. My friend and I took one last drive around the campground in the golf cart. We had called a few places in Tennessee to make reservations (at the suggestion of one of my readers) and it turns out campsites are scarce as hen's teeth this time of year. October is a really big tourist month in the Smokey Mountains.
When we were riding around, we decided to just stay here for another three days. They have the room for us, the price is right, the weather is going to be perfect, AND we'll save all that time and gas. We do have to change sites but it's actually three sites closer to the beach. I think we deserve it since we were stuck in the trailer for five days in the rain! That's how I'm rationalizing it, anyway. (Penny and Terri...I'll come to Tennessee another time to see you...promise!)

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We topped the day off with dinner out at a great Italian Restaurant. So, maybe 15 days is the perfect vacation time!

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❤️

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“so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.”

\nRomans 15:32\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-12T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/12/flip-flops.html", "tags": ["Travel","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/08/beautiful.html", "title": "Beautiful", "content_html": "\n
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Really...what else is there to say? Less is more. Enjoy your day, dear ones!

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❤️

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“They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.”

\nPsalm 19:3-4\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-08T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/08/beautiful.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/09/28/bohemian.html", "title": "Bohemian", "content_html": "\n
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I have a gal pal that I hang out with a lot. We enjoy traveling together because we like the same things, we get along well, and what one doesn't think of to get into, the other one does. OMGosh! If we would have been real life sisters, our mom wouldn't have stood a chance. It's probably a good thing we DIDN'T know each other growing up...it could have been trouble. Then again, I'll bet anything my life would have been different!

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We've been planning a trip to Myrtle Beach for months. And now that it's getting close to going, we can't stand to wait so we're leaving early. It started out one day early. Then three. And now, it's five! Oh heck, we're leaving today instead of Friday. Cannot wait because there is nothing like pulling out on the open road, your house tagging right along behind you, a full tank of gas, a cup of coffee, a road map, and a partner in crime. With absolutely no schedule!

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Yep, this is my life! I'll send you postcards!!!

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❤️

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“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”

\nPsalm 45:1\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-09-28T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/09/28/bohemian.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Choices","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/09/21/harvest-time.html", "title": "Harvest Time", "content_html": "\n
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This is the season of richness. An abundant harvest is the reward for many hours invested during the summer months. Autumn is a beautiful time of year anywhere, but especially in the east. I just spent three great days with three great gals...all camping women. And we spent those days encouraging women to go places and do things. By encouraging others, we ourselves were given a boost in our own enthusiasm for traveling in our campers.

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I shared my story of losing Mr. Virgo to a sudden heart attack while looking at a camper to buy for retirement fun. People were amazed that I live in my camper full time....alone. There were so many women there in the autumn of life who were searching for something. Freedom. Adventure. Excitement. Change. Encouragement. Empowerment. Permission. Joy. To see their eyes light up when they saw the campers. To see them get the affirmation they needed when they saw this curvy, 60-something, very hip Nana who pulls a 30' camper all by herself. To see them realize they can be GIRLS again. That was priceless. That is their reward for tending the gardens of their lives through the growing years. Now it's time to reap a little fun out of life.

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❤️

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\"You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.\"

\nPsalm 65:11-13\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-09-21T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/09/21/harvest-time.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Camping","Aging","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/09/18/outside.html", "title": "Outside", "content_html": "\n
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I remember distinctly the day I realized I had forgotten how to play. I was a young mom, working to support my family while Hubby #2 was in medical school. He was either on call, asleep, or studying. I was doing my best to keep an active grade schooler occupied and quiet. The days and weeks and years all looked the same and I was tired. We've all been there...that dreaded hour when you begin asking yourself...\"Is this all there is?\"
Once life eased up a bit and there was a little more time and expendable income, I learned to ski. I had a bike. I hiked. I camped a little. But, I never really played with that happy-go-lucky abandon like I did when I was a kid...until this last summer. This summer was magical and I want to hang onto that feeling forever!

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We are never too old to play outside. When was the last time you ate cotton candy on a Ferris wheel? Rode a bike? Kicked and pulled on a swing till your feet touched the sky? Went skinny dipping? Howled at the moon? Go outside and play this weekend! Forget your age...it's just the number of times the earth has rotated around the sun since you graced us with your presence. The warmth of summer is waning. There's a nip in the air in the mornings. The apples will be as crisp and crunchy as the leaves on the sidewalks soon. Don't miss out on this really cool thing called LIFE!

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Go outside and play!

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❤️

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\"They found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in temporary shelters during the festival of the seventh month and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: “Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make temporary shelters”—as it is written.\"

\nNehemiah 8:14-15\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-09-18T01:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/09/18/outside.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/08/21/the-girls.html", "title": "The Girls", "content_html": "\n
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When I was in Glenwood Springs this week, I met \"The Girls\" for coffee. This particular group of women have been meeting every Thursday for 30+ years. I joined them 15 years ago. They had their babies together, raised them, married them off, and became grandmothers over coffee and conversation. I sat back and listened as they discussed the upcoming marriage of yet another child. This particular daughter joined us. My oldest used to babysit for her and now she's a doctor. Time. What a slippery thing it is.

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After coffee, I joined another group of \"Girls\". This one is a knitting group that meets in the home of my beautiful \"other mother\" to bring her some sunshine. She can't get out like she used to. Here, she shows us her grandmother's postage stamp quilt. Women. Beautiful, strong women who have lived beautiful lives. They were very excited by the kayak on top of the truck. As I left, they called out cheerily, \"Enjoy your adventures!\" I love that.
As I march steadily on the path between these two age groups I realize how blessed I am. And I wanted to thank someone special. I stopped in to the alternative high school. This haven saved my younger daughter's life when she was bullied in high school. She never really fit in the mainstream and kids can be cruel. Sonja was her saving grace, her champion, her mentor. It was to Sonja that I gifted Mr. Virgo's guitar and amp. I wanted to see her bright, shiny smile and tell her I love her.

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Women. We are fragile yet strong, fallible yet indestructible. I am so proud of these women and happy to have them in my life.

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❤️

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\"Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.\"

\n1 Chronicles 29:16\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-08-21T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/08/21/the-girls.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/08/18/portability.html", "title": "Portability", "content_html": "\n
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I've lived in a travel trailer for the last two and a half years now...about one and a half years were part time and now fourteen months full time. I took off mid-day and arrived at my campsite about 5:30. I had a lot of housekeeping things to do when I disconnected like emptying my tanks. It's not the most fun thing to do but I don't mind it that much. It's a price you pay for living this lifestyle. I have electric where I stay in Denver. And I can fill my freshwater tank so I have water. But there's no sewer connection. So, when the tank is full, I have to hookup and tow to a dump station. Since I was camping at an RV park last night with full hookups, I took advantage and did everything there.

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While emptying tanks is a disadvantage, having your house with you when you travel is awesome. I pulled into a beautiful overlook this afternoon to use the facilities in my trailer. No public rest stop or service station bathroom! As I was preparing to go back out to the truck I thought, \"You know...a nap sounds pretty good right now!\" So I stretched out and took a little snooze. When I got up, I rummaged around in the kitchen and found a snack. Once I got here and disconnected the trailer, did my chores, and hooked up the utilities, I cooked supper. I went out to eat at the picnic table and some friends of mine walked by on their way to meet someone at the restaurant on the property. They stopped for a brief visit. That was such a treat! I enjoyed watching the clouds as the sun was setting. Then I went in and cleaned the kitchen and took a good, hot shower. Living like this is amazing. I am parked by a river, in a canyon, with eagles soaring overhead. I mean, really...I'll empty a black water tank once in awhile to have this life!

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❤️

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\"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free....\"

\nGalatians 5:13\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-08-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/08/18/portability.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/08/06/shopping.html", "title": "Shopping", "content_html": "\n
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I met friends for lunch yesterday. We sat on the patio overlooking the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Three friends. We met through Sisters on the Fly. Laughing for a couple of hours over Chinese food was just what I needed after the episode of heat exhaustion on Friday. I felt alive again. After lunch, I had an item to return so I walked across the street to the mall. I used to LOVE shopping. If shopping was an Olympic sport, I would have been on the podium. I got my degree in shopping. Downsizing and purging my life of 95% of my possessions has ruined the shopping experience for me. I pick up an item, think about where I'll put it and what I'll have to get rid of in order for it to fit, and then check the price tag. The first thing that goes through my mind is how many nights at a cool campground can that money give me and 99.9% of the time, that beautiful item goes right back on the shelf. This is distressing because my Olympian spirit is being trampled. So yesterday I decided to try a different tactic and shop for entertainment.

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I wandered through the mall and watched the other shoppers. Families out in droves for back to school bargains, shopping for those coveted outfits that will boost little Janie or Johnny's chances of not being ostracized in the hallways. Overly stimulated children standing at their mother's elbow, crying. Couples walking hand in hand. Daddies holding mommies' bags while they elbowed their way through the sale racks. It was shopper's hell. I figured I'd better escape the families so I headed for the lingerie department. Now, there are two things I do not compromise on. Skin care products and lingerie. I know they cost a boat load of money, but I only want fine quality when it comes to what I hold closest to my skin. It makes me feel beautiful and that in itself is priceless. I love the lingerie department. It's like going into the library only instead of books, you get a luscious tactile experience that is only heightened by the hushed reverence of the shoppers and the soft music in the background. It's almost a religious experience.

