![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.marshmallowranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_3476-rotated.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1\")
We’re firmly planted in the rhythm of summer. Firecracker hot days…blessedly cool nights…and mowing our five acres under a golf umbrella. I have a history of heat exhaustion. Every time it happens, the next time it is quicker and harder. I’ve experimented with various methods to prevent it from happening and have finally figured it out.
\n\n\nHere are my secrets to keeping safe in a heat wave, even when working outside.
\n\n\nKnow the signs of heat-related illness:
\n\n\nHeat Exhaustion
\n\n\nHeat Cramps:
\n\n\nHeat Syncope:
\n\n\nHeat Rash:
\n\n\nHeat Stroke:
\n\n\nOne wouldn’t necessarily think mowing in this kind of heat is joyful, but it’s all a matter of perspective. For me, mowing is a kind of meditation—a time to think without interruption and focus on what’s growing in the pollinator gardens. I discovered several turtle nests in the pathways and edges of the gardens. And I spooked a fawn that mama had hidden amongst the tall grasses. It very likely could be the same fawn I rescued from the flood waters a couple of weeks ago. If it is, it’s much bigger now, yet it still has its spots.
\n\n\nI was sure I would get to bake yesterday, but when I was finished mowing, I was finished for the day. A shower and ham sandwiches for supper were all I had left in me. I hope you are staying safe in the heat. It’s only going to get worse in the coming days, so be careful out there!
\n\n\n💜
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. James 1:11
\n\n
***Gratitude Journal*** Today, I am grateful for this beautiful place that I share with Mr. FixIt. There is peace here. It is filled with the sounds of birds. Animals dart in and out of the pollinator gardens and the hedgerow beyond. And when it has been properly groomed, there is no comparison to its beauty. God lives here.\n\n", "date_published": "2025-06-22T04:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/06/22/hot-days-cool-nights-and.html", "tags": ["Peace","Homestead","Country Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/06/20/training-for-my-flight.html", "title": "Training for my Flight", "content_html": "\n
![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.marshmallowranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Training-for-my-flight-next-week-Wish-me-luck.png?fit=819%2C1024&ssl=1\")
The world has gone bat-stick crazy! It reminds me of The Lord of the Flies when all the kids went feral. Socially acceptable norms seem to have vanished. Especially on airplanes! Did you see the video that was circulated on social media this week? You don’t usually see women as the perpetrators of violence in the public sphere. She had to be physically restrained after hitting, spitting on, and pulling the hair of a woman sitting in a seat. Do I know what led to this pugilistic outburst? No, I do not. But there is no need to act this way anywhere, let alone on an airplane.
\n\n\nSomeone will say the perpetrator was mentally ill or having a breakdown of some type. That may be true… we don’t know. Let me just say this: social media and those who pander for “likes and shares” are just as guilty as the woman doing the spitting. The people filming and sharing, the news outlets flashing it on the evening news, the algorithms promoting violence, and feeding the millions of humans glued to their screens… hooked and reeled in for their drug of choice… dopamine. This magic neurotransmitter in the brain is associated with pleasure and reward. And yes… it is addictive. Being mindful of the amount of time you spend in front of a screen is the first step in recognizing that you may have a problem.
\n\n\nI guess Boxing Barbie in the video doesn’t recognize that this behavior is inappropriate. So, how do we get the smoke back in the bottle? I’m afraid it’s going to be difficult in this climate. I’m praying that new moms start raising a generation of kind humans who are rewarded with the satisfaction of doing good things and helping people. It won’t be easy, but I still believe it’s doable… someday.
\n\n\nIn the meantime, I hope you realize this was tongue-in-cheek. Violence doesn’t end violence. Love does. I’ll leave my proverbial boxing gloves at home and take a Bible instead. God’s Word is more powerful than anything that could be thrown at me. I don’t take no truck in fighting with people. To quote the infamous Sweet Brown, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!”
\n\n\n💜
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBe sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter: 5-8 ESV
\n\n
***Gratitude Journal*** Today, I am grateful for the love and peace I have in my life. I’m grateful for the friends in my life who have become like family to me. We lost three of our senior classmates in the last week. We don’t have time to act a fool. It’s time to share loving kindness. Put it out in the world. Be the shining light on the hill. Be the change!\n\n", "date_published": "2025-06-20T04:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/06/20/training-for-my-flight.html", "tags": ["Faith","Peace","Anger","Kindness","Control"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/04/19/another-week-at-the-beach.html", "title": "Another Week at the Beach is Over", "content_html": "\n
![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.marshmallowranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_2092.jpeg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1\")
We made it to the pier at 9:00 yesterday morning and didn’t leave until 3:00 in the afternoon. From 9-Noon, there wasn’t a great of wind. The temperature hovered around 73°. We had a grand time, but we didn’t get one single nibble. As a matter of fact, we only saw one person catch a fish the whole time we were there. But, you know what? The worst day at the beach is better than the best day mowing, so we’re happy with that.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.marshmallowranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_2072.jpeg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1\")
We finally had to pack it up and head back to the camper. There’s a lot to do before we hit the road so we divvied up the chores. I cleaned and organized the cab of the truck while Mr. FixIt broke down the fishing equipment and started packing up the bed of the truck. Then I went inside to sweep and clean the interior of the camper and pack things away so they don’t go flying around while we are driving.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.marshmallowranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_2073.jpeg?fit=576%2C1024&ssl=1\")
Once that was done, I started supper. This is one of our favorite things to eat and you want to talk about frugal and filling? Wowza…it hits both marks big time. I made my friend Gail’s Deconstructed Cabbage Rolls. The other evening, we had hamburgers. I buy the Beef-Pork Blend at Walmart for $3.63 a pound. I had half a pound leftover and about a third of a pound of pork breakfast sausage. I browned the meats, then tossed in half a head of cabbage cut in one inch chunks. Stir it around to combine and add about half to three quarters of a cup of water and put a lid on the pan. (I use our electric skillet.) Once the cabbage starts to get tender, I added about 1/3 jars of Prego Italian Sausage and Garlic Spaghetti Sauce and season with more garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste, and a few shakes of red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, the shrinks some grated cheese over it and cover till the cheese melts and the sauce is hot. OMGosh! It is SO good. Mr. FixIt ate two plates full, I had one, and there is enough left over for a side dish for dinner tonight.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/98b7625ed7.jpg\")
We headed over to catch the last sunset of the week and hit the hay early so we can get on the road at a reasonable time. We have to get to the same campground that makes you arrive before 7:00 so we don’t want to run the risk of missing that. I’ll check in tomorrow with the news of the first half of the trip home.
\n\n\n🚙💨Beep!Beep!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
\n\n
***Gratitude Journal***\n\n", "date_published": "2025-04-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/04/19/another-week-at-the-beach.html", "tags": ["Camping","Peace","Marriage","Joy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/02/11/the-language-of-rebellion.html", "title": "The Language of Rebellion", "content_html": "\n
Today I am grateful for God’s peace…even in the face of darkness, His name brings Peace to my heart.
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5823411453.jpg\")
In yesterday’s post, I lamented that I didn’t like the Super Bowl halftime show. I’m not a big fan of rap. I’ve heard of Kendrick Lamar, but I can’t say that I haven’t listened to any of his music. So, I was a captive audience…mainly out of curiosity. As I watched the measured choreography, my brain struggled to find some understanding in his craft. I couldn’t help but think I was missing something. Something told me he was sending out a message…that this was an anthem of rebellion of some type. But, try as I might, my white-bread brain couldn’t suss it out.
\n\n\nIn yesterday’s post, I lamented that I didn’t like the Super Bowl halftime show. I’m not a big fan of rap. I’ve heard of Kendrick Lamar, but I can’t say that I have listened to any of his music. So, I was a captive audience…mainly out of curiosity. As I watched the measured choreography, my brain struggled to find some understanding in his craft. I couldn’t help but think I was missing something. I had a feeling he was sending out a message…that this was an anthem of rebellion. But, try as I might, my white-bread brain couldn’t suss it out.
\n\n\nGranted, I couldn’t understand the lyrics. Thinking back, I caught enough words to make me want to investigate further. I don’t like explicit rap. But I came to understand this was Lamar’s art as activism…his paint and canvas. In much the same way as Michelangelo’s sculpture, David…was a symbol of resistance against the powerful Medici patronage in Florence. Marcel Duchamp, Otto Dix, Jasper Johns, Banksy, Picasso…all famous artists that used their work as the language of rebellion against the rise of fascism, war, famine, racism, dehumanization, Apartheid.
\n\n\nKendrick Lamar was speaking in his own language about something that runs deep in the fabric of our history. For example, the image of the dancers forming an American flag while bent over symbolized how America was built largely on the backs of black people. His songs “40 Acres” hark back to the inhumane practice of slavery. “Wesley’s Theory,” “For Free.” There was symbolism of Uncle Tom and Jim Crow…all in an effort to remind us…the NFL may take the “End Racism” signs down, but we need to keep our eyes open. Unfortunately, it still happens.
\n\n\nI’m not getting into a political discussion. I was just interested in the symbolism and how it fits into our society as a whole. Unless you are a multi-linguist and speak many languages, you really only understand your native tongue. It’s understandable that there will be any forms of free speech that we do not comprehend. But, we can learn…open our minds and hearts…and look into the hearts and minds of others. This is part and parcel the message Jesus gave us…
\n\n\n💜
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLove one another as I have loved you. John 13:34
\n\n
***Gratitude Journal***\n\n\n
Today I am grateful for a God who can give me an open heart and mind to learn and grow in my love and understanding of others.
#understanding, #compassion, #art
\n\n", "date_published": "2025-02-11T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/02/11/the-language-of-rebellion.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Insight","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/01/24/move-along-now.html", "title": "Move Along Now", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/166ce50369.jpg\")
It’s starting to feel like Groundhog Day around here. Every single day is the same old thing…coffee, breakfast, dishes, 2nd cuppa, snack, dinner, dishes, snack…all to the accompaniment of SNOW. I’m over it already. I haven’t seen grass this year. Everything is 100 shades of white.
\n\n\nThe world goes quiet when it snows. I like quiet. I remember snowshoeing in foot deep powder at night in the mountains of Colorado. The snow made a sound like bacon frying in the other room…a soft hisssssss. That and the sound of my snowshoes swooshing forward with every step was a meditation. The air so crisp and cold your nose hairs froze. This was in the days before portable electronics dominated our every move. You could get away, deep in the woods, and not another soul around save for a little ermine hopping across the open spance, the little black tip on the end of his tail the only way to discern it from the snow.
\n\n\nI’ve noticed far less traffic in the last couple of weeks. School has been out or delayed because of snow and low temperatures so there aren’t as many folks out and about. We’re all hibernating at this time of the year. I know sitting in the Big Red Chair and crocheting or knitting seems to me the only thing I can get done…besides baking and cleaning the kitchen. It’s ok…it won’t be long till we’ll be spending the days outside in the hot sun, mowing and keeping up with the outdoor maintenance. Still…I’m kinda done with the snow thing.
\n\n\nJanuary is SOOOOOOOOOOO long!
\n\n\n❄️🩵❄️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“From its chamber comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds. By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast.”
\n\n
Job 37:9-10 ESV
Gratitude Journal
Today I am grateful for people who speak of the Lord as an example of the values we should seek in this life…even in the face of consternation of others. It is a sign of quiet strength and obedience to do that.
#obedience #faith #winter
\n\n", "date_published": "2025-01-24T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/01/24/move-along-now.html", "tags": ["Faith","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/06/03/country-living-the-flip-side.html", "title": "Country Living - The Flip Side", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6ad867a5e0.jpg\")
As beautiful as it is here on Marshmallow Ranch, it doesn’t come without its issues. Besides being so far away from everything, there is just SO much to do to even begin to keep up with the maintenance of five acres. Mr. FixIt and I have taken to walking around the property of an evening to see what’s showing up. We flushed a baby bunny from one of the pollinator gardens last night. And we found a hole where something has burrowed in at the edge of one. Too big for a mouse or vole…too small for a bunny or a groundhog. Perhaps I need to get a trail camera out there to catch whatever it is.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a3fdd5232a.jpg\")
Invasive Species: Chinese Yam
\n\n\nAs we ventured up the hedgerow, I noticed rapid new growth on a vine I first noticed last year. Cinnamon Vine or Chinese Yam (Dioscorea polystachya) is an invasive species that I now need to go about trying to eradicate. It is a lot harder to get rid of unwanted vegetation without using chemicals, but I refuse to put chemicals on this ground. I’ll make up a batch of vinegar, salt, and Dawn dish soap and kill the vegetation, then I can go about digging out the roots. They grow and reproduce, not only by tubers in the ground, but also tubers that look like little potatoes n the vine itself. This isn’t going to be easy. I don’t know if we can live long enough to make a dent in what needs to be done here to be a good steward of the land, but we’ll do our level best.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/036878d73f.jpg\")
Elderberry
\n\n\nIn the meantime, an Elderberry bush has shown up intermingled with the Flowering Quince and Forsythia bushes. I don’t mind having those. You can make an elixir with elderberries that supports the immune system. And, the pollinator gardens are looking beautiful in their own right. The grasses stand a good two feet deep and all look so healthy. It just makes me so happy to walk down the paths I’ve cut through them, holding hands with my sweetheart.
\n\n\nAs I sat here last evening writing my post out in the camper, my eye was drawn to the scene outside the screen door. Just before dark, the lightning bugs rise from the grass on cue. One of the evenings, I need to have my tripod ready and see if I can get some time lapse photos of them. The pool is looking really good. We are starting to see the bottom and the new sand is filtering it much better. We’re adding chlorine daily but there are other chemicals we need to use as well. We’ll take a sample into the pool place today to see what we need. We bought the last two boards (for now) for the deck. We’ll replace them as needed.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fd315213d3.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0345d363b8.jpg\")
So, there’s a lot to keep up, but oh…the rewards are many. Listening to the tree frogs. The barred owl up the holler. The occasional night bird. The soft evening breeze feels delightfully cool. The smell of faraway rain. These are the rewards for jobs well done and make the doing worthwhile.
\n\n\nThere is peace here.
\n\n\n🐝
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?””
\nHebrews 13:6 ESV\n
#Peace, #Work, #CountryLife
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-06-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/06/03/country-living-the-flip-side.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Peace","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/03/08/the-matriarch.html", "title": "The Matriarch", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a5f5b8f569.jpg\")
My grandmother was fifty-six years old when I was born. My grandma was only forty-eight. Yet…they seemed ancient to me when I was a little girl. Their hair was gray and their skin was soft with wrinkles. Blue veins traced rivers on the backs of their hands and brown “liver spots” dotted their arms. They were magical beings with vast knowledge of such things as the perfect chicken and dumplings and soothing slices of jelly bread. They kissed away booboos and loved me unconditionally…my grandma most of all.
\n\n\nI was standing in front of the mirror at The Farm yesterday morning, brushing my own grey hair and pinning it up in a bun just as Grandma had always done. I never knew her to have short hair. As far as I know, she had never cut it or gone to a beauty shop. And she never had bangs. I’ve been letting my bangs grow out. I trimmed them myself through the pandemic so I just kept doing it. Then I waited a little too long and was afraid I’d botch it up. Not wanting to go to the hairdresser, I decided to let them grow out to see if I like them. I don’t NOT like them. I wore my hair swept back when I was growing up. My bangs are getting long enough to sweep them back when I pin my hair up, as long as the bun is high on my head. The jury is still out. I think I notice my face more and maybe that’s not a bad thing. I don’t feel the need to hide anymore and this is a little liberating.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/45e4fadaab.jpg\")
That’s me in the center of the photo with my uncle and cousins going for a ride in the old Model A truck.
\n\n\nMy Noom lesson yesterday was on self confidence and giving yourself compliments. We are quick to compliment others, yet we are so hard on ourselves. My exercise for the day was to stand in front of the mirror and give myself a believable compliment…out loud. I stepped closer to the mirror and looked at myself critically. I’ve always had a distinct widow’s peak and that’s why I’ve worn bangs. I was self conscious of the receding hairline on either side of my face. I finished brushing my hair back and said to the girl with the grandmother face who was smiling at me.
\n\n\n“You have a kind face. Your eyes crinkle with your laughter and twinkle with happiness. Every line on your beautiful face reminds you of the multitude of smiles you’ve given over the seventy years your presence has been known here. You are exactly as you were meant to be and exactly where you belong!”
\n\n\nI gave myself a big hug and you know what? I felt better! Why are women so hard on themselves…and on each other? We should be celebrated for the glorious and powerful creatures we are! We should be lifting each other up at every turn and encouraging each other with positivity, love, and grace. I used to be so threatened by other women. And now? No way! I am past all that. I am of the mind that if another doesn’t like me or accept me as I am, they are not deserving of my time and energy and I release myself from the burden of bearing the weight of something that is no longer mine to carry.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e630e2a9e2.jpg\")
I took this picture because, honestly…I don’t see that angle of myself. I wanted to see what the roadmap of wrinkles on my cheeks were up to. When I looked, I smiled. I’m not sad to have my grandmother’s face or my grandma’s long hair swept back in a bun. I’m honored to be counted among the crones.
\n\n\nI am the matriarch now.
\n\n\n🩵
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n”Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.“
\nProverbs 31:30-31 NIV\n
#Matriarch, #Aging, #PositiveAging, #InternationalWomensDay
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-03-08T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/03/08/the-matriarch.html", "tags": ["Self Care","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Aging","Presence","Change","Memories","Mental Health"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/03/03/another-project-finished.html", "title": "Another Project Finished", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/961f6e4be3.jpg\")
We had the most delightful day yesterday. Mr. FixIt had to take it easy after his procedure on Friday, so he was banished to the Big Red Chair. I finished the Dragon Scale Gloves. If you can read knitting, you can see a couple of errors, but to the untrained eye…they are quite passable. I’m sure they’re going to love them! I certainly had more fun making these than I’ve had knitting in some time.
\n\n\nWe were looking for something to watch yesterday afternoon. Something we would both enjoy. Mr. Virgo and I used to watch all the civil war films and documentaries and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen them. We decided on Gettysburg. One of these days, I’d like to go there and see the battlefield myself.
\n\n\nMr. Virgo told me a story about going there with his Boy Scout Troop as a young boy. The group was on a walking tour, heading down a dirt road, looking for a burial site. The fathers were scanning the area, checking their maps and trying to get their bearings. At some point, Mr. Virgo walked over and tugged on his dad’s sleeve.
\n\n\n“Dad, they’re buried down over that ridge.”
\n\n\n“I’m sorry,” said his dad. “What do you mean? How could you possibly know that?”
\n\n\n“Because, I was a soldier and I was here.”
\n\n\nEveryone looked at him like they’d seen a ghost, but they took his direction and walked over the hill. Sure enough, they found what they were looking for. Mr. Virgo was like that. He just “knew things.” No explanation. Later on that day, the troop came upon a white house with a large front porch. A woman stood on the porch and greeted the boys.
\n\n\n“Come! Come! Sit here on the porch and have some lemonade and cookies and cool off. My husband will be along shortly to talk to you boys and tell you what happened here,” she said.
\n\n\nThe boys did as they were told and were enjoying their refreshments when they noticed the fathers suddenly standing up and saluting. A kindly man in period dress came out and greeted the visitors before settling into a rocking chair. He regaled them with stories of who had lived in the house and what the battle was like at that particular spot. After and hour or so, the gentleman bid them farewell and headed back into the house.
\n\n\nOn the way home, Mr. Virgo asked his dad who the man was.
\n\n\n“Son, that was General Dwight D. Eisenhower…the former President of the United States.”
\n\n\nIt was a memory that he cherished his entire life. Those men…our father’s generation…were called the Greatest Generation. They were the men who fought in World War II and Korea. They saved the world from the devastation wreaked by Hitler…a man intent on conquering the world and becoming the ultimate ruler for all time. I pray we have learned from that era.
\n\n\nI was an extra in a movie back in the ‘80s. I have a pretty good understanding of the logistics that go into a cinematic production. The logistics of the film Gettysburg is a marvel. That last battle scene with hundreds and hundreds of people fighting is incredible. And to think what it must have been like for our great grandfathers who fought in the Civil War. It’s unbearable to think something like this could happen again.
\n\n\nI pray there will be a day where there is no more war this side of heaven.
\n\n\n🩵
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2024-03-03T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/03/03/another-project-finished.html", "tags": ["Hope","Love","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/01/07/january-th.html", "title": "January 6th", "content_html": "\n”“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”“
\nJohn 16:33 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6c5f15e361.jpg\")
Knitting in front of the “fire”!
\n\n\nA monumental day in my life and the lives of all of us. My re-birth day was marred three years ago when the Capitol was stormed and of course, with it being an election year…we’re going to revisit it from every angle. For me personally, I was left traumatized by the events of that day. To my parent’s generation, it was Pearl Harbor. To mine, it was JFK’s assassination. And now…well, what ISN’T traumatizing these days? School shootings, train derailments, natural disasters, grown a$$ adults acting like idiots on network television. I just want it to stop. I want my great grandchildren to grow up in a world where these things aren’t normalized. And I want to stop feeling traumatized every time I watch the evening news. I think I’m going to have to go back to avoiding it again and get my news online from trusted sources. Not sticking my head in the sand. Just opting for sanity and keeping my environment as peaceful as I can. This isn’t a political rant…just a statement of desire. Peace.
\n\n\nYesterday was a lovely, peaceful day. We both slept in later than usual. We’ve discovered sleeping in separate rooms gives us both a better night’s sleep and keeps our marriage calm and joyful. I fixed a nice breakfast and went to my studio to make the hat and scarf to take to Mrs. FixIt 1.0 today. I think this one will fit her better. Our second great grandson is turning FOUR years old this week. He is the sweetest little guy…a real Papaw’s boy.
\n\n\nI puttered around a little with the things I brought home from the farm yesterday. I did a little research on a senior portrait I found mixed in with her papers. I posted it on the county genealogy page for the county where they graduated and got a hit. A gentleman posted that he forwarded it to the lady’s niece and she’ll be contacting me to retrieve the photo.
\n\n\nI called about the table I really wanted, and…even though it wasn’t a bad price, I decided to wait before I jump on it. I want to see if anyone I know might have one they want to part with first.
\n\n\nI’ve pulled out some more yarn to make another “Tote of Many Colors!” When I get a few things made ahead, I’ll have some of my handmade things for sale here soon. I would LOVE knowing things I made with my own hands are gracing your lives!
\n\n\nI made the Chicken Parmesan yesterday for supper and that dish just does not disappoint! SO yummy!
\n\n\nIf the weather permits, we’ll head into town today for the little guy’s birthday party. If not, we’ll just hang out here at the house. Either way, life is so good. I’m sure glad I stuck around for the “fourth act”!
\n\n\n❄️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2024-01-07T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/01/07/january-th.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Peace","Cooking"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/12/08/its-time-for-my-annual.html", "title": "It’s Time for my Annual PSA", "content_html": "\n”Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.“
\n2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/18cd8d8c37.jpg\")
Every year I get up on my little soapbox and talk to you about why I say “Happy Holidays.” Now, before we go any further, I’m not saying this should be YOUR greeting if what you wish to say is Merry Christmas! If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I lived a Jewish life for twenty eight years so I have personal experience. Someone who is Jewish will most likely never say a word when you wish them Merry Christmas, even though Hanukkah may have already started. After all, they would never think to come up to you and say Happy Hanukkah. They more than likely will give you a gracious “Thank you…and same to you!” There is no offense taken.
\n\n\nBut we are living in dangerous times right now. Hate is rising fast and antisemitism has reared it’s ugly head in a BIG way. I cannot express enough how scary this is to me. My family is Jewish. My children and grandchildren identify deeply with Judaism, even if they are not practicing Jews. I cannot sit idly aside and say nothing.
\n\n\nI have experienced antisemitism myself. Someone in my own family treated me with contempt and asked me to put my Star of David inside my sweater. When my Jewish husband expressed an interest in moving to West Virginia to open a practice, this same family member told him, and I quote… “Well, we had a family of Jews down here once. Come down here from New York City. Wanted to change this and change that. Well, they lit outta here pretty quick when they burned that cross on their lawn!” To. His. Face.
\n\n\nI’ve held my child while she cried because the other kids called her a “stupid ****ing Jew.”
\n\n\nThis hatred against people for who and what they are is straight from the devil himself. God is Love. The very God these people profess to follow would NEVER treat people like that. The Jews are His CHOSEN people! JESUS was Jewish. He never wore a cross because he hadn’t been crucified yet. Christianity hadn’t been truly formed yet.
\n\n\nI don’t want to go on and on about it, but there are FOURTEEN religious holidays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. From St. Nicholas Day to Bodhi Day to Yule to Zarathosht Diso…many faiths celebrate during the month of December.
\n\n\nSince I am not a mind reader, and I cannot tell what someone believes by looking at them, I say Happy Holidays. Because, chances are, they’re celebrating at least one of them this month. If I know for certain they celebrate Christmas, then of course…I say a hearty Merry Christmas to them. If I know for certain they are Jewish, I say Happy Hanukkah.
\n\n\nOtherwise, it’s Happy Holidays from this left wing liberal hippy-chick farm girl!
\n\n\nI’m not scolding anyone. I’m just asking those who mistreat others to put themselves in the shoes of the downtrodden, the marginalized, the oppressed, the belittled, the victimized, the beleaguered, the beaten down, the underdog. Because they are just as human as any of us.
\n\n\n🩵
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n”If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.“
\n1 John 4:20 ESV\n
#NoLoveKnowHate, #KnowLoveNoHate, #NoHate
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-12-08T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/12/08/its-time-for-my-annual.html", "tags": ["Love","Peace","Wisdom","Anger","Fear"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/10/31/the-kindness-strategy.html", "title": "The Kindness Strategy", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/afbb4b3a83.jpg\")
I opened my eyes to the sound of the bedroom door being gently closed…my husband’s attempt to keep from awakening me. I smiled because that meant he was feeling better…up making tea and getting his day started as usual. Such good news. I turned and looked out the bedroom window at the ridge beyond the far field. It was a dull, grey morning with a steady misty rain making everything look like a faded WWII movie in an English countryside.
\n\n\nBy this time of the year, the majority of the leaves have fallen…blown away by the wind and rain. Rather than a dismal view, I was greeted by Autumn’s bold invitation to look deeper at the waning colors. While most of the leaves of the giant sycamore trees have fallen, those in the uppermost branches retain their last flash of color looking all the world like starry crowns. While I love the flashy bright colors of early fall, it’s these days that draw me in closer.
\n\n\nWest Virginia is covered with dense deciduous forests in a tangle of underbrush. The first time you see a bit of color is in the spring when the redbud and dogwood trees bloom before the rest of the trees leaf out. Now, at the end of their growth cycle, that dense under canopy pops with bright reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s Mother Nature’s curtain call…the encore that you might totally miss if you don’t look deeper and pay attention.
\n\n\nA lot of life works in the same way…inviting us in to see the rare beauty after the really big show. That which draws us in touches our spirits and forces us to find the magic in life. If you watch the main stream new outlets, you are likely to see only the sensational and the gaudy…the ugly and the frightening. Because that’s what sells. That’s what stirs up the populace to gather pitchforks and torches, pitting neighbor against neighbor.
\n\n\nYou may sit there in your chair with your morning coffee and think, “What difference can I make? The world is so big, and I am so small.” Well, this is true…but, let me tell you something. The smallest, most insignificant gesture sent out towards another will cause a small shift in the forces of nature. It will spread like the ripples of a pond, every growing till it crashes into another’s love-sent ripple. And eventually, the tide will shift, a voice will grow, a heart will mend. No kindness will be unnoticed.
\n\n\nEvery single thing we do, good or bad, will be reflected through the large lens of life. I prefer to send out love and light and peace into the world because I know that will feed the planet. If you want a garden to grow, you don’t throw seeds out on the parched earth and expect to grow anything. You have to break the ground open with diligence and strength. You have to plant the seeds with service and hope. You have to fertilize and water the garden with an abundance of love and light in order for it to grow into a rich harvest.
\n\n\nGod gives us every one of the tools we need to do this. I saw a meme yesterday. I can’t find it now, but I’ll paraphrase.
\n\n\nNarrator: Imagine you have been assigned to the crew of a starship.\nYou: Cool!\nNarrator: But, the time travel is really, really slow and you’ll be with a lot of other crew members for a really long time.\nYou: Oh, ok. We would have to cooperate and get along and make compromises in order to finish our mission successfully?\nNarrator: Yes, that’s exactly right.\nYou: I can do that! By the way…what’s the name of the starship?\n\nNarrator: Earth.\n\n\n
🌎
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
\nProverbs 31:26 ESV\n
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\n\n\nPeace on Earth…Goodwill to All
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2c8b857694.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bb9671e6f1.jpg\")
Chewed up walnut hull.
\n\n\nWell, something got into the bucket of black walnuts I left in the driveway. When I went out to check the mail yesterday, the evidence was left in a neat little pile along the edge of the concrete. No scat that I could find to identify the critter. I didn’t catch anything on the security camera that would identify the culprit either. So…no bear on the camera as of yet. Maybe Santa will bring me a couple really great trail cams for Christmas!
\n\n\nPoor Mr. FixIt. He was maybe a smidgeon better yesterday. He has that deep chesty voice you get when you have a bad head cold and he’s still sneezing and has a runny nose. No fever today and he continues to take his antiviral medication. I thought for sure I was coming down with it Thursday night because I started getting a scratchy throat, but I slept like a log and woke up no worse for the wear. My Covid Test continues to be negative. So, either I have a very, very mild case or it’s the typical fall allergies that come when the leaves are on the ground getting moldy. I am staying out of Mr. FixIt’s face and washing my hands and everything else in hot soapy water.
\n\n\nWe had a phone visit with our Primary Care Provider yesterday morning and she said to continue what we’re doing…rest, drink plenty of fluids,Tylenol for aches and fever, diet as tolerated. Mr. FixIt was actually hungry yesterday and ate nearly a normal diet so that’s a good sign. I wish he could sleep better but when he lays down, the head congestion won’t let him rest. He did get a little napping done in his Big Red Chair and I’m sure that helped. It looks like he’s past the worst of it and I may just have dodged the bullet this go round.
\n\n\nOther than playing nurse to my sweetheart, I didn’t do much either. I started reading my new Appalachian Cookbook and cant wait to try some of the recipes. I started going through the camping gear that is parked on the floor in our family room seeing what needs to be put away and what can just be stored over the winter in the “kitchen trunk.” Mr. FixIt getting Covid kinda put an end to the camping season for me. I could still go out and sleep in the camper if I wanted to, but the Asian Lady Beetles and Stink Bugs are thick as thieves out there and it’s not worth it getting up and down to suck them up in the hand held vacuum.
\n\n\nOur weather has been warm this week, but next week will bring a big turn in the temperatures so this furnace thing has to be figured out. Mr. FixIt has a couple more things he wants to check out, but he can’t while he’s this sick. Maybe by Monday he’ll be more up for it. We’ll see. In the meantime, it really does feel good to just sit and read with a nice cup of tea after the crazy busy summer we’ve had.
\n\n\n🍁
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
\nPsalm 4:8 ESV\n
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\n\n\nFighting the anxiety of nightfall as a new widow was made somehow a little easier with a fuzzy blanket wrapped tightly around me. This was my go-to verse for the night time ritual of trying to calm my brain.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1e66ecf962.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/213693b026.jpg\")
Mr. FixIt and I record CBS Sunday Morning every week. Then, when we have time, we like to sit down and watch. There are only a couple of shows we watch together. We love old Andy Griffith reruns. We watch the evening news at 6:30 then as soon as it’s done, we might catch a couple episodes of Big Bang Theory. Rarely I’ll sit down and watch an episode of 48 Hours or 20/20. And that’s about it. I really don’t care for television as a whole.
\n\n\nCBS Sunday Morning has some of the most beautifully produced stories and yesterday’s episode was remarkable. A segment on Tiffany’s was beautiful. There was a recurring theme of homes and architecture and design throughout the show. One segment was about Marrakesh and its artistic riads. These are ornate courtyards within the confines of the house. Even though these homes were in the midst of a busy city, standing in the courtyard with a water feature is an oasis of calm and peace for the occupants. The narrator said, this is the owner’s “piece of the sky.”
\n\n\nThat really spoke to me. When I think of our five acres out at Marshmallow Ranch, I don’t always look at it as our piece of ground. I see it as our piece of the sky. A bigger piece than that of a small courtyard, to be sure. But just as peaceful and soothing as any oasis anywhere. When Big was here with her mom and Little, she didn’t like our sky. She felt smothered by the canopy of trees that close in from all sides. She’s not the only person I’ve heard who describes it as smothering. When we were in Colorado this summer, I was gobsmacked by the immensity of open sky out there. Even though I lived there for forty years, I’d forgotten just how spacious it is.
\n\n\nWe mowed this weekend and trimmed back a lot of the forsythia along the fenced pool enclosure. I hadn’t really thought of it, but we were cutting the overgrowth back so we could see more of the sky. And, so that things would stay somewhat drier. With global warming, we’ve been getting hotter and hotter and more and more severe weather. The ground is almost always wet. Having access to our piece of the sky is a godsend. The sky at the farm is getting smaller and smaller as the trees encroach into the little holler behind the house.
\n\n\nThis will be another very hot week with highs in the nineties. This is why we wanted to get the mowing done over the weekend. We have several things coming up that will take us to town a few times. And I need to clean the family room and put some things away. There’s always something to be done. If you are in the path of the storms…do take care.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.”
\nIsaiah 40:26 NLT\n
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\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0558ed6fca.jpg\")
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After nearly ten years, the grief I feel over losing Mr. Virgo is vastly different than it was even five or six years ago. Almost always, when memories come…it gives me a warm, loving feeling. I am seldom struck with heavy sadness and it isn’t the kind that breaks my heart open anymore. It is such a relief that my road isn’t as rocky and painful as it once was.
\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean that I never feel grief. It still sneaks up on me and it always will. Moving forward in life didn’t mean I stopped loving him. On the contrary. When my heart broke open, it made room in there for more and more love. And that eventually allowed me to let Mr. FixIt in. Our capacity to love should be as limitless as the stars if we truly love as Jesus loves.
\n\n\nWe were watching a show yesterday that tugged at my heartstrings. A long time character that we enjoyed passed away. On this show, he had been a Marine and they gave him full Military Honors at the gravesite. I’ve seen this a few times since Mr. Virgo died and every single time, it cuts through my heart. Every shot from the rifles. Every note of Taps played on the lone bugle. Every fold of the American flag that was draped over the casket then handed so reverently to the family. I can still remember that handsome, young soldier handing me Mr. Virgo’s flag and thanking me on behalf of the President and a grateful nation. It picked at that raw place in my heart that will always and forever be there, even though it normally hides…wrapped in velvety feathers in a beautiful, quiet place deep within me.
\n\n\nWhen the show ended, I gazed out the window. The sun was shining through the chill of a false spring day. I needed to get outside and feel the sun and wind and do something…anything. This life I’ve been blessed with…this decade Mr. Virgo didn’t get to have…makes me keenly away how quickly and easily it can be gone. In an instant. When I am stung by the barbs of grief, I want to make the most of every moment and DO something.
\n\n\nI asked Mr. FixIt if he’d like to go for a drive to Athens to look for that caulking he’s wanting…and maybe get a little supper while we’re out. He never turns down an adventure, so we headed out for the afternoon, had supper at Miller’s Chicken, and stopped to visit with the Former Mrs. FixIt for an hour or so on our way home. It was nearly 10:00 by the time we got home and it was really a most beautiful day.
\n\n\nAs I got out of the truck and began gathering my stuff, I looked up at the stars and was again reminded where I find my help, my strength, my peace. I smiled as I thanked God for blessing us with another day together, then turned and happily padded after Mr. FixIt to the house.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2023-02-26T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/02/26/when-grief-comes-calling.html", "tags": ["Grief","God","Peace","Strength"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/02/19/twinkle-twinkle-big-bright-stars.html", "title": "Twinkle, Twinkle Big Bright Stars", "content_html": "\n“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
\nPsalms 121:2 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/aac05c37cd.jpg\")
Saturdays are often a catch up day around Marshmallow Ranch. Mr. FixIt headed to town first thing to pick up moulding for the newly painted hallway. And, of course, like every other trip to town, they didn’t have what he needed so he had to go to another store. In the meantime, I cleaned house.
\n\n\nThe sun was shining brightly and the windows were really dingy after having a Christmas tree in front of them for months. I don’t know if you’ve ever used Norwex products, but they have a wonderful two-cloth system that doesn’t use chemicals. With the windows all sparkly, and the kitchen clean and tidy, I ran the vacuum then sat down with the computer to do a little more work on this project.
\n\n\nI’m making a lot of progress and I think I’m still on course for the big reveal in the middle of March. I gave up on the more complex program and went back to the simpler, though more expensive, version. It’s looking good, I think. And I’m getting pretty psyched for it. Feeling appropriately enticed? ?
\n\n\nJust after dark, Mr. FixIt was heading to the kitchen to put the kettle on when he stopped and looked out the door in the family room. He went out without saying a word and I knew that meant he saw something in the sky. My sweetheart has a love for the out of doors and especially the night sky. We had perfectly clear skies last night and after days of rain, it was lovely to walk out and see the stars.
\n\n\nJust over the crest of the far hill were two huge stars. Well, actually…two huge planets. Jupiter and Venus were showing off last night and I was glad I grabbed my phone to snap a photo. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has an extraordinary camera and you can take photos of the stars in the night sky which astounds me.
\n\n\nI remember making the trip to West Virginia in the summer of 2016 for my 45th High School Reunion. My Uncle had just asked me to come off the road to live on the farm and take care of it. When I got home after the last party, I laid down on the wheelchair ramp out back and watched the Milky Way. It is incredibly dark out there and with no light pollution, it felt like you could reach out and touch the stars.
\n\n\nStar watching is one of my favorite things to do, too. I think that’s why Mr. FixIt and I both love to camp. We can get away from city lights and watch for shooting stars and satellites. I’ve still never caught a glimpse of StarLink but I have seen the International Space Station. We are still on the roller coaster of highs and lows on the thermometer, but Tony the Weatherman told us it looks like our risk of snow is pretty much gone. We had another very mild winter. On the one hand, I am concerned by the implications of climate change. But on the other, I am relieved we didn’t have a rough winter. As a matter of fact, we didn’t have to run the snowblower even once this year.
\n\n\nToday will be another mild one with a high near 60°. I’ll take that any day of the week!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2023-02-19T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/02/19/twinkle-twinkle-big-bright-stars.html", "tags": ["The Farm","Peace","Farm Life","Heaven"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/01/25/still-learning-about-this-life.html", "title": "Still Learning About This Life Thing", "content_html": "\n“He counts the stars and assigns each a name.”
\nPsalms 147:4 MSG\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4969f4992c.jpg\")
Do you all get as tired of cooking as I do? My sweetheart has been picking up the slack while I’ve been working at my desk. It is very much appreciated!
\n\n\nI’m developing a routine. We kinda sleep in and have a nice breakfast, then I take my tea down to my “studio” in the basement and get to work. What I’m doing has a learning curve and at first I thought I might be past my prime to take on such an undertaking. However, I am pleasantly surprised to note that the longer I’m at this, the sharper my memory is. I’m staying focused for hours where even just a week ago I was having trouble. That is encouraging on so many levels. It makes the old adage “use it or lose it” really mean something.
\n\n\nThe little space heater is under the desk keeping me toasty…except for my hands. For some reason, there is cold air blowing on one corner of the desk and my hands were freezing. I put on one of those fluffy hoodies that I bought at Christmas for all the girls and it did the trick. It has a pouch pocket on the front so I just put my hands in there and warmed them up from time to time. Between that and nice hot mugs of tea…I was good to go.
\n\n\nI kept busy at my desk all day for a reason. It gave me the opportunity to remember my mom and my Aunt Rosie without getting verklempt. I will miss my aunt and our fun conversations. And I always miss my mom. So, when I was finished at the desk, I came upstairs and called Daughter #1 for a nice long video chat. That did my heart a world of good. It was like a warm hug.
\n\n\nI miss my kids being so far away. They are all so busy with their own lives. I only get to Colorado once a year, so these video visits are necessary for this mama’s heart. I think about the technology available today. Video chats were a lifesaver during the worst of the pandemic. Everything from welcoming new babies to sitting in on a funeral…from cooking “with” your grands to reading books with the great grands…things like FaceTime and Skype were irreplaceable.
\n\n\nI have to rely on phone calls with my brother. He has such a hard time keeping his phone handy…he’s all the time “losing” it. I have no idea where, but I did have them put a landline in his apartment and he has a roommate now that is good about getting him to the phone. That makes a huge difference in our ability to communicate.
\n\n\nI’m not sure when we’ll make our next trip out west. We have an outdoor wedding here at Marshmallow Ranch in May for one of my bonus grandkids. Another gets married in June. We might wait till September when the kids go back to school to avoid the crowded campgrounds. We’ll see. I know in April we go to the beach to our timeshare and my bonus son and his wife are joining us this year. They are so fun to travel with!
\n\n\nThat’s all the news for the day, my friends. I used some of the tools in my “Grief Tool Box” yesterday and they really helped me. In the midst of it all, I found out one of the grands was sick and my Nana-brain started to send me down the rabbit hole of anxiety but I reminded myself not to spend any energy on worrying about tomorrow. Today has enough of it’s own to deal with.
\n\n\nHa! Maybe I will get this whole “life” thing figured out after all!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2023-01-25T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/01/25/still-learning-about-this-life.html", "tags": ["Grief","Peace","Wisdom","Anxiety"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/12/27/settling-in-with-a-little.html", "title": "Settling in With a Little Baking", "content_html": "\n“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
\nPhilippians 4:6-7 MSG\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9ce3aec2bd.jpg\")
After not feeling well on Christmas Day, I decided to just lay low and eat light yesterday. Toast and tea for breakfast, some more on the computer, and some knitting while Mr. FixIt watched his shows left me feeling refreshed and rested. We had a lovely video chat with my in-loves in Colorado. My son-in-law’s parents are the salt of the earth and we had a grand time visiting with them over tea. In the late afternoon, Mr. FixIt headed to town for a minute. By that time it had started snowing.
\n\n\nJust as he left, I saw a post on the scanner page on FB that warned of an accident on the top of the hill above our house. My sweetie called me from the truck and said it was a bad one but the roads weren’t all that terrible. It must have been caused by something else. Who knows? There are so many deer about at that time of day and people drive like maniacs on that road. Someone got on his tail all the way home and peeled out around him when he turned to check the mail.
\n\n\nThen I learned Christmas Day that my sweet aunt…my mom’s only surviving sister…fell on Christmas Eve and broke her hip. My Auntie Rosie is a gem. She looks so much like my mom and my grandma that it shakes me to my core when I see her. She lost her husband a few years ago and has been living with her daughter. When my cousin lost her husband, the two of them moved back to Indiana to be near friends for support.
\n\n\nAunt Rosie was in Nursing School when I was born. She stayed at our house a lot to help mom with me and my big brother. I was a handful, I’ve been told. My aunt likes to tell the story of how she discovered I had torn up my mom’s new book and was going to spank my little butt. Instead, Auntie Rosie hid me in the closet till mom cooled down. When her only child was born when I was about five or six, she brought her home on the train so we could meet her. I remember her curly red hair framing her face like an auburn halo and her porcelain skin was just like a little china doll.
\n\n\nMy aunt got a new hip for Christmas and they started her on rehab yesterday. I spoke with her for a moment, but her attention span was short so I asked my cousin to keep me up to date. Please send up some prayers for them both to get through this with ease and quick healing.
\n\n\nWhen Mr. FixIt was in town and called me, he asked if I wanted him to stop at the store to get us a sweet. I told him I had something better in mind. Within an hour, I had a homemade apple pie in the oven. We warmed up the leftover Cheesy Broccoli soup for supper and ate as we watched a light snow dust the sidewalks. This has been a cozy and quiet week here at Marshmallow Ranch and I’ve really enjoyed the down time. I’m about half through the fifth Christmas stocking!
\n\n\nI’ll need to pick up the pace in the next couple of days. There’s a lot to do before the FixIt Family Festivities on Friday. Cleaning house and wrapping presents. And I still need to send our Christmas cards. I might eke out one more knitting day before I have to get busy.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-12-27T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/12/27/settling-in-with-a-little.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Peace","Baking"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/12/26/an-unexpected-christmas-gift.html", "title": "An Unexpected Christmas Gift", "content_html": "\n“May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you!”
\n2 Thessalonians 3:16 MSG\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/331f0fd7b1.jpg\")
I didn’t sleep well Christmas Eve. I was too hot, even after I moved to the guest room which is downright chilly. I tossed and turned and finally got up around 9:00. I made breakfast…warmed up a biscuit, fried up some of that ham we got on special at Aldi’s, and some scrambled eggs. That ham was the saltiest I’ve ever tasted. I checked the wrapper to see if it was a cured ham that needed soaked and it was not. But I knew as soon as I ate it, I would regret it.
\n\n\nIt’s never fun to feel sick. It’s especially not fun to feel sick on Christmas Day. To top it off, I had two phone calls that made me sad…family health issues. I changed back into my jammies and went back to bed and slept till 5:00! I woke up feeling a bit better but still had a headache.
\n\n\nWe watched a football game and I started knitting Christmas Stocking #5. I still haven’t added up how many I need to make so who knows? I’ll probably be knitting them till Thanksgiving next year! I finally reached my brother last evening. He’d been trying to call me all day but was having technical difficulties with his new phone. I hope it works out ok.
\n\n\nWhen I headed to the back of the house to write this, I told Mr. FixIt that it’s a darned good thing he is self-sufficient and I don’t need to babysit or entertain him all the time. That was one thing that was possibly going to become cumbersome in my relationship with Mr. Virgo. He told me at the outset that if I was one of those women who had to take off and travel without him, he wasn’t interested. I agreed to those terms because that’s actually what I was looking forward to after having been married to a doctor who was gone a lot.
\n\n\nIt turned out that he didn’t just want me to be home with him. Mr. Virgo wanted me to sit on the couch beside him and watch the same shows so we could discuss them during the commercials. He didn’t want me to work on the computer or play on my phone or hang out in the bathtub for an hour for a little space. We weren’t together long enough to know if this was going to be a big problem, but I have a feeling it could have become one.
\n\n\nThat’s why I’m so thrilled that Mr. FixIt and I have our life together AND we have our separate interests and our OWN lives. I think it’s much healthier for the long haul. Granted, the pandemic certainly curtailed our separate adventures the last three years, but we’ve found ways to have our own space.
\n\n\nThe weather is still frigid here in West Virginia, but the temps are on their way up. I believe we are expected to be above freezing by Tuesday and by the weekend we’ll hit 60°!!! I’ll take it! It should be fun for the FixIt Family Festivities on Friday. Maybe we’ll have a bonfire and roast marshmallows. We even have some fireworks we could set off to celebrate an early New Year! I know Chili and Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are on the menu and that’s always yummy!
\n\n\nI hope you were able to celebrate in whatever way you do…or don’t. My day turned out to be the gift of restoration. The bottom line is to always do what’s right for you…especially if you are grieving or alone. Sending lots of love and light to you on this Boxing Day!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-12-26T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/12/26/an-unexpected-christmas-gift.html", "tags": ["Peace","Holiday","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/12/09/a-sigh-of-relief.html", "title": "A Sigh of Relief", "content_html": "\n“For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ’s table, wouldn’t it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn’t eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God’s welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help. Or, say, one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other. There are good reasons either way. So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience. What’s important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God’s sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. None of us are permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. It’s God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other. That’s why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other. So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I’d say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren’t going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture: “As I live and breathe,” God says, “every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God.” So mind your own business. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.”
\nRomans 14:2-12 MSG\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/da5ac72e38.jpg\")
I don’t really consider myself a vain person. Not anymore. I used to be much more self-conscious and tried to “keep up with the Joneses”. But now that I AM a Jones and live out in the country and I’m rapidly closing in on 70, I find my beauty comes from within. And I’m good with that.
\n\n\nI stopped cutting my hair simply because of covid and then…it just seemed to be pretty cost conscious to avoid the salon. I got used to pulling it back in a ponytail and braiding it to keep it from tangling and breaking. This kept it healthy, but I’ve been toying with cutting it for a few months now.
\n\n\nAs I told you yesterday, I wasn’t really thrilled with it when I got home. I thought maybe the cut itself was bad because it looked really choppy. It turns out, my hair has changed drastically in the three years since I stopped cutting it. There are several reasons for that. One is my age. Grey hair has a tendency to be more coarse and wiry. But that doesn’t explain the curls that made an appearance since my last cut.
\n\n\nI’m sure braiding it all the time has trained it to curl more than it was before. And, my hyperparathyroidism seems to have been a factor. I asked in my Parathyroid Support Group if others had seen a difference in their hair and the response was an overwhelming “Yes!” Interestingly, the results were about 50/50…some had gone from straight to curly like me, and some had just the opposite effect. They went from having abundant curls to slightly wavy.
\n\n\nI called my regular salon yesterday. The gal who used to do my hair isn’t there any longer so they gave the name of another stylist who has over thirty years experience. I felt comfortable with that. Kendra spent a great deal of time with me. I’ve known the salon owner since high school. He came over and consulted and the two of them agreed it really wasn’t a BAD cut…but it did need a little finessing.
\n\n\nIt turns out, my hair is entirely different than it was three years ago. Though it was nearly stick straight and baby fine all my life, there was a LOT of it. And now, it’s coarse and really curly from my ears back. The whole back of my head. So when I blew it dry like I’d always done before, it did nothing but frizz out.
\n\n\nKendra showed me how to style it to keep that from happening. We made a plan to let it grow and we’ll keep trimming it till we get the layers grown out, then maybe down the road, we’ll want to try a different approach altogether and embrace the curls. At any rate, I felt immensely better when I left the salon than I did when I went in. I bought some really good professional quality shampoo and conditioner to keep my hair healthy. All the girls in the salon were so envious of my color. They said they get women all the time that want them to put low lights in their hair like I have and mine is all natural.
\n\n\nWhen I was finished at the salon, I went to Sam’s because it’s close by. We needed a few things, but the store wasn’t terribly crowded and I decided to just browse and people watch. I’ve been wanting an enameled cast iron Dutch oven for forty years and never bought myself one. Sam’s had one for $45 so I bought a beautiful fire engine red model!
\n\n\nI’ve also been looking for a way to watch the movies from my iPad on our big screen TV. I have the first generation Apple TV, but it no longer works with the newer technology. When I saw one at Sam’s for $65 dollars off, I picked one up. The bonus is, I can download an app from the Apple Store and watch Big’s college swim meets on the big screen! I hear of people ditching Satellite in favor of online TV and it’s much cheaper. I’ll be exploring that. It’s always a good idea to be more frugal in entertainment to keep the cash flow for the things that are currently more expensive.
\n\n\nI reached Daughter #1 by phone on my way home. We don’t always get a chance to just sit and talk at any length. She’s very busy and with the time difference, we miss each other a lot. This time we talked for a good forty-five minutes and it did my heart good. I ended my night feeling MUCH better…lighter, healthier, less stressed. One might call this “retail therapy.” I prefer to call it killing many birds with one stone that saves money in the long run and made my heart and mind healthy and happy.
\n\n\nAnd…I got a really rad Dutch oven to boot!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
\nRomans 8:28 ESV\n
#Health, #Happiness, #Peace
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-12-09T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/12/09/a-sigh-of-relief.html", "tags": ["Health","Peace","Happiness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/11/22/when-bad-things-happen.html", "title": "When Bad Things Happen", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1df586cc4a.jpg\")
It turns out, it may not have been the smartest thing. I’ve been trying to figure out what I want to do with my Twitter accounts. Things are flaming out of control over there and I just don’t want to be a part of it. Besides that, they are running on a skeleton crew. Who knows what their security is like, right? I have two Twitter accounts…one for Marshmallow Ranch, and the other strictly grief related.
\n\n\nI finally made up my mind and deleted both accounts and took the app off my phone. As the day wore on, the more I thought about it, the more I regretted deleting the grief related one. So, I went back later and reinstated just the grief account. I did not download the app again…I’ll only access Twitter from my iPad. I may change down the road and delete the app there, as well. I can always just go to Twitter online and bypass the need for the app anyway.
\n\n\nHeading into the holidays is the worst time in the world to abandon people in the throes of grief. The thing I did not realize is this…when you deactivate an account then reactivate it, your followers…disappear. As in zero, zilch, nada…back to square one. All that work I did for years to build it up and it’s just gone. It’s ok, though. I just spent some time reconnecting with some of my previous followers. And I published a tweet explaining the situation.
\n\n\nAt least the political stuff isn’t showing up and for that I am most grateful!
\n\n\nWe cleaned house in preparation for the big dinner on Friday. I was hampered by a twinge in my back that showed up when I…of all things…pulled on my socks yesterday morning! This getting old crap is for the birds, I’m telling you!
\n\n\nThere was a rug on the floor in the walkway through the kitchen to the back of the house. It’s been there since…forever. It was there when I got here. Over time, all the wear and traffic soil got so bad that I couldn’t stand it for another minute. Unfortunately, it was pretty well glued down with double stick tape. I pulled it all up and threw it out. Then I vacuumed up the dust and bits of old tape and got down on my hands and knees to scrub up the places where the sticky stuff had hardened on the floor.
\n\n\nWhen I was finished, the kitchen looked brighter and more airy and I was really happy with it. I’m thinking I might want to paint the cabinets a light color…kind of give it a facelift without putting a lot of money into it. That’s down the road. Too many other things need our attention first.
\n\n\nWe got closer to getting the tree up. Mr. FixIt washed all the windows inside and out in the family room. We always set the tree in front of the picture window because I want people to see it when they drive out our road. Our friend Richard dropped by to pick up a jar of the cranberry sauce I made Sunday. I touched base with Hubby #1 to wish him and his family a Happy Thanksgiving. Daughter #2 called to check in before she and her wife leave for her in-laws’ and her dad’s for the holiday. I’m glad they get a chance to get away. It seems all they do is work and come home.
\n\n\nMy daughter was saddened…as am I…with the news of the shooting at the gay bar in Colorado Springs. The beautiful people in that community have been ostracized and abused for so long and violence is escalating against them. They have so few places they can go where they feel safe to be themselves…to feel loved and at home. And now, another one of those safety zones has been taken away from them. I’m not only sad, I’m angry. My daughter and her wife are members of the LGBTQ+ community. When I saw the news, I wasn’t fearful that they were there…it was in another city and they aren’t party people. But…somebody’s mama is grieving their lost child this week. There will be…yet again…more empty chairs at the tables of their loved ones this holiday season.
\n\n\nYou know…here’s how I feel. I think God will very likely forgive us if we aren’t perfect with the dogma. But, I think He’ll be pretty darned upset if we don’t get the “Loving Others” part right. He SAID that’s the most important thing. So that’s why I stepped away from Twitter yesterday. I’ll stay and love on the brokenhearted, but I’m not feeding the hate-mongers and I’m not going to be dragged along by someone else’s ugly narrative.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-11-22T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/11/22/when-bad-things-happen.html", "tags": ["Peace","Anger","Choices","Kindness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/11/07/let-it-rain-peace.html", "title": "Let it Rain Peace", "content_html": "\n“If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
\n1 John 4:20-21 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6d81554236.jpg\")
Hopefully today is the day the fellas get started on the roof. I’m not the one in charge of that particular chore, so I don’t know all the ins and outs. My job is to keep them fed and have bandaids ready…just in case. Mr. FixIt and I have totally different ways of approaching jobs that need to be done. He puts a whole lot of time and effort into the thinking about how we’re going to do it. Not me. I decide to do something and by golly you better get out of my way because I’m starting it…NOW.
\n\n\nOk, I know his way is better than mine. I always end up having to stop and do things over because I didn’t think it through. And, truth be told…Mr. FixIt knows what he’s doing so I really should just back off and leave him to his own devices. I’m better at the support staff stuff until it gets to the place where I’m the only one left to do things. So, I watch and learn and take notes because you never know when that’s going to happen.
\n\n\nThank goodness we had a really lay low day yesterday. Other than Mr. FixIt putting the belt back on the mower deck and bowling for his buddy, Harry…we didn’t do a thing. Well, I cleaned the kitchen and made a nice breakfast and fed him before he left. And I worked on balancing my checkbook. And I knitted a little. I’m at that place on the sweater where I just want to get it done so I can move on and do other things. I’ve made a commitment to finish projects before I start another one. One of the hardest things to ever ask a Gemini to do.
\n\n\nAnd then there’s the time change. Ugh! I am not a fan of the world getting dark at 5:00. That being said, there’s a really pretty moon tonight and it will be full tomorrow night. We’ve had fabulous warm weather the last week. I’m “field camping” and I didn’t even have to turn the electric blanket on, which is really nice for this time of year.
\n\n\nThis might be a rough week for some. Let’s all remember to be good humans and good citizens. Let’s practice what our grandma’s taught us about manners…about being gracious winners and losers. Let’s get back to working for the betterment of mankind…ALL of mankind. Let’s rise up and be good and faithful servants. Let’s show our good character. Let’s ask ourselves…WWJD? Then DO that.
\n\n\nKindness matters and Lord knows….this world is ACHING for more kindness. We can do better! We MUST do better! I don’t know about you, but all this hatred and anger is breaking my heart. I long for a time with less angst. I long for peace. That’s why I seek God’s peace. It is above and beyond my understanding.
\n\n\nPray for peace.
\n\n\nBe the change you want to see in the world.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-11-07T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/11/07/let-it-rain-peace.html", "tags": ["Peace","Change","Kindness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/11/06/the-unexpected.html", "title": "The Unexpected", "content_html": "\n“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
\n2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cfe9fade50.jpg\")
I usually go with the flow fairly easily. After all…change is my middle name. However, on occasion…under the right set of circumstances, a quick change of plans can throw me for a loop and that occasion came yesterday.
\n\n\nWe are preparing for the roofing to begin tomorrow. There are several things that have to be put into place before that can happen. We have the shingles and the plywood. The flashing and the ridge vents. We still need the underlayment and we need to rent the shingles elevator so no one has to carry the shingles up the ladder to the roof. What we needed yesterday was a nail gun and the roofing nails for it.
\n\n\nWe were going to rent one, but my incredible personal contractor…aka Mr. FixIt…found one at Harbor Freight on sale. We’ll need it for this job, plus next year when we roof the other end of the house. It makes a lot more sense to buy one than to rent one for multiple days. We set out for town. I don’t always go on these trips, but I thought this one might be fun…and, maybe I could keep it short by going with him. Big’s Swim Meet was online at 2:00 and it was only noon. Plenty of time to get to town and back.
\n\n\nNow, have you ever seen us have a “quick trip to town”? No? Me, either. We drove in and the route we took had a detour. We were in the Lincoln. I was driving down a side street, took my foot off the gas to slow down for a stoplight, and the car stalled. At first I was puzzled and couldn’t figure out what happened. Then I looked at the control panel and it was lit up like a Christmas tree. I turned the key off, then back on, and it started right up.
\n\n\nWe got to Harbor Freight and Mr. FixIt went in. After some time, he came back to the car and said they didn’t have any nail guns, nor did they have roofing nails. I thought the alternative would be to go to one of the other big box hardware stores and just buy one there, but that is not the way this is done. The sale nail gun was $89. The cheapest at the big box stores was $269. Big difference. The old me would have just sucked it up and bought the other one, but that’s not how it works anymore. We are committed to good stewardship.
\n\n\nSo, my sweetheart looked it up on line and the closest Harbor Freight to us was 52 miles away. As matter of factly as he could muster, Mr. FixIt said, “Well, we’ll just have to go there and get one.”
\n\n\nNow, ordinarily this wouldn’t be a big deal for me. But my brain started racing ahead of me and all I could think about was… “The car stalled unexpectedly.” “What if it stalls when we’re out on the highway?” “I don’t want to get stuck someplace and have to wait…and wait…and wait for the rescue service to come help us.” On top of that, it was 85 degrees. I immediately went into fight or flight response. With my palms sweating and my heart pounding and stomach churning, I turned to my sweetheart and said, “Well, I will just take you home and you can go back out and get it yourself.”
\n\n\nThinking in my addled brain that this was just a fine solution.
\n\n\nIt was not.
\n\n\nFirst of all…it was a half hour in the wrong direction then a half hour back and we were already in town.
\n\n\nI was insistent. Tempers flared a bit.
\n\n\nI knew I was being unreasonable. But full blown panic attacks throw reason right out the window. I decided to break it down into steps I COULD do.
\n\n\nWe stopped at the nearby Walmart and Mr. FixIt got a little bottle of gas treatment to put in the tank. He went inside to get it and I stayed in the car. A cooling off period is helpful when tempers are hot. By the time he came back, I was prepared for the next little step.
\n\n\nWe stopped for gas and he put the treatment in the tank along with a full tank of Hi-Test gas…lessening the chances of the engine stalling. I felt the engine roar when I started it up. It sounded normal which gave me confidence. Ok…I can work through this a little more.
\n\n\nI reminded him he doesn’t really understand a panic attack because he’s never had one. He reminded me he is doing the best he can to get the roofing completed as frugally as possible. Just that little exchange settled things because it gave us compassion to see the other’s attempts. Compassion brings with it a sense of teamwork and off we went.
\n\n\nI took something to settle my stomach and he drove the rest of the way. As soon as I started reminding myself I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me, an instant wave of calm came over me. It wasn’t too long we passed a huge sign on a hill by the highway that said,
\n\n\n“Jesus Love You!”
\n\n\nI sat back in my seat and smiled.
\n\n\nThat He does…that He does.
\n\n\nWe got the nail gun and the nails and the rest of the night turned into “Date Night”. We went to a Noodles & Company for supper. It was so delightfully warm, we sat out on the patio and watched a rainbow. We had lovely conversation and held hands on the way home.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3438d56b8d.jpg\")
I thank God every day that He brought this amazing, understanding, gentle and kind man into my life. I know firsthand it is not easy to live with someone who has an anxiety disorder. There’s absolutely no rhyme or reason to it and the trigger can be the most inane thing. Yet…he’s there. He’s always there for me…as I am for him. I don’t know what I did to deserve him, but I’m sure glad he’s here because he’s the BEST!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-11-06T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/11/06/the-unexpected.html", "tags": ["God","Peace","Anxiety"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/07/06/an-island-of-sanity-in.html", "title": "An Island of Sanity in a Sea of Madness", "content_html": "\n“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
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4457c1d2f4.jpg\")
The view from the front door…which is actually the back door.
\n\n\nI read an op ed yesterday that said both parties want you to be afraid. They’re counting on it. Some for real, scary reasons. Others for whipping up zealous fervor. For me…and for my mental health…I am trying to keep my life on an even keel. There are so many places to seek the truth based on actual facts. I will do all I can to remain sane while staying informed. AND…I will try my best to keep it out of here.
\n\n\nWhy?
\n\n\nBecause…we all need a safe place to land. To read a story. To hear a beautiful piece of music or gaze upon a lovely piece of art. To see goodness in the world. There is STILL goodness in the world….even when it is so, so difficult to see or feel. My friend is going through some hard stuff. She told me the other day…she can’t see God. My heart breaks for her because I’ve been there, too. It’s easy to see and hear God when things are all hunky dory. It’s terribly difficult when life is hitting you from every angle and knocking you down.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/167e161cf7.jpg\")
Our morning visitor…a young red-shouldered hawk.
\n\n\nIt’s so hard when you see the news…when you hear of all the death and destruction. It’s crazy making when you see people do things that are so incredibly out of character because the world is just amping up to the nth degree. It’s so frustrating when you know what needs to be done…what SHOULD be done…but it’s not being done. It’s so hard when you’re grieving the loss of your person. Life can be so hard.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/84ca6d75f2.jpg\")
Our little island of sanity in the sea of madness.
\n\n\nWe do need to be responsible adults. We can’t just stick our heads in the sand. We need to suit up and show up and do the right things. We need to remember Luke 6:31ESV “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” I don’t see that very much and if you are professing to be Christian…that’s the whole basis of Christianity. That’s where all the focus should be. Love. Love like you want to be loved.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2e87744eec.jpg\")
The ”Duck Whisperer.”
\n\n\nThat being said…we also need to have moments of respite from the chaos. Pray. Go for a walk. Drink a glass of water. Take the dog for a walk or play with the cat. Play a word game. Listen to praise music or whatever your favorite is. Call a friend. Go out for coffee. Read a book. Sing. Take a yoga class. Learn to knit or crochet or paint or draw or play a musical instrument. Plant flowers. Bake a pie. Clean a closet. Volunteer. One can stay engaged without it sucking the life out of you. I have to be pretty regimented about what I allow in, but that doesn’t mean I’m uniformed.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/36a0f5c7c4.jpg\")
Our babies!
\n\n\nI wanted to share with you a little piece of what my life is like here in West Virginia. This is thirty-one seconds of perfection. This is what I’ve wanted my whole life and now all I have to do is walk out our back door every evening and listen. I wish you could hear it for yourselves in person…to feel the warm evening breeze on your skin…to smell the woods and the freshness from the rain…but, this will have to do.
\n\n\nA July evening in the ”Far Field.”
\n\n\nHang in there, dear ones. We’re going to make it. Just keep your balance between being informed and being peaceful. And if you need more…here are ten promises from God.
\n\n\nI will strengthen, help, and uphold you. Isaiah 41:10
\n\n\nI will never leave you. Have no fear. Hebrews 13:5-6
\n\n\nI gave you power and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
\n\n\nI will comfort you. Psalm 23:4
\n\n\nBe strong and courageous...I am with you. Deuteronomy 31:6
\n\n\nI will give you peace. John 14:27
\n\n\nI'm working in your life beyond your imagination. Ephesians 3:20
\n\n\nI am your strength through everything. Psalm 46:1-3
\n\n\nGive me your troubles, I've got you. Psalm 55:22
\n\n\nI will fight for you. Deuteronomy 20:4
\n\n\nGod's got you. So do all the people who love you.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-06T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/06/an-island-of-sanity-in.html", "tags": ["Comfort","Peace","Fear","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/07/03/hope-and-peace-and-fireworks.html", "title": "Hope and Peace and Fireworks", "content_html": "\n“for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’”
\nDeuteronomy 20:4 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c63f4f1900.jpg\")
It’s America’s birthday weekend and lately I’ve been feeling like she doesn’t deserve a party. Then I remember…it’s not HER. It’s some of the attendees that are making this place downright scary for a whole lot of people…myself included. And I also remember…we don’t have military parades going down Pennsylvania Avenue. We didn’t lay in bunkers listening to bombs raining down on our cities last night. We got to sit out on the lawn in small town America and watch fireworks and have picnics and eat watermelon. Many of us were safe and could pretend all was right with the world while others only WISH they had a bunker to hide in. The world isn’t equitable. Neither is America. We are desperately out of balance and we are fighting to breathe. It’s exhausting. Edward Abbey wrote an excellent essay about being a part-time crusader. Because, if we give and give and give and forget the beauty of what we DO have and we squander that life we’ve been gifted with, then…the enemy wins.
\n\n\nSo…rest, picnic with your peeps, watch the fireworks, celebrate the freedoms we still have, then lace up your boots come Tuesday and pick up the full armor of God and be the best people you can be. Let’s right this ship and bring her safely in from the stormy seas. The second half of the year is likely to be a rocky one and we need all the love and strength and courage and compassion and patience and perseverance we can muster.
\n\n\nGod Shed His Grace on Thee!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/03/hope-and-peace-and-fireworks.html", "tags": ["Hope","Peace","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/05/06/day-two-is-in-the.html", "title": "Day Two is in The Books!", "content_html": "\n“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
\n1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ad3cb943d0.jpg\")
I didn’t sleep well the first night on the road. You know how it is when you get out of your routine and you don’t drink enough water or eat the right stuff. And, my brain was still moving when I finally laid my head on the pillow. I did sleep…but fitfully. And there’s not a lot of places to wander around in this tiny camper. I could have made a cup of tea, but it all seemed like too much bother at 3:00am.
\n\n\nI fiddled around once I finally woke up and by the time I got hooked up and on the road, it was already 10:00! I forgot to check my tire pressure before I left the campground so I pulled into a service station. The machine was broken and it crossed me to actually LOSE air pressure. I went to another one, and it was broken as well! They should have a sign on them and it didn’t even occur to me to see if there was a phone number I could call to complain. Lesson learned.
\n\n\nI decided to drive the three miles back to the campground and ask if I could plug in my extension cord and pump up my tires with the portable air compressor I carry with me at all times. She did me one better. She had me pull around to the back and her husband pumped up my tires for me with his big air compressor. The folks who own Grandpa’s Farm Campground in Richmond, IN are the best. And…if you ever travel through and stay over on a Saturday night, they have Camp Church on Sundays…complete with coffee and donuts! Check them out if you have the opportunity.
\n\n\nI no sooner got on the road till the rain hit. Everything from drizzle to downpour and back again on a gray and murky day. I-70 was absolutely crazy! And they are still working on it…with big portions closed…in Indianapolis. I am driving the northerly route and cut across Illinois on a diagonal. I wanted to get as far north of the bad storms as I can. The relief I felt was palpable when I left all that traffic behind and sailed along through America’s bread basket. Beautiful farmland…rich, dark, and flat stretched out on either side…anxiously waiting to burst forth their bounty. This far north, the redbud looks like it did on our way to the beach in the middle of April. They haven’t quite started to gain their brilliant green leaves that contrast so beautifully with the fading purply-pink of their blossoms.
\n\n\nI had a long talk with my precious friend, Sparky as I drove through the rain yesterday. I miss her so desperately. I try not to focus on that loss too much as it hurts so deeply. I told her I would never go on a camping trip again without “taking her with me”. She hated camping but she went anyway. I hated losing her…but she died anyway. This is what she gets for leaving me…camping revenge. I may hear about this when I get to see her again…but she’ll just have to deal with it for now!