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It was in the nightie aisle that I found Henry and Mim. Henry was ancient, sitting in a wheelchair with his wife's purse perched precariously on his woefully thin thighs. Henry was watching Mim as she carefully looked at each little nightgown with something akin to awe. She felt the fabric between her fingers. She carefully checked the label for laundering instructions, peering over the wire rimmed glasses perched on her nose. When she found just the perfect one, she tottered over to Henry and said, \"What do you think of THIS one, darling?\" And Henry...sweet, wise Henry, veteran of a lifetime of these Saturday excursions, replied, \"Oh, Mim...that one brings out the blue in your eyes!\" Mim beamed happily as she looked from her new nighty to the love of her life with a gentleness that melted my heart into a little puddle on the floor, right there in Macy's. That. That is what I'm searching for.

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❤️

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\"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.\"

\nProverbs 5:18\n
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Photo credit: thevintagegirlie.wordpress.com

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-08-06T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/08/06/shopping.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Love","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/08/05/camp-towwanda-day.html", "title": "Camp TOW-Wanda - Day 4", "content_html": "\n
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Another successful day of fun with these awesome girls! Today was the day when they found their voices with me. I've always lived at least 3 hours away from them…sometimes further. There have been times when I didn't see them for months at a time so me living on the road doesn't change things between us. It always takes a few days of us being off on our own for them to open up and start talking. And when they do, it is such fun! Their words tumble over each other as they fight to tell me everything that's going on. That's when we put down the electronics, turn off the radio, and regale each other with stories. It's a priceless time that I treasure in the months I am away from them. I may not be with them all the time, but the time we have together is epic and memorable.

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There was one little glitch yesterday. It was only 55 when we were out on the lake! It wasn't as much fun as it could have been but the girls were troopers. Big refused to fish, but she did crafts which was an acceptable alternative. Little fished her heart out and logically surmised all the other tourists had caught all the fish so that's why she didn't catch any. There were none left. I love this girl's concrete thinking! After boating, we relaxed a while then headed to town and soaked a few hours in the hot springs. It was wonderful! A movie after dinner and it was another successful day at Camp TOW-Wanda! Today we are going horseback riding then home tomorrow. Epic!

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❤️

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Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

\nProverbs 22:6\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-08-05T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/08/05/camp-towwanda-day.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Camping","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/08/03/fail.html", "title": "Fail", "content_html": "\n
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I've failed as a Nana. This morning over breakfast, I told my grand daughters that today my goal was to make sure they were absolutely miserable. Under no circumstances were they to have fun…at all! They laughed at silly Nana. We went to the Glenwood Adventure Park to ride the rides. The country's highest altitude roller coaster is there. This picture was taken a couple hundred yards below that coaster and look how tiny the interstate is below.

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I may or may not have peed my pants on said roller coaster. You will never know. ? We did the Alpine Coaster…as close to bobsledding as you'll likely do. We did the little family coaster, as well as these swings that are attached to something like a merry go round. When they really get going, you're flying out over the edge of the canyon wall and looking down 1030 feet to the interstate below. OMGosh! I think I may have uttered some words that I had to apologize to my grandchildren for!

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We had lunch on the veranda then went to the Hot Springs Pool. We ended the evening at my favorite Mexican restaurant with fried ice cream for dessert. The girls laughed and poked fun at me and told me I failed miserably…because they really HAD fun…and lots of it!

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Score for Nana! Camp TOW-Wanda was well received on Day 2! Today we head to a more remote area and I have no idea what my cell service or WiFi scenario will be so if you don't hear from me, don't worry…I'll be back!

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❤️

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\"Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.\"

\nProverbs 17:6\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-08-03T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/08/03/fail.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Camping","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/08/02/memories.html", "title": "Memories", "content_html": "\n
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Making memories...it's what we do every day, whether we mean to or not. Sometimes we have choices and we can make beautiful memories intentionally. Yesterday was one of those days. As a matter of fact, this whole week will hopefully be filled with wonderful memories that my grandchildren will tell their kids about. We're off to a pretty good start.

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After a very long five hour drive, we got our campsite set up. We had a little quiet time then headed to Carbondale for dinner at a traditional '50s style diner. The kids really enjoyed that. After dinner, we went to Redstone and met two of their seven grandparents for live music and dancing. I love blended families when they work together with love for the kids and grandkids...and for each other. We all sat together and loved on the kids and visited. What a wonderful example for the children. I'm very proud of us.

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While we sat and listened to music, my older grand daughter and I made lanyards. Who remembers camp and all the great arts and crafts you did? Well, this is Camp TOW-Wanda! We have coloring books and colored pencils, pipe cleaners, friendship bracelets, Minions Monopoly, fishing, boating, hiking, campfires, s'mores, weenie roasts, swimming, adventure park rides, horseback riding, and a rodeo to do by the time we head home on Thursday. Then....shhhhhh, don't tell the kids, but we're all going to see Kelly Clarkson and Pentatonix in concert Thursday night!

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Does Nana know how to plan a camping trip or what????

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❤️

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\"So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives.\"

\nGenesis 13:8\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-08-02T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/08/02/memories.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Wisdom","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/31/wake-it-up-shake-it.html", "title": "Wake it Up, Shake it Up!", "content_html": "\n
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I love live music. I love listening to groups I have never heard and discovering something new through their music. The other day it was Rage Against the Machine with Killing in the Name Of. Wednesday night it was SHEL, a group consisting of four sisters with their tremendous harmonies that you commonly find in siblings. They are quirky, fun, and delightfully different. Last night it was Biff Gore who was on Season 6 of The Voice with a great dance band. Dancing to live music is liberating. It releases something primal in us. We become the hunter/gatherers around the campfire seeking community with those around us. We get lost in the rhythm of our people. It's joyful. It plants our feet on the earth. We step out of our comfort zone of the treadmill we're on and join in.

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I was chatting with a longtime friend the other night and she shared a post with me from T. D. Jakes Ministries. In it, the pastor is giving a commencement address about stepping out of your comfort zone. He said before anything great can be achieved, your comfort zone must be disturbed. The friend that shared this uses a Segway for mobility. She is an inspiration in that she gets up and moves on when others would have sat down in a wheelchair long ago. Now she is being asked to speak in front of high school groups about continuing on in the face of adversity. She's scared to death to speak in front of people. But she recognizes this as a God thing. She is being called to a higher purpose so she's reaching down deep and giving that comfort zone a mighty twist.

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Right on, KD! Even a caged bird sings.

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❤

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\"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.\"

\nHebrews 4:16\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-31T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/31/wake-it-up-shake-it.html", "tags": ["Courage","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/27/sparkle.html", "title": "Sparkle", "content_html": "\n
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Yesterday was a pretty near perfect day. We've been waiting and planning for this day for several months. The kids' 20th anniversary party went off without a hitch and it was so wonderful to see family and friends from near and far. The band, the music, the dancing, the food, the weather, the company…it was just delightful! I'm heading up to the mountains today to visit with my brother and my friends for a few days. I was talking with my friend last night and we marveled at how it's nearly August. In some ways the summer has stretched out in a way I haven't experienced since childhood. But it's really going to fly by now with so many activities planned and before you know it, I'll be back on the banks of the Ohio River.

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It's coming on the last of summer. The \"Dog Days\". Make it count…leave a bit of sparkle wherever you go!

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❤

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\"a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,\"

\nEcclesiastes 3:4\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-27T01:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/27/sparkle.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/26/milestones.html", "title": "Milestones", "content_html": "\n
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There are fewer milestones in life that fill you with more pride than that of your children's accomplishments. Today we are celebrating Daughter #1's 20th wedding anniversary. She and my favorite son-in-law (I can say that…I only have one) have a beautiful marriage, a beautiful family, and a beautiful life together. They are steady, easy going, and as sweet with each other today as they were the day they married. And in-laws? OMGosh! She won the in-law lottery! I absolutely LOVE my son-in-law and his family. Good, hard working people that are as much my sister and brother as they are my dearest friends. We share grandchildren. We celebrate our joined family. That's priceless!

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Twenty years. So much has happened in twenty years. The kids moved to Long Island not long after they were married and lived there for four years. They came back home to start their family. Two babies and two houses in two decades. They took their very first vacation over Spring Break this year. They have an excellent work ethic. They make me look good in the child-rearing department but they're the ones who have made it work.

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So much has changed in my own life in those two decades. A divorce, a marriage, a death. The loss of both parents. Life. Life is what happened. According to John Lennon, it's what happens when you're making other plans. My life looks entirely different than what I imagined it would look like as I sat watching my baby girl get married. But the fact that they are the same with a good, stable marriage reassures me of the possibilities. I am so, so proud of them.

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Congratulations, kids…may you celebrate many, many more anniversaries in good health!

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❤

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\"A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown….\"

\nProverbs 12:4\n
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\"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.\"

\nProverbs 5:18\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-26T01:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/26/milestones.html", "tags": ["Family","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/20/be-wild.html", "title": "Be Wild!", "content_html": "\n
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I spent some time this weekend planning the last two excursions for the Colorado trip. First will be a week with the grand daughters off in the camper. I want them to have great memories of camping with Nana so we're going to do a number of fun activities. An adventure park, a pool, fishing on a pontoon boat, a rodeo, campfires, s'mores, hikes, and counting the stars. I want them to have an appreciation of the great outdoors. The second trip will be with one of my West Virginia friends. Camping in Colorado is on her bucket list. She texted me yesterday and said, \"Hey! The Grand Canyon is only 5 hours from where we'll be. Let's go!\" I'm like \"Are you kidding me??? We won't find a campsite within 200 miles of there! You have to plan that a year in advance!\" Then I checked and the very first campground I checked, a KOA, had an opening for one night…the night we could go. Get out! So, we're going to the Grand Canyon…in August…you know, when it's really HOT! THAT'LL be fun! Thank God it's a full hookup site so we can have AC and unlimited showers! And my friend gets to check something else off her bucket list.