\n\n\nI stopped at a rest area in the middle of the sprawling farmland for a rest. Now, this is the first time I’ve come up against a downside of this kind of popup camper. I can’t just hop out of the truck, run back to the camper, and stretch out for a nap, use the potty, and eat some lunch. If the weather were nicer, I could certainly have popped up the camper and taken a snooze, but I’m not doing that in a downpour. So, I rummages around in the truck and found a small blanket. I created a turban around my head, leaned the seat back, and slept for an hour. I was so refreshed when I awoke.
\n\n\nI grabbed a snack and hear the man in the semi next to me calling out for my attention. I rolled the window down slightly and he asked how I like my camper. He and his lady friend bought one recently and this weekend will be their first outing. He’s never camped before and they are going to see the country together. I had to smile. He is retired Army. He did three tours in Iraq, for which I thanked him profusely. We had a lovely chat and I wished him a fun and abundant life on the road.
\n\n\nI knew I was getting close to the campground I stayed at last night when I passed a sign for Pekin, IL. My grandparents lived in Mishawaka, IN when my mom was born, then they moved to Pekin, IL and two or three more babies came along. They moved around to find work during the depression and this was where they landed before returning home to West Virginia. If the weather had been nicer, I might have gotten out and looked around but as it was…I moved on down the road.
\n\n\nI was a little puzzled when I saw the time of my projected arrival come and go on the GPS. That’s when I suddenly realized, I had crossed over the date line between Eastern and Central time. Which meant…I had another hour to go! I don’t know why I forget that every time. It’s not bad coming in the other direction because it feels like you’re not driving as long. But going west forces you to change your expectations.
\n\n\nAs I was nearing the end of day two, I sent up a prayer and asked God to ease up on this rain so I could get set up without getting soaked. He was so generous to oblige when the rain stopped about 10 minutes before I got to the campground. I got a beautiful site…flat and level, with a nice view. I didn’t have to unhook so it was no time before I had everything set up and I was comfortably snuggled in the Big Birdhouse. I fixed supper from the stuff in the cooler and settled in to write my daily letter to you all.
\n\n\nAnother day done. Mr. FixIt worked on the new fire-pit today then went to the youngest granddaughter’s softball game. It’s a busy time of year for everyone and I’m thrilled to be spending it doing something I love…driving and camping…and heading toward people that I love. So…stay tuned for another installment of…The Grand Adventure!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-05-06T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/05/06/day-two-is-in-the.html", "tags": ["Camping","Comfort","Peace","Road Trip","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/05/01/we-interrupt-this-program.html", "title": "We Interrupt This Program", "content_html": "\n“And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””
\nExodus 33:14 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8dd949ccba.jpg\")
As I find myself aging, my body changes in so many ways. Some grand and glorious…some, not so much. Primary hyperparathyroidism makes you anxious and can cause lots of “upper GI disturbances”. Anxiety on its own can also cause these tummy troubles. Now that I have both sources, my body tells me if I’m nauseous, I must be anxious and my body sends out a huge jolt of adrenaline which only compounds the issue.
\n\n\nI’ve discovered by a system of elimination…combined with a short memory…that I simply cannot eat heavy foods anymore. Nine times out of ten they make me sick and send me on a spiral of ickiness. Remember when I taught myself how to make Miss Brenda Gantt’s wonderful Buttermilk Biscuits and Sausage Gravy? Can’t do it anymore. Yesterday, I made French Toast and Bacon. Nope…add that to the list of things this old body wont accept anymore.
\n\n\nHey…it’s not all a bad thing (except when I forget how sick it makes me and think this time is bound to be different.) those things are not good for my cholesterol and my weight. So, it’s God’s way of saying…cut that crap out!
\n\n\nYesterday was supposed to be mowing day, but it rained during the night and off and on all day so the grass was too wet. Then I was not feeling up to it. Mr. FixIt went out to the farm to double check the pump to make sure all is well with the well. (See what I did there?) It was. When he got home, he went out on the riding mower for a while and got some of the field done.
\n\n\nI spent the day making my packing list for the trip. It’s crazy all the things I think I need. And, since the camper is at the dealership, hopefully getting fixed by Wednesday, I cannot pack it here. I have to pack it all in the truck and spend the first couple of nights on the road organizing and making the beds, etc. I’ve decided to try to head out on Wednesday so I can be in Denver a couple of days before the senior festivities begin. That way I can rest up from the drive.
\n\n\nI am teaching myself how to combine two sock patterns so I can knit one with some texture to it. I think it’s going pretty well. I love to watch something come together and become something beautiful as well as useful. Knitting offers me captive time to sit quietly with Jesus and talk to Him. We work out lots of things. I give over more and more of myself with every stitch and He promises to carry the weight of all my worries so I don’t have to. Writing does the same thing for me. I can feel terribly anxious or out of sorts, but by the time I get to the end of a post, I feel so much better. Sitting with my “monkey brain” is not a good place to be. Shining the light of Jesus into all the dark corners brings me back into focus and, while all may not be right with the world, I feel much better prepared to handle whatever comes my way. And…isn’t that the peace that is beyond all understanding?
\n\n\nHappy May Day!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-05-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/05/01/we-interrupt-this-program.html", "tags": ["Health","Comfort","Peace","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/22/a-beautiful-obx-day.html", "title": "A Beautiful OBX Day", "content_html": "\n“Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”
\nPsalm 119:129-130 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/01fd84c8b7.jpg\")
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!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1b2e855f7a.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/dfa8427925.jpg\")
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!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/577ba7a164.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8e2fd800c0.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6870a143ee.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a99850e7cc.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nLife is beautiful…even in it’s supreme messiness.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\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/2022/04/20/time-and-beauty.html", "title": "Time and Beauty", "content_html": "\n“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
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d64ef9498d.jpg\")
The high today was only 56° but the sky was crystal blue…not a cloud to be seen until mid-afternoon. It was still breezy which made it feel a lot colder. Our first thoughts were beach time and fishing, but stepping out on the deck convinced us otherwise. Later in the morning, we decided we might go over to the Elizabethan Gardens and walk around, but again…that same windy condition is there, too. So, Mr. FixIt dropped me off at Knitting Addiction and I browsed a little and bought a little and knitted a little till he came back to pick me up.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a9bc1cfe61.jpg\")
We thought we’d make an attempt to walk on the beach but once we had lunch, it was nap time. At supper time, we thought we’d go to Henry’s for seafood, but on the way there, we decided neither one of us wanted anything that heavy. We turned around and went up the island to Corolla and bought picnic stuff at Harris-Teeter and ate semi al fresco by the lighthouse.
\n\n\nWhen we got there, the small parking area was totally empty, but the closer we got to sunset, the more people arrived. Pretty soon, there was close to a hundred people up there with their cameras poised to catch the end of the day. The sunset was pretty, but it wasn’t stellar. I think the first year I came here was the prettiest sunset I’ve ever seen…full of clouds and colors and sunbeams in every direction. There were very few clouds last night so it wasn’t spectacular.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d0c0fc4f8c.jpg\")
Still and all, it was a beautiful day and it wasn’t spitting snow all day like it was at home! This is one of those winters that just won’t let go! And before we know it, we’ll be complaining that it’s too darned hot. We humans are seldom completely satisfied. That’s why I try to practice mindfulness and really experience what is happening in the moment because that’s really all we have. Once time passes, our only tie to it is our memories and the people we shared the experience with. And tomorrow? Who knows whether…or IF…tomorrow will come? No, all we have is the gift of the moment that God gives us. If we can make the best of as many of those as possible, then we’ve strung together a strand of pearls that constitute a beautiful life.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/871689d3c5.jpg\")
Today. What will today bring?
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/20/time-and-beauty.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Comfort","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/19/my-first-gale.html", "title": "My First Gale", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fd8f02e679.jpg\")
(I have no idea where this photo was taken. It was just for demonstration of high waves from a gale.)
\n\n\nWe’ve experienced hard rains at the beach before. But yesterday was my first “gale warning”. I knew that meant hard rain and strong winds. I’ve never experienced sustained winds of 34-47 knots over a period of several hours with waves reaching eight to ten feet or higher. I would have loved to have gone out to the beach to take photos at the height of the storm, however it was raining so hard and there was standing water all over the place. There was a time when I was so grief crazed that I stood in the surging surf a ways south of here during the tail end of a hurricane. Looking back on those pictures, I realize no sane individual would do such a thing. My better angels told me to stay put and knit and nap yesterday…which is exactly what I did.
\n\n\nMr. FixIt did venture out for a little bit yesterday afternoon and game back in looking like a drowned rat…soaked to the skin. I bundled him up in a fuzzy blanket while he sipped hot tea to revive himself. I ended up looking for a photo of high surf from a gale and this is what I found. It is not mine…the photographer is Gail Johnson. I have to say…it’s an incredible photo.
\n\n\nI’m hoping the winds settle down today. Today’s high is only 59° but it will be sunny and gorgeous. We’ll get back out on the beach. I also want to go to Knitting Addiction for my yearly visit and have lunch at High Cotton…our favorite BBQ joint down here. I finished knitting another hat last night and started a pair of socks. As I’m sitting here writing this, I can hear the surf churning in the distance…an ever present background white noise that rises and falls with regularity. I can hear the occasional car pass on Highway 12…the main drag that goes up and down the length of the islands known as The Outer Banks. We are on a portion of the island that isn’t quite a half mile wide, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. The smell of the salt on the cool and constant breeze washes over me and settles me.
\n\n\nI didn’t grow up a “beach goer”. Our family didn’t have money for extravagant trips. Our idea of a proper vacation was staying with my Uncle Bud and Aunt Viv for a week in the mountains. Mom would stay and chat with my aunt all day while my dad would go fishing in the many trout streams. My brother and I played with our cousins and thought it was a big time.
\n\n\nMr. FixIt’s family always went to the beach. One set of grandparents lived near Virginia Beach so sand was in their blood. From a very young age, Mr. FixIt’s grandmother would load up four little boys under the age of ten, pack a big old canvas army tent, and head to the rustic campground down on the tip of Hatteras Island. They would camp for a month…grandma and grandsons…no electric, no water, cooking over a campfire. For a MONTH! That woman was the definition of a steel magnolia.
\n\n\nIn the sixty-five years since that wonderful grandma introduced her wild and wooly grandsons to beach camping, Mr. FixIt has only missed ONE year coming down here. Showing this place off to me has been one of his greatest pleasures. There’s always something to do and see…again and again. I want to go see the ponies up in Currituck. There were four new babies born this spring. I want to go to the Elizabethan Gardens again. They are lovely. I’m sincerely hoping we have at least ONE day warm enough to sit out on the beach while Mr. FixIt fishes in the surf.
\n\n\nAnother day done. Four more to go.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/19/my-first-gale.html", "tags": ["Travel","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/04/my-body-and-me-or.html", "title": "My Body and Me or Monday Motivations", "content_html": "\n“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
\nPsalm 119:105 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b669acac19.jpg\")
Big is graduating from high school next month. Then, in August, Mr. FixIt and I have our 50+1 Year High School Reunion. I had every intention of losing weight and being svelte for both occasions, yet…here I am. Just…me. *heavy sigh* (Pun intended.)
\n\n\nWhen I got out of the shower yesterday, I sat on the edge of the bed to brush my hair. It’s become a much bigger ordeal now that it’s almost down to my waist. I used to hide from my body. I wouldn’t anymore sit in front of a mirror in my “all together” than I would run naked down the street. But, a lot has changed in the last couple of years. The pandemic made eating two loaves of sourdough bread a week an absolute necessity. And don’t get me started on the cookies and cinnamon rolls and biscuits, ok? Let’s just say…food was my comfort during a decidedly uncomfortable season in my life.
\n\n\nAs I sat there, brushing my hair and looking at the leftover cinnamon rolls on my belly and hips, I got a great flash of insight. If we divide our lives up like we divide the year…in seasons, then it’s wintertime for this body. And what do we do in the winter? We give ourselves permission to seek comfort. I’ve learned I can embrace the snow or I can be miserable in it. Either way…there will be snow. So why not choose happy? Same with my body. I can love it or hate it but it’s the only one I’ve got. It’s just the meat sack my soul lives in till I get to go Home. I’ll be good to it and not hate myself for feeding it cookies from time to time.
\n\n\nMy longest relationship was with a man who valued good health and to him, good health equaled being thin and athletic. Not my forte. As often happens when people aren’t on the same page in a marriage, frustrations boiled over and hurtful things were said in anger. Things that scarred me. I’ve forgiven those things because we are all just works in progress. But, I’ll be honest…up until the summer before the pandemic, I still felt self conscious about my weight in front of him.
\n\n\nNot anymore. Mr. FixIt and I went shopping yesterday at Kohl’s. My goal was to get something nice to wear to Big’s graduation in Colorado. As I walked through the store, it occurred to me I wasn’t feeling bad about it. I wasn’t wondering if there was some way to make myself look like I’ve lost fifty pounds by the middle of May. Like, maybe they have a new undergarment that will squeeze me into a size 12. Yeah…not bloody likely.
\n\n\nIt’s not that I don’t care. It’s not that I don’t think it’s important to be healthy. I got the first inkling of this change when I apologized to the doctor for my weight a couple of years ago. He was quiet a moment while he looked at me and said, “You know, you can be healthy AND carry extra weight.”
\n\n\nWow.
\n\n\nPermission to be normal. Who knew a doctor could be this way? Not I.
\n\n\nI’ve chosen a lot of new ways to feel this year. I’ve had two surgeries that didn’t find what we were hoping for. Were they failures? No…each one took out a tumor. We just couldn’t find all of them. I’ve adjusted my attitude from the fifty year plan to the twenty year plan. I’m not the weight I wanted to be for the events I have coming up. You know what? That’s ok. It’s been a hella hard couple of years and I’m blessed to be standing upright and taking nourishment. We haven’t had covid or lost our family to it. We aren’t destitute and can afford to eat and buy a tank of gas and have a roof over our heads.
\n\n\nI’m good. Besides, I’m not fat…I’m fluffy! And I bought a gorgeous outfit that will work for BOTH events! I get my peace from Jesus…not my jeans.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-04T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/04/my-body-and-me-or.html", "tags": ["Health","Peace","Aging","Choices","Fitness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/03/19/big-on-the-big-screen.html", "title": "Big on the Big Screen", "content_html": "\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
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2c8579b82f.jpg\")
I gave her her first bath, much to her parent’s dismay. I misunderstood. She wanted me to show her how to bathe the baby by not actually DOING it. We all survived and there were plenty of other baths for mom and dad to participate in. Anyway, my first grandchild has gone from a little tadpole to a barracuda. She and her mom are up north at one of her last swim meets as a high school student. Big texted this afternoon with a link and we pulled her events up on the big screen TV. There, I watched my beautiful girls…Big in the water and Daughter #1 timing the races.
\n\n\nI found myself staring at my daughter between heats. Even though she was clear over on the other side of the pool and the picture was fuzzy, I’d know her anywhere. She still stands like she did when she was little. Gosh, I miss my Colorado peeps terribly. I’m counting down. In two months, I’ll be there with them for Big’s high school graduation.
\n\n\nThis is a big year for that. My youngest bonus grandchild graduates in May four days after Big. Then, in August, Mr. FixIt and I will attend our 50+1 Year High School Reunion. We are a year late due to covid. We are truly hoping all will be well for that event. Who knows…between covid and world events, things are dicey.
\n\n\nYesterday was so lovely and warm. One of my school chums is coming today to pick up “Birdie” and she’s heading off to live in Virginia. We worked on her yesterday and made sure everything was in good order. I went in to our home safe to get the title and…it wasn’t there! I checked the safe deposit box last week and it wasn’t there either. I told Mr. FixIt, I’d better head to town and get a duplicate or we were in big trouble.
\n\n\nThey’re doing some repair work on the two lane about halfway to town. There’s a huge bump that hooves up over the winter. They come in periodically and shave it down, but this time they decided to do a more permanent fix. The traffic was down to one lane with a flagger. As I sat there, I went through the sequence of events, trying to remember where I could have possibly put that title. Suddenly, it hit me!
\n\n\nIt was in my purse! I put it there when we traveled to Colorado last year. I learned my lesson when I had to sell that small camper a couple of years ago halfway through my trip because the rough interstate shook the stuffings out of it and it wasn’t safe to tow back. I had to have Mr. FixIt overnight the title. When it arrived, it was the wrong one so we had to try again. This time I had it with us, just in case.
\n\n\nThat eliminated the long wait at the DMV, which is always a great relief. I did need to replace some big washers on the weight distribution hitch that goes with the camper. And I needed a new ball for our hitch. I filled up with gas. $100 was the cutoff on the pump…per purchase on plastic. It was full, so I left it alone. Every time I stand in front of the gas pump or the checkout in the market, all I can see are empty baby carriages on a train platform and I hand over the money with such gratitude.
\n\n\nAs I write this, I can hear the spring peepers out there…singing their siren songs…wooing their prospective mates. An occasional night bird I’ve yet to identify calls. The bark of a dog comes echoing down the holler and cars accelerate up the two lane blacktop out front, gaining speed for the steep hill ahead. I can hear the faint background music on the detective show Mr. FixIt loves to watch. Our world here is light years away from the strife and trauma of Ukraine. I pray peace for these people…and for our world. I donate and make informed choices at the voting booth. And I turn it over to God and live the best life I can. I don’t want to squander one moment of it. Those whose lives have ground to a halt in this war would give anything to have this peace. I pray it comes soon.
\n\n\nToday is coffee with my high school friends. We’ll hug and love on each other and not waste a moment of the time we’ve been given. And I’ll try to keep my mind from going into the “what if” closet.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-03-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/03/19/big-on-the-big-screen.html", "tags": ["Family","Love","God","Peace","Birdie","War"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/03/07/like-peas-and-carrots.html", "title": "Like Peas and Carrots", "content_html": "\n“Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!”
\nPsalm 120:6-7 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d5fe1aaf07.jpg\")
One of the hardest things about knitting a “pair” of anything is getting them to match exactly. Such was the case with the mittens. First, I think I stopped a little short on the thumb gusset, then I knitted a little tighter, creating a slightly smaller mitten the second time. Not enough to be a real problem and it can be corrected with proper blocking. But still, it is a little frustrating to follow a pattern and get different results. I have about five and a half inches of the matching hat finished then I can set that project aside and be finished with this yarn.
\n\n\nI’m trying to use up some of the yarns I have in my stash. The owner of the yarn shop I’ve been frequenting told me someone asked her how many UFO’s she had. (UFO - UnFinished Objects) she told the gal she thought she had four or five. She went home and counted. Turns out she has more like a couple dozen. That’s what happens when I do needle crafts. I see these beautiful yarns and I have to have them. At one point, I had enough yarn to knit a dozen pairs of socks. I’m whittling it down to a more manageable level.
\n\n\nI slept in the camper on Saturday night. I use the term loosely because I only slept sporadically. I discovered the electric blanket does indeed work. It must have been way too cold for it to overcome the last time I stayed out there. I was reading along about 3:00am when I heard a scream right outside the camper that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It happened again and again then started running away from me toward the creek. By the speed it was traveling, I knew it had to be something fast. I looked up animal sounds on the internet and determined it was a fox. The resultant adrenalin kept me up the rest of the night.
\n\n\nThe rain started around 4:00 in the morning and continued off and on all day. The former Mrs. FixIt came for a visit in the afternoon which is always such a delight. We had a lovely conversation as I rocked and knitted. We are all so blessed that we have cultivated our friendship. So many divorced couples are so hateful and it isn’t good for anyone involved. She and I have an awful lot in common. I save my magazines for her. She saves coupons for us. It’s wonderful to have such a large and blended family.
\n\n\nAs I settled in to write this last night, I had the window open and the spring peepers were calling for the first time this year. I heard them the night of March 2nd up near where my bonus son lives, but this is the first time here on “Marshmallow Ranch”. Mr. FixIt was in the family room when he called to tell me there was a little peeper on the family room window. It took me quite a while to capture a photo because of lighting, but I finally managed. They are such cute little things.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5703ce56d4.jpg\")
It is Monday…a brand new week. A brand new opportunity to be our best selves and to love the way Jesus loves. My heart breaks with every news report coming out of Ukraine. To listen to them speak of their prayers to God to give them strength and courage and to vanquish their enemies from their land humbles me. To watch the villagers in Poland running to greet the mothers and children and elders with open arms fills me with hope. To watch the mothers packed in rail cars with their babies traveling into the unknown, leaving their husbands and fathers behind to fight an unjust war fills me with dismay and anger.
\n\n\nI cannot help but wonder how things would have been different if it was Mr. Virgo sitting by my side watching these scenes unfolding. I’ve wondered about the differences between our political viewpoints and how those might have affected us the last few years. As I count down to the ninth anniversary of his death, I am compelled to recognize how difficult it might have been for us. We were both firmly entrenched in our ideals. I can’t help but think the state of the world today might have driven a wedge between us. As it is, he died before that particular scenario played out. There is nothing good about losing him. And, if he had to go then, it was before anything could have affected us negatively. I do know he would not have handled the pandemic well.
\n\n\nMr. FixIt and I are perfectly aligned…politically and spiritually. This knowledge allows me to relax. I don’t have to walk on eggshells or worry about saying the wrong thing. I guess the larger lesson is this…I shouldn’t have worried so much about it before and been more true to myself. I think I finally grew into the person I was always meant to be once I began to emerge from the flames of grief. That is why Mr. FixIt and I are so compatible. We’ve both had the rough edges knocked off by life and we just fit together…like peas and carrots.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-03-07T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/03/07/like-peas-and-carrots.html", "tags": ["Grief","Prayer","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/12/30/big-lights-in-the-big.html", "title": "Big Lights in the Big City", "content_html": "\n“And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.””
\nLuke 10:18-20 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b41d2cbf45.jpg\")
Oh, my…I have to say, it was wonderful sleeping in the camper Wednesday night! Rain…from torrential downpour to gentle tapping, I was treated to nature’s lullaby most of the night. I had the heat adjusted perfectly. Just enough to keep the chill off my arms but not so much that I felt heat blowing in my face. I hate that. And the electric blanket was so nice turned on low…keeping my tootsies toasty.
\n\n\nI read and prayed…and read and prayed some more. Recognizing that the part of me that gets anxious isn’t ME…it’s just a part of me that’s been conditioned to respond to uncertainty with anxiety. Just knowing I can say, “Back off! You’re not the boss of me!” Let’s just say, I awoke with a peace beyond all understanding. All day, if there was the slightest thought that might send me down the rabbit hole, I handed it over to God and thanked Him for carrying it for me.
\n\n\nAs I write this, I’m amazed and so pleasantly surprised. Excited, really. Now I want to see how it works on every situation. Do I think I’m never going to experience fear and anxiety again? Of course not. That would be unrealistic. But, I’m not looking for it. And I have a brand new Power Tool in my tool box for beating back that particular monster. I’ll just believe Jesus carries this for me. Therefore, He does. So much simpler than I ever dreamed.
\n\n\nWe had a lovely drive to the big city. I had reserved a hotel room, but when I checked in, I asked if there were suites with a door separating the bedroom from the living room. That way, Mr. FixIt’s television viewing would not intrude on my indulgent self care routine. I hooked up my Bluetooth Headset and listened to my favorite background track…a crackling fire with a thunderstorm. After a hot shower, scented lotion, and new PJ’s…that set the stage for a relaxing slumber. I want to be calm and well rested for the day ahead of me.
\n\n\nIf prayer is your thing, I’d love for you to send up some for me and Mr. FixIt this morning. I should be done by around noon or 1:00. Thank you all for being here and always being so loving and supportive. I do so appreciate every single one of you!
\n\n\n❄️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-12-30T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/12/30/big-lights-in-the-big.html", "tags": ["Faith","Prayer","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/10/08/the-phone-groan.html", "title": "The Phone Groan", "content_html": "\n“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
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8bd1143932.jpg\")
Mr. FixIt was out doing something with the truck last weekend and dropped his phone. We all drop our phones. Almost always it’s pretty inconsequential…unless you don’t have a good case. However, there comes a time when that one drop knocks you out of the game. That’s what happened to Mr. FixIt’s phone this time. For some odd reason, it was turning Siri on and off…over and over and over. Sometimes you could get it to stop if you poked it enough. It got a little frustrating, to say the least.
\n\n\nI told Mr. FixIt I could do a factory reset and see if that works, but we found out it erases everything and you lose your contacts, photos, messages, apps…the works. If you back it up to the cloud first, you can reset the phone then run the backup program. Unfortunately, there’s a little problem with that.
\n\n\nMr. FixIt was never a big phone guy. He hated talking on it. He had a separate digital camera he used. Facebook was just an afterthought…something to look at a couple times a year to see what was happening. Then, I came along…and created a monster. You see…with all my traveling, I really wanted him to have an iPhone so we could FaceTime, which was great. He didn’t need one with lots of memory, he said. He just wouldn’t use it, he said. However…he soon discovered all the cool things the phone could do and before he knew it, it was full.
\n\n\nToo full to update. Too full to run a backup. Too full for his free iCloud amount. It didn’t really bother him much. If he ran out of room, he’d take off an app, or remove some photos he didn’t want. It only became an issue when we needed to try to do a factory reset. You remember how, every year at tax time, I brush the dust off my laptop and turn it on only to find out there’s all these updates and scans and downloads I have to do before I can even BEGIN the taxes? Well, the same thing is happening with this phone.
\n\n\nWe don’t have an Apple store within a hundred miles. The Verizon store isn’t much help either. We’ve taken things to the local “tech” place before only to be bitterly disappointed. I know we could just go buy a new phone, but before we slap that kind of money down, I’d like to try to fix it myself. I have as much or more techie experience as they do anyway, so I set to work on it yesterday afternoon when I got home from the farm.
\n\n\nSpeaking of techie things, when did they get rid of iTunes? Somewhere along the line, they introduced something and very quietly swept iTunes into the virtual dustbin. While it was often a pain in the rear end to update and use sometimes, it was really great for backing up your iPhone and restoring after a reset. As it is, I have to upload all his pictures into the cloud. But first, I had to expand his cloud memory. But before I could do that, I had to get the phone to stop constantly running and stopping Siri.
\n\n\nSometimes when I sleep on a problem, I wake up with the solution. That’s what happened when I was staying at the farm. I woke up in the middle of the night and knew…all I had to do was turn Siri off and we’d be able to access the rest of the phone. Sure enough, I found the setting, turned off Siri, and got to work.
\n\n\nHave I told you our internet out here in the country is powered by two possums and a squirrel? And sometimes the squirrel is tired. Land sakes…it took six hours and the upload indicator line was about a quart of an inch long. At this rate, we should have it backed up in…say…a week or two. Anyway, the bottom line is…it’s always something. You never know when you’re going to have a technical glitch and it’s going to totally throw you off your schedule as you deal with it.
\n\n\nRemember when we didn’t have cell phones? When we actually DID things…like go to the library and look something up. Or…read a newspaper or magazine. Or have a hobby like woodworking or stained glass or crossword puzzles. Are we more interesting people now that we know how to find the median rainfall in Zimbabwe or who the actor was in that insurance commercial? Are we happier? More content? If it all went away today, would we know how to bake a cake or fix a pot roast? What would we do with all the time we spent looking at other people’s lives? When Facebook and Instagram and Snapchat went offline for several hours the other day, how many times did you pick up your phone to see if it was back?
\n\n\nI am getting weary of this phone thing. But…I write. This is my platform. How long will I keep doing this? Will I still be telling you stories when I’m 75? 85? 95?!?! I don’t know. This part brings me joy, and I think it sometimes brings you all joy, as well. So, as long as there’s joy involved, I’m in. But, yeah…technology can be a major time suck.
\n\n\nIt’s all about balance.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-10-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/10/08/the-phone-groan.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Peace","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/25/family-friendly-farmingwest-virginia-style.html", "title": "Family Friendly Farming…West Virginia Style", "content_html": "\n“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
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0e57a94ce6.jpg\")
Melissa gives us a tour of the greenhouses on her parents’ farm.
\n\n\nOne of the special treats Mr. FixIt and I enjoy in the summer is a lovely evening drive through the country. The temperature cools down. We don’t need the air conditioning. The light shifts to a soft green glow with touches of pink and blue. The world seems softer and gentler. A kind and safe place for sharing some love.
\n\n\nAs we drove home from town last night, I suggested we take a ride out to a family farm we know of. The Offutts have owned this expansive 600+ acre farm for about 35 years. They raise cattle and sell beef. There used to be a nursery on the back of the property where they sold rhododendron. Then, in 2018, they added a greenhouse. In 2019, they added a second.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3f099bdf48.jpg\")
Can you imagine this view every night from a rocking chair on the front porch, sweet tea in hand? God was just showing off when He created West Virginia!
\n\n\nOne thing I love is their honor system produce stand. Bags of tomatoes, a cooler of green beans, and whatever else they may have at the moment, sit on a table beneath the nose of a gooseneck trailer. We came here last summer and bought produce…placing our money in a can then putting the rock over it so the bills wouldn’t fly away in the wind.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ae6e9f1a9b.jpg\")
This was Melissa’s Grandfather’s Cattle Truck that he sold years ago. A gentleman restored it, and Melissa’s dad bought it back a couple of years ago. “It’s great fun in parades!” says Melissa. “You wouldn’t happen to know where I can find a 1946 West Virginia License Plate, would you?” Hmmmmm…I just might, Melissa!
\n\n\nWhen we pulled up, a young woman was walking back from the greenhouses. Melissa is a daughter of the Offutts. She met us with a friendly smile and asked if we’d been there before. We told her we had and introduced ourselves. I told her I’m a writer and asked if she would mind showing me around and let me take pictures.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cbdc3c3f5e.jpg\")
The Honor System Produce Stand
\n\n\nLast year was a banner year for tomatoes. This year, it seems they are struggling a little, however Melissa noted she had a late start in planting them this spring as she has five children under the age of nine. One of them was brought home from the hospital just four months ago, so she has had her hands full with them. Add two greenhouses and it’s been a lot.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/eb8cbfa9aa.jpg\")
Rows and Rows of Tomatoes
\n\n\nGrowing things is Melissa’s therapy. She said she wan’t going to come down to the greenhouses last night, but when her husband had all five kids in the tub, she decided that was as good a time as any to escape for a little R&R. She happily showed me around. They have some beautiful peppers going. A new batch of cucumbers is just leafing out. Of course, there are the tomatoes. And rows of green bean plants about six inches high.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/383efe8e87.jpg\")
Loofah Gourds Growing in the Greenhouse
\n\n\nOne of the coolest things was in the back of the first greenhouse. Melissa is growing loofah gourds on a large arbor. She says she planted them outdoors last year, but they have an incredibly long growing season so they didn’t dry and become “loofahs”. This time, she decided to grow them in the greenhouse and started by planting seeds in pots indoors at Christmas. It will be November before they fully dry.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a2be268028.jpg\")
My Weekend Bounty: Muskmelon from Ward’s Market, Parkersburg, WV; Tomatoes from the Offutt’s greenhouses - Nursery Road off WV Rt. 14; and Apple-Walnut Pie from Abruzzino’s Italian Bakery - Gypsy, WV
\n\n\nThe Offutts farm sells meat, honey, and produce. They sell what they can at the roadside stand and the two local markets as well as the school buys up everything else. I love to support local farmers by buying direct. If you find yourselves out WV Rt. 14 heading east, make a left at Nursery Road. Make a left at the first fork and drive on till you find the Honor Stand at a bend in the road. Tell Melissa you heard about her wonderful tomatoes here at Marshmallow Ranch and Ginny sent you!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/25/family-friendly-farmingwest-virginia-style.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","Peace","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/16/my-farm-fix.html", "title": "My Farm Fix", "content_html": "\nHe will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful.
\nIsaiah 20:23\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/366eefdf2a.jpg\")
I Spy, with My Little Eye…Something PINK! Do You See?
\n\n\nWe went to the farm to mow yesterday. The new owners, who I affectionately call Frank and Beans, have been gracious enough to let me visit and/or stay out at the farm whenever I can…which has saved me so much heartache over its sale. I told them, if they would provide me a riding mower, I would be happy to mow in exchange for their generosity. So, yesterday was mowing day.
\n\n\nThey brought a wonderful “vintage” John Deere. Those things are heavy duty and run forever. Even so, I hadn’t used it yet, and just in case of something unforeseen, we towed our riding mower over. It turns out we needn’t have bothered because that ol’ Deere turned over on about the third crank. I couldn’t get it adjusted to cut quite as close as I like, but it is more than adequate and worked just fine. I have dubbed the old fella…John Boy. Mr. FixIt ran the push mower while I mowed with the tractor. It was 86 degrees and, as Little says, “you could see the oxygen”. Humid and sticky.
\n\n\nI heated up pepperoni rolls from JR’s for lunch. They’re West Virginia’s Official State Food and I think JR’s are really good. The best I’ve ever had came from the old grocery store not too far from the farm. Unfortunately, they closed a couple of years ago and that was the end of the BEST pepperoni rolls EVER. They made them there, so maybe I can get the recipe one of these days.
\n\n\nAs we sat on the porch, I looked down and there…right at my feet…was one of those WICKED tussock caterpillars like the one that stung me a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, I dispatched that sucker toot suite, picked up his limp little body with a stick, and tossed it in the weeds where no one could get to it. They’ll still sting even after they’re dead.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/65fccb4c32.jpg\")
I’m hoping their season is short and they’ll soon wrap themselves up in a cocoon and turn into moths. In doing some more research, I’ve found that nasty, itchy rash with the welts on my neck actually has a name…tussockosis. Clever. I try to be very careful when I mow and not brush up against shrubs and bushes where these nasty buggers can hide.
\n\n\nI always have to sit and enjoy how pretty the yard looks at the farm after we’ve mowed. No matter how hot it is, I’ll sit with a cold drink, take a pretty picture, and let all that farm love wash over me. But, after a while, it was time to pack it up and head back home to Marshmallow Ranch (aka the Ponderosa). I made a big pot of spaghetti for supper. Mr. FixIt left to go help a friend move some things. And I curled up in TOW-Wanda to write this.
\n\n\nAny day at the farm is a good day!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/16/my-farm-fix.html", "tags": ["Fun","The Farm","Peace","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/14/take-five.html", "title": "Take Five", "content_html": "\n“You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter.”
\nPsalm 74:17 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/73860453c6.jpg\")
Another Day Done
\n\n\nI’m not ashamed to say, I didn’t do diddly squat yesterday! Well, i went to town to get my blood drawn, met up with Mr. FixIt, grabbed some lunch in the rain, took some squash from the garden over to the former Mrs. FixIt’s house and sat on her front porch for awhile to watch the rain some more. We went home. I took a nap. Then I surfed the internet. Do I buy a smaller camper this truck can easily tow? Do I buy a stronger truck with less miles and keep the camper I have? Do we fly to Colorado in September? Or do we drive? My older truck with over 100K miles on it? Or rent a car? If we drive, do I take a camper? If so…see earlier musings on camper and truck.
\n\n\nDecisions, decisions. And the most delicious thing is…I didn’t have to make any!
\n\n\nLittle and gang have stopped for their second night on the road. They will get home tomorrow. I am so happy they didn’t try to just drive straight through. My daughter is slowly realizing each decade lived presents a slight decrease in what you can accomplish in one day. I will definitely breathe a huge sigh of relief when they arrive home safely. Then I can turn my attention to the next big trip. Once I get it planned, we can work on the next big project.
\n\n\nI love that there is always something to do!
\n\n\nThere’s never a dull moment!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-14T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/14/take-five.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Comfort","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/06/07/the-sunday-drive.html", "title": "The Sunday Drive", "content_html": "\n“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”
\nPsalm 127:2 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/16d72c082c.jpg\")
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!
\n\n\nHubby #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.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ff36853175.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nWhen 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.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a7baacbfe3.jpg\")
When we headed toward home, we came to a fork in the road.
\n\n\n“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!
\n\n\nThe Song of the Wood Thrush
\n\n\nOn 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.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4f8272aec2.jpg\")
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!!!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\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/2021/06/04/play-ball.html", "title": "Play Ball!", "content_html": "\n“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
\nPsalms 133:1 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a171e57789.jpg\")
I gained a whole lot more family members when I married Mr. FixIt. One of my bonus granddaughters plays softball for our Alma Mater and the league tournament began this week. They lost their first game to our arch rivals. They won their second game and, since our rivals lost their second, we played them again last night. Our girls came out like the fighters they are and it was touch and go there for a while. But, ultimately the rivals won and ended our granddaughter’s season. She’ll be a senior next year and that will be the last WV grandchild to graduate high school.
\n\n\nHow quickly those growing up years seem to fly...when it’s not you doing the parenting. You never feel like it flew by till it’s over. While you’re in the midst of it all, it seems to last three lifetimes. You think you can’t wait till all those travel games and practices are over...until they are. Then you mourn the loss.
\n\n\nIt seems to be that way with most things in life, doesn’t it? When you’re young and just starting out, it feels like forever till you’re your parents’ age. Then, all of a sudden, you have great grandchildren and you wonder how in the heck it happened in the blink of an eye. I really enjoy being the grandparent watching my grands growing up and achieving big things. Daughter #1 will be here with the girls at the end of the month. She’s taking Big to look at colleges. Wasn’t she just in kindergarten last year?
\n\n\nI love watching my daughter parent her girls. I love when the lightbulb goes on in her mind and she “gets it”. She used to complain that we let her little sister get away with MUCH more than she could. Now she realizes no two kids are the same and what worked with one, doesn’t necessarily work with the other. I love when she turns to me for advice, or a recipe, or to confirm the date of her great-grandma’s birthday. (Which she got right, by the way.)
\n\n\nI look back over my life and wonder which part was the best. Was it when I was young and ignorant of the ways of the world...newly married and living in England? Was it when my first child was born there and my mom flew all that way to come see her? Was it the lean years with Hubby #2 as we worked hard to put him through medical school...or was it the fat years when he practiced medicine and Daughter #2 came along? Was it becoming a grandmother for the first time? Was it when I married Mr. Virgo on the deck of my favorite restaurant overlooking Mt. Sopris in the distance, surrounded by family and friends? Was it when I went into the wilderness of Colorado as a new widow and came out a different and stronger woman? Was it living on the farm...the home of my heart?
\n\n\nI think, in looking back, EVERY time is the best time. I know for a fact that NOW is the best time. I’m married to my best friend. I live in the country on five acres. I have an amazing family. I have a camper, my health, and the means to live a comfortable life. Getting to watch a softball game in person or watching a swim meet online, or hearing our great granddaughter say, “I love you, Gigi!” Yep...this is the best time of all!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-06-04T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/06/04/play-ball.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/06/03/an-abundance-of-green.html", "title": "An Abundance of Green", "content_html": "\n“May you live to see your children’s children....”
\nPsalms 128:6 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/538843fdc5.jpg\")
I wish I could bottle the first week of June and keep it for January. This is the time of year when the green that hits you as you walk out your door almost hurts your eyes. The vegetation makes me think of the tropical forestation in Hawaii or Mexico. So lush and thick and so, so green. The air even looks green.
\n\n\nTuesday evening, I drove to town to try to catch my bonus granddaughter’s softball game. Although I thought I had plenty of time to spare, they weren’t doing well and they called the game early due to the “Ten Run Rule”. I got there just after it ended, but I still got to see the kids and visit for a little bit. As I drove home, I had the windows down. The wind blowing in carried the redolent scent of honeysuckle and multiflora rose...so sweet and hypnotic. I caught myself wanted to close my eyes and breathe that heady aroma in...committing it to memory.
\n\n\nWe have honeysuckle growing on the fence surrounding our backyard. Every time I walk out to the truck or to do some chore outside, I’m met with that familiar sweetness. I think the first time I recognized it was out at the farm. One of my mom’s cousins lives a couple miles down the road and we often took walks out there. I remember going for a run in the ‘70s and that scent stopped my in my tracks till I found its source. If you pull a blossom of honeysuckle off the vine and suck the end, you can taste that sweet nectar that attracts every bee from five counties.
\n\n\nWe headed out to mow our five acres yesterday around noon. I should have gotten an earlier start because by 3:00 it was drizzling pretty steady and the grass became too wet to mow without clumping. I got the two big fields done and Mr. FixIt finished mowing the edges and the bank by the road. He also had the weed eater out. It doesn’t look like we’ll have another shot at it till Saturday or so because of rain.
\n\n\nSetzer’s called yesterday to say TOW-Wanda is ready to pick up. They sealed the roof, replaced the 7-pin power cord on the front, and replaced the plug on the main power cord. When I was a newbie, I pulled away from my neighbor’s house and forgot to unplug the cord from the outlet on their front porch. I dragged the cord for a few hundred yards before someone flagged me down. By then, much of the rubber was ground away and seemed to be getting worse as the material hardened with age.
\n\n\nCampers are fun, but they are a lot of work. You have to keep up with regular maintenance and watch them like a hawk to catch things before they become major problems. I’m still thinking of downsizing and have my eye on a couple of camper models I might be interested in. Like cars, campers are in short supply this year. We will be feeling the effects of the pandemic for some time to come. For cars, it is a shortage of computer chips. For campers, it’s the foam core insulation and the glue that fastens down the laminate sheets. There were a couple of fires that damaged the plants that produce this products. All that trickles down to the consumer in higher prices and/or shorter supply.
\n\n\nMowing put cleaning on the back burner yesterday. Now we’ll have to decide if we want to go pick up the camper or stay home and get things done around here. It depends on the weather, I think. If it’s raining, I’ll wait a couple of days to bring TOW-Wanda home. We haven’t slept in the camper once this year because of her leak, so I’m really anxious to get her back here and camp!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-06-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/06/03/an-abundance-of-green.html", "tags": ["TOW-Wanda!","West Virginia","Peace","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/31/move-on-mr-swiftyou-too.html", "title": "Move On, Mr. Swift...You Too, Mr. Raccoon", "content_html": "\n“The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”
\nGenesis 1:12 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7886688ae9.jpg\")
The Square Cap on the Chimney Keeps the Swifts Out
\n\n\nFor the last couple of years, we’ve had chimney swifts nesting in out chimneys. And each year, it seems they brought more and more of their friends. While it WAS fun to sit out on the deck of an evening and watch them dive and swoop and chatter through the sky above us, sitting at the dining room tables was noisy. The birds nested down in the chimney and we’d hear them in there fluttering and chattering for hours. Then, when they started finding their way into the house last summer, I’d had enough of their fun and games. Chimney swifts cannot land and perch horizontally. They rest on vertical surfaces they can cling to making the inside of masonry chimneys, hollow trees, and old abandoned buildings perfect for nesting. You aren’t supposed to handle them yourself. You are supposed to call the experts to come get them. I didn’t know that at the time so I did carefully let them out through the door in the family room. Besides, we live way out in the country. There aren’t any bird experts near who could come rescue a swift.
\n\n\nWhile I have sincere love for God’s creatures, I don’t necessarily want them living in my house. So, last fall, I asked Mr. FixIt to cover the chimney tops to keep them out. Because chimney swifts are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, we waited till all the fledglings had left the nest and the birds migrated south before we locked them out for good. These sweet migratory birds will return year after year to the same nesting site, so we needed to get the new chimney caps on before they returned in the spring.
\n\n\nOne evening last week, we were sitting outside having dinner when I heard the familiar chitter-chatter calls from the swifts and I knew they’d returned. We sat and watched as they dove down toward the chimneys and pulled up at the last moment when they detected the obstacle before them. Time after time, they dove down. I felt really guilty for displacing them, but I knew they would soon be off to find a suitable place to nest. It wasn’t a day or two when they had moved on.
\n\n\nThere’s always something new to learn living in the country. While this isn’t my first rodeo, I find myself Googling all kinds of things to learn more about my surroundings and the proper way of doing things. And anytime I’m doing anything regarding wildlife, I’ve learned to do my research before I start working. We went to town Saturday and I didn’t consider it would be dark when we got home. We should have put the cat up for the night before we left. As it was, we pulled into the driveway and off went a raccoon, running out of the building. I’m sure it was having a field day with Pumpkin’s cat food. Yesterday, I noticed she was scratching, so I went right out and treated her for fleas and ticks. I’m sure Rocky Raccoon brought some hitch hikers in with him.
\n\n\nI spent the afternoon yesterday sorting and filing two or three years worth of papers and shredded another three bags full. That was the last of it so I fixed up my new extension cord by my recliner, connected my chargers, and got things tidied up in the family room. I’ve made great progress toward getting and feeling more organized. I’m counting down the days till the girls get here and I can’t wait. I wish Hannah and Kate were coming, too. But they both have new jobs so it will be a while before they come to West Virginia.
\n\n\nWe are going today to decorate graves of our loved ones. I pray you find peace today and the memories of your loved ones passed brings you comfort.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-05-31T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/05/31/move-on-mr-swiftyou-too.html", "tags": ["Peace","Holiday","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/28/days.html", "title": "3,000 Days", "content_html": "\n“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
\nJohn 14:27 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/35f179da17.jpg\")
Grandma’s Peonies
\n\n\nWhile Mr. FixIt busied himself fixing the door into our pole building, I headed to the farm to bring some more stuff home. I have to admit...I stretched out on Grandma’s bed for a half hour before I packed up the truck. Soaking up the atmosphere. It feels good. I really don’t have a whole lot left out there...but I don’t pack the truck too full with each load. It gives me more trips to the farm! I canceled the Dish Network account out at the farm this morning...thus ending a 23 year run with them. It will be interesting to find out how long that phone number has been in the family!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/433adb29b3.jpg\")
Wisteria
\n\n\nI had a little walkabout and photographed Grandma’s flowers. I think her peonies are the prettiest I’ve ever seen. The irises are lovely, and since irises need to be thinned on occasion, I’m going to bring just a few over to the Ponderosa and make a special flower bed out near my new mini-campground we’re putting in. I also have a she-shed in my future that I want to build out there as part of my little compound for gathering my girlfriends and campout. I have it pictured in my mind. Now I just need to gather old doors and wood to build it with! I have so many projects I want to complete here at the Ponderosa. I do believe, once it’s complete, it shall be renamed...what? Marshmallow Ranch, of course!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d9c38608c0.jpg\")
Clematis and Carolina Spice Bush
\n\n\nI got the nicest note from Frank and Beans on Wednesday night. They were on their way down to WV to work on their cabin, so when I was finished loading what I wanted to bring home yesterday, I headed up to see what’s going on. They have one of those driveways that are very common in these West Virginia hills...straight up! Well, not really...but it sure seemed that way. I jumped out of the truck to greet my newest friends and look at their place. It’s beautiful up there and they have a view that looks right out over the treetops. It reminds me of pictures taken above the canopy of a rainforest...but without the monkeys!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8614fdc7ca.jpg\")
Iris, foreground...Rhododendron, background
\n\n\nWhen they had their driveway graded, the folks doing the work found a huge rock in the shape of a heart. It has special meaning to Frank, so I brought them another heart shaped rock I brought home from Colorado and gave it to them as a housewarming gift. I couldn’t stay long, but we vowed to stay in touch, and they reiterated I am welcome to stay at the farm anytime. Just sitting on the porch during a rainstorm will be a huge treat, let alone getting to stay for a day or two.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bcacff59f3.jpg\")
Iris
\n\n\nI stopped at the store on the way home and fixed a quick supper. We have been dining on the deck every night under the pergola. We’ve only stayed out long enough to turn the market lights on a couple of times because we’ve been so busy with projects. But I envision more late nights out there as we catch up a little. Especially when the kids are here. I’m looking forward to doing more entertaining, as well.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/09952aa4e1.jpg\")
Iris
\n\n\nIt’s supposed to rain today and the weather will turn quite cool over the next few days. The nights will be especially cool...good sleeping weather. I have discovered something very interesting. Now that I write in the spare bedroom, I am sleeping much more soundly when I get up and go to our room. Something about separating “work” from home has really improved my sleep hygiene. I sure wish TOW-Wanda was here and fixed already...I’d really enjoy sleeping out there on these cool nights. That’s what I get for procrastinating getting her to the RV Doctor!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/054ec1ed72.jpg\")
Multiflora Rose
\n\n\nOh, and another thing...just as a matter of course. Today marks 3,000 days since Mr. Virgo died. I never could have dreamed of this life...of experiencing joy and happiness and deep love again. I couldn’t picture myself surviving that loss, let alone coming out the other side with a beautiful and fulfilling life. I just thought I would share that with you so that...if you are bereaved...there is hope for a good life down the road. I know it’s such a hard, hard journey...but a good life is worth working for.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-05-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/05/28/days.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Widow","Marriage","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/24/a-day-of-peace.html", "title": "A Day of Peace", "content_html": "\n“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
\nJeremiah 29:11 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5880f1cbb2.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nWe 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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nThey 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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\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/2021/04/20/adjust-your-dreamsagain.html", "title": "Adjust Your Dreams...Again!", "content_html": "\n“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
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/621d172198.jpg\")
When Mr. Virgo and I were beginning to think about retirement, I was adamant about one thing. I was NOT going to spend my retirement sitting in front of the television all day, every day...day in and day out. It wasn’t going to happen. That’s when I struck upon the idea of getting a camper. He was an avid golfer and I figured he would be thrilled to toodle along with me, towing our little house on wheels from course to course. Surprisingly, he agreed and we started looking for the perfect camper.
\n\n\nFast forward a few months and he had died, along with so many dreams of the future we had planned. Television was no longer a part of my life, but the price I paid for quiet evenings was dreadfully steep. I disconnected the satellite and didn’t look back. For five years, I traveled and wrote and learned to live alone for the first time in my life. Eventually the pain of my grief eased, but I never, ever missed television one iota.
\n\n\nWhen I came off the road and started living at the farm, the TV was hooked up to satellite and I felt it was important, living that far out on my own, to have some access to news and weather. So, I kept it...but didn’t watch it. Then...along came Mr. FixIt.
\n\n\nWe had strict rules at the farm. We did not watch TV. We played cards, cooked dinner together, and went for long walks. We created projects to do and went for drives in the country and literally just sat on the porch and watched it rain. It was peaceful and he was so happy to be with me, he never pushed the “no TV” rule.
\n\n\nAhhhh....as with all things, the honeymoon was short lived. When we moved into the big house at the Ponderosa, there was a new set of rules. It started out slowly. The news. Maybe a sitcom or two. Then, before I knew what was happening, the TV was on WAY more than my liking. But, I learned something in losing Mr. Virgo. It wasn’t all about me. It was never meant to be all about me. I was just trying to make it so because it was something I loathed and I wanted him to loathe it as well.
\n\n\nI’ve posted a meme here many times and included my Ten Rules in the care and feeding of a relationship. One of them was... “Don’t try to change him. You cannot change him. Do not, do not, do not try to change him.” I’ve given up on the TV thing. If Mr. FixIt wants to watch the TV till the cows come home...fine. I cannot change him. However, I CAN change me and how I respond to it. That’s when I started devoting the hours before bed to my writing and reading my devotionals and catching up with family and friends.
\n\n\nSo, here we are at the beach. After the news, I picked up my iPad and came down to the bedroom to write. And, lo and behold, about ten minutes later, he popped his head in the door and asked if I wanted to head down to the sound to watch the sunset. You bet I do, sweetheart! I’m closing this for the night and going out with my love and watch the sun close on another lovely day away...just he and me...and no TV!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/af25aacc04.jpg\")
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?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/20/adjust-your-dreamsagain.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/08/i-do-my-best-thinking.html", "title": "I Do My Best Thinking When I Drive", "content_html": "\n“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
\nGalatians 5:16 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7adaec1a8b.jpg\")
Ok, so it was the riding mower...but that still counts, right? We are expecting rain today, so Mr. FixIt said we’d better get the lawn mowed beforehand or it’ll be out of control by next week. Since he was busy working on trimming the outside wall we just painted, and...since I’M the one that loves the riding mower, I quickly volunteered.
\n\n\nIt was partly cloudy so it wasn’t very hot the first half, but then the sun came out full force and I retrieved my “mowing umbrella” to keep the sun off my skin. I used sunscreen and have to be particularly careful of my new scars...one from my surgery last month, and the other from a biopsy taken from my chest last week. Since I had a melanoma removed, I am so careful of my skin.
\n\n\nAs I was mowing, my mind wandered around....making lists for our upcoming trip to the beach, all the things that need doing beforehand, reminding myself to KISS (keep it simple, silly!) Suddenly, I saw the date in my mind. April 7th. Mr. Virgo and I got married on April 7th, 2007. This would have been our 14th Anniversary and that is just not relatable. He died just shy of our 6th...he’s been gone well over the short time that I had him.
\n\n\nI didn’t remember with sadness or longing. I remembered with a sense of incredulity. Here I was, sitting on a riding mower, mowing the five acres I share with a new husband I’ve known for literally 52 years...in West Virginia...my home state. It still seems surreal sometimes. Life hands us curveballs that we never see coming. We wake up one morning, our life is in one piece. We go to bed that night and our life is in shards on the floor. There truly is no rhyme or reason.
\n\n\nI watch my dear friends navigating grief...some newly bereaved, some not so much. When they’re at a certain point in their timeline that I recognize, I want to hold them and tell them to just hang on...just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I see them struggle and I remember struggling. I see them scream at God and I screamed at God, too. My prayer is, when they see me on the road ahead of them, they don’t compare where they are to where I am. We greet each new day of grief differently and no two are the same. Yet, there are patterns that emerge over time.
\n\n\nTime doesn’t heal grief. Grieving heals grief. And “heal” is a slippery word with many meanings attached to it. As I rode the tractor, wind in my hair, I fully realized that God used something so incredibly painful in my life to make me turn to Him for help. He turned that incredible pain into words to help those coming up the path behind me. And, He taught me to appreciate every single moment as it if might be the last...because it might just be.
\n\n\nA sweet friend from my bible study group lost her 28 year old son, suddenly and totally unexpectedly on Wednesday. She got up Wednesday morning and all was right in her world. She went to bed Wednesday night, her life shattered and lying in shards on the floor. There is no rhyme or reason, but I’ll be reaching my hand back to help her up this awful mountain.
\n\n\nIt’s what I do. It’s what God sent me here for.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/08/i-do-my-best-thinking.html", "tags": ["Grief","Peace","Memories","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/05/a-season-of-hope.html", "title": "A Season of Hope", "content_html": "\n“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,”
\nPhilippians 1:3 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ee75c8977a.jpg\")
Easter always makes me think of hope. The darkness and fear of the Friday before gave way to glorious joy on the day of resurrection and it reminds me there is always hope. No matter how dark things get. I lived a Jewish life for twenty-seven years. My favorite Jewish holiday has always been Passover. Not only is the food amazing, but the story is so filled with hope.
\n\n\nPassover celebrates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt where they were enslaved. Moses led them away through a parted sea into the desert where they wandered aimlessly for forty years. FORTY YEARS! How can that be a hopeful story? For me...hope comes as they stand on the dry sea bed. They are no longer slaves...they are rushing headlong toward the freedom they have so desperately begged God for. But yet, they aren’t quite through. There are walls of water to either side that could come crashing down on them at any moment. It was through the hope of freedom and faith in God that they were able to forge onward.
\n\n\nCan you imagine? Taking a moment...just glancing from side to side at those walls of water? Marveling at the dry ground beneath their feet? Perhaps catching glimpses of the fishes looking all the world like an aquarium? What magic that must have been! They hurried forward with great anticipation, only to find themselves meandering through the desert with no comforts or meat or anything else they were accustomed to. They felt their lives were better when they were slaves. At least they knew where their next meal was coming from. Then God brought them manna and they got bored with that pretty quick.
\n\n\nIt was Moses that held the space for their hope. He knew what was coming, and he knew he couldn’t make them see that it was only a matter of time till they would be truly free. Sometimes that happens in our own lives. We see progress...forward motion...only to be met with obstacles that feel insurmountable. There is always someone holding our hope for us...a loved one, perhaps. A dear friend. The one person who will always hold our hope is Jesus. He has our backs at every turn, no matter what.
\n\n\nWe enjoyed our Easter Sunday. We worshiped together at home. We thanked God for the many blessings He has given us...especially His son. We spoke to family. We thanked God for their good health. We enjoyed the warmth outside and the sunshine and flowers and birds. We thanked God for his creation. We cooked a really great pot roast and thanked God for His amazing provision in our lives. It was a really good day that filled me with hope.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/05/a-season-of-hope.html", "tags": ["Hope","God","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/28/ramping-up-for-work.html", "title": "Ramping Up for Work", "content_html": "\n“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
\nJeremiah 29:11 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1a28084db7.jpg\")
Oh, dear...what have we here???
\n\n\nWell, 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\nWe 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\nWe 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\nWe 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\nThere’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\nWhat 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\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/2021/01/21/day-another-dawnanother-day.html", "title": "Day 311: Another Dawn...Another Day", "content_html": "\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
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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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nYou can read the words of the Inaugural Poem here as well as view Ms. Gorman’s reading.
\n\n\nAs 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.
\n\n\nFinally, 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.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f5ff642770.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/01a2e02159.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/18cfe901a1.jpg\")
Flapjack Muffins
\n\n\nMix 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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nWarmth 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.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.”
\nColossians 3:14 CEV\n
#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/2021/01/18/day-dream-a-little-dream.html", "title": "Day 308: Dream a Little Dream", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3a26114cb8.jpg\")
I’ve been very selective how I spend my social media time over the last few months. Yes, occasionally I get caught up and head down a rabbit hole but I’m finding that kind of time suck doesn’t serve me well. We cannot spend much time on Facebook without seeing disparaging comments coming from both sides of the aisle and I’ve had just about enough of it.
\n\n\nI would rather spend my precious resources toward lifting everyone up and finding ways we can moved back away from the edges to a more homogenous center where we can work together for a better tomorrow. I think of Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King, JFK and even George Bush. Their noble exhortations aimed at taking our eyes off of ourselves to focus on others...creating a servant’s heart.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8e6c005a27.jpg\")
I stumbled across this photo of Ella Fitzgerald the other day. It was taken in 1955 and she was sitting with another woman of color, on a bench in a jail cell. She was arrested for “singing to an integrated audience.” It made me so sad to see the look of dejection on Ella’s face...her shoulders slumped, hands folded in her lap. What must she have been thinking?
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e8eeca77e4.jpg\")
“When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.” Another Facebook meme I came across yesterday. I can personally attest to this. As a doctor’s wife, I experienced the privilege of seldom having to wait for an appointment with my physician. I never had to pay anything....they accepted what insurance paid. I was treated (over treated) to the best of the best.
\n\n\nWhen I was no longer a doctor’s wife, I was still known in the community so things didn’t change all that much for me. However, once I moved away from that circle of influence, I had to stand in line like everyone else. I will not lie...I had a fleeting moment of quiet indignation. Then humility took over and I cooled my jets.
\n\n\n“I have a dream” of a “kinder, gentler nation” with “a thousand points of light”....because “it takes a village” to “ask not what your country can do for you...ask what you can do for your country.”
\n\n\n“Can’t we all just get along?”
\n\n\nI’m reminded of the song we sang in school...”Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” Let’s go out there this week and do what we can to change the world because we absolutely can have an impact as one person.
\n\n\nListen to Louis and Ella singing “Dream a Little Dream” HERE.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-18T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/18/day-dream-a-little-dream.html", "tags": ["Peace","Forgiveness","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/17/day-what-will-this-day.html", "title": "Day 307: What Will This Day Bring?", "content_html": "\n“Don't mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others, and do your best to live at peace with everyone.”
\nRomans 12:17-18 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/06d63f9141.jpg\")
Our days run together punctuated with high drama and mundane tedium. Since before Christmas, I have spent many hours every day...snuggled in my really awesome new recliner...moving those posts from Facebook to my website. Day after day...it’s pretty much the same. Which breakfast should we have today? Get the second cup of coffee. The hours are filled in between with writing. We don’t really eat lunch so the next big event is “What shall we have for supper?” Then it’s news and I’m off to write my post.
\n\n\nThe television drones in the background. I half watch old reruns of Andy Griffith and Frazier while I work. I can pretty much tolerate anything but westerns. We hit pause and discuss something that strikes me in a post written the year I moved into Grandma’s farmhouse....something funny, something sad. We enjoy the rhythm of marriage in our 60’s. It’s hard to be out and about like we were BC (Before Covid). So we’ve kind of adopted this sort of life-on-pause moment of comfort and acceptance...and immense gratitude that we don’t have to go through this alone. I know how much harder this would be if it would have happened when I was actively grieving.
\n\n\nWe are happy when a day goes by without a breaking news bulletin. We are happy when we laugh together over a funny sitcom. We are happy when we can sit in companionable silence and catch one of us smiling at the other. We forgive when close quarters cause frayed nerves and terse words to escape. We love even with the extra padding and lack of motivation. We share toast and tea and time.
\n\n\nWe’ve been having snow off and on. Big fat fluffy flakes coming down all willy-nilly. Mr. FixIt says “Blizzard!” I say “Squall!” We laugh. Inside jokes are a big source of entertainment. I love when a relationship gets to the point when you can say “Remember when...?” He went out to check something the other day and about busted himself slipping on the ice. I ask him to please wear his boots instead of tennies in the snow. He calls out “Be careful!” when I take out the trash. We’re “of a certain age” and we’ve got each other’s back.
\n\n\nThe days may seem to run over each other and blend together but I’m telling you this...if they don’t hold drama from hour to hour, not knowing what’s coming next, wondering what disaster has befallen us now....well, that is a good day as far as I am concerned. I can settle down in my big red recliner and pass the time in peace. Let us pray the days ahead are just this way.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-17T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/17/day-what-will-this-day.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Peace","Wisdom","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/04/day-a-space-of-my.html", "title": "Day 205: A Space of My Own", "content_html": "\n“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.”
\nJohn 16:33 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/427e3b12e4.jpg\")
I think every woman should carve out a little space that is just hers. Guys get the “man cave” or their “workshop”. Women get the kitchen. That’s all well and good. I mean, I love being in the kitchen and creating wonderful foods for the people I love. But it’s not like that...or the products that come from it...are for me alone.
\n\n\nI have my camper. For now, anyway. But what happens when I sell her? I may not have another one right away, and since I don’t have a “she shed”, I’ve decided to create a space of my own here at the house. We have a bedroom that has nothing but boxes of things labeled “Garage Sale”. These are boxes that the former Mrs. FixIt left thinking when the time came and we decided to actually HAVE a garage sale, we could stick this stuff in it. She is very helpful that way...very organized...and I appreciate it immensely. I think, if Covid hadn’t struck, we might actually have had a garage sale this year, but alas...it was not to be.
\n\n\nRather than wait another whole year, I’m taking matters into my own hands. I’m going to clear that room out and create a space just for me. Mostly because, when I settle in to write this blog every night, I write while I’m propped up with a bunch of pillows in our bed. I don’t think it’s doing my back any good and I’m tired of feeling like I’m in bed all the time. I’ve tried writing in the living room while Mr. FixIt watches TV but I find it distracting at best and mostly agitating, even with headphones on.
\n\n\nI have a picture in my head of what my room will look like. I have a Tiffany style floor lamp out at the farm. I brought it from my home in Colorado and I’d love to have it beside a comfortable chair. I would like a small side table...a place to set my cup of tea, a basket by the chair for my knitting, and a small footstool to prop my feet upon. I would like lacy white curtains to let in the light. I have an electric space heater out at the farm that looks like an antique wood stove. I would like to create a faux fireplace with it. I’ll hang the wooden clock that I bought Mr. Virgo for his last Christmas. I’ll have a small Bluetooth speaker to listen to soft music...or the sounds of a crackling fire. The room will be cozy and comfortable and quiet and peaceful. A nice place to write and retreat without having to climb in bed. And the best part? NO TV!
\n\n\nWe went to our great granddaughter’s 3rd Birthday Party yesterday. We stopped at the 4H Ox Roast on our way home to pick up a couple of meals so we wouldn’t have to cook. Oh, my goodness...that was wonderful food. And so much of it, too. After supper, I opened Facebook and...there was my chair! It was absolutely the exact chair I’ve been wanting at a price that can’t be beat. We’ll run into town today to pick it up and that will motivate me to get the back room cleared out. I’m nesting and getting my winter she shed ready.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-04T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/04/day-a-space-of-my.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Choices"] }, { "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““As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.””
\nGenesis 8:22 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1b904472f7.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nSo...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.
\n\n\nWe 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.
\n\n\nKeep looking.
\n\n\nKeep looking.
\n\n\nWATCH THIS BEAUTIFUL VIDEO HERE!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\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/2020/08/19/day-the-sacred-harp.html", "title": "Day 154: The Sacred Harp", "content_html": "\n“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
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4786195bef.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nAs 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”.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nThe “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.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6d9eee2ccc.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nTomorrow, 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.
\n\n\nYou can find the story on Sacred Harp Singing HERE.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\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/2020/08/16/day-my-shining-ray-of.html", "title": "Day 151: My Shining Ray of Hope in a Phone Call", "content_html": "\n“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
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3c5c7e4245.jpg\")
I worked on my website for a few hours yesterday. The office is across the wall from the television in the family room and my sweet hubby was snoozed out in his recliner with a shoot ‘em up action film going. I could feel every boom to my toes so I turned on my music. The booms melded with the tympani of the orchestra and soon I was blissfully lost in my work. Did I mention I hate television? We have agreed on a compromise. Until my second cup of coffee is done, there will only be old reruns of Andy Griffith on the TV. Then I can go do whatever else I want to do. Win-Win!
\n\n\nWe had three inches of rain yesterday between 6:00am and 2:30pm. I sure wish we could send some out west to help with the fires. Our high temp yesterday was predicted to be 73 degrees. I will take a day like that anytime!
\n\n\nAs soon as the rain let up, I packed up a few things and was about to head out the door to the camper when my phone rang. I was one of my dearest friends in the whole world calling from Colorado. She read my post yesterday and said, “You DON’T want to come to Colorado! The smoke is so bad, we can’t even go out of the house!” We went on to talk for an hour and I’m telling you...it was like salve to a sore place, as my grandma used to say.
\n\n\nBarbara and I are about ten years apart in age, yet my youngest and her oldest are only nine months apart. We became fast friends when her husband opened his practice in the same small Colorado town where Hubby #2 and I lived. She’s that friend you may not talk to frequently, but when you connect, the time seems to melt away. I felt 1000% percent better after talking to her and hearing she is going through much of the same things I am feeling with all that’s going on. I was her God appointment of the day...I am sure.
\n\n\nWhen we finally said our goodbyes, I grabbed my camping bag filled with books and writing implements and told Mr. FixIt I was “going camping”! So, as I am writing this, I am tucked into TOW-Wanda...pretending I’m camped near a clear mountain lake high in the Rockies and I can literally feel the stress peel off of my weary heart and mind.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/51e87da544.jpg\")
There are ways to escape...even when you are bound to your premises. Remember to protect your mental well-being as well as your physical health during stressful times. Chronic stress leads to high cortisol levels and that can lead to a lot of physical problems in and of itself. A phone call. A good book. I’m reading Aunt Arie: A Foxfire Portrait and just love it. Aunt Arie is so much like my grandma and her contemporaries that I grew up with and her stories take me back to my childhood. A change of scenery...even if it’s just in another room or a short drive away...can do wonders for your frame of mind.
\n\n\nThere’s nothing like rain on the roof of a camper to put things in perspective and I am blessed to have this little home on wheels. I noticed a little bit of water on the floor so I need to do some sealing work in the next dry stretch.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/16/day-my-shining-ray-of.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Camping","Love","Peace","Choices","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/15/day-just-an-old-granny.html", "title": "Day 150: Just an Old Granny Grump", "content_html": "\n“I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.”
\nJohn 14:27 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0787be43d1.jpg\")
When my grandma got old and we’d ask her how she was doing, she’d say, “I’m just an old Granny Grump!” I have no idea how old “old” was to me at the time, and I surely didn’t grasp the full nuance of the term “Granny Grump”. But, I think I’m beginning to get it.
\n\n\nOk...I’m not old, but I’m feeling like it lately. And I’m definitely feeling grumpy. Just ask my poor husband. It’s hard when you go on Facebook and you see your friends out doing things and you aren’t. It makes you wonder if maybe you’re being silly with all these Covid precautions. I mean, really...what harm could it do to hop on a plane or hook up the camper and drive across the country? I want to go camping. I want to go out to dinner. I want to go to Daytona Beach.
\n\n\nI want my life back.
\n\n\nI know. You do, too.
\n\n\nThis isn’t easy. And getting ready to head into the winter months, feeling like this will never ever end can easily turn anyone into a Granny Grump. When we got home from town yesterday, I hopped on the mower and mowed the whole property. I can do a lot of thinking while I mow. I zipped past the camper and thought, “I could do it, you know. I could just pack that bad girl up and hit the open road and be in Colorado by the middle of next week!!!” Man, I miss my kids and grandkids and brother and friends. Mr. FixIt and I have been together more in the last 150 days than Mr. Virgo and I were in the entire seven years I knew him. I’ve never spent this much time with anyone and being the kind of person I am...I know full well I am much NICER when I have a little tiny bit of space to call my own.
\n\n\nThen I remember how awful it was when I found out what being really alone felt like. And I start feeling a little guilty about wanting some space. Because I know about grief and loss and aloneness. And...being careful what you wish for.
\n\n\nThere is a difference between wanting to be alone and wanting a little space and time to recharge. Thank God, Mr. FixIt is pretty much back to being his healthy self. I still wouldn’t feel comfortable pulling the camper all the way to Colorado without him this summer, though. That’s too far away and not enough time has passed since the strokes. Then there’s the whole virus thing...so, here I am.
\n\n\nI’m just feeling a little stuck. And, I know I’m not the only one.
\n\n\nThis is a tough time we are going through, considering everything that has happened this year. I am reminded of something I wrote about a long time ago. You can put an egg and a potato in boiling water. One will become hard. The other soft. The temperature of the water is the same, but what they turn into depends on what they are made of.
\n\n\nI will not let my present set of circumstances harden me.