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The thing is…you have to be wild….as in unrestrained by reason or prudence…free. You have to be able to say \"Hey…what's another five hours? I want to see the Grand Canyon!\" And then…go DO that.

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❤

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\"…I made the widow’s heart sing.\"

\nJob 29:13\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-20T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/20/be-wild.html", "tags": ["Camping","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/19/i-heart-summer.html", "title": "I Heart Summer", "content_html": "\n
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I could live in a place with endless summer. Where things grow…green…all year round. And if I wanted a change, I could travel there. If I wanted snow, I could go to Texas in, like…March or something. No, seriously….I love the endless possibilities of summer. I love wearing as few clothes as I can get away with. I love going barefoot. I love eating outdoors. I love warm rain. I love all the wonderful activities of summer…camping, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, picnics, outdoor music festivals. I love the wild flowers of summer. And the food fresh from the garden. I love the gatherings of friends around a campfire. The sound of kids outside playing. The sound of rain on a tin roof. Lazy days…lazy ways. Staying up late. Watching the moon and stars. Cooking over a fire. A nap in the shade of a big tree. I love everything about summer. It cannot last long enough for me. Yes, right now….this moment. This is my favorite time of the year. I want to bottle it up and keep it on my shelf.

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❤

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\"“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

\nGenesis 8:22\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-19T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/19/i-heart-summer.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/18/a-room-with-a-view.html", "title": "A Room With a View", "content_html": "\n
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I love the sky. No matter where I am, I'm always looking up. The skies in the west are wide open spaces…ever changing majestic views in every direction. Just as the Ohio River changes with each passing moment, so too does the western sky. I love the way the light changes, the clouds forming and reforming into every shape imaginable. Sunrise, sunset, gathering storms…all are a canvas for the miracle God creates for us every day.

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It's been many years since I laid on a blanket and gazed up at the clouds and named the creatures I found there. Years since I laid under a tree and glimpsed the cerulean blue peeking through the pine boughs. I will make it a point to do that before I head back to WV. I'll look up on the internet how to photograph the Milky Way. I'll hold my grand daughters hands as we count the stars. I'll make sweet memories they'll not soon forget, even though they may want to for awhile. 'Tweens, you know…at least the older one is.

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When my youngest was ten, I was separated from her dad. It was September and we were trying to mend some bruises between us. I read online that the Perseids were showing that night. I stayed up, packed cocoa and cookies and a blanket in the picnic basket, and gently woke my daughter at 2:00am. I got her in the car and drove to the local ski area. The night sky was clear and deep navy. We stretched out on the hood of the car, covered up with the blanket, and watched hundreds of shooting stars crisscross the night sky. It is a memory we both hold very dear.

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The sky represents the endless possibilities in life. The ever changing tapestry reminds us that life is anything but static. Stop and look up. Don't let life pass you by…count the stars! <3

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\"And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.\"

\nGenesis 1:6-8\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-18T01:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/18/a-room-with-a-view.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/13/lemon-cake.html", "title": "Lemon Cake!", "content_html": "\n
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Way, WAY back in the day, I used to bake competitively. There were three of us gals…Ryb, Judy, and me…that would enter three pies into Saturday's competition, and three cakes on Sunday's at the Carbondale Mountain Fair. Almost without fail, the Three Amigas would take home all of the ribbons! SO unfair…but SO fun! Invariably, the field would be heavily laden with \"Death By Chocolate\" and any manor of liqueur-laced lovelies so I would try to come up with something different that would catch the judges by surprise. This yummy taste of sunshine won me one of those coveted ribbons and has become the all-time family favorite for birthdays.

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There's been a running joke since my son in-law joined the family twenty years ago that if anything happened to their marriage, I was keeping him and my daughter would have to go! Of course, everyone knew it was tongue in cheek, but I have to tell you, my daughter won the lottery in both the husband AND the in-law department. Their birthdays are the 11th and the 13th, and their anniversary is the 15th. And, since my wonderful son-in-law is partial to chocolate…I made chocolate cakes every year. But this year is different. This year is special. We've reached a new depth in our mother/daughter friendship. She works SO hard as a special ed teacher, as a mom to two very busy girls on swim team, as a student going to grad school, and as a loving wife. So, this year she gets the much coveted lemon cake for her birthday.

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In the past, I would have worked on this cake for two weeks. I would have carefully cut lemon peel into thin strips, boiling it in a simple syrup and refrigerate. I would have made the cake from scratch. I would have piped the whipped cream frosting on with a flourish. Then I would have carefully tied the lemon peel into little knots, rolled them in sugar crystals and place them around the top. But hey, I said she's special but she's not the queen! So, I doctored up a moist lemon cake mix (gasp!) by using sour cream instead of oil. I added the zest of one lemon. Once baked and cooled, I used lemon curd from a jar for the filling between layers instead of painstakingly making my own. I whipped heavy cream, adding a couple tablespoons of light corn syrup (stabilizes whipped cream so it lasts for hours! There…one of my secrets!) and added three tablespoons of the powdered lemon drops. (I put some lemon drops through the blender till they turn to a sugary powder and sift out any chunks.) Frost with the whipped cream, dollop on some lemon curd, and sprinkle with a bit of the powdered lemon drops and, voila…Lemon Cake! Chill till serving time and wait for the ooooohs and aaaaahs!

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❤

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\"His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.\"

\nJob 1:4\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/13/lemon-cake.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Fun","Comfort","Be Joyful!","Baking"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/08/oy-mein-gott-in-himmel.html", "title": "Oy! Mein Gott in Himmel!", "content_html": "\n
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That's Yiddish/German for \"OMG!\" I went to Zaidy's yesterday…a Jewish deli. (Zaidy is Yiddish for Grandpa.) I lived 27 years of my life as a Jewish mother. When Hubby #2 joined a practice in a small town in the mountains in Colorado, we started organizing dinners, parties, and holidays for the Jews (and lapsed Jews and latent Jews) in our little community. I love the holidays and traditions and most of all…the food! My picture was often in the newspaper cooking some delicacy or other…or lighting the Menorah with my younger daughter to celebrate Chanukah. My favorite meal to prepare was the Passover Seder. Matzoh ball soup, gefilte fish, chopped liver, brisket, potato kugel. Oh…enough to make you swoon! We started out with about 10 guests the first year. I finally had to move the Seder to a bigger venue after serving a sit down dinner for 45 people in our basement. After that, it was held in the basement of the Presbyterian Church and the last one I organized and cooked for sat 75. That's one thing a Jewish mother does best….feed a ton of people! I got great satisfaction from it.

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I was down in Cherry Creek yesterday and decided to pop into Zaidy's for a late lunch. I ordered the lox and bagel with everything and a couple of pletzels (yes, that is spelled correctly)…an oniony flat bread. Oy! SO good! And such warm memories.

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❤

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\"Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.\"

\nGenesis 18:5\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-08T01:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/08/oy-mein-gott-in-himmel.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Be Joyful!","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/03/adventurers.html", "title": "Adventurers!", "content_html": "\n
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I absolutely surprised the heck out of myself this trip. I haven't slept in a tent in 35 years and even then it wasn't a terribly successful endeavor. It was with Hubby #2, it was late June, and we were setting up a little two man tent in the snow on Wolf Creek Pass. I blew up two little air mattresses that I insisted on having only to stick a fork in one and proclaim that one as HIS. It was cold, we had poor equipment, and I did not have fun. Along about 11:00 when I was praying I'd fall asleep, a car pulled up and turned off the engine and lights. No doors opening and closing. No sound at all. I got brave enough to look out and in was a small motor home. I informed hubby #2 if he ever wanted to get me alone in the woods again, it would be in one of those. We never got alone in the woods again.

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So, tent camping left a bad taste in my mouth and I've sworn I would never do it again. Then my truck broke down. And a tent seemed like a viable, albeit TENTATIVE solution. Voila! Little did I know I'd love it! Now, instead of changing the whole living situation and getting two smaller campers…I think I'll just invest in a little higher quality sleeping bag and a couple more comfort things and take off with my tent anytime the urge strikes me! Win-Win!!!!!

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❤

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\"By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.\"

\nHebrews 11:9\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/03/adventurers.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Camping","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/20/dance-the-night-away.html", "title": "Dance the Night Away", "content_html": "\n
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I saw five million people I know at Strawberry Days last night. The locals always come out on Friday night. The food is fresh, the arts & crafts aren't picked over, the band is always awesome, and…well, it's Friday and it's fun. It's THE place to see and be seen!

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I hit town at about 12:30 and headed straight for SWEET COLORADOUGH​ and interviewed the owner for The Coffee House Locator blog. I asked what his best selling drink was and he said probably a \"Dirty Hippy\". Great! I ordered one and my barista, Val, set right to it. It's espresso, spicy chai, and mocha. It was pretty darned tasty. I also had a croissant donut with strawberry frosting. Yummmm!

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I have a dear friend who has a medical condition that affects her ability to walk. I've known KD since 1986 or '87. She is extremely active and skis every winter. Instead of giving up and using a wheelchair, she uses a Segway. If you don't know what that is, Google it. She \"walks\", \"hikes\", and coolest of all…she DANCES! I ran into her at the park last night and we danced the night away. She's cute as a bug and guys were hitting on her right and left. People were walking by and smiling and giving her high fives. I love this gal so much…she's SUCH an inspiration to me. I'm proud of her for being totally awesome and not letting anything hold her back from living a full life.