\n\n\nThis, too, shall pass.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“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
#JustSayin, #Grumpy, #Stuck
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/15/day-just-an-old-granny.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Anger","Forgiveness","Choices","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/13/day-my-peace-filterhit-the.html", "title": "Day 148: My Peace Filter...Hit the Snooze Button", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7dcb7133c1.jpg\")
First, let me thank you for the prayers and concern you offered for my sweet brother. I was so relieved when I found out he wasn’t being evacuated. But, with that being said, please pray for my Colorado hometown...Glenwood Springs. Glenwood Canyon has been burning on both sides of the Colorado River with high winds and no rain in sight. I’ve spent many wonderful hours in that canyon over the years and it was never a matter of “if” this would happen...but “when”. And when is now, I’m afraid. There is another much larger fire west of there, as well. Please pray for the smoke jumpers and slurry bombers navigating dangerous territory.
\n\n\nMy day was filled yesterday. It started with baking bread and continued on to smoking 20 pounds of pork...a full rack of ribs and two fresh picnics. Today will be packaging the pulled pork, cleaning the smoker, and starting on the tomatoes from the garden.
\n\n\nThe other day I wrote about maintaining a peaceful demeanor during these crazy times. For a while, I tried counteracting misinformation with articles from reputable news outlets. I found that didn’t change anything except my mood. It made me dark and stormy. And, it was incredibly time consuming. The next thing I tried was hitting the three little gray dots to the right of a post. On the drop down menu, there is usually a choice to “hide all from_______”...the source of the material. I hid things right and left. That started easing my feed a little bit because it didn’t matter who shared it...if it came from that source, I didn’t see it. Still, more and more hate was flowing through my page. I love my friends. I love my family. I want to keep up with what’s going on with them. I made the executive decision this week to take my page back. I started snoozing people for thirty days. Bingo...the hate level dropped tremendously.
\n\n\nAm I sticking my head in the sand? No way! It’s self preservation. I don’t need to see all that stuff. I just need to see pictures of my grandkids and my friends’ gardens and the occasional cartoon.
\n\n\nI focus on the calm, steadiness of the Holy Spirit. I seek the peace that goes beyond all understanding. I can feel the stress melt off my shoulders already. I find I actually surf less because I’m not drawn into “discussions” which are causing rifts in my relationships. There is something I learned many years ago. The person who is actually IN a toxic relationship is the last one to know it. I think right now, about 40% of us are in a toxic relationship with at least one person they know and they won’t realize it till they get out of it. I am hoping and praying that eyes will be opened, that compassion and civility will be restored, and that we will all seek a calm and steady path. The world feels like a really bad marriage right now.
\n\n\nMr. FixIt has graduated from Physical Therapy so I see camping in our future! The Perseid Meteor Shower is technically past its peak, but you are liable to catch some shooting stars if your skies are clear. And, if they aren’t? Take advantage of the warm night air and sit outside for a while. When it comes January and February...you’ll be so glad you did.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/13/day-my-peace-filterhit-the.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/07/27/day-searching-for-grace.html", "title": "Day 131: Searching for Grace", "content_html": "\n“God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!”
\nMatthew 5:9 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/49b2b242a8.jpg\")
We have held church in our living room every Sunday since the lockdown began. Which means we have not attended services with our church family since the middle of February. It’s only been four months, but it seems like a lifetime ago. While I miss my peeps there, I’ve learned that church is not the building we attend. As a matter of fact, those ninety minutes a week we spend there is really such a small piece of who I am as a Christian. I have a supportive group of Christian women in my life. We keep each other in prayer and check in on one another, offering support wherever it is needed. One of my group recently found out she has Covid even though she followed the guidelines. Masks and hand washing are good deterrents, but they are not 100% effective. We know this. But, for now, they are the only bullet in the gun.
\n\n\nOur pastor preached a sermon yesterday on grace. Having grace for our people is normally pretty easy. We are all trying to get through and lift each other up as best we can. That’s the easy part. It is harder to find grace for those with whom we vehemently disagree. I am often torn. There are things I find more difficult to forgive than others. Then I remember...Jesus loves the sinner, hates the sin.
\n\n\nI have been searching for grace more and more lately. We are weary of this mess. We are weary of the news. We are sometimes frightened by what we see...things we have never seen before. Or...at least, not for a long, long time. Things we never thought we would have to deal with again. Things are changing...shifting...dying...growing...ending. This is the hardest part of change. When we can find something constant to focus on, we can rise above the chaos.
\n\n\nThis will not last forever. It is grief. We are grieving the status quo. We are yearning for what once was. We are mourning the loss of the lives we knew...the comfort, the stability, the sameness. It is a collective grief we are all feeling to some extent or another. This is not easy. But, if there is anything losing Mr. Virgo taught me, it is that there really is nothing in the world we have real control over except our reactions to it.
\n\n\nEveryone...well, it seems everyone I know, anyway...has an opinion about what’s going on in the world. Politically, socially, economically, physically, mentally...and social media has brought out the worst in many of us. I am a work in progress, but I truly am trying to focus more on grace and less on my insatiable need to be “right.”
\n\n\nAs I watch the news and scan Facebook, I send prayers up for those I disagree with. I try, sometimes unsuccessfully, to keep my mouth shut. I cannot tell you how many times I have typed out a very LONG rebuttal to someone’s angry statement, only to think better of it and erase it instead of hitting send.
\n\n\nI ask myself one very important question.
\n\n\nWhich would I rather be...”right” or happy?
\n\n\nI try to emulate Jesus. I try to think of what He would do in each situation. And I’ve come to the conclusion that...sometimes we need to be the teacher. Sometimes we need to turn over the tables in the temple. And sometimes we need to go into the garden and pray. Praying for discernment to know which attribute to use at any given time is a full time job and I’m working it hard.
\n\n\nI’m not always successful, but I do give it my best shot.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.”
\nHebrews 4:16 CEV\n
Hebrews 4:16 CEV
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-07-27T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/07/27/day-searching-for-grace.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Grace","Peace","Forgiveness","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/07/02/day-the-motherdaughter-dancetake.html", "title": "Day 107: The Mother-Daughter Dance...Take 2", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d53070404f.jpg\")
On this day last year, I arrived in Colorado to spend a month with my kids and grandkids and to visit my brother. We were preparing for my younger daughter’s wedding and there were lots of fun activities and visits planned. I wrote on July 2, 2019 about the dance mothers and daughters do and how my relationships with my daughters have evolved and healed over the years.
\n\n\nYesterday, after a very full and busy afternoon, I sat by the pool and had a long video chat with Daughter #1. We no sooner hung up when Daughter #2 called and she and I also had a long visit. It seems last year was a turning point in our relationship. We bonded over a family event. Then, as Covid struck, they started contacting me more and more often. For the first time in a long time, I am enjoying a mutually loving and supportive mother-daughter relationship with both of my girls and I couldn’t be happier.
\n\n\nThey are so different which is made more noticeable by their sixteen year age difference. Daughter #1 reminded me her oldest is the same age she was when we had Daughter #2. I laughed and said, “Yeah...it’s a different ballgame now, isn’t it?” It’s so wonderful to have them at an age where they can look back and say, “Ahhhhh....so THAT’S what was going on with Mom back then!” Having only two children sixteen years apart was....challenging, to say the least.
\n\n\nAnyway, when I got off the phone with them, my heart was melting and soaring into the stratosphere at the same time. I miss them dreadfully and we talked about that. About how the times have changed and we all have to be responsible adults and put off our visit this summer. This will be the first year I can remember that I haven’t spent time with them.
\n\n\nAnd...we’ve never felt closer. It’s funny what the Covid Crisis has accomplished that all these years of mothering couldn’t. It’s the perfect storm...in a very, very good way.
\n\n\nTo read last year’s post, follow this link: https://www.marshmallowranch.com/the-mother-daughter-dance/
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-07-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/07/02/day-the-motherdaughter-dancetake.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/06/03/day-taking-a-look-in.html", "title": "Day 79: Taking a Look in the Mirror", "content_html": "\n“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
\nProverbs 22:6 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f9521a01f9.jpg\")
When I was growing up in the mid to late ‘50s, the Civil Rights Movement was gaining speed. One of my first friends in grade school was a little black girl named Lisa. Lisa went on to become a pastor and actually performed our marriage ceremony out in our field when Mr. FixIt and I got married.
\n\n\nMy aunt that recently passed away was a Head Start teacher in Washington, DC in the ‘50s. She showed me photographs that had the words “Colored” and “Whites” over the drinking fountains in the school where she taught. I couldn’t understand what they were talking about. My grandma sat me down and told me under no uncertain terms was I to EVER treat anyone differently because of the color of their skin. Therefore...all these many years...I’ve thought I was not racist.
\n\n\nOne of the many things I learned from therapy was how to take a good hard look at myself and own/change my less-than-stellar character traits. Back in the mid to late ‘70s I was a single mom. I went out to a bar one night with some friends and a handsome black man showed interest in me and I demurred. I had a young daughter at home, and I was not nearly as enlightened as I thought I was. And I felt ashamed by that. Would I have had a problem with one of my daughters marrying a person of color? Not at all. But back when this happened, I was a young woman...still wet behind the ears...and frankly afraid.
\n\n\nI’ve said things like “All Lives Matter” and “I’m colorblind”. But now? I will forever hear “I can’t breathe” in my mind...echoing over and over. We watched a lynching on video. How can I not be changed by that? I want to be MORE than “not racist”. I want to be “anti-racist”. And to do that, I have to educate myself to the real everyday existence of people of color. I can’t turn a blind eye and not say anything. I have to wake up and learn and do whatever is in my power to make the changes that need to come to fulfill what the Bible tells us to do.
\n\n\nThe Golden Rule has to be the base upon which all reparations are made to those who have been disenfranchised because of the amount of melanin that is in their skin. It’s only right.
\n\n\nI cannot condone violence and looting and killings. But I will support peaceful protests and I vow to educate myself to their plight.
\n\n\nI found this article to be a good starting point.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-06-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/06/03/day-taking-a-look-in.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Positive Energy","Growth","New Ideas","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/06/01/day-mow-mow-mow-the.html", "title": "Day 77: Mow, Mow, Mow the Grass!", "content_html": "\n“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
\nMatthew 7:12 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2efe441b76.jpg\")
I love Sundays. We had homemade toasted English Muffins with our breakfast yesterday and ate as we watched online church. Our church started back to in-person services this week. You had to go online to reserve a space and they only filled to 30% capacity. We won’t be going to any in-person services until there is a vaccine for this virus. We had Covid antibody testing done last week because we were both under the weather in February then Mr. FixIt had his stroke. Since stroke is one of the known side effects and, since I’m trying to find anything that might have cause it, we had the testing done locally. No real surprise that we were both negative, but I felt we needed to cover every base. We can’t risk him getting Covid, and there wasn’t a mask to be seen on anyone they showed in today’s service. As long as we can watch from home, that’s the way it will stay.
\n\n\nAs soon as church was over, it was time to do the Sunday Stretch-Out...aka nap time. I read and relaxed and napped in the camper while Mr. FixIt stretched out in his recliner for a while. When I got up, he was rebuilding the generator. I cleaned and painted a couple of pots to plant my peppers and zucchini in. We were sitting in the shade under the maple tree around 4:30 when I saw how long the grass was getting in the near field. I jumped on the tractor and got both fields mowed then came in, fixed supper, and we watched the news. I don’t have to tell you how awful that was. It seems like we are being hit with blow after blow. When things build up and build up and build up, there is bound to come a moment of saturation when everything comes to a head. I just wish it didn’t entail such wanton violence and I pray for peace, justice, and humanity.
\n\n\nToday I’ll finish the mowing here, plant the peppers and squash, then head to the farm to mow. I’m making a batch of pure vanilla extract this week and it’s time to make another batch of yoghurt. I’d also like to make a challah. I haven’t done that in ages. It’s supposed to get hot tomorrow and stay that way for the foreseeable future. The pool is just about ready to swim in...just in time for the hot weather!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-06-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/06/01/day-mow-mow-mow-the.html", "tags": ["Peace","Farm Life","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/05/29/day-a-blessed-day-off.html", "title": "Day 74: A Blessed Day Off", "content_html": "\n“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth:”
\nPsalms 104:14 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c9ad576864.jpg\")
I thought for sure, after having to spend all that time in lockdown here at home, I would never look forward to an “at home” day again. But, I was wrong. Yes, I was supposed to make Sourdough English Muffins yesterday. Did that happen? Ummmm, no. I could tell you it’s because I haven’t found a recipe I like yet, but the real reason was, I enjoyed watching a movie with Mr. FixIt yesterday afternoon...something I so rarely do. It was a suspense thriller with Tom Hanks. Who doesn’t love Tom Hanks? So I “forced myself” to sit through it, then I took a nap. It felt like sheer decadence and I felt like a million bucks when I got up.
\n\n\nWork will always be there. There are things you really can’t put off, like mowing, or else you might as well contract with someone to come bale the hay. The grass grows like crazy this time of year. We had 1.75” of rain Wednesday during the night. Nope, can’t put off mowing. But, you can put off doing the dishes five times a day or cooking complicated meals. You can take naps or sit on the deck with a cold beverage and watch the cat chasing butterflies. Or, you can just sit still and “be” while the birds sing and the bees buzz.
\n\n\nThis is a heavenly time of year and it’s what I crave throughout the winter months. I remember one summer I spent the entire four months inside working on projects. When fall came and I finally sat down on the front porch with a coffee, an overwhelming sadness came over me. I realized it would soon be too cold to enjoy that and I had wasted my precious, finite summer. I’ve never made that mistake again. If I can be outside, then I’m outside!
\n\n\nI did do one project yesterday. We have this drainage problem in the back stairwell outside. We keep a couple of sump pumps going in the bottom to get the extra water out that gathers there when we have heavy rains like we did Wednesday night. We pump the water out into the yard where it does two things, it runs down into the garden and makes it too wet...and it further saturates the ground in the yard. That water has to go someplace, so my analytic mind presumed it was percolating back down through the soil and we were pumping the same water out over and over.
\n\n\nI decided to think like a Roman...the ones who built the aqueducts to deliver water throughout the city. I lengthened the hoses by attaching a second hose to each one, and ran them to the other side of the yard. There was already a slight ditch along the sidewalk to all for the grass trimmer. I laid the hosed so they would drain down that ditch. That worked great till it got about 6 feet from the gate. There is a low place in the lawn there and I knew it would soon fill with water and run back across the sidewalk into the part of the yard I needed to dry out.
\n\n\nI had a eureka moment when I took a sod cutter and extended that ditch down past the gate and allowed the water to drain in an entirely different area far from the house. It will water a maple tree and the honeysuckles over there. Voila! I corrected the problem and quit recycling the same water over and over. I know it isn’t a permanent fix, but it works till we find a more permanent solution!
\n\n\nSo...a movie, a nap, a couple little projects, and time with my sweetheart all while staying home on the Ponderosa. That is a perfect day, if you ask me!
\n\n\nSelf-care isn’t self-ish.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
\nRomans 12:12 NIV\n
#Hope #Patience, #Affliction
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-05-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/05/29/day-a-blessed-day-off.html", "tags": ["Family","Comfort","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/05/10/day-a-different-kind-of.html", "title": "Day 55: A Different Kind of Mother’s Day!", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7435aab184.jpg\")
As I sat at my keyboard last night, I looked for pictures of my mom and thought of all the Mother’s Days we had together. Really...very few. Once I left home to seek my fortunes, I am not sure we ever got to see each other on Mother’s Day. I always came home in the summer months when the kids were off of school. But I always called her and sent her a card and flowers.
\n\n\nI keep my pictures of Mom in an album on my iPad marked “”Family”. That way, when I get lonesome for them, they’re all in one place. I thought of all the sad and sentimental things I could say about my mom and how much I miss her. But, the truth is...even though I miss her desperately right now...I would NEVER want her to have had to experience what’s going on in the world. All the anger and divisiveness and ugliness would have upset her greatly. She had such a tender heart. And this virus would have worried her to death. I am much more peaceful knowing she is with her family and with Jesus.
\n\n\nMy eyes scanned the photos and lingered on my own children...from when they were littles to when they had littles of their own. These girls made me a mom. I wasn’t always very good at it. I made huge mistakes and it broke my heart that I let them down. So many years were lost to depression when I just couldn’t seem to connect with them as they needed. I’ve spent much of the last twenty years trying to fix that. Trying to be a better mom. Trying to create new and better memories.
\n\n\nSince I moved back to my home state, I have returned to Colorado every summer to see the girls and spend time with my grandchildren. Then, the pandemic hit and I am not at all sure I’ll get to go back this year. There was a time when I would have focused on that loss and that’s all I’d see. Things are different now. Now I see where God is taking this situation and turning it for good.
\n\n\nMy girls and I have communicated more since the Stay at Home orders came out than we ever have. There are lots of phone calls and texts, sharing pictures, video chats. When I watch their Facebook feeds, I see them reaching back for THEIR comforting touchstones and I see myself there. In the raised bed gardens. In the baking and making and growing. In the phone calls asking for advice. It has warmed my heart.
\n\n\nIn the last two months, during this lockdown, I have finally realized...I made a difference in my kids’ lives. The things I taught them, stuck with them. And now, they are using those gifts I gave them to comfort themselves and their families. This means more to me than any trinket they could give me. It doesn’t get much better than this.
\n\n\nMr. FixIt told me last night he didn’t get me anything for Mother’s Day because shopping isn’t the same. And I told him not to buy me flowers. I smiled and said, “I have everything I need for Mother’s Day. I have a great big blended family that gives me great joy.” Besides, I’d rather have kitchen stuff than flowers that wither and die.
\n\n\nI hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day. And if you are actively grieving, I hope you find some moments of peace and comfort with your memories of your loved one.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.””
\nProverbs 31:25-29 ESV\n
#MothersDay, #Children, #Holiday
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-05-10T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/05/10/day-a-different-kind-of.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Forgiveness","Aging","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/04/08/day-a-moment-of-peace.html", "title": "Day 23: A Moment of Peace", "content_html": "\n“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.\"”
John 3:8 ESV
I slept a deep and dreamless sleep at the farm. I went to sleep with the sounds of owls and the occasional night bird. I awoke to the sun striking the the tippy top of the far ridge, the glorious choir of songbirds echoing down the holler from the woods above. What little bit of spring rain we’ve had trickled quietly in the creek outside the bedroom window I had propped open with an old bottle. My breathing was steady...my heartbeat was slow. I was feeling quite zen in the moment.
\n\n\nI stretched and yawned and gazed out the window, then I received an alert on my phone. My brother/friend Greg was texting from Costa Rica.
\n\n\n“Hey...wish me happy birthday, sis!”
\n\n\nOMGosh! Why wasn’t his birthday on my calendar? I’m challenged in this area. I sat up, pulled the covers up around my chin, brushed my hair back, and hit the little camera icon. I have never tried a video chat on Instagram before, but there is a first time for everything, right? After three rings, there he was. My curly-haired buddy with the sparkling blue eyes...retired attorney, world traveler, born in the same hospital as me and delivered by the same doctor. We grew up right across the Ohio River from each other but didn’t meet until 2002 at a board meeting in New Castle, Colorado. Go figure.
\n\n\nHis gap-toothed smile is charming, his innocent youthfulness belies his age. Greg is truthfully the little brother I never had. I adore my older brother. I didn’t get to do the things with him some sisters do. He didn’t play football and look out for his little sister. He didn’t reluctantly drive me to school or protect me from boys he didn’t approve of. My older brother was born with a developmental disability and cerebral palsy. I would never trade him for anything in the world. I was HIS protector, so God sent me Greg to do the other stuff.
\n\n\nWhen Mr. Virgo died and I returned from my three month excursion in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado, I couldn’t sleep in my house. I didn’t want to sleep in my bed...our bed. So I kept Little TOW-Wanda out front, plugged in, and essentially lived out there till I finally had to park her in storage for the winter. Greg and I were both night owls. If he saw me online at some ungodly hour, he sent me a text to see if I was ok. I can’t tell you how many times he walked the six or seven blocks from his house to mine at 2:00 in the morning to just sit with me in my camper.
\n\n\nWe propped pillows up at each end of my bed, he at one end...me at the other. It was getting chilly so we threw a quilt over our legs. Sometimes we listened to music. Sometimes we shared pictures on our phones. Sometimes I cried and he sat quietly and listened. He’s a good brother...as much a brother as any. And I got to start my soft, zen-like day singing happy birthday to him and catch up with each other’s lives. It was delightful.
\n\n\nWhen we finally said goodbye, I padded into the kitchen to make my coffee, threw in another load of laundry, and sat in Grandma’s chair to watch the world play out in front of me. I took a deep breath. No television. No news. No “press conferences”. No updates. I could just as easily have been sitting in a cabin in the woods in 1886 as remote and distant the world felt. This is what I was talking about a couple of weeks ago when I posted on my personal FB page... “Should married couples socially distance from each other? (Asking for a friend.)” I was trying to be funny...sort of.
\n\n\nI love Mr. FixIt completely. AND...I know myself. I need a break away from time to time to recharge and catch my breath. I need to NOT hear a television for, at the very least...24 hours. I am a much happier person when I get these little breaks...and when I’m happier, Mr. FixIt can’t help but be happier, too. It doesn’t take long and we can’t stand being apart. But oh...that twenty-four hours is delicious.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1349d62bc3.jpg\")
I finished my laundry and gathered some things up from the kitchen that I wanted to take home. The pots and pans I left at the farm are much nicer than the ones over at the house, so I gathered the good pans up to bring home with me. The next time we go back over, I’ll take the older pans from here and leave them at the farm. No one comes there but us, and we will do fine with them. I also brought my blender and my handheld KitchenAid mixer. Some knives and my wonderful crock with my spatulas and wooden spoons. And the red teakettle I bought a few years ago when I came back to the farm full time.
\n\n\nBy the time I got the car packed up, it was nearly 3:00 in the afternoon. I drove home and mowed the back yard for Mr. FixIt. It was warm and sunny. When I was done, I stretched out on the bed in front of the fan for a power nap. We had supper and sat out on the deck under our new pergola and played with the cat.
\n\n\nFor twenty-four hours, coronavirus was far away. Scary things were far away. Death and dying and illness were far away. I had the mental health break I needed and came back feeling stronger and more centered and rested. It’s important to take care of our mental health...always, but especially now.
\n\n\nWhat are you doing to help with your mental health? What are your self care rituals?
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-04-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/04/08/day-a-moment-of-peace.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Comfort","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/02/16/meet-me-in-the-middle.html", "title": "Meet Me in the Middle", "content_html": "\n“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
\nJohn 14:27 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/34fc929ba6.jpg\")
I wrote yesterday about life being simpler when we didn’t know what we didn’t know. As I pondered that message, I contemplated how the same sentiment applies to politics. Perhaps the whole nature of the political experience has changed because I’m older and more aware. I know the social fabric of our nation seems to be unraveling at the seams, even though there is still goodness and kindness in the world.
\n\n\nI avoid political discussions on Facebook like the plague. Then I saw something that crushed me. It was a photo of a friend of mine doing something that totally shocked me. No need to go into further details. I was hurt and confused and disappointed. But, instead of instantly lashing out as seems to be the modus operandi anymore, I went into quiet contemplation and talked with God about it.
\n\n\nI’ve been praying a lot about our country and those we elect to represent us. And I’ve been asking God to help us all to meet in the middle...to help me open dialog wherever I can...to separate the politics from the person and see them as fellow citizens and not the enemy. After an hour or so to absorb what I saw, I went back and thanked her for opening the door to polite civil discourse. That is what our country was designed to do.
\n\n\nMy country grandma taught me my vote is my own. No one needs to know who you vote for. You owe no one an explanation. Later, my friend and I had a chat privately. We assured each other our love for one another has not changed because of our differing political beliefs. That’s the way it should be. Enough of this “us vs. them” stuff.
\n\n\nBe a GOOD HUMAN first. Then be a Republican or a Democrat or whatever is your leaning. Show some respect. Be honest. Have morals. Value integrity. Show empathy. As I contemplated this, I was led to the following scripture:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”
\nIsaiah 58:9-12 NIV\n
I shared this with my friend. She will see it through her lens. I will see it through mine. That is the nature of the Bible...it is the living word and speaks to us where we stand. But we met in the middle and held each other in kind regard. There are forces at work on every side trying to divide this country. I am reminded of the phrase... “United we stand, divided we fall.” They weren’t kidding.
\n\n\nAs I was writing this, a friend shared a video. A thousand strangers came together at midnight...Christians, Jews, and Muslims. It took them one hour to learn “One Love” by Bob Marley and it’s a beautiful thing to hear. I know we can’t solve the world’s problems sitting around singing songs.
\n\n\nOr can we?
\n\n\n\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-02-16T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/02/16/meet-me-in-the-middle.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Peace","Forgiveness","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/31/seeking-comfort-in-an-uncomfortable.html", "title": "Seeking Comfort in an Uncomfortable World", "content_html": "\n“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.””
\nMark 11:25 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/307005306f.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nThree 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.
\n\n\nI’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.
\n\n\nI gained people. And...I lost people I loved dearly.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nI’ve aged a hundred years in some ways. I’ve gotten much younger in others.
\n\n\nI got a cat. Well...she got me.
\n\n\nI 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?
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nFinding ME.
\n\n\nFinding love again.
\n\n\nMarrying a wonderful man.
\n\n\nAll 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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nI 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.
\n\n\nWe’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?
\n\n\nMaybe I can take a nap before we go.
\n\n\nHappy New Year, my dear ones! If you are struggling, may 2020 bring you peace, prosperity, and good health. You are so loved.
\n\n\nThank you. Truly...thank you for being here all these years. I am eternally grateful for the connections I have made through this page.
\n\n\nBe blessed!
\n\n\nGinny
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n“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.”
\n\n\nPsalms 96:1-3 NIV
\n\n\n“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
\n\n\nPsalms 90:12 NIV
\n\n\n“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
\n\n\nProverbs 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![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3ac78d9dd4.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nThere 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.
\n\n\nWe 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.
\n\n\nThese 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.
\n\n\nNow 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.
\n\n\nI hope you all are enjoying the holidays in whatever way you can.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.”
\n\n\nPsalms 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/2019/12/12/winding-down-the-year.html", "title": "Winding Down the Year", "content_html": "![\"Mug](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3ceec9306b.jpg\")
“I’m looking for a little down time…maybe after the holidays.”
The year is quickly fading and before we know it, we will turn the page on…not only another year, but on a decade. There will be stories about the best and worst and we’ll wax poetic for what was, what is, and what might have been. It’s hard to stay in the moment in a moment like this.
\nIn looking back over my last year, I realize a turning point occurred early on. I was happily sitting and knitting a gazillion dishcloths and watching movies with Mr. FixIt the entire month of January. It was divine spending hours with hot mugs of tea and the smooth feel of fiber and needles in my hands. Then…my good friend Janine stepped in and called a halt to the whole thing with these wise words:
\n“Stop knitting and write your book! You can knit when you’re on your book tour.”
\nWow…she’s right, you know. I was enjoying the hygge environment I had created but I was also killing time till spring came and I could get back outside and play. I spent the entire month of February sequestered in the big camper and wrote over 75,000 words. And I haven’t really stopped moving since.
\nI bought that little camper in March and then the grass started growing and camping season started and the new Girl Camper website was being developed and we traveled….everywhere. And now, the year is all but over and I’m on sensory overload. Not from the holidays, per se. It’s just been a high gear year and I’m really ready for a little down time.
\nTake yesterday, for example. I hadn’t finished my first cup of coffee when Mr. FixIt announced he needed to go to Lowe’s to get the drywall for the bathroom he’s finishing and I decided to go into town with him. I wanted to pick up a gift card for my brother. I figured we would be back in ninety minutes…tops. Ha! We pulled back in the driveway at 5:30.
\nThere is no such thing as a “quick trip to town” for some reason. Not when you decide to stop for a late breakfast and the usual errands and a stop at the grocery store and the original destination of Lowe’s and then the grandkids need something. We often look at each other and say “What on EARTH did we do when we worked full time???”
\nThe upside of the day? I got to hold my little great grandson for half an hour and get some snuggles, so the day was not a loss.
\n❤️
\n““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””\n\n", "date_published": "2019-12-12T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/12/winding-down-the-year.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Comfort","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Aging","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/10/love-to-the-rescue.html", "title": "Love to the Rescue", "content_html": "Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
![\"Friends\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2ca326057b.jpg\")
“One of my besties! Deneene and her sidekick, Griffen the Grey, came for a visit. She’s good for what ails ya!”
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.
\nI 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!
\nWe 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nAs 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!
\nWe 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!
\nI 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!”
\nDeneene 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.
\n❤️
\n“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”\n\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/2019/12/07/a-good-book-is-a.html", "title": "A Good Book is a Good Friend", "content_html": "John 15:12 NIV
![\"Reading\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/24bccdbb70.jpg\")
“Books open the mind of the reader and sparks an interest in the world.”
I am so busy writing now, I seldom have time to read. I have a stack of books by the bed. A cabinet full in the family room. My iPad has at least a dozen good books just waiting for me to sit down…yet I seldom do. And when I do have time, I love to knit.
\nI used to read voraciously, but since Mr. Virgo died, I just can’t seem to concentrate long enough to get into the story. I wish I could. I think I would love to sit by a babbling brook on a warm spring day and while away the hours, getting lost in a captivating storyline. I keep hoping.
\nI do have such fond memories of reading. My mother taught me to read before I started school. The first grade teacher was so taken with my early reading skills that she sent me to other classes to read to the children. I always had a book, and when I didn’t have one, I read the dictionary or my hand-me-down encyclopedia. Mom bought a set of books as shopping rewards from the grocery store when I was very young and I devoured them.
\nI have memorable moments with certain books. Love Story. I threw the book across the room and sobbed. To Kill A Mockingbird. I felt an inherent shame for the ill-treatment of others. Of Mice and Men. It broke my heart because I have a differently-able brother. There was Watership Down which got me through seasons of anxiety. There were the horror stories of Stephen King. The dramatic mysteries from the likes of James Patterson and Robin Cooke and so many others.
\nA very special time in my life was when Daughter #2 and I cuddled in bed every night and read the Harry Potter books. Thinking back on that time is bittersweet. Reading with her was wonderful. But my marriage was falling apart, as was my fragile mind in the midst of it all, and that season of my life was clouded by Prozac and assorted pharmaceuticals.
\nI have a new generation to read to now. Our oldest great grandchild is two now and is beginning to take an interest in books. The younger is just four months old so it will be a while before I can read to him, but we’ll have lots of picture books. And, another little boy will be gracing our presence in January.
\nI think I may have to start scheduling a time to read for pleasure. What are your favorite reads these days?
\n❤️
\n“He went up to the temple of the Lord with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the Lord.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-12-07T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/07/a-good-book-is-a.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Widow","Littles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/06/its-feel-good-friday.html", "title": "It’s Feel Good Friday", "content_html": "2 Kings 23:2 NIV
![\"Happy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e7b490a1e7.jpg\")
“Here’s a photo of my happy big brother. He makes this a true Feel Good Friday!”
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.
\nI 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.
\nThe 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.
\nI’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.
\nhttps://www.cnn.com/2019/12/04/uk/heartwarming-christmas-advert-intl-scli-gbr/index.html?ofs=fbia
\n❤️
\n“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\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/2019/11/30/when-kindness-matters-most.html", "title": "When Kindness Matters Most", "content_html": "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
![\"Be](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/915ddf5f24.jpg\")
“Kindness Matters Most…especially when it involves children.”
My dear friend Diane sent me a link to an article in the New York Times yesterday. It was a story about the new mayor of Charleston and how she barked up the wrong tree. It seems, in an effort to be inclusive and considerate of the Muslim and Jewish population in our state’s capital, she decided to rename the Christmas Parade. She announced on a Facebook post that the Winter Parade would be on such and such a date…and thus began a civil uprising. Well, maybe uncivil is a more appropriate description.
\nI understand what she was trying to do. And I appreciate it. Having lived 27 years as a practicing Jew in a small town and watching discrimination at work was an eye opening experience for me. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for what some people go through on a daily basis in this world.
\nThe mayor was attacked from all sides and had very few backers. Part of it was the way she went about it…making a unilateral decision without consulting anyone. But the biggest part was the way the world is now. I could have been a mediator by profession because I can easily see both sides of this issue. People were feeling attacked and that, in the spirit of political correctness, they felt the mayor was trying to steal Christmas. When, in actuality, she was just trying to be kind to everyone in the community.
\nAs I read the comments to the story, several of them were from minorities saying they never felt they were “less than” or “excluded” because of Christmas celebrations. While they didn’t observe the holiday themselves, they never felt threatened by other people celebrating. I remember talking to a Rabbi once and asked him what he would do regarding my children’s participation in these programs. He said “Lip synch the words to the religious songs and belt out the secular ones. There is a lot of beautiful music in the Christian faith. I think it’s very important that we don’t try to dilute anyone’s holiday.” That made a lot of sense to me.
\nThis story brings to mind something that happened to me when I lived in that small mountain town in Colorado. Hubby #2 was a new physician and we had only lived in town a few years. One Christmas, a couple of things came to a head that are very similar to what happened in Charleston this month.
\nFirst, the wife of one of my husband’s colleagues was Jewish and she had two sons in the public grade school. There was no mention in the curriculum of any holidays besides Christian ones. She wanted the children to have a greater world view and asked if she could form an ad hoc committee to explore how to go about broadening the horizons without stepping on anyone’s toes. Even though my younger daughter was only a baby at the time, I knew she would be going to the same school in a few years so I said yes when I was asked to join.
\nWe held meetings with the school board. We offered to provide children’s books for the school library with stories about Chanukah and Passover. We volunteered to come into the classes during story time and share traditional foods of other cultures. And, we asked that the school program in December be renamed the Winter Festival. That’s where we ran into road blocks and it got ugly…fast. Our mayor hung a banner across the Main Street through town claiming that “The heathens are trying to steal Christmas from our children! Don’t let that happen!” Those were the exact words. Heathens.
\nIn the historical context, the word heathen means “an individual or a people that do not acknowledge the God of the Bible; a person who is neither a Jew, Christian, nor Muslim; a pagan.” We certainly were NOT heathens and it was a blatant slur…not the least of the discriminatory experiences I encountered in my years as a member of the Jewish community.
\nOur little mountain town was formed by a large ranching and mining community. There were two black children, a handful of Hispanic children, and no Asians the year my daughter started 7th grade. We had relocated there from Denver where my daughter was in a tri-lingual classroom…English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Her school was a cross section of humanity and she was dumbfounded by the “white bread” community she found herself living in. Every holiday, a large cross was lit on the top of a mountain within view of the whole town, reminding everyone that that “we celebrate Christmas in this town.”
\nAt the same time the banner went up across the Main Street and the cross was lit on the hill, we found out that the cross was on city property and the electricity was being paid for with tax money. This is where I had a problem. I can educate. I can buy books and bake cookies till the cows come home, but there is a separation of church and state in this country and the founding fathers made it that way on purpose. I believe in honoring that and if I would have been Christian at the time, I still would have believed in that.
\nThen, things shifted in town. It turns out the ACLU got wind of the situation and put the town on notice they would be taken to court if they didn’t make other arrangements for the cross on the hill. A citizen donated a piece of land up higher than the original location, and a new and larger cross was erected. Every year, a collection takes place to pay for the electricity and upkeep of the cross. I was thrilled with that because it was not only even more beautiful than before, it now complied with the law.
\nAs time went on, some things in town got better, but there was still an undercurrent of anti-Semitism. When Daughter #2, who was just a baby when this all went down, was in high school, she was bullied and called a “stupid, effing Jew” among other derogatory comments. I went to the administration but the bullying continued and we finally determined she would be happier at the alternative high school.
\nShe is doing well now. She is 29 and married. But she carries the emotional scars from her experiences. This is why I am sensitive to all people. This is why I don’t want the little Jehovah’s Witness children to have to sit in the cafeteria, ostracized by their peers because of their beliefs. I want the little Jewish children to be included in the holiday extravaganza because they have a holiday to celebrate, too. I don’t want any child to feel left out.
\nI don’t know what the answer is for you. All I know is, I personally know what discrimination feels like. And I know what it feels like to hold your child in your arms when she’s been crushed by bullies. Therefore, I say “Happy Holidays” if I am not sure of the person’s beliefs. I don’t care if someone says Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas to me. I am not insulted. Why would I be? It’s a blessing when someone wishes you well. I’ll take that any day of the week over some of the terrible things people feel free to say to each other these days. Because…kindness matters.
\n❤️
\n#KindnessMatters, #Discrimination, #HappyHolidays
\n“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-11-30T02:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/30/when-kindness-matters-most.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Growth","New Ideas","Grace","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Fear","Forgiveness","Courage","Warning","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/26/tuesday-truth-when-you-canstep.html", "title": "Tuesday Truth: When You CAN...Step Away", "content_html": "2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8c837d2539.jpg\")
“It’s OK to step away!”
Do you have trouble stepping away from toxic relationships? Do you find you are people pleasing yourself into a corner? Are you feeling pressed into doing traditional holiday things even though you would rather not? Or maybe you just can’t face your ____________ (insert relative/friend here) this year…or ANY year? Well, I’m going to do something here…pay very close attention.
\nStep away.
\nIf you need “permission” then, here…I’m giving you permission.
\nHolidays can be especially difficult if you’re grieving. Or if you have underlying health issues. Or, you know…if you happen to be human. If you are over the age of consent, holidays can be much more painful than they are pleasurable.
\nFor the last month, I’ve been really looking forward to going over to my cousin’s house for Thanksgiving. I don’t get to see her nearly often enough and this year it was for a very brief visit last month. I love to go and stay over a couple of days, but circumstances change. There are health issues with some of the older generation over there. Last year we left here early Thanksgiving morning, drove over, discovered my aunt had fallen and she and my uncle couldn’t attend dinner, so Mr. FixIt and I packed up a dinner for them and drove it to his house. This added another hour of driving…each way. Then, after our Thanksgiving meal back at my cousin’s house, we got in the tuck and drove home. It made for a very long day and was not relaxing nor fun even though it was great to see everyone.
\nWhen I returned on Halloween from the six week camping excursion with the rpod and discovered we had a new kitten, everything changed. Now there are no more impromptu trips and I am not up for a drive-by. I took the self-care approach and opted out. Now we can work hard to finish the back bathroom this week and get the sink, toilet, and shower stall out of our living room in time for our family gathering on Sunday.
\nSometimes it’s a sibling. Or an aging parent. You may feel guilty for stepping away, but as I tell you so often, you cannot fill someone else with an empty cup. WE are no good to anyone, including ourselves, if we continue putting ourselves in situations that are toxic and abusive.
\nI know, I know…there are times when you may be the only one that person has. There may be situations where you are a caregiver and there IS no other option. If you feel stuck…it’s ok to look for options. It’s ok to step away and take care of yourself. It’s ok to stay home and eat a hotdog for Thanksgiving if that will give you more peace. Surround yourself with the people who love you and lift you up and celebrate you if that’s what you want to do. But…give yourself permission to stay home if you need to. It’s ok.
\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\n", "date_published": "2019-11-26T02:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/26/tuesday-truth-when-you-canstep.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Forgiveness","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/25/motivation-monday-kindness-matters.html", "title": "Motivation Monday: Kindness Matters!", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
![\"Kindness](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f6bb02f14d.jpg\")
“Just be kind because…kindness matters!”
I miss Mr. Rogers. I want to go see the Tom Hanks movie while it’s in the theater because I need a giant dose of his goodness. I wonder what he would think of our “neighborhood” now? After a week of watching grown a$$ men on national television acting like petulant two years olds (and I’m not choosing sides here…there was all kinds of nasty all the way around)…kindness seems to have left the building.
\nBut has it really gone away completely? Or is it just buried somewhere below the fold because, like sex, all forms of violence sells much more than kindness? I comb the news everyday for the feel-good stories….for the tales of heroes and shining stars. They’re out there…but man, you sure have to look hard for them.
\nLet’s look at some inspiring stories that happened this month. After a scheduling snafu at a Waffle House in Birmingham, Alabama left a young man all alone to man the entire restaurant, kind customers noticed what was happening and jumped in to do everything from wash dishes to wait tables and deliver food. No one made a big deal about it. They just got up and helped…no questions asked.
\nThe manager of a New York Bagel shop got a frantic call from a customer. She left her car keys on the counter of the bagel shop. She had left her car running while she ran in to pick up her order and didn’t miss the keys till she was at her destination several hours away. At that point, she was unable to start her car. The shop manager jumped in his car, took the keys to the customer in Pennsylvania, then turned right around and drove back so he could open the store the next morning.
\nA man with no kids of his own paid off the lunch debt for every child in nine Florida schools.
\nA boss paid off his employee’s mortgage so the Vietnam vet could retire.
\nA hospital in Pittsburgh knitted little cardigans and dressed every baby like Mr. Rogers for World Kindness Day.
\nThere are kind people out there. Please don’t let the nastiness we see color the way we see everyone. One of the most important things I learned from the hearings last week is this…Russia is very, very busy sowing seeds of discord in our country. They want neighbor to turn against neighbor. They are the ones sitting back in glee, watching our country self destruct.
\nI say we fight back. I say we stand up and say enough is enough. When I wasn’t spending every day at the farm anymore, I walked around the perimeter of the property with my grandma’s Bible and proclaimed to the enemy that he had no dominion there to protect the home and property. We can do the same thing for our homes, our cars, our property, our neighborhoods. We can proclaim our boundaries. We can reclaim our lives. We can salvage kindness, and it may not be easy.
\nLook for the helpers. Ask for discernment and watch out for the insidious encroachment of evil in our midst. Stop reacting to everything and ask yourself, “Is this information true? Where/who is it coming from?” I know you can’t put smoke back in a bottle, but we can sure try to raise the kindness titer in this world by spreading it in our own sphere of influence. There IS good…you just have to change your focus and look for it.
\n❤️
\n“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-11-25T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/25/motivation-monday-kindness-matters.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/20/story-update-little-gwen.html", "title": "Story Update: Little Gwen", "content_html": "Galatians 5:22 NIV
![\"Toddler](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/06791b17c2.jpg\")
“We’ve been following Little Gwen since she was born with Arthrogryposis. Look…she’s standing!!!”
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.
\nGod 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.
\nGwen 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.
\nHer 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.
\nI 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!
\nWon’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.
\nWe love you, little Gwen! Keep up the good work and remember, God is with you always!
\n❤️
\n“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\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/2019/11/15/date-night-at-rural-king.html", "title": "Date Night at Rural King", "content_html": "Luke 14:12-14 NIV
![\"WV](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/04e4bcd721.jpg\")
“What a beautiful night for a date at Rural King…my favorite farm store!”
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.
\nThe 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?
\nShe 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.
\nAnyway, 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nWhen 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❤️
\n“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\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/2019/11/14/a-new-approach-to-winter.html", "title": "A New Approach to Winter", "content_html": "Deuteronomy 28:8 NIV
![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/837537ab94.jpg\")
“Making choices to find more joy…that’s my approach to winter this year.”
I started dreading winter with a vengeance after Mr. Virgo died. I wasn’t crazy about it a long time before that, but after he died the snow shovel only had one name on it and that was mine. Before long, I began to dread fall because winter wasn’t far behind. While I was out on the West Virginia Tour in the RPod, it began to dawn on me how negative this was becoming.
\nI can’t change the weather. I can change my geographic location, which I’ve done. Just moving to West Virginia has added at least two full months of warmer weather with a longer growing season. If I wanted to get away from cold weather entirely, I’d have to move much further south and for now, that isn’t in the cards for Mr. FixIt and me.
\nWe love West Virginia. It’s our home…the home of our hearts. It took me a long time to get back here. I’m not about to go someplace else at this point. So, that leaves the adjustment up to me. I saw this meme the other day and it really hit home. I can choose to hate winter, and now fall because winter is right after it. I’ll be miserable and consequently make everyone around me miserable. Because, we’re still going to have the same amount of snow and cold weather no matter if I’m happy or sad.
\nWhen I was a little girl and would get upset, my grandma would tell me to just “scratch my mad place and get glad”. In other words, get over it kiddo…you’re not in control of everything. This year I’ve decided to scratch my mad place by embracing all the wonderful things I can do in the colder months that I can’t do in the summer.
\nI have a much better winter wardrobe than summer. I can look forward to wearing my really pretty sweaters and boots, hats and coats.
\nI never drink hot beverages other than coffee in the summer. In the fall and winter, I pull out my tea pot and enjoy a cuppa in the middle of the afternoon. Or, I can hug a mug of hot cocoa with yummy, gooey, melty marshmallows in it.
\nIt’s way too hot in the summer to bake so I indulge in trying out new recipes in the cooler months. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at baking sourdough bread. So this winter I’m going to order some sourdough starter and see what I can do.
\nWinter has given us the break we need from outdoor chores so Mr. FixIt is back at work on the master bath. While he’s doing that, I am going to steam off the wallpaper in the dining room, paint the walls, and put up new curtains. Then we can tackle the main bath.
\nI haven’t touched my book since February. This winter, in my down time, I’m going to try to wrap that up once and for all then we can focus on getting it published.
\nWe have a new great grandson coming in January!
\nWe always try to get down to Florida in February and that’s something I always look forward to.
\nHaving goals allows me to set joyful things in front of me…something that has helped me ever since Mr. Vigo died. Just reading this list makes me feel far less frustrated by the cold weather. The meme is right…there will be the same amount of cold, no matter what. I might as well embrace it.
\n❤️
\n“The animals take cover; they remain in their dens. The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving winds. The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-11-14T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/14/a-new-approach-to-winter.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","New Ideas","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/13/whats-on-the-shelves.html", "title": "What’s on the Shelves?", "content_html": "Job 37:8-10 NIV
![\"Quilts\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5753cedc3a.jpg\")
“Quilts always have stories, don’t they? Sometimes we know them…sometimes we don’t.”
Yesterday I showed you the jelly cupboard with my quilt collection inside. Several of you asked about the quilts…their origins, where I got them, and if I made any of them. Here’s a photo collage of the main quilts. I didn’t include the chenille bedspread that I bought at an antique dealer in Delta, Colorado when I started my three month odyssey. It matched the one on my bed when I was a little girl. I also didn’t include my first attempt at making a quilt. I used a fabric panel of an Amish quilt and just hand quilted it like it was pieced.
\nI’ve numbered the quilts so here is all I know about them:
\n❤️
\n“The bed is too short to stretch out on, the blanket too narrow to wrap around you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-11-13T02:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/13/whats-on-the-shelves.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Peace","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/12/shelves-of-memories.html", "title": "Shelves of Memories", "content_html": "Isaiah 28:20 NIV
![\"Jelly](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/55068da522.jpg\")
“The antique jelly cupboard from the farm now houses my quilts.”
When I showed you my beautiful jelly cupboard that I recently moved from the farm, many of you asked to see it when I had the quilts inside. As I sat working in the living room at the Ponderosa yesterday afternoon, the warm sunshine streaming through the big windows made its way to the cupboard. The shelves sat empty and glaring at me. I set my work aside and went on the hunt for my quilts. They have been put away since the wedding a year ago and it was about time they were brought out for all to see.
\nI am of the mindset not to “save the good china”. I want what few antiques I have curated to be displayed and used in my everyday life. Part of this is because my kids more than likely will not be interested in them. And partly because one of the lessons Mr. Virgo unwittingly taught me was…life is short. Use the crystal and the quilts.
\nWhen the unfortunate parting of the ways came on Christmas of 2014, just ten weeks after I arrived to help my Aunt Peeps, I didn’t know what to do with the cherished items I brought from Colorado. Five thousand pounds of stuff I didn’t believe I could part with became an albatross around my neck. I couldn’t leave it at the farm and I couldn’t take it with me on the road. My good friend, Steve, let me store a lot of it in his basement. And I decided many of the most cherished family keepsakes should go live with my cousin, Tammy. That way I can visit them and she can enjoy them.
\nMy quilts were one of the things I simply could not part with and I carefully stored them away for the perfect way to display them again. Once they were safely tucked on the aged bittersweet colored shelves of the jelly cupboard, I sat back to observe my handiwork. I realized something heartwarming.
\nFor the last few years, I have been dreading the day when I can no longer visit or spend time in Grandma’s old red farmhouse. That day will come…when, I don’t know. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life, it is that change is the only thing we can count on in this earthy plane. As I sat and looked at the worn wood the color of a caramel apple, I realized I could feel the farmhouse. I could see the hump in the floor where it’s settled over the years. The old faded linoleum that made cleaning much easier. I could hear the squeak of the stairs and the way the spring squeals when the screen door slams. I could see the boxes of Wheaties that Pop-Pop kept on the top of the cupboard for his dessert after supper. I could hear the faint sound the doors made when I reached in as a little girl…taking the mishmash collection of dishes out to set the table or putting them back in after hand washing and drying.
\nIn that moment I realized that, even though the house may someday be inaccessible to me, this jelly cupboard is the heart of what is left of the beautiful childhood memories created within the crooked walls of a crooked little house in West Virginia. And…it is mine. Combining households with Mr. FixIt has definitely expanded our “footprint”, however…we each have things that are our personal possessions. While I don’t believe I will ever accumulate “stuff” like I did before Mr. Virgo died, what I do have will be things that are beautiful, useful, and that bring me joy.
\n❤️
\n“That precious memory triggers another...”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-11-12T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/12/shelves-of-memories.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Downsizing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/10/walking-among-the-headstones.html", "title": "Walking Among The Headstones", "content_html": "2 Timothy 1:5-7 MSG
![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7680fbcfab.jpg\")
“Walking among the dead, speaking their names.”
I’ve always been drawn to old cemeteries. The headstones that are crooked and worn, the names fading away with time till someday…no one knows who the departed was nor to whom they were dear. There is always a note of sadness in that. I’ve had people say as long as you continue to speak of him and keep him in your heart, he’s still with you. Yes…and no. HIs memory is always and forever with me. He is not. He is gone…never to return. The finality struck me deeply in the second year of my grief journey when I was no longer numb and couldn’t pretend anymore.
\nWhat happens to these old headstones and the people they hover over? When no one ever speaks the names because they are gone from the memory of those who came after? In my genealogy research, I visited the graves of my great great grandparents. But I didn’t know them. I had never met them. The only thing I knew were maybe a couple of stories and a glimpse of what they looked like in a grainy photograph of a photograph. My children, grandchildren, great grandchildren? What will they know of them if I don’t tell them or write it down.
\nThat is one of the ripple effects of this blog. What started out as my way of walking through a very dark valley has turned, not only into a chronicle of my life and travels, but that of the generations before me. I hope someday that my great great grandchildren will read the words I’ve set down here and see the photographs I’ve posted. I want them to know and understand their roots. I want them to know ME. Then maybe, when the letters have faded from my own headstone, they’ll have a part of me that still lives on. A legacy, as it were.
\nIt is a Jewish tradition to place a small stone on a headstone you have visited. That way, when others come, they know someone has been there to honor their loved one. I remember the first time I went to visit Mr. Virgo’s grave after someone left something there for him. It was a pack of his favorite cigarettes. I’ve found new stones in the circle surrounding his grave as well as the occasional golf ball or coin. It’s good to know others remember him. His family have largely cut all contact with me, so I have no idea if they ever come to visit him. They all live out of state, so I doubt it seriously.
\nI only go to Colorado once a year now. I always visit the cemetery as many times as I can. I clean up his grave and replace the stones in the circle. I always leave something to mark when I’ve visited. This past summer, I noticed how grown up the cemetery was because of the heavy spring rains. Yet, Mr. Virgo’s grave was weeded and neat as a pin. I stopped the groundskeeper my last visit of the trip and thanked him. When I moved away in 2014, I pressed a crisp $100 bill in his hand and implored him to look after the grave as I wouldn’t be there regularly anymore. With tears in his eyes, he swore he would. And he has.
\nThe cemetery in this photo is in Twin Falls State Park here in West Virginia. What struck me first was the markers. There were the typical headstones…these with hand carved names indicating the poverty and remoteness of the region and the times. There were also stones at the foot of the grave. This gave a true visual of how many of these graves were occupied by children. The closer these stones were together, the younger the child. Well over half the graves were those of young children. Primitive rural healthcare, rampant infectious diseases, and poverty all contributed to high mortality in children prior to the twentieth century. I found several instances in my own genealogy research where families lost multiple children within days of each other.
\nI don’t know that visiting graves is something that interests the younger generations. I was raised going. We even had picnics in the cemetery on Decoration Day where my paternal ancestors are buried. I took my kids, but I don’t know that they will continue that with their own children. Maybe when they are older and feel their own mortality creeping in. We all seem to change our priorities as we approach the finish line, don’t we?
\n❤️
\n““Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?””\n\n", "date_published": "2019-11-10T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/10/walking-among-the-headstones.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/02/meetpumpkin-the-kitten.html", "title": "Meet.....Pumpkin, the Kitten!", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 15:55 NIV
![\"Black](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5a8e2b01a9.jpg\")
“Kitty has an appropriate Halloween name…Pumpkin!”
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.
\nThe 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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!
\nI 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.”
\nBy 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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!
\nOh, 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\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/2019/10/28/rounding-out-october.html", "title": "Rounding Out October", "content_html": "Isaiah 55:12 NIV
![\"Bluestone](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/42aaf41bfd.jpg\")
“Bluestone Lake is gorgeous this time of year.”
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.
\nThe 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.
\nThe 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.
\nI 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.
\nOne 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.
\nBluestone 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.
\nAgain, 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.
\nToday 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\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/2019/10/27/between-the-trees.html", "title": "Between the Trees", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 7:3 NIV
![\"Autumn](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c553c840f4.jpg\")
“Sitting by the river is soothing to the soul.”
Being a writer is a wonderful thing. I can get lost in a blank page, creating worlds from my thoughts. It’s like magic…making something from nothing. I pray over my keyboard. I ask God to bring me words to say and people who need them. I am humbled when someone reaches out and tells me how my words have encouraged them or helped to ease the pain of their particular loss. I am quick to tell them…it is not me. I am merely the transcriptionist.
\nWhen I pray the Prayer of Jabez, I ask for God to give me those Blessings with my name on them. I ask Him to expand my territory and to walk with His hand over me to keep evil far from me so that I may not feel/cause pain. I love when He brings people to me. It happens daily and I am so blessed by His generosity.
\nAs I sat yesterday in the r-pod, working on a writing project, I noticed the camper next door had turned their outdoor speakers up and were playing loud music. Not over-the-top loud…just annoying because it was disturbing my flow. I stopped and looked at the clock. Just after noon. I had been working straight through since breakfast. I sighed and closed my iPad.
\nShould I go say something to the people? Should I give them a stern look as I pass by? Should I report them to the park office? I sat and prayed for discernment and wisdom. As I washed up the breakfast dishes, I looked out and there were two children…maybe ‘tweens…carving pumpkins! They didn’t have their noses glued to an electronic device. They were camping with their family and doing fun, creative things in the outdoors.
\nI smiled as I dried my hands. Just WHO is the one with her nose glued to an electronic device? Oh, yes…that would be ME! I laughed as I looked up and said, “Ok, ok…I get the hint!” After taking a look around the camper to make sure things were unplugged and safe to leave, I donned my jacket and headed to the Fall Harvest Festival.
\nI watched a chainsaw artist carve a bear out of a log. I sat and listened to some live Bluegrass music. I went to the river and sat in a chair and read for an hour. I put my book away and just breathed in the smells of the day. The aroma of good food from the lodge kitchen. The smell of wet leaves and swift river water. The earthy smell of wool as the sun warmed my sweater. I closed my eyes and listened to children throwing rocks in the river and an elderly couple chatting softly as they walked slowly by…their feet shuffling through the leaves.
\nI thanked God for reminding me to remove the plank in my own eye before I asked my neighbor to remove the sliver from theirs.
\nIt was a really good day.
\n❤️
\n“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-10-27T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/27/between-the-trees.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/26/time-travel.html", "title": "Time Travel", "content_html": "Matthew 7:5 NIV
![\"Coffee](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/663885f09a.jpg\")
“Coffee and sunshine and a little nosh!”
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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\nGetting 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.
\nI’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.
\nIt 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.
\nAs 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.
\nWith 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\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": "Proverbs 22:6 NIV
![\"Muck](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/235e1396c6.jpg\")
“My favorite boots.”
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.
\nI 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.
\nIf 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.
\nSo, 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.
\nThese 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/2019/10/23/coffee-with-wanda-belle.html", "title": "Coffee with Wanda Belle", "content_html": "
![\"Autumn](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b3930fddc6.jpg\")
“The many colors of Autumn”
I was pouring my coffee yesterday and my mom popped in my head. She often does, but yesterday she “came” to have coffee with me. Mom loved her coffee…hot and black. She had a Pyrex coffee pot and I was enamored with the way you could watch the coffee brewing…bubbling up through the center tube into the glass handle of the lid then seeping down through the grounds. There was never a time when there wasn’t coffee on the stove.
\nUntil she got older. Then it was “too much work” or “the pot is just too heavy to lift”. Then she turned to Sanka. Ok, there might be some of you who like Sanka. If you do, I mean no offense…I don’t mean to “yuck your yum”. But…ugh! Any instant coffee is a poor substitute for the real thing, in my humble opinion. I felt she had just…settled.
\nAs I poured my coffee and thought of Mom, I could almost hear her say, “Why are you bothering with this whole rigamarole? You get out the grinder and the beans. You measure and grind till it’s just so. You measure again and pour the bottled water in the coffee maker. You plug it in and wait. What an ordeal. Just get yourself a jar of Sanka!”
\nI smiled.
\n“Yeah…no, Mom. It my routine. It’s my pleasure. When I have that first sip of hot, strong coffee (with cream and stevia, please) I’m in heaven!” Is it more work? Not that much. When I first started this trip, I bought a “pour over” thingy. I used it for the first week or two and stopped at the first Walmart I came across to buy a 4-cup Mr. Coffee. That’s the perfect size to fill my Tervis coffee cup twice. And the second cup is hot in the electric coffee maker.
\nSomeone gave me a hand grinder and a French press many years ago. I used it when I was on The Grand Adventure in Colorado those three months after Mr. Virgo died. Many times I didn’t have electricity but I wasn’t about to turn to instant. Making coffee off the grid was a lot more work than this…but oh, it was the best coffee ever! I thought about bringing that setup with me on this trip but I knew, even without electricity, I can use the little Mr. Coffee because of the solar panels on the roof of the r-pod. Isn’t that a trip? I haven’t tried it yet…but I will before this ride is over.
\nI’m camping in the woods again this time. I love waking to see the trees all around, to hear the wind rustle through the leaves, to step out of the camper into the glorious light of autumn shining with that rare amber light of fall. I believe I’ll take my coffee down to the river and set a spell before I start my project of the day. I hope you get outside and enjoy some of this before winter sets in.
\n❤️
\n“You make darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep about. The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. When the sun rises, they steal away and lie down in their dens. Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-10-23T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/23/coffee-with-wanda-belle.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Camping","West Virginia","Peace","Aging","Choices","Road Trip","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": "Psalms 104:20-23 ESV
![\"Cheers\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1ac4b9771d.jpg\")
“Dining al fresco in the glory of autumn.”
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.
\nThe 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.
\nI 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.
\nYesterday 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.
\nAlong 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!
\nTom 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.
\nUnfortunately, 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!
\nThere 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.
\n❤️
\n“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/2019/10/20/waiting-for-home.html", "title": "Waiting for Home", "content_html": "
![\"Beautiful](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5a554a6bb8.jpg\")
“The house I wanted for a B&B in Elkins…it always makes me wonder…what if?”
I’m not kidding when I say I spent just about every moment of the forty years I lived in Colorado waiting for the day I could move back home. Oh, there was a stretch of time when I was young and cocky and I thought I knew better than those “old fogeys” back home who were SO out of touch. Little did I know I would give my right arm to return to my roots one day.
\nI had the opportunity to come home when Hubby #1 and I split up, but I turned it down. My daughter was about three years old at the time, and I wanted her to have broader horizons than I had growing up so I elected to stay in Denver where I had no family support and a relatively small social circle.
\nWhen I was married to Hubby #2, there was some talk about going back home, but he is a Colorado boy, born and bred. You just don’t take them out of that climate and plop them down in humidity. I remember dreaming at night that if anything happened to him, I’d hightail it home as fast as I could.
\nThen, Mr. Virgo came along. He was my best bet to get back because he was born and raised in South Philly. But he had tried his whole life to get back to Colorado, which he adored, so I knew there was a very slim chance we’d actually move back to West Virginia. However, I did get him to discuss the possibilities of owning a B&B somewhere back here.
\nI’ll never forget those days when we would do internet searches for B&B’s for sale. We found a big house in the historic district of Parkersburg that was a real possibility. But the one I had my heart set on was actually here in Elkins, WV. It was right across the road from the back side of the Davis & Elkins campus. It had seven bedrooms and five full baths with a large commercial kitchen. I was in love!
\nMr. Virgo? Not so much. This is where the wheat was separated from the chaff and I realized it was never gonna happen. He had put his roots down in Colorado and there would be no budging that man. Now, every time I am near here, I have to drive past “my B&B”. I have no idea who bought it. It doesn’t look as though it has been turned back into the B&B it was many years ago. When I see it, I am reminded that we don’t work on our time. We work on God’s time. And it wasn’t time for me to be here back then.
\nI do have an affinity for this little town though. Mostly because of the college and the Augusta Heritage Center which works to preserve the old timey ways of our ancestors. I was thrilled to spend the afternoon with “my people”…folks who obviously love their heritage as much as I do. I’ve seen some beautiful places on this trip already. But I think this stop has been my favorite so far. I just wish Mr. FixIt could have been with me. He would have enjoyed this so much.
\n❤️
\n“And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-10-20T01:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/20/waiting-for-home.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Widow","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/17/what-a-difference-a-day.html", "title": "What a Difference a Day Makes!", "content_html": "Deuteronomy 8:2 ESV
![\"Fall](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/990e81d0bb.jpg\")
“One day sunny and warm, the next day blustery and cold. Still…a day camping is better than anything else!”
When I arrived at Stonewall Jackson Resort Campground on Wednesday, it was a lovely, warm day. This campground is decidedly different from Cedar Creek. Where Cedar Creek was more rustic and filled with nature, trees, deer, squirrels, and all manner of birds, Stonewall Jackson is quite “resorty”. There were a lot of really big rigs…the huge, expensive Class A motorhomes that are just passing through. There are a lot of resort amenities here, too. A golf course, a huge lodge, a grand lake with a big boat that tours around in the evenings…weather permitting. It just has an altogether different feel and I honestly think I prefer the far end of a campground that might be visited by bears over this…even though it really is quite nice.
\nThe sun was shining when I arrived and I spent the afternoon reorganizing the pantry in the kitchen. I wasn’t sure what all I would need on this trip so. I brought way too much “stuff”. So far, I’ve sent Mr. FixIt home with extra stuff every time he comes to camp with me. This time, I knew I had too much in the big pantry because I just kept pushing things to the back and only using what was in the front. I have an empty tub in the bed of the truck that I throw the things I am not particularly using so a big bag of heavier stuff went out there. The rest got more evenly distributed throughout the camper so the shelves weren’t overloaded.
\nOnce the organizing was completed, dinner was done, and the dishes washed and put away, I went for a walk around the campground before turning in for the night. I know we are almost at the end of Daylight Savings Time and it’s already getting dark way too early. Once the time change hits us, it will be getting dark at 5:00pm…making for some long nights to fill in the camper. Since I don’t watch TV as a rule, I’m working on writing, reading actual books (wow), and knitting.
\nI spent almost the entire day yesterday over at the park lodge. The WiFi at the campground slowed down markedly because it started raining at 5:00am and people were stuck inside their campers. I’m sure they were surfing the web and maybe live-streaming movies. The WiFi at the lodge was much faster and I settled in after breakfast and sipped coffee as I met some writing deadlines. Along about 11:00, the hostess of the restaurant gasped and pointed out the window. Leaves were swirling about and the rain was coming down in sheets. I jumped up and asked them to watch my stuff…I’d be right back.
\nLeaving the camper in the campground unattended worried me and I wanted to drive back over to check on it. It was fine and I breathed a sigh of relief as I drove back over to the lodge to finish a piece I was working on. When you are put in charge of something that doesn’t belong to you, you don’t take chances with it. I don’t take this charge lightly.
\nToday is a gypsy day and I am leaving this campground. I have tentative plans for another further east, but that leads me into the mountains and the low Friday night is near freezing. I need to get the propane refilled and decide if it’s worth staying in the mountains, or should I move a bit further south. Weather forecasts can change quickly this time of year, and there is something special I would like to do this weekend where I was originally planning to stay. Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. So, we shall see where I land. Sometimes those are the best travel days…when you end up doing something entirely unpredicted.
\n❤️
\n“But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-10-17T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/17/what-a-difference-a-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Courage","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","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": "Jeremiah 10:12-13 NIV
![\"WV](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b2a06f3053.jpg\")
“Early morning fog on the lake. Almost Heaven…West Virginia”
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.
\nIt 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.
\nThe 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.
\nAs 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.
\n![\"Sycamore](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/69ae4a0910.jpg\")
“Sycamore Tussock Moth Caterpillar”
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.
\nI hope you have a wonderful Saturday and enjoy the autumn weather, wherever you are!
\n❤️
\n“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\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": "James 5:7 NIV
![\"Country](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/851c260933.jpg\")
“There’s something special about moseying out country roads instead of roaring through on an interstate.”
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.
\nI 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.
\nThe 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.
\nDeer 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.
\nI 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.
\nThis 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.
\nThere’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!
\n❤️
\n“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\n \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/2019/10/10/what-would-grandma-say.html", "title": "What Would Grandma Say?", "content_html": "Psalms 19:1-2 NIV
![\"RP196\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e112f7ee43.jpg\")
“Autumn Glow Lights up the R-Pod”
I camped the last two nights at a park hardly anyone knows about and I’d almost like to keep it that way. Except…it’s so uber cool, I just have to share. I’ve written about Calhoun County Park before. Mr. FixIt and I took a drive out here once and took pictures of the Heritage Village…a collection of buildings that were transported here and restored. There’s an old general store, a school house, a church, and a post office among others. The post office was from Freed…not too far from Grandma’s farm. Grandma introduced me to some of the Freed family.
\nWhen we came out to the park that time, we saw a little campground and I was intrigued. As it turns out, Calhoun County Park is a designated “dark sky site”…meaning there is minimal light pollution and it’s easy to see the stars. The last couple of nights were peak meteor events. The first night was blanketed in dense cloud cover but last night was clear as a bell. Still, at the time I am writing this, I haven’t seen any.
\nWhen I got up yesterday morning and went outside, there was something about the light and sounds and smells that took me straight back to my childhood. Grandma’s farm is probably 15 miles or so from here as the crow flies so I’m practically camping in the backyard. It got me to thinking about her and what she might think of this little adventure I’m on.
\nMy grandma always loved me, but she…like several of my family members…thought maybe I was a full bubble off the level. I have always marched to my own drum and never really did things in a traditional way. Here I am, out on 258 acres and not a soul in sight. Oh, there were some folks up at the community building the last couple of nights. And yesterday a state patrolman came through the park on his rounds. But that’s the extent of it. Grandma would think I was off my rocker!
\nWas I scared? Not really. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a care in the world, but fear didn’t really enter into the picture. I have protection. I have street smarts. I know the fire department is only a couple of miles away and I passed a policeman’s house not a mile from the park. Mr. FixIt is 20 minutes away at the Ponderosa. I have great cell service. I’m good.
\nI decided yesterday was a good day to figure out how to use the convection function on the convection microwave. On the R-Pod Owners V2 Facebook page, they talk about the “Cinnamon Roll Challenge” so I decided to bake some. Granted, they were from a can, but baking is baking, right?
\nIt took me a little bit to figure out how to work the stove. I read the directions but it wasn’t until I watched a YouTube video that I totally figured it out. I baked the rolls…5 in the can…and iced them. I ate one and packaged the others for the freezer because Mr. FixIt is going to join me this weekend for another weekend of camping. AND…our first wedding anniversary is Sunday, so what better way to celebrate than getting lost in the woods with my sweetie?!
\nThe autumn colors have really shown up the last couple of days and I’m in the most beautiful state to enjoy it. Almost Heaven…West Virginia! Today, I head to another State Park to enjoy more scenery and color!
\n❤️
\n“Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-10-10T01:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/10/what-would-grandma-say.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/09/check-engine-light.html", "title": "Check Engine Light", "content_html": "1 Chronicles 16:33 NIV
![\"Check](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/60747c1ef4.jpg\")
“How many times have you seen this come on…right in front of the dealership?!?!”
I was heading through Marietta, Ohio yesterday afternoon on my way from one campground to the next. My preferred Ford dealer is there and as I was driving by, I got “the nudge”. The thought went through my mind…“Check your engine light!” Literally…I was right in front of the dealership when I looked down and…
\nIt was ON!!!
\nI kid you not! I got goose bumps. Ok…I drove down a block, turned around, and came back. I pulled up as close to the service entrance as I could while pulling a camper behind me. Luke, the Service Supervisor, came out and checked the truck with the computer. One of the oxygen sensors was bad. They checked and had one in stock and they had a free technician. I unhooked the camper, pulled the truck in, and went out to the camper to stretch out and read. An hour later, they called and the truck was ready.
\nYou cannot tell me prayer doesn’t work. You cannot tell me the Holy Spirit doesn’t guide us. How many of you sent up prayers and good thoughts for travel mercies for me yesterday? Well, they worked…and I thank you for those prayers!
\nBut most of all, I thank God for always watching out for me. I love it when He comes through with a megaphone because there was absolutely nothing subtle about that call. Wowza!
\nI got to the next campground just before dusk. I never reveal where I am in real time when I’m traveling alone so I’ll have to let you know the day after I leave. But, talk about peace and quiet…it’s crazy quiet here. I was hoping to see the night sky, but the clouds stole in just as I was unhooking. Maybe tonight. In the meantime…great cell service and a deadline to meet. What a great place to write!
\n❤️
\n“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-10-09T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/09/check-engine-light.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Camping","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","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": "Psalms 8:3-4 NIV
![\"Autumn](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6f8107ea9c.jpg\")
“It looks like we will finally get a little color after all!”
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!
\nIt 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!
\n![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/acbd540f9b.jpg\")
“My friend Jan gazes out over her fields of corn at Paradise Acres.”
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!
\nIn 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.
\n![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/773abe28da.jpg\")
“Jan’s barn at Paradise Acres. She holds Old Time Music concerts here.”
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.
\n❤️
\n““As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.””\n\n \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": "Genesis 8:22 NIV
![\"Girl](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/290e8adfa3.jpg\")
“The curtain closes on another successful Fall What-a-Hoot!”
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.
\nWe 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.
\nHappy Monday, everyone!
\n❤️
\n“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\n \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": "Romans 15:13 NIV
![\"Cooking](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e9624651b7.jpg\")
“Even with a compact, kitchen, cooking in the RPod is really easy.”
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.
\nI’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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\n❤️
\n“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\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": "Hebrews 11:8-12 NIV
![\"RPod](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cb31a9fcac.jpg\")
“Converting the sofa to a spare bed in the RPod 196!”
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!
\nOn 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.
\nWe 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.
\nMr. 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.
\nI 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.
\nAs 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.
\nThis 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.
\nSo 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!
\n❤️
\n“We love because he first loved us.”\n\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/2019/09/26/driving-the-northerly-route.html", "title": "Driving the Northerly Route", "content_html": "1 John 4:19 NIV
![\"Barn](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8d5727cb25.jpg\")
“This barn catches your eye traveling I-80 across Ohio.”
I love to drive. That is probably one of the biggest reasons I love camping…because I have to drive there. Yesterday saw me driving across Ohio on I-80. I’ve never driven this route before. I always travel I-70 when I go to Colorado so I was really looking forward to a change of scenery. Ohio did not disappoint.
\nThe farms of the Buckeye State are beyond beautiful. Looking more like still life paintings by Andrew Wyeth, the farms are pristine and perfect. One barn in particular caught my eye and I had to research it when I got to the campground last night.
\nThere was a large mural painted on the side with a portrait and quote of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president of the United States and former Governor of Ohio. You can find a story about the artist here.
\nhttps://www.thenews-messenger.com/story/news/2015/10/05/new-mural-mark-turnpike-milestone/73370206/
\nAnother super feature of the Ohio Turnpike is found in the Service Plazas dotting the stretch of well maintained highway. I-80 is a toll road through Indiana and Ohio. Instead of “rest areas”, the Service Plazas actually have camping spots in the back with electricity so you can sleep in your camper overnight with air conditioning. Every interstate in America should have these! I’d want them especially in Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas for my cross country trips to see my Colorado family.
\nAs I wrote this last night, I looked back and the fun two weeks I’ve had. I’ve learned a lot and seen a lot and most importantly enjoyed it all! This trip is reminiscent of the journey I took after Mr. Virgo died…but without the grief and sadness. A kind of “do over” with fresh eyes. There is nothing like cool crisp days with farms and trees tinged with gold and stacks of pumpkins and mums everywhere. America, the beautiful!
\n❤️
\n“They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-09-26T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/26/driving-the-northerly-route.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/18/the-girl-camper-trailer-reveal.html", "title": "The Girl Camper Trailer Reveal!", "content_html": "Psalms 145:5 NIV
![\"Girl](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/040c52d70d.jpg\")
\nToday’s the day!!! Tune in at 3:00 on the goRVing Facebook page for a live reveal of how Janine has taken our little R-Pod 196 from “Factory to Fabulous!” We are so excited to show you all the special touches that have totally transformed this camper into a cozy, elegant showstopper.
\n![\"Girl](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/af38d7cb71.jpg\")
“Janine used bright and cheerful wallpapers from Spoonflower to give the camper an elegant, artsy feel. Campers don’t have to be brown!”
We came to Setzer’s RV Center in Huntington yesterday and were greeted by the owner…our good friend, Lynn Butler. I handed her a laundry list of little things that needed doing. First off, the scissor jack that I bent needed replaced. Then they filled my propane tank and provided me with a water hose so I could fill my freshwater tank. They replaced a low point drain cap that was missing. Once I was plugged into power, I was all set.
\n![\"Girl](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7cfc7626d4.jpg\")
“Mixing different patterns delineates different living areas giving the camper a much roomier feel.”
We spent the evening finishing up the decor. We put the memory foam mattress topper on the bed and dressed it. After a meal of smoked ribs, we settled in for the night, each in our own little campers…in the parking lot of the RV dealership! We were locked in, safe and sound. There is nothing….nothing like snuggling into your little camper. It has always been a tiny sanctuary for me…my safe place. My happy place.
\n![\"Girl](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/db44b695d9.jpg\")
“Custom fabric was used post factory to make the living area more homey. This jack knife sofa folds out to a twin sized bed.”
Today will be really busy, but fun. I can’t wait till you get to see the interior of this camper. Last night was my first night sleeping in it so I’ll have to tell you about that tomorrow!
\n![\"Girl](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8b98da9c05.jpg\")
“The kitchen is compact but fully functional. A deep stainless steel sink with a goose neck faucet is a big plus.”
AND…Raffle Tickets go on sale today on GirlCamper.com
\n❤️
\n“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-09-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/18/the-girl-camper-trailer-reveal.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","goRVing","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/10/forever.html", "title": "Forever 62...", "content_html": "Proverbs 14:23 NIV
![\"Handsome](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ec04ed0bbc.jpg\")
“Mr. Virgo…Forever 62…and still handsome as ever.”
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mr. Virgo. You would have been sixty-nine today. Would you have been retired by now? Would we have pulled that camper all over the country? Would our golf game be any better? It’s hard to say, but my guess is…we would have been out hitting some balls today.
\nMy life is so different now…I do different things. I camp and write about it. I grieve and write about it. I got married again…and I write about it! Nothing is safe anymore…it’s all blog fodder. But in a good way.
\nI remember all the stages, all the phases, all the fear and pain and anger your loss caused me. I remember it all. At the same time, the edges are fuzzy. A little out of focus. The only words I can hear your voice say in my mind anymore is “I love you, baby doll.” I can picture your hands…your earlobes…your hair. It’s like I can see all the pieces of the puzzle but I cannot seem to piece them all together and put together a workable picture of you. Sometimes it’s frustrating. Sometimes its a Godsend.
\nAs I always tell my readers, the pain of grief is always much, much worse when I’m tired. Sunday night, I could not get to sleep. And the longer it went on, the more focused I became on being away. I knew I’d be tired. And I knew the waves could hit any minutes, even if you never crossed my mind.
\nI finally drifted off for about 20 minutes and woke up freezing. I turned off the fan, threw a blanket over me, and went to sleep for…maybe a half hour. This time, I woke up overheated, sweating profusely, and anxious/nauseated/jittery. I finally got up, turned the fan back on, and got sick.
\nGrief.
\nWaves of seemingly unending grief have dwindled to the rare bad night. Sunday night was it. I hate disturbing Mr. FixIt if I’m jumping up and down all night so I moved to the guest room, took something for my upset stomach, and finally slipped into a sound sleep for four or five hours. This is the way it works now. The fact that I am happily married doesn’t seem to phase it. We never “get over it”….but we do learn how to hold our grief with soft hands so as to not wake up the beast.
\nIt is your 69th. You are there with your mom and dad…and cousin-in-law Dennis…and now, your firstborn, Shannon. She has been with you for two years. I know you all are together and having a cigar on the back 9…watching the sunset.
\nI will always love you and remember you in so many ways. It’s funny how your shape in my life has changed over time. Each year you step a tiny bit further away. Your star shines a tiny bit less in my every day life…but you’re so much bigger in the grand moments. And still, every once it a while, a wave hits me and I have a bad night. Thank God, they are fewer and farther between.
\nSo…
\nHappy Birthday, Mr. Virgo!
\n❤️
\n“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-09-10T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/10/forever.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Growth","Gratitude","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Widow","Marriage","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/09/there-is-another.html", "title": "There is Another", "content_html": "John 16:22 ESV
![\"Worship](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0e00872f65.jpg\")
“There is another who stands with us in the fire….always.”
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?
\nThese 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?”
\nI 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.”
\nSo, 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.
\nI 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.
\nWhat 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.
\nI 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\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/2019/09/05/soft-hands.html", "title": "Soft Hands", "content_html": "Psalms 36:7 ESV
![\"Soft](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/92d4f60f57.jpg\")
“Hold people’s hearts softly…with open hands.”
I’ve learned to have soft hands in my relationships. I’m not talking about getting a mani or using the latest lotions and potions. I’m talking about holding my relationships softly. I’ve learned a lot about relationships over my life. I’ve certainly had enough of them. I used to be embarrassed to say Mr. FixIt is my fourth marriage. I mean, would it have been nice to celebrate my 50th Anniversary with the man I married in 1973? Well…if it WOULD have been nice, I’d still be married to him now, wouldn’t I? Same goes for the one I married in 1979.
\nWhen I married Mr. Virgo in 2007, I truly believed it was my last marriage and we would grow old together. Then 2013 happened, and that dream was shattered by his untimely death at the age of 62. I was only 59, but I swore I would never, ever get married again. “No one could ever measure up.” “My heart could never take that again.” “I’ve already used up three women’s quotas…I’m done.”
\nI had every reason in the book to never do this again…then Mr. FixIt came along and God granted me another chance at happiness. I’ve been able to use a lot of the lessons I learned in my first three marriages and use them in my new marriage…my LAST marriage.
\nI knew nothing when I married my first husband…as is true with most people, I suppose. We were so very young…I was only 19, he was 20. We argued…a lot. We had a baby straight away and we were separated before she was two. I learned a lot about what I didn’t want in that marriage.
\nHubby #2 was my longest marriage…20 years. And the divorce was extremely painful. When I look back on that marriage, I realize I held onto my husband with tight fists. I was jealous of his coworkers. The nurses and medical staff, the female doctors…well, anyone really. I spent my entire relationship wondering when he would leave me for some talented, intelligent, good looking, young thing. I held on so tightly neither one of us could breathe and the relationship became toxic.
\nBy the time Mr. Virgo came along, I was looking for what I DID want in a partner…not the other way around. I held him softly, but I held myself in an ironclad fist. My second marriage did not end by my choice, so I told myself I had to be the very best version of myself…the perfect wife…with Mr. Virgo or he might leave me, too. The marriage was much, much happier…don’t get me wrong. But it was a lot of work to try to be perfect all the time. In all honesty, I have no idea what might have come of that relationship had he not passed away. I can idealize it and say it was perfect, but no relationship is absolutely perfect. Really, really great is a glorious gift.
\nBy the time Mr. FixIt came along, I was tired of being something…someONE…I was not. I knew if I ever had the opportunity to have another serious relationship and be married again, I was going to be a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” kinda gal. Which works out really great because Mr. FixIt is a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” kinda guy. I love our relationship because we aren’t guarded around each other. We’re easy with each other. We hold each other’s hearts, but with soft, open hands.
\nYou see, what I finally learned…and trust me, I’m a slow learner…what I finally learned was this: If you hold your love’s heart in the soft, open palm of your hand and he flies away…he was not yours to begin with. And, without the tight grip of jealousy and fear of abandonment, the relationship can breathe and grow.
\nI never once questioned Mr. Virgo’s commitment to me, yet I still held a piece of my heart tightly in my clenched fists for fear he’d leave like the last one and break my heart. It never occurred to me it would be his death that would crush me. I don’t question Mr. FixIt’s commitment either, and I haven’t held anything back. It’s liberating. Can I get crushed again. Yes, of course. But death has taught me I can survive anything so I don’t live in fear anymore. I have soft hands. And that is a much more graceful way to live.
\n❤️
\n“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-09-05T01:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/05/soft-hands.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Growth","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Change","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/04/the-other-side-of-fear.html", "title": "The Other Side of Fear", "content_html": "Philippians 4:5 NIV
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/36c271d072.jpg\")
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” Jack Canfield
I hear from a lot of widows who face fear as one of their most difficult symptoms of grief. Fear of the unknown…fear of being alone…fear of other people’s motives. Navigating grief is difficult enough on it’s own. Add fear, anxiety, and even full blown panic attacks and it ratchets grief up to an unbearable level.
\nI’ve always had a bit of an anxious nature. Anticipatory social anxiety. Commonly called “stage fright”. I’ve come a long way in learning to control it. Sometimes it bothers me. Sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve learned the things I most want to do lie on the other side of that fear, so I have to figure out ways to get through to the other side in order to find my bliss.
\nThe fear I felt early on after losing Mr. Virgo was different than my usual pre-speech jitters. It was hold-onto-the-edge-of-the-mattress-all-night awful. Through trial and error, I’ve learned a lot of skills…tools for my tool box, so to speak. If I feel myself amping up, one of the things that almost immediately calms me down is listening to praise music. If I’m singing at the top of my lungs, its really difficult to be scared.
\nI’ve had so many people tell me they would really love to take off camping or traveling by themselves but they are too scared. The bottom line any grief mentor should take is honoring what others are and are not capable of. That being said, if it really is something you want to do, there are ways you can ease into scary situations without jumping in with both feet.
\nFinding a like-minded friend to do things with can help a lot when it comes to doing new things. Taking little baby steps helps, as well. If your dream is to take a month long trip to Europe but you have panic attacks going to the grocery store, you need to desensitize yourself. Start with little excursions. A short day trip. Repeat till you’re comfortable. Then an overnight, then two…you get the idea. Getting professional help can go a long way toward building your confidence and getting down to the root of the issues you face.
\nWhen I was planning the trip to Colorado, my biggest concerns were the social obligations of my daughter’s wedding and being so far away from Mr. FixIt. Losing Mr. Virgo so suddenly brings the possibility of a repeat to the forefront of my imagination. So, yeah…that makes me nervous. The night before the trip, my stomach was in knots but I did my routine and the next morning, I was good to go. It’s not the actual DOING that bothers me…it’s the anticipation. And, sometimes I just have to do the thing and feel the fear.
\nI’m really excited about the opportunity to take this new camper around. There’s nothing about it that scares me, per se. I may have pre-trip jitters the night before. I may not. Knowing what it is, knowing how to redirect my thinking, knowing just what I need to do helps me feel less out of control and more confident in my own abilities.
\nWhat I want is often on the other side of fear, but that’s exactly what makes the experience so much richer. I know exactly what I had to get through to get there and that makes me brave! After all…so far, I have survived every single experience I’ve encountered in my life!
\n❤️
\n“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.\"”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-09-04T01:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/04/the-other-side-of-fear.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Aging","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/03/random-acts-of-kindnesssenseless-acts.html", "title": "Random Acts of Kindness...Senseless Acts of Beauty", "content_html": "Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
![\"Kind](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4749d18769.jpg\")
“My grandma always said you can catch a lot more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”
About thirty years ago, a woman named Anne Herbert wrote something on a placemat in a restaurant. “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” Since then, countless posters, books, t-shirts, and movies have incorporated this idea of doing something for others…some kindness…without expecting anything in return. Things like paying for the person behind you in the drive through at the local coffee shop. Or, leaving a basket of flowers on someone’s doorstep. Or, something I like to do every once in a while….put a sticky note on a $5 bill with a note like “God loves you!”…then tuck it in a book at the library or a book store.
\nPracticing random acts of kindness didn’t start with Ms. Herbert, of course. The original practitioner was Jesus, of course…and we would do well to strive to emulate Him. Being a good person seems to be rapidly going out of style. My dad wasn’t what you would call a profound thinker, but he said one thing that always stuck with me. “Computers will be the downfall of mankind.” I think I rolled my eyes when he said that. But maybe he wasn’t so far off.
\nI don’t think it’s computers, per se, that will be the downfall of man. I think it’s how computers are used. Social media has created a monster. It’s given people a voice who may never have had one. It’s placed a filter between people….it’s created an US against THEM atmosphere. And, it has taken away the social filter of eye contact, allowing whatever vitriol that comes to mind to flow through the keyboard without repercussion. Cyber bullying isn’t limited to 8th grade girls and misunderstood emo boys.
\nI will have to say…thankfully there has been very little in the way of nastiness on this page. I won’t tolerate it and the few times it’s happened, the instigator has been blocked and the offending message deleted. That isn’t the case everywhere. It’s hard to judge the “tone” of a message when it’s written. All it takes is one “rude” comment to unleash a flood of bullying back and forth…and that’s with grown adults!
\nIt’s a new month. School is back in session. I don’t want to wait for Christmas to have the good feels. Let’s go out today and do kind things for people. If it’s not new to you, great! Keep up the good work! If it’s been a while and you’d like to rectify that situation, go out there and do something nice for someone today. And if someone does something nice for you, pay it forward.
\nWe attract to us what we dish out. If we are negative and uncaring, we just get more of the same. If we are kind and loving, there is a better chance of attracting that same kindness and love. If it doesn’t come right away…keep trying. It never hurts to spread good vibes around the world.
\n❤️
\n“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-09-03T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/03/random-acts-of-kindnesssenseless-acts.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/02/the-tug-of-war.html", "title": "The Tug of War", "content_html": "Ephesians 4:32 ESV
![\"Angel](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9046855216.jpg\")
“Angel on one hand, devil on the other…trying to have their way with me.”
Mr. FixIt and I haven’t had a lot of time together this summer. I was gone a lot and, even though he joined me for three weeks in Colorado, we both have been working nonstop at this and that since we got home the first week of August. Here it is September already and I’m already preparing to leave again.
\nWe miss being together and we both know the importance of devoting time to our relationship. It’s been really nice this weekend because we took three days off for some much needed R&R. When I woke up yesterday, I was tired. My allergies have been giving me fits creating fluid in my ears which sometimes makes me dizzy. I laid in bed for twenty minutes telling myself it was perfectly fine to stay home…we didn’t have to go to church. I mean…it’s just this once, right? We go almost every Sunday when we are home. That deserves a day off to sleep in. I just didn’t feel good. I didn’t feel like going.
\nAs I let these thoughts run through my mind, I was almost convinced to turn over and go back to sleep when a stern “voice” shook me from my reverie.
\n“When you don’t FEEL like going is exactly when you NEED to go!”
\nI quite literally jumped out of bed.
\nOhhhhh….my thinker was what was “sick”. Church is the place it gets healed.
\nWhen I’m thinking I don’t need to go to church is exactly when I need it the most. And yesterday, I am not kidding…church felt like plugging in my jet pack. I got fed the energy and grace and love and lessons I needed and I left there convicted. Convinced the place to feel better is to draw closer to Jesus, not turn over and go back to sleep.
\nIt’s not enough to go every Sunday and get plugged in, hoping the charge lasts till the following Sunday. That obviously didn’t work last week because I easily could have opted out. My tug of war pitted the proverbial angel on one hand and devil on the other…each trying to pull me to their side. I know I can’t ever go wrong when I choose Jesus.
\nThe key is to draw closer…constantly. The Bible says we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The way to do that is to turn whatever you are doing into worship. Whether you are singing in the choir or scrubbing toilets, it can be done with a tone of worship and praise. And when we pray, we are to devote ourselves “to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2)
\nJust that boost, and the conviction to keep close, has given me rest and regeneration. I feel so much better and not nearly so overwhelmed by all I need to accomplish in the next two weeks. I came to the farm after church…to my place of meditation…to the home of my heart…and enjoyed a quiet evening while Mr. FixIt bowled. Today, I’ll go back home and get some work done. Perhaps I’ll pressure wash the deck!
\n❤️
\n“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-09-02T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/02/the-tug-of-war.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Aging","Choices","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/22/i-miss-my-camper.html", "title": "I Miss My Camper!", "content_html": "Romans 12:2 NIV
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c3ef7992f3.jpg\")
“It’s amazing how a queen size mattress fits in there.”
I’m missing my camper. I still have Big TOW-Wanda, but she’s not equipped to camp in right now. I removed her shades as soon as I bought her and they were stored at the farm. At the beginning of summer, I was seriously considering selling her because I had the little camper. I brought the shade back from the farm and they are on the floor, the bed isn’t made, and it’s too hot to sleep out there unless the AC is running. Every time I try to turn on the AC with the camper connected to the house, it trips the circuit. Now that Little TOW-Wanda is gone, I’m having second thoughts about selling the big camper. It would be really nice to have a seasonal site on the river and she would be perfect for that.
\nSo, we have been sleeping in the house. We got really spoiled by the memory foam mattress in the little camper. It’s honestly the best sleep we’ve both had because we toss and turn a lot at night. The old mattress we have in the house shakes like crazy every time one of us rolls over. Not so with memory foam. You could drop a bowling ball on one side and not wake the other person. We managed to salvage the mattress out of the little camper before I sold it in Colorado, but we couldn’t figure out a way to get it and everything else home. We decided to give it to Ben & Sue and put it in their guest bedroom.
\nWe finally decided to give in and buy a mattress just like the one in the little camper. We had to do some sleuthing, but we finally found the same mattress by Serta for sale at Sam’s Club. After several trips to our local Sam’s, we never found the queen size in stock so we ordered it online and it arrived yesterday.
\nI don’t know if you have ever seen how these mattresses are shipped or not. They come vacuum packed and rolled up tightly, wrapped in heavy plastic, and shipped in a box. And, they are heavy! I managed to get the old mattress off the bed and when Mr. FixIt got home, we unpacked the new mattress and placed it on the box springs. We unwrapped it, unrolled it, and took the protective vacuum bag off. Like magic it went from a compressed three inch thick mat to a perfect twelve inch thick mattress in a matter of minutes! It was astonishing!
\nNow that we have a memory foam mattress inside, will we ever sleep outside in the field in a camper again? Oh, you can bet your boots we will. We’ll just have to wait till it gets cooler. And, it won’t be too long till we can pick up the new camper at the RV show and it will be a moot point anyway. Lots of camping adventures are in the works. I’ve started making and strategizing! In the meantime, I am determined to sleep like a baby on this wonderful new mattress!
\n❤️
\n“Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-08-22T01:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/22/i-miss-my-camper.html", "tags": ["Health","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Aging","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/20/do-you-remember-when.html", "title": "Do You Remember When.....?", "content_html": "Matthew 8:24 NIV
![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fc47069f2c.jpg\")
“Clockwise from Top Right: Phone Booth, Fireweed, Joe Pye Weed, Naked Ladies (Belladona Lily)
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.
\nWe 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.
\nWe 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.
\nWe 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.
\nWe 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.
\nThe 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.
\nAs 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\n \nLuke 2:19 NIV
\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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6b37139a13.jpg\")
“Pink roses and strawberries…and bowling season. Somebody loves me!”
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.
\nWhen 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\nWhat 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.
\nThere 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\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/2019/08/13/a-vivid-imagination.html", "title": "A Vivid Imagination", "content_html": "Matthew 5:4 NIV
![\"Snow-cone](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3818f43118.jpg\")
“The moment I saw this, I knew it was the answer to my dream!”
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!
\nChristmas 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.
\nI 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.
\nIn 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???
\nI 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!
\nBelieve 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….
\nGinny McKinney’s R-Pod-196 Adventure!
\nStay tuned to Marshmallow Ranch for details as plans fall into place!!!
\n❤️
\n“For nothing will be impossible with God.\"”\n\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": "Luke 1:37 ESV
![\"Adventure\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/58fb4a1326.jpg\")
“Where will my next adventure take me???”
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???
\nMy 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!
\nAt 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!!!
\nhttps://www.facebook.com/janine.pettit.5/videos/10157250788233444?s=1219785470&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\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": "Psalm 91:11-12 NIV
![\"Sitting](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ef215888e2.jpg\")
‘Sitting on the tailgate of my truck…drinking coffee and soaking up summer!”
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!\nI 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.
\nAs 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\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": "Judges 18:6 NIV
![\"Pumpkin\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7434b2902d.jpg\")
“Product of our burn pile, aka pumpkin patch.”
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.
\nI 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.
\nWest 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nWinter 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!
\nThis 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.
\nOur 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\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": "1 Corinthians 3:7-9 NIV
![\"Great](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/28b36da160.jpg\")
“Nana needed some baby snuggles before we went home!”
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!
\nI 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!
\nTomorrow’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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b7073fee5b.jpg\")
“The sun goes down on the evening before my baby’s wedding. My heart is full!”
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!
\nJust 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.
\nAfter 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.”
\nWith 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.
\nMy 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\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": "Song of Songs 8:6-7 NIV
![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/80978dfcd7.jpg\")
“While once sleek and shiny, these vehicles still hold a deep beauty.”
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.
\nEven 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.
\nWe 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.
\nWe 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.
\nAs 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.
\nI 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.”
\nYou 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.
\nIt’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/2019/08/01/morning-visitors.html", "title": "Morning Visitors", "content_html": "
![\"Turkeys\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a968b159e3.jpg\")
“Morning visitors on Loghill.”
Yesterday was my ME day. I told Linda when we arrived that honestly all I was looking for was her company and a little R&R. We’ve been running around like crazy and I just needed to sit and visit on their beautiful deck overlooking these amazing mountains. I knitted and we all laughed and had a wonderful time. We couldn’t believe it when it was 1:00 and we hadn’t done a thing.
\nWe were sitting on the the deck and heard something down below. I went and peeked over the edge and there were turkeys walking through the gravel drive below. These guys were huge. We’ve seen a lot of deer….even a little spotty baby bounding around. The first night, I woke up about 2:30 in the morning and wanted a little nosh. There was nothing in the camper, so I needed to go in the house. As I was climbing out of the bed, Mr. FixIt woke up.
\nHim: “Where are you going?”
\nMe: “I need some cereal.”
\nHim:
\nMe: “Do you think there might be bears out there?”
\nHim: “There could be.”
\nMe:
\nMe:
\nMe: “I’m not going.”
\nHim: “Ok.”
\nMe:
\nMe: “Drat! I’m hungry…I’m going.”
\ncoyote howling outside camper
\nMe: “Come after me if I’m not back in five minutes!”
\nHim: zzzzzzz
\nLast night, I brought my cereal with me in the first place. There be beasts about!
\n❤️
\n“...who teaches us more than he teaches the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds in the sky?’”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-08-01T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/01/morning-visitors.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/31/red-mountain-pass-to-ouray.html", "title": "Red Mountain Pass to Ouray", "content_html": "Job 35:10-11 NIV
![\"Vacation](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0e3dea3ed7.jpg\")
“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.”
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.
\nWe 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.
\nWe 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.”
\nProverbs 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d11d631cee.jpg\")
“Heading into the Weminuche Wilderness”
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.
\nPagosa 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.
\nWe 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.
\nThen…in the middle of the afternoon, we found out…great grandchild #3 is on the way!!! Another little boy…arriving in January!!!
\nMy 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!
\nThank 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\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/2019/07/26/road-trippin.html", "title": "Road Trippin’", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
![\"Loveland](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1051e28824.jpg\")
“Views from Loveland Pass”
We got a slow start yesterday. We cleaned out the truck and packed, checked and rechecked to make sure we had everything, then almost pulled away without my brother’s package we waited for. Once we retrieved that, we were on our way! We drove over to the west side of town, down through Golden, then out Clear Creek Canyon and picked up I-70 at Idaho Springs. I love starting out my trips that way. The canyon immediately makes you feel like you’re in the mountains and you don’t have to run the gauntlet that is Floyd Hill.
\nWe exited the interstate just before the Eisenhower Tunnel and took Route 6 over Loveland Pass. We have a function on our GPS that tells you what your elevation is. It was right on…11,995 feet at the top of the pass. We stopped and took lots of pictures along the way. It was so much fun to play tourist and show Mr. FixIt some of the hidden beauty of Colorado.
\nWe dropped down into Keystone then on into Frisco. I was hoping the weather would be cooperative and we could check out the chuck wagon dinner at Two Below Zero, but it was really cool and rainy so we decided to try another time. We walked the streets of Frisco, checked out the little shops, and ate dinner at Bread + Salt. I wasn’t overly impressed, but I was hungry so it was ok.
\nThis is a Gypsy trip…one without reservations, except for the wedding stay. We sat in the truck and browsed the hotel.com app and chose a hotel in Keystone with a really reasonable price. $76…but with taxes and fees it was $92. Welcome to tourism in Colorado. The room was perfectly fine. The beds were comfy and clean, there wasn’t an exceptional amount of noise, and there’s a complimentary breakfast. You can’t beat that when you consider most of the others in the tourist towns here are upwards of $200 a night.
\nThe biggest problem that occurred was when I went to check in. I cannot find my driver’s license anywhere. I’ve searched through everything. The last time I remember having it was at the Quick Care on the 22nd. I called them and the pharmacy and they don’t have it. So now I have to see if I can get a replacement sent to me here. It’s not the end of the world and it certainly won’t ruin my fun. But I am frustrated that I’ve misplaced it.
\nI have no idea where we’ll end up today, but no matter where it is, it will be beautiful! Colorado has some stunning scenery!!! Oh…and please send up a little prayer for our family that is scheduled to grow in the next day or two. Our great grandson will make his debut in West Virginia and we can’t be there to welcome him. Prayers for a safe delivery and a healthy, happy baby, mama, and daddy!
\n❤️
\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.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-07-26T01:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/26/road-trippin.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","God","Peace","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/25/a-glimpse-of-heaven.html", "title": "A Glimpse of Heaven", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV
![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/feef1d3d12.jpg\")
“A Glimpse of Heaven in the Colorado Night Sky”
I knew this would happen. I blinked and a month flew by. I left on this journey exactly four weeks ago. Time is such a weird thing after loss. On the one hand…it flies. On the other…it stands still. I got some quality time with my Colorado family. Mr. FixIt has been here almost two weeks already. The package I’ve been expecting for my brother arrived yesterday so now we can pack up and go off on a little adventure on our own before the wedding.
\nGrandma L. is still hanging in there. She is such a strong woman. She rallies and fades, rallies and fades. They moved her from her apartment at assisted living to a skilled nursing facility on Monday. She had a dream on Tuesday night. At least, she thinks it was a dream. She was lying in bed and her legs felt like stone. But then, she was standing up…strong and vital. She looked around it was so glorious. She saw a crevice and knew she was supposed to jump over it. She knew she COULD. She didn’t see Grandpa right off, but she knew she could find him easily. Instead, she decided to come back and tell us all how absolutely peaceful and grand it is. I love that she could see it all so clearly and she isn’t afraid.
\nI know she might pass away while we are gone, but I didn’t want to wear her out by adding to the number of visitors going to see her. There are other closer relatives who need to spend time with her. I was able to hug on her last Saturday at her birthday party and she absolutely knows how I feel about her. Her absence will leave a gaping hole for quite some time in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
\nWe all went out for supper last night after they moved everything out of Grandma’s apartment at the assisted living place. There were twelve of us. As I walked back to the table with my food, I paused for a moment and gazed over this beautiful family my daughter was so fortunate to marry into. Another part of my bonus family. We are so blessed…with kids and their kids and us grandparents. We are becoming the matriarchs. I thought it would take longer.
\nMr. FixIt and I will head out today for a week of touring the state. We were supposed to do this with the camper, but it’ll all work out without it. I love showing him places he’s never been! So…here we go on another road trip, y’all. Hang on!
\n❤️
\n“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-07-25T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/25/a-glimpse-of-heaven.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/24/pennies-from-heaven.html", "title": "Pennies from Heaven", "content_html": "2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
![\"Women](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1e1df75bd1.jpg\")
“Finally had a chance to visit with my friend, Michelle.”
I’ve been writing a daily essay here for over six-and-a-half years now. I’ve heard from numerous people about odd things that have happened since their loved one died. Things that make them feel comforted…like they’re being watched over. Signs from Heaven. With me, it’s bluebirds and angel pennies.
\nYou’ve all heard of “pennies from heaven”. Folk lore says found coins come from angels throwing them in our path to remind us they were here. Something happened yesterday that was downright eerie…but in a wonderful way.
\nI met my friend Michelle at the nail salon yesterday. We met years ago when I was a new widow and she was one of my fellow women campers who helped me find myself. We met at the salon because that was the one place we could absolutely stop and sit still for two hours. We both live very busy lives.
\nDuring the course of our conversation, Michelle told me they were expecting her sweet grandfather to pass at anytime. As a matter of fact, she felt yesterday was his last day here on earth. We covered every topic under the sun and got caught up with what has been going on in each other’s lives.
\nWhen she was getting her manicure, I realized the polish on my toes wasn’t drying very fast so I excused myself to the other side of the room to place my feet under the lights. Finally, she came over to me to hug me goodbye. She had a call to make at noon and had to run. When I sat down at the table where the lights were, I placed my phone and water bottle on the counter. I didn’t notice the penny there till Michelle hugged me.
\nI picked up the penny and showed it to her.
\n“Look, I think this is for you! Maybe it’s your grandpa sending you a message.”
\nI placed the penny in Michelle’s hand. She looked at her phone and said, “Hmmm, it’s 11:44. I’ll remember this if I hear of his passing.” With that, we said hugged and she went out the door.
\nTwenty minutes later she texted me.
\n“My grandfather passed away twenty minutes ago.”
\nCoincidence? If so, it was uncanny. Who knows? I told her she needed to keep that penny in a special place. I keep all my angel pennies in a depression on the dashboard of my truck. I found two more right outside my truck at the next stop. I tucked them away with the others and whispered a “Thank You” to whoever dropped the pennies for us.
\n❤️
\n“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, \"Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.\" \"Blessed indeed,\" says the Spirit, \"that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!\"” Revelation 14:13 ESV\n", "date_published": "2019-07-24T01:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/24/pennies-from-heaven.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Grief","Gratitude","God","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/22/finding-hope.html", "title": "Finding Hope", "content_html": "
![\"Rainbow\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3b25e386f0.jpg\")
“God’s promise.”
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.
\nWe 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.
\nI 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nFinding 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\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/2019/07/21/one-small-step.html", "title": "One Small Step", "content_html": "Ezekiel 37:1-14 NIV
![\"Apollo](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/717a3ae0b7.jpg\")
“One small step…”
It was a sultry summer night…Sunday, July 20, 1969. We had been watching the news over the previous week or so about the astronauts that were going to walk on the moon. I was all of sixteen…that magical age where you’re caught somewhere between Barbies and boys. We didn’t have screens on the windows but it was too hot to leave them closed. We absentmindedly swatted away the mosquitoes as we ate ice cream and stared at the flickering grey screen.
\nHippies were preparing for Woodstock. Giggling teenagers were having slumber parties. We were rolling our hair on juice cans and wearing bellbottomed jeans. We popped our gum and knew all about Archie and Veronica’s exploits. Dad would complain about the “yippies” next door playing their drums too loud and the cars that went too fast up our dirt street. A couple of times a week, a Jeep would drive up the road spraying DDT into the neighborhood to keep the mosquito population down to a reasonable level. And once a month or so, a different truck would come and spray oil or tar down on the dusty dirt. The first day out after they sprayed, our bare feet would be covered with a half inch think glob of sandy tar turning our soles into…well, soles.
\nIt was the summer of love. My foster sister was going to school all summer in Athens to get a certificate for preschool education. She wrote me long letters and on the back of each envelope she drew a picture of a bunny and wrote “God Bless Pink Summers ‘69” in an arc above its head. The war in Vietnam was cranking up, but we were young and in love with ourselves and life in general. War was something that happened so far away, it didn’t seem to have anything to do with us. But, in all actuality, we were living in difficult, tumultuous times in this country. We were just too young to really understand it all.
\nAnd now, here we were in a darkened room, sweat trickling down our backs, waiting for Neil Armstrong to take “one small step for [a] man…one giant leap for mankind.” I remember being absolutely mesmerized by this amazing feat. This was one of those landmark moments in time. A moment when there was a before and after and nothing would be the same again. It was a unifying event and we all held our collective breath in the moment.
\nHere it is…fifty years later. Where did that time go? It seems I blinked and now I have great grandchildren. I’m feeling particularly nostalgic because I am here with my Colorado family. Yesterday we celebrated the 90th birthday of the matriarch of my son-in-law’s family. Grandma’s health has been failing this week but by golly, she rallied yesterday and seventeen of us gathered to shower her with our love and ate strawberry shortcake…her all time favorite. Afterwards, we left Grandma to get some rest and went out to dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory.
\nIt was one of those days we will remember always…when Grandma’s sun was shining and the moon echoed with the memories of another hot summers’ night, so long ago.
\n❤️
\n“it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.”” Psalm 89:37 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-07-21T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/21/one-small-step.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/20/hand-it-over.html", "title": "Hand it Over", "content_html": "
![\"2](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/45c9d08a2f.jpg\")
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7”
I have struggled with anxiety all of my life. It’s so, so frustrating because I know what it is. I know the feelings are real, but they stem from thoughts. I have a whole toolbox of techniques that I’ve used over the years…some helpful, some decidedly harmful, all of them ineffective to a large degree. It wasn’t until I started studying the Bible looking for answers that I have begun to find some semblance of relief.
\nI was reading a devotional about anxiety and fear this week and came across something I had never read before but it really struck home. It talked about a secondary effect of anxiety becoming “a fear of fear itself”. That sums it up so distinctly. I really HATE feeling afraid…to the point of fearing the fear. Suddenly, it just all seemed so ridiculous.
\nThe Bible talks a lot about fear and anxiety. So much so that it is apparent these feelings are prevalent in all humans to some degree. For years…decades…I felt weird about my anxiety. Like there was something wrong with me. That I was somehow flawed and no one else had these feelings. Knowing I’m not alone…even Joshua and Mary and countless others were told by God to not be afraid. That is so comforting to me.
\nI am excited about the upcoming wedding in two weeks. I’m thrilled for my daughter and her happiness. And, it’s hard to tease out the difference between the butterflies of excitement and the quaking of anxiety. It affects me physically the same and my mind can easily take off on a wild tangent which isn’t anywhere I really want to go.
\nThis most recent Bible study I read says whenever the first feelings of anxiety or fear begin to come into your mind, think of a praise instead. Turn on praise music. Sing a praise song. Thank Jesus for waking you up this morning. What I’ve been doing is telling God about all the beautiful things we’re going to do the day of the wedding. I’ve been telling Him about the pretty dresses the girls are wearing. And all the people we’re going to see that we love and don’t get to see often enough. I’ve invited Him to come along with me and to be there right alongside each of us.
\nThere’s so much in life that can change plans at the last minute. There are illnesses in families or some other unforeseen circumstances that you can’t predict. It doesn’t help to be nervous or worried, but it’s hard not to be. As Jesus said, God takes care of the birds and the fields…surely He’ll take good care of us…even in our worst moments.
\nI hand things over…repeatedly. And, it does get easier and easier to remember to give it to God first before I let my mind jump on the worry train and go off the rails. There will always be something you can worry about. That’s how the enemy steals your joy. And, there are situations in life that you can’t help but let affect you. Things like watching a loved one decline. Losing someone or something special. An unexpected diagnosis or financial difficulty. God wants to walk those paths with you. Reach out your hand and take His. He’s so much bigger than anything that troubles you.
\n❤️
\n“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-07-20T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/20/hand-it-over.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/19/avoiding-the-heat.html", "title": "Avoiding the Heat", "content_html": "Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
![\"Shrimp\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e9f8755519.jpg\")
“Shrimp…it’s what’s for dinner!”
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.
\nFinally, 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.
\nThis 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.
\nWhat 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:
\nhttps://www.southernliving.com/grains/grits/low-country-shrimp-and-grits
\nI 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.
\nAfter 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/2019/07/17/the-golden-arch.html", "title": "The Golden Arch", "content_html": "
![\"Golden,](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f03907e99a.jpg\")
The Golden Arch over downtown Golden, Colorado.”
When Hubby #2 & I parted company, I bought a house about twelve miles west in a little cow town called New Castle. About a year later, my neighbors sold their house to a lovely couple. Bob & Ellie were the sweetest people you would ever want to meet and we soon became very close friends. They were instrumental in my becoming a Christian and prayed for me unceasingly.
\nIf life is anything, it’s unpredictable and changes came that took us in different directions geographically. Mr. Virgo and I were married and moved to Pagosa Springs within a year. Shortly afterward, Bob & Ellie sold their house and moved to Golden. We have always stayed in touch, and they were a wonderful source of love and support when Mr. Virgo died.
\nThey have followed my journey via my blog and the occasional texts and phone calls. They came to our belated wedding celebration Sunday and invited us to their house for dinner last night. They are so thrilled for Mr. FixIt and me. They have been looking forward to meeting him and having a chance to get to know him better.
\nDinner wasn’t scheduled till 5:00 so we went over to Golden early to explore. It was a really hot July afternoon so we were happy to duck into the occasional shop to catch our breath in the air conditioning. We stopped in a little coffee shop for an iced coffee. We browsed an antique store. Mr. FixIt is a good shopper…he looks through the racks of ladies clothes and picks out things he likes. He has great taste!
\nIt was a lovely evening. We couldn’t believe the time had flown by and we said our goodbyes. That’s the sign of good friends when you have known each other for ages and you can still talk for five hours over dinner. It was 82 degrees as we drove back to Ben & Sue’s house. The moon was full…and so were our hearts.
\nIt’s supposed to be blazing hot the next couple of days with temps in the triple digits. I’m not sure what we’re going to do but whatever it is, it will entail air conditioning and not overdoing things.
\nYou all be safe out there and stay hydrated.
\n❤️
\n“It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.” Isaiah 4:6 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-07-17T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/17/the-golden-arch.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Fun","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/16/mother-cabrini-shrine.html", "title": "Mother Cabrini Shrine", "content_html": "
![\"View](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/881b040d23.jpg\")
“The view from Mother Cabrini Shrine is stunning!”
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.
\nBefore 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!”
\nIf you need a good transmission place in Arvada, Colorado…go to Jerrod’s!
\nSince 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.
\nIt 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.
\nI 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.
\nMother 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.
\nWe 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\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": "Matthew 6:1-4 ESV
![\"Celebrating\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2806442ba2.jpg\")
“Celebrating a love…and a life.”
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.
\nYesterday 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.
\nIt 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!
\nI am so blessed to have these wonderful people in my life.
\nI 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\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": "Hebrews 13:5 ESV
![\"Drum](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e517053898.jpg\")
“Daughter #2…Marching to her own drum!”
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.
\nWhen 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.
\nShe wanted to go antiquing.
\nI 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.”
\nLadies and gentleman…there IS life after adolescence!!!
\nSo, 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.
\nWe walked in and she stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened, her mouth dropped open, and she gasped.
\n“This place is HUGE!”
\nYes, my girl…it is!
\nWe 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.
\nThis 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.
\nWe 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!”
\nYou’re welcome, Moon Pie.
\n❤️
\n“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”\n\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": "Psalm 127:3 NIV
![\"Camper\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3d31846cc1.jpg\")
“TOW-Wanda…being towed away to her new life with a boy.”
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.
\nThe 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.
\nThis 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.
\nYes…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\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": "Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
![\"Midsummer’s](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e309b3846c.jpg\")
“Enjoying a midsummer’s eve in Colorado.”
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.
\nI 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.
\nYesterday 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.
\nI 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nI 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\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": "Ephesians 5:28 NIV
![\"Whitewater](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/36fcaba25c.jpg\")
“I enjoyed watching the kayakers at Eagle Water Park yesterday.”
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.
\nI 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.
\nMike 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.”
\nI 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.
\nAfter 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.
\nOnce 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.
\nI 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.
\nMy 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\nIt 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\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/2019/07/09/a-quick-road-trip.html", "title": "A Quick Road Trip", "content_html": "Job 12:7-10 NIV
![\"Grizzly](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9699bc1563.jpg\")
“I stopped at Grizzly Creek to catch a shot of the runoff from the snowmelt.”
I decided to make a quick trip up to the mountains to see my brother yesterday. We only get to see each other a few short days when I come to Colorado every summer. Bless his heart…I felt he looked better this time than he did last summer. Although he uses a walker all the time now, he seemed stronger. He is shrinking with age and the first thing he always asks me is, “Are you getting taller???”
\nMy brother has cerebral palsy and some diminished intellectual capacity. His memory has never been very good and it’s only getting worse. He thought I hadn’t come to see him in years but I see him every summer. I told him I would try to figure out how to FaceTime with him. Computers are too complicated for him, but a friend told me about something called a “GrandPad”. I think it’s just for email and pictures though. It doesn’t do video chat. We’ll work something out.
\nI was a little saddened by the way this little town I lived in for so many years has grown. There were so many people there yet I saw just about all I wanted to see in a couple of hours. The traffic is terrible. It barely resembles the sleepy little cow town we moved to in 1986. The price of progress is often quality of life. Yes, there’s a lot to do now. But that means everyone and their brother wants to come do it. Good for the economy. Bad for the working person. The price of housing is astronomical.
\nI stayed with my good friend Terri last night. We’ve known each other for many, many years and she lives right around the corner from my old house. We drove by on our way to dinner. I had visited the cemetery earlier and talked with Mr. Virgo. I was a little distressed by the overgrown weeds up there. When I mentioned it to Terri later, she pointed out the vacant lots in the subdivision. The weeds and wild grasses are nearly three feet high in some places. Like much of the rest of the country, Colorado has had a very wet and cool year which promotes overgrowth. Then, when things get really hot and dry out in August, there’s a lot of fuel for wildfires. We pray a lot about that here.
\nMy brother has a full schedule today, so I’m going to head back to Denver. The title for the camper arrived yesterday so I’m going to finish emptying it out and preparing it to sell. Four more sleeps and my sweetheart arrives in Denver!
\n❤️
\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.””\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-07-09T01:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/09/a-quick-road-trip.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/08/quality-time.html", "title": "Quality Time", "content_html": "Acts 14:17 NIV
![\"Granddaughter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7efaf7e08b.jpg\")
“Little snoozing in the morning sunshine.”
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.
\nAfter 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.
\nThe 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.
\nMr. 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.
\nI 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/dca5c9cc65.jpg\")
“Little’s nest in TOW-Wanda!”
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.
\nShe 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.
\nI 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.
\nThis 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.
\nSince 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!
\nWith 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.
\nI 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\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/2019/07/06/here-comes-the-rain-again.html", "title": "Here Comes the Rain Again!", "content_html": "Proverbs 17:6 NIV
![\"East](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/82fdb3a101.jpg\")
“Looking east as the sun set over Arvada.
I think I brought the rain with me from West Virginia. We got about an inch of rain in two days in the northwest suburbs of Denver. It dropped from the mid 80’s to 75…then in thirty minutes it dropped down to 60 degrees. Lots of small, pea sized hail but no damage that I can see.
\nAlong with Colorado’s severe thunderstorms, California had a 7.1 earthquake aftershock last night, Europe is having an unprecedented heat wave, and West Virginia just sits and soaks in sweat. It’s crazy weather. I hope things settle down soon. It’s downright chilly here right now.
\nI’ve been “camping” at Ben & Sue’s house. We pulled the camper back under a locust tree for some little bit of protection from the elements. When you are in the camper, even pea and marble-sized hail sounds like a gunshot. Little is going to come join me and “camp” tonight. I had to tell her the camper is broken so we can’t go to the mountains like we wanted to. She is so easy going. She said she didn’t care where we camped, as long as we were together!
\nI’m sad I’ll be saying goodbye to this camper sometime this month. It has such a beautiful layout and is pristine inside. I know the right person will come along and be so happy to get her to place on a piece of property or in the back yard. I’ll just keep praying about it. Mr. FixIt put the title in the mail to me today so I should receive it Monday or Tuesday.
\nMy sweet man arrives in Colorado a week from today! I can hardly wait to see him!!! He’ll be at the baby shower today for our little great grandson due this month. We got him a crib. I’m so sorry I’ll be missing that but I’m busy making memories here!
\n❤️
\n“He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them. He brings the clouds to punish people, or to water his earth and show his love.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-07-06T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/06/here-comes-the-rain-again.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Humbled","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/04/independence-day.html", "title": "Independence Day!!!", "content_html": "Job 37:11-13 NIV
![\"Colorado](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e48ddbe64c.jpg\")
“Colorado’s sky is always amazing!”
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.
\nYesterday, 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.
\nBig 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.
\nI 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.
\nToday 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\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/2019/07/02/the-motherdaughter-dance.html", "title": "The Mother-Daughter Dance", "content_html": "2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
![\"Happy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/90759fbfe0.jpg\")
“I am a Happy Camper!”
I danced with my mother. Not literally…but figuratively we went round and round and round. She always knew I loved her and I knew she loved me right back. I made sure of that. But we aggravated the heck out of each other more than I care to admit. We were still moving in that circle when she died rather suddenly at the age of seventy-eight. By that time, my own daughters were well on their way to dancing with me.
\nMy older daughter was very pregnant with my mother’s first great-grandchild and couldn’t come to her grandma’s funeral. I didn’t bring my younger daughter either because she was only nine and in school. I traveled to mom’s funeral alone half the way, meeting up with my Aunt Rosie in the Charlotte Airport for the last flight in.
\nI have good girls. They are as different as night and day and are often like oil and water, but deep down they love each other because they are sisters. I wasn’t always a very good mother to them. There was that long stretch when I was deeply depressed and nearly non-functional. I drank too much and I took too many prescription drugs. When I overdosed, it ripped the fabric of our relationship and I feared I would never, ever get them back.
\nWe danced our own dance. We went round and round and we didn’t know how to reach each other. I hurt them in ways I couldn’t even begin to fathom till I got well. Then I had to rebuild their trust in me. It was hard, painful work. There were times I was absolutely certain they hated me. But they didn’t really. I wasn’t the only one who had to learn who this new version of me was.
\nI watch Daughter #1 with her kids. I watch her face some of the same issues I faced and she handles them so much better than I did because she has a wonderful, stable marriage she isn’t also struggling to fix. I love watching her with the girls. Big is learning to drive. She is tall and athletic…a swimmer. She is bright and accomplished and dedicated. Little is part mini-me…part mini-mom. She is petite and eclectic…artistic and sensitive…bright and compassionate. She is a little shooting star.
\nLast night, I sat at swim practice with Daughter #1 and talked for a couple of hours. It was the first time in a long time that I felt like I didn’t have to hold my breath out of fear I’d say or do the wrong thing and not be the mom I should be. That is baggage I am happy to set down. I knitted while we chatted. There was a warm, easy acceptance that flowed between us and I realized I could relax now. We’re ok. It was a long storm, but we weathered it. We’re better with each other. My heart felt full.
\nHer kids are older now. She’s had some experience with life that she hadn’t had back when I let them down. I think she gets me a little better these days. We’re all a little older, a little wiser, a little softer. I think now, our dance is sweeter.
\n❤️
\n“\"Behold, everyone who uses proverbs will use this proverb about you: 'Like mother, like daughter.'” Ezekiel 16:44 ESV\n", "date_published": "2019-07-02T01:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/02/the-motherdaughter-dance.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Aging","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/29/travel-lotsa-learnin-goin-on.html", "title": "Travel: Lotsa Learnin’ Goin’ On Here!", "content_html": "
![\"Good](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b74762fda5.jpg\")
“I use a French press a lot when I camp. I have a manual grinder, too.”
So, yesterday morning I took my time waking up. I do that when I travel. My Bible app has a year long study where you read the whole bible in a year. With the trip to Florida, being sick, and getting ready for this trip, I was thirteen days behind. I don’t like to get behind on that one because there’s a good deal to read every day. I spent a little extra time reading while I enjoyed a tasty cup of coffee. I chatted with Mr. FixIt for a while. I finally got on the road about 10:00.
\nThe drive was uneventful. I usually drive in silence because I do my best thinking when I drive. But I wanted to listen to music so I pulled into a rest area and tried to figure out how to connect my phone to the sound system on the truck. It took me a few tries but soon I was bebopping down the highway listening to some praise music.
\nAround 3:00, I pulled into another rest area and stretched out in front of my hillbilly air conditioner again. When I was almost to St. Louis, Mr. FixIt called. We were chatting as the GPS took me around the city. Still…it was 5:00…on a Friday…in June! Heck of a time to go through there. I wasn’t on the phone long because I needed to concentrate.
\nSuddenly, two things happened. I noticed the sky got really dark all of a sudden. And, Mavis…my GPS persona…announce I-70 was closed. Closed? Are you kidding me? How do you close a whole interstate. I had to make some quick decisions but the weather did it for me. The sky opened and I was suddenly driving through what looked like a car wash.
\nI quickly pulled off the highway and into a Denny’s parking lot. I ran through the rain and jumped in the camper. I pulled my vegetable lasagna out of my 12v slow cooker and ate dinner while I watched both an amazing lightning show as well as a band of bright red storms march toward me on the Weather Channel radar.
\nI looked through the Good Sam Camping Guide and found a campground on the other side of St. Louis. I called and they had one site left. I should have called yesterday morning but I honestly forgot it was Friday. I seldom make reservations when I travel and so far I have never lacked a place to stay.
\nBefore long, the storm was past me and I got back behind the wheel. The detour took about an hour because it was bumper to bumper stop and go traffic for 19 miles. I arrived at the campground and registered. They showed me to my site and it’s perfectly lovely. When I was at Walmart yesterday, I bought a replacement shower head for my camper. I installed it after I arrived last night. Easy peasy. And, the hot water heater worked! Imagine that! We hadn’t even tried it out yet.
\nAs soon as I could, I jumped in that teeny tiny little shower. It was easier to FIX the shower than it was to TAKE one! Once I was all done, I felt like a million bucks. If you look at the map, I am almost exactly at the halfway point. That’s great…but I still have a long way to go! I’m not going to try to make it to Colorado tomorrow. I’ll take it easy and stop in western Kansas or eastern Colorado.
\nLearned a lot of things today. 1) Make reservations if your camping on a Friday. 2) Pay closer attention to the calendar. 3) Check further ahead for weather and road conditions. 4) Changing a shower head is easy. 5) Listening to praise music is a great prep tool for stressful circumstances!
\nEnjoy your Saturday!
\n❤️
\n“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-06-29T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/29/travel-lotsa-learnin-goin-on.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Humbled","Aging","Presence","Choices","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/28/road-trip-cant-keep-a.html", "title": "Road Trip: Can’t Keep a Good Gal Down!", "content_html": "James 1:2-4 ESV
![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e7be9cfe72.jpg\")
“A Shady Spot”
If you would have asked me at 10:00 Wednesday night, I would have told you (as I told you this morning) there was NO WAY I was going to leave for Colorado yesterday morning. Ahhhh…but, once I got past the icky stomach, took my tummy medicine, and slept a solid eight hours, it was a whole different ballgame.
\nBecause I was getting up and down, I slept in the guest room so I wouldn’t wake up Mr. FixIt. I awoke before dawn…around 5:00…and felt great. I read my devotionals and caught up on some correspondence then my sweetheart came to check on me around 7:00. I met him with a big smile and said I was good to go! He smiled back with relief. He doesn’t like it when I’m sick anymore that the other way around.
\nIt took a couple of hours to finish packing the truck and camper and I was on the road by 9:00. My first stop was Walmart to pick up a few things. I had some things to return. I got back to the camper and put away my purchases and got in the truck. There were my return items sitting on the front seat. Oy! I really didn’t want to cart them to Colorado so I went back in and stood in a long, slow line. But, it’s done and I was out before too long.
\nThe next and final stop was gas and a great big drink to stay hydrated on my trip. The young gal behind the counter was very excited because she is leaving on vacation today. Her very first camping trip! Well, I turned right back around and talked with her for awhile! I sure hope she has a grand time and decides to keep right on camping! Those first few camping trips are critical. You’ll either love it or hate it.
\nIt was really hot yesterday and about midway through my drive, I pulled over into a rest area to stretch out on my bed. Well, it was over 90 degrees! Of course, when you pull into a rest area, there’s no electricity, so no AC. You need to improvise. The last time I drove cross country alone, I stopped in Kansas for a rest and needed to do something to cool off. I had a tiny little battery fan and a cold pack from the freezer. It worked ever so slightly, but it wasn’t long before the cold pack was melted and that was the end of that.
\nWhen I was at Walmart yesterday, I bought two 10” fans that are powered by fan and batteries. I’ve also taken to carrying a very large bottle of water that I keep in the freezer of the camper. Went I stretched out on my bed yesterday, I sat the large frozen container in a basin and put the fan behind it. I also had three water bottles I had frozen. I set them up in front of the other fan. I positioned myself in front of the cool air and had a lovely mini siesta. Perfect! I popped all the bottles back in the freezer before I pulled back on the highway.
\n![\"Hillbilly](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/32137ec665.jpg\")
“Hillbilly Air Conditioner!”
That right there is a little hillbilly ingenuity. Appalachians are a resourceful lot. I arrived at my favorite little campground in Richmond, Indiana at around 5:30…had supper from my slow cooker and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings as the sun went down. I tried to keep from turning on the AC, but it was still 85 degrees at 8:00 and I was done with the heat by that time. I’ve never slept all night with the AC on in this little camper. It’s pretty noisy in this tiny little space.
\nI wrote early last night so I could have a good solid night’s sleep. Yesterday was a long day, but I didn’t get very far. That’s usually how it works on the first day out. For me, anyway. I monitored all the systems on the camper and the truck and everything worked just as it should so I don’t foresee any difficulties. As always, I say my prayers for travel mercies. I appreciate when you do, as well.
\nHave a beautiful Friday!!!
\n❤️
\n“Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-06-28T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/28/road-trip-cant-keep-a.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Courage","Choices","Change","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/25/road-trip-falling-into-place.html", "title": "Road Trip: Falling Into Place", "content_html": "Psalms 140:4 ESV
\n
![\"Tonneau](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/25f3a0df6f.jpg\")
“Tonneau Cover for a Pickup”
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.
\nMy 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.
\nA 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.
\nWe 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.
\nHow refreshing! Thank you, Brandon!
\nI 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.
\nWe 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.
\nAnother 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\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": "Proverbs 16:9 ESV
![\"Tractor](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2dba29f93e.jpg\")
“My birthday present…a shade for the tractor!”
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.
\nI 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.
\nAfter 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.”
\nWe 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nWhen 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\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/2019/06/23/home-again-home-again.html", "title": "Home Again, Home Again!", "content_html": "Genesis 8:22 ESV
![\"Vacation](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ec47b249b5.jpg\")
“Clockwise from top: The BEST Carolina BBQ I have EVER eaten…Phifers!, I almost finished one sock this trip, Griffen the Grey (a French Bulldog), a field of yellow lilies.”
I love a good road trip. And I love getting back to my own bed. In this case…the one in TOW-Wanda! I have missed this camper so much while we were gone. Isn’t that silly? Mr. FixIt and I were trying to explain to our friends in South Carolina the merits of sleeping in our little camper out on our property with this really great memory foam mattress. I think they got it. No matter…we made a bee line home yesterday and I barely emptied the truck before I was stretched out and writing this!
\nI got a text from Big yesterday asking if we were about to get hit with some bad storms. I thought we had dodged them, but apparently not. We stopped in Statesville, NC at an RV dealer to get something when the sky started looking really menacing. We hurried over to our favorite BBQ joint and just got seated when the rain started coming down in buckets.
\nThis barbecue place was just a chance find a couple of years ago. We stopped over night in Statesville that trip and the gal at the front desk said we had to go to Phifer’s for the best BBQ in North Carolina. Now, I’m not a huge fan of the North Carolina style sauce. It has more of a mustard base and has a distinct vinegary taste to it. But theirs? Oh…..my…..gosh. It is sublime!
\nI asked the nice BBQ lady yesterday what the best thing on their menu was. She said, “ALL of the things!” I said…bring it!
\nI had a BBQ sandwich with the slaw on it. And a side of fries. I am a fast eater. Mr. FixIt is always getting on me about that. Not yesterday. I savored every last morsel. And, I kid you not, when I beheld the last bite between my thumb and index finger…I felt sad. It was over! It ended far too soon!!! It was a heady experience that I wanted to hang onto. The sauce has just the slightest kick to it. And it seemed there were red pepper flakes in the meat itself. So my mouth held onto this delicious warmth for an hour or so afterwards. I have never experienced food in such a way before!
\nI want to get back in the car and live next door to this place.
\nIs that so unreasonable?
\nOk…ok. I’ll just have to wait till the next time, I suppose. Uber eats would be WAY over the top, right?
\nIt rained on us part of the way home but it wasn’t too bad. I almost finished knitting one sock of the pair. I caught a picture of a field of yellow lilies. And there’s little Griffen, the grey! He was just as kissable as he looks.
\nAnd here it the very best part…there was NO water in the basement!!! Thank you, Jesus…we’re coming to Your house this morning!
\n❤️
\n“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-06-23T01:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/23/home-again-home-again.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/21/vacations-past-present.html", "title": "Vacations: Past \u0026 Present", "content_html": "Ecclesiastes 9:7 ESV
![\"Vacation](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8d58a1a0ae.jpg\")
“Vacation Photos: The Making of Memories”
The idea of a vacation was totally foreign to me till I was in my late twenties. My family were not big travelers. We didn’t go to the beach every summer like many of my friends’ families did. We didn’t go camping or hike or play on the river that was a mere five blocks from our house. My Grandma was only west of the Mississippi a couple of times in her life. The first was to see my Uncle Sonny get his wings as an Air Force pilot. The second was when she went to Minnesota to visit my aunt’s resort on Lake Kabetogama. Two vacations in her life.
\nWe didn’t have the money to have extravagant vacations. We visited my aunt and uncle over near the eastern panhandle of West Virginia for a week every summer. That was as close to a vacation that I ever got until I was married to Hubby #2. Our first real vacation was a road trip, car camping around Colorado. After that, we went to West Virginia several times to visit family and one year we went on a twenty mile backpack trip there.
\nThe first extravagant vacation we had was a trip to Cancun with friends the year before I had Daughter #2. We went to Hawaii once, but it was very difficult to get him away from his practice for very long. We did quick trips to DC, Yellowstone, and Disney. After he and I parted company, I traveled alone whenever I could. I took Daughter #2 on a three week road trip when she turned thirteen and took her to Mexico for her sixteenth birthday.
\nWhen Mr. Virgo came along, we had great plans to travel when he retired. We did go on a long road trip for our honeymoon. We went to Utah once, and Yellowstone twice. In the summer of 2011, I took him to West Virginia to meet my family. He wanted to take me to Europe to see all the beautiful places he had been. We were buying a camper for retirement when he died.
\nHeading out on my own again, this time with my own little camper, I found travel to be my solace…my escape…a panacea for the pain of losing my husband. I traveled a lot in those years following his death. And, I was still on the road when my Uncle Bud called me home to live on the family farm. Even living there seemed like a vacation…a dream vacation luxuriating in the memories of my loving family.
\nThen, Mr. FixIt came along. Thankfully, he was retired and itching to get out and do things. We’ve already accomplished more travel in the short time we’ve been together than I did in the last thirty years. But, is it really “vacation” when you’re retired? Yes and no. No, because every day is Saturday, to some extent. We aren’t bound by the clock and time is somewhat our own. Yes when you consider all the work our properties entail.
\nI am so grateful for the opportunities to travel and see new places. I know there may come a time in the future when I may not get to do these things, so I’m making up for lost time. I’m banking memories like a squirrel hiding nuts. Someday, I’ll look back on all this…I’ll read the pages of this blog or my book…and have some wonderful stories to tell.
\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\n", "date_published": "2019-06-21T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/21/vacations-past-present.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/19/a-sweet-treatyarn.html", "title": "A Sweet Treat...Yarn!", "content_html": "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 ESV
![\"Daytona](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/db8364f2ab.jpg\")
“Clockwise from Top Left: Hibiscus, Chasing the rain, Low Country Shrimp & Grits, Fishing Boats, New yarns & a present, interesting sand castle.”
One of my readers sent me a message the other day and said I simply MUST go check out the little yarn shop in Ormond Beach. I told her I would sure try to get there. But, I’ve purchased yarn everywhere the last year and I just was having a hard time justifying going because I knew I wouldn’t get out the door without at least two more sock yarns.
\nI was right! After receiving a little nudge from her yesterday, I told Mr. FixIt we should head to She Sells Yarn after our walk on the beach. He is such a good sport. He’ll take me anywhere I want to go. We walked in and I introduced myself. The owner (Helen) said, “Oh! You have a gift here!!!” Sure enough, there was a little package with my name on it and a jaunty “Happy Birthday” message written on the bag. Inside were little locally-made turtle stitch markers! Thank you, Cindy!!! That was so sweet of you to think of me!
\nShe Sells Yarn is a beautiful shop with a wonderful collection of yarns. I am always partial to locally raised, spun, or dyed yarns and this place didn’t disappoint. One in particular that intrigued me was String Theory Colorworks’ “Matrix”…a blend of 80% SW Merino, 10% Cashmere, and 10% Stellina (to give it sparkle…who doesn’t like a little sparkly in their socks?) This yarn is developed and “lovingly hand dyed” by a husband/wife duo living in Orlando. He is an engineer, she is a biology major. One day she asked, “Honey? Wouldn’t it be cool if…?” And the ball got rolling. She started dying yarn that night with a mathematically determined pattern that would guarantee an even repeating stripe pattern. With their backgrounds, they decided all their yarns had to have science-y names. And the rest is history.
\nThe other yarn is by Violet Flamingo Fibers of Satellite Beach, Florida. Wendy uses ethically sourced and cruelty free fibers for happy socks with good karma. The yarns are all hand dyed in beautiful colorways named after local attractions, flora, and fauna. I chose a mix of bright primary colors called Daytona Beach Boardwalk. This fingering weight yarn is a blend of 85% merino and 15% nylon which will knit up into a lovely, non-pilling sock.
\nThursday night is Fiber Friends night at She Sells Yarn so I am looking forward to toting my knitting down and chatting with some of the local makers and meeting new friends. We’ve heard there have been terrible rains in West Virginia since we’ve been gone so we are heading out Friday to drive home with stops along the way to visit dear friends. Even with my darned sinus infection, we’ve still had a wonderful, very restful and relaxing vacation. It won’t be long after we get home that I’ll be packing up the camper and heading to Colorado!
\nStay tuned in the coming weeks for some really fun and interesting developments in my world! I’m getting excited…and you should, too!
\n❤️
\n“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!” \n\n", "date_published": "2019-06-19T01:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/19/a-sweet-treatyarn.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/18/working-vacation.html", "title": "Working Vacation", "content_html": "Psalms 90:17 ESV
![\"Writing](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8e433faac0.jpg\")
“I can’t think of many places that are prettier to write than at the beach!”
If writing is my “job”, then I’m always working…every day…365. It doesn’t FEEL like work. They say if you find something you love to do, you’ll never work another day in your life. And I do love to write. I once tried to calculate how many words I’ve written since Mr. Virgo died. I stopped at a million. That was a long time ago.
\nEverything I see or do becomes “blog fodder”. An opportunity to tell a story, share an insight, or discover new places together. I love telling stories. Where I find my stretch is in writing “content”….a disconnected observation without personal viewpoints involved. It’s more like news reporting. I have been contracted to do some of this type of writing and it doesn’t come nearly as easy to me.
\nBack when I first attempted writing, I asked a press writer/photographer to read some of my work and give me an honest opinion. He told me it would never be publishable. I put too much of myself in my writing. In his defense, this was before blogs. But still, he was the wrong person to ask, or take and opinion from. If I hadn’t have listened to him, I might have been writing for the the last twenty years instead of the last six.
\nPart of this new project does use my writing style, and I am most grateful for that. I am blessed that I have a husband who knew from the get go that my writing is as much a part of me as my arms or legs. He isn’t the kind of guy that needs babysitting or entertained on an ongoing basis. He has his own interests that he pursues when I sit down at the keyboard. I am careful to keep things balanced, but when I am working on a deadline, I have to get in the zone.
\nCan you think of a prettier place to sit and write than on the beach? My only problem this day was the wind and my shorter haircut. The wind slowly sent my beach umbrella listing at a forty-five degree angle. And it had my hair in my face and eyes to the point of utter distraction. I packed up and moved up to the pool area. Much less wind and reflection on the screen of my iPad, but by then, my battery was low.
\nAt that point, my only option if I wanted to get this thing knocked out was to go back indoors. It was a good thing Mr. FixIt was ready to go inside, as well. A pitcher of ice tea was made. Some peanut butter and crackers and a bowl of berries were consumed. And my sweetheart headed off to Walmart for a loaf of bread and a jug of milk so I could get back to work without distraction.
\nI write. It’s what I do. I’ve said it before…I can’t NOT write. I’ve tried. Those of you who have been with me all along can surely remember the times I’ve said, “Hey! I’m going camping and I’ll be off the grid for a few days…see ya when I get back!” Yeah, not so much. I will drive to the top of a mountain to find enough cell signal to post a story. It’s a sickness. An obsession. An addiction. But it’s one I have no intention of walking away from because the benefits I have gained from my writing has far outweighed any inconvenience it has caused.
\nTill tomorrow…be blessed!
\n❤️
\n“Beautiful words fill my mind, as I compose this song for the king. Like the pen of a good writer my tongue is ready with a poem.” \n\n", "date_published": "2019-06-18T01:30:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/18/working-vacation.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Writing","Choices","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/13/happy-birthday.html", "title": "Happy Birthday!", "content_html": "Psalm 45:1 GNT
![\"Night](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bc2e7772e8.jpg\")
“Happy Birthday, to ME!”
June is my birthday month.
\nI love June. I love my birthday. So I just combine them and celebrate the whole month!
\nAfter sleeping twelve hours straight on Tuesday night, Mr. FixIt and I went down to the beach and walked then played in the pool for a while. After lunch, I took a three hour nap. Seeing a trend there? It’s all about ME ‘cause it’s my birthday month!
\nJust as I woke up, Mr. FixIt walked in to make sure I didn’t sleep too long and not be able to sleep later. Then he asked me that question every woman longs to hear.
\n“How would you like to go eat ice cream for dinner?”
\nBack off girls…I saw him first!
\nYes, ladies…I have married the perfect man. Not only does he celebrate my birthday with me for a month…but he also takes me out for an ice cream dinner. Sexiest man alive.
\nAfter a dinner of butter pecan in a chocolate dipped waffle cone, we drove around. We shopped at a couple of Mr. FixIt’s stores. We found Aldi’s and picked up a few groceries. Wonderful strawberries for a dollar.