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The neat thing about using a Segway is, even though she is resting her tush on something similar to a barstool, she stands in front of you at eye level. After you've been around her for a few minutes, you don't even see the Segway anymore. You just see a beautiful, active woman. You don't see her disability. It's like she doesn't even HAVE one. I love that. It goes a long way in promoting self confidence. I'd love to see more people using Segways instead of wheelchairs if they are able to. I think it vastly improves the quality of life.

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Today is the parade!

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❤

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\n

\"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.\"

\nRomans 8:28\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/20/dance-the-night-away.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Overcoming Obstacles","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/15/ok-oklast-one-promise.html", "title": "Ok, ok…last one, promise!", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

This was just too cute not to post it. The kids had me over last night for a birthday party. It was so much fun! Our tongues were purple! This party was after spending the afternoon with the Sisters on the Fly at a wine tasting. THAT was a hoot and a half! I love those gals! I invited a friend to join me. Our kids were best friends in third grade then she and her daughter moved to Maine. I haven't seen her since. Then she moved back to Colorado a few weeks ago. She walked in the door and we picked up the conversation like we'd seen each other yesterday. What a wonderful, wonderful birthday week I've had! Thanks again to all of you for helping me celebrate.

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And now….back to our regularly scheduled programming.

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❤

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\n

\"Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”

\nLuke 17:9-10\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/15/ok-oklast-one-promise.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/13/boom-there-it-is.html", "title": "Boom! There it is!!!", "content_html": "\n
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The sun! It came back…outside AND inside! Just as I predicted, I was perfectly fine when I woke up yesterday even though it was still raining and grey out. But by 3:00, the sun broke through and the world was fresh and green…swept clean by the downpours of the past week.

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There's always going to be a stumbling block on this path. I've spent the last eight months in West Virginia…a place Mr. Virgo visited once for a week. I've been back in Colorado a week and he's around every corner. I didn't realize how much impact that would have until I lived it. I need to change my reaction. Instead of feeling grieved when I \"see\" him in familiar places, I need to feel the joy in the memories. Find the happy. The rest will take care of itself.

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And…today is my birthday. I refuse to let it be \"just another day\". I think the weather will hold out and be nice. I'll either take a bike ride or kayak on the reservoir…maybe both! I'll spend time with family. There's a movie I'd like to see. I'll talk with friends. And I'll celebrate another trip around the sun. Because, without the dark moments, how could I possibly appreciate the sun?

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❤

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\n

\"“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.\"

\nPsalm 39:4-5\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/13/boom-there-it-is.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Growth","Gratitude","Courage","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/08/forever-young.html", "title": "Forever Young", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I'm celebrating my birthday week. Well…MONTH really, but I don't want to sound greedy. I'm about to celebrate my 62nd trip around the sun. Sixty-two is NOT old. Not to ME. What does 62 feel like, anyway? What does it look like? Am I supposed to take naps and buy sensible shoes? Am I supposed to color my hair and wear purple? When my kids look askance at my fringed biker-chick bag, I tell them fringe is in…leave me alone.

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Boomers changed the world. And we're changing it again as we retire. We're downsizing and traveling. We're playing pickleball and buying kayaks. We're thumbing our noses at the same establishment we have since the Sixties. We're telling \"The Man\" that we can't be defined by a number. We're telling our kids we have lives to live, places to see, things to do. We invented the bucket list. We are a force to be reckoned with and we won't sit down and shut up! There's power in numbers, people. Don't sit down and wait to die. Any of us could go this afternoon…or 40 years from now. I don't know about you, but I'm going to wring this thing dry. I want to be remembered as that wild, wonderful woman who lived every…single…day. I want to suck the marrow from the bone. I want to use up every single resource…every single cell…every ounce of strength God has gifted me with.

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And I'm going out au naturale. I will never color my hair again. I will never have plastic surgery or liposuction or Botox. I will never have acrylic nails again. I seldom, if ever, wear makeup. I'm curvy and real. My body bears the symbols of motherhood and grandmotherhood. I'm soft and juicy and rich and raw. I'm brassy and loud. And…I'm in love with life.

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Let's celebrate our age! I know there are many who suffer illness as we get older. Even with that, we can find some small thing to celebrate if we look hard enough. Sixty is the new forty…OLD is the new YOUNG!

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❤

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\n[youtu.be/TxC0CyoXj...](http://youtu.be/TxC0CyoXj-M)\n
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\n

\"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.\"

\nProverbs 16:31\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/08/forever-young.html", "tags": ["Aging","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/30/tent-city.html", "title": "Tent City", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

This is amazing. Every day more people come and squeeze into any available space in the campground. I've never seen anything like it! I hope to get a panoramic view of the field tomorrow. Thank GOD it hasn't rained. This field isn't referred to as \"Mudville\" for nothing! We were brilliant…we selected the family camping area so it is really quiet. At least it is right now because the late show is still going on.

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I'm sitting outside my \"home\" as I write this. I'm trying to imagine. What if this was how we all HAD to live? Crammed together in a field. People living in makeshift tents, screen rooms, old buses and vans. Large, energy guzzling RVs and travel trailers like mine. What if this was our real home? Water and food would soon become an issue. As would sanitation. Rains would turn this lovely new-mown hay field into a boggy quagmire. Tempers would soon flair. The sense of peace and love and community created by the joint intention of the gathering would soon be lost…given away to fear and greed and envy. Fight or flight. You see it in third world countries every day. I experienced it in the jungles of Mexico many years ago.

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As I'm sitting here, I look at my \"home\" and I'm filled with humble gratitude. I am positively affluent! I have a clean, safe place to live. I am free to live wherever I choose. I am so very grateful for everything God has blessed me with. Truly.

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❤

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\n

\"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.\"

\nPsalm 47:1\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/30/tent-city.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Courage","Peaceful Moments","Downsizing","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/29/andit-begins.html", "title": "And...it Begins!", "content_html": "\n
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What a treasure it is to gather with a large variety of humans seeking the same goal. Four days of peace, music, and fun in the sun! The vibe is good...mellow. Reminiscent of the early outdoor concerts of the '60s. Aging hippies getting their groove on. Middle aged couples trying to recover a part of the dream. Days when they were filled with love and promise. Days before the pressures of life took away their ability to play. So here, they don their tie dye and walk barefoot, holding hands with hopeful love. And with the right portion of sun, sound, and sensual dancing, sparks are igniting the embers of a long, too cold winter. And it's summer!!! Young people smelling like patchouli and herbal refreshments, dreads, flowing gauzy skirts dancing with that sheer freedom youth allows. Little ones running around blowing bubbles and chasing balloons.

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A music festival thrusts you into a melting pot of humanity. It is an excellent opportunity to throw off that coat of conformity and allow you to fly...to allow you to be YOU!

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It just doesn't get much better than that. Celebrate life!

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❤

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\n

\"David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.\"

\n2 Samuel 6:5\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/29/andit-begins.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Aging","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/20/fruit-loops.html", "title": "Fruit Loops", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
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I have never been described as conventional. You'll never hear anyone who knows me say \"Oh, Ginny? She's so shy and retiring. Really quiet gal.\" Ha! Not likely! My laugh is quick and loud. I dance like a….well, ok. I'm rhythmically challenged, let's say. But I dance like crazy. And I LIVE. Out loud! I'm a flirt. I'm a comic. I have fun. Every…single…day. Even when it's hard to. Because every morning I wake up on the right side of the grass is a tremendous gift that I can't afford to waste. I would rather be remembered as a colorful character than a wallflower.

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There was a time in my life when I was embarrassed by my \"self\". Because I embarrassed others. I became a chameleon trying to blend in so the others wouldn't notice how weird I was. It took a long, long time but I eventually learned I was hanging with the wrong tribe. I was a Fruit Loop in a bowl of Cheerios. I needed to find out who I really was, then I could set out to join the land of my people. And something remarkable happened. Once I was comfortable with being a Fruit Loop, it didn't matter what else was in the bowl. I fit in simply by being comfortable in my own skin. By celebrating our differences, the world becomes a juicier place!

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Ok, so….I kept my tiara. But I LOVE my new wings!

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❤

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\n

\"“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.\"

\nIsaiah 65:17\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/20/fruit-loops.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/16/cruisin-on-a-friday-night.html", "title": "Cruisin' on a Friday Night", "content_html": "\n
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Remember back in the day when you got in your car on a hot summer night and cruised? Last night I met my high school classmates for dinner and had a blast. One gal was there that I hadn't seen since graduation. It was a really big crowd and it was hard to get to talk to everyone more than just a quick catch up. But that's what we have Facebook for.

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After everyone left, I found myself sitting in the parking lot, posting and tagging photos of the evening so everyone could enjoy them. When I was done, I just didn't feel like going home. I felt like cruisin'. I started up the truck, turned on the music, and what started playing? Why, Mr. Smoky Robinson…\"Cruisin\"! I rolled down the windows and drove down memory lane. First stop was City Park. Then up Washington Avenue to the High School. THE High School. Parkersburg High School. We are the Big Reds and…once a Big Red…always a Big Red! This is one of the prettiest high schools I've ever seen. There was a track meet going on so the stadium was lit up. I sat there remembering those warm spring nights forty-four years ago leading up to high school graduation. We were filled with such promise. We were so excited to get this part of our lives over with and move on. Now we want to reach back and grab those days and feel them again.

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Afterward, I just meandered about, feeling the warm air on my skin as I rested my arm out the window. Breathing in the sweet smells of lilac mixed with the heavy aroma of pizza from the local hangout. Such memories. Eventually, I made my way home. What a beautiful evening.

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❤

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\n

\"“I thought, ‘I will die in my own house, my days as numerous as the grains of sand. My roots will reach to the water, and the dew will lie all night on my branches. My glory will not fade; the bow will be ever new in my hand.’\"

\nJob 29:18-20\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/16/cruisin-on-a-friday-night.html", "tags": ["Fun","West Virginia","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/14/a-fairy-tale.html", "title": "A Fairy Tale", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

Once upon a time there was a Princess. She was very sad and lonely so she did things to try to make herself happy. Her very favorite thing was shopping. She shopped and shopped and shopped till her castle was very full and there was no more room. Yet, she was still sad.

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One day a Prince came and they fell in love and got married and the Princess was very happy. But the Prince died. And the Princess was lost without him. She cried and cried till there were no more tears. She didn't know what to do. Shopping wasn't fun anymore. She had to find something else to make herself happy.

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She discovered the joy of sporting goods stores and Home Depot. She wore absolutely outrageous red cowgirl boots and fringed jackets and embarrassed her grand daughter in the mall. She lived in a trailer and paddled upstream in a kayak. She rode a bike and camped under the stars and listened to music and danced with wild abandon around an open fire. She traded her tiara for wings and a pickup truck.

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And she was finally free.

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❤

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\n

\"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.\"

\nIsaiah 55:12\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-14T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/14/a-fairy-tale.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/13/unexpected-bliss.html", "title": "Unexpected Bliss", "content_html": "\n
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I had lunch yesterday with a Facebook friend that I graduated high school with. After four hours talking nonstop, we left as real life friends. We didn't know each other all that well in school which is a shame really. I believe I missed out on a good friend all these years.

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I had things to do yesterday but when my lunch hour turned into the unexpected joy of four hours of heartfelt conversation, I felt it was much more important to eat ice cream and get my toes done than to drive to the farm for another load of stuff. I seldom have conversations with the pedicurist but she asked where I live and what I do. So, I set my phone aside and engaged in a beautiful moment of sharing with a woman from the other side of the world with a vastly different cultural background than mine. Her name is Happy...and aptly so. I told her I live everywhere. She was concerned about how I get my mail. I told her I am a writer. She asked what I write about. I told her about losing Mr. Virgo and how I write to tell people there is life after this terrible pain. She went on to tell me she is Buddhist. We spoke about the importance of living in the moment because this is what we have. We spoke of being happy. In her words, \"We can go to bed at night with shoes on our feet and wake up the next morning, never to see those shoes again. You must be happy with what you have.\" I loved her immensely.

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My wish for you today is to find your bliss...be happy in your shoes.

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❤

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\"In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.\" Proverbs 12:2

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/13/unexpected-bliss.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Gratitude","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/10/blessings.html", "title": "Blessings", "content_html": "\n
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Aunt Lucy turned 100 years old yesterday. I took my Aunt Peeps (on the left) to the birthday party and caught this darling moment when Aunt Lucy finally realized who she was talking to. As with many elderly people, she is nearly blind and very hard of hearing. She is not my aunt by blood. But, we have a really unusual connection.

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Back in the '30s, Uncle Ken and Aunt Lucy sold their farm to my grandparents and that's where my heart has lived all my life. It's where my aunt lives now. I've known these people my whole life. When I started dating my first husband, he used to talk about his Uncle Ken and Aunt Lucy. Turns out, they were one and the same. Uncle Ken was my former mother-in-law's brother. Are you following me so far? lol

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There were so many blessings yesterday. My aunt and I seem to have a little truce going here which is nice. The better part of the county came out to honor this lovely woman. I spent Friday afternoon with my first husband, which was fun. I saw family members I hadn't seen in 40 years. I spent some time in a beautiful Victorian mansion in the historic district. It was a day full of feels.

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The day started with coffee with the Divas of '71 and ended with live music on the banks of the Ohio River. I live a charmed life. Two years ago you could not have made me believe life could ever be this sweet after losing Mr. Virgo. My heart is soaring!

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Happy Mother's Day.

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❤

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\n

\"“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.\"

\nExodus 20:12\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-10T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/10/blessings.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/09/breathe.html", "title": "Breathe…", "content_html": "\n
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I'm beginning to feel the crunch of time a little bit. There's SO much to do before I head back to Colorado. We went from nice, spring temps to sweltering heat overnight so you have to make a mad dash in the mornings to get stuff done before it's too hot. I don't like the extremes of weather. If it was 65-75 degrees year round, I'd be a happy camper.

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The other day I went on a bike ride. It was 85 degrees and there wasn't a bit of wind. I managed to ride 45 minutes and that was enough for me. A little over halfway through the ride, I stopped for water and looked across the creek. The hillside was covered in redbud and dogwood trees. It was beautiful! It made coming out that far worthwhile.

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That's the way life is sometimes. You struggle along keeping your head down, determined to get through it. Then, when you stop and take a breath, you look up and find yourself surrounded by beauty. The trick is to keep your head up the whole time.

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❤

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\"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/09/breathe.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/05/mountain-stage.html", "title": "Mountain Stage", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

One of my favorite West Virginia treasures is Mountain Stage. Held at the West Virginia Cultural Center in Charleston, Mountain Stage is recorded before a live audience then broadcast on NPR the following evening. A lot of great entertainment...a big bang for your buck!

\n\n\n
\"\"
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/05/mountain-stage.html", "tags": ["Fun","West Virginia","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/30/live-every-day.html", "title": "Live Every Day", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I've been thinking about this YOLO mentality. You only live once. Absolutely NOT TRUE. Unless you've been resuscitated after a medical emergency, you only DIE once. Every day you wake up on the right side of the grass is an opportunity to live again. Every…single…day. What are you going to do with your time here? It doesn't last forever, you know. I've already wasted SO much of what I have been allotted. I could leave this restaurant that I'm sitting in as I write this and get hit by a bus. That makes this next hour really precious, doesn't it? So, I'll really enjoy this chili relleno and chips, I'll browse in the antique store next door, and look both ways when I cross the street.

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I want more.

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❤

\n\n\n
\n

\"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.\"

\nProverbs 13:14\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/30/live-every-day.html", "tags": ["Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/21/one-for-the-road.html", "title": "One For The Road!", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

Oh….I dearly love my coffee. I have so little storage space in this camper but by golly, I've got a top of the line burr grinder, a Peugeot hand grinder, three French presses, a drip coffee maker and an espresso machine. I have three kinds of coffee, flavorings, sweeteners. I have insulated cups, a big cappuccino cup, and a little blue coffee mug with a white bow on it from Tiffany. I have no shame. I am a coffee snob. I'm a complicated woman with a complicated coffee order. (Venti, non-fat, extra hot, no foam, two stevia latte, please.)

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If I don't have coffee in the morning, I get a headache. If you hang around me in the morning and I don't get coffee, YOU'RE going to have a headache too because I get, ummmmm….excitable. I can have an entire vacation's worth of \"ahhhhh\" in just one morning in a really great coffee shop. I've even been invited to write coffee shop reviews on my friend Lisa's coffee shop finder app. Awesome…even more reason to go into more coffee shops! I can guarantee you, I'm going to be well armed this morning when we pull out on the open road! It's going to be a fun day!!!

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❤

\n\n\n
\n

\"“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.\"

\nIsaiah 41:17\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-21T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/21/one-for-the-road.html", "tags": ["Fun","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/16/its-tutu-time.html", "title": "It's Tutu Time!", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

I'm so excited! My taxes are done. Yesterday I went for a 10 mile bike ride on the Rails to Trails system. Riding dirt, grass, and mud is a lot more work than a paved trail so I was pleased with 10 miles. Today I'm getting the summer tires put on my truck. (Yesssss!) I have a boatload of work to do in the next week to prepare TOW-Wanda for her maiden voyage of the 2015 camping season. Yes, that's right…next week I'm going on a women's camping adventure to Nashville for the annual Country Living Fair! I can't wait!!!

\n\n\n

I'm really excited that I talked one of my friends into joining this camping group. Ok, there was no \"talking into\" to it. I said, \"Hey, you wanna go camping with a bunch of fun, adventurous, crazy gals and earn badges for smoking cigars and fixing the perfect martini?\" She said, \"Sure…where do I sign up?\" Done…a new fellow woman camper was born! I have friends in Nashville that I will get to see as well so that is a bonus!

\n\n\n

There is something to be said for the divine sisterhood. It's more than meeting new friends. We're creating a network…a fabric woven with threads harkened from generations of brave, brilliant, badass women who have gone before us. We may not exemplify that free spirit in our daily lives, but when we get together, we recognize each other from afar as members of the same tribe. We bond, and mentor, and learn, and trust, and grow. We are unstoppable…us worthy women. We may have scars, but our hearts are strong!

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I have one question, though. If you camp every day, if every day is Friday, is the thrill gone from camping altogether? I guess we'll find out next week!

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❤

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\"the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful…\"

\nGenesis 6:2\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/16/its-tutu-time.html", "tags": ["Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/09/quiet.html", "title": "Quiet", "content_html": "\n
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Spring has come to West Virginia. The flowers are blooming and the thunder is booming. It's been a long time since I've heard this kind of storm.

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Yesterday was the perfect spring day! After sleeping eight hours, I met a friend of mine and went for a 3 mile walk. Afterwards, we went to the local bike shop to check out their spring sale. I bought my last major purchase for getting set up in this new life. I bought a hybrid bike…a cross between a street bike and a mountain bike. We went for a 5 mile ride to try it out and it's perfect! Now I can exercise and get around town without using a lot of gas.