\nA simple day…Birthday Eve.
\nToday is my actual birthday.
\nSixty-six. Wow. Why does it sound so much older than sixty-five?
\nSome of the grandchildren were over Monday evening before we left. I told them how old I was going to be.
\n“Sixty-six! Can you believe that? It has been half a century since I was sixteen! Half a century!!! You know that’s fifty years, right???”
\nMy wise grandson-in-law said, “Did it go fast?”
\nHow do you answer that? Yes…it flew by in a nanosecond! No, it lasted forever! It’s both.
\nIt’s the coolest thing…to be sixteen plus fifty. I was sixteen in 1969…the summer of love. “God Bless Pink Summers ‘69!” That’s how my best friend signed her letters when she was off at a summer internship. Woodstock. Rock and Roll. Hippies. Bell bottoms. Long hair.
\nI thought I was free.
\nI was so wrong.
\nIt took living those fifty years to actually BECOME free. Funny how that works. I’d hate to have gone through all that and not learned the beautiful, hard, gritty, wonderful lessons involved.
\nSixty-six. Nope, that doesn’t bother me a bit.
\nI’m a crone now. I love that!
\nHappy Birthday to ME!
\n❤️
\n““ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-06-13T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/13/happy-birthday.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/10/van-life.html", "title": "Van Life", "content_html": "
![\"Conversion](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/689320564b.jpg\")
“One of our Girl Campers brought her conversion van to camp in. We were sold!”
My dear friend Gail has a conversion van that is tricked out like a camper. It’s currently in the camper hospital so she camped in a tent this time. But one of the other gals brought her conversion van and was kind enough to give me a peek inside.
\nI can see now why van girls love these so much! There is a lot you can pack into a small space. Christy has hers in soft pastels and cream, making the space seem much larger. She uses her Yeti cooler as extra seating. She has a whole kitchen crammed in this little cabinet.
\nThis really got my creative juices flowing and I was thinking of all the things I can do to the minivan when I get ready to convert it. The only downside I could see is no air conditioner. She does have a 12v fan she can use, but I’m thinking I would be limited to spring and fall excursions.
\nChristy spend five weeks at Quartzite, Arizona in the winter and never felt claustrophobic in this setup. She is thinking she would like to take it on the road full-time. I belong to a few Facebook groups that focus on the van life. It’s intriguing…but a little too confining for two.
\nAnyway, someone asked to see the van…so here she is! Enjoy!
\n❤️
\n“It’s better to live in a hut in the wilderness than with a crabby, scolding spouse!” Proverbs 21:19 TPT\n", "date_published": "2019-06-10T01:30:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/10/van-life.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Comfort","goRVing","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Widow"] }, { "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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ba77f941e9.jpg\")
“Before and After…what a difference a haircut makes!”
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!
\nI 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
\nNo, 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.
\nIt’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.
\nThen, 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.
\nI 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.
\nAn 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.
\nI 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.”
\nMy 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/2019/06/05/finding-my-father.html", "title": "Finding my Father", "content_html": "
![\"Father](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6c6d0a0742.jpg\")
“I don’t remember having a loving relationship with my dad…ever.”
Father’s Day is coming soon. I don’t remember ever seeing a photo of my dad holding me. I don’t remember him offering his hand to help me walk. I don’t recall any kissed booboos or falling asleep in his lap. I do remember him bouncing my brother and me on his knees to the tune of Bonanza when it aired on Sunday nights. I remember watching fireworks from the car three blocks away from the park. I remember going fishing with him…once. I wouldn’t touch the worm. He was done.
\nMy relationship with my dad was complicated. Like every little girl, I sought his approval. It never came. I sought his love. He didn’t know how to give it. He never saw me sing on stage. He never watched me perform on the balance beam. As my brother and I aged, Dad became more and more lost in a bottle of Four Roses.
\nBy the time I was an antagonistic teenager, our relationship had devolved into angry shouting matches and stony silence. He became “the man who lived upstairs”. I married and left home with the first boy who would have me and I didn’t look back. By the time I was twenty-one, to my mother’s great relief, they were divorced.
\nDad went back to his roots and moved into a trailer on his sister’s farm. As a widow, she was extremely careful of her reputation and when dad had to be driven home from the bar one night, she stormed into his trailer the next morning and struck him on the bottom of the feet with an iron skillet. She informed him there would never be another incident like that or he would find himself out on his ear. He ended up going on the wagon and found Jesus and married a childhood friend.
\nI never really knew that man…the one all my cousins knew. The one all the town knew. The one who went to church every Sunday and became the model citizen…to everyone outside. But inside? Our relationship stayed exactly the same. His modus operandi was “blame and shame”. I tried. Lord knows I tried to have a relationship with him. But, in order to do that, I needed to talk about what had happened and he wasn’t interested.
\nIf he would have just once said “I’m sorry, Sis.” Oh, I learned to forgive him because he did what he knew, but that apology would have gone a long way toward mending my broken heart. Instead, I married father replacements. First, the stern disciplinarian. Then the busy doctor who couldn’t express his true feelings. Then Mr. Virgo came along and healed that spot in my heart that needed to know I was loved and cherished and….wanted.
\nStill, I remember my therapist telling me one time, “You know, Ginny…you’re never going to find your father’s love.” I was bereft. It was as if the final page was read and the book snapped shut. The End!
\nWhat do I do now?
\nI went on. I put a bandaid over the spot where I wanted dad-memories in my heart and went on. After all, I was an adult. I was functioning as best I could with what I had to work with. It was ok, I said to myself. I don’t need a father. I don’t need anybody. Mr. Virgo was the only man I really let in and even he didn’t get to see every room.
\nThen…my dad died.
\nThen…Mr. Virgo died.
\nI was never, ever going to feel that unconditional love again.
\nI was wrong. I found love again…deep, true, lasting love with Mr. FixIt. And, I was a Christian. I had God. He was my Heavenly Father…but, I still wanted a DAD!
\nThis has been on my heart a lot in the last few weeks. And, just like clockwork, here came the Holy Spirit to minister to that sore place within me. Recently, every sermon has been some variation of this theme.
\n“Your dad wasn’t there for you. It’s ok. You don’t need him. He was here to do what only he could do and it hurt. But here….I’ve got some really great news for you.
\n“God IS your dad! He loves you…absolutely…unconditionally. He CRAVES when you come sit with him and lay your head on his shoulder. He WANTS you to take his hand and walk with him. He LOVES it when you talk to him and tell him how your day went and share worries of your mind. He DESIRES you to trust him like the dad that he is. He NEEDS you to know he isn’t ever going to leave you….not ever!”
\nWow! How awesome is that? Knowing this…I mean really deep down in my bones KNOWING this…has healed some place deep inside my heart. I don’t have to look for my dad anywhere but up. When I want to hear him talking to me, I read the words he left for me to follow. When I don’t please him, he lets me know. The most important thing he wants me to know is I am the joy of his heart. The object of his greatest longing.
\nFinally….finally I found my father….in my Father.
\n❤️
\n“The same way a loving father feels toward his children— that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us, your beloved children, who live in awe of you.” Psalms 103:13 TPT\n", "date_published": "2019-06-05T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/05/finding-my-father.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Aging","Choices","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/02/resting.html", "title": "Resting", "content_html": "
![\"Feet](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ba8a03e0f5.jpg\")
“Taking a breather after a long day.”
Mr. FixIt and I have been like two ships passing in the night the last two weeks. He is still working on the porch he is building in town plus he is helping a friend move. In between, he has helped with the mowing and weed eating. He is a busy man and a very hard worker. I am very proud of him and love his work ethic. But…I’ll be really glad when the jobs that are taking him away from home are completed and we can do more things together…even if it’s more jobs that need doing around here.
\nWhile my hubby has been off and running, I have been keeping busy here as well. I finished mowing at the Ponderosa yesterday. I had a run-in with some brambles and they dragged across my forehead, yanked my glasses off, and made me say some choice words. I went out when it cooled off, swept the grass off the sidewalks, and pruned some branches and old, dead rambling rose canes. Nasty buggers!
\nI did escape yesterday morning and had coffee with my classmates. There were seven of us this time and we always miss the ones who don’t get to attend. When we were finished, I walked across the street to one of my favorite antique shops in the area. I’ve been on the prowl for old embroidered dresser scarves and the like to make something fun for the camper. I found several that were white with either blue embroidery or blue crocheted edging. Blue and white are my favorites. I also bought the coolest curved treadle sewing machine drawer that will be perfect on the dinette table to hold flowers or something.
\nAfterwards I met Mr. FixIt for the summer picnic for the plant he worked at before he retired. He worked at Ames. My mom called it “the shovel plant” because she worked there during the war making shovels for soldiers. After the war, their specialty was all manner of garden tools. Mr. FixIt gave me one of the shovels he designed and made and there isn’t a finer one around. I actually knew two people at the picnic…a rare occurrence for me. Mr. FixIt knows EVERYBODY in town!
\nWhen I was done for the day, I went in to make myself a sandwich. I glanced out the kitchen window. The luna moth is still there. And, there was a mama groundhog and three little babies out munching on the grass under the crab apple tree. I stood there for the longest time, just watching them. And thinking how blessed I am to have this slice of heaven in my life. I finally turned away, picked up my sandwich, and padded out to the camper to read for a while before Mr. FixIt came home.
\nWhat a beautiful world God has given us. Even in the midst of horrific things, there is beauty in the stillness.
\n❤️
\n“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”” Isaiah 40:8 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-06-02T01:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/02/resting.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Humbled","Presence","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/01/from-beast-to-beauty.html", "title": "From Beast to Beauty", "content_html": "
![\"Luna](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/81bfe2d0d2.jpg\")
“The glorious Luna Moth!”
It takes about ten days for the egg of the luna moth to hatch into a tiny caterpillar and another five to six weeks for that caterpillar to go through multiple instars (stages of growth) to reach its full size…2.5” long by 3/4” diameter. That’s a big green worm! Once it reaches its full size, it spins a cocoon and usually about two weeks later, the moth emerges, wings shriveled and damp. Over the course of several hours, fluid is pumped into the wings, they dry, and voila…one of the largest silk moths of North America emerges to grace us with its presence.
\nNormally, the luna moth has a wingspan of about 4.5” but they can be as large as 7” across. This fellow is a male. His wings angle backwards somewhat and his abdomen is smaller because he isn’t carrying the 200-400 eggs the female has. They fly in the evening and at night in late spring and early summer. They don’t particularly like when the temperature dips into the 50’s. They’ll be somewhat paralyzed until it warms up.
\nI love when I catch sight of one of these beautiful moths. You don’t see them quite as often as you used to because a type of predatory fly was introduced to control the invasive gypsy moths and they’ve damaged several species of moths, including the glorious luna.
\nMr. FixIt called me into the kitchen last night so I could see this fellow. I ran outside with my phone so I could take pictures while the light was still good. As I was coming back inside, I found the remains of a luna who wasn’t so lucky…wings scattered here and there, coated with drops of dew. Nature. It’s a rough world out there.
\n![\"Luna](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4acaa9e388.jpg\")
“The remnants of an unfortunate demise.”
When I came out to the camper to write afterwards, I watched a video on Facebook. The premise was two former classmates run into each other in the parking lot of the grocery store. They chat and it becomes apparent one is wealthy and the other is not. The one who was not tells the other about her son getting a job after graduation and that he is thriving and so happy. The other kind of turns her nose up a bit and brags about HER son who is going to Stanford. And, as a matter of fact, he was on his way to pick her up….wasn’t that sweet? The poorer mother smiled and nodded and congratulated the other mom on her son’s great achievements. But you could see when wealthy mom left, the working boy’s mom looked a little let down.
\nI am ashamed to say, I can relate to that…however fleetingly. This is the time of year when news of graduations fill the pages of social media with our darlings’ academic accomplishments. It’s beautiful and I don’t begrudge them their joy. Not one bit. We were thrilled when Daughter #1 got her Associates Degree, majoring in drama. We told her that, and $3.50 would buy her a cup of coffee and she should go on and at least get her Bachelors Degree. But no…she and her fiancé had other plans and married a month or two after graduation.
\nAt some point along the way, she realized perhaps her parents had been right and she had an excellent opportunity to go back to school at which time she became a Special Ed teacher. Again, we were so proud. Then, somewhere down the road, she went back and got her Masters. She’s still married to her college sweetheart and coming up on their 24th anniversary.
\nDaughter #2 is brilliant…maybe more so than her sister as far as IQ goes. But she has always danced to her own music, struggled over eight years getting her Bachelors but never gave up, and now works in management in the food service industry…the love for which she received from her beloved stepfather…Mr. Virgo.
\nIn the movie I watched earlier, the Stanford son berated his mother for keeping him from his friends and let her know she was distinctly cramping his style while the poor son brings his mama flowers and tells her how much he loves and appreciates her for everything she does for him. A dramatization, for sure. But there is much truth there, unfortunately.
\nA while back, a friend from long ago posted photos of her daughter getting her doctorate. They flew to Australia to visit her where she was doing research. Her two younger daughters were married, one after the other. Beautiful. Successful. This girl and Daughter #2 had play dates together when they were babies. I had a moment of full on green envy.
\nFor only a moment. Because, in that moment, Daughter #2 called me on the phone. I sat back and listened to her go on and on about the upcoming wedding and how her dress is just so perfect and makes her look like a million bucks. We chatted about how the bouquets are being made with origami flowers from comic book pages. And she found a real Viking drinking horn at a pawn shop and that’s what they’re going to toast with! Wow! And under her dress? Tie dyed Vans…of course!
\nAs I listened to her happy voice, my mind drifted back over the many phone calls when she struggled and suffered through depression and anxiety. Really struggled. And I realized…rich, poor, Stanford, Community College, PhD, shift lead in a restaurant…none of that matters. She’s happy. There is light and life in her voice. My eyes filled with tears…from shame that I was even momentarily envious…and from sincere joy and relief that my baby didn’t end up a statistic like so many others have.
\nI still have her here…in all her quirky, wonderful weirdness. As we prepared to hang up, she gave me that sweetest gift every mama craves.
\n“I love you, mama…all over your face!”
\n“I love you too, Moon Pie.”
\nShe made it…just like the caterpillar to the glorious Luna.
\n❤️
\n“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-06-01T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/01/from-beast-to-beauty.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/29/gracious-conversations.html", "title": "Gracious Conversations", "content_html": "
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bc8c2490ac.jpg\")
“Let your conversations be gracious and attractive.”
I have been trying to be more conscious of my conversations of late. I try to steer clear of gossip…listening or repeating. I try to discern the difference between sharing concern or inquiring of someone’s wellbeing and telling tales out of school. I have to be honest…I haven’t always done the best at that.
\nI’m a storyteller, but I don’t want to be known as a gossip. So when I have conversations with others, I seek to be gracious. I do have my closest confidants with whom I can be brutally honest, but still be gracious.
\nIt is especially difficult to be gracious in today’s sociopolitical climate. People can be truly offensive without necessarily intending to be. And, the same goes for us. We can easily offend others without being aware of it.
\nSocial media is an excellent place to practice gracious conversation, but it isn’t always easy. I am a co-administrator for our class page on Facebook. I asked that someone be made co-administrator simply because we are aging. So many of our friends were dying, I thought if we lost our administrator, we’d lose control of the page and it’s really wonderful to catch up with our friends there.
\nI received a message from one of my classmates yesterday informing me someone had placed one of those political articles of questionable origin on our class page. She was gracious and expressed her dismay that something so obviously intended to be divisive had been posted there and would I please remove it.
\nI went to the page and didn’t do anything more than read the headlines and immediately removed the post. Then, I created a post of my own and said I had removed a political post. I reminded our classmates that there are plenty of pages that support those kinds of posts and it didn’t matter to me whose side it was on…it was not appropriate for our class page.
\nI reminded them we are only “Big Reds” when we are on that page. It’s intended to keep our classmates informed of upcoming events. All too often these days it is where we inform the class that someone has died. It’s a wonderful place to reconnect with old friends we haven’t seen or heard from…sometimes since graduation.
\nWe can stop the political diatribe from amping up by being gracious in our conversations. And, when that doesn’t work, we can disconnect and/or turn a deaf ear to the offender. Just because someone is baiting us, doesn’t mean we need to bite. I wish it were so simple always. I know it’s not. But it felt good to say, “Look, we’ll have none of that here.”
\nI was camping with a group of women a couple of years ago. Someone went on a rant about politics AND religion…in the SAME conversation. They were making disparaging comments about Jesus. Our hostess stopped her cold by saying, “I love the Lord, and I will not sit here and listen to any such talk. Let’s change the subject, please.” Simple, honest, gracious, and to the point. The subject changed and that was the end of it. I was very proud. And emboldened to have my own gracious conversations.
\nPracticing grace and kindness elevates our spirits. It lifts us above the ugliness that can creep in. Go out and practice gracious conversations this week. See what a difference it makes in your stress level.
\n❤️
\n“let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—” Proverbs 1:5 NIV\n \n", "date_published": "2019-05-29T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/29/gracious-conversations.html", "tags": ["Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/28/praying-for-others.html", "title": "Praying for Others", "content_html": "
![\"Praying](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7cc49d4eeb.jpg\")
“Praying for others is the key to freedom.”
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.
\nAs 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.
\nI 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.
\nThat 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.
\nLies. 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.
\nHere’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.
\nRecently 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.
\nPoof!
\nWhen 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.
\nThis 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.
\nThis 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.
\nI am enough. I have always been enough.
\nDang…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\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/2019/05/26/smoke.html", "title": "Smoke", "content_html": "2 Corinthians 3:16-17 TPT
![\"Smoke\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c7951b9595.jpg\")
“Life has a certain synchronicity. It swirls round and round like wisps of smoke.”
Mail delivery is different when you live on a rural route. When you drive out any two lane blacktop, there are dirt roads that go off up into hollers. There may be a dozen or more houses up there, but it wouldn’t be feasible to send a mail carrier up every little dirt track. So, you often see a whole row of mailboxes on the corner and everyone has to pick up their own mail. Our mailbox is across the two lane from the Ponderosa so we either walk up or stop on our way out when we go somewhere.
\nWhen I first moved in with Mr. FixIt, I seldom got any mail here. I have a post office box that I use for my business so it was just easier for me to get all my mail there. Because the majority of the mail was his, I never really saw it unless I picked it up. Mr. FixIt was throwing away junk mail one day and casually remarked, for some reason he had received coupons for cigarettes. He couldn’t figure out how in the world he ever got on their mailing list.
\nWe went into town yesterday to decorate graves on Mr. FixIt’s side of the family. We stopped to get the mail and there was another cigarette advertisement. He handed me the mail and said, “See? We got it again!” I sat there, holding the mail in my hands. For a moment, my heart skipped a beat and I could barely breathe.
\n“Is this the brand you got before?” I asked.
\n“Yes. It’s always the same.”
\nI ran my fingers over the familiar green box and smiled. Kools.
\n“You know…this is Mr. Virgo’s brand.”
\n“Whoa. That’s weird.”
\n“No…not weird. It’s just a message. A sort of hello from beyond.”
\nI don’t know how things work on the other side exactly. I know there is heaven. And I know the Bible says there is a veil between the worlds and those in heaven cannot see or connect with their loved ones on earth. I also know God loves us and wants to comfort our hearts when we lose loved ones so He sends us things that strike a chord with us. In my case…bluebirds. A particular song that’s out of place. Flickering lights. And, an ad. Of all the cigarette brands that are out there, the one that came was Mr. Virgo’s. It’s not even what I would consider a top brand. Why that one? On Memorial Day weekend?
\nI reached over and took my husband’s hand. I smiled and looked out the window at the passing scenery. I marveled at this lovely life and all its synchronicity…curling round and round like wisps of smoke.
\n“Hello, Mr. Virgo” I said softly. “Thanks for coming to see us.”
\n❤️
\n“Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-05-26T01:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/26/smoke.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Change","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/25/steaks-on-the-grill.html", "title": "Steaks on the Grill", "content_html": "John 17:7 ESV
![\"Yellow](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/46a48ec13c.jpg\")
“Iris on the creekbank.”
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.
\nIt 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.
\nThere 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.
\nOnce 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.
\nWe 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\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": "Ecclesiastes 2:6 ESV
![\"Dew](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7ddd99f23c.jpg\")
“Dew on the grass. Lightning bugs. Whippoorwills. It’s springtime in West Virginia.”
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.
\nPopPop 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.
\nSometimes 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!
\nOnce 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.
\nI 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.
\nThis 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/faa61bb172.jpg\")
“Mr. FixIt…working in the garden.”
Mr. FixIt came to me the other morning with a dejected sigh.
\n“Something ate the beans.”
\nAgain? 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.
\nThat’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.
\nI 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.
\nI’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.
\nWhen 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!
\nI 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/79916c1b00.jpg\")
“The Girl Camper Quilt is almost finished!”
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!
\nWe 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.
\nThe 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.
\nStill…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\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2fe8718a19.jpg\")
“Spring? It’s more like summer here in West Virginia!”
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.
\nChurch 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!)
\nWe 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!
\nAs 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!
\n❤️
\n“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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7abee16db1.jpg\")
“Cute camper material for a raffle quilt”
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.
\nI 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.
\nMr. 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.
\nAfter 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.
\nWe ran to the farm and had dinner out so it was date night for us. It was a welcome respite to mowing, mowing, mowing!
\nWe 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.
\n❤️
\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\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0337935aa5.jpg\")
“Sewing a quilt for my daughter’s wedding gift. The finished top below. Now it will be machine quilted.”
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.
\nThe 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.
\nThe 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.
\nWhile 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.
\nIt 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.
\nI hope you have a wonderful weekend!
\n❤️
\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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ffd0aa4097.jpg\")
“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”
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.
\nI 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.
\nWhen 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!
\nWhen 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nI 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.
\nWe 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\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fe80e31bbf.jpg\")
“Clockwise from Top Left: Abundant Blueberries, Honey Locust, Wild Grape Vine, Beautiful Peonies”
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.
\nI 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.
\nOnce 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.
\nWe 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.
\n“Well…hello there, Mr. Virgo. I’m doing just fine!”
\n❤️
\n“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” \n\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/2019/05/15/a-quiet-place.html", "title": "A Quiet Place", "content_html": "1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3f3a238d7d.jpg\")
“Living in a quiet place fills me with peace and gratitude.”
Mr. FixIt had to go help his friend move some things in town yesterday so I hung out at home and “pretend camped”. I piddled around in the camper most of the day. I cleaned up and put things away. I swept and washed the floors and emptied the trash. I wiped things down and stripped the bed. While I was taking off the comforter, I noticed it was damp up by the front wall towards the driver’s side. A leak!
\nIt didn’t leak when I was parked at the campground and we had some pretty heavy rain. This leak came when I was driving through torrential rain on Monday so it has to be either around the window or something at the edge. I happily discovered the bed raises up with pneumatic lifters so I could get under there and have a good look. There were no wet places on the flooring under the bed or in any of the compartments. So I’ll have to look some more.
\nWhile I was in under the bed, I got a good look at the water system. Mr. FixIt helped me and we could not figure out why the pump won’t build up pressure and shut off. Again…more investigation is needed. In the meantime, if I can flush the commode and wash my hands and the dishes, I’m not too concerned about the rest of it. Just about every place I plan to camp will have electric and if it’s cold, I have either the electric blanket or the little space heater to keep me warm.
\nWhen Mr. FixIt got home, he staked up the tomatoes. Something happened to one of the plants. It’s just gone. The rest look good though. And the beans are coming up much better than last year. I still have a bunch of food in the refrigerator in the camper so I fixed us some supper and we sat at the dinette and ate. That made me smile.
\nAfter supper, we went for a quick walk down the road. There’s been some activity on the property next door so we moseyed over to see what’s going on. They are clearing the lot so maybe we’re getting neighbors. We don’t have neighbors within sight of the house so this is something very new for Mr. FixIt. He’s lived here over 40 years.
\nWhen we were walking back down the road, holding hands, I looked out over our field and smiled. All of my life I’ve wanted to live on five acres. And here we are! I looked around and thought of all the things I would have liked to have on these five acres over the years. A barn with maybe some animals…a cow for milk and butter, some chickens, maybe a couple of goats or sheep. A big garden. Some fruit trees. I sure would have done more with this than five acres of lawn to mow. And now?
\nI never say it’s too late to do something. But my priorities have changed. We like to travel and we’re going to be too old before too long to maintain that level of farming. No…we’re looking at simplifying now. But it’s nice to dream about what we might have done, had we been together when we were younger.
\nThis is our little slice of heaven, and so is the farm. When we got back from our walk, I jumped on the riding mower and mowed till it was almost too dark to see. I watched Mr. FixIt with the push mower in the fenced yard. I watched how the mower took the curves of the field and turned them into the swirly rows of a contemporary quilt. I watch the old yellow cat sitting at the edge of the field, eyeing me to see if I was going to sacrifice another turtle for him. Thankfully, I did not. I noticed the petals of the poplar blooms fallen as I mowed over them. I watched the robins swoop in to get the bugs the mower stirred up. I took a deep breath of new mown grass. And…I smiled.
\n❤️
\n“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-05-15T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/15/a-quiet-place.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Humbled","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/12/what-a-hoot.html", "title": "What a Hoot!!!", "content_html": "
![\"Coffee](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c8d8ab7051.jpg\")
“Coffee in the camper…my favorite thing about camping!”
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.
\n![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1d8c1dafe9.jpg\")
“Janine loved her socks!”
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.
\n![\"Pawpaw](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f502ecc637.jpg\")
“The blossom of the pawpaw tree. Isn’t it beautiful?”
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!
\n![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8345cb17aa.jpg\")
“Sherri caught a catfish on her second cast!”
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.
\n![\"Camping](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/50fc0c0b49.jpg\")
“Some of the girls made camping journals to keep as a memento from their trip.”
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!
\nI hope you enjoy the photos! I’ll be heading back to the Ponderosa tomorrow!
\nOh, 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.
\nI miss my mom…my grandma…and my “other mother”, Louisa. I’ll see you all some fine day.
\nAnd, I miss my girls. I’ll see them soon!
\n❤️
\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/2019/05/11/dreams-camping.html", "title": "Dreams \u0026 Camping", "content_html": "
![\"Bathing](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1f48e48167.jpg\")
“Bathing al Fresco…imagine a long soak and watching the stars!”
When I was on my three month journey through the wilderness and backroads of Colorado after Mr. Virgo died, I camped on ten acres owned by my dear friend Susan. The property overlooked Mesa Verde. The house was situated in such a way as to give a glorious view of the mesa from the master bedroom. There was an outdoor shower just out the patio doors. It was surrounded by a rock wall with strategic dips so you could actually shower overlooking the grand view without being seen from the neighboring property or the one road that went by out front. I loved showering out there in broad daylight. It was liberating, exhilarating, refreshing while maintaining some semblance of modesty.
\nThe only thing I thought would improve the experience would be having an oversized claw foot tub in which to lay back and relax at night watching the stars. Scented bubbles would definitely be in order. I could imagine having a small fireplace nearby to ward off the chill when getting out and stacks of fluffy white Turkish towels at the ready. There would be a platform of slatted wood over pea gravel for a floor. Soft music playing low in the background and maybe a hundred candles. Or, just one.
\nThis would be my idea of heaven. My little oasis on those hot, sticky West Virginia nights. We have the pool, but the water is so hot in the summer, it isn’t refreshing. This al fresco bath would have hot and cold running water so I could have hot baths in the winter even. It sounds lovely.
\nI don’t want to build this at the Ponderosa because we want to fix it up and move. The farm would be the perfect place because of the privacy, but I don’t own it, so I don’t want to build anything there. The only other alternative is to wait till we build our place in town which could be a couple of years. I don’t know how practical it would be, but I can dream. I just look at pictures on Pinterest and swoon.
\nIn the meantime, the Girl Campers had a grand time yesterday. I’m almost finished with my socks I started on our honeymoon last October! More girls arrived today and it’s fun getting to know them. The park naturalist came to our campfire last night and gave a talk about wild ramps. They are kind of like a cross between a wild onion and garlic. When they are raw, they have quite a bite to them, but Mike’s wife made a casserole from eggs, potatoes, ramps and cheese and it was delicious. He also spoke about hummingbirds and we made a hummingbird feeder out of a plastic water bottle.
\nThis kind of trip gives me the camping experience I wish I could have had as a kid. It’s like something you see in the movies but we aren’t going snipe hunting or short-sheeting the counselor’s bed. It is so much fun to be a girl again and forget the mowing and cooking and responsibilities of adulthood. If you ever have the opportunity, you should do this. There are a couple of gals here staying in one of the cabins. You don’t have to have a camper…you just have to want to go out and play.
\nMy dear friend Gail and I are co-hosting a Girl Camper event at Blackwater Falls in June. If you are interested, check out Janine’s Girl Camper page here on Facebook. It’s free to join the group and the camping trip is $20 plus your campsite fee. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1943334755897759/?ref=share
\n❤️
\n“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-05-11T01:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/11/dreams-camping.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/10/my-view.html", "title": "My View", "content_html": "
![\"View](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e4f6faaa61.jpg\")
“Oh, how I have missed the big picture window over the bed!”
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.
\nThe 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?
\nI 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.
\nOther 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.
\nMore 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!
\n❤️
\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/2019/04/30/i-choose-joy.html", "title": "I Choose Joy!", "content_html": "
![\"Surf](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/317f78c236.jpg\")
“I’m choosing joy by choosing to remember the special moments we spent at the seashore last week.”
Even though Pastor Justin’s message Sunday morning was about choosing joy, I just had one of my “bad nights”. Yesterday’s post indicated I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders, and I did. Re-entry from vacation was part of it. Being overly tired was another. And, after being gone a week, there was a lot of catching up to do and we just heard one bad thing after another all day. It just hit me hard. Combine that with eating a greasy burger too late in the evening and I was up half the night.
\nI tried all my go-to remedies and nothing seemed to help. I was up pacing the floor. I tried snuggling with Mr. FixIt and that helped, but I was too hot. Finally, I took a Benadryl because I had been out mowing all afternoon and my head was throbbing. I settled into the guest room, opened the window to let the cool night air in, and read my Bible till I got drowsy. When I finally slept, it was sound and deep and restful…just what I asked God for in my nightly prayers. He is a good Father…His lullaby is perfect.
\nI hit the ground running yesterday and went for the MRI of my foot. I’ve had several MRI’s in my lifetime. I couldn’t believe it took a whole hour! It was an open MRI and, of course, the only thing in it was my foot. But the noises were the same. The technician turned up the music really loud and I listened to the country station for an hour. The only hard part was boredom thinking of all the things I could have been doing. Laying still on my back for an hour on a hard table wasn’t too much fun. I just used the time to have a conversation with God.
\nI needed to have fasting blood drawn from an appointment a couple of weeks ago and I kept forgetting to go in so I did that. Then I stopped at the mall and bought yet another dress for the wedding. I can’t seem to make up my mind but this one I really liked and it was 50% off. I can wear it to my niece’s college graduation this weekend and see how I like it. I even found some cute little sandals that were also half price. I’m not buying any more dresses!
\nMy last stop was Walmart for new sheets for the camper. I’m not one for keeping a lot of old sheets around. I buy two pair and rotate them till they’re worn out. I’ll bet I could count on two hands how many sets of sheets I’ve had in my life. Funny thing…they are exactly the same pattern as the sheets I bought for the big camper five years ago. I would have used those, but they were full size and the new camper ya s a queen bed. I also picked up a couple of throw rugs and a new shower curtain. Everything else will get moved from the old camper to the new one.
\nBefore we leave, I need to treat the fresh water tank with a mild bleach solution and run it through the pipes. Then I need to put some Dawn dish soap, Calgon Water Softener, more water, and a bag of ice in the black tank and take the camper for a drive to let it all slosh around in the tank and dislodge anything gunking up the works. I will drive up to a rest area up north and empty the tanks and get them all ready for Thursday. Once I get back home, I’ll make the beds and wipe down the surfaces. I’ll wipe out the fridge and the cabinets and wash the floors. Once the bathroom is cleaned, I can put down the new rugs. I’ll pack it up and we’ll be ready to go!
\nSo…today I choose joy. Even in the busy rush of life and travel preparation. Just breathe. Just breathe.
\n❤️
\n“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:19 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-04-30T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/30/i-choose-joy.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/27/goodbyefor-now.html", "title": "Goodbye...For Now", "content_html": "
![\"Best](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/be73289f45.jpg\")
“Best Friends”
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.
\nToday 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.
\nWhile 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.
\nWe 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.
\nAs 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d9591b7515.jpg\")
“Is there anything better than spending time with loved ones?”
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.
\nWe 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!
\nWe 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.
\nAfter 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.
\nOnce 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!
\nAs 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.
\nThis 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!
\nMy 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\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": "Colossians 3:15 NIV
![\"OBX\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d03084391b.jpg\")
“A day in the life of an OBX tourist.”
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.
\nYesterday, 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!
\nThe 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.
\nAfter 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d95e488799.jpg\")
“Ghost crabs…creepy little monsters in the night”
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!
\nAfter 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.
\nBy 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.
\nThey 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.
\nIt 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1b8dcd5aa9.jpg\")
“Sunset over Pemlico Sound”
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.
\nWe 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.
\nWe 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.
\nWe 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/681ea9f4cb.jpg\")
“Low Country Shrimp and Grits”
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.
\nAfterwards, 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.
\nIt 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\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": "Mark 6:30-31 NIV
![\"Curratuck](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/81f365f422.jpg\")
“The sunset over the Curratuck Sound:
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.
\nWe 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!
\nSue 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.
\nWe found a church right across the street that has an 11:00 service today so we won’t miss Easter.
\nMay 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9a1b0c334b.jpg\")
“My grandma’s pretty posies…I love to visit them.”
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.
\nGrandma 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.
\nThe 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.
\nSmall 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!
\nKathy 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.
\nWhat 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\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fd35591695.jpg\")
“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!”
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.
\nThese 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.
\nWe 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.
\nThe 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.
\nMy 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/2019/04/14/darkness-into-light.html", "title": "Darkness into Light", "content_html": "
![\"Palm](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fdc47d0300.jpg\")
“Looking back, I am humbled by my deliverance.”
The stress of doing taxes this week made me sit back and reflect how differently I cope now as opposed to twenty years ago. Back then, I felt like that guy on Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour. You know the one…he twirled plates on top of sticks. First one, then two, then five…and eventually, he had about twelve of them spinning. He ran from one stick to another, desperately trying to keep all the plates spinning without crashing to the ground.
\nI did a great job spinning plates till…I didn’t. I burned out. I hit the wall. There were lots of reasons why, but the bottom line was…I didn’t have good coping skills. I had an alcoholic father. I seriously should have known not to push the drinking thing. But, more and more, I relied on alcohol to prop me up.
\nI had situational anxiety. Going to a party? I’d have a drink in the bathroom while I put on my makeup and called on “Ginny the Party Girl” to step forward…emboldened by a beer. Going to the game with the hospital administrator and his wife? Drink LOTS of beers. Hosting a dinner party for the medical staff? Wine…more wine! It got worse and worse.
\nWhen my marriage started to fall apart, I was terrified. I had no idea how to cope because I worshiped at the altar of my husband. I only had a cursory relationship with God and I didn’t know Jesus at all. I was relying entirely on someone fairly unreliable….myself. When thing became difficult between me and my husband, I started drinking about an hour before he was due home so I could get through the evening. Many times I just got too wasted to cook so I went to bed, leaving my family to fend for themselves.
\nAt the very end of our marriage, I found myself standing in a closet in the dark, drinking really expensive tequila straight from the bottle. I knew…KNEW in that moment that I was in dire straits. Unfortunately, when you are in that place, it’s really, really hard to pull yourself out of it without some help. I was just functional enough to fool people into thinking I still had it together…but I did not.
\nOur last Thanksgiving, my best friend’s husband caught me sneaking into their kitchen during dinner and drinking shots of tequila. I fell asleep on their couch while all the guests were at the table having dessert. I was desperately ill, but I was also an embarrassment. My husband didn’t know what to do with me. When I overdosed a couple of months later, I made the decision for him and I went away to get the help I needed.
\nNow, as a Christian, I know that God uses all things for my good and for HIS glory. Last week in church, I said my usual prayer…”Lord, if you have a message just for me, please deliver it through Pastor Justin.” And, in his message, God sent this…
\n“God will use your experiences for your good. He will use them for His glory. Your experiences are your story and your story has power. It has the power to change people. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and share your testimony.”
\nI smiled.
\nGod himself told me in that moment that, no matter how bad I got…no matter how messy my life was…no matter how dysfunctional I had been…He had saved me. HE came for ME! He left the 99 and came for the ONE. And when He found me, He carried me on His shoulders back to the flocks and announced to all…”Look, I’ve found my lost sheep! Come! Help me celebrate!”
\nI know God has great things in store for me. I anticipate the unexpected, just like Christine Caine preaches in her book, Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure. Yes, sometimes the unexpected is bad. But, sometimes it is amazing. I could never in a million years have imagined back when I was in the throes of torment…where I’d be today. I am so incredibly grateful that Jesus never gave up on me. He pursued me relentlessly because He had a plan. He knew what I was capable of. I am so humbled by His Love. Through Him, I can turn a dark and painful time into a testimony of the Goodness of God
\nOn this…Palm Sunday…remember the triumphal return of Jesus to Jerusalem is also the beginning of Holy Week. It is the true beginning of the end of His earthly walk. May you all be blessed and humbled in the coming week.
\n❤️
\n““What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” \n\n", "date_published": "2019-04-14T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/14/darkness-into-light.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Choices","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/10/bad-night-great-day.html", "title": "Bad Night - Great Day", "content_html": "Matthew 18:12-14 NIV
![\"James](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/37394a4953.jpg\")
“Resist the devil and he will flee.”
I remember back in the first two to three years of my grief, I often had what I referred to as “bad nights”. Nights were especially difficult from the beginning. Too many hours stretched ahead with too much time to think…especially since I had such a hard time sleeping. It didn’t take much to send my mind chasing rabbits and soon a thought would have me in a tailspin. I spent SO many nights alternating between gripping the mattress and throwing up. All. Night. Long. It was brutal.
\nThankfully, that finally evened out. Partially from time and healing, but mostly because I got a grip on my anxiety once I learned it’s source. Some may call it a trick of the mind, but I have been much more successful in not only controlling my anxiety, but sending it packing altogether. Prayer and petition to God to come in and bring me comfort helps tremendously. One thing has really helped me and the old me would have rolled my eyes with a “Right…sure…ok.”
\nThat one thing is banishing Satan. The enemy comes to rob, steal, and destroy. He is the force behind the thoughts “You can’t handle anything.” “You will always have anxiety.” “I’ll make sure you are miserable all the days of your life…this will never get better.” When I feel anxiety creeping in, I talk out loud now. I just tell the old goat to get the heck away from me because I don’t believe his stinking lies.
\nThe second thing I do is listen to praise music. I have discovered if I’m having anxiety and I start playing praise music and singing along, the anxiety dissipates. I cannot be anxious and upset while praising Jesus.
\nAnd…I’m human. Sometimes I forget to do those things and I get caught with my guard down. That’s what happened on Monday when we drove by my dad’s house and saw it had been torn down. I immediately felt sick and I let things spiral. I felt horrible and out of control. I could hardly eat a thing and that night, after writing my post, I tried eating a bowl of cereal and immediately got sick.
\nI did excuse myself to the guest bedroom so as not to interrupt Mr. FixIt’s sleep. I took something to settle my stomach and I read the Bible and listened to praise music. And I asked God to send his angels to wrap their wings around me and keep me safe. I immediately fell into a deep sleep and awoke refreshed and feeling much better.
\nI knew I needed to spend some time at the farm, though. The Farm is my touchstone. I drove out and sorted through my papers to prepare the taxes. I drank coffee and walked around the yard looking at Grandma’s posies. Once the paperwork was sorted, I took a little snooze in Grandma’s bed and finally headed back to The Ponderosa.
\nMr. FixIt did yard work all day. The field looked like a well manicured golf course. He wanted to show me some things so we walked the entire five acres, hand-in-hand, marveling at the spring beauty. We inched through a rose bramble to look for arrowheads on the creek-bank. We moved an old fallen tree. We found violets in the grass and looked for frogs in the ditch along the road.
\nLast night, just before bed, we went out back in our robes and slippers and held hands while we counted stars. The “bad night” of the night before wasn’t even in my memory. It had been banished with a stern warning…spoken aloud…”Get away from me Satan…you have no dominion over me!” He isn’t as powerful as he would like you to think he is. He can’t read our thoughts so we must speak aloud to him.
\nEvery time I get closer to Jesus…every time I raise my hand in church and further commit my heart to Christ…the enemy swings hard. He does this for the precise reason…he knows I’m a threat. He knows who lives in my heart…who is my true north. And he hates that. That’s ok. I can do hard things. I can have a “bad night” if it means I get so much greatness on the other side.
\n❤️
\n“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-04-10T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/10/bad-night-great-day.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/01/vibrant-women.html", "title": "Vibrant Women", "content_html": "
![\"Vibrant](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8ad16fc44e.jpg\")
“Vibrant Women…a women’s ministry.”
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.
\nThis 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.
\nWe 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.
\nAs 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.”
\nSince 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.
\nWe 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\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": "Philippians 4:13 NIV
![\"Whitetail](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/79b3f02211.jpg\")
“The little whitetail deer of West Virginia are so delicate and fine boned compared to the larger mule deer of Colorado.”
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.
\nThe 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.
\nWe 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.
\nI 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.
\nTonight 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!
\nMr. 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!
\nHappy 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/2019/03/27/the-ponderosa.html", "title": "The Ponderosa", "content_html": "
![\"Farm\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/38ed537d80.jpg\")
“The Ponderosa is the land I have dreamed of all my life.”
I’ve still been recuperating from this bronchitis/cold/virus/allergy thing. Kind of laying low, taking care of myself. To keep from re-infecting Mr. FixIt (he already had this last month), I’ve been spending a lot of time out in TOW-Wanda…resting, reading, writing, napping, cogitating. It has been very good for me to spend so much time in my little house on wheels. It certainly made winter go by MUCH quicker!
\nAs I was writing this yesterday, I was stretched out in my “sun room”…the slide-out in my camper. It is actually the dinette, but it collapses down and makes a twin-sized bed and I actually have a mattress in there. I have piles of pillows and comfy blankets all around so it’s a nice little cocoon in which to snuggle and write and dream.
\nAn e-mail came in while I was writing and it took me back probably ten years or so. It was from a site called Land Watch. Many years ago, I was trying to convince Mr. Virgo that it would be a very good idea to move back home to West Virginia. He humored me and looked at the farms and land I found. He half-heartedly searched for B&B’s for sale here and in the surrounding states. But, he came from Pennsylvania…he lived a long time in Florida…all with the goal of ultimately living in Colorado. His Nirvana. I think if push came to shove, he would have moved here for me…but he wouldn’t have been happy. God had different plans anyway because he took Mr. Virgo to His home before I could take him to mine.
\nAs I looked at that e-mail and thought of all those times I dreamed of having a few acres in West Virginia, I looked out the windows of TOW-Wanda at the fields and far hills of the Ponderosa and smiled. I have what I have always dreamed of having. A faith-filled life. A wonderful family…biological and bonus. And land…a garden, grass, trees, flowers. TWO farms, actually. I’m doubly blessed. I had no idea ten years ago I would realize my lifelong dream but it wouldn’t look at all like I thought it would. It’s funny how life plays out.
\nI took the liberty of blurring out some identifying features in the photo above. There’s a neighbor up at the top there…I blurred out their home. And I blurred out the roads and route numbers that were on the map. But it gives you an excellent view of the Ponderosa. All that green there? That’s what we mow! This satellite image was taken at least two and a half years ago because the maple is still in the front yard. It fell in late 2016 or early 2017. You can see the curved drive where there are two campers parked. My TOW-Wanda sits where that blue dot is on the map.
\nNature is getting ready to show off…things are getting green. The trees are starting to bud. The forsythia are blooming, as are the daffodils. They were stunted somewhat by the polar vortex, I think. They are much shorter than usual. We were walking through the yard on Monday and realized it won’t be long till we need to mow it. It will be at least a month before we get the pool ready. As I am writing this, the sun is shining. We are at our high for the day…51 degrees. We are going to our Alma Mater’s Girl’s Softball game this evening to watch one of the granddaughters play. It is a good life we live and I still have to pinch myself sometimes to believe I’m really here.
\n❤️
\n“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,” Psalm 23:2 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-03-27T01:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/27/the-ponderosa.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Presence","Choices","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/26/widowed-or-single.html", "title": "Widowed or Single?", "content_html": "
![\"Widow\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/825ec8b655.jpg\")
“Has the mental image of ‘widow’ changed all that much?
One of my friends shared a post with me yesterday. Ironically, it turns out I know the woman who wrote it. And, I know her well enough to understand what she meant by what she said about being called a widow. The writer, Jan, said she didn’t like the term “widow” because it conjures up this preconceived notion of “old” and “feeble”. As she says, we live in an era where ageism runs rampant. Our gray hair and social mores puts the widow in an unenviable position on more levels than grief alone.
\nJan says she hates going into doctor’s offices and filling out the forms, having to select widowed or single. She has taken to saying she is “single-by-death” because, she DOES feel single. I’m all for changing the vernacular and the image of widows. Of course, the early throes of acute grief is a time where most of us feel old beyond our years, lost, destined to a life of lonely sadness. After that period of crisis, we do begin…in our own time…to heal and move forward. I don’t know any widow who wants to be looked down on and pitied. In this day and age, widows aren’t a bunch of doddering old ladies wearing black and sitting in the corner crying all the time.
\nI hated the term widow, too. I thoroughly resented it at first because I was very, very busy trying to pretend he didn’t die. Calling me a widow just turned a spotlight on my spectacular ruse and left me with nothing but shadow puppets of my former life. I sometimes rebelliously referred to myself as “single-by-chance” simply because I hated the word death as much as I hated the word widow. “Single-by-chance” could cover a lot of situations…death, divorce, break-ups. I liked it. But eventually, I just went with widow and tried to show what one looks like by pulling a huge camper across the country alone and dancing on the bar at Coyote Ugly and going into the wilderness and backroads of Colorado for three months…alone.
\nIn researching photos for this post, I Googled “widow”. There was a plethora of images of spiders and Scarlet Johansson in a black latex catsuit with the occasional Civil War era tintype of a haunted woman in black thrown in for good measure. This got me to thinking…if Google is any indication, maybe the world isn’t as obsessed with the word “widow” as widows themselves are. Widowhood and grief are lonely pursuits. We are singular. We are rather myopic. We have lost half of our whole. At least, we have for a while. Eventually, half reduces itself…bit by tiny little bit.
\nI was widowed…singled-by-chance…surely not by choice. Now that Mr. FixIt and I have married, when I relate my story in my work as a speaker and a writer, I say I was widowed. I suppose in the absolute vernacular, I am a widow. But that is a far smaller piece of who I am today than it used to be. I think that’s the way it should be…for me.
\nThat’s the beauty of language and social norms. We can change things. We can change the words and the images of who we are in the world today. Who we are and how we want to be seen. What works for one may not work for another. Be who…or what…you are. Empirical evidence says…I am a Child of God…first and foremost. The rest is superfluous.
\n❤️
\n““Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”” \n\n", "date_published": "2019-03-26T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/26/widowed-or-single.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/25/into-the-woods.html", "title": "Into the Woods", "content_html": "Deuteronomy 27:19 NIV
![\"Satellite](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b1547a0986.jpg\")
“A satellite view of The Farm….lots and lots of trees and hills.”
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.
\nI 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.
\nThe 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?
\nWell, 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.
\nBefore 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.
\nWe 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.
\nThe 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.
\nI 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\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/313909180d.jpg\")
“Grandma always carried a fresh hanky wherever she went.”
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.
\nFor 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e3b88458a7.jpg\")
“Bethel Chapel…the little church on the hill. I drew this picture June 28, 2001…sitting on the sidewalk out front.”
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!
\nI 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.
\nAunt 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!
\nGrandma’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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/655e4cad4e.jpg\")
“Coffee at The Bodega”
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.
\nThe 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.
\nAs 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!
\nThe 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.
\nAfter 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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ec36c3944c.jpg\")
“I love vintage embroidered linens.”
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.
\nAs 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.
\nThe 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.
\nI 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.
\nMother-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.
\nFortunately, 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.
\nWhen 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\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/2019/03/16/fancy-meeting-jew-here.html", "title": "Fancy Meeting Jew Here", "content_html": "Ephesians 6:2-3 NLT
![\"Tzitzit\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4091b950b8.jpg\")
“You don’t see tzitzit around these parts very often.”
The other evening, I was home by myself and had a hankering for pizza. I’ll bet I have had one slice of pizza in the last six years and Giovanni’s was calling my name. Mr. FixIt doesn’t like this place so, since he wasn’t at home, I decided to go by myself. Ohhhhhh, I wasn’t sorry. Although the crust was just the slightest bit too soft on the bottom center, it was overall divine!
\nI threw caution to the wind and had them paint the crust with garlic butter. What the heck…I’d already blown any semblance of health food out of the water with this endeavor, might as well take it all the way! A wonderful sauce, a little skimpy on the pepperoni, generous on the mushrooms and the cheese was that perfect cross between crispy brown and ooooey-gooooey perfection. Ah, yes…I thoroughly enjoyed that.
\nI took my iPad with me so I could write in the restaurant and make an evening of it. As I was setting up, a man and his little girl walked in the door. I saw twenty people walk in the door that evening. None of them made an impression like this guy. The first thing I noticed was his tzitzit…the specially knotted tassels on his tallit katan…an undergarment traditionally worn under an observant Jew’s clothing. The second thing I noticed was his kippah, also known as a yarmulke…the skullcap Jewish men wear.
\nI looked at him and smiled in amusement. This is not something you normally see in small town West Virginia…very, VERY small town. Having lived as a Jew for twenty-seven years, I am quite familiar with the trappings of Judaism and I just had to know more about this guy. He went to the counter and picked up his pizzas and filled his drink cups. I finally caught his eye.
\n“You don’t see tzitzit around these parts very often.” I smiled.
\n“You don’t see very many people around here who know what they are.” He smiled back and shook my hand. “Mike.”
\nI took his hand in mine. “Ginny. It’s very nice to meet you.”
\nTurns out, Mike is originally from West Virginia but he lived in Israel for a long time. He met his Israeli wife there. Their oldest child was born in Israel. The baby was born here. We had a really interesting conversation about the reception he gets in small town America. He said in this little town, it’s fine…but in my hometown of Parkersburg, he has had some negative experiences. Hate is such an ugly thing. I truly believe the hate he (and I, myself) experienced is one of ignorance. It’s a family disease when you live your whole life without meeting anyone much different than yourself.
\nThere isn’t much of a Jewish Congregation in Parkersburg…and none to my knowledge in the surrounding countryside. There used to be a small synagogue in town, but I don’t believe it’s there anymore. To make matters worse, Mike is a Messianic Jew…meaning he is Jewish, but he has accepted Jesus. In all actuality, I could be considered a Messianic Jew because I still feel a special kinship to the Jewish people. Many of my family members are Jewish.
\nJews don’t necessarily take kindly to Messianic Jews. They do not believe Jesus is the Messiah. So they don’t consider a Messianic Jew to be…well, Jewish. And Christians don’t quite get it either. Here you have someone who says he has accepted Jesus, but is wearing the traditional garb of the Jewish people. They get kind of stuck in the middle.
\nI have a personal understanding of this position. When I came to West Virginia for Thanksgiving one year, I had a family member tell me to put my Star of David inside my sweater so I wouldn’t upset our Grandma. Let me tell you…I had a little quiet discussion with her and told her my Grandma loved me for who I was, and didn’t love me any less for my beliefs. I threatened to make the discussion a little louder right there in the dining room in front of the whole family and she backed off. I’ll stand up for the underdog any day of the week and I have to tell you…discrimination stings. I had never, ever experienced that before and it was terrible.
\nI handed Mike my business card and asked him to have his wife contact me. I’d love to befriend them and normalize the Judeo-Christian experience for them here. I know there are those who are highly suspicious of Messianic Jews because of the “Jews for Jesus” movement, but I don’t categorize people…I just love them. I thought to myself, maybe others will come to be accepting of them as well. I waved to them as they headed out the door and I sat back and smiled. Nope, you just never know what you might find in small town America. I think I may have found a gem.
\n❤️
\n“Remember your leaders, those who spoke God’s message to you. Reflect on the results of their way of life, and imitate their trust — Yeshua the Messiah is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Messianic Jews (Heb) 13:7-8 CJB\n", "date_published": "2019-03-16T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/16/fancy-meeting-jew-here.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","West Virginia","Growth","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/15/heaven-sent.html", "title": "Heaven Sent", "content_html": "
![\"Spring\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/449a532d1a.jpg\")
“I know it isn’t officially spring, but….this is good enough for me!”
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.
\nNow 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
\nWe 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.
\nLife 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/2019/03/12/angelversary.html", "title": "Angelversary", "content_html": "
![\"Handsome](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e057599f53.jpg\")
“Remembering Mr. Virgo”
Last year, I removed the date of Mr. Virgo’s death from my calendar so I would no longer receive reminders on my phone. After all, I’m not likely to forget such an event as that anyway. I do have a hard time remembering the exact date of my mom’s death and my grandma’s and my dad’s. I know approximately when they occurred but I have to look it up if I need to know the exact date. Not so with Mr. Virgo’s. I’ll never forget that…or him.
\nIt was six years ago today that we set out to buy the travel trailer to take us into retirement. It was a beautiful sunny day with a hint of spring and we had everything to look forward to. Although I had been having premonitions all week, it was still a shock when he died so suddenly.
\nThis was something I didn’t believe I could recover from. I swore to my girls that I would never, ever get married again because I couldn’t go through this a second time. Yet, here we are…six years down the road and I’m married again…to an equally wonderful man. I’ve been blessed with good men in my life.
\nMy friend Deneene lost her husband in March a few years after me. I began to mentor her through the widow experience when she was going through a particularly rough patch. We don’t get to see each other much anymore as she has moved to South Carolina with her new love. We connect frequently via chat and yesterday, she sent a note telling me she was thinking of me and the angelversary of Mr. Virgo’s death. She asked how I was going to commemorate this day. Last year, when I removed the alarm from my calendar, I thought five years was enough of that. I figured I wouldn’t want to do anything special anymore. But, once I thought about it, I decided I was wrong. Time doesn’t change the facts.
\nIt’s interesting at this point to think of my marriage to Mr. Virgo. He has now been gone the same amount of time we were married. And, just because time has passed, and just because I’m crazy in love with Mr. FixIt and I’m happily married, doesn’t mean my love for this wonderful man I shared my life with has diminished. Daughter #2 called me yesterday and we talked for quite some time about this. When we lose someone so special, our hearts expand at some point. My heart is much, much bigger than it was when Mr. Virgo died. There are spaces there with the names of every person I have truly loved. Those spaces do not become smaller in order to allow room for other to come in. The vessel itself had to grow.
\nAs time has passed after each loss, those spaces that remain from the love lost aren’t empty shells. I’ve filled them with love and memories like filling a beautiful vase with thousands of blooms…only these flowers will never die. There were times, especially with the divorces, that I held onto bitterness and anger, but those things did not serve me. Filling each space in my heart with love has been my saving grace.
\nI am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man who does not expect me to clean house and rid myself of those spaces in my heart. I would never expect him to do so. If you have truly loved someone, no matter what the end result of the relationship, filling those rooms full of flowers can set you free.
\nSo, I’m at the farm. I’m writing and drinking good coffee and eating chocolate hearts. And I’m counting all my blessings for a heart filled with blooms by remembering my life with a good, kind man. ❤️
\n“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-03-12T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/12/angelversary.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/08/a-new-perspective.html", "title": "A New Perspective", "content_html": "
![\"Serenity](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/90bccfe6e5.jpg\")
“It never occurred to me to apply the Serenity Prayer to grief, but it makes perfect sense.”
I used to be a social drinker. For a long time, I told myself that anyway. And, I suppose it was true if you considered every day having at least one, maybe two glasses of wine with dinner…”social” drinking. I mean…I WAS with people, right? I never really saw it as a problem. When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I didn’t drink at all and it never bothered me. After she was born, I had a small glass of wine in the evenings. The doctor said it was good for me and it relaxed the baby. Whatever the doctor says, right?
\nOnce the baby was weaned, I was back to my two glasses every day. It didn’t really become a problem till the last year I was with Hubby #2. My marriage was on the rocks. I couldn’t fix it and I couldn’t face losing it. So, we put doilies on the elephant in the room and I mixed a pitcher of Martinis…for myself…before dinner. If it wasn’t Martinis, it was Tequila…or really good Scotch…or stiff Bloody Mary’s…or a bottle of excellent Cabernet. I was self medicating…and that was a problem.
\nIt interfered with my relationships…with my husband, with my kids, with my friends. I knew my marriage was circling the drain and I was going down with the ship. It wasn’t till after the overdose that I saw the light. I woke up in the ICU and knew I’d hit rock bottom and something had to change. I’ve never touched a drop since January 5th, 2000. And I can honestly say, I’ve never had the slightest craving, not the tiniest bit of desire to drink alcohol or take prescription pain meds. Nothing.
\nFor a period of time, I went to AA meetings…nine months, maybe. I know there are people who work that program and it saves lives. I know that for a fact. I also know, God can lift that burden off of you in a heartbeat because I am living proof of that. For the longest time, I only related the Serenity Prayer to AA. It is recited at the meetings, so I took a narrow view of its usefulness.
\nWhat if…what if we use the Serenity Prayer on grief?
\n“God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change;”
\nTo this, we can say….”God, I cannot change the fact that he died. Help me to accept that.”
\n“Courage to change the things I can;”
\nTo this, we can say…”God, help me walk in a way that honors him. Give me the courage to face this new life alone. Make me strong in my faith so that I can change the things in my life that no long serve me.”
\n“And the Wisdom to know the difference.”
\nTo this, we can say…”God, make me wise in my decision making. Give me discernment in my dealings with people. Bring me the wisdom of knowing when to hang on to things and when to let go.”
\nIt honestly never occurred to me to use the Serenity Prayer on anything out of the context of alcohol…maybe drugs. But not Grief, or pain, or depression, or anxiety. This opens doors to another avenue of prayer and…I can never have too much prayer in my life. ❤️
\n““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” - John 16:33 NIV\n \n", "date_published": "2019-03-08T02:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/08/a-new-perspective.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/26/go-with-the-flow.html", "title": "Go With the Flow", "content_html": "
![\"Go](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/43f57cada3.jpg\")
“When the words don’t come, you have to go with the flow.”
I took Saturday and Sunday off from writing, other than my usual daily blog post. I didn’t get home from town till around 3:00 Saturday afternoon and I decided to give the rest of the day to my sweetheart. Sunday was church with the family and we weren’t back home till late and with the power outage, I needed to focus on keeping the generator running while Mr. FixIt was bowling.
\nI got up early yesterday, grabbed my coffee and headed out to my “office”…aka TOW-Wanda. I sat down and looked at my screen. I wrote about 1200 words, but I wasn’t feeling them. What was wrong? I sat and stared out the window. Two buzzards circled above the yard. Perhaps searching for carrion along the roadside. The sun was bright and totally belied the freezing temperature. The furnace blasted out warm air as I snuggled under my favorite camper blanket.
\nWhat was wrong with me? I’ve been writing prolifically for the past three weeks. Suddenly, I hit a road block. I picked up my phone and looked at the calendar. That can sometimes bring up a memory that’s lurking around the edges of my mind. Ahhhh…Monday. I had to be at the funeral home at 1:00. They were laying my coffee mate’s husband to rest. I hate funerals. I’ve been writing about Mr. Virgo’s funeral. I’ve been at the funeral home twice in a week. I pushed my iPad away and leaned back on my stack of pillows and took my mind through the process I have to go through since Mr. Virgo died.
\nThis isn’t your pain.
\nYour husband didn’t die this week.
\nYou aren’t laying him in the ground.
\nYou don’t have to say goodbye again and again and again.
\nYour role here is to support your friend.
\nI sighed and tucked my writing tools in my big blue bag. There would be no writing this day. That’s ok. It’s important to be flexible…change course when the moment insists…to go with the flow. You can’t force something like writing or your reader will know in a heartbeat. Just because it didn’t flow in that moment, doesn’t mean the supply is gone. It just means someone else needed my heart for a while. ❤️
\n“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-02-26T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/26/go-with-the-flow.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/25/power-outage.html", "title": "Power Outage", "content_html": "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT
![\"Power](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3cdfb17a06.jpg\")
“A power outage is not uncommon in the country.”
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.
\nWe’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!
\nWe 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.
\nHe 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.
\nMy 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.
\nI 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\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": "1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
![\"Forsythia](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a5d50a353b.jpg\")
“The forsythia have leaves already! Spring can’t be far away!”
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.
\nOn 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\nI’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.
\nThe 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\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/2019/02/23/i-have-a-voice.html", "title": "“I Have a Voice”", "content_html": "Deuteronomy 11:14 NLT
![\"Woodcarving\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/566f4de725.jpg\")
“I Have a Voice” woodcarving by Evelyn Jimenez
I have met some of the nicest people through my blog. One is a widow named Evelyn. She became very ill after losing her husband and very nearly died herself. Evelyn is a woodcarver, which I find endlessly fascinating. I’ve tried my hand at carving but I haven’t had the right tools for the job. I really would love to try again sometime…in my SPARE time. sigh
\nA few weeks ago, I saw a little faceless woman she carved and titled, “I Have a Voice”. This little round woman struck my heart. I went for a very long time in my life without a voice. I felt like the faceless woman, being told I wasn’t good enough or I was stupid or I was too fat. When you hear these things over and over and over from someone who is supposed to love you, you soon come to believe them as true.
\nI wanted my own little faceless woman to remind me that I am no longer without a voice. I wanted to remember that time when I was without a face so that I might recognize other faceless women. Instead of making me sad when I see her dejected little hands stuffed in her pockets, I smile because she might just be hiding cupcakes in there.
\nAnd…I know. I know she has a voice in there. I know because I had a voice inside…even when it was stifled. We can always say “I wish I would have known then what I know now.” For me it’s more like “I wish I would have known then WHO I know now.” I think if I’d known then how much God loved me, I would have loved myself more. And, if I’d loved myself more, I wouldn’t have allowed myself to be treated so poorly…even as a young child. Hindsight is 20/20. The best thing I can do now is mentor young women and make sure they know they are precious and loved and deserving. ❤️
\n“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-02-23T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/23/i-have-a-voice.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Forgiveness","Courage","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/18/memories.html", "title": "Memories", "content_html": "Isaiah 35:1-2 NIV
![\"Mother](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7dcdf3348d.jpg\")
“Mother Earth News was my manual for a good life.”
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.
\nFirst, 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.
\nI 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.
\nThe 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\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/2019/02/14/on-lovingunconditionally.html", "title": "On Loving...Unconditionally", "content_html": "Genesis 6:21 ESV
![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b684a7cb67.jpg\")
“I am a Christian AND I love everyone… unconditionally.”
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.
\nI 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.
\nHere 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.
\nSome 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\nBecause, 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\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/2019/02/11/a-marshmallow-day.html", "title": "A Marshmallow Day", "content_html": "Romans 14:1-4 ESV
![\"Hot](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/50555e9dbd.jpg\")
“Cold, grey days are Marshmallow Days!”
I got home safe and sound yesterday just in time to leave for church. The tree that had fallen across the road the night before was cut up and moved from the roadway. The same scenario is being repeated over the entire region with the thaw and soaking rains causing the ground to soften. All it takes is a little gust of wind and trees topple easily.
\nWe have thoroughly enjoyed church the last couple of weeks with Mr. FixIt’s daughter and family joining us. I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to take up seven seats in a row. My heart is overflowing.
\nOur pastor spoke on criticism yesterday. Good criticism comes from a place of love, and even though it stings, it is meant to lift us up. We all have suffered the other kind of criticism that really isn’t “criticism” at all. It’s self-serving and mean spirited and is critical. There’s nothing about love in that. Pastor Justin’s premise was…don’t let them in. Don’t listen to that.
\nThere is a difference between criticism and someone who is merely expressing an opinion and it might be difficult to discern that at times. The other day, someone I care about and whose opinion I value very much sent me a private message. In it, she said my writing has changed. I have become more “evangelical” than she likes on a daily basis. My very first thought was “sting”. Immediately followed by “that’s ok. I still love you.”
\nSince then, lots of things have gone through my mind. Am I coming on too strong and driving people away? Have I crossed the line into “Crazy Christian Lady who can’t talk about anything but Jesus?” I wanted to apologize. Then I decided…I really can’t. I write what comes to me. I write from my heart. And I am always brutally honest about my feelings and what I share.
\nSome people lose touch with God when they lose their special person. They can’t understand how a loving God could make someone suffer with cancer. Or they prayed for healing and it didn’t come. Or, any number of other reasons. For me…my faith has deepened tremendously since Mr. Virgo died. And especially since I started dating Mr. FixIt. I have never had a relationship that was so “equally yoked”. I’ve never had a partner who came to church with me every Sunday, who holds my hand with his right hand and praises with his left. I’ve never shared late night conversations about God. That alone is enough for me to want to shout from the rooftops.
\nThis is a dark time of year. I talk about what is on my heart. I try not to make every day “Preaching Sunday” but there are only so many ways I can tell you I knitted all afternoon and still make it interesting. And I am infinitely fascinated by the way God works in my life.
\nI am always open to loving criticism. I told my dear friend how much I appreciated her candor. I know my writing has changed. I’VE changed. I’ve grown in many, many ways in the last six years. And I truly hope you’ll hang around with me and keep reading. I’m still going to write what is on my heart, and if it’s Jesus or something he is teaching me, you can rest assured…I’m going to write about it. I’ll write about other stuff too, just to mix it up. But, I’m Jesus’ girl first and foremost…there’s no way I’m going to hide that. ❤️
\n“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”\nEphesians 2:10 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-02-11T02:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/11/a-marshmallow-day.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Growth","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/07/time-to-visit-my-friend.html", "title": "Time to Visit my Friend", "content_html": "
![\"Camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/696f6c0cc2.jpg\")
“TOW-Wanda in the fog at the Ponderosa.”
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.
\nI’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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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\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/2019/02/05/happy-mind-happy-life.html", "title": "Happy Mind, Happy Life", "content_html": "Psalms 55:6-7 ESV
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2fa7f003ef.jpg\")
“Making the little things count, because the little things add up to be the BIG thing!”
Yesterday was a really great day! First of all…the sun was shining and we had a high of 68 degrees here in West Virginia. A difference of over seventy degrees in three days…and Mr. FixIt has a sore throat. sigh I’m hitting him with Zinc and Vitamin C. And prayers!
\nI met a friend for coffee yesterday at the new Starbucks. Sue is a budding artist and she gifted me a watercolor of a little bluebird. She knows how much I love them. For Christmas, I gave her a pair of socks that I knitted and she wanted to give me something special. I’ve had it sitting near me all day and it’s so sweet.
\nThe other day, when I learned Mr. FixIt’s family was going to join us at church, I made us each a notebook. It has three sections…a planner, a place for prayers and praises, and a section for sermon notes. I’ve always said I was going to take notes during the service and this was the perfect time to prepare.
\nHappy Mind, Happy Life…
\nMy bonus granddaughter and I were talking about that just the other day. We were talking about the images we look at. You can never “unsee” something. And the things we choose to put in front of us for visual consumption changes us. It changes our brains. It changes how we see the world and how we see ourselves. We have to be ever watchful with what we choose to feed our minds because “we are what we eat.”
\nWhen I came in from sitting in the sun yesterday afternoon, I asked Alexa to play Contemporary Christian music. As I picked up my knitting, I let the uplifting music wash over me and fill me with the Joy of the Lord. My heart rose with the swell of the music…my skin still warm from the sun…my spirit still stirred from Sunday’s service. It’s good that we carry that image with us into the week. The image of God and the Word and Love and Fellowship and Goodness and Family. These are the things I choose as my Daily Bread. These are the things that I will fill myself with. ❤️
\n“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-02-05T02:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/05/happy-mind-happy-life.html", "tags": ["Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","West Virginia","Growth","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Warning","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/27/building-up-my-stash.html", "title": "Building up my Stash", "content_html": "1 Peter 2:2 ESV
![\"Hand-knit](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/277709f330.jpg\")
“Eighteen hand-knit cotton dishclothes are perfect for impromptu gifts.”
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.
\nI 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!
\nI 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!
\nWe 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\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/2019/01/26/happy-feet.html", "title": "Happy Feet", "content_html": "Proverbs 17:6 NIV
![\"LL](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8d5ddecbd8.jpg\")
“I love my new Happy Camper Slippers!”
My new slippers arrived yesterday! Yes…I had to have them. They are so cute and comfy. And they make me smile!
\nI’ve had an interesting week ministering to my family, loving my kids through life issues, being a mentor to the grandchildren. Missing the Colorado family. Sharing the Gospel. And the love. It’s been a challenge AND it’s been incredibly rewarding. And, I’m totally whupped tonight as I write this.
\nI have had a lot on my mind this week and I haven’t slept well. So, Thursday night I did like they suggested in Goliath Will Fall. When I laid down in bed, I told God I had worked on this stuff long enough. I said, “Here, I’m giving this to you to work on tonight. I’m going to sleep.” And I did. I mean…it really worked! I slept ten hours straight. I haven’t done that in ages but I’m going to try it again. I’ll let you know how it works.
\nI love how my posts have been stirring people to write to me with their own stories of faith and family. I love how someone writes of a painful situation they are going through and soon, there are others who have chimed in to support them. It warms my heart that God trusts me with this ministry…to my family, to my friends, to my readers. I am grateful for all of you. And for a God that trusts someone like me with such a wonderful gift. ❤️
\n“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-26T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/26/happy-feet.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/25/thoughts-on-conflict-fear.html", "title": "Thoughts on Conflict \u0026 Fear", "content_html": "Acts 20:24 ESV
![\"Proverbs](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8661a28774.jpg\")
“Look for the gold in people. There’s enough dirt in the world.”
The other day, we touched on conflicts and how to resolve them peacefully. We all have seen our fair share of conflict in our lives and had dealt with it in the best way we knew how with the knowledge we had at the time. Sometimes it’s worked out ok…sometimes not. The good thing is, we can always continue to learn and grow and get better at the sticking points in life.
\nWhen you are dealing with marriage, here is the single most important thing I have learned. When you find yourself frustrated with your spouse…and you WILL at some point…mind your tongue when you are talking about him with others. If all you do is spout negative things, it won’t be long till that is all you will ever see in him/her. It doesn’t take long to go from speaking these things to outsiders to berating your spouse with all the things they do that tick you off. I can guarantee you…if you feed that beast, it’s all you’ll get back.
\nI learned with Mr. Virgo…once I started to notice something he did that bugged me, that was a sign I wasn’t praying for him enough. Same for Mr. FixIt. We all need grace. It’s a wonderful habit to practice with your spouse or other family members.
\nI had Bible study last night. We talked a little bit after last week’s study about the book “Goliath Must Fall” by Louie Giglio. Last night’s “giant” was FEAR. The first question we were asked was…”How well do you sleep?” Wow. Sometimes really well. Those are the times when things are going well and I really don’t have much to worry about. Other times, I lie awake all night long, staring at the ceiling, working something over and over, turning it this way and that, puzzling over how to…what? Fix it. Manipulate it. Control it. I rehearse conversations ahead of time with not only my dialogue, but that of the other’s as well. As if I have some sort of control over how another person thinks, acts, or responds.
\nSometimes I lie there and worry about an event that isn’t going to happen for eight months. “Will I have the extra weight off before the wedding? What will I wear? What happens if it’s really hot. I don’t do well in heat.” All I have accomplished in that scenario is set myself up for failure and robbed myself of sleep and God’s joy.
\nLast night’s lesson was this…when you lay down to sleep and the things to worry about start lining up…just hand them over to God and go to sleep. He loves you no matter what. He’s bigger than all of the giants. Trust him to work on your problems while you’re asleep. Then you awaken refreshed and can live in God’s Glory.
\nThere is a fine line between anger and fear. Giving your conflicts to God, praying for others, letting go of your fears…all elements that can help lead to a peaceful night’s sleep. ❤️
\n“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-25T02:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/25/thoughts-on-conflict-fear.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Anger","Fear","Forgiveness","Warning","Choices","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/23/that-flash-of-red.html", "title": "That Flash of Red", "content_html": "Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV
![\"Male](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fcc5d60107.jpg\")
“Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal in the forsythia bush.”
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.
\nThis 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.
\nI 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.
\nIt 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\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/2019/01/22/action-v-reaction.html", "title": "Action v. Reaction", "content_html": "Genesis 8:22 ESV
![\"MLK\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1beb3f1755.jpg\")
“The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Growing up in the chaos of alcoholic dysfunction made me a reactionary from an early age. There was a lot of anger in my home growing up. Lots of fighting, yelling, slamming, throwing, crashing. I never witnessed my father hitting my mother. He only hit me once. When he did, he came at me from behind and I stood up to him. I stuck my chin out and told him, if he was going to hit me he’d better hit me like a man and do it face to face. I’ll never forget the utter look of defeat on his face in that moment. He dropped his fist to his side, went over to the steps, sat down, and cried. He never went after me again. But, the damage was done. It was done long before that day.
\nI learned to be the peacemaker. To smooth things over. To mediate when things got out of hand. I was the bystander. I acted. Unfortunately, when the anger was directed at me, I reacted. I automatically went into defense mode. I made excuses. I deflected. I diverted attention. I manipulated. It was decidedly unhealthy and took far too many years to come to a head.
\nThe first pivotal moment of my life…that moment when there is a definite line in the sand that separates “all things before” from “all things after” was the overdose. That was when I really did the work necessary to effect permanent change in my life. It’s when I learned about codependency. Before that, there was no clear boundary to define where others ended and I began. I was too busy weaving a web that would hold everything together.
\nLearning about boundaries was a love-hate exercise. I loved finding my voice and standing up for myself. I hated confrontation. I loved the release healthy boundaries gave me because I didn’t have to try to run everyone else’s lives for them. I hated feeling like a fish out of water.
\nIt took a lot of practice. It still does. I still have to remind myself occasionally that I don’t do anyone any favors by not setting boundaries and demand they are respected. I didn’t spend seven hard years in therapy for nothing. Fortunately, Mr. Virgo came into the picture after I had these skills in place and he offered an excellent practice field.
\nAfter sixty-five trips around the sun, I’ve learned enough to know it’s a whole lot easier to carry love than it is anger, hate, discord, dysfunction, or codependency. When I approach any situation from a place of love, my walk becomes more Christ-like. And anytime I lead with “What would Jesus do?”, I am already winning. Conflict is inevitable in life. The only control we have is in how we react to it. ❤️
\n“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-22T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/22/action-v-reaction.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Peace","Wisdom","Anger","Fear","Forgiveness","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/21/the-arctic-blast.html", "title": "The Arctic Blast", "content_html": "Galatians 1:10 ESV
![\"Full](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/de5b4290ef.jpg\")
“Full Moon on the New Fallen Snow, West Virginia”
This is the time of year when we just get blasted with frigid air from the north. We’ve been fortunate (knock on wood) to have escaped the really bad snowstorms so far this year. They seem to all sweep north of us. And that’s were they can stay for all I care. Those of you who have been following this blog since it’s inception know I lived in Colorado for forty years. I’m just WAY over long, cold, snowy winters.
\nI can’t help reminiscing about those severe snow storms I experienced over the four decades I lived in the Rockies. A few stand out…the Christmas Eve Blizzard of 1982…the year we moved from the log house in the country to the big house in town, Christmas 1990…the winter we spent in Pagosa Springs when it snowed 7’, and the really bad winter of 2013-14, the year Mr. Virgo died. At least here in West Virginia, things are starting to warm up and there are signs of spring in March. March and April are usually Colorado’s snowiest months.
\nWe awoke yesterday to very icy conditions…not a lot of snow, but ice here is quite the deterrent for me. We decided to stay home and that makes two weeks in a row that we didn’t make it to church. We don’t like that one bit. I was really happy they played the video of the service on the church’s YouTube channel so I still got to see it. I spent the entire day yesterday snuggled up under my fur blanket, knitting dishcloths and catching up with friends and family on Facebook. Sometimes you have to have a good self care day.
\nI went out last night to capture the full moon on the new-fallen snow and absolutely loved the picture. I had every intention of going out to see the lunar eclipse but at 10:00 the wind chill was already -3 so I thought better of it. I’ve seen lunar eclipses before…they look the same in January as they do in the summer. Stay warm wherever you are! ❤️
\n“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-21T02:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/21/the-arctic-blast.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/20/the-poet-from-darkness-into.html", "title": "The Poet - From Darkness into Light", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ESV
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/37653c9994.jpg\")
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.”
\"maybe death isn’t darkness, after all, but so much light wrapping itself around us — as soft as feathers\"\n\nHow I let a treasure like Mary Oliver slip through my fingers, I’ll never know. It’s an excellent example of realizing how very much I do not know. The internet has been filled with loving tributes to this gentle woman with the expansive heart…her pen trimming away the excesses of flowery verse and going straight for the pit of your stomach. Her words are like magic…painting pictures of love and kindness and tenderness. Nature was her cathedral. Poetry was her torch.\n~ Mary Oliver
Oliver loved Whitman and Emerson, Shelley and Keats. Growing up in a dysfunctional home in Ohio, she ultimately settled in the wilds of New England, wandering through her woods and harbor…taking notes and penning phrases along the way. She has been compared to Emily Dickinson. Her poetry is filled with both darkness and joyous light. Her life partner, Molly Malone Cook, was her constant companion for over forty years, as well as her literary agent. After Molly’s death in 2005, Oliver continued on in Provincetown, Massachusetts until finally relocating to Florida. She rarely gave interviews because she valued her personal privacy and wished for her work to speak for itself. Mary Jane Oliver passed away on January 17, 2019 of lymphoma. And the world lost a valuable treasure.
\nIn researching Oliver’s work, I became introspective. How often do we think, once we have arrived at “a certain age”, that we somehow have attained a level of knowledge that we can, at the very least, term “well rounded”? I know a little bit about a lot of stuff, but there is SO much out there I haven’t a clue about. We cannot possibly learn everything, but how sad that I didn’t know Mary Oliver and her brilliant poetry during times in my life it might have soothed my heart. How joyful that I still have the opportunities to continue learning and growing.
\nWe are but a sum of our life’s experiences, are we not? The other night, I had a troubling dream. A recurring dream about a hopeless situation which will never be resolved nor totally understood. Not in this lifetime anyway. And whenever I have this dream, I am left feeling an ache in my heart…bereft over a loss I had little control over. It leaves me out of sorts for days and colors my every interaction, thus leaving the stains of old hurts smeared onto others who have no knowledge of my pain. It’s unfair and senseless. As I drove to town yesterday, I had a conversation with God. I asked Him to please step in and be an intermediary…to block this dream, and even the thoughts of the events that precipitate it. To take away the memories that come back and haunt me year after year. As I pleaded with God, I literally felt the old, familiar ache physically leave my heart. A weight was lifted and the cloud in my mind dissipated. I immediately thanked Him. Then…I let it go.
\nPoetry. Prose. Words. Prayers. God. They have such power to release you from the bondage of the past…if you let them. If you feel them and taste them and speak them. They can breathe life back into the sore places of your soul. ❤️
\n“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-01-20T02:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/20/the-poet-from-darkness-into.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Writing","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/17/building-a-better-bath.html", "title": "Building a Better Bath", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/67107f8ca4.jpg\")
“Master Bath seems to be a bit of a misnomer when it comes to this tiny closet of a room.”
For those of you who have been following me for some time, you may remember when I helped a friend redo her bathroom. In that case, the man who she had arranged to do the work got as far as the demo and skipped out because it was “too cold outside to come over”. She called me desperate and asked if I could help. I have considerable experience after having remodeled my mom’s house before I sold it, so I jumped at the chance. I love doing fix-it kinda stuff.
\nThat bathroom turned out really great, if I do say so myself. Between the two of us, we had that thing knocked out in less than a month and it was beautiful when it was done. When I moved into Mr. FixIt’s house, the bathroom off the master bedroom was gutted. It has taken us a bit of time to get to the point of tackling this particular job because outdoor stuff kept taking precedence. And, now I know how Mr. FixIt felt the first time we went camping together. I wouldn’t let him do anything with the hooking up and unhooking of the camper. I did the driving. He just came along for the ride. Such is my participation in this home improvement project.
\nMy job appears to be that of “hold this here.” Now, don’t get me wrong…I love a man that is handy with power tools. AND I love to work with power tools, too. Now I know what he felt like when I told him to just sit over there and look pretty. It’s ok. I don’t really mind. I love helping him in any way I can. I try really hard not to tell him what to do when he doesn’t do something the way I would do it. I’ve learned to excuse myself when I’m getting too bossy and go work on something else till he needs me again. I’m learning how to do new things like building in support structures between floor joists where the shower is going. Once you have learned to be independent and do things for yourself, especially when you love building things, it’s not easy to back off and let someone else have the reins. Learning to be a couple again…give and take…relinquishing control…almost feels like new skills.
\nWe are a good team, Mr. FixIt and me. Thank goodness he has infinite patience! ❤️
\n“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-17T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/17/building-a-better-bath.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/15/the-difference-between-with-and.html", "title": "The Difference Between “With” and “Without”", "content_html": "Romans 15:5-6 ESV
![\"Arid](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/49b5021677.jpg\")
“The Difference Between With and Without”
I rarely write a post about a specific scripture. I usually write something then find the scripture that best illustrates my thinking. It makes me search more. It makes me read more and study the Word more. It keeps me engaged. This post is different. I was chatting with Danielle the night I was asking her questions about her addiction and overdose. When I told her how happy I was she was getting her life together at 24, I shared my story and told her I felt robbed of nearly a decade of my life. She shared a scripture with me and I made note of it. I have meditated on it for over a week and now I’m ready to share it.
\nI have always believed in God so therefore, I have never lived a day without Him. I will have to say though…Jesus didn’t live in MY house until 2004. By that time, I had already gone through two broken marriages. I had two beautiful daughters. And one broken mind.
\nI didn’t realize how desolate my life had become. I just knew I was shriveling up and dying on the vine. I became broken in my second marriage and, for whatever reason, we couldn’t seem to end it. We became more and more distant and I self-medicated in order to cope. Unfortunately, I was seeing a psychiatrist who did more harm than good and I couldn’t seem to end that either.
\nI knew what I needed. I needed Jesus. But I was married to a Jewish doctor. I took my little girl to Hebrew School every week. I organized all the Jewish celebrations in our small town. I had formally converted to Judaism. I had actually stood before a Beth Din…the Jewish tribunal court…and renounced Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.
\n“Jesus would NEVER want me now.” I thought to myself.
\nToward the end of that marriage, I laid in bed every night and talked to God. I told him, if anything happened to my husband, I would become a Christian. I consoled myself with thoughts of singing in church…of praying…of reading my Bible. But I just couldn’t do that AND be married to the Jewish doctor. He would leave me.
\nLittle did I know he’d been thinking of leaving for at least five years before he told me. I was hurt. But I was also angry. If we could have both been brave and honest, we could have avoided the pain of the last five to seven years and gotten on with our lives. It would have had far less of an impact on my children…especially Daughter #2 who was just nine years old when I overdosed and we subsequently ended our marriage.
\nI felt robbed. Robbed of time. Robbed of happiness. Robbed of my marriage. And robbed of the Joy of having Jesus in my life…although I couldn’t articulate it as such at the time. When Danielle quoted Joel 2:25, my jaw dropped. It spoke of Redemption. It spoke of Replenishment. It spoke of Fulfillment. And the thing that spoke most to my heart was…the end of shame.
\nI was raised by a father who used shame as his preferred tool of control. Blame and shame were my lifelong companions, and renouncing Jesus had become the number one shame of my life. Before I even realized I needed Him, I was yearning for His unconditional love. Thankfully, I was saved and forgiven and made new. I didn’t have to wait for anything…I just needed to get out of my own way.
\nI loved the fact that as I ministered to Danielle, she ministered to me and told me God would repay me for the years the locusts ate. And He has…oh, my goodness. He has repayed me many, many times over. Far more than I ever deserved. As the calendar turned to another year, I could feel a shift in my relationship with God. No longer a “baby Christian”, I feel I have moved from an observer AT church to BEING the church. It’s a change in perspective and feels like a new level of maturity. It’s hard to describe, but I feel it and I believe it to be real. This is one of the wonders of walking with Christ. I’ve left the arid, desolate landscape of “without” and I’m walking in the lush, verdant landscape of “with”. ❤️
\n“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. \"You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-15T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/15/the-difference-between-with-and.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/13/the-kitchen-window.html", "title": "The Kitchen Window", "content_html": "Joel 2:25-27 ESV
![\"Kitchen](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c8e921eb4c.jpg\")
“The view out my kitchen window at the Ponderosa allows me to watch the birds at the feeder.”
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.
\nI 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.
\nIn 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.
\nWe 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!
\nIf 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! ❤️
\n“I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.”\n\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/2019/01/11/its-a-winter-tree-ok.html", "title": "It’s a Winter Tree, Ok?", "content_html": "Psalm 50:11 NIV
![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f3a7e0449d.jpg\")
“My Winter Tree reflecting in the window as the snow falls outside.”
I went to small group last night and the leader apologized as we walked into the family room. The tree was still up.
\n“It’s a Winter Tree. I like it.”
\nYou don’t have to sell me, sister! I love my tree and I’m not planning to take it down any time soon. Kathy and one of her granddaughters took all the colored ornaments off her tree and put up all white ornaments. Yeah. No….I’m not that picky. As long as it has all white lights and it’s pretty, that puppy is staying right where it is…no apologies needed.
\nI was the first to arrive at Bible study. A new gal, Michelle, joined us and arrived just after me. We sat near each other and chatted as I knitted, cozy under a comfy throw in front of the fire. When I told Michelle about the farm and where it was, she said she had family from out that way. I asked what the last name was and she rattled off my grandparents’ last name! Two questions later and I knew exactly where she fit in the family. What a treat to get caught up with that bunch. They were related through one of my Pop-Pop’s brothers.
\nI’d say it is a small world, but it’s the hills of West Virginia. If we aren’t related to you, hang on a little bit. There’s still single folks gettin’ married. This is what I always missed…what I always searched for in Colorado. I can’t tell you how many times I actually followed people with WV license plates just to hear their accents and see if I knew them. Oh, I missed home every day that I lived out west.
\nWhen we stay at Mr. FixIt’s house, we are in the county between the one I grew up in and the one where grandma’s farm is located. I don’t know very many people here. Mr. FixIt, however, has lived in his house since 1979. He knows EV-RY-ONE! Seriously. He’ll run into town for a quick errand and come back three hours later because he ran into five people he hadn’t seen in a coon’s age. I can’t get frustrated about it either because it’s the life I’ve always wanted.
\nIt was a good day. ❤️
\n“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.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-11T02:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/11/its-a-winter-tree-ok.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/10/johnny-jaxxa-story-of-devotion.html", "title": "Johnny \u0026 Jaxx...A Story of Devotion", "content_html": "Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
![\"Doggy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/407d5c451c.jpg\")
“Rosie (L), Jaxx (C), and Johnny Boy (R) celebrate Johnny’s 4th Gotcha Day!”
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.
\nLosing 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.
\n![\"Sick](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/095a9d9d44.jpg\")
“Johnny Boy arrived so sick with Parvovirus we didn’t think he would live.”
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.
\nAnimal 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.
\n![\"Boxer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5cdb6f2e1b.jpg\")
“Johnny Boy is absolutely CRAZY over kittens! He has to have one…always!”
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.
\nFour 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.
\nThen, 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.
\n![\"Bonded](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ff3b6c6414.jpg\")
“Johnny & Jaxx…BFF’s Forever!”
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!
\nThe 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!
\nAimee 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. ❤️
\n“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”\n\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/2019/01/08/transformation.html", "title": "Transformation", "content_html": "Proverbs 12:10 NIV
![\"God](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3b3a208d73.jpg\")
“God often uses our deepest pain as the launching pad of our greatest calling.”
Grief comes in a variety of circumstances. My first experience with grief was when my Pop-Pop died just after I graduated from high school. I was devastated. I lost a job I desperately needed when Hubby #2 was in his first year of Medical School. The rehab center where I worked was experiencing some financial difficulties and I was let go. I felt it was personal until the next month when fifty more staff members were given their walking papers. I guess misery DOES love company. I grieved deeply over that loss because I loved the job, for one thing. For another, I was young and had never experienced anything like that. My next major grief experience was the overdose and subsequent loss of my marriage and the alienation of my children. That was horrifying. Then I lost my grandma, my dog, and Mr. Virgo in less than a year.
\nEvery time I’ve faced grief, I’ve thought my world would end. I couldn’t figure out how to live after those losses. And every time, I survived. Not only survived, but eventually thrived. I learned skills from coping with grief. Grief chiseled me into the person I have become. And as painful as it was to go through, God came in and used that pain as a launching pad of my greatest calling…my mission, as it were.
\nI’ve been having some meetings and there are exciting changes coming in 2019. Nothing I can talk about yet, but I can see God’s hand all over it. I was talking about it with Mr. FixIt the other night and told him I’ve been praying for these exact things…I have to walk forward into this new territory. Don’t worry…I’m not going anywhere. Just more fun and excitement I can’t wait to share with you all! ❤️
\n“Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-08T02:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/08/transformation.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/05/thwarting-a-spiritual-attack.html", "title": "Thwarting a Spiritual Attack", "content_html": "2 Corinthians 3:16-18 MSG
![\"Psalm](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4f4b01e30d.jpg\")
“Man says…show me and I’ll trust you. God says…trust me and I’ll show you.” Psalm 126:6
So, I was minding my own business, tucked under my blanket, happily knitting when I got a text . My dear friends Janine and Gail and I have a chat room where we visit just about every day. Janine was traveling through and was stopping at Gail’s to spend the night. I was three hours away but I wasn’t going to miss out on seeing my good friends. Impromptu road trip!
\nI got here just after dark. Janine had her friend Diane with her and I was thrilled to meet her. Another friend, Jan, came to join us and we just had a grand time. Diane is a devout Christian and is a PR person. Jan is a retired pastor. You can imagine our entire evening was talking about our stories and how God has worked in our lives.
\nI was standing in the kitchen giving Diane my testimony about finding Jesus when I started feeling ill. It worsened over the hour and I headed upstairs with a bucket, just in case. Everyone had gone to bed so when I came to Janine’s door I tapped.
\n“Janine?”
\n“Yes, dear.” She opened the door wide. Her smile quickly faded when she saw me. “Ginny? What’s wrong?” She came into the hall and touched my arm.
\n“Janine, I’m being spiritually attacked!” I knew it as sure as I knew my own name. I was suddenly, violently ill.
\nI spent the prior twenty-four hours pretty immersed in Jesus. I watched War Room…a powerful movie about spiritual warfare. Then I came to Gail’s and spent a whole evening talking about very powerful, spiritual things. There were five very strong women engaged in animated spiritual conversation.
\nJanine and Diane came into the room and laid hands on me and prayed fervently. Within a half hour, I felt much better.
\nIf you don’t believe in such a thing as spiritual warfare, I am here to tell you it’s a very real thing. The enemy does not like when powerful, spiritual women start professing faith like we were. But his power is in whispering lies and making you believe things that are not real. We sent him packing. A whole army of angels surrounded me and kicked his butt! We can just rejoice in that for a while, ok? I believe! ❤️
\n“Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.””\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-01-05T02:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/05/thwarting-a-spiritual-attack.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Forgiveness","Courage","Girl Campers","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/04/snatched-from-the-jaws-of.html", "title": "Snatched From the Jaws of Death", "content_html": "Matthew 16:23 NIV
![\"Young](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d0dc64b37d.jpg\")
“She was snatched from the jaws of addiction and saved by the Blood of Jesus.”
She’s just twenty-four. Yet she was addicted to heroin for six years. And occasionally she did meth. On April 14th, she overdosed on both and landed in the ICU for four days on life support. She wasn’t even out of the ER when she popped up on my radar. I’m in a small group at church with someone who knows Danielle very well. The text came in begging for prayers to save this beautiful girl.
\nAnd pray we did. Our whole church prayed for her. Actively. Daily. There were prayer warriors stationed at the hospital. There were friends and family talking with her. They wanted to connect her with someone who could help her in this fight. And they wanted Jesus in Danielle’s corner.
\nShe resisted, as you might imagine. At first she said she’d talk to him. Then she wouldn’t. And finally, just before discharge, she relented. I’m unsure of the exact timeline, but I know it wasn’t long till this beautiful girl was saved in a parking lot with many prayers surrounding her.
\nThe change that has come over Danielle is remarkable. When you see her today, and see the light of Jesus on her, it is so hard to imagine her shooting heroin into her veins. She has attended a faith-based residential program three times. These weren’t three dropouts. This was three separate sessions. Because, as anyone who has been set free of the demon of addiction can tell you, it’s never a one and done situation. It is a life-long learning process. And she is committed.
\nA couple of days ago, Danielle took a plane to Hawaii to attend discipleship training. When she arrived, her luggage was somewhere in Dallas. When she got to the campus to check in, she found out there had been a miscommunication and she was short on funds…four figures short on funds. She reached out to her church family and we raised the funds in about three hours. There is no way to hide God’s work in this. And it is so obvious the enemy doesn’t like it. He tried to throw a wrench in the works at every turn but our God is a mighty God. It wasn’t long till the enemy was put in his place.
\nLast night, I watched War Room. I’ve always considered myself to be…if not a prayer warrior…then at the very least, a fervent prayer. Oh, my…that movie has me planning a War Room of my own! People like Danielle remind us of the power of prayer. I am so proud of her hard work and her willingness to keep plugging at this. I can’t wait to see what she learns in discipleship training. I cant wait to see what God has in store for her! I’m so happy God plucked her from the jaws of death because I know He has plans for her…to prosper her and not to harm her. ❤️
\n“I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-04T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/04/snatched-from-the-jaws-of.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/03/we-rise-by-lifting-others.html", "title": "We Rise by Lifting Others Up", "content_html": "2 Corinthians 12:1-5 NIV
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8e3f5780ef.jpg\")
“Blowing out someone else’s candle won’t make yours shine brighter. Remember that.”
Have you ever had someone in your life that went out of their way to put you down? Of course you have. We all have. I was in a long term relationship that was like that. Comments like, “You aren’t wearing THAT are you?” “Well, THAT was stupid!” These things take a toll on you after a while. It took a long time, and a great deal of therapy, to learn those things were said by a person who was egotistical but still suffered emotional injuries from a less than demonstrative childhood.
\nIt happened with my dad. It happened with most of the men I’ve been involved with. Men who suffer so they must make YOU suffer in order to feel better about themselves. The wounds run deep.
\nMr. FixIt and I have a different kind of relationship than I’ve ever experienced. I am much more free to express my feelings with him than I have been with anyone else. I think part of that is age. Part is setting the ground rules early in the relationship that we can say anything. I’m still learning how to govern that. Too much freedom and some things come out sounding unkind. Many a truth was said in jest.
\nWe rise by lifting others up. I know from experience what that constant needling feels like and I don’t ever want my sweetheart to feel less than loved to the max. At the same time, there are moments in any relationship when you have to blow off steam. That’s fine, as long as you fight fair. Life is just so darned short. I want to really live it…not walk on eggshells like I did in the past.
\nI pray every day that I will give my very best to my husband and my family, to my friends and acquaintances. I strive to be my best self, but I don’t beat myself up when I fall short. I just try again the next day. It’s called being human. ❤️
\n“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-03T02:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/03/we-rise-by-lifting-others.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/02/hope-and-joy.html", "title": "Hope AND Joy!", "content_html": "Ephesians 4:29 NIV
![\"Paul](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a8bc2d62bd.jpg\")
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” - Paul Coelho
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?
\nI 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.
\nOne 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.
\nEvery 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nI 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.
\nAs 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! ❤️
\n“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\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/2018/12/31/saying-goodbye-to.html", "title": "Saying Goodbye to 2018", "content_html": "1 Peter 5:10-11 GNB
![\"Mother-daughter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8929a444f4.jpg\")
“A mother-daughter duo singing worship songs to close out the year.” Photo Credit: The Warehouse Church
We had a special celebration at church yesterday. Instead of having the kids over in their area, they joined the adults. And, instead of hearing a message from Pastor Justin, we ended the year with an hour of praise music and communion. It was a special treat to see the children of our worship team on stage singing with their parents. This little gal was amazing and it warmed my heart to watch her.
\nAs the old year fades, we cannot help but look over the last twelve months and review what we have accomplished. It is easy to be critical of what we perceive as mistakes. The woulda-shoulda-coulda’s can creep in, and that really doesn’t serve us well. Looking back with a hopeful heart takes practice.
\nI was telling someone yesterday that I was glad to have 2018 over with. But when I really gave that some thought, I realized that’s just wishing your life away. There were some very sad things that happened this year, true. I lost three people I loved very much…all within two months. Their deaths saddened me greatly and I have learned enough about life to know…the greater the love, the deeper the grief. I was blessed to have these three in my life to love and love me back.
\nThen, there were all these health problems I had to deal with. They were a major pain, but when I look back I realize I was so blessed to have insurance. I know there are people who can’t afford to see a doctor and let medical issues go till it’s too late. I was blessed with knowledgeable physicians and excellent hospital care. I cannot complain.
\nThe highlight of my year, of course, was getting married to my best friend. Mr. FixIt is my rock…my life partner…my playmate. My life is so much happier with him in it and I gained a bonus family!
\nSo, I won’t wish away time. I will remember Aunt Viv, and my cousin Tom, and my “other-mother” Louisa with much love…keeping their memories alive by saying their names. And I will cherish the gifts God gives me daily…love, insurance, health, good doctors, a roof over my head, food on my table, a loving family, and a man who thinks the sun rises at my feet. As I head into the new year, I will tuck this one away with solemn gratitude.
\n❤️
\n“Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2018-12-31T02:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/31/saying-goodbye-to.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Courage","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/30/gwendolyns-journey-with-arthrogryposis.html", "title": "Gwendolyn’s Journey with Arthrogryposis", "content_html": "Psalms 103:2 GNB
![\"Arthrogryposis\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1ccabb6501.jpg\")
“Baby Gwen was born with arthrogryposis…a rare congenital anomaly that causes some joints in the body to be stiff and bent in odd directions.”
A few months ago, I asked you to pray for my friend’s little baby granddaughter and you all stood up and joined hands and prayed hard. Baby Gwen came into this world a beautiful little flower…but some of her petals were damaged. She has arthrogryposis…a rare congenital defect that affects multiple joints. There are typically joint contractures which may be stuck in one position. The muscles surrounding these joints may be weak, stiff, or even missing altogether. Little Gwen’s left leg was bent backwards and lay across her tummy. Her feet and hands are turned inward and her little chin is drastically receded.
\n![\"Meme](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9e03ffeb7c.jpg\")
“Her damaged petals are what made her more beautiful than all the other flowers.” A. J. Lawless
As Gwen has grown, some of these contractures have needed to be addressed more urgently. Because her lower jaw recedes, she cannot drink from a bottle. She eventually had a stomach tube placed to get tube feedings directly into her stomach. And, because she can’t swallow, her normal saliva can choke her to death. She has to have someone awake with her 24/7 in order to suction her airway when her secretions get in her way. Between her airway and tube feedings, physical therapy and doctor’s visits, little Gwen is more than a fulltime job. I’m telling you this though…God couldn’t have given her to a better family than the one she’s in.
\n![\"Leg](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/df63439bd8.jpg\")
“Gwen has had a series of casts placed on her legs to bring them down into position for surgical repair.”
The latest surgery was a tendectomy. This will clear the way for eventually walking. I know it’s hard to imagine her ever walking when you look at that newborn picture, but she has had a series of casts as well as the surgery and her legs are down much closer where they need to be. She is just now being able to coo and gurgle baby gibberish and it makes your heart soar when you see her in a video. Her huge, sensitive eyes look into your very soul. She is the sweetest little thing.
\n![\"Stomach](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/411351c86c.jpg\")
“Baby Gwen is fed through a tube placed surgically into her stomach because she cannot swallow well enough to eat.”
Gwen’s parents are young. Mommy had to quit her job to stay home with the baby. With all the expenses that go along with a situation like this, there is also a Go Fund Me page to help with daily expenses and challenges. I rarely share this kind of thing, asking for donations, but I know this family personally. They are a wonderful, close knit family who needs a little extra help. It’s the end of the year. If you find you need to donate a little more, or if the Spirit moves you, please consider helping this young family out.
\n![\"Arthrogryposis\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3c75e2863d.jpg\")
“The muscles in Gwen’s arms and hands are weak and she is just now learning to ‘hold’ toys.”
You can find Gwendolyn’s story at:
\nhttps://www.facebook.com/GwendolynsJourney/
\nYou can find their Go Fund Me page at:
\nhttps://www.gofundme.com/gwendolyn-strong
\n![\"Baby](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9663d5261f.jpg\")
“I look forward to every post as I follow Gwendolyn’s Journey. This baby will never be told she can’t do something…they will just find a way.”
“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been born blind. His followers asked him, “Teacher, whose sin caused this man to be born blind—his own sin or his parents’ sin?” Jesus answered, “It is not this man’s sin or his parents’ sin that made him blind. This man was born blind so that God’s power could be shown in him.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-30T02:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/30/gwendolyns-journey-with-arthrogryposis.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/29/looking-for-the-light.html", "title": "Looking for the Light", "content_html": "John 9:1-3 ICB
![\"Sunset\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7ba6044c5c.jpg\")
“Looking for the Light”
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!
\nThankfully, 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.
\nIn 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.
\nThis 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!”
\nThat 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/2018/12/26/my-hygge-christmas.html", "title": "My Hygge Christmas", "content_html": "
![\"Comfort](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d1650bc988.jpg\")
“Mr. FixIt is a good gift giver…exactly what I would have picked out for myself!”
“Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.” Wikipedia
\nI don’t think I have ever had a more relaxing Christmas Day in my life as I had this year. Mr. FixIt gave me Christmas jammies on Christmas Eve and I never changed out of them yesterday. I ate chocolate cake for breakfast. I knitted all day. I caught up with loved ones on the phone and via chat. Mr. FixIt and I watch movies all day. I ate leftover chili…and chocolate.
\nI was totally pleased with my gifts from my sweetheart. The sweater is the most gorgeous color, style, and fit. The book is something I really wanted. And the travel mugs are lovely. I think he’s setting me up for a winter of comfort! Exactly what I need after a long season of hard work keeping up two big properties. I have some projects to do this winter…writing, home, and business things. So, having this comfort break is just what the doctor ordered!
\nThere are so many who are missing their loved ones this season. If your heart is screaming “he/she should be here!”…you are not forgotten nor are you alone. My heart is with you…I remember that pain and I pray for comfort for you and yours. ❤️
\n“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “ Lord, save me!” The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-26T02:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/26/my-hygge-christmas.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Presence","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/24/christmas-a-season-of-healing.html", "title": "Christmas: A Season of Healing", "content_html": "Psalm 116:1-9 NIV
![\"Santa](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0c682f301c.jpg\")
“My Santa and Mrs. Claus”
Dear Santa,
\nThis 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.
\nI 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.
\nIt 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.
\nWe 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!
\nI 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!
\nI 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. ❤️
\n“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”\n\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": "Psalm 147:3 NIV
![\"Hot](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9505085601.jpg\")
“Hot cocoa and knitting…stop and enjoy the season.”
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…
\nBecause, 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.
\nThose 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. ❤️
\n““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\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/2018/12/20/winter-wonderland.html", "title": "Winter Wonderland", "content_html": "Jeremiah 2:25 MSG
![\"Gingerbread](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9909153693.jpg\")
“My favorite entry in the Gingerbread competition at The Blennerhassett Hotel…three little gnome houses on “stump” cakes!”
One of my favorite places in my hometown is The Blennerhassett Hotel. It is the finest hotel and restaurant in town and I have had the pleasure of visiting it many times. It’s the place where my gal pals from my high school class gather for coffee. It’s where they have the parade of trees. Then the gingerbread houses. I marvel at both. The innovative ideas for the Christmas trees always leaves me smiling at all the creativity. And the gingerbread houses are just flat out amazing. This year, my favorite was the one with three little gnome houses on tree stump cakes. Camping was a big theme, as well.
\n![\"Camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e3ffff5b6e.jpg\")
“Camper Gingerbread House…SO cute!”
The Blennerhassett is where our High School Reunions meet on the second night. It’s where I sought refuge in February 2015 when I was living in my camper high over the banks of the Ohio River. The temperature got down to -25 wind chill, my refrigerator stopped working and all my food was ruined. I went to The Blennerhassett and took fifteen bubble baths in two days and came back refreshed and ready to face the rest of the winter. There is often live music in the bar on Friday nights. And there is a Farmers Market one day a week in the summers. It is truly one of my favorite places.
\n![\"Gingerbread](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a093ffcea6.jpg\")
“Camping at Christmas Ginerbread House”
This year, Mr. FixIt and I were downtown paying a bill and ended up wandering into the hotel to walk around and marvel at the exquisite gingerbread houses. There is a competition and the prizes are the big rosette ribbons like the ones I earned when I baked competitively in Colorado. There is also a People’s Choice Award.
\n![\"Gingerbread](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ec4e52105b.jpg\")
“Another little camper gingerbread house!”
Yesterday, I made about 12 dozen Rolo Pretzel Cookies and knitted dishcloths. We cleaned in preparation for the big family gathering Friday night. Tonight is the Thursday night bowling league Christmas party so we’ll be making beef noodles to take. I’m baking a Hummingbird Cake today. And, I’m going to bake up a big batch of Pepperoni Rolls…West Virginia’s state food! So, watch for pics and recipes tomorrow! ❤️
\n“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-20T02:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/20/winter-wonderland.html", "tags": ["Family","Camping","Fun","Comfort","Peace","Holiday","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/18/say-i-love-you-with.html", "title": "Say “I Love You” With a Little Yarn \u0026 a Lotta Love", "content_html": "John 6:35 NIV
![\"Knitted](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c4a7ec551b.jpg\")
“Hand knitted dishcloth with the ASL sign for “I Love You” in the pattern.”
Yesterday’s post had me thinking about quick, last minute gifts for the holidays. I was in town Sunday afternoon so I stopped at Walmart and picked up some cotton yarn. Those cute patterns for dishcloths had me thinking I’d like to whip up some.
\nMr. FixIt had to go to town yesterday to help a friend build something and do a little Christmas shopping. I elected to stay home. I asked Alexa to play “Soft Christmas Music”, turned up the stove in the family room, grabbed a cup of coffee, and curled up by the tree. I pulled up the fox fur blanket that I had made from the coat Mr. Virgo gave me years ago. And I set to knitting.
\nIn the comments on yesterday’s post, my friend Jamie told me someone made her a dishcloth with the ASL symbol for “I Love You” knitted into it. I asked for the pattern and her friend sent the link. I still have the remnants of grief brain so I had to really concentrate on the pattern. I had to take out a row every now and then when I couldn’t remember where I was in the pattern. But before too long, I had one finished! I’ve started a second dishcloth from one of the pattern in the link I included yesterday.
\nThe other day, Daughter #2 called and said she missed my cooking. I asked her what dish she loved the most. Turkey Tetrawhatzit…my version of Turkey Tetrazzini. So, before Mr. FixIt got home, I put some of the frozen turkey from Thanksgiving in a pot with a little water and simmered it till I could shred the meat with a fork. In an electric skillet, I sautéed half an onion, some sliced mushrooms and celery in a little butter. I added a drained can of mixed veggies. When the turkey was shredded, I tossed it in the skillet with about a pint of the drippings from the pan I roasted the turkey in. While that simmered, I cooked some egg noodles. I mixed up some flour in some of the broth and thickened the turkey mixture, stirred in a cup of sour cream, and brought it just to a simmer then added the drained cooked noodles. Topped with a little shredded Parmesan and…voila! Turkey Tetrawhatzit! Comfort food at it’s best…and it made me think of my daughter. Mr. FixIt said…”Send her a picture!” I did…then called her so she could “join us for dinner!”
\nIt was a lovely day…peaceful, comforting, homey, warm with a big dash of “I Love You!” ❤️
\n“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-18T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/18/say-i-love-you-with.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/17/forgiveness-equals-freedom.html", "title": "Forgiveness Equals Freedom", "content_html": "Psalms 23:6 ESV
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7b8df47345.jpg\")
“Forgiveness=Freedom”
I’m not sure what I expected when I became a Christian in 2004. Lightning? The parting of the sea? Enlightenment? Thunder? I do know what I received was life altering. I received a healing to my very core. I felt like every cell in my body had been made new. It was remarkable.
\nWhen I was a baby Christian, I was like a sponge. I knew God, and loved Him. I knew Jesus, and finally embraced Him. But, when it came to the Holy Spirit, I was clueless. I had no idea exactly who He was, how He worked, what His function was. As the years have gone by, I’ve learned more and more and have developed my relationship with the Holy Trinity. And once in a while I get a big A-Ha moment that shines a light on some aspect I didn’t understand before.
\nI’ve long known and understood when the Holy Spirit talks to me. Those “nudges” that move and steer me in a certain direction are an indication of His presence. When I worship or hear a particularly moving sermon or scripture and I get goose bumps…that’s the Holy Spirit. All those years when I felt a knock on the door of my heart to let Jesus into my life? That was the Holy Spirit. I get all that now. And sometimes when I call out to Him and get the answer in moments, it reiterates just how close the Holy Spirit is….He lives inside us. He is that aspect of God that touches our hearts and minds with an intimacy only God can provide. I had that experience this weekend.
\nWe had lunch with some of the local residents who live near the farm. Over lunch, my elderly aunt became a topic of discussion and I recounted how difficult that time had been. Then at church yesterday, Pastor Justin spoke on forgiveness. True forgiveness breaks the chains that are holding you prisoner. I thought back to my conversation of the day before and realized, I still had a spirit of unforgiveness as I was holding some resentment and hurt in my heart over some of the things my aunt said and did while I was trying to help her. In retrospect, I was quite filled with “You have no idea what she put me through!” That resentment, however small, is the poison I keep drinking yet she is totally unharmed.
\nAt the end of services, Pastor Justin did an alter call and asked those to come forward who wished to let go of resentments and hurts and embrace a spirit of forgiveness. He came to each of us and laid his hands on our heads and prayed over us. I left feeling completely changed…yet again.
\nDo you have someone you are harboring a spirit of unforgiveness for? Is there someone who has hurt you that has left you saying, “I’ll show you!”? If so, this is a beautiful time to just let it go. Pray for those who have hurt you. Seek ways to praise them in public for the blessings they have given you…even if that blessing is the insight you gained from their unkindness. And, this is the season of giving. Send them a card. Stick a $5 gift card for coffee or to a restaurant. Tell them, “You know, I just wanted to let you know what a blessing you have been this year.” Or “I know you’ve gone through a rough patch and I just wanted to reach out and tell you I’m thinking of you.” Forgiveness goes a long way toward uniting us. I’m not saying send a gift card to your abuser. Or even reaching out for conversation with someone who physically or emotionally abused you. But you can still pray for them. The spirit of forgiveness in you just might bring you a new level of peace and healing of your own. ❤️
\n“bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-17T02:30:42-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/17/forgiveness-equals-freedom.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/16/the-pleasure-of-needlearts.html", "title": "The Pleasure of Needlearts", "content_html": "Colossians 3:13 ESV
![\"Vintage](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d622e90eb0.jpg\")
“A lovely display of vintage hotpads and dishcloths.” Photo Credit: Pinterest
Staying out at the farm brings out the nostalgia in me. My grandma didn’t have fancy things. And when she sewed, her aim was function, not fashion. She mended sheets, shirts, and work pants. She often used old blankets, and even old quilts, as the batting for new ones. She sandwiched the old between fabric if she had the money…sheets if she didn’t. Then she tied them with colorful yarn or perle cotton every few inches. I found a pair of knitting needles and some yarn in her work basket but she said she had never mastered the craft.
\nEvery once in a while, someone would give Grandma a pretty little handmade potholder like the ones in this picture. She hung them on the fridge with a magnet and never used them…they were too pretty. She also had hand-knit dishcloths. Those she used. And I love them! When I first really picked up knitting, I practiced by making dishcloths. They are soft and absorbent and you can have a simple one made up in an hour. They make lovely hostess gifts at the holidays. Here is a page with twelve easy dishcloth patterns. I use a cotton yarn called Sugar and Cream for my dishcloths. ❤️
\n“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”\n\nhttps://www.allfreeknitting.com/Dish/Learn-How-To-Knit-With-a-Knit-Dishcloth-Pattern-Patterns-For-Beginners\n", "date_published": "2018-12-16T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/16/the-pleasure-of-needlearts.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Comfort","Love","Peace","Presence","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/14/the-geminid-meteor-shower.html", "title": "The Geminid Meteor Shower", "content_html": "1 Samuel 18:1 ESV
![\"Shooting](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/86c10c64da.jpg\")
“The night sky holds endless fascination for me.”
”We are stardust, we are golden, we are billion year old carbon, and we got to get ourselves back to the garden...”\n\nI have always been fascinated by the night sky. Ever since I was a very little girl and my dad woke me up and helped me into my coat to go outside in the middle of the night. We went out to see the Northern Lights. I’ve been smitten ever since. I think that’s one reason I love to camp so much…there’s usually a clear night sky at least one of the nights in the woods.\nCrosby, Stills & Nash
When I was a single mom living in my first house on my own, I packed a thermos and a couple of sleeping bags in the car. I woke up Daughter #2 in the middle of the night and said, “C’mon…we’re going on an adventure.”
\nWe drove up to the ski area, turned off the car, and spread the sleeping bags on the hood. We leaned back against the windshield and sipped our hot cocoa and watched the Persied Meteor Shower. She still talks about that to this day.
\nLast evening, I got a call that my wedding rings were ready to be picked up. I lost a diamond a couple of weeks ago and the service warranty covers that. I could have waited, but I’ve missed my rings, so I drove into town to get them. Afterwards, I went to the bowling alley to visit Mr. FixIt then we grabbed a bite to eat together. On the way home, we stopped to pick up a Christmas gift and some new baking pans. As we were driving out the country road home, Mr. FixIt was behind me in his truck. He called me and I said…”I SAW IT!” It looked like something out of Star Wars! Meteors were falling everywhere. BIG ones!
\nWhen we got home, I told him to park his truck and meet me in mine out in the lane that goes through the field. I turned off all the lights, rolled down the windows, and we sat there for the better part of an hour….staring at the sky.
\n“There’s one!”
\n“Wow…did you see THAT one?”
\n“OMGosh! This is so cool!”
\nGod’s 4th of July…another memory made! ❤️
\n“and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-14T02:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/14/the-geminid-meteor-shower.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Humbled","Presence","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/12/feel-your-feels.html", "title": "Feel Your Feels", "content_html": "Revelation 6:13 NIV
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/29e69ca1ec.jpg\")
“These are some of my favorite Christmas memories.”
As I sit and write this post, Mr. FixIt is in town helping his daughter with something and I am getting ready to address Christmas cards while listening to carols on Pandora. I just had my coffee and a couple of the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies I made yesterday. Another heavy hoar frost has the branches of the forsythia decorated with fuzzy white crystal fingers outside the window where I am perched. The mechanical angel on top of the tree is gently moving her wings and arms as she nods her head slowly. It’s a peaceful scene here on the Ponderosa.
\nAs I was baking my grandma’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Monday, I was reminiscing about Christmases spent out on the farm. Grandma seldom had any extras around because money was always tight living off the land. But, as Christmas approached, you could be sure to find certain special treats brought home from the Five & Dime in Harrisville in small brown paper sacks.
\nI especially remember the Christmas candies Grandma always set out in a special glass dish. Ruffled ribbons, chocolate straws, peppermint sticks…all conjure up the warmth of my grandma’s house at Christmas.
\nMy Uncle Bob had a developmental disability and lived at home all his life. Every Christmas, Bob would walk back on the hill with Grandma and select a tree to drag back down to the house. They were sparse little Charlie Brown trees. I thought they were kind of sad and pitiful back then because ours was always a big, full tree we selected from the lot down at the Shopping Center. Looking back with 65-year-old eyes, I’d give anything to go back and see the ornaments and sweetness of my childhood Christmases on the farm.
\nMr. FixIt and I have an artificial tree. He purchased it for me the first Christmas we were dating. I was in Colorado and he was walking around the mall when he saw Sears had their trees marked down drastically. He called and asked if I wanted one. He sent several photos and I selected a slim tree with feathered tips on the needles that make them look frosted. It’s prelit with white lights. No twinkling for me. And no colors. I like white light…and lots of it in the wintertime. It helps with my winter blues.
\nKeeping these memories alive helps comfort me in times of great loss. When I conjure up images of my grandma, my mom, my cousin, my aunt, my other mother…it reminds me while they are away from me physically, I have them with me always in my heart. Christmas isn’t always a happy occasion when you are actively grieving. Holding the memories close can help ease that pain and gives you the outlet you need to process your grief. Feel your feels, I always say. ❤️
\n“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-12T02:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/12/feel-your-feels.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Holiday","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/11/kitchen-comforts.html", "title": "Kitchen Comforts", "content_html": "Isaiah 32:18 NIV
![\"Roses\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/42d0bf36e4.jpg\")
“Mr. FixIt brought me roses.”
When I’m struggling with grief, a day in the kitchen does wonders for me. Mr. FixIt knew I hadn’t slept well the last couple of nights since learning the sad news of Miss Louisa passing away, so he was gracious and let me sleep in as long as I wanted to yesterday. I must say, when I awoke around 11:00, I did feel much better. I padded into the kitchen to make my coffee and greet my sweet man in the family room…steaming mug in hand.
\nI snuggled into the loveseat and wrapped my blue fox blanket around me. The Christmas tree was decorated and standing to my left in front of the big picture windows. The gas stove was cranked up and putting off some decent heat. The heavy frost still laid white on the grass and trees in my view. And, amazingly, the forsythia had several bright yellow blooms on them casting a stark contrast to the grey palette of December.
\nI sipped my coffee while Mr. FixIt read the paper. The TV droned quietly in the background…some fourteen year old was answering questions on a game show. I tuned it out as I stared at the decorations on the tree and took inventory of my feelings. The pain I felt when I heard the news of yet another loss was easing a little and shifting to the lonesomeness of not being able to pick up the phone and call whenever I want. It is familiar turf for me.
\nAfter a while, I sighed and went into the bedroom to dress. Mr. FixIt put on his insulated coveralls and went outside to work a while. I carried my second cup to the living room and sat down to knit on a pair of socks. I texted my friend Gail who is touring Europe to see how she is doing. My friend Janine sent me a text to remind me she was going live at 3:00CST. I put my phone away and turned Pandora to “Traditional Christmas.” I spent the next hour or so in quiet meditation, my hands wrapping the wool yarn around the needles with the muscle memory of a skill I learned in my youth.
\nI decided to mix up a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies and was pulling the last batch from the oven as Mr. FixIt came in from the cold. I turned on the kettle and he had a nice cup of tea as he ate a cookie, still warm from the oven. He watched me move around the kitchen, cleaning up the bowls and baking pans. I sensed his eyes on me. This is the relationship we delight in. I looked up from wiping the counter and he smiled.
\n“You treat me so well.”
\nI smiled back. A knowing smile. An appreciative smile. This is the part of him that is like Mr. Virgo. He loves and appreciates me and is quick to tell me. I love that.
\n“I like spoiling you,” I grinned. He laughed, gave me a little pat as he tucked his mug in the kitchen sink. He pulled up his coveralls and went back outside. I watched him as he walked out the door. How can a coverall make a man look that sexy? I smiled as I tucked the towel in the door handle of the oven and turned out the light. I had another hour to knit before I started supper.
\nWhen I was at the farm the other night, I brought home a pot roast from the freezer. When it was thawed, I cut it in cubes. I put about a cup of flour in a gallon ziplock bag with some salt and pepper and dropped in the cubed roast. I tossed the meat in the flour, rubbing the pieces through the bag to ensure they were well coated then dropped them into a hot skillet with a little oil in it. When the meat had been seared on all sides, I removed it and put it in my electric pressure cooker. I put in a can of beef broth and a can of water, replaced the lid and pressure cooked the roast for 55 minutes. Once it was finished, I let it cool for about twenty minutes without releasing the pressure. I released the pressure carefully and removed the lid. The meat bubbled in a nice thickened gravy and smelled divine. I poured the meat and gravy out into a large storage container and set it on the counter. When it was cool enough, I popped it in the fridge to be used during the week for meals and sandwiches.
\nYesterday, I cooked up half a bag of egg noodles. I took out half the meat and gravy and placed it in a saucepan on low heat to warm up. I sautéed a whole package of sliced mushrooms in two tablespoons of butter. Everything was ready at the same time so I drained the pasta, and put it back in the pan, poured the beef and gravy in with the sautéed mushrooms and added 3/4 cup of sour cream. I gave it a quick stir and called Mr. FixIt to the table for supper.
\nA day like that is soothing to the spirit. It reminded me that, while I miss those I have lost, I have skills in place that I did not have when I lost Mr. Virgo. It is not lost on me that I have the added blessing of this sweet man to be my companion and helpmate to love and support me as I navigate the losses. I kind of feel like I’m cheating…I don’t have to grieve alone like I did when I became a widow. That kind of grief is so much harder than this. I am grateful. ❤️
\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.””\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-11T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/11/kitchen-comforts.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/08/the-ghosts-of-christmas-past.html", "title": "The Ghosts of Christmas Past", "content_html": "Revelation 21:4 NIV
![\"“The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9f03db1820.jpg\")
“The Parkersburg High School Band - 1960’s”
This is the time of year where my Hallmark heart kicks in and I feel the feels…a lot! Anything makes me cry…especially sappy sentimental stuff. Yesterday would have been my second father-in-law’s birthday. I was very close to him and I wasn’t able to attend his funeral because I had just totaled my truck and had a subdural hematoma. I couldn’t fly. I really miss him. I have so many “Pop” stories. Since his birthday was December 7th, it often fell on Hanukkah and Christmas is right behind.
\nThe subject of voicemails from our loved ones came up yesterday, as well. I texted Hubby #2 to tell him I was thinking of his dad. Then I remembered a video I have of Christmas 2009. I went back and watched it. There was seven beautiful minutes of Mr. Virgo and my grandchildren when they were so little. There were my daughters and son-in-law. There was my sweet brother. And…there was Pop! I watched it over and over. It made me smile and tugged at my heart strings at the same time.
\nLast night we were supposed to go to our graduating class Christmas Dinner. I didn’t feel real great yesterday morning yet I worked in the kitchen most of the day. By late afternoon, I was feverish and achy. We decided not to go and I hated that, but if you’re getting sick, it’s irresponsible to go out amongst the public. At first I was so hot I had to go outside and stand for a while. Then I couldn’t get warm and spent the rest of the evening under a pile of blankets. I felt a whole lot better by bedtime.
\nAs I browsed on Facebook last night, I came upon this photo of the Parkersburg High School All Male Military Marching Band. No, there were no girls allowed back then. That changed after we graduated in 1971. This picture was taken back in the ‘60s. I remember my parents taking us downtown to watch the Christmas Parade. I remember these Christmas decorations hanging across the downtown streets. I remember the thrill of seeing and hearing this award winning band as they marched down the street in their crisp uniforms and clean white bucks. Their precision and military style brought a sense of patriotic pride. Again…pictures like this, at this time of year especially, bring a happy/sad mix of emotions that I can’t resist diving into.
\nI think today I will bake cookies and watch Christmas movies! I may even hang out in my jammies all day!!! ?
\n“That precious memory triggers another...” 2 Timothy 1:5 MSG\n \n", "date_published": "2018-12-08T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/08/the-ghosts-of-christmas-past.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Holiday"] }, { "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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9a3f809984.jpg\")
“My favorite ornament from childhood.”
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.”
\nAs 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.
\nGrief 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.
\nThis 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\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/2018/11/23/flexible-is-my-middle-name.html", "title": "Flexible is My Middle Name", "content_html": "Psalm 94:16-19 MSG
![\"WV](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8fa5e6da3e.jpg\")
“Thanksgiving Sunset on North Mountain”
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.
\nAs 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!
\nThe 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.
\nSometimes, 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.
\nThis 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\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/2018/11/19/loving-what-is.html", "title": "Loving What Is", "content_html": "Romans 8:28 NIV
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bbd34fe274.jpg\")
“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!”
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.
\nI’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?
\nWhen 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.
\nHere’s what Jesus tells me.
\n“You are altogether beautiful, my darling: there is no flaw in you.” (Sol. 4:7)
\n“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)
\n“…Created to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10)
\n“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Lu. 1:45)
\n“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” (Ps. 46:5)
\n“She is worth far more than rubies.” (Prov.31:10)
\n“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)
\nThis 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.
\nNow, 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.
\nI 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.
\nYou 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/2018/11/09/remaining-hopeful-in-a-hopeless.html", "title": "Remaining Hopeful in a Hopeless World", "content_html": "
![\"News](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e5176b3168.jpg\")
“When the news is on fire, how do you stay hopeful?”
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?
\nI 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?
\nCompound 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.
\nI 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.
\nI 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nThe 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/2018/11/08/a-step-back-in-time.html", "title": "A Step Back in Time", "content_html": "
![\"Creme](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4fe9d8e584.jpg\")
“Butterscotch Creme Brûlée, French macarons, spiced cider…lovely company, beautiful Victorian mansion. What a special day!”
Mr. FixIt and I were guests at the Smith-Caswell House yesterday. The owners are Norm and Judith Smith. Judy’s parents lived on my family farm before my grandparents bought it. Mr. FixIt finally got to tour this incredible Victorian mansion in the historic district of my hometown. We had creme brûlée, French macarons, nuts, chocolates from the Greenbrier Hotel, and spiced cider.
\n![\"Victrola\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9145512540.jpg\")
“Old Victrola”
The highlight for me is always the music room. For Mr. FixIt, it was a tossup between the perennial Christmas display in the attic and the Carriage House with Norm’s vast collection of antique automobiles.
\nAfterwards, we went out to dinner and used one of our wedding gift cards at Texas Roadhouse. An extraordinary day…an extraordinary life. ❤️
\n“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-11-08T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/08/a-step-back-in-time.html", "tags": ["Family","Fun","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/07/election-day-and-the-bbc.html", "title": "Election Day and The BBC", "content_html": "\n![\"Autumn](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8b31a94f95.jpg\")
“The colors at the farm were amazing!”
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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/26059899e7.jpg\")
“I love this little red farmhouse and how it looks in the fall colors.”
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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3379ae0d73.jpg\")
“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.”
![\"Autumn](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bb5fc08cdb.jpg\")
“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.”
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. ❤️
\nhttps://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/2018/11/06/living-in-a-small-town.html", "title": "Living in a Small Town in the Hills", "content_html": "![\"WV](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7e0331305c.jpg\")
“The colors are a bit past their prime, but still lovely.”
I am from West Virginia originally. I was raised about 30 miles from where I’m standing at this moment. My grandparents’ farm is 22 miles away. Both much shorter “as the crow flies”. I left here when I was nineteen years old and lived first in England for two years then Colorado for forty. It wasn’t until Mr. Virgo died that I headed back to my roots in these beautiful hills.
\nMy first year was spent out at the farm on seventy-four acres. You talk about quiet and peaceful. Other than the oil and gas traffic on the road, it’s dead out there. The little store closed this summer. The only thing open now is the tiny post office.
\n![\"Pumpkins\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/560a870b59.jpg\")
“Fall decor lines the driveway.”
I remember when I was married to Hubby #2, the doctor. I lived a different life then than anything my family could even approach experiencing in terms of finances and the ability to experience travel. I was talking with one of my high school sister/friends one night and apparently I was acting in a way which warranted a dressing down. She reminded me, in no uncertain terms, where I started out in life and not to be so snooty. She was absolutely right. I had gotten a tad big for my britches.
\nWidowhood changed me in many ways…not the least of which was living a small, quiet life in a camper with only 5% of my belongings dragged with me. Moving to the farm was a continuation of the much simpler, more humble, and highly satisfying life I have come to know since my return to my roots. And now, I’ve married into this sweet little town I’ve come to love.
\nI went to the Post Office yesterday to pick up the mail held for us. As I stood in line, the two women at the front wrapped up a conversation as the clerk called her name.
\n“I hope we run into each other again real soon!”
\n“”Well, lets just plan on lunch so we don’t have to leave it to chance!”
\n“That’s great!”
\nHugs.
\n“You tell your mama hey for me, will ya’?”
\n“Sure will!”
\nMy heart smiled. I picked up my mail and headed to the local mom and pop grocery store. I was standing at the meat counter waiting for the gal to weigh out my two pounds of fresh ground hamburger and slice the Colby Longhorn cheese I’m so fond of. An older woman came up to the counter, walking gingerly.
\n“Whoooo-ooooo! Honey, it’s gonna rain tomorrow. I can guarantee it. My joints are hurtin’ me somthin’ awful today. I tell my son, I say…’Boy…don’t you go huntin’ tomorrow ‘cause it’s gonna rain!’ He listens. He’s a good boy.”
\nMy heart smiled even bigger.
\nThe gentleman from behind the meat counter went up to run the second register during the “big rush” at 4:00. He’s one of two brothers who own the store.
\n“How have you been doing today?” He reminds me of a preacher. Clean cut, kind to a fault.
\n“Great! We just got home from our honeymoon last night!” I said.
\n“Wonderful, wonderful! And where did you go?” His smile was warm and engaging.
\nI told him we started out with the WVU - Baylor game then headed to Colonial Williamsburg and on to the beach.
\n“Oh, I remember a trip to Williamsburg when I was in Junior High. What a beautiful place that is. And what beach did you go to?”
\n“We went to Salvo and got a beach house.”
\n“Oh, that’s just fine. I’m so happy for you!” He didn’t miss a beat as he continued to check me out, take my payment, and sack up my purchase. The only thing missing was an apron and a garter on his sleeve….maybe sawdust on the floor, penny candy and pickles in barrels by the door.
\nI do so love living in a small town. I am not lacking for anything. This is the life I’ve wanted for at least the last thirty-five years. I was telling Mr. FixIt last night what all I would have wanted to do had we married at 35 instead of 65. I would have had chickens…goats…rabbits…and a barn. Maybe a milk cow. There would have been barn cats and a trusty dog.
\nThere are five beautiful, flat acres here…plenty of room to have that hobby farm I always dreamed of. I think I’m past all that now. Oh, I could still do most of that, but it doesn’t make a bit of sense to invest a bunch of money in fencing and structures at our age. We have different interests now…like, traveling, camping, and not being tied down by animals.
\n![\"Brush](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/566a20f2f9.jpg\")
“The neighbor came and brush hogged the back acre.”
No, this life is perfect just the way it is. Our tractor was delivered today after getting warranty repairs. They just don’t make things like they used to. The guy that brought it out to the Ponderosa showed us how cheaply the wheel sprockets are made. He says they have replaced a lot of them. I went out in the field and mulched most of the leaves that fell in that section. Mr. FixIt lined all the pumpkins and gourds from the wedding all along the driveway. The mums in the backyard are already well past their prime. The leaves are still brightly colored but we are rapidly hitting “past peak” status.
\nWe are already making plans for Thanksgiving and before you know it, Christmas will be here, as well. Even though our lives have a tendency to get busy and hectic, especially in mowing season, there is plenty of downtime to reflect on our many blessings. I hope you all are having a wonderful day! ❤️
\n“Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.” Genesis 1:11 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-11-06T02:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/06/living-in-a-small-town.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/05/home-again-home-again.html", "title": "Home Again, Home Again...", "content_html": "
![\"Road](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/103242fe21.jpg\")
“Riding shotgun gives me beautiful views as well as time to knit.”
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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/87772d4039.jpg\")
“Knitting socks as we drove through the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains.”
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.
\nI 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.
\nAs 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.
\nI 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/2018/11/04/a-day-in-hatteras.html", "title": "A Day in Hatteras", "content_html": "![\"Argosy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/63c8369c9d.jpg\")
“Sweet little Argosy!”
Our last full day on the OBX is in the books and what a beautiful day it was! The day dawned overcast but warm. By the time we were up and had breakfast made, the clouds were gone and there was abundant sunshine. It was looking like a perfect day for what we had planned.
\n![\"Cape](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b1bad6a8f5.jpg\")
“Cape Hatteras Lighthouse”
We headed south for Buxton to see the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. Unfortunately, it was closed for climbing just after Columbus Day so we didn’t get to go inside. But we walked the beach and visited the site where the ashes of Mr. FixIt’s son-in-law were spread in August. We didn’t stay long because that sunshine was just a bit deceiving. The wind had a definite bite to it and my sweetheart didn’t bring a jacket.
\n![\"Yarn\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b3819231d8.jpg\")
“Is there such a thing as TOO MUCH YARN?”
My new hubby knows the things I love. He took me to a house that had the cutest camper in front of it. I’m glad there wasn’t any traffic because he stopped right in front so I could take a picture. He also knows when there is a yarn shop, you look for the nearest parking spot. Such a good man!
\n![\"Cape](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8061a451e5.jpg\")
“Cape Hatteras Lighthouse”
I love when I meet someone and I instantly know they’re special…someone I want to keep in touch with. That was Jenn Johnson. She has the sweetest little shop in Hatteras. Blue Pelican is a gallery and gift shop with a generous portion dedicated to yarn. When you walk in the shop, you are instantly bombarded with great splashes of color. Large windows let the North Carolina sun in and light is reflected from the many displays of handcrafted jewelry and art objects. Then…Mr. FixIt said, “Baby, wait till you see this!” He had just stuck his head in the yarn room.
\n![\"Sunset](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ce12332675.jpg\")
“Sunset on the trees.”
This place was eye candy. There was a lot of yarn packed into a small area and I could have spent a lot more time in there. Everywhere you looked, the colors and textures invited you to come in and play. Samples screamed, “Touch me!” I couldn’t get enough. And, since you can’t get enough yarn, I bought two more skeins for socks. Ok…I’m done. No more yarn till this is knitted up. (Please don’t hold me to that!)
\nThe week is over and we pack up to head home today. I was telling Mr. FixIt, when you first get to the beach, the week stretches out in front of you. And, when the last day comes, you wonder where the time went. We are well rested and happy as a pair of speckled pups. So, home we go. Let the adventures continue! ❤️
\n“You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.” Deuteronomy 28:6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-11-04T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/04/a-day-in-hatteras.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/01/this-is-how-we-honeymoon.html", "title": "This is How We Honeymoon", "content_html": "![\"Kiteboarders](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/81f20aac3d.jpg\")
“Got to the sound just in time to catch the kiteboarders framed by the sunset!”
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!
\nWhen 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.
\nAfterwards, we enjoyed an ice cream cone.
\nYes…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.
\n1 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/2018/10/21/live-a-good-life.html", "title": "Live a Good Life", "content_html": "![\"Autumn](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a8ba6147d5.jpg\")
“Live a Good Life”
When we were decorating the tent for the wedding, I went around the house, the buildings, and the farm looking for decor I could use. There was so much more I could have put out there, but frankly, I realized we were just going to have to haul it all back into the house afterwards. I decided to just keep it simple.
\nI was standing in the kitchen giving some last minute directions to my wonderful friend, Charlotte, when I looked up above the kitchen sink and saw this sign. I took it down and handed it to Mr. FixIt and said, “This goes out by the front of the tent to greet our guests!” It’s our daily reminder to “Live a Good Life.”
\nThis has been the busiest, jam packed week we have had since we started dating. So much has happened, I’ve really just started processing it all. Aside from the changes that come with marriage, and the death of a dear family member, something else has been rattling around in my head wanting attention.
\nIt wasn’t so much what WAS there. It was more…what WASN’T there. Namely, that dogged undercurrent of grief that has simmered just beneath the surface of my life for the last 2,049 days. I know grief is not something you “get over”. I know it’s something you “get through”. It is something you learn to walk around without falling into that giant hole in your heart. It is something you learn to deal with in time. I honestly had no idea it would change with the commitment of another marriage.
\nIt seems the act of marrying has caused a…shift in the force, so to speak. Maybe it’s the high of the wedding itself, but I don’t think so. Maybe it’s a gift from God for being obedient. Maybe it’s a natural progression of things when significant life changes occur. Maybe it’s just the Evolution of Grief.
\nWhen there are significant milestones in life, like your child’s wedding, or the birth of a grandchild, and your person isn’t there, it causes their death to come front and center. You think about how much he would have loved to see that. How much your son or daughter misses their dad. How your grandchild will never know that grandparent. It reminds you of an emptiness.
\nThat was totally missing last weekend.
\nOh, I thought of Mr. Virgo that day. Of course I did. I even had a quiet moment before the wedding when I silently thanked him for having been in my life. However, I wouldn’t have been getting married that day if he were still alive. And, I love Mr. FixIt SO much. I can’t imagine my life without him. It wasn’t like I had to say to myself, “Don’t think of Mr. Virgo!” He just…wasn’t there.
\nThat kind of surprised me, actually. Because, like I said, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. It’s never occurred to me to ask other widows who have remarried how it affected their grief. So, like I’ve done from the beginning, I feel what I feel and I write about it. The feeling has persisted all week. Mr. Virgo is still here, but he’s standing much further away. Because…just as I stepped out the door to walk across the field and marry my sweet Mr. FixIt, I looked up and told Mr. Virgo…”Don’t worry about me now. I’ve got this!” ❤️
\n“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-10-21T01:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/21/live-a-good-life.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/13/sparkles-and-sunshine.html", "title": "Sparkles and Sunshine", "content_html": "
![\"Sparkly](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/10c7f09daf.jpg\")
“My fancy earrings from Daughter #2…perfect for the wedding!”
“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.
\nAnd 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.
\nToday! 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!
\nAnd, as always…To God be the Glory.
\nAmen”
\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/2018/10/12/the-side-effects-of-obedience.html", "title": "The Side Effects of Obedience", "content_html": "
![\"Sunset\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9559411218.jpg\")
“Sunset over the Ponderosa.”
“And love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love.” 2 John 1:6 NCV\nI went to small group from church last night. We have a fall series and a spring series of meetings. There are different groups to fill different needs and we are all encouraged to join a small group. In a huge church, it’s difficult to feel a bond with individual members of the church family. Small group gives us the chance to make friends, learn from God’s Word, and experience fellowship. I love the gals in my small group. We always have great discussions and we always share praises and prayers at the end.\n
It’s been four weeks since Mr. FixIt and I decided to get married and set the date. Four weeks since I made the decision to live separately from him till the wedding. Even though I came back to the Ponderosa last week, I’ve been staying in TOW-Wanda. I was chatting with the gals at small group about it and got to thinking on the drive home about how this exercise has changed me.
\nFirst…I just FEEL different. It’s hard to describe. I feel honorable. Obedient. Peaceful. Good…in that good way you feel when you have done the right thing. It wasn’t easy. And it wasn’t necessarily comfortable. Some didn’t understand why I was doing this. That offered me the opportunity to share. I’ve had the opportunity to pray with others over this. I have even been an example to one woman who had a thought then heard my testimony and realized God was answering her question.
\nSometimes the decision to be obedient to God has as much to do with the people in your path as it does to you yourself. God orchestrates our lives and places us where He needs us. We miss the opportunity to experience the blessings from that if we choose to ignore the prodding, the poking, the whispering of the Holy Spirit. I’m really glad I’ve done this. It has given our wedding a new depth and meaning.