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I got home five minutes before the inky sky opened up the floodgates. I took a nap, then went to my cousin's house. He, his wife and I went out for dinner. We sat around and talked and I came home between thunderstorms. It really was a perfect spring day.

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❤

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\"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.\"

\nLuke 5:16\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/09/quiet.html", "tags": ["Health","Comfort","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/05/floating-on-air.html", "title": "Floating on Air", "content_html": "\n
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Children chasing ducks in the cool breeze. A hippie man with his Husky flashing a peace sign as I cruise by, the brilliant white flash of a smile. Joe Robinson's beat spilling out of the speakers of my pickup. A day spent with some of the coolest women on the planet. A workout at the gym. Lunch and great conversation with a friend. A long walk. A trio of trombones performing an impromptu concert in a small gazebo tucked away in a quiet corner of the park. Tiny black squirrels scampering just out of reach. New lovers, new babies, new life. Breathe.

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Yesterday was one of those days that sparkled. It seemed everywhere I went there was joy…relief that the long, dark days of winter are gone. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for this life. I am grateful for my Savior who died for my sins.

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It's Resurrection Day. May you have a blessed Easter, dear ones.

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❤

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\"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.\"

\nRomans 6:4\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/05/floating-on-air.html", "tags": ["God","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/04/the-gifts-from-god.html", "title": "The Gifts From God", "content_html": "\n
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I was in the presence of greatness last night. This young man is Joe Robinson. He grew up in the outback of Australia where the nearest street light is 40 miles away. The only thing to do when he was growing up was practice guitar. And practice, he did. He won Australia's Got Talent when he was 16. He'll be 24 in May. He was named one of the Top 50 guitarists by Australia's Guitar Magazine. I've heard great guitarists. This young man is a guitar god! I've never seen anything like it. I found myself holding my breath and leaning forward to catch every note. I got teary eyed. Afterwards, I did what I always do…bought his music and got my picture taken with a young man who will someday command $100 a ticket. I smiled as he was signing my CD and told him I couldn't wait to see him in 20 years. I'll only be 82…I can go to concerts!

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When you see someone with such obvious talent, you know this is a special gift from God. You just don't see this very often. Google Joe Robinson. Definitely go see him if you get the chance. This was a truly remarkable night!

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❤

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\"His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.\"

\nGenesis 4:21\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-04T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/04/the-gifts-from-god.html", "tags": ["Fun","Presence","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/03/19/west-virginia.html", "title": "West Virginia", "content_html": "\n
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Almost Heaven. Mountain Mama. Even with the disappointment of not getting to live on the family farm and struggling through some pretty rough winter weather in a camper, West Virginia still holds an allure for me. I have really been looking forward to spending spring here. I've only had one spring in WV since I left for good in 1975. I'm looking forward to the dogwood and redbud blooming. The spring flowers are already popping up here and there. Trees are budding, birds are singing, peepers are…well, peeping. I woke up early Tuesday and listened to the day begin. And it really felt like spring even though it was much cooler than Monday's high of 72.

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I worked my friend on Tuesday. We are making great progress on her bathroom. We hung the last piece of paneling and cut all the trim for around the ceiling. We did a little trimming around the closet door and also trimmed out the threshold between the hall and the bathroom. I can hardly wait to see it finished. I know my friend can't! Manual labor feels good.

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Now that Spring is here and we can all get out and play, I know without a doubt I'm going to miss this place when I head back to Colorado in June. But I miss my babies and my kids, my brother and my friends. I need to get there and give them a squeeze or two. But I'll be back. I'm not sure yet but I'm thinking Florida sounds pretty good for the cold, snowy months of winter. I have two \"homes\". Maybe I'll try for three!

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❤

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\"How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land? If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.\"

\nPsalm 137:4-6\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-03-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/03/19/west-virginia.html", "tags": ["Fun","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/03/16/spring.html", "title": "SPRING!!!", "content_html": "\n
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Ok, it's not OFFICIALLY spring yet, but the peepers came out this weekend and that's a sure sign we're on the right side of winter. I swear, I feel as though the governor called and stayed my execution…I couldn't be any more relieved that the warm days are here.

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The weekend was filled with great music, wonderful friends, and good food. The weather was warm and sunny. Consequently, the river is cresting this morning. We didn't get the rain that was predicted so I think the flooding won't be quite as bad as they thought.

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Last night I began to mentally prepare myself for the trip today to the farm for another load. I'll be heading there with a friend and I hope to get another truckload out. Some of these items are going to be hard to let go of so my mantra today is \"JOY\". Joy that I am lightening my load. Joy that I am trimming the sails. Joy that others will find use in my treasures. Joy in those items that will be given to family and friends as tokens of my affection. I will gauge what I keep by the amount of joy the item gives me.

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I live a life of abundance with so little. I have more than I need in my camper and many of those items will also move on to new homes. I cannot imagine why I had a 3 bedroom house FULL of stuff. I can't fathom the three full closets of clothes I had. The linen closets filled with multiple sets of sheets and towels. Pots and pans of every size and variety. I lived my life buying two of everything so I'd still have one when the first one wore out or broke. I lived with a \"can't live without it\" mentality. What a waste. A waste of resources. A waste of time. A waste of life. I am so looking forward to each step towards cleaning and clearing away the clutter in my life. For every \"thing\" taken away leaves more room for living.

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❤

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\"My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.\"

\nPsalm 131:1-2\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-03-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/03/16/spring.html", "tags": ["Gratitude","Downsizing","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/03/15/living-large.html", "title": "Living Large", "content_html": "\n
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Living large has such a different look now than it did even just a couple of years ago. I've been a single mother on welfare. I've been a doctor's wife. And I've been in a moderately affluent marriage where the most valuable currency was love and attention. Honey, trust me…a housekeeper is nice but I'll take the love and attention any day of the week over a new car every three years. Without question.

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Now that I am on my own, I have learned to treat myself with that same tender loving care that Mr. Virgo lavished on me. And treating myself looks different as well. If something new comes in, something old goes out. There's a delicate balance. I've sold or given away 90% of my possessions and I'm fast approaching ridding myself of that extra 5%. Unless you have done this yourself, you have no idea how liberating it is. I'm a turtle. My house goes where I go. I owe no one a dime. This has allowed me to be free to go where the mood strikes. My biggest struggle at this point is keeping things tidy in such a small space. I have a tendency to make piles so organization is a new skill I'm practicing.

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What are YOU doing to live a LARGE LIFE?

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❤

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\"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

\nPsalm 90:12\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-03-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/03/15/living-large.html", "tags": ["Growth","Gratitude","Downsizing","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/03/09/mountain-stage.html", "title": "Mountain Stage", "content_html": "\n
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The West Virginia Cultural Center rests on the campus opposite from the state Capital in Charleston. They are celebrating their 32nd year of wonderful Americana music. I went last night with one of my high school friends. It was the best $15 I have ever spent! Five bands plied us with their tunes and it was divine. And, as much as I would love to write a brilliant, articulate blog post, I am way beyond too tired to do so. Suffice it to say…a good time was had by all!

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-03-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/03/09/mountain-stage.html", "tags": ["Fun","West Virginia","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/03/06/a-new-life.html", "title": "A New Life", "content_html": "\n
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I have a new life. It's not the one I wanted. It's not the one I had planned. But, as God would have it, it's the one that was planned for me long before I came here. Oh, I could sit here and contemplate why this and that happened, but does it really matter? Each step along the way prepared me in some way for the next.

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When I was feeling the crunch of homeownership and the need for less in my life, I was led to sell my house. When I sold my house, I was led to WV to care for my aunt. When that didn't work out, I was led to a friend. She led me to more friends. The more friends you have, the more likely it is that they are spread around a large geographical area. The road to a friend's house is never long. The saying means it's not a real effort to reach out to a true friend. I think it can also be taken more literally. A true network of friends creates a safety net of people who love you and have your back and someone is likely nearby when you need them.

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People are led into your life for a reason and many become truly special. I have such special friends. I have the most amazing family. They are there for me anytime, day or night. They sharpen me. They smooth out my rough edges. They make me think. They push me to be a better person. They make me reach for new heights. The last two months have been difficult but very good for me. I'm healing on a deeper level. Something inside of me is waking up. The first year I was numb. The second year was worse because I was awake. Hopefully life will continue to improve in the coming year.

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❤

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\"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.\"

\nProverbs 27:17\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-03-06T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/03/06/a-new-life.html", "tags": ["Camping","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/03/03/toe-tappin-tuesday.html", "title": "Toe Tappin' Tuesday!", "content_html": "\n
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I love it when God throws something down right in front of me. This time He said, \"Here ya' go, sugar. This one's here to make sure you don't forget to dance!\" He is part of a large group of friends I've made who get together for dinners and live music. The next couple of weeks could be dangerous territory for me. Left to my own devices, I could wander down the dark alleys of my mind and forget I'm the one with the pulse. So, Saturday night at our group gathering to dine and dance to the Carpenter Ants, he loaned me a couple of CD's introducing me to a musician I'd never heard.

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Monday morning dawned cold and cloudy. Sigh. Come on Spring, get here already. I picked up my phone and opened my pictures. I found my favorite of Mr. Virgo. I blew it up as big as I could so I could look in at least one life sized eye. I talked to him. I told him I missed him coming in on Monday mornings and sitting on the edge of the bed when he brought me my coffee. I cried and told him it just isn't fair. And it's not. But it's what I've got. I said, \"What should I do?\" He said, \"Baby girl, get up and dance.\" So, I got up, got dressed, and put on my funky red boots. I put on the coffee and started cooking up a pan of hash browns and bacon. And then I crossed the threshold into the world of Paul Thorn of Tupelo, Mississippi. I spent the next two hours dancing…my heart filled with joy and gratitude. Here's to God…and good friends. Thanks for sending me what I need!

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❤

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\"Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.\"

\n1 Samuel 16:23\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-03-03T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/03/03/toe-tappin-tuesday.html", "tags": ["Fun","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/02/27/wowza.html", "title": "Wowza!", "content_html": "\n
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SO much to write about today! First off, I was thrilled that my article has been picked up and published on The Tiny House Blog! Last week it was featured on Comet Camper. Thank you, Mariah and Kent! You can find the article HERE. I've gotta tell ya, I was dancing in my boots over here! I've receive amazing response from more beautiful people. I'm living a charmed life! ❤

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The second thing is…Ms. Fixit strikes again! I finally got some help with a problem I've had the last several days. The fan on my converter box in TOW-Wanda has been running continuously for four days. The fan runs to cool the converter when power is being drawn through. I contacted several of the RV pages here on FB and no one had an answer. I contacted the help line for my trailer and they didn't have a clue. I was looking through my paperwork and found the booklet for the converter box and called their tech support. After laying on the floor and taking fuses out, putting them back, taking just a few out, trying this and that, we finally tracked the problem to the electronic jack. The guy thinks with the cold weather, moisture got down in it and it's causing a short so there was a load going to the box making the fan run to cool it. He suggested I take the 30 amp fuse out of the pigtail that comes off the battery and hook everything back up. Yay! Fan's off, no load to the box so nothing will overheat, and when I hook up, I just need to pop the fuse back in and it will work. That noisy fan was driving me botso!

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I tried to get some TV channels through my onboard antenna so I can watch The Voice. No such luck. A friend let me borrow her external antenna and it doesn't work either. Ahhh, well….there are worse things than missing Blake Shelton and Adam Levine and Pharrel. I don't know what they are, but I'm sure there must be! ;-)

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This picture is the view out my bedroom window every morning. I can hear the tugboats going up and down the river and I just love it. The other night I was fixing a cup of tea and heard something that sounded like someone pouring a bag of ice into a cooler…except it was continuous. I opened the door and could tell it was coming from the river. Pretty soon, here came a tugboat up the river and the sound was the ice breaking and scraping down the sides of the empty barges it was pushing. I'm telling you, this is an experience I am never going to forget! Thank you, my friends, for letting me camp here.

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❤

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\"A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.\"

\nProverbs 15:23-25\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-02-27T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/02/27/wowza.html", "tags": ["Fun","Writing","Be Joyful!","Press"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/02/01/happy-happy-happy.html", "title": "Happy, Happy, Happy!", "content_html": "\n
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I went to coffee with the Class of '71 girls yesterday. Oh my gosh…we are such a hoot when we get together. We're all healthy, for the most part. We're grateful, we're funny, we're loving life. Spending time with the Warrior Queens…those Wild, Wonderful, Wacky WV Women…has been one of the highlights of my time spent in my homeland the last few months. They are more than friends…they are family. Women need girlfriends. I tell young women just starting out in a marriage…\"Don't neglect your girlfriends. You're going to need them.\" Good advice.

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While talking back and forth over coffee, the topic of the upcoming snowstorm came up. I wondered how far south I could get in eight hours if I left right then. Someone asked, \"Will you take TOW-Wanda?\" Nah…I'd probably just drive. Sigh. That's when I looked across the table at my friend and we had the same idea. She said \"Let me run to Lowe's and order my sink and we'll go get her.\" So, we did! TOW-Wanda is now sitting on the bluff overlooking the beautiful Ohio. OMGosh! I was literally doing the happy dance!!! Now she's fairly close. I can run over to see her. I can read and take naps in her, just like I did in the original TOW-Wanda last winter. I now have a goal. Get the photos scanned. Get the stuff out of the cellar house. Get her travel ready. And go on a road trip! There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy and this really is a fun one!

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❤

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“3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

\nPsalms 37:3-4\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-02-01T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/02/01/happy-happy-happy.html", "tags": ["Camping","Fun","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/01/26/how-many-days-till-spring.html", "title": "How Many Days Till Spring?", "content_html": "\n
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HOW MANY DAYS TILL SPRING?

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I know we aren't supposed to wish our lives away. We only have one so why can't it always be spent in the glorious days of Spring? I adore Spring. The promise of new life is much more apparent in March than it is when making New Year's resolutions in the darkness of late December. January is nearly over, thank you. February is at least shorter than the other months. And it has Valentine's Day, not that it holds special meaning anymore. But there's at least chocolate involved.

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I am looking forward to Spring along the river this year. I swear, when March 17th comes around every year, I can actually feel something lift off me. In Colorado, that's when you see the first green tips on the globe willow trees and you can feel it coming. The warmth of the sun coaxes tender shoots of green from a barren earth. Winter gray gives way to the glory of color splashed amongst pockets of unmelted snow. Birds begin their northern flight to grace us with their cheerful songs. Ahhhhh, Spring….come to me as the lover you are and brush back the web of darkness that has clung to me since the autumn leaves danced to the ground. Give to me your abundance and affirmation that life does renew itself in an ever changing cycle. Remind me I am alive. Ahhhhh, Spring….just 52 days away. I can hardly wait to see you again!

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❤

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“11 See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone. 12 Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. 13 The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”

\nSong of Songs 2:11-13\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-01-26T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/01/26/how-many-days-till-spring.html", "tags": ["Hope","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/01/18/a-dream-of-hope.html", "title": "A Dream of Hope", "content_html": "\n
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I slept at least 30 out of 36 hours during my bout with the stomach virus from you-know-where. I woke up for the umpteenth time yesterday at noon and remembered the dream I'd just had. I used to remember my dreams…always. But since losing Mr. Virgo, I'd say I have remembered less than a hand full. Not sure why that is. But this dream was wonderful and I wanted to share it with you.

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It was only my second dream of Mr. Virgo since he died. He had been away working all this time and I decided to go visit him at his new job. I got there and he was dressed in a nice brown suit. He took me in his office where he had been sorting papers. A woman came in and he handed her a stack to be shredded. He hugged me and told me he missed me so much and he was so glad I came. Before I could say anything, I noticed a huge yellow butterfly on the lamp behind him. I pointed and he turned to look. Now, I never ever saw Mr. Virgo cry, but he put his chin down and wept in what I felt was joy. I felt there was someone in the room with us and I turned to my right and it was the same guardian angel that I saw when I had my EMDR treatment for PTSD. When I looked back, I saw that I was looking through a window at Mr. Virgo in Heaven. It was amazing.

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I shared this with my cousin. She said perhaps the shredding of the papers is a sign of getting rid of the clutter and unwanted grief junk in my life. And the butterfly is a sign of new life, new beginnings. When you are sick, you are particularly vulnerable to the shards of grief cutting into you. It's far too easy to slip down that slope of sadness till you find yourself mired in the muck.

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I woke from the dream and laid there…listening to my heart. I felt Mr. Virgo whisper, \"Come on, baby doll. Get up. You'll feel a whole lot better after a shower and some breakfast.\" And, he was right, of course. I walked around the neighborhood and checked out some of the little shops. I stopped at the cute little soda fountain and had a grilled cheese and a Coke. And I felt much better. So much better.

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-01-18T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/01/18/a-dream-of-hope.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/12/28/sunset-on-christmas.html", "title": "Sunset on Christmas", "content_html": "\n
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What a perfect day yesterday was. It was nearly 60 degrees with beautiful sunny skies and I was free in my way-cool pickup truck, flying through the mountains of West Virginia…the warm support and love of my extended family tucked safely in my heart to pull out when needed. Sometimes you have to go to your people and draw from the well to fill yourself back up. My heart feels so much better now.

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There will be difficult conversations ahead. I'm not good at those. I'm not good at confrontation. I don't think fast on my feet. All reasons God has put me in this situation, I am sure. He gives us opportunities to learn and grow and practice the necessary skills we need to get through life. These are skills most people have in place by this time. I don't know how I got to the age of 61 without them…other than it's just not my nature.

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I'm heading into town today to visit with a friend who is here for the holidays. I'll be checking out options for moving my camper. I also got my social security card in the mail while I was gone so now I can get my driver's license on Monday. Yay…another trip to the DMV!!! Plus, a trip to the social security office and my insurance agent. Then I can settle in and start going through these boxes of pictures and get them scanned into my external hard drive. Life is busy, that's for sure!

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2014-12-28T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/12/28/sunset-on-christmas.html", "tags": ["Grief","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/12/24/sipping-with-santa.html", "title": "Sipping with Santa", "content_html": "\n
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I'm heading to town later to meet friends for Christmas Eve and go to church services with them this evening. I'm really looking forward to seeing them as we haven't visited in a long time. Their son sent me this beautiful coffee mug from Tiffany's. He knows my heart races at the sight of that pretty blue box. He is a dear friend and has been a great support to me over the last sixteen months.

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I was so incredibly touched yesterday by the response to the last couple of posts here on Marshmallow Ranch. There are so many people hurting at this time of year. I spent almost all day online offering support and love and just holding a sacred space for the broken hearts of so many beautiful people. People who have lost their spouse, their parent, their sibling, or…God forbid…their children or grandchildren. People whose loss was through divorce or the betrayal of friends. Our loss is all the same on the inside. Our hearts all break with the same jagged edges.