\nThe whole time I lived here before this, Mr. FixIt always talked about this being “our house”. And, while we did make some changes and redecorated, try as I might…I couldn’t get past considering it HIS house. Now, one of the side effects of my obedience is seeing this place as our home. Not HIS house…our HOME. Big difference.
\nYesterday was rainy and we just did some things around the house. I picked up my wedding band from the jeweler. It is purposefully different. When I tried it on, my mind flashed back to my last wedding band. I smiled.
\nMr. FixIt shampooed carpets. I took the pulled pork out of the freezer and put it into the fridge in the garage to thaw. We sat down and made some lists. We have friends coming today to help decorate the tent and whatever else we need to do. Mr. FixIt will go to town and pick up some food items we need for the reception. I have to run to the farm because we left his white dinner jacket out there.
\nWe are organized. We are (fairly) rested and relaxed. And, we are SO excited!
\nOMGosh! You guys….TOMORROW!!!!! ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-10-12T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/12/the-side-effects-of-obedience.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/03/instant-gratification.html", "title": "Instant Gratification", "content_html": "
![\"Monarch](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5abc39baad.jpg\")
“The only monarch butterfly I have seen in WV in the four years I’ve been back, and it was lying dead in the field. I was to harvest milkweed pods this year and try to bring some monarchs back.”
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”\n\nSo, yesterday I told you I’m a “risk-taking storyteller”. I’m sure it’s no surprise to any of you who have been following me for some time if I tell you…I am also “Instant Gratification Girl”! If I can’t get it done yesterday, I’ve been known to pitch a hissy fit. Patience has never been my forte. \nEphesians 4:1-3 ESV
I stopped praying for patience a long time ago when I figured out God was sending me MANY situations in which to practice. I know I’m not fooling Him one bit, but I do thank Him for what little patience I DO have.
\nI may have told you this story before. I’ve told so many, it’s hard to remember. When I was a little girl, I desperately wanted a pair of black, patent leather Mary Janes. Mom took me to the shoe store and the only pair they had left was a half size too small. When my mom told the man we’d keep looking. I had a major meltdown. To my little overdramatic self, that meant I would NEVER, EVER get them! Mom caved and bought them for me and forced me to wear them for a month till I was broken of that behavior.
\nWell, maybe.
\nMonday evening, I went over to Mr. FixIt’s and mowed till it got too dark to do it safely. I went in to get a cold drink and was sitting on the sofa when I saw them. An army of stink bugs! Do you think either of us could have possibly remembered what arrives in WV on the 1st of October? Nooooooo. Hot on their stinky little heels will be the Asian Lady Bugs. Oy! Both of these little boogers swarm en masse and I can just imagine myself walking down the aisle looking like a Ninja as they swarm and land in my hair!
\nBreathe.
\nOmmmmmmmMyGosh!!!!
\nI put an urgent message out on FB. “Is there anything to keep these things at bay for a few hours?” I got lots of suggestions, including changing the wedding date. No! Absolutely not! I want my “patent leather shoes”, darn it!
\nHere’s how I’m going to deal with this. We’ve managed to pull together a beautiful wedding in less than a month. The average cost of a wedding in the US today is $27,000. Ours is going to be gorgeous for far less than 10% of that. (Did I tell you I used to do this for a living? Mr. Virgo taught me well!) Everything is ordered. The tent comes the 10th giving us plenty of time to decorate it. I’m going to smoke the pork butts this weekend for the pulled pork, bag it and pop it in the freezer till Wednesday. Then late Saturday morning it goes in a slow oven to finish off. I have plenty of helpers coming that Friday and Saturday. I have a final fitting on the dress next Wednesday and it will be ready to pick up Friday. We can get the coleslaw and buns that afternoon. The sodas go in the fridge Friday and on ice in the galvanized tubs Saturday. The photographer arrives at 2:00. The cake gets delivered at 3:00.
\nSee? Everything that I CAN control is under control. The rest of it I can do nothing about. Weather OR bugs. And…it will be perfect. I was thinking about this “instant gratification” thing and my word for the year….presence…popped into my head. This is my last wedding. Seriously. I’m never doing this again. I want to stay in the moment and memorize it all. We want to enjoy this, not stress out about it. So, that’s just what I’m going to do.
\nI really didn’t like those patent leather Mary Janes anyway. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-10-03T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/03/instant-gratification.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Change","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/02/im-a-risktaking-storyteller.html", "title": "I’m a Risk-taking Storyteller", "content_html": "
![\"Inspired](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b894b6b5cb.jpg\")
“I am willing to risk being wrong.”
“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good. Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.” \n\nLet’s face it…I’m a risk-taker. I wasn’t always. I stood at the edge of many a precipice, leaning forward just enough to deem the venture far too scary to attempt. And, being a perfectionist compounded the issue with my “If I can’t overachieve, I will not try” personality. This has kept me from experiencing many incredible moments that, at the very least would have been entertaining, and more than likely would have changed my life. But, change wasn’t something I was interested in. \nEcclesiastes 11:4-8 ESV
I remember when my 20-year marriage was falling apart. I had been in therapy for depression stemming from a past filled with abuse, both to me and by me. Sexual abuse. Emotional abuse. Alcohol abuse. Prescription abuse. When my ex-husband was at the end of his rope, he had some therapy of his own to gain the tools he needed to take care of himself. He was changing right in front of me and it scared me more than anything else had. Because I knew where this was headed. My long-standing abandonment issues assured me I would be alone and destitute and living on the streets. Of course, that never happened, but I distinctly remember him saying something to me and asking him just how much he was going to change because I didn’t like it. I can look back on that moment now and realize he was actually saving my life, but at the time, I was horrified.
\nWhen I found myself dangling by the end of my own rope, I was forced to change or die. I’d love to say it was an easy choice and I moved right on by the huge crevasse that had opened in my life, but that was not the case. I overdosed and came as close to death as I care to go at this point in my life. And that was, as they say, the bottom of the barrel.
\nI wasn’t a Christian yet, but I saw a tunnel before me of the most beautiful shade of cobalt blue surrounded with rays of gold…like a giant eclipse of the sun. While I was in this tunnel, my dead grandma came to me and stood by my side. She sternly told me, “Get back down there, young lady! You have work to do!” It took me five years and the death of my mother and the prayers of some really great people to find Jesus and my life changed in an instant. Not that my circumstances were ideal and I didn’t still struggle. I did. But I felt every cell in my body come alive and become new. It was…THE change. The really BIG change.
\nMy fear level plummeted. I became a risk taker. After two failed marriages, Mr. Virgo came into my life and I plunged off the cliff of a third marriage holding hands with a wonderful man. We enjoyed seven years of this bliss before he died suddenly as we were planning our golden years. Grief chiseled me into who I am today. Stronger, to be sure. Softer, more empathetic. Grief became my story…and I’m an avid storyteller.
\nNow, here I am…about to jump off the cliff again. My fourth marriage. I swear, it’s my LAST marriage. Daughter #1 has taken to calling me “Liz”. Someone asked me the other day if I was scared. My answer was, “Heck no! I’m marrying my very best friend whom I’ve known for fifty years. Bring it on!” I realized a couple of days later what she meant….
\nWas I scared of losing Mr. FixIt like I lost Mr. Virgo?
\nI pondered. This is why no one likes to talk about death and grief. It hits too darned close to home. Am I worried that Mr. FixIt will drop dead in front of me? I’d be lying if I said no. Am I willing to risk going through loss and grief again so that I can experience the love of another wonderful man? Absolutely! And you know why I say that? Because, I’m a risk-taker now. Ever since I laid everything on the line for Jesus, I’ve been firmly in the camp of “I’m willing to risk being wrong.” It took me 14 months of being engaged to Mr. FixIt to prepare for this marriage. It took standing up and adding the caveat of living separately for the month before the wedding as a sacrifice and atonement for living together before we were married. And it took the assurance of a loving God that He will always and forever have my back in all things I do. I will not be afraid.
\nThey say God will catch you and teach to you fly. I am sure there will be many flying lessons ahead, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take and a story I’m willing to tell. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-10-02T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/02/im-a-risktaking-storyteller.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Choices","Starting Over","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/24/the-feeling-of-prayers.html", "title": "The Feeling of Prayers", "content_html": "
![\"Feathered](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/84a08fe035.jpg\")
“When someone prays for me, it’s like a thousand feathered angel wings wrapping around me.”
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 NIV\nI will never forget when my friend Bill told me I was on his daily prayer list ever since the overdose at the end of my second marriage. I was...stunned. Here he was, a busy Emergency Room physician and a missionary in a country and location they could not reveal for fear of being killed. And I was on his daily prayer list? \n
When I finally became a Christian in 2005, the first people I told were my neighbors, Bob and Ellie. I asked them over, sat them on the couch, and told them I had accepted Christ as my personal Savior. They both immediately burst into tears and said, “Oh, we both have been praying so hard for you!”
\nWhen I revealed on Saturday that Mr. FixIt and I were getting married and shared the reason why, several of you told me you had been praying for me to hear God’s whispers and do what was right.
\nThis was astonishing to me. I have prayed for countless people and circumstances, but I don’t think about others praying FOR me. Maybe my safety and comfort and good circumstances actually came because of the prayers of others. My grandma comes to mind. I can guarantee she prayed for me. Many times.
\nHindsight tells me the gradual discomfort I felt when I was someplace on my journey I shouldn’t have been was at least partially due to the prayers of others trying to lead me back home. I once asked you here to pray for me and I felt a supernatural comfort…like a thousand feathered angel wings wrapped all around me. This is what the prayer of another feels like if you can open yourself to it. It’s physical. It’s supernatural. And it’s very, very real.
\nPraying for the happiness of my ex-husband and his soon-to-be wife allowed forgiveness which gave me peace. Praying for my children and grandchildren gives me hope for their safety and well-being. Praying for Mr. FixIt brings me reassurance of his strength and leadership for our family as we prepare to marry. Prayer can be felt by those you pray for. They may not have a clue it’s your prayers they are feeling, but trust me…they feel it in one way or another. So, keep praying. If there is someone who is lost, pray them home. If there is someone who is discouraged, pray for bravery. If there is someone who is broken, pray for peace. Prayer never hurt anyone and even though you may never see the results, it makes a difference. Because God listens. He hears. He cares. He loves us more than anything you could possibly imagine.
\nTake this into your week and be encouraged. Prayer changes things…even if it’s just inside of you. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-09-24T01:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/24/the-feeling-of-prayers.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/08/fun-at-girl-camp.html", "title": "Fun at Girl Camp", "content_html": "
![\"Baby](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/843d3d0d77.jpg\")
“Dehydrated baby copperhead…you always learn something new at Girl Camp!”
“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:9 NIV\nEdit: A kind reader shared a post from another page warning this is the time of year when baby copperheads are born. They arrive with venom and are ready to defend themselves. Even though they are small, they can pack a wallop so be extra careful rummaging around in damp flower pots and under bushes. Watch out for your pets and teach children to move outside toys with a stick first...these little guys can be hiding anywhere!\n
I tell you what…coming to camp with these girls is as close to summer camp as you can get at the sweet age of 65! Yesterday was so chill…I slept in again, had a leisurely breakfast, stretched out in the afternoon, then joined the girls for appetizer night. Mike, the Park Naturalist, came over at five and gave a talk on providing habitat for photographing birds in the winter time from inside your home. Then there was archery. After supper, we went through his two big boxes of bones and pelts and played guess the animal. This little mite in my hand is a dehydrated baby copperhead! He was very fragile and was found this way in the woods.
\nThere are gals here from as far away as Chicago and Michigan. And, Mr. FixIt was feeling much better yesterday so he came up and joined us last night just after dark! So, my world is complete.
\nToday is a Civil War Enactment in the Village here at Beaver Creek State Park and we are all looking forward to going down and checking it out. However, we are also predicted to get a lot of rain in the next couple of days from the tail end of a tropical storm so I’m not sure how much we will get to do. There is nothing wrong with sitting in the shelter and visiting with the girls when it’s raining. Or taking a nap with the rain on the tin roof of the “Dorothy Jean”. Whatever you choose to do (or NOT do), Girl Camping is a real treat! And you always learn something! ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-09-08T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/08/fun-at-girl-camp.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Camping","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/07/camping-with-the-girls.html", "title": "Camping with the Girls", "content_html": "
![\"1967](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cdf2b73052.jpg\")
“A 1967 Avion is my home away from home this week!”
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV\nOne of my favorite things about camping with other women, besides laughing till you’re silly, is touring the wonderful vintage campers that the gals bring along. This is an 1967 Avion that belongs to my dear friend Gail Bable. Gail is the camp host at Beaver Creek State Park in East Liverpool, Ohio. Every year, she hosts the Girl Camper in the Spring and Fall at “What a Hoot!” So named for the many owls that call the park home. \n
![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/160e04ed20.jpg\")
“The Dorothy Jean - a 1967 Avion, only belonged to my friend Gail’s aunt.”
The Dorothy Jean once belonged to Gail’s aunt. An Avion looks much like an Airstream camper…it’s just not shiny. The surface is anodized and doesn’t take nearly as much work to maintain as the more expensive Airstreams do. The inside is just about the same, however. I do have to admit, for a long time, I really didn’t like this style of camper. I saw it as a long, metal tube that would be hot, cramped and stuffy inside. After staying in this one, and visiting several others, I can honestly say this style has a lot of distinct advantages. The roof is entirely different than most travel trailers and they don’t leak like the ones with so many seams. The air conditioner works just as well as any other camper. And there are lots of windows for light. This particular model has twin beds in the back by the bathroom. There’s plenty of storage, a full sized refrigerator in the kitchen, and a fold out bed up in the living room. I think I would be happy to have something like this…only smaller.
\n![\"Visiting](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6cc208261c.jpg\")
“The Girl Campers sitting around the table, visiting…making new friends and catching up with long time gal pals.”
Our friend Michele showed up Wednesday night with her vintage 1967 Pennant she just finished fixing up. OMGosh! It has to be one of my favorite vintage campers EVER. Why? Because she mixes in sweet family treasures in her decor. A girl after my own heart. There is a story about everything…from her dad’s ties used as a curtain, to her saddle shoes from high school, to her and her sister’s Easter bonnets…and the love just shines through! I love a camper that you can scan your eyes over and find something new every time. There is a lot of work that goes into staging a camper like this, but when you can pull it off as much as Michele does, the results are well worth the work!
\n![\"1967](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1cef0e8195.jpg\")
“A 1967 Pennant has the unusual configuration of the gaucho bad in the back.”
![\"Camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/657b7caa4f.jpg\")
“Michele decorated her camper with treasures from her childhood.”
![\"Vintage](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5e1d78b64e.jpg\")
“Vintage camper decor in a 1967 Pennant.”
![\"Memorabilia](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8aa8b0add1.jpg\")
“Mixing treasures and iconic memorabilia makes for visual interest in this vintage camper.”
![\"Chenille](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ebd73ebfbb.jpg\")
“I love chenille bedspreads in vintage campers. They take me back to my childhood.”
![\"Queen\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/344dcd1c5f.jpg\")
“The Queen is in!”
![\"Queen](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/85fad664fb.jpg\")
“You may ignore the Queen. But, she’s still the QUEEN!”
Janine (of Girl Camper Podcast fame) and I went junking yesterday and found some really GREAT treasures for staging next week at the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio. If you’re visiting the area…do come look us up. We’re going to have a couple surprising variations on the usual array of vintage campers on display this year. This is one of my favorite two weeks of camping with the girls every year! Always someone new to meet and always someone fun to catch up with from the past. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-09-07T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/07/camping-with-the-girls.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Camping","Fun","Growth","goRVing","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/06/girl-camping.html", "title": "Girl Camping!", "content_html": "
![\"Coleman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/291f722491.jpg\")
“Vintage Coleman Coffee Set”
“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.
\nI 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!
\nI’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/2018/09/02/days.html", "title": "2,000 Days", "content_html": "
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a32a76f6bc.jpg\")
“2,000 Days”
“(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:) Job 8:9 KJV\nFor a long time after losing Mr. Virgo, I marked the timeline of my grief by significant dates. The first anniversary without him came just three weeks after he died. That was a tough one. First Halloween marked when we met. The first time I celebrated his birthday alone was terribly sad. First Thanksgiving, first Christmas...the list went on and on and I was convinced when the first “angelversary” of his death came around, I could turn a corner on this grief thing. Needless to say, that didn’t happen.\n
The seconds were worse for me than the firsts. Because, the first year I was in a fog. The second year I was awake and he was still gone. It was deeply painful. It was desperately lonely. I was exceedingly angry. Each day led me forward, ever so slowly, toward…what? Healing? Peace? Acceptance? It wasn’t easy. Somewhere along the line, 1,000 days passed and I wrote about my experiences along the way. Still marking the calendar of grief.
\nNow it’s been 2,000 days. Unbelievable. It seems like forever ago. It seems like yesterday. It sometimes even seems like he was a dream and I never really had him. I think that’s fairly normal, from what I have heard from you all over the years. I can’t remember his voice anymore. I struggle to picture his hands. He’s like a really good movie that I loved and watched over and over till I memorized all the words…then lost the disk. I’ll never see that particular movie again, but I remember how much I enjoyed it.
\nI still get waves of grief. They don’t hit nearly as hard as they used to, and they don’t last nearly as long, thank God. I notice them most when I am tired or not feeling well. I’ve learned so much about myself since he died. I’ve become much stronger. My world is brighter now that I’ve passed through all those days. I have new love. But I will never lose my old love. I have them both. I am a widow and a partner. I grieve and I rejoice.
\nI have greater compassion now. For others. For myself. I know not everyone has a new love. Not everyone wants it. Women are perfectly capable of being widowed and still lead a fulfilling life. One does not need a partner to be rich in love. Women can be remarkably resilient and strong all on their own.
\nSo, it’s been 2,000 days. Remarkable…yet another ordinary day. The seas are much calmer this far from the shore. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-09-02T01:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/02/days.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/26/a-man-of-honor.html", "title": "A Man of Honor", "content_html": "
![\"Senator](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8c17a0b8c2.jpg\")
“Senator John McCain 1936-2018”
“Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren...” Proverbs 13:22 NLT\n*****Disclaimer: I removed a blatant political comment from a reader. For one, because we don’t discuss politics here. I am not rewarding that kind of negativity with a response. I am not making a political statement by honoring Senator McCain. I am honoring a man who was a devoted family man...a husband, father, friend. I am honoring a soldier, like Mr. Virgo. I am remembering the sacrifices he made for this country....sitting in a Vietnamese prison as a POW, for one. I may not have always agreed with his politics, but I can still honor a man who reached across the aisles. \n
And lastly, the comment included a slur that I will not ever tolerate on this page. The “r” word. There is no place for that here.
\nI am surprised, and dismayed, at the number of people who have unliked my page this morning…obviously because of this post. I hate that we live in such a divisive society that we can’t tolerate a post that remarks on the death of someone in the political arena that sits on the other side of the aisle. I wrote this as a memorial of sorts. Not only to Senator McCain, but to his family and loved ones who are now members of a club many of us belong to and didn’t ask to join.
\nAnd to another of Mr. Virgo’s wonderful stories.*****
\nI am a liberal Democrat, but I really liked Senator John McCain. He spoke in a no-nonsense way and didn’t mince words. He told it like it was and he wasn’t particularly concerned who’s feathers it might ruffle.
\nWhen Mr. Virgo and I first started dating, he worked at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. Every September, Teddy Forstmann…a wealthy NY financier…gathered the best and the brightest from around the world for the Forstmann Little Conference. He was brilliant and chose an eclectic group…from four-star generals to political powerhouses to athletic superstars. All expenses were paid and the guest roster was always super secret until the opening of the conference. No one ever spoke of the contents of the discussions in the room. Mr. Virgo and the manager of the hotel were the only two people on staff who had a high enough security clearance to go inside. And they were sworn to secrecy.
\nMr. Virgo and I had been dating about a year when the conference convened in September 2006. General Colin Powell was in a wheelchair after breaking a leg. Mr. Virgo told me about tripping over him when he was serving and nearly landing in his lap. He was hush-hush about all but one…Senator John McCain. Mr. Virgo was a staunch Republican. We decided early on we were going to just agree to disagree about politics and call it good. He rarely ever brought it up, but this particular night…he came home in awe. He said, “This man needs to run for the Presidency.” He raved about the Senator’s ability to capture a room and mesmerize his audience in his straight-shooter fashion. He couldn’t stop talking about him.
\nI liked Senator McCain. He was compassionate yet a maverick as he fought with both sides of the aisle. His sense of honor and duty were exemplary. We’ve known for over a year now that he had an aggressive brain cancer. We knew we would be losing him. His treatments allowed him many months of a better quality of life than he would have had otherwise and that offered his family more time to share with their loved one. As those of us who have lost a spouse know, no amount of preparation ahead of time eases the pain of loss and there is a family out there today that is grieving the death of a great man. My heart goes out to them today and my prayer is for their comfort and strength to get through the coming days, weeks, months without him.
\nRest In Peace, sir. Thank you for your service.
\nSenator John McCain 1936-2018
\n??
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-08-26T01:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/26/a-man-of-honor.html", "tags": ["Grief","Prayer","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/19/im-hearing-voices.html", "title": "I’m Hearing Voices!", "content_html": "
![\"Brer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d5b86bbdcf.jpg\")
“Brer Rabbit better stay out of my tomatoes!”
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV\nThe other day when I was out at the farm doing laundry, I sat on the front porch with my coffee and wrote my post. There was a little traffic, but nothing like earlier in the summer so I wasn’t paying any attention. I was gazing around when suddenly, I hear someone whistling. Sound direction can be deceiving with all the woods and hills and hollers so I couldn’t quite tell where it was coming from. I carefully scanned the neighbor’s place across the road to see if they were home but there was nothing. The whistling sounded all the world like it was coming from behind our farmhouse. I sat very still and suddenly I could hear voices. Two distinct voices having a conversation, but I couldn’t tell what they were saying. It only lasted ten seconds or so and was gone. It was quite eerie, but I shook it off and went on with my writing.\n
As I was driving home…suddenly, I heard the voices again. I could catch a word or two, but could not get the gist of what was being said. I checked my phone because it kind of sounded like when you set your phone down but don’t put it on speaker. You can hear the conversation, but not clearly. It wasn’t the phone. I glanced at the radio to see if perhaps it had come on. Nope. It wasn’t the radio. This went on for several minutes.
\n![\"Work](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c3061146bc.jpg\")
“Work truck on the two-lane.”
I was stuck behind one of the pipeliner’s trucks and he was going SO slow. There was a whole line of cars behind me. I was hoping he would pull over and let us all pass, but no such luck. This was a big, boxy truck with a lift gate and tools and outdoor lights…obviously someone who does a specific job at the well sites. As we approached the sharpest turn on the road, he slowed way down and I came up close behind him. There it was again! Only now, it was louder and clearer. One of the voices said, “Where are you?” The other answered back, “I’m driving out 53.”
\nI couldn’t believe it. I started laughing out loud. The truck in front of me had a large speaker on top and the driver obviously had it turned on and was talking over the radio to someone! Anyone within a country mile could hear it. He must have gone up the road earlier and that’s what I heard when I was sitting on the porch. I must say, I was quite relieved. I knew this wasn’t a spiritual conversation, so it was good to have an answer.
\nMr. FixIt and I went for a nice walk out the road after supper last night. As I was waiting for him to finish painting a sign for the camper we are selling, I got a good shot of Brer Rabbit here. I don’t know if he was over in our garden or not. Something has been nibbling on our tomatoes. They are about at the end of their growing season, but I hate to lose any. I cooked a big batch of stewed tomatoes on Friday night. Have you ever had creamed tomatoes? Also called tomato gravy. Oh, my gosh….SO good. You just stew your tomatoes till they’re nice and soft. Cook them down a little, then thicken them with a white sauce and serve it over biscuits or toast or even mashed potatoes. Yummmmmmm!
\n![\"Cool](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c43e29322c.jpg\")
“Very cool tree out the road from the Ponderosa.”
This really cool tree is out the road from the Ponderosa. I love how it’s growing out of rock that looks as though it’s been stacked in a dry wall. I imagine what kind of animal might sleep in the recesses beneath the roots. Raccoons, perhaps. Fox? Could be. I doubt it’s something like bears, although it is not unheard of to have a sighting in this neck of the woods, but highly unlikely. It was a beautiful day…cooler with intermittent rain showers. I can feel fall coming. It’s whispering down the hollers…”Soon, soon.” ?
\nIn recognition of our little friend Khloe, who is fighting leukemia, I’m using an orange heart while she is in the hospital getting chemo. (orange is the color for the leukemia awareness campaign) Fight those icky cells, Brave Girl!
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-08-19T01:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/19/im-hearing-voices.html", "tags": ["Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/18/round-two.html", "title": "Round Two", "content_html": "
![\"Goldfinch\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/993c276016.jpg\")
“Goldfinch on the thistle sock. Life on a farm is full of wonder!”
“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.” Isaiah 55:12 NIV\nSince the power went off in the middle of doing laundry Thursday, I went back out to the farm yesterday to finish up. The weather is tropical rainforest sticky and more rain is in the forecast. I set up my iPad on my little red café table on the front porch to write while the clothes were in the wash. \n
One thing I have noticed the last few weeks is the drastic reduction in heavy equipment traffic. It’s a darned good thing because there isn’t much left of the blacktop on this old country road. Depending who you talk to, they may or may not repave. They are currently digging up the worst spots and filling the large rectangular spaces with base and gravel. This has eliminated the deepest holes, however it has left the entire road a washboard of gravel and old asphalt. I’m hoping we will get a new road by winter but I’m not holding my breath. I’m just grateful the heavy trucks have pretty much stopped.
\nAs I sat on the porch writing this, again I was struck by how deeply I love this old farm. My uncle owns it and I take care of it for him. When I tell him how much I dearly love being here, he just shakes his head and says, “Well, I don’t know why…but I sure am grateful you’re there to take care of the old place.”
\nI sat with my coffee and let my eyes run over the landscape. The Jenny Wren in the shrubbery along the creek scolded Boy Cat who was napping beneath the branches. The little Goldfinches flitted in and out to eat from the thistle socks. A Hummingbird buzzed in front of me then zipped out to the feeder hanging on the shepherd’s crook. Mourning Doves balanced on the power line, waiting their turn to scour the ground below the feeders for the seeds the other birds didn’t want. A Buzzard circled silently above, scanning the area for some unfortunate, yet tasty, road kill. The Cicadas and Katydids whirred constantly in the background, reminding me of some terrible case of tinnitus.
\nThe mail was delivered by the nice lady in the Subaru with the yellow flashing light on top. The air was so thick and heavy with humidity, it felt like velvet. The only saving grace was a breeze…an indication of the coming rain. The incessant drone of a weed eater came from down the road. So many of the neighbors here are aging and can’t take care of their properties like they used to. They die or move away and a newer, less “industrious”, population takes over. Houses decline into disrepair. Weeds take over the previously manicured lawns and gardens.
\nA flash of red caught my eye as a pair of Cardinals swooped in to browse the ground in front of me. A Downy Woodpecker tapped a staccato beat on the dead elm out by the road. It reminded me to see about getting someone in to cut it down before winter. The dryer buzzed and shook me from my reverie. My chores continue. This old farm continues. Life continues to enthrall me here on this journey. And I am grateful for this peaceful moment. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-08-18T01:30:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/18/round-two.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/15/date-nightmamma-mia-here-we.html", "title": "Date Night...”Mamma Mia - Here We Go Again!”", "content_html": "
![\"Mamma](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/205ef62f49.jpg\")
“Mamma Mia! I’ve always loved what Daughter #1 called ‘Singing and Dancing Movies’.”
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV\nWe were at the mall the other day and I saw that Mamma Mia 2 was showing. I asked Mr. FixIt if he had ever seen the original and he said he hadn’t. Well, we couldn’t go see the second till he saw the first, so I downloaded it on i-Tunes. We watched it Monday night and he really enjoyed it.\n
Yesterday was mowing day at the Ponderosa and when we were finished, Mr. FixIt asked if I wanted to go see the new movie. Now, this would only be the second time he and I have gone to a movie together. We don’t even watch them at home. Because…I don’t watch TV. I can’t even tell you what the name of the movie was we saw last year. I don’t remember what it was about. All I know is it was LONG and I sat through it thinking of about a million other things I could be doing with that time.
\nThis is a side effect of my grief. My attention span was that of a hamster. I didn’t read books…I didn’t do crafts or hobbies… and I certain didn’t watch TV other than The Voice and an occasion MASH rerun. Then, this spring, something changed. I picked up knitting again and made a pair of socks. It felt like such a HUGE accomplishment. I am actually reading a book. Slowly…ever so slowly. But I’m reading it. And now this…a movie!
\nWe had a date! Like real people. We cooled off and cleaned up after mowing and headed to town. We got to the theater just in time to catch some of the previews. We shared a popcorn and a soda. The theater has those reclining seats so it’s just like sitting in your living room…only with a ginormous screen. I felt a thrill of excitement and reached over to squeeze Mr. FixIt’s hand. He turned to me a smiled. He knew this was BIG for me and he was happy for me…and, I dare say, a bit proud. These are such simple things for most people. When you have suffered loss, and grief, these simple things can be monumental…even after five years.
\nWe both really enjoyed the movie. We both got a little teary-eyed at the end. When we were done, we had dinner at Chik-fil-A. We ran some errands since we were in town, and headed home after dark. It was a real live date! In the big picture, our relationship is still relatively young. It’s important to court each other and have a real date on occasion. Even when you’re retired and you can do pretty much whatever you want. It was a lovely reward for working so hard and something like that doesn’t break the bank.
\n“Mamma Mia…here we go again! My, my, how can I resist ya!” ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-08-15T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/15/date-nightmamma-mia-here-we.html", "tags": ["Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/14/sunshine-in-a-bowl.html", "title": "Sunshine in a Bowl", "content_html": "
![\"Sunny](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1155d5acfc.jpg\")
\n“This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: a basket of ripe fruit.”\nAmos 8:1 NIV\nWe went to the class picnic on Saturday and took a whole bowlful of vine-ripened yellow tomatoes...still warm from the summer sun. I gathered them carefully in a bucket, rinsed them to get off the garden dirt and bugs, and sliced them thick. As I held these golden orbs of sweet juicy perfection, I lifted them to my nose to breathe in the smell of summer. I took out the cutting board shaped like an aspen leaf that was a gift from Brooke Allen and staff...my last real job before I took off in my camper for two years or so.\n
I placed the warm tomato on the cutting board and reached for the presentation box where I still keep the cutlery set Mr. Virgo was given by the Ritz Carlton as a reward for his hard work and dedication. I held the handle of the chef’s knife in my right hand, feeling the heft and the balance. I admired the beautiful colors of the inlayed handle…reds, browns, yellows. I remembered his sense of awe and pride when he showed them to me. The blade is sharp and made quick work of the task at hand. I carefully rinsed the knife, dried it, and put it back in its presentation case and placed it in the middle utensil drawer.
\nYellow tomatoes are pure sunshine. They have less acid, it seems. And they were so pretty in the bowl with the red lid. Everyone oohed and ahhhed over them. The salt and pepper shaker was strategically placed next to the slotted serving spoon.
\nI stopped at Witten’s Produce Stand Sunday afternoon and picked up four Silver Queen and four bi-color ears of corn as well as four plums and four peaches. I’ll pick up something for the smoker tomorrow so I can try it out before our first big barbecue. There are still lots of tomatoes on so I am going to take advantage of some of the unrepentant ones and make Fried Green Tomatoes. Those are the BEST!
\nThis is my favorite time of year and I am taking full advantage of the many culinary delights this season brings. I hope you are enjoying summer’s bountiful goodness right now. It will be gone all too soon! ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-08-14T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/14/sunshine-in-a-bowl.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/03/afternoon-walkabout.html", "title": "Afternoon Walkabout", "content_html": "
![\"Hooded](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fc64e1a155.jpg\")
“Hooded Warbler”
“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.
\nThe photos, in order:
\n![\"Cicada\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0cd09c41fb.jpg\")
“Cicada”
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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/25a1fd5702.jpg\")
“Flat Backed Millipede”
This is the most I’ve revealed of Mr. FixIt. Six-foot-one and sweet as can be. I love this guy! ❤
\n![\"Man](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e6c77c7608.jpg\")
“Mr. FixIt…ooooh, I love this guy!”
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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6a13faf354.jpg\")
“Jack-in-tha-Pulpit Inn”…an old log cabin down the road from the farm.”
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\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bffd64c18b.jpg\")
“Goldenrod”
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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/49e269ca92.jpg\")
“Queen Anne’s Lace”
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\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0b299eebb8.jpg\")
“Little Brown and Orange Butterfly”
This one I know…it’s a Tiger Swallowtail.
\n![\"Tiger](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/dacde07b7f.jpg\")
“Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly”
Ahhhh, sweet Honeysuckle vines. When its hot in June, you can smell this from a mile away on a warm summer night.
\n![\"Honeysuckle\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8630fe523e.jpg\")
“Honeysuckle”
This little guy is a Red-Spotted Purple. People often mistake these for swallowtails, but as you can see…no “tail”.
\n![\"Red-Spotted](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3762d54e47.jpg\")
“Red-Spotted Purple”
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](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8dc47c0491.jpg\")
“Road damage from gas pipeline equipment,”
![\"Road](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/228c31b916.jpg\")
“Deep grooves in the asphalt from six-axle loads of rock.”
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/2018/08/02/all-things-green.html", "title": "All Things Green", "content_html": "
![\"Green](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f988b5f995.jpg\")
“West Virginians cook their green beans for hours with bacon or salt pork and onion, salt, and pepper. The house smells divine!”
“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.”\nHebrews 3:4 NIV\nOne of my fondest memories is sitting as a little girl on the front porch of the farm house, my grandma in the chair to my left. She had the beat up lid of an old roasting pan turned over in her lap and it was filled with washed green beans fresh from the garden. These were old fashioned string beans, not the stringless bush bean variety you find nowadays. They were a bit more work to prepare. You took a paring knife and cut the tip of one end almost all the way through and pulled. This removed the long, stringy piece from down one side. Then you turned the bean over and did the same thing from the other end. Then you snapped the bean in half, or thirds, with one hand and dropped them in a cooking pot.\n
When you were done, you rinsed the beans again, and filled the pot with clean water to barely cover the beans. You cut up an onion or two and threw that in along with a few pieces of ham, salt pork, or fried bacon and the grease they were fried in. You might add a little black pepper and salt if the bacon wasn’t too salty. You covered the pot and set it to simmer midmorning, adding water when necessary. Come suppertime, the house smelled wonderful and the beans were nice and tender. Here in West Virginia, we COOK our green beans. None of this crispy “al denté” stuff! Oh, there’s nothing like green beans cooked Grandma style.
\nWe have had rain every day this week and are expected to have more for the next ten days. The yards and fields have all been mowed, and while there are a thousand things we could have done over at the Ponderosa yesterday, I awoke with one thing in mind…rain on the tin roof of my favorite farmhouse in the world. I asked Mr. FixIt if he’d like to spend a couple days over here and he is such an accommodating guy. He knows how much I love it here. And, while I certainly don’t need his permission and could come here anytime I want, I do so enjoy it when he is with me. So, we packed up a cooler with some chicken I cooked the day before and some other sundries, grabbed our usually-always-packed overnight bags, and headed for the farm.
\nMr. FixIt had stopped at the produce stand Sunday afternoon and bought some fresh green beans. Ours didn’t grow in our garden this spring and we’ve been hungry for them. Unfortunately, when we opened the bag to cook them, they were all moldy. We were so disappointed. Then I remembered the neighbor across the road saying he had canned all the beans he was going to can out of his garden and I was welcome to come pick some whenever I wanted. It was pouring the rain down when I donned my boots, grabbed a big golf umbrella and a bowl and headed across the road. My neighbor’s garden is surrounded with electric fencing to keep the critters out of his garden. He said the other day he made the mistake of touching it when he was mowing and the new, higher power charger really packs a punch so I was extra careful. I unplugged the charger and tried to open the circuited gate wire, but I wasn’t strong enough and there wasn’t enough slack. I remember him telling me he had a solar charger and I wasn’t completely certain I wasn’t dealing with “hot” wires. The gated wire was low enough that I could step over it so I did so, gingerly. I set to picking and had to sort through older, woody beans to find younger, more tender ones and soon had a bowl full.
\nI retraced my steps, being careful not to brush the wires, in case they were live, and plugged everything back in. I cleaned the beans like Grandma taught me, remembering her old, knotty fingers working over them, and soon had a whole “mess” of beans to cook up. Mr. FixIt had fried up the bacon for me while I was picking so I dumped that, and the bacon grease for good measure, into the pot. I forgot to bring an onion so I added onion powder, a little salt, and some black pepper and set the pot on the back burner to simmer. Before long, the familiar smells of my youth began to waft through the house. I had stretched out on Grandma’s bed for a little snooze, which came easily to the tune of the steady drumming of rain on the tin roof and the fans that circulated cool air through the house. It was heavenly!
\nSupper consisted of the pre-cooked chicken heated up in a skillet with a little butter, a couple ears of corn, a fresh tomato from the Ponderosa garden cut in chunks, and the divine green beans with bacon. Top that off with a cold beverage while sitting on the front porch watching the rain and you have a meal worth more to me than any Five Star restaurant in the world! After supper, Mr. FixIt and I played Uno with his new set of cards that my brother sent him from Colorado. I am telling you what…that was a perfect day right there.
\nAs I wrote this last night, I was propped up with all the pillows on my Grandma’s bed, watching the rain and the evening birds at the feeder outside the bedroom window. Mr. FixIt was watching the evening news then Big Bang reruns. After the terrible news of the past couple of days, this was a welcome respite. My friend Jea is still very much on my mind and every time I think of her, I send up prayers for peace and whatever comfort she could possible attain in all of this. My comfort is knowing she has a relationship with God and that He will never leave her and her family.
\n❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-08-02T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/02/all-things-green.html", "tags": ["Family","West Virginia","The Farm","Comfort","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/29/feeling-peaceful.html", "title": "Feeling Peaceful", "content_html": "
![\"Ohio](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/088392260e.jpg\")
“Finding peace after losing Mr. Virgo is deeper and sweeter than anything I could have imagined.”
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”\n2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV\nAs I sat thinking over what I would write about for today’s post, the word “peaceful” kept playing over and over in my mind. It made me think of this photograph that I took when I was living on high ground overlooking the Ohio River three years ago. I was blessed with the opportunity to park my camper up there and would often sit on the deck overlooking this amazing, peaceful scene. On this particular evening, the light was perfect, the sky was stunning, and everything took on a soft glow as the sun was setting. I will never forget my time spent in this beauty as I healed from the grief of losing Mr. Virgo. It was a time of testing my mettle, as well. I found inner strength I never knew I had as I lived in that camper through a particularly rough winter with no running water and up to a foot-and-a-half of snow at times.\n
I look back on that period of my life and compare it to where I am today and it never ceases to amaze me how different things are now. I have the privilege of caretaking for the family farm. I have this wonderful man in my life who brings me joy every day. I have the ability to travel to see my Colorado family. I have my campers. I still own too much “stuff” but I’m happy with my life as it is.
\nThe other evening, Mr. FixIt and I were floating around in the pool, holding hands, watching the clouds in the evening sky, listening to the sounds as the night birds and insects began their chorus. He turned to me and said, “This. This right here is perfect.” I knew what he meant. We’ve both longed for this peaceful life and love. We both feel like we’ve won the lottery.
\nI could have written about grief last night. I could have written about camping or travel or gardening. I could have written about Colorado or West Virginia or any of the numerous places I’ve been. But, for some reason, all those things seemed to pale against this overwhelming love and peace I’ve been feeling since I got home from my trip out west. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Being away from Mr. FixIt for three weeks brought into sharp focus just how wonderful our life is together. I love my children and grandchildren and the rest of my Colorado family and friends. But, oh my…there really is no place like “home”. ❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-07-29T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/29/feeling-peaceful.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/06/27/its-popsicle-time.html", "title": "It’s Popsicle Time!", "content_html": "
![\"Popsicle\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f8094cb46b.jpg\")
“There’s nothing more soothing than a Popsicle when you are recovering from surgery!”
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord...'”\nJeremiah 30:17 ESV\nI cannot remember a time in my life that didn’t include Popsicles. One of my earliest memories is my mom breaking a twin pop to share with my brother on a hot summer day. Orange was always my favorite, but grape runs a close second. Or is it cherry? I never liked banana. Other than that, it was fair game.\n
As I was recuperating from this surgery, some things became apparent to me. The last time I had surgery was in 1999 when I had my sinuses done. Not a pleasant surgery with nasal splints and sleeping sitting up in a recliner. But still, I was 46. It was a relative walk in the park. As we…ummmm, “ripen”…we don’t bounce back quite as fast as we used to. Anesthesia and 3-4 Vicodin over a 24 hour period and I was toast. The pain was well-controlled, but I just hate the feeling narcotics gives me so I switched to Tylenol. Everything was going along pretty well, except I was really tired. Then, Monday night the pain hit. A burning, stabbing pain deep in the area where the tumor was removed kept me awake all night. I finally drifted off around 5:00am and slept a couple of hours.
\nAs I lay there awake, I read the Bible, did my devotionals, caught up with everyone on Facebook, chatted with my son-in-law’s mom in the middle of the night, and Googled “pain after excisional biopsy of the breast”. It seems to be pretty normal to get to the fourth or fifth day and start feeling some pretty significant twinges in the surgical area. For one thing, all the numbing and anesthesia is completely gone. Things are starting to knit back together and that means some nerve pain as you heal. The area where my tumor was is directly behind the nipple and that is some pretty tender territory. Remember nursing? That little baby latching on with jaws of steel could send you through the roof. Imagine getting sliced and diced in that general area and no sweet baby to distract you.
\nI gave up trying to sleep and headed to town with Mr. FixIt for several errands. When we were finished, we went to the farm so he could finish mowing. I spoke with my uncle on Monday and he and my aunt (his and my mom’s sister) are coming Thursday for an overnight visit. I needed to get the house in tip top shape for company so I spent the afternoon fixing up the three beds with fresh sheets, airing out the house, and sweeping up a winter’s worth of dead Asian Lady Bugs in the upstairs bedrooms. I washed bedding and fluffed and primped everything to perfection. I’m really looking forward to them coming and staying the night. It’s my first family company since I took over the caretaking duties at the farm. This is the aunt who lived at the farm for years and it is her first visit back since she went to live with her brother. I want her to enjoy it and feel pampered.
\nI’ll make them some yummy treats for Thursday. His favorite is yellow cake with penuche frosting. Hers is butterscotch pie. I’m so excited to see them! We’ll drive up the new road behind the farm that goes out to the compressor station they are building. That might be bittersweet for them. I know it is for me.
\nAnd now, the news we have all been waiting for. I received my biopsy report yesterday. The tumor was indeed a fibroadenoma. It is the most common benign breast mass. Benign = NOT CANCER! The other day I was talking about when I was prayed over and anointed. And it turns out to be benign. I want to point out something. Yes, God can still heal. He can perform miracles. AND…there are plenty of wonderful, GOOD Christians who pray faithfully and they still get cancer. Cancer doesn’t play favorites. It doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, black or white or any other color of the rainbow. It doesn’t care if you’re a Christian or a Jew or a Muslim or an atheist. It doesn’t care. Something triggers cells to multiply abnormally. It’s as simple as that. My faith tells me God can answer prayers. And sometimes…unfortunately…the answer is no and a bad diagnosis comes. It is one of the horrible thieves that rob us of life and health. I am very grateful that my (and your) prayers were answered in a positive way. Thank you so much for caring. Now I don’t have to worry about that anymore. Just rest and heal and head to Colorado in a week!!! ❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-06-27T01:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/06/27/its-popsicle-time.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/06/21/flying-my-kite.html", "title": "Flying My Kite", "content_html": "
![\"Flying](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ff97c180d0.jpg\")
“God is the tail of my kite…He anchors me.”
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”\nHebrews 11:1 KJV\nWhen I was a little girl, my daddy always brought me a paper kite at the beginning of summer vacation. It was in a long, narrow plastic sleeve. You got two flat sticks, one long...one shorter...with slots cut in each end. You got a sheet of thin paper and some string. You fastened the two sticks in a cross shape first. Then you stretched your string around from end to end of the sticks, making a kite-shaped frame. You laid the frame on the paper and folded the edges over the string and glued them closed. Once the glue was dried, you attached string loosely from top to bottom and from side to side so you had something to attach the kite to the kite string with. The last thing you did was affix a tail. They didn’t give you this. You usually used some scrap material you had handy. You tore the material into two or three long strips about an inch wide. You cut one or two of the long strips into shorter pieces...maybe 4-5” long. These you tied every 6 inches or so down the long strip. Then you attached that long strip to the bottom of your kite and it became the tail.\n
Have you ever tried to fly a kite without a tail? You can’t. The wind picks it up then it goes around and around in frantic circles until it crashes down to the ground. My dad taught me you had to have an anchor so your kite would fly high and true.
\nLife is like that, isn’t it? You need something to anchor you in life or you just go around and around in circles. I spent a lot of my life unanchored. I crashed and crashed and crashed…over and over. I have heard it said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.” If this is true, how many of us are “insane”?
\nThe secret to flying a kite successfully is letting go. You send the kite up in the air till the wind catches it, then you hold on to this little, tiny string. Not too tight…not too loose. You let the string out as the wind lifts the kite higher and higher. The anchor kept the kite upright and steady.
\nIn my life, I found the only logical thing to do was to make God my anchor. It was He who was the most reliable. He wasn’t going anywhere. I had to participate. I had to hold the string and keep a watch on it as best I could. I had to do what I could to steer it from hazards like trees and electrical wires. I had to learn when to let it out, and when to reel it back. But, I had to let go of the tail. I had to let God do His thing so I could fly high and strong.
\nToday, I am having surgery. It’s not big deal, really. It’s called a “wire-guided excisional biopsy of the right breast”. This lump will be removed and sent to the lab where it will be prepared and observed under a microscope. The pathologist will review the slides and a diagnosis will be given. I am firmly convinced it is benign and we are just exercising an abundance of caution. That being said, no surgery is without risks and I will be getting general anesthesia. I’m not worried though. Because…I understand the risks, I have confidence in my doctors, and I have a really strong tail on my kite. God has this. If it’s good news…awesome. I’m done with it and can get on with my life. If it’s bad news, then God will use whatever comes my way to teach me, mold me, humble me, and remind me to come to Him when things are hard. It really is that simple.
\nI know this because I have faith. ❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-06-21T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/06/21/flying-my-kite.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/06/19/knee-deep-in-june-my.html", "title": "Knee Deep in June, My Favorite Summer Things...", "content_html": "
![\"Watermelon\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a171132158.jpg\")
“My all time favorite summer thing…watermelon!”
“The LORD is responsible for this, and it is amazing for us to see. This is the day the LORD has made. Let’s rejoice and be glad today!”\nPsalms 118:23-24 GW\n#1. Watermelon! OMGosh! When I was pregnant with Daughter #2, I craved watermelon....in January. It’s hard to find good watermelon in the winter but when I did...it was heavenly. I keep looking for the sweetest, juiciest watermelon every year and I have to say, I only get it about two or three times all season. So much of the food I love doesn’t taste like it used to. Partially due to aging taste buds. But I think all this genetic engineering and hybrids have ruined the flavor of so many foods.\n
#2. Hard rains in the late afternoon leaving the evenings cool and breezy. The added bonus of fog clinging to the hillsides is divine. This was Sunday evening. A perfect ending to Father’s Day…playing in the field with Mr. FixIt’s son and one of his grandchildren.
\n#3. Camping. I really love being able to just pull up stakes and head for the hills. I’m hoping to get my little ‘67 Franklin fixed up by next summer so those quick getaways are easier.
\n#4. Visiting my Colorado family. I miss the kids so much. The bigs and the littles. And my brother and friends. It’s hard to be away from them. I’ve never gone this long without seeing them that I can remember. I’ll head west on the Fourth of July!
\n#5. Floating in the pool. I’ve never had a pool. I’ve had a couple of hot tubs, but that’s totally different. Mr. FixIt has a pool and on days when the heat index has been particularly high, going out there with a cold beverage just after the sun goes over the far ridge is truly divine. We stay out till dark, floating and talking and solving the world’s problems. I will miss this when the snow flies. (The water was 89 degrees. It felt like a bathtub, but it was wet!)
\n#6. Sitting on the front porch. Mr. FixIt bought me a rocking chair for my birthday. We went back and got a second one so we can set up the front porch now. The porch is covered and there’s nothing like sitting out on a porch while it’s raining in the summertime.
\n#7. Cookouts. We have only had a couple of cookouts this summer and I am hoping to have more soon. We both love to entertain.
\n#8. Sleeping with the window open. I sleep with the window open year round, even if it’s just cracked a little bit. I need the air. I love hearing the night sounds…crickets, frogs, the whippoorwill, the occasional fox barking or deer snorting.
\n#9. The lush, lush green of summer foliage. West Virginia looks like a jungle about now. My grandma used to say every summer at this time…”We are knee deep in June!” And we are. The garden, the flowers, the shade trees, the thick grass…all heavenly to me.
\n#10. Sun-dried sheets. If you have never had the joy of sleeping on sun-dried sheets, you are honestly missing one of the best things about summer. Nothing smells as good as sheets that have dried in the wind. The summer sun seems to kill any latent bacteria that may be lingering in the fibers and bleaches white sheets till they shine.
\nThe earth holds you close this time of year. The heat, the humidity, the lush green, the smell of freshly cut grass and hay fields, the sweet smell of honeysuckle on a cool evening breeze, the crisp sweetness of summer’s freshest fruit, the feel of clean sheets on dewy skin, the kiss of sun on your face, the splash of freckles across your nose, the wind in your hair driving with the window open, the shock of walking from sweltering heat into air conditioning, the taste of a cold beverage after mowing, the feel of the ground on your bare feet, the sense of adventure when you travel, the crackle of a campfire, the hoot of an owl in the woods nearby. Grief takes all these things away from you. And…one by one…they ease back into your life with an intensity you never noticed before. You never take them for granted again once they return. Summer is truly deep and rich and good. ❤️
\n![\"Fog](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8422d911bd.jpg\")
“I love how the fog clings to the hills after a hard rain cools us down.”
\n
\n", "date_published": "2018-06-19T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/06/19/knee-deep-in-june-my.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/06/16/world-wide-knit-in-public.html", "title": "World Wide Knit in Public Day", "content_html": "
![\"Knit](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8e1cc77837.jpg\")
It’s World Wide Knit in Public Day!”
“It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.”\nPsalm 74:17 NIV\nWow...there’s a day for everything, isn’t there? I’m going to take my knitting with me and knit in the historic hotel lounge where we meet once a month. Maybe I’ll get my friends interested in knitting!\n
I was sitting on the front porch knitting yesterday when I heard a loud noise in the driveway. A flat, wet sound I was unfamiliar with. I looked over and Kitty Boy seemed to be really interested in something there. I went over to inspect his find and here was this tree frog. I’m not at all sure if this was what we call a “peeper”, because he sounded more like he was making objectionable gassy sounds to me. Anyway, I chased off the kitty and scooted that fat boy up into the woods where he belonged. Hopefully Kitty Boy will forget where he left him.
\nThere is so much work that needs to be done at the farm this summer. Mr. FixIt mowed the back half of the yard for me yesterday morning before he headed home. I stayed and cleaned and did laundry and knitted and saved frogs. I should go out and clear brush and trim prickly vines, but that didn’t sound at all appealing to me so I took a nap instead.
\nI bought my ticket for Colorado yesterday, as well. You’ll be traveling with me again soon! The price of gas is outrageous so I decided to fly this year. I’ve been shopping for a good deal and I was getting kind of worried that it was getting too close to the trip to find one. But, lo and behold, I went on Kayak and found a fare on Frontier for $204!!! Of course, that’s without luggage or seat selection. I did buy the trip insurance, which I always do. That brought it up to $223. It would cost $90 to choose my seat. It’s a non stop flight. I don’t need to choose a seat…I’ll sit anywhere. As far as luggage goes, for the amount of money they charge to take bags, I’ll just go to Walmart and buy some shorts and shirts and leave them there. All I need to carry is my medicine, my wallet, and my knitting. Light weight travel. I’ve never done this. It ought to be interesting! I’ll let you know how it works. ❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-06-16T01:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/06/16/world-wide-knit-in-public.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/06/01/hello-june.html", "title": "Hello, June!!!", "content_html": "
![\"Hello,](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3f866b1ba4.jpg\")
“Hello, June!!!”
Seriously, how does time go so fast?
\nAnd, so…S-L-O-W!
\nLet me explain. Today…I start Medicare! What??? I didn’t think it would EVER get here. And, at the same time, I learned to drive, like…yesterday, right? All week I’ve been in awe of this moment. This is such a monumental event. Ok, getting married is a monumental event. Having a baby is a monumental event. Changing insurance plans isn’t really that big of a deal. But it is, you know?
\nSometimes ideas have to stew around in my head for a few days before I can articulate them. I just have to sit tight and feel the feelings till the thought bubbles up like a spring coming up from deep within the earth. This idea of going on Medicare…turning sixty-five…is an accomplishment. One not everyone gets to enjoy. Mr. Virgo died at sixty-two. He didn’t get Medicare. He didn’t get to retire. I’ve lived three years longer than he did. There was a time when I didn’t believe I would live this long. And, here I am.
\nI get to go on Medicare. I get to go to Florida in a couple of weeks. I get to see my Colorado family in July. I get to have some medical procedures in the next few weeks that some people can’t afford. I get to spend my time with a really sweet, kind, caring man who loves me more than anything…and I get to love him right back. I’ve gained more family members through Mr. FixIt. I get to live in West Virginia. I am truly, truly blessed. I know this.
\nYesterday was spent cleaning and shampooing the carpets in the basement. A perfect day for working down there since it was so hot and humid out. We had a brief downpour that did nothing but make the air hot and sticky. After we were finished with our chores, we went out in the pool and cleaned some more (pools are high maintenance) and only came in when we heard some thunder. That storm missed us.
\nA good day working and playing. Yet, I still can’t get over it. Medicare.
\nHow did this happen? ❤️
\n“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”\n2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-06-01T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/06/01/hello-june.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Aging","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/31/the-power-of-words.html", "title": "The Power of Words", "content_html": "
![\"Shhhhhhhh\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/286bc98eb3.jpg\")
“Shhhhhh…..”
Events of the last couple of years, and certainly the last week, have demonstrated the absolute destructive power of the spoken word. Caution…I am NOT discussing politics here nor specific individuals or what has been said. What I’m talking about is society’s shift toward having no filter whatsoever. My elderly aunt once said something to me that was downright mean-spirited. When she was done, I just looked at her calmly and said, “You know, that was very mean.” She said, “Yeah, well…it popped into my head so I figured I might as well say it!” Ok…she’s 84 with declining mental faculties. I can forgive that. But some of the things I hear these days makes me want to hold my hands over my ears and go screaming into the night.
\nYesterday, one of the news channels out of Denver that I still follow was airing a live video feed of a cow elk in labor and attempting to give birth. It was pretty boring, actually. I mean…how long can to sit and stare at a cow elk laying down, standing up, laying down, standing up, pushing, laying down…you get the picture. There was no “happy ending” coming anytime soon and there had already been sixteen hours of this. I soon bored of watching the elk who was desperately trying to become a mama and started reading the comments people were making.
\nI was appalled. What started out innocently enough, ie “Oh, no! Is the mama cow in trouble? This has been going on a long time!” to “You stupid ******* idiot, it’s an elk, not a cow!” to “Veal comes from a boy calf who gets ripped from his mama and kept in the dark and fed only milk.” to “YOU’RE the ******* cow, *****!” Holy cats! It took five minutes to go south. People seem to be of the opinion, like my elderly, slightly dotty aunt, that if it pops in your head, you might as well say it.
\nPeople who have seen great commercial success have seen their empires crumble for saying abhorrent things. Men have lost their careers and everything they have built because of things they said. I am NOT standing up for those men who are truly deserving of retribution and I totally think you need to be held accountable for the things that come out of your mouth. But, you have to ask yourself, what would keep a disgruntled employee or associate from claiming such abuse when the accused is actually innocent. You know it happens.
\nWhen is it ok to be a racist? The answer is…never. When is it ok to be anti Semitic? The answer is…never. When is it ok to be homophobic and denigrate someone on social media for their sexual preference? The answer is…never. Liberals, conservatives, gay, straight, black, white, and every shade in between…we’re all the same inside. We all bleed red and breathe oxygen. The thing is…I don’t think of it as being “politically correct.” I think of it as being a decent human being with good character. God tells us in the Bible that the tongue has incredible power. We can bring blessings or curses…life or death…light or darkness. All with a muscle the size of a small banana.
\nSuch power words have. Lifelong scars can happen in an instant. Broken promises. Little white lies. Great big lies. Gossip. Slander. Such damage that can be done without thinking. We see it over and over. You’d think they’d learn, wouldn’t you?
\nProverb 10:19 says…”Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 15:4 says “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Matthew 15:11 says…”What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” The Bible warns over and over and over to hold your tongue. Watch your words. I am as guilty as anyone for speaking before thinking…far too many times. But age and maturity and God’s grace is going far toward helping me keep a rein in on my tongue. And what I miss, God forgives me when I am truly repentant. I hope the next generation learns this. I hope they learn the delicate art of speaking gently. ❤
\n“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”\nEphesians 4:29 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-05-31T01:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/31/the-power-of-words.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Anger","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/23/winding-down.html", "title": "Winding Down", "content_html": "
![\"Hand](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/374fcd48a9.jpg\")
“Knitting projects”
I always hate the end of a trip. The goodbyes. The packing up and cleaning and laundry. The pulling away from a really great camping spot. No more owls overhead. No more gals sitting around a table full of food. No more all day knitting sessions. No more leisurely naps in the afternoon. sigh
\nMr. FixIt left yesterday morning. We’ve had boatloads of rain so he needed to get back and check the basement. Also, I’m sure sitting around all day while the girls knit wasn’t high on his to do list. He was a great sport though. He went fishing one night, hiking one day, and exploring the area another day.
\nToday, I head home. Another Girl Camper trip is in the books. I wonder where I’ll head next on this Grand Adventure? ❤️
\n“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”\nPsalm 37:23-24 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-05-23T01:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/23/winding-down.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","Peace","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/21/campfire-and-conversation.html", "title": "Campfire and Conversation", "content_html": "
![\"Woodpecker](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/66ea230d11.jpg\")
“A pileated woodpecker has decimated this tall pine tree at the edge of the campground.”
This trip has been such a blessing to me. Laughter is the best medicine and there has been so much joy shared between us as we sit and work with our hands. We have shared stories and learned more about each other. We have loved on our furry friends, including a little stray black cat who showed up Friday night. We think someone must have dumped him along the road because he is so friendly. He’s the camp cat for now and will more than likely go home with the camphost as her husband has taken a shine to him.
\n![\"Alpaca](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e290c18b2b.jpg\")
“The hat I knitted from the yarn Gail spun from Alpaca and wool.”
I’ve become very close friends with our camphost, Gail. She is a woman of strong faith. She reminds me of the woman in Proverbs 31. She’s the kind of woman you want to learn from and emulate. She is kind, courageous, fair, fun, and family oriented. And talented? OMGosh! She can do anything. I just love her to the moon and back. Her husband took Mr. FixIt fishing last night and he had a blast. They only caught one fish between them, but they had good fellowship and got to know each other better.
\n![\"Girl](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a6b41c1c3b.jpg\")
“Mr. FixIt enjoys his morning coffee in one of the Girl Camper mugs.”
This is one of the things I love about Mr. FixIt. He has friends outside of our relationship. I loved Mr. Virgo…you know that. And, he had no real friendships other than me. He had friends he worked with, but he never did anything without me. I was telling the girls around the campfire the other night…I never would have been a Girl Camper or a Sister on the Fly if Mr. Virgo were still living. It’s just not something I would have done…even though it was something I would have enjoyed. This is the difference in the woman I have become since losing him. I am far more independent. And, I am more assertive…something Mr. FixIt deeply appreciates in me.
\n![\"Three](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1bd8e4696e.jpg\")
“Campfire and Corgis”
Loss changed me. It was terribly difficult. It tore me apart and dropped me in pieces on the ground. When it came time to rebuild, I put myself back together in a way that suited this new life…this new me. I love this me that I am today. While I hate what happened to get me here, I am grateful for this new life and all the new people that have been brought into it.
\nYes, this trip is just what the doctor ordered. Food, fun, and frolic…Girl Camper style! ❤️
\n“A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!” Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of- GOD. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!”\nProverbs 31:10-31 MSG
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-05-21T01:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/21/campfire-and-conversation.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/17/campfirenatures-therapist.html", "title": "Campfire...Nature’s Therapist", "content_html": "
![\"Campfire](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/26d1bd7bc2.jpg\")
“A campfire is cheaper than therapy.”
There is something incredibly special about girl camping…be it with an organization like Girl Campers or Sisters on the Fly, or just a group of like-minded gal pals who like to get out in the great outdoors. Sometimes conversations go deep. Sometimes you open up about things you never dreamed you’d talk about. You meet strangers and they become Sisters. You laugh. You cry. You learn. There is always common ground with someone.
\nCamping can be as simple as a pup tent or a minivan or as complex as a big travel trailer or motor home. Meals can be simple throw together salads to an elaborate spread of grand proportions. It can be a fee free gathering of two or three to an epic multi day extravaganza with a hundred or more gathered for “Cowgirl College”. The bottom line is always the same…get away from everyday life and become a girl again.
\nI never camped with my family when I was growing up. The closest was a week in a cabin along the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River in the mountains of West Virginia. I went to church camp in 7th grade. And I camped a handful of times as an adult. But I never learned the joys of girl camping till after Mr. Virgo died. Girl camping saved me. They taught be that he died…I did not. They set examples of how to be self reliant. They taught me new skills. They taught me that, even in my grief, it was ok to laugh.
\nMiss Maizie, the original Sister on the Fly, was still camping in her nineties…a martini in one hand and a cigar in the other. And, while I don’t drink or smoke, I can surely identify with that independent, carefree spirit.
\nI know camping is not for everyone…I certainly don’t rough it. I camp like a girl and sleep on 800 count sheets on a memory foam mattress. I have a bathroom and a shower and a full kitchen. I have a house on wheels. Some would not even call that camping. For me, if there’s the sound of nature at night, if there’s a campfire, and I can sit beneath the stars and laugh with good friends…that’s camping for me. If you’ve never had the opportunity to do this I hope you try it at some point in your life. My heart is happy in my camper. ❤
\n“The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.”\nProverbs 24:5 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-05-17T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/17/campfirenatures-therapist.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","goRVing","Peace","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/16/im-walkin-on-sunshine.html", "title": "I’m Walkin’ on Sunshine", "content_html": "![\"Coffee](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3dde8e3c8d.jpg\")
“Sitting in the morning sun, coffee in hand, Country Living Magazine…birds and roosters entertaining me. It’s a beautiful life!”
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.
\nMowing 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.
\nI 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.
\nWe 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.
\nAs 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/2018/05/05/dream-a-little-dream-of.html", "title": "Dream a Little Dream of Me 2.0", "content_html": "![\"Dream](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a6c5e367cd.jpg\")
“Is this a dream?”In the dream, Mr. FixIt and I were in Florida at a flea market. You know, the kind with the roof but the sides are all open to allow air flow? It was really crowded but no one was looking at each other. We were all busy looking at merchandise. I walked around a small group of women. I was looking down and I saw a pair of familiar men’s shoes. Rockports. With the man in them. I slowly raised my eyes and saw the gray dress pants, the black leather belt, the crisply ironed long sleeved shirt. It was a pale blue. The tie a stylish navy with slight flecks of red. I was so taken by the familiarity of the clothing that it took me a moment to comprehend what was happening. Suddenly, I jerked my eyes upward and there he was! That shock of meticulously groomed silver hair, wire-rimmed glasses. Curiously…he didn’t have a beard. He was clean-shaven when he died. I assumed that must carry over into the afterlife.
\nI sucked my breath in with a start.
\n“It’s YOU!” I said.
\nThen…he spoke to me!
\n“Well…it’s about time, don’t you think?”
\nI heard him and saw him as clear as if he were actually standing in front of me. I walked up to him and he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in close. I laid my head on his chest. I couldn’t hear a heartbeat.
\n“They told me you died.” I whispered.
\n“Oh, baby doll. I just went somewhere else.” He didn’t offer anything else. Suddenly, I remembered Mr. FixIt was with me. I turned to him and he was looking at an item in the booth next to me. I had a momentary feeling of awkwardness. How was I going to introduce Mr. FixIt to Mr. Virgo? I needn’t have worried because soon it became obvious…Mr. FixIt couldn’t see him.
\nI turned back to Mr. Virgo. He was watching this new love of mine. He seemed to be studying him. Finally, he turned to me and smiled the sweetest smile.
\n“You tell him I think he’s doing a great job, will you?” The two men I loved most in the world were just steps apart but a world away from one another with me as the common denominator.
\n“I will,” I promised. “He’ll love knowing you said that.”
\nAnd, with that came the call of the mockingbird in the trumpet vine outside the bedroom window, putting up a ruckus over some interloper getting too near her nest. I woke up.
\nThere was a time in my grief when that would have slayed me. But I woke up feeling so happy that I got to “see” him again. That I got to “hear” him again. That I got to “feel” that big bear hug from this handsome man. Soon…as with all dreams…he began to recede to the back room of my mind. I was tickled to pieces that he got to see Mr. FixIt with me.
\n“Thank you.” I whispered into the early dawn light. “It was good to see you again. Don’t be such a stranger!” ❤
\n“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,”\nHebrews 1:1 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2018-05-05T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/05/dream-a-little-dream-of.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/28/saying-goodbye-to-the-obx.html", "title": "Saying Goodbye to the OBX", "content_html": "![\"Sunset\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1ddbc11a1e.jpg\")
“Sunset over the Sound, OBX”
After watching the twenty day forecast for the Outer Banks, Mr. FixIt and I were fully prepared for a cold, cloudy, wet week at the beach. As it turned out, the weather predictions were almost entirely incorrect. We had one day that rained all day. The first day we arrived, I had to wear my down coat on the beach. One afternoon, we had a really great thunderstorm. And, that was it. We couldn’t have asked for a better week. Yesterday was around 70 degrees. A gentle breeze came off the ocean, but it was still warm enough to sit out in the sun in a bathing suit…knitting! I got a little sunburned in the spots I missed with the sunscreen, but overall, it was perfect.
\nLast night’s sunset was a true gift. I turned to Mr. FixIt and asked, “How can anyone sit and watch this and think there is no God?” It was the best sunset of the week by far…we only had two that were picture worthy. We are driving all the way home today so we can go to church tomorrow. We don’t want to miss it. And, remember last summer when I went to the Revival? Well, Pastor Matthew is having one this week and I’m going so get ready for some fired up posts in the coming days!
\nGet out there this weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather if it’s nice where you are! We only get so many sunsets. ❤
\n“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", "date_published": "2018-04-28T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/28/saying-goodbye-to-the-obx.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/25/rough-waters.html", "title": "Rough Waters", "content_html": "
![\"Stormy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/55764db81b.jpg\")
“Stormy Seas”
I can hear the surf through the open window of the condo. It rained all day yesterday with a pretty strong wind coming in off the ocean which raised the surf to choppy white-capped waves. We didn’t let the steady rain keep us indoors, though. Mr. FixIt cooked a big breakfast and we headed out to explore the many antique shops on the island. I got some really great ideas for decorating the ‘67 Franklin. I hope to get started on it soon, although I am not sure I can get it done for camping this season.
\nThe Outer Banks (OBX for short) is a long string of islands off the coast of North Carolina. We are up north in a little town called Duck. It isn’t very commercial here which is what I love about it. There are small restaurants and little shops. Everything is open already, preparing for the onslaught of the summer crowds. Shops are fully stocked and the staff are fresh and friendly. It’s easy to spend time chatting with a shop owner. I went into a yarn shop yesterday and bought some yarn to knit a couple pairs of socks for Christmas presents. I haven’t done much more than writing for so long…I am longing to be creative and make something with my hands. Although, making the time to do that will be a challenge for me. I am thinking I might be able to knit while we are driving home Saturday.
\nOur trip is half over already…where does the time go??? I’m thinking we’ll go see the wild horses up north today. Maybe visit a lighthouse. I love just kicking back and doing whatever we want, whenever we want. Because, when we get home…there’s work to be done. And LOTS of it! ❤
\n“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”\nPsalm 23:1-6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-04-25T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/25/rough-waters.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Growth","Peace","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/23/press-pause.html", "title": "Press “Pause”", "content_html": "![\"No](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/250b433634.jpg\")
“Love: No Crowds! Hate: Down Coat on the Beach!”
What do I love about being at the beach this time of year? NO crowds! There isn’t a wait at the restaurants. There’s practically no traffic. It’s easy to feel like you live here. The shops are filled with fresh merchandise that’s fun to look through.
\nWhat do I hate about the beach this time of year? Having to wear a down coat to walk on it!
\nIt’s ok, though. I prefer this cool, sunny weather to the oppressive heat of summer. Yesterday was gorgeous! We walked about four or five miles yesterday. I took a nap. Then we went for a long drive. We didn’t have a pretty sunset which was disappointing. The sunsets here are stunning. I’m hoping to catch a sunrise or two while we’re here. The temperature all night is a steady fifty-three degrees. I’ll take that!
\nSometimes you just need to take a break from your surroundings. It can be something big that you plan for ahead of time like a trip away. Or, it can be a drive or a hike or a visit to a museum. BE-ing. Breathing. Taking a break from the ordinary hubbub of life can give you a fresh perspective. Our mind needs a mental break. Our body needs refreshment. Our spirit needs to be recharged. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to accomplish a lot. I hope you will make plans to just BE for a little while…no matter what that looks like for you. Press “pause”.❤️
\n“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””\nExodus 33:14 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-04-23T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/23/press-pause.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/17/faith-or-fear.html", "title": "Faith or Fear?", "content_html": "
![\"Hands\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/967806633e.jpg\")
“Faith or Fear?”