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When Mr. Virgo died, I sent a note to a physician friend of mine who also happens to be a missionary. He told me that I have been in his daily prayers since 2000 when I was really struggling with a health crisis. I was stunned to know this extremely busy man on the other side of the world was remembering me in his daily prayers. I was humbled. I want you to know that you all are in my daily prayers, as well. If you have any special prayer requests, or need some support for something you are going through that you don't want written in the public eye, please know you are welcome to send me a private message at any time and I will do my best to offer what support I can. Many of you have asked permission to share posts from my page. Please, feel free to share with anyone who might be interested in my writing. I was absolutely stunned yesterday when I saw in my stats that Marshmallow Ranch has been read by over 104,000 people…this week alone! When I sit down to write, I pray that God brings me the right words on my end and the people that need to read them at your end. Your \"shares\" help that happen and I am so very grateful.

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Remember….you are LOVED.

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Merry Christmas, everyone!

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2014-12-24T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/12/24/sipping-with-santa.html", "tags": ["Holiday","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/12/18/deck-the-halls-with-mr.html", "title": "\"Deck the Halls With Mr. Virgo, FaLaLaLaLa\"", "content_html": "\n
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Oh, how Mr. Virgo loved Christmas! We always decorated the tree right after Thanksgiving. We watched \"White Christmas\" while we trimmed the tree with such an eclectic mix of ornaments. I have those wonderful Shiny Bright ornaments from my childhood. There are dozens of beautiful handmade ornaments from my friend Judy's carefully planned and executed exchange parties. I have one from the Hotel Jerome and another from The Ritz Carlton…both gifts from Mr. Virgo. And I have the ornaments we bought on our annual trips…usually to Estes Park. We always bought a hand painted glass ornament by Ne'Qwa. They're all boxed up this year, up in the cellar house on the farm. I won't have a tree. My camper is small and not warm enough anyway to sit out there and enjoy it. My aunt has her ceramic tree in the front window of the house and that suits her. I do have a lovely pre-lit garland that I'm going to hang up. I'm enjoying everyone else's trees, though. Everywhere I've been visiting has had a lovely tree and I get to hear about this ornament and that tradition. Much has changed in my life…this is just one more thing.

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Now my grandchildren get to trim their tree and watch \"White Christmas\". My heart got all warm and fuzzy when they told me that. It made me think of all those years when my daughter would bring home a new ornament from school…the hand with her picture, the gingerbread boy out of cookies, the sleigh from a turkey breastbone. We watched the movie and decorated with whatever we had on hand. One year we emptied the kitchen utensil drawer and tied cookie cutters and wooden spoons with plaid ribbons and hung them on the tree. Another year we put every stuffed animal she had on the tree and used baby's breath as \"snow\" on the branches. It's amazing what we did with nothing. I hold lots of wonderful memories close to my heart of those simpler times. And right now? Well, this is an opportunity to relive some of the simpler times of my life. It will keep me focused on the Reason for the Season and less on the glamor and glitz. And there's something to be said for that.

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2014-12-18T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/12/18/deck-the-halls-with-mr.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/12/10/spread-love.html", "title": "Spread Love", "content_html": "\n
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'Tis the season. Just about everyone has the warm fuzzies at this time of year. Carols being played everywhere you go bring back memories of past holidays. Cards, cookies, gifts…the very air sparkles with hope and love. Families travel to share the most precious gift…time…with their loved ones.

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Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays! It doesn't matter which holiday you are celebrating this time of year, there's lots of love and light flowing around. I would love to see these same feelings of brotherly love, of mutual respect, of loving kindness spread rampant every day of the year, wouldn't you?

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Let's start a wave…a king sized, ginormous, tsunami-sized wave of love. And let's send it out into the world every day. Every single day. Aim to improve at least one person's day with a smile and a loving gesture. If you touch just one person a day, you will have touched 365 lives by this time next year. Think about that as you go about your business and ask yourself…\"How can I lift up the world today?\"

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2014-12-10T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/12/10/spread-love.html", "tags": ["Grace","Love","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/12/09/memories-of-christmas-past.html", "title": "Memories of Christmas Past", "content_html": "\n
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Mr. Virgo always worked the holidays. All of them. You never knew when, or where, your Thanksgiving Dinner or Christmas was going to be year to year. We didn't get to see things like fireworks together or kiss at the stroke of midnight. Such is the nature of the food service industry. And, since I am the \"World's Most Flexible Person\", this did not bother me. As long as I knew Mr. Virgo was going to be there, I'd celebrate…period. Didn't matter, because every day was a holiday with that man.

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This picture was taken Christmas 2011. I was at my friends' house, cooking dinner and celebrating the love we shared. It was a beautiful day. We had prime rib, or maybe duck, and some sort of parsnips au gratin, I think. Lots of deliciousness. Barbara is a fabulous cook. And a fabulous friend.

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We met when we were both relatively new to the community…our husbands were new doctors. We were new doctor's wives. She did it so much better than me. I was a fish out of water…she was a swan. I never really fit the mold of doctor's wife. Barbara did it perfectly. And I mean that in the very best way. She was active in the community. She was big in the hospital auxiliary. She led the charge for fund raising and chaired committees. She was a leader in her church and active in her children's classrooms. She baked the best treats, by hand, for every function. She quilted, knitted, cross stitched to perfection. Her house was immaculate. She exercised, skied, camped, fished, hiked. She dressed to the nines, always looking polished and put together. All the while running her husband's practice. And even though she is about ten years younger than me, I always wanted to be her when I grew up.

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She is one of a handful of people from the medical community that stuck by me when my ex and I separated. And even though she and her family moved to another state, we continued to remain close. When Mr. Virgo and I got married, she was right there putting it all together at the venue. And she was right there when I buried him…holding my hand and keeping that sacred space for me to come to when the pain became unbearable. Barbara is one of those friends. You know the ones. You may not see each other or even talk for months at a time. And when you get together, you nearly pick up the conversation with the last thought you had. I admire her and I love her and I get to have lunch with her today. Who's the lucky girl?

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One of the greatest things we women can do for ourselves is cultivate friendships with other women. Because there may very well come a day when that's our primary relationship. Girlfriends and memories.

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2014-12-09T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/12/09/memories-of-christmas-past.html", "tags": ["Fun","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/12/04/the-friendly-skies.html", "title": "The Friendly Skies", "content_html": "\n
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I love to fly! Love, love, love it! It sure isn't what it used to be though. As with everything else it seems, prices go up and service comes down. Gone are the days of spacious seating and tasty meals. With the price of gas down, you might hope for lower ticket prices but that's not going to happen. I drove six hours each way to save $300 on my flight. And…I bought meals, gas, and lodging that far exceeded my savings. However, I do get to spend the night at both ends of my trip with my good friends, Cindy and Randy. Cindy lived in the flat below me when I lived in England. It is such a treat to spend time with them.

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Mr. Virgo didn't care too much for air travel. He spent far too many years as a road warrior traveling five days a week, living out of a suitcase. It held no allure for him like it does for me. We flew together only once. In 2011, we decided to leave Denver and move back home to our house in the mountains. We quit our jobs the first of June, moved, and worked on the house and yard for about a month. Then we flew to West Virginia. Mr. Virgo had never met my family or seen where I grew up. We had a wonderful time visiting and exploring the state. I wish we could have had a longer time together. He wanted to show me many of the wonderful places he had traveled and lived. He was such a fun travel companion.

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The weather prediction, at least as far out as I can see at this point, looks wonderful. Highs in the 50's with clear skies. It doesn't get much better than that for December!

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2014-12-04T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/12/04/the-friendly-skies.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/11/24/lets-do-lunch.html", "title": "Let's do Lunch!", "content_html": "\n
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Let's do lunch some day, you and I. Let's go to a bar at 10am and order a martini because we can. Let's ride a carriage in the park with fancy hats and a box of chocolates. Let's fly a kite in a tutu. Let's dance nekkid around a campfire with our tiaras in the moonlight. Let's be ripe and old and delicious and loud! Let's live in the sunshine. And….let's hold that sacred space and wait for each other when we cry….knowing we'll come back when we're ready.

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Is there anything more human than that? <3

\n\n", "date_published": "2014-11-24T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/11/24/lets-do-lunch.html", "tags": ["Fun","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/11/06/hakuna-matata.html", "title": "Hakuna Matata", "content_html": "

\"stop “Stop waiting!”

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Don’t worry…be happy. There have been times in my life when it was difficult to believe I would…or COULD…ever be happy again. Divorce was painful and made me sad. It was a terrible struggle complicate by rejection. Mr. Virgo’s death was worse. Unless you have experienced the loss of someone so close, no words I can ever write will make you really understand. I don’t remember much of the first year. I’m so glad I blogged through it so I can look back to see my progress. Eventually though, I made it through to the other side. Changed certainly, but not all in a bad way. I find when I meet new people now, I am so much more “present” than I was before. I have opened up more, which surprises me. I was afraid I would stay hiding in the corner of my pain forever and miss out on life’s joyous moments.

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Tonight was one of those wonderful nights you want to remember. One of my FB friends who lives in my hometown had a dinner party at her house and invited several of her friends to meet me. We met in person for the first time the night I drove into Parkersburg with my trailer three weeks ago and she let me park in her driveway. This is a diverse group of women and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them. There was a nurse who works with children with developmental disabilities. There was a park ranger, a business owner, a woman who works for the government, a retiree, and a woman who co-owns a business making organic compost and raising worms. We are a mixture of divorced and widowed…middle aged and beyond. We share a common interest in outdoor activities. They bike and kayak so I’m going to be learning new skills!

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Happiness was elusive. Now that it has returned, I appreciate it so much more. <3

\n", "date_published": "2014-11-06T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/11/06/hakuna-matata.html", "tags": ["Growth","Gratitude","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] } ] }