I love my readers. And I love how God uses them to teach me things. “Betty” (not her real name) sent me a message yesterday morning. She found a little typo and wanted to let me know. Everyone knows I’m a stickler for good grammar and I have a few who help me catch things when they slip through. She always signs off with “WALK STRONG.” I wrote back that I was trying, but I have a few things I’m facing in the coming weeks that I could use some extra prayers for. Immediately, “Betty” came back with a valuable reminder.
\nGod is omnipresent…He is everywhere and all powerful. The enemy is not. Our pastor says he is so small, he is under our boot. So he waits. And he listens. He finds weakness and exploits it. When we speak out loud and voice our fear or anger or doubt, he pounces on that and attacks us through our thoughts. So, we have to be careful about the words we confess…over ourselves, our circumstances, each other. “Betty” reminded me in order to defeat the enemy, we have to beat him at his own game and confess positive, Victory, light…all of which are God’s characteristics. She went on to say you have lay your burdens down at the foot of the cross and walk away. Ohhhhh…that is not an easy thing to do!
\n“Betty” says…you can have Faith, or you can have fear. You can’t have both…you have to choose. I took that into my situation yesterday. I drove to town professing light, strength, courage, Victory. I laid everything down and walked away and was filled with an incredible sense of peace. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” John 10:10 When you open yourself by confessing fears, you open the door and let the enemy in. “WALK STRONG!” I love that!
\nDivine appointments. God makes appointments with us every day. He sends the Holy Spirit to counsel us. In this case, He sent “Betty” with word of a typo that turned into a valuable lesson of Faith for me. It literally changed my day. It doesn’t work if you don’t listen. And it doesn’t work if you don’t obey. This life gig is pretty cool if you think about it. We have this incredible supernatural Father that loves us, craves interaction with us, sends a Spirit to coach us and teach us and, dare I say, scold us when we need it. And all we have to do is trust, and believe, and listen, and follow directions. Amazing!
\nWho is your “Betty” today? ❤
\n“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”\nJohn 10:10 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-04-17T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/17/faith-or-fear.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Fear","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/07/coveting-spring.html", "title": "Coveting Spring", "content_html": "
![\"Daffodils](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b7842f4f70.jpg\")
“Daffodils by the Cistern”
I set to work yesterday, determined to finish the taxes. I sorted through every bag of papers I brought to the farm with me, only to come up two papers short. By the time I discovered this, it was mid-afternoon so I texted Mr. FixIt. He was due to arrive in a few hours.
\n“Change of plans.” I texted. “I’m coming home.”
\nHe is a patient and flexible man, thank goodness.
\n![\"Quince\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/87f6b19ba0.jpg\")
“Quince on the Creek Bank”
I did a quick walkabout and caught some pictures of the flowers at the farm before I packed up the important stuff and headed to The Ponderosa. As I drove through the countryside, I marveled at the earth waking up all around me. I came around a bend and the pasture near an old, broken down farmhouse was dotted with daffodils. Great splashes of yellow spread out before me and I smiled. Someone…long ago…planted all these little bulbs in this field. I knew. There was once a woman who coveted spring as much as me. I could imagine her living in what may have seemed a hovel…or perhaps, a castle to her. She worked hard to keep her family fed and her farm in order. Maybe she bought a bag of little daffodil bulbs at the feed store with her egg money…an impulse purchase meant to bring joy in the springs to come. And, long after she was dead and gone, I swung around that bend in the road and thought of the nameless, faceless woman with a love for all things fresh and new.
\n![\"Daffodils](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1b28dda815.jpg\")
“Grandma’s Daffodils “
I whispered my thanks to her and drove on. ❤
\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! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”\nLuke 12:27-31 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-04-07T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/07/coveting-spring.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/01/he-is-risen.html", "title": "He is Risen!", "content_html": "
![\"Resurrection](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6956ca1ad9.jpg\")
“He is Risen!”
May you Rejoice and have a Blessed Easter. What was once nothing more than a Hallmark holiday for me has become a day of Rejoicing in the Risen Christ. Mr. FixIt and I went to church last night. They offered two services yesterday and two today. We felt Saturday would be less crowded. Wow…were we wrong! There wasn’t a seat in the place at the 5:00 service. The Worship Team outdid themselves and Pastor Justin gave an amazing message about just exactly WHO Jesus really is. It was wonderful!
\nIf you are a practicing Jew, this is the Passover season. I hope you enjoyed your Seders with friends and family and that your brisket was tender! I was a practicing Jew for 27 years. I organized the Seders for our small town. In 1986, we had 10 people. By the time I quit organizing them ten years later, 75 people attended. I had to finally give it over to a committee because it became too much. People brought side dishes and helped, but they always wanted me to make my famous Matzo Ball Soup and the Charoset and the Brisket and the Kugel. One year I even made homemade Gefilte Fish. It was a ton of work but there is nothing quite so fulfilling as feeding crowds their favorite holiday dishes.
\nI met my writing deadlines last week. Now it’s time to get those taxes done so it’s back to the farm tonight where I can spread out my papers without distraction. I’ve made continued progress on copying content over to the website. I wish I would have listened to my gut instincts four years ago and built the website then so I wouldn’t have this backlog. But, hindsight is 20/20. It will be great when everything is on the web page because you’ll be able to look back at the early posts more easily. When new widows come on board, they may not find posts they can relate to in my current writing. So I want them to have easy access to relatable topics.
\nIt’s April…can you believe that??? My Pop-Pop was born 119 years ago. He died when he was 72. I had just graduated from high school and it was my first experience with death. My Grandma was so strong. She lost a son 15 years before in a plane crash. I miss them so much. Their farm offers me solace and it’s such a peaceful place to write.
\nEnjoy this beautiful spring day! ❤️
\n“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”\nLuke 24:2-3 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-04-01T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/01/he-is-risen.html", "tags": ["Faith","Prayer","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/21/my-source-of-peace.html", "title": "My Source of Peace", "content_html": "![\"Source](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/301b2b3248.jpg\")
“The Lord is my refuge, my source of Peace.”
I worked again yesterday copying my posts from the Marshmallow Ranch Facebook page over to www.marshmallowranch.com. I feel this sense of urgency to get that finished, especially with the negative press FB has been receiving of late. In the past, diving back into my early writings took me to dark places I really had no business visiting very often. I remember during the first year after becoming a widow, I took TOW-Wanda to southwest Colorado and parked her on my dear friend Sue’s ten acres overlooking Mesa Verde. Sue is my yogi earth mother friend who holds me in her heart from long distances in space and time. We just have this beautiful connection. I remember sitting with her, quietly having tea and watching the abundance of birds at the numerous feeders on her veranda. I was avoiding writing because it was too painful.
\n“You must write now…simply BECAUSE it is painful. If you wait too long, you will lose your voice. The angst will be healed and we will miss feeling your heart in your words.”
\nAs I’m copying my early work, I can see what she means. I read the emotions in every word. The ups. The downs. The mask of happiness. The mask of relationships. The mask of strength. Inside I was screaming down the hallways of my 3:00 mind, jiggling doorknobs…desperate to get out of that hell I found myself in.
\nFive years out, I see that pain differently. I see the place when I started finding my refuge in God. When I truly learned to seek His face…His peace. I remember clearly the day I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “You must tell them where you find your peace.” I remember clearly arguing with Him and saying, “Oh, no…I really don’t!” And…as in most arguments I have with God…He won.
\nI try to walk my faith out in my writing without beating people over the head with it. My grandma always said you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. I cannot change anyone’s views on faith. I don’t even try. I just tell you how I feel. I tell you what has worked for me. I tell you where I find my peace. I lay it all down here. Pick it up. Don’t pick it up. That’s not for me to decide. I know there are people who grieve without faith. I will never criticize another’s walk. I have enough trouble walking my own path. Personally, I cannot imagine doing this without God. He has brought me great comfort and peace. He is my refuge. But I love you and embrace you no matter what your grief walk looks like. I just pray my words help you in some way.
\nGrief is like wearing a pair of stiff leather shoes without socks…maybe with some gravel in them. Every step hurts worse than the last. You get blisters that break open and bleed. There are times you can barely walk for the pain. At some point, you think to shake the gravel out…like when I stopped looking at pictures of my dead husband in his casket. There…that’s a little easier. Then in time, you think maybe bandaids will fix everything and take the pain away…like when I tried dating WAY too soon only to find the wounds festering when I ripped the bandages off. Finally, I thought to ask God to take over and He led me to a cool spring and gave me a thick pair of comfortable wool socks to put on. Ahhhhh…..MUCH better. Finally, there comes a time when the leather has conformed, molding and cradling to your feet and carrying you step by step through your life. These worn-in shoes will never fall off…will never wear out. They’ll be there forever, reminding you of how awful they were when you first put them on. And one day, you will look down and smile because they’ll remind you…not so much of the pain, but of the love you walked with before you got them.
\nThey become love shoes. ❤️
\n““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””\nJohn 16:33 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-03-21T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/21/my-source-of-peace.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/13/calming-the-waters.html", "title": "Calming the Waters", "content_html": "
![\"Calm](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/90d2796b7a.jpg\")
“Psalm 107:29 …the waves of the sea were hushed”
I woke up yesterday after a fitful night. I didn’t close my eyes till 3:30 in the morning…ruminating. That’s what my brain does WAY too often. Good reason this time, though. I awoke and the first thought was…this is the day. It’s here. How do I feel?
\nI felt…ok. Not up, but not down. Just…there.
\nI did my devotional. I read your kind and supportive comments. And I started my day. Mr. FixIt asked if I wanted to go to town with him, but I told him I really just wanted to stay home. A little self care was in order. I spoke with people yesterday I hadn’t talked to in years. People reached out to me. I got a ton of virtual hugs. And a bunch of real live ones. It was good.
\nI love how God answers prayers. He stilled the waters of my soul and filled me with peace yesterday. I puttered in the kitchen and made pot roast…one of my go to comfort foods. After dinner, Mr. FixIt and I watched The Voice…one of my go to comfort activities. I ended the day with a phone call with my sister-in-law, Robyn…one of my go to, all-time favorite people. It was a peaceful day.
\nThe other day, I was reviewing my social media accounts. I just don’t reach people other than word of mouth. The word “grief” is not in the name of my blog and while grief is not my only topic, it is still a big part of what goes on here…at least in the archives and when the waves come. When I created my Twitter account, Marshmallow Ranch had too many letters to go in the name so I abbreviated it making it even harder to find. I sat back and thought about it a while and suddenly a name popped in my head. “The Grief Maven”. Maven is Yiddish for expert and while not all people know the origins, enough people have an understanding of the urban definition, however tangentially. I created a Twitter account…@griefmaven…and started just putting out some memes I created with stuff I share about grief here. In one week I’ve had more activity than all the five years of the other account. A lesson learned in social media marketing.
\nI posted a tweet yesterday about it being the five year angelversary and within an hour I met two other widows who lost their husbands within a couple of weeks on either side of me. I love that. People I never would have had the opportunity to meet come together because of this blog. God stuff…very cool.
\nSo, I ended my day in a good space. The waters were stilled and I’m ready to see what good things come next. ❤
\n“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”\nPsalm 107:29 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-03-13T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/13/calming-the-waters.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/08/surprises.html", "title": "Surprises", "content_html": "![\"Two](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9fd97c29b7.jpg\")
“Old friends”
I love the way my life has begun to set into a rhythm. Not predictable, exactly. But life…you know, cooking, cleaning, caring, sharing. It’s a sweet life. Mr. FixIt has been going to Physical Therapy three times a week since the beginning of the year and I don’t usually tag along. I stay at home and snuggle up on the couch with my lap desk and my iPad and I write. I try to imagine a life without writing every day and I simply can’t. What did I DO with all that time before I started writing? Besides working. And making jewelry in my art studio. And being a wife to Mr. Virgo. When he died, I filled in the void with words. I polished and tweaked my craft till it became an integral part of my DNA. It’s like breathing and eating. It’s something I do.
\n![\"Spring](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e1a4a27853.jpg\")
“Spring Snow”
Mr. FixIt was well aware of my fixation with the written word when we started dating. He is supportive and empathetic and helps keep me centered. It wasn’t long after he left yesterday that the skies opened and a beautiful snowfall began. When I took the Christmas tree down the last day of February, I situated a sofa in front of the big picture windows in the family room so I can look out at the hillside across the road as I write. I watch the birds flit in and out of the forsythia bush at the corner of the house. I see the neighbors coming and going. The snowfall was beautiful and even though I am WAY over winter…I’m learning to stay present and enjoy the moments.
\nAlong in the afternoon, I received a message from a friend from Glenwood Springs. Linda and Al were driving from Pennsylvania to Kentucky yesterday and She wanted to “wave” at me as they passed through West Virginia. I pinpointed their route and we met in Parkersburg for a quick visit. Our daughters went to school together. Her daughters and my daughters are both about 16 years apart so we had much in common. It was such a treat to see them!
\n![\"Spring](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cf6d1fc728.jpg\")
“Whiteout”
About a week ago, I received a request to write a guest post for the manufacturers of some RV supplies. They sent me some of their products and asked for pictures of me using them. I didn’t receive the items until last evening and it snowed all day. She wanted the pictures by the end of the day so she could post on their blog for International Women’s Day. Finally, at 4:00 in the afternoon, the sun broke through. Even though it was really cold, I was able to get those pictures with the help of Mr. FixIt. I hit send at 5:01! I’ll post a link when the blog goes live.
\n![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/028755be62.jpg\")
“TOW-Wanda and Me”
A day full of surprises. A surprise snowfall. A surprise that I didn’t mind it. A surprise visit from old friends. And a surprise splash of sun in the late afternoon. It was a really good day! ❤
\n“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.”\nProverbs 27:19 NLT
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-03-08T02:30:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/08/surprises.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/04/endings-and-beginnings.html", "title": "Endings and Beginnings", "content_html": "
![\"Daffodils](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e46bde4e19.jpg\")
Daffodils
I watched my husband die. It was fast. It seemed relatively painless. Not pain free, but not unbearable. He seemed to take everything in stride with a certain…resignation. Like he knew what was coming, so why fight it? Interestingly…it was like that for me too, looking back on it. I’m sure I was in shock, because every time I ever pictured what would happen if/when he died, it certainly wasn’t with me sitting on a stool in the corner of the room answering medical questions in a flat monotone. I wasn’t beating my chest or screaming or even crying. I don’t remember crying till I saw my kids.
\nAs hard as that was to go through, I cannot…simply cannot imagine what people go through who lose their loved one to a terrible, slow, painful death like cancer or COPD or Alzheimer’s. My cousin’s wife came over Friday after making arrangements for her mother’s funeral. Her mom had esophageal cancer. We sat together and I listened to her tell me about the last six months. The long nights. The conflicting medical information. The radiation and chemo. When she got to the night of her mother’s death, I was in such awe of her strength and courage. What she went through for her mom was heroic in my book. What I loved most was when her mom motioned to her, as if she needed to tell her something. When she bent down to listen, her mother kissed her on the cheek and took her last breath. My mother died alone in an ICU because I couldn’t get to her in time. She got a kiss on the cheek! I loved that for her because she will never, ever forget that loving gesture.
\n![\"Crocus\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/149cf13a2d.jpg\")
Crocus
Real death isn’t like the movies. Sometimes it’s that peaceful scene where the family gathers around and tells their loved one how important they were in their lives and how much they loved them. Sometimes there’s soft music and candlelight and kisses on cheeks. And sometimes they stop CPR after three hours and tell you they’re sorry. Is one way “better” than the other? Is there such a thing as a “good death”. I think there is, but it’s not always possible because death isn’t predictable. It isn’t a script.
\n![\"Crocus](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1472409e31.jpg\")
Crocus in the Spring
Someone I love very much is dying. Not actively as in it’s imminent. But it’s coming. Everyone knows it’s coming. I love him and his entire family. For the last five years I have written a daily essay, much of it about grief. And when I talk with his wife, I feel woefully inadequate. I haven’t gone through that kind of death. I haven’t had to know it was coming for three years and fight the good fight and be strong and courageous and lose anyway. What do I say to her? How can I best serve her? I had no idea…so I asked. I told her how sorry I was that it was coming to this. I told her how much I love them both. I told her I knew she must be scared. And, I told her I was at a loss as to how best to help her. Then I asked her to tell me exactly what would help her the most right now. She said to pray. Pray for strength and courage for her. That I can do…in spades.
\n![\"Daffodils](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c0439e8175.jpg\")
Daffodils in the Ditch
Grief is something that touches all of us. If it hasn’t touched you yet, it will. Mr. FixIt and I were talking about it yesterday. After losing Mr. Virgo, I’ve gone and done the one thing I SWORE I would never, ever do again. I gave my heart away to love again…with wild abandon…knowing full well what it feels like to lose. That is either absolutely crazy or the absolute evidence that God can carry you through anything. I could lose this man tomorrow. Or next week or next year or thirty years from now. Or…I could be the first to go, who knows? I’m glad we don’t know exactly when we will die. It doesn’t pay to dwell on it…but we can’t deny it either. If there is an upside…and that is truly a stretch to even call it that…it’s having the time to say goodbye, to express everything you wanted to say, to make arrangements, to learn how to do the things your partner did, and to give them the gift of your service in their transition. As Ram Dass, says…”We are all just walking each other home.” ❤️
\n“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”\nHebrews 13:14 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-03-04T02:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/04/endings-and-beginnings.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Positive Energy","Comfort","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/24/ill-pray-for-you.html", "title": "I’ll Pray for You", "content_html": "
![\"I’ll](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/43528a82fb.jpg\")
“I’ll Pray for You”
How many times do we say that? Something happens to someone and we automatically say, “I’ll pray for you!” We hear of a tragedy and we say, “I’ll pray for you!” How many times do we say that…and forget to pray? Or, how about when you’re scrolling through Facebook and someone asks for prayers. We might type “Prayers!” Or “Done!” Or my personal favorite…”???” A furtive “God, please give this woman what she’s asking for.” These are good things, don’t get me wrong. But we can do so much better.
\nI was working one afternoon after Mr. Virgo died and I noticed one of my coworkers was tearful. She was trying to hide it at her desk and I didn’t want to intrude. I got halfway down the hall when the Holy Spirit whispered…
\n“Go to her…now.”
\n“Awwww….c’mon. I’ve got a list of phone calls that would choke a horse! I haven’t even started the pharmacy refills yet. And I need to fax those reports. I’m really busy. Someone will help her. I’ll pray for her tonight when I get home.”
\n“Go to her…NOW!”
\n“Oooooooh…you mean…NOW! Sure!”
\nI turned on my heel and went back to my coworker’s desk. I didn’t say anything. She didn’t look at me, but she knew I was there. Her shoulders slumped and shook with silent sobs. I placed my hand on her shoulder and she immediately leaned into me and cried harder.
\nI whispered. “I don’t know what you’re going through right now…and I don’t need to know. But if you want, I would love to pray with you right now. Would that be ok?”
\nShe whispered back, “Yes! Yes, please!”
\nI closed the door to her office, knelt beside her and took her hand. And prayed. I prayed for God’s love to wrap around my friend and comfort her. I prayed for strength and courage in whatever she was facing. I prayed God would use whatever trial she was walking through to bring her closer to him so she would know there was someone who always loved her, always had her back.
\nIt didn’t take long…just a couple minutes. My friend felt so much better afterwards and my work was still there, waiting for me. I felt better, too. Because, I actually did what I said I would do. By praying with my friend, I did more than placate her to make her feel better. I called on the living God…the Highest Power…to come into the situation and work on it.
\nI once heard of a man in our church that was going through a rough patch. His friend was talking to him on the phone. They were both on the highway but several miles apart. The man asked his friend with the troubles to pull off at the next wide spot. Soon, he caught up and there, along I-70…the man placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder, lifted his other hand to the sky, and prayed. Right there for all to see.
\nI don’t think you should ever miss the opportunity to pray with somebody. Of course, pray FOR them anytime. But pray WITH them whenever you can. It’s good for everyone. ❤
\n“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.””\nMatthew 18:20 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-24T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/24/ill-pray-for-you.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/22/i-think-we-woke-up.html", "title": "“I Think We Woke Up The Children...”", "content_html": "
![\"Protests](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ab450f199d.jpg\")
“Protests…Then and Now”
Those of us who were coming of age in the ‘60s remember the protests of the day. Slogans like “Make Love, Not War” are being replaced with “Arms Are For Hugging”. For the last several years I’ve been wondering…”Where are the hippies?” The adolescents of my generation changed the world. It has been frustrating to see subsequent generations become so complacent with the status quo.
\nI’m not choosing sides here, although I have my own personal opinions and beliefs to be sure. I don’t advocate “taking sides” as much as I have wished for the kids to wake up and care about something. Anything. This is how change and growth occur in a democratic society.
\nI applaud the young people standing up and speaking out. My heart both broke for them for the subject they must address and swelled with pride to see such passion and eloquence in their plea. This is our future. I would much rather see students rally against violence in schools than to see them give up and give in. I think they didn’t realize the strength of numbers. I think they got fed up and fired up and I hope they don’t back down.
\nEdited*: That being said, I have been reminded by a caring reader of the ugly side of the “Make Love, Not War” movement. Our soldiers were subjected to incredible disrespect when they returned from Vietnam and there is absolutely no room for that in the world. Mr. Virgo was in Vietnam and he told me how badly he was treated when he came home. My point here is, I’m glad to see this generation stand for something instead of the disinterested me-first attitudes of so many kids growing up in the generations since the ‘60s. I know that is a generalization. Peaceful, respectful protest with meaningful, informed dialogue can effect lasting change.
\nI’ve been a placard carrier since the first political rally I attended. I have stood alone in a sea of opponents to support my beliefs. I have bucked the system. There came a point when I got tired. Disillusioned. Overwhelmed. We didn’t always get it right but it thrills me to see the children waking up, no matter what their call is. Another day…another dawning of the Age of Aquarius. ✌
\n“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."”\nJoshua 1:9 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-22T02:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/22/i-think-we-woke-up.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/21/a-taste-of-spring.html", "title": "A Taste of Spring", "content_html": "
![\"Burger](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5f6cd6bc8f.jpg\")
“Burger al Fresco”
One of the upsides of Facebook memories is documented progress. One of my readers shared a post yesterday that I wrote a year ago. I was declaring how gorgeous spring is in West Virginia. I observed the earth coming back to life, the shoots of spring bulbs exploding from the moist soil, the greening up of the world. I spoke of all the new babies being born in the fields surrounding the farm. And I talked about budding romances and how I was ready to try again. And here I am…a year later and in a relationship with a wonderful man. He is a constant reminder of how good God is to me.
\nWe awoke yesterday to the most gorgeous of early spring days. I had a dream. I don’t remember my dreams like I used to before Mr. Virgo died. And I seldom dream of him. I dreamt I was supposed to send Mr. Virgo a text every day with a scripture in it. Suddenly, he stopped responding to my texts. I looked everywhere for him. I asked everyone if they had seen him and they just stared blankly back at me. Six months went by and then a year, then three. No word. Then, out of the blue, someone told me he had “moved on”. I felt confused. Did he move on as in, he left me for someone else? When I was fully awake, I realized what “moved on” really meant. I had an instant wave of the creepy crawlies on the backs of my arms, then it went away and I was fine. Grief visits fleetingly sometimes…like a sparrow flitting in the brush just out of view.
\nThe temperature got up over 80 degrees. We had coffee by the pool and then headed to the farm. We cleaned inside and out. Mr. FixIt filled the bird feeders. I changed the spotlight on the three story barn. We stopped at the neighborhood grocer and bought a pound of fresh ground hamburger and sliced longhorn cheese. When we got home, we took the grill from the garage and put it on the deck by the pool and grilled burgers outside. It was sheer heaven to sit out in shorts and enjoy the evening.
\nSome days get burned in your memory to keep for all time. That was yesterday. There were a lot of trees down from the saturated soil and the brisk winds earlier in the day. Baby calves lay in the muddy fields by their mamas. A cardinal sang in the forsythia bush by the side gate. Mr. FixIt took the drone he got for Christmas and went outside to “play” after supper. I heard a tree fall in the woods beyond the field. A rooster crowed in the distance. Neighbors waved as they passed by. My heart felt full and ached with the beauty of it all. Jesus promised he would make all things new one day. Spring is his way of giving us a taste of things to come.
\nI am all too aware of how fragile this life is. It could be gone tomorrow. So I practice my word of the year and stay present. And I thank God for every moment. ❤️
\n“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.””\nRevelation 21:5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-21T02:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/21/a-taste-of-spring.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/19/love-is-an-action-word.html", "title": "Love is an Action Word", "content_html": "
![\"Coffee](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7fd36eb850.jpg\")
\nI’m doing something different today. Usually I write my essay then I go read and find a bible verse that best suits my message of the day. It’s easier that way for me because I look for verses about a certain theme, read and study them, then choose the one that speaks to me. To take a verse and pontificate on it seems a bit foreign after writing for nearly five years the other way. But today…I want to talk to you about Romans 12:6-8 specifically.
\nAs we always do, Mr. FixIt and I stood and held hands as we prayed and sang with the praise team in church yesterday. And, as I always do on the third song, I closed my eyes and prayed. I thanked God for all he has blessed us with. I thanked him for bringing me this fine man to stand with me in church to praise with me. I recited the Prayer of Jabez and asked that he bless me indeed, that he expand my territory, walk with his hand over me, and keep evil far from me that I may not feel pain. Then I asked…”If you have a specific message for me today, please deliver it to me through Pastor Justin.” Amen
\nWe’ve been doing a series entitled “Love Handles”. Not the muffin tops above our jeans from eating too many Oreos, but the action word…LOVE. The love we take out into the world. As Christians, we are called to be different. We aren’t supposed to go out and blend into the world. We should be shining the light of the Holy Spirit out into the world so brightly that people take notice when we walk into a room. Pastor Justin’s first Bible reading yesterday was Romans 12:6-8. It tells us that God, in his infinite grace, has given us all gifts for doing certain things very well…be it prophesy, service, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, or kindness. If you have a talent that comes to you easily and you do it very well, that is your gift. That is what you are here to share.
\nTears came to my eyes when I listened to the verse being read. “If God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.” Prophesy has several meanings but the one I believe was being directed to me was “preach”. As I have grown in my faith and through this blog, I was led by the Holy Spirit to include scripture in my writing. If you were here when that started, you may remember the conversation I had with God in church when I got that message loud and clear and I argued vehemently against it. I did NOT want to “be that person.” I didn’t want to be “preachy” and turn people off.
\nThere have been instances when I see that people have “unliked” this page when I get too “churchy”. But I have to say, the most interaction this page receives is when my post is truly aligned with my heart, and thus…my faith. When I share my truth, my stories, through the lens of faith…they seem to reach through the miles and touch hearts. I’ve been feeling God nudging me to continue in that direction. That doesn’t mean every post here is going to be a sermon, because it isn’t. What it means is, I’m going to be a little less worried about what people think when I talk about God. It’s really easy to talk about God in a room full of believers. It is not nearly so easy to prophesy to those who don’t believe the same way I do. God has given me a gift of words. It is my duty to put them to the best use I can. I hope you will stick around and see where this goes because I think it’s going to get interesting. ❤
\n“So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully.”\nRomans 12:6-8 GNB
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-19T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/19/love-is-an-action-word.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/18/the-mountain.html", "title": "The Mountain", "content_html": "
![\"Sunrise](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5157c752d5.jpg\")
“My Hope is in You Alone” - MercyMe
I was writing last night and listening to a channel on Amazon Music called “Relaxing Christian Music”. MercyMe came on and sang “Even If You Don’t”. It’s about those times when your faith is challenged by the hardships you face in life. It made me think of the losses so many are facing. There are seventeen mothers and fathers preparing to lay their children to rest this week. It is easy to ask questions like, “Where was God during all this?” “How can God let bad things happen to innocent people…especially children?”
\nLife can be really difficult. It can be filled with challenges and unfulfilled dreams. Disappointments. Hurts. Horrors. And…it can be filled with absolutely unmovable mountains.
\nIt’s easier to maintain our faith when the skies are sunny and life is good. When we are knee deep in blessings and goodness rains down on us like a spring shower, we’re good. But…what happens when the darkness comes? How do we maintain our faith when God seems to have abandoned us and is far, far away?
\nGod is capable of all things. I know he can do anything. I’ve seen him do it. When I was a little girl and I sat at my grandma’s knee, I asked her how she knew Jesus was who he said he was. How did she know he really walked on water? She smiled knowingly and patted my hand. “You just have to have faith, pet.” she said in her wise grandma way. It took me most of my life to absorb that…and to believe it.
\nFaith.
\nWhat is faith? The Bible tells us faith is the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The substance of my hope is a loving God who can move mountains. The evidence of things not seen is when he refuses and I still believe in him.
\nSometimes God refuses to move the mountain that is in your way because that mountain is in HIS plan…not yours. My biggest mountain was losing Mr. Virgo. God knew that could shake my faith. So he let me see something. He let me see the essence of my husband’s spirit as it left his body. I was forever changed. Not only by the loss itself, but by the certainty that we go someplace else when we die, we are not alone and there is a power far greater than me at work in the world. That power…to me…is God. I will not understand the whys until I get where I am going…but I know the WHO.
\nThis has been a difficult year so far. There has been so much loss in the world. So many unmovable mountains. When I face these times, I find leaning into God and trusting him is the only way to get through it.
\nHe CAN move mountains. And…sometimes he chooses not to. It is the pure essence of faith when you can still believe in God when you have trouble seeing the evidence of his existence.
\nMy HOPE is in him…even when he doesn’t answer.
\nMercyMe - Even If You Don’t\nhttps://youtu.be/B6fA35Ved-Y
\n“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”\nHebrews 11:1 KJV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-18T02:30:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/18/the-mountain.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/17/airing-out.html", "title": "Airing Out", "content_html": "
![\"Kicking](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0818c1c5b0.jpg\")
Kicking Back by the Pool
We have had a few really warm days here in West Virginia, even though it’s been rainy and grey. I’ve been staying put a lot this year. Last year was crazy busy for me and I traveled a lot. There was also the car accident a year ago. Mr. FixIt had his hand surgery the first week of December and now he’s having pretty intense hand therapy, and I am taking advantage of the down time to just be still. We have some fun things scheduled, but for now, I’m kind of liking this homebody stuff.
\nWe have a lot of meals together and I have found a new joy in cooking. I also enjoy those two or three hours three times a week he’s at PT and I can be alone with my thoughts and my keyboard. It’s been good for me. The other day the temperature got up to the low 70’s. It felt so good to go outside and put my feet up and breathe the clean country air at Mr. FixIt’s place.
\nThere’s water everywhere right now. The ground is saturated and the rain keeps coming. We got a little water in the basement yesterday morning, but nothing like last month. Mr. FixIt built a dam to keep the water out and it would have worked perfectly except the sump pump didn’t turn on like it was supposed to. We’ll do a permanent fix this summer. The Ohio River is supposed to crest on Sunday three feet above flood stage. It’s that time of year. We are likely to still have some snow in the coming two or three weeks, but there is an end in sight now and that makes me breathe easier.
\nI think we will spend some time in the coming week going through some boxes marked “garage sale” and get rid of some stuff. I had a request in the last couple of weeks to revisit the topic of downsizing so we’ll get into that, too. Have a wonderful Saturday, everyone! ❤️
\n“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”\n1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-17T02:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/17/airing-out.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/10/winter-olympics.html", "title": "2018 Winter Olympics", "content_html": "
![\"Olympics\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e8ed60a49a.jpg\")
\nI have always loved the Olympics. The games always capture the imagination of the world. They are often fraught with shades of politics and even North and South Korea leaders are seated beside each other to witness the opening ceremonies. Two hundred forty two athletes are gathered to vie for the gold and bring home the bragging rights of being the best in the world.
\nI’ve always enjoyed figure skating, downhill skiing, ski jumping, the halfpipe. Shaun White is back for his fourth Olympics. I cannot see him without picturing a young seventeen year old redhead holding court in the corner of the ballroom at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen several years ago. I was at the Aspen Sojourner Magazine’s holiday party after Mr. Virgo snuck me in. He was the Food and Beverage Director. Several celebrities were there including Heidi Klum and Seal, Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, and Mariah Carey. Shaun White was obviously reveling in the moment, surrounded by star struck snowboarders. Mr. Virgo walked up and Shaun said, “Dude! You want an autograph?” Mr. Virgo laughed and said, “Dude! I want your beer. You’re under age!” At which point, a contrite young man handed over the bottle. It was actually quite funny.
\nIt seems like I’ve always watched the Olympics every two years…Winter and Summer. The first televised games were in 1960 but we didn’t get our first TV until the following year. My older granddaughter is shooting for the 2020 Summer Olympics in swimming so maybe someday I’ll get to go and cheer her on.
\nThis is a time of competition as well as unity. It is always heartwarming to watch the athletes come in and march in the parade around a packed colosseum, carrying their flags and waving at the crowds. It’s always interesting to hear the backgrounds of the athletes and their countries. I’m looking forward to watching some of the excitement. I pray it all goes well and everyone is safe. ❤
\n“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”\n2 Timothy 2:5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-10T02:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/10/winter-olympics.html", "tags": ["Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/01/the-gift-that-keeps-on.html", "title": "The Gift That Keeps on Giving", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2c573de0af.jpg\")
“The Winter Tree”
I sat in the family room yesterday, working on my laptop. As I was installing my tax software, I looked over and caught the sun gleaming through the branches of the tree that still stands in front of the picture window. Do I still call it a Christmas tree now that it’s February? I don’t know. Maybe I’ll call it a Valentine tree.
\nI contemplated taking it down…for about two minutes. Then I said…”Nah, we love it!” So there it stands. It serves many purposes. It brings a lovely ambient light to the room in the evenings as we sit and enjoy this comfortable space we created. The blue-grey walls take on a deeper, muted tone in the pale white light. The mechanical angel on top continues her slow dance. I have the lights set on a timer to come on at 5:30. This is where I notice another benefit to leaving the tree up. When I first decorated it and set the timer, it had already been dark outside for quite some time when the lights came on. Now it’s still daylight, giving me a visual sign that the days are indeed getting longer and spring will be here before we know it.
\nI do whatever it takes to keep happy in the winter. Having gone through a clinical depression in the ‘90s, I am very careful about my mental hygiene when the days are so short. It is easy to become bored when you are stuck inside too much and it’s not a long walk from boredom to depression. They are one and the same…just different points on a continuum. I heard of a suicide yesterday. It made my heart hurt. With boredom, escape can come in sleep. With depression, escape can tragically become final.
\nWinters are long and dark enough. If leaving my tree up makes me happy, so be it. It very likely will become an Easter tree before I give in and take it down. At least the Christmas carols are gone! I am always glad to put those away. Six weeks of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” is enough to drive anyone batty! ❤️
\n“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”\nPsalm 36:9 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-01T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/01/the-gift-that-keeps-on.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia","Grace","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/31/go-away-mr-snarky.html", "title": "Go Away, Mr. Snarky!", "content_html": "
![\"Lion\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6c594f517d.jpg\")
\nSomething is fundamentally wrong with this world today. Ok…there are so many things, it’s hard to land on one…but today, it’s all about this guy I went to high school with. I love how the Lord gives me SO many opportunities to practice keeping my mouth shut. And I’m doing a whole lot better at it. God knows it isn’t easy for me sometimes.
\nSo, back to this guy. We’ll call him Joe. Ok, that’s his name…Joe. It doesn’t matter if I identify him here…he’ll NEVER see this post. Because Joe is FAR too busy making snarky political comments on other people’s Facebook pages.
\nI became friends with Joe on Facebook in 2009. We were classmates all through school. He was one of the “cool kids”. He was a real cutie back in the day. I hate to admit that even in 2009, I kinda dug it if the “popular” people became my friends on Facebook. That’s sad, isn’t it? There was still some personal growth I obviously needed to work on…and Joe was my opportunity.
\nIn nearly every case, those classmates that I really didn’t know in school have turned out to be sheer delights as friends at this stage of the game. Not Joe. Joe is opinionated, snarky, and oh so bold in his political opinions now that his candidate is in the White House. I usually don’t care. I don’t discuss politics online. I can scroll by annoying posts…I’m an adult. But when I expressed concern at the $23M price tag on the refrigeration’s units for Air Force One, I wasn’t inviting a political discourse. I was questioning how a refrigerator could cost that much. I wanted to learn.
\nSeveral people wrote genuinely kind responses, referring me to websites that explained the intricacies of such a piece of machinery. The two planes that are interchangeable to carry the President (whichever one has POTUS onboard at the time is called Air Force One) were first flown in 1987. Parts must be custom made because they are no longer being manufactured. Plans for new planes began under GW Bush but were postponed. The new planes will not be ready for service until 2023. The new planes will have more modern defenses against missiles and electromagnetic pulse attacks. And, apparently…cold snacks. (Thank you, Gina!) This was the kind of helpful, respectful answer I was looking for. Then, along came Joe.
\nI’ve noticed over the last couple of years, Joe is really opinionated. REALLY. As in, “I have no respect for your opinion if it doesn’t agree with mine.” He dive bombs every conversation with politically charged nastiness. He doesn’t call you names or anything. He just jumps in and stirs the pot. I know. I could have cut him off at the knees a hundred times. But, I’ve been interested in seeing just how far he would take this. The thing is, it’s never quite enough to make me pull the plug. He’s just like an annoying fly at a picnic. I figured I’d just ignore him.
\nThe comment he made wasn’t necessarily offensive, or ugly. However…it just didn’t feel good. It wasn’t nice. It wasn’t supportive, or helpful, or kind, or even polite. I never strike back like with like. I was polite. I asked him not to come to my page and be snarky. I promised I wouldn’t go to his and do the same. It wasn’t enough for Joe. He had to swoop back in with the last word. I can tolerate political differences. I don’t have to suffer a fool.
\nMy dad was well into his eighties when the internet gained traction. He and I never saw eye to eye about much. But I’ll never forget him saying the internet was going to be the downfall of society. We’re watching it happen. People are losing their ability to be kind to one another. They are emboldened behind screens to say things they might not say to your face. And after some time, they lose even that reservation and the ugly comes out everywhere.
\nI’m tired. I want nice again. I saw Tom Hanks is going to play Mr. Rogers in a movie about his life. Maybe that’s what we need…more Mr. Rogers. I miss manners. I miss kindness. I miss my country. I can work with anybody…just, for heaven’s sake, be nice. ❤️
\n“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”\nEphesians 4:31-32 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-31T02:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/31/go-away-mr-snarky.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Presence"] }, { "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\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ed0eeb41f7.jpg\")
Praise
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.
\nBringing 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.
\nI 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\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/2018/01/23/january-walkabout.html", "title": "January Walkabout", "content_html": "
![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6bd3663775.jpg\")
\nAlthough I am at the farm quite often, I only do a real walkabout once every month or two. I check the outbuildings for damage, do a quick inventory of the chores that need doing, watch for trees than need felled before they come down where I don’t want them, and get a feel for the land in every season. That way I am more aware when things look out of the ordinary and I can fix them right away. I’ve noticed the old tool shed has tipped more toward the barn so this summer I’m going to have to get down under the back corner with a hydraulic jack to even it up. The yard is yet again full of mole hills. I need to spread something to kill the cutworms they feed on and that will send them on to greener pastures. I need to get ahead of the poison ivy in the spring. It’s easy to spot the vines when the leaves are off. The vines are “hairy” and often grow up the sides of buildings and other trees.
\n![\"Boy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ac1a025c41.jpg\")
\nYesterday, Boy Cat accompanied me as I meandered about the lower land around the farmhouse. His soft mewing and purring let me know he was glad to see me, even though he rarely comes close to me. I am nothing more than his Food God…”The One Who Opens the Can”. He is very sweet and I’m always grateful nothing has gotten him in the surrounding woods where he hunts. I still mourn for Old Mama Kitty. The sad thing about losing farm cats…there is seldom “closure”. Kitty Boy, the youngster, has grown into a sturdy, sleek, shorthaired version of Boy Cat. He is as aloof as ever and will not be on the porch at the same time as me. He will sit still and look at me if I stand in the kitchen and look out the back door. Nothing I have ever done has won him over…he is truly a wild boy.
\n![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5a09e62708.jpg\")
\nThe hydrangea is heavy with dried flower clusters…some as big as luncheon plates. The tubs that caught rain at the corners of the house got caught in the freeze and unfortunately have burst their seams. I want to get a couple plastic fifty-five gallon drums to catch the rainwater. Here in West Virginia, you can have cisterns to filter and store rainwater for washing, cooking, and drinking if you boil it. In Colorado, it is against the law to catch rain because we do not own that water. It has been sold to drier climates downstream. They are dead serious about it, too. I noticed several honeybees in my bird feeder yesterday. The weather is warming up and they are browsing for something to eat. I’ll look up what to put out for them and do that the next time I’m at the farm.
\n\n
![\"Deadfall](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6712dd6113.jpg\")
\nHopefully the weather will cooperate and we can spend the weekend out there. Mr. Fixit built a dam in the stairwell going to the basement to keep the water from flooding in like it did week before last. We are due for some heavy rains in the next few days and we need to make sure that protects the basement before we leave for any length of time. Ahhh, the downside of country living…there is always something needing built, rebuilt, repaired or torn down.
\n![\"Moss](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8235a9954c.jpg\")
\nOh….and an update on the snowy owl. The rescue folks got his weight up and his wing healed nicely. They took him north to the south shore of Lake Erie over the weekend and released him back into the wild. They posted a slow motion video of him taking flight and heading off into the distance. It was a beautiful thing. He was a magnificent creature and there is every hope he will thrive as they released him in the southernmost region of his winter territory. Several other snowy owls were reported in the region so he should do well.
\n![\"Boy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/69d03517bb.jpg\")
\nThat’s all from West Virginia today. I hope you all are well and maybe enjoying a little “spring-like weather” before the next cold snap. It was in the mid-60’s yesterday. I’ll take that any day of the week over the frigid temps we faced at the first of the year. ❤️
\n“Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.””\nGenesis 13:17 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-23T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/23/january-walkabout.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","The Cats"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/21/when-your-body-speakslisten.html", "title": "When Your Body Speaks...Listen", "content_html": "![\"WV](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cc2963afd0.jpg\")
\nI had a huge day planned yesterday. I was really looking forward to gathering with two different groups of friends. I awoke sometime before dawn and my body just said, “Nope. Not today. Go back to sleep.” In the past, I might have forced myself up and made myself go. Since losing Mr. Virgo, I’ve learned to listen more to my body when it speaks to me.
\nGrief not only causes things like “grief brain” which was illustrated in the article I shared with you the other night. Several health ailments can be attributed to grief and the resultant stress it causes. High levels of cortisol…the “fight or flight” hormone…can cause everything from high blood pressure to heart disease to depression to substance abuse. It also affects your immune system and you tend to get sick easier and things last longer. There isn’t an expiration date on grief either. You may not be actively grieving, but you can still suffer from the repercussions.
\nYesterday it was tummy trouble. Easy enough to fix with rest, fluids and over the counter medications. I have to be extra careful with things like gluten and fats now. I didn’t have to do that before Mr. Virgo died. Another thing that came my way was an autoimmune response to grief and I developed plantar-palmar psoriasis. I doctored that with steroids and every psoriasis cream known to man. I tried folk remedies and old wive’s tales. Nothing touched it till last year when I started using doTerra’s LifePak vitamins and CBD (canabidiol) ointment. It’s pretty well controlled now with occasional applications and I take a small dose of the vitamins every other day or so.
\nNothing is the same after a profound loss. For a long time, I grieved not only for Mr. Virgo…but also for the ME that I lost in the process of grieving. When I finally let go of trying to recreate my life the way it was before, I began to embrace the life I was building. It’s much, much better but the physical things still creep up on me from time to time. I still find them frustrating, even though I am much better at listening to my body now. When it says, “Go back to sleep”…unless I have something that I absolutely HAVE to do…I listen. I texted my friends and told them I was going to have to bow out because I didn’t feel well. They totally understood. There will be other opportunities to get together. And I spent the day reading. I haven’t spent the day reading in ages because for the longest time, my grief brain wouldn’t allow me to concentrate long enough to get through a book. It was lovely to be able to read…and comprehend what I was reading. Mr. Fixit watched college basketball and a couple of movies while I cuddled up on the couch and listened to recordings of campfires and thunderstorms.
\nRemember…self care is not selfish. It is necessary. If you are alone, you may have the freedom to practice self care any time, but not always. I am fortunate to have this wonderful man who understands and supports my need for self care on a regular basis. What a gift he is to me. ❤️
\n“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 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.”\n1 Peter 5:7-11 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-21T02:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/21/when-your-body-speakslisten.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/20/savor-the-sweet.html", "title": "Savor the Sweet", "content_html": "
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/411e0f5d86.jpg\")
\nThe first time I set foot in a trout stream, I was six years old. It was the summer before my life would be forever changed by the illicit touch of a stranger. The summer of 1960 found my family on its very first vacation. We traveled to the mountains of West Virginia and rented a small cabin for a week. I remember mom frying trout in an iron skillet. I remember my brother and I playing quietly in the shade of the many trees surrounding our camp. I remember my dad standing in the shallow middle, up to his knees, casting over and over with the flies he had meticulously tied at his workbench in the basement. And I remember the river. The North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River, to be exact.
\nI didn’t have much experience with open bodies of water. Mom had instilled an unhealthy fear of water in me with stories of the time she saved her baby sister from drowning. She had no intention of ever having to save me, so I was banished from any water sports. And, it turns out…I’m a bit of a water baby. I remember one day in particular. Dad was out in his favorite fishing hole, patiently casting, and I stood at the river’s edge. I contemplated the ripples as they passed over the smooth river rocks. I gazed at the deep pools that changed to the color of emeralds where the sandy bottom lay two or three feet below. I delighted at the light dancing on the surface like a thousand diamonds and the trout flashing as they breached the surface to catch their next meal.
\nThat was a simple and peaceful summer…the last I would know before my innocence was taken from me. But, that is not to say, I have never found moments that have recaptured that sense of awe and wonder. I have…many times. Yesterday was one of those days that delivered sweet things…one after another…till I was overflowing with the beauty and simplicity of it all.
\nI made my routine trip to the farm to see how the kitties are fairing. I checked the stove and the basement. I sat, as I always do, in the chair in “Grandma’s Window” and watched the birds at the feeder. I listened to the sounds of an old house…living and breathing…its bones creaking like the old woman that she is. I watched the pendulum in Mr. Virgo’s clock swing back and forth, reminding me I couldn’t stay too long. We had company coming.
\nI stopped at the neighbor’s for a bit and delivered a small gift of French Truffles. We passed the time, catching up on the news of the neighbors and I left with promises it wouldn’t be so long till my next visit. I turned the truck toward home. I checked the mail and found a pink slip…a package had come and would be waiting for me at the post office. Mr. FixIt offered to go pick it up as I put the groceries away. I no sooner sat down till our company arrived.
\nMr. FixIt’s granddaughter and her family brought their baby to see Papaw and GG! I have inherited a whole passel of people in this relationship, including a son and his wife, a daughter and her man, three granddaughters (two of whom have significant others), a grandson and his girlfriend, and a great granddaughter. You know what that means, don’t you? I am a great grandmother! And…considering I am WAY too young to be one (smile)…I am GG. Great Grandma. Grandma Ginny. GG. It suits me. The baby is four months old and the most precious little thing. What a treat to hold and rock a little one again!
\nBefore long, Mr. FixIt came back with my box. I couldn’t wait to open it. It was a special introductory gift box from my dear friend, and fellow Sister on the Fly, Michelle McMullen Cummings with her newly published book, The Reel Sisters! https://www.thereelsisters.com/product/the-reel-sisters-gift-box/ Now I have two books to read, one published and one unpublished with an invitation to write early praise for its release. Both written by strong women I admire and I can’t wait to get into them! The reminder of these sister friendships warmed my heart as rocked and sang a lullaby to the newest member of our immediate family. I thought…”I will teach you to fly, little sister” as I sniffed the top of her sweet, soft head.
\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8a4033efd5.jpg\")
\nI am enjoying getting to know and bond with Mr. FixIt’s family. As his granddaughter bundled up the baby and prepared to leave yesterday, she turned to me and said, “I like you. You make my grandpa very happy.” I like her, too. She reminds me a little of myself when I was her age. A young mother, in love with her baby, her life stretching before her like an endless summer. It filled me with a soft warmth. As I sat propped in our bed last night, typing away at the keyboard writing this post, that very happy Papaw came in with a small bowl of ice cream and a kiss on the top of my head. And I swear…my heart exploded with joy.
\nThe sweet simplicity of a life lived with boundless joy. My God has delivered me far, far from the pain life can bring. For now. There will be pain again. There always is. This is life, after all. The difference is, I have this now. I am building my insurance policy. These stories are money in my emotional bank…stories to look back upon one day and remember the joy I felt on a cold January day in the sun. ❤️
\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.”\nJames 1:17 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-20T02:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/20/savor-the-sweet.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/19/catching-up.html", "title": "Catching Up", "content_html": "
![\"Coffee](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/50b1ef10f4.jpg\")
\nOne of the best ways to catch up with paperwork is to have peaceful surroundings. Mr. FixIt had a day of errands to do. I think he kinda wanted me to tag along with him yesterday, but I know us well…I would have ended up coming in at 9:30 last night and none of this work would have gotten done.
\nAs soon as he left (with a big hug and kiss) I turned on praise music and cranked it up. I always need a little extra dose of Jesus when I am heading into a formidable task. Wading through many bags and boxes of papers and sorting them into some sort of organization that allows me to actually put my finger on things was the order of the day. With praise, and good coffee and French Truffles…I waded in with both feet and started making the first cuts. What was trash. What needed to be kept in which pile. I really, really hate paperwork! “Jesus is calling…” I can do this. “Do you thirst for a drink from the well…” I can do this. “The Father’s arms are open wide…” Oh, yes…I can definitely do this! “Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy…” YES…let’s DO this!!!
\nAs I often do, I talk out loud to Jesus when I’m working. The conversation is never one-sided. He always speaks to me through the Holy Spirit and tells me everything I need to hear. First, he smacks my hand a little…”Keep up with this stuff better.” He chides gently. “You know what an ordeal it is when you put it off till the end of the year. It seems overwhelming. If it’s difficult to slog through…remember to talk with me while you’re working. It makes the time pass faster. And, I can help. I can help you put things into perspective. I can help you find lost papers. I can help you remember who you need to talk to about this and that. I can help you make important decisions. Just remember to include me…even in the most mundane of your daily activities.”
\nThen He goes on with his daily teaching. “Thank your Father for the gifts you receive. See all these papers? They are all articles of provision. That bank account? I gave you that gift to provide for your every need. Respect that. Balance every month…not because it’s a drudge, but because it’s an honor to see the abundance you have been provided with. The same goes for that insurance policy you have been complaining about because the price went up. Be grateful you HAVE insurance…and so far, you haven’t run out of money to pay for it. What about that accident last February? I know you have been dreading searching for all the papers you need to have in order to finish out that claim. Yes, that’s a pain…but, I made sure you weren’t terribly injured. And you received a much newer truck when yours was totaled. It was “a miracle” when you got that check that just almost covered the new truck, wasn’t it? It was Me…I made sure you have a safe, affordable vehicle. A little gratitude goes a long way, dear one.”
\nWhat blessings I have. I have a Father that provides for me. I have a loving family that supports and loves me. I have this tremendous man in my life who loves me and shares his home with me as if it has always been mine…he’s just been waiting for me to come along. I have my health. I have the farm. I have TOW-Wanda. I have a retirement. I have Social Security and health insurance and soon, I’ll have Medicare…that carrot at the end of the race that will help provide for me in my golden years. I have a house…TWO houses…THREE if you count TOW-Wanda…to shelter me from the storms of life. I have food and clean water and clothes. I am wealthy….beyond my wildest dreams. I am LOVED. What a lovely way to look at the mundane, dreary chore of sorting through paperwork. What a lovely way to look at the world. Thank you, God! “You’re a good, good Father…it’s who you are, it’s who you are…” ❤️
\n“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”\nPhilippians 4:19 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-19T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/19/catching-up.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/18/tucking-in-with-tea.html", "title": "Tucking in with Tea", "content_html": "
![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/da54001e7b.jpg\")
\nI love a hot cup of tea on a cold winter day. And, baby…it is c-o-l-d! It is nice to just stay in and get stuff done around the house. Catching up on correspondence. Going through stacks of paperwork and organizing. Tossing old magazines. All things that need to be done and can be accomplished when you’re stuck inside.
\nI’m reading my friend’s final draft of her book so I can write advanced praise. You’re going to love it…I’ve cried ten times! I can’t wait to share it with you.
\nIn the meantime, I was doing a little research yesterday after reading some of your comments on my post. I do that often. I came across an article in Psychology Today that I loved. As I read it, tears stung my eyes and I thought…whoever wrote this really gets it! When I got to the bottom, I saw that it was written by someone I know! Susan Heitler, PhD…a Clinical Psychologist in Denver. Susan had a little office located by the back door to the suite I worked in when Hubby #2 was in medical school. She often ate her lunch at the front desk in her office…the door flung open wide as if to beckon passers by to come in for a visit. I often stopped on my way to and from the cafeteria. Sitting for a few moments with Susan was like breathing in sunshine. I always left feeling really good about myself. I would have loved to bottle some of that up and take it with me where ever I went in the years since I last saw her. Here’s the article I read: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/resolution-not-conflict/201202/psychological-diagnosis-dangerous-desirable-or-both
\nThe last several days’ posts have been really heavy so I’m keeping today light on purpose. There is so much darkness in the world…we need a day of light once in a while. As I’m writing this, I’m listening to sounds of the woods. Water in a creek. Crickets. Tree frogs. Night birds. I miss those sounds. The woods are so quiet in the winter. The air seems dead as it is muted by the snow on the ground. It’s so cold my nose hairs freeze when I breathe in! Yet, I still have to sleep with the window cracked a bit. I have to have air. Mr. FixIt doesn’t like heavy blankets so I bought an electric blanket. It is the warmest thing I’ve ever had and not at all heavy. A good compromise.
\nI made Banana Nut muffins yesterday with blueberries in them. We went shopping at the department store that is closing and bought about $460 worth of clothes for $22…mostly for the great grandbaby! I’m researching how to make jewelry from broken china. I scheduled a camping trip for May. I caught a mouse in the attic. We watched a Reese Witherspoon movie. And I’m gathering the data I need to close out the paperwork from the car accident I was in last February. So far, it’s been a really good week! How about you? What are you doing to pass the time till spring? ❤️
\n“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.””\nEzekiel 47:12 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-18T02:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/18/tucking-in-with-tea.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/17/times-up.html", "title": "Time’s Up", "content_html": "![\"Time’s](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0b2a8225b1.jpg\")
\nI was a doctor’s wife. I had a beautiful life, for all intents and purposes. While he wasn’t a demonstrative man, I felt I was coping as best I could with his inability to meet my emotional needs. He was a good provider and a good dad. I could overlook the rest. There came a point when I started unraveling a bit. The clouds of depression circled around but never lit very long in those days. That is, until I went in for a physical. My doctor asked how I was doing and I told him I was a bit blue of late. I would often walk into the baby’s room, pick her up and rock her…and cry. “Hmmmmm… Inappropriate crying.” he wrote in my chart. He gave me a prescription for Zoloft and the race to self destruction began. How could I tell him why I was crying? How could I do that in the short time he had allotted for this visit? It was so much deeper than any pill could ever reach.
\nAs I write this, I’m watching the gymnasts facing their abusive doctor in court. What a different world it is for sexual abuse victims now. My first abuser was a senior in high school. I was eight or nine. I was playing with a friend when the big boy lured us into a garage to “look at toys”. When he had his hand in my pants, he was whispering things in my ear I didn’t understand. Mom said don’t talk to strangers. But “Butterball” lived in the neighborhood. We knew him. I stood stock still in the belief he would leave. When he was done with me, he went for my friend. In that moment, my maternal instincts kicked in and I grabbed her hand and ran down the hill to her house. I pounded on the door and her mother came to answer. I was frantic and told her what had happened. She opened the screen door and I thought…”Oh, thank God! She’s going to save us!” Mrs. G grabbed her daughter and drew her in the house. As I started to go in, she placed her hand on my chest, pushed me out the door, and said, “Don’t you EVER say anything like that EVER again to ANYBODY!” Then she slammed the door in my face.
\nI went to my house and sat on the lawn trying to figure out what had happened. When I was really little, my babysitter’s teenage daughter had sex with her boyfriend in her room all the time. She caught me watching once and beat the tar out of me and told me I was bad. And here, a mother I knew and trusted told me I was bad and I had a pretty good idea it had something to do with that physical act I had no name for. I made a concrete decision right there. I would take Mrs. G’s advice. I would not tell my mom. I mean, what if I told her and SHE put me out on the street like my friend’s mom??? I would die!
\nI never told, nor did I tell about the time it happened with my best friend’s dad when I was twelve or thirteen. You know…when you are convinced you are bad from your earliest memories, that kind of damage runs deeply and permanently in your DNA.
\nI didn’t tell until I was watching my girls on the living room floor, playing. Daughter #1 was sixteen. Daughter #2 was one. I don’t know if it was the way the sun came in through the window or the way my daughter tucked her hair behind her ear or maybe it was the sound of their sweet innocent voices but suddenly those memories came rushing back with such force it nearly knocked me to my knees. The shadow of depression that was floating just out of my reach crashed on me with the force of a tsunami. That is when I started rocking my baby in the night…weeping. “Inappropriate crying”? I think not. I was trying to figure out how I was going to protect this precious child from the horrors that await little girls in the great big world. I was weeping for that little girl in me who was abused then turned away by someone who could have helped her..SHOULD have helped her. I was trying to figure out just one thing in my 38-year-old mind…”Who can I tell? And, what the hell does it matter now?” Just, please God…keep them safe.
\nThe fact that I’m sitting here alive and well, and that my children are beautiful and safely grown is testimony to a mother’s strength and courage. The road was long and filled with unexploded ordinance, but we made it through. I told my mom everything when I was about forty. I was hyper vigilant with my girls but they were never abused under my watch. Now, I tell and tell and tell in an effort to teach prevention and give permission to tell your own stories. Because, #timesup. No more secrets. No more lies. No more hiding in the dark.
\nYes…I’m proud of these young gymnasts. And, everyone else in the #metoo movement. I wish there had been this same moral outrage when these athletes came forward. It would have helped them so much because, just as it’s difficult to walk the path of grief alone, so too is the walk of abuse. It is the original “walk of shame”…only we did nothing wrong. It was not our fault.
\nWhile I never wish pain on people as a rule, I felt a certain vindication when I watched that doctor with his face in his hands as he is forced to sit there while victim after victim sit before him and tell their stories. To see him take off his glasses and wipe the tears away and hang his head in shame gave me great satisfaction. My abuse occurred in a time when such things weren’t talked about. Therefore, my abusers went on and lived their lives unscathed. I don’t know if they ever felt bad. Did they ever have remorse? Did they ever think of me? Did they ever want to ask for my forgiveness but didn’t know where to find me? Or better yet, did they ask God to forgive them? Did they find salvation? Will we meet somewhere and have the opportunity to talk? One is dead. Too late. I’m not sure about the other one. He’d be about 74 years old now. I’ve forgiven them both long ago. But I do often wonder…what if? What if I could sit (or could have sat) in front of my abusers and tell them what their actions did to me. How it affected my family, my relationships, my children. How it affected my views of the world and my sense of personal safely and my relationship to sexuality. How their few moments stolen from me left a deep chasm in my psyche that I urgently tried to fill with drugs and alcohol, sex and shopping. How the memories I had so carefully packed deeply away in a place that could never be opened came crashing out on a sunny Saturday morning…ripping my neat and tidy little suburban doctor’s wife life into shreds.
\nInappropriate crying?!?! You got a couple of hours to listen to WHY I was holding my baby and crying?!?! You tell me, doc. Because at that point, I had no words to describe what had happened, no one to listen…to really hear…and only tears to shed. Your answer? Drugs. Drugs, drugs, and more drugs.
\n“Shhhhh…here. Take this. Let us help.”
\nI was very nearly “doctored to death”.
\nYes, today I am proud of these beautiful young women doing a job no one in their right mind wants to do. We should be living in a world where we don’t ever NEED to have these conversations. As Oprah said…there is a change coming.
\nAccountability.
\nA new dawn is rising.
\nTime’s up. ❤️
\n“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”\nMatthew 18:6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-17T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/17/times-up.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/16/on-being-loved.html", "title": "On Being Loved", "content_html": "![\"Flowers](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/066e9e9604.jpg\")
\nMr. FixIt and I have developed this little routine the last few months. We have a nice dinner and clear up the dishes. We sit together for a while and talk or maybe watch a movie or an episode of Big Bang or MASH. When it’s time for a bedtime snack, I take mine into the bedroom at the far end of the house and write while my sweetie watches a ball game or the news and weather. It works out great and we both have that little bit of alone time everyone needs in a relationship. I’ve taken to listening to nature sounds on Amazon Music as I write so quite often, in my head, there’s a thunderstorm raging or ocean waves are gently lapping at the shore or birds are singing in a tropical rainforest. It’s so soothing and easy to write to.
\nMy guy bowls on a couple of leagues and has for over thirty years. Bowling offered him the opportunity to socialize with fun people. He is gregarious, and bowling has been a great outlet for him. The other night he stopped at the store on the way home. He always calls me before he heads home because no matter where we are staying…his house or mine…it is a good forty minutes from town. He asks if I need anything. Usually, I don’t. He called me from the driveway the other night and asked me to open the door. He’s not supposed to carry anything in his bad hand yet. When I greeted him at the door, he handed me the groceries and I ducked in the kitchen with them. It was SO cold out there…I wanted away from the door as fast as I could. When I turned around to hug him, he handed me this bouquet of yellow roses.
\nI love yellow roses. I love great big bouquets of mixed flowers but all in white. I love a live orchid. Mr. Virgo used to bring me flowers. And now…I have this sweet love…this good, good man. And HE brings me flowers, too. Guys like Mr. Virgo and Mr. FixIt are a rare breed. My sweetheart told me the other day he wished we had started dating in high school so we could have had our whole lives together. I understand that thinking, and it’s sweet…really. But the thing is, we are the people we are right now simply BECAUSE of the life experiences we have been through. There is a really big chance we wouldn’t have gotten along in our early years. All of our experiences have been opportunities for personal growth. We came together when we did because it was GOD’S timing…not ours.
\nWhen we can move over and get out of the way, God does extraordinary things in our lives. “Let go and let God” isn’t just a pithy saying or a tired cliche from an AA meeting. It is straight outta the instruction manual for life…the Bible. Oh, we are such proud creatures. We want to have control. We want to steer the boat and make it go where WE want it. At any given moment, there is a preordained course designed specifically for us. God knows your name. He has plans to prosper you. God loves you more than anyone in the world. He loves you more than you can fathom. You can make it SO much easier if you put God in the driver’s seat. The easiest way to do that is ask. Just ask Him…first thing in the morning. “Where are you going to take me today, Lord?” Then get out of the way. Oh, my…could it really be that easy??? ❤️
\n“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”\nProverbs 16:3 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-16T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/16/on-being-loved.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/13/the-umbrella-incident-or-how.html", "title": "“The Umbrella Incident” or “How to Feed Your Man”", "content_html": "
![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/def162faf9.jpg\")
“Winter Flooding in West Virginia” by Ginny McKinney
It all started innocently enough. It was going to rain and I was heading to town soon. As I jumped in the shower, I called out to Mr. FixIt.
\n“Honey…would you mind grabbing my umbrella out of the truck?”
\nWhen I got dressed and was heading out the door, I looked around. My umbrella wasn’t there. I asked if he had gotten it for me and Mr. FixIt said no. There was an umbrella there by the door. Now, it was a perfectly good umbrella. One that, you know, keeps rain off of you. But I wanted MY umbrella and I felt Mr. FixIt had made a decision for me. I didn’t like it.
\nSilly…that was just plain silly of me. But, I am my mother’s daughter and stubborn is my middle name. I hopped out the door and into the rain…sans umbrella.
\n“I’ll show YOU!” I thought as I made a mad dash for the truck. “I don’t need your stinky old boy umbrella!”
\nRidiculous. I got wet because I got my nose out of joint. And why? Because, somewhere in the far recesses of my mind I equated “Please get my umbrella.” with “Please tell me you love me.” That is old school thinking right there…something I thought I left behind like…two relationships ago.
\nIt’s been a couple of weeks now. And ever since, I’ve been criticizing Mr. FixIt’s every move. Mostly because he’s a man and he had surgery and he’s SUPPOSED to be taking care of that hand so it will heal properly and he’s as stubborn as me and he does things his way and….did I say he was stubborn? I have spent the better part of two weeks with “Don’t pick that up!” And “Here…let ME do it!” I think there were eye-rolls involved. All of this was done in an effort to punish him for a perceived slight that was nothing more than something made up in my head. Some unpacked baggage from seasons past that has absolutely nothing to do with him.
\nThen…the rain started.
\nIt rained…hard. Yesterday morning I awoke to the sounds of the carpet cleaner sucking water up from the rug downstairs. The basement flooded! I jumped up and ran downstairs. And there was my man…emptying one gallon containers of dirty water into the sink…carrying them with two hands, one of which he isn’t supposed to lift anything heavier than popcorn.
\n“Breathe…breathe…don’t scold him. He’s not a child.” My inner voice reasoned with me.
\n“Did you plug in the sump pump?” I asked.
\n“No.” Shoulders slumped. Voice dejected.
\n“Are you kidding me?” I asked.
\nShoulders slumped more. “Stupid. It was stupid.”
\nI took the carpet cleaner and started that part myself so he wouldn’t have to carry the bucket to the sink. Mr. FixIt went about sweeping up water in the room without carpet. He ran the vacuum. We didn’t talk much. Then I sent him off on an errand to town.
\nAfter he left, I went upstairs and fixed myself a cup of coffee. I sipped it as I ran the carpet cleaner back and forth over the soggy carpet. And I fumed. Then I could see the dejected slump of my sweetheart’s shoulders and my heart softened.
\n“Lord,” I said out loud. “I haven’t been loving this wonderful man you gave me the way I should. I haven’t been loving him the way you love me. And all because he didn’t get my umbrella for me!”
\nI sucked up more water, emptied the bucket, and began again.
\n“Lord, please give me the heart of a cheerful servant. Let me see all of his good qualities and none of the annoying traits that make us human. Can you do that for me, please?” I asked with sincere earnestness in my voice.
\nSuddenly, the old hymn “Farther Along” started up in my mind and I began to sing out loud as I vacuumed up bucket after bucket of water.
\n“Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder\nWhy it should be thus all the day long\nWhile there are others living about us\nNever molested though in the wrong.
\nFarther along we’ll know all about it\nFarther along well understand why\nCheer up my brother, live in the sunshine\nWe’ll understand it all by and by.
\nWhen death has come and taken our loved ones\nIt leaves our home so lonely and drear\nThen do we wonder why others prosper\nLiving so wicked year after year.
\nWhen we see Jesus coming in glory\nWhen he comes down from his home in the sky\nThen we shall meet him in that bright mansion\nWe’ll understand it all by and by.
\nFarther along we’ll know all about it\nFarther along we’ll understand why\nCheer up my brother, live in the sunshine\nWe’ll understand it all by and by.
\nYes, we’ll understand it…all by and by.”
\nI sang and sang and in two verses…maybe three…something happened. Any negative thoughts I had been having dissolved. My heart was soft and open. God had indeed given me the heart of a cheerful servant, just as I had asked.
\nI went on and worked, happily singing and emptying bucket after bucket of dirty flood water. I worked for about three hours when Mr. FixIt walked in carrying breakfast for me. I went upstairs and gave him a great big hug and an even bigger smile. I thanked him profusely for bringing me a warm breakfast. I hadn’t taken time to eat. I patted the seat beside me. He shook his head and said no…he needed to get back to it.
\n“Please?” I begged. “Just for a minute.”
\nHe smiled and sat down.
\n“Sweetheart, listen…I know you feel stupid for not plugging in the sump pump. But, I could have thought of it, too. And I didn’t. We unplugged it to put up the snowman for Christmas and just forgot. We make mistakes…it happens. It wasn’t your fault.” I put my hand on his knee and looked at him intently. I wanted to make sure he heard me.
\nMr. FixIt turned those baby blues to mine and gave me his sweetest smile. And, I felt I’d made it right. This is how you feed a man. You feed his spirit. You feed his soul. You breathe life into him. When you start looking for the bad in your love…that’s all you will see. I really, REALLY don’t want to go there. Do I get it right all the time? Oh, heck no! I’m human, too. I stumble and forget and let my lower self talk WAY too often. But sometimes I get it right. Sometimes I remember to ask God for help. Yesterday was one of those days. ❤️
\n“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 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-13T02:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/13/the-umbrella-incident-or-how.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/12/here-comes-the-rain.html", "title": "Here Comes the Rain", "content_html": "![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/41a9fc3f1c.jpg\")
“Belpre Bridge” by Ginny McKinney
Yesterday morning was sunny and warm. By warm, I mean 47. As in…above freezing! And by afternoon it was 72 degrees according to the thermometer on my truck. swoon I haven’t felt this warm since sometime back in September. It was downright balmy out there!
\nMr. FixIt and I had errands to run yesterday and he asked me mid-day what I’d like for lunch. My go to favorite? The Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad with Fat Free Honey Mustard Dressing from Chik-fil-A! And my go to favorite place to eat it? Point Park in Parkersburg. I wanted to watch the ice floes out on the Ohio River. Yesterday, there were three Blue Herons and a bunch of Seagulls sitting out on the ice. I believe two gents were trying to woo the same lady heron because one kept shooing off the interloper. Said lady was having none of it and kept flying away from Mr. Romance.
\nIt had just started raining when we parked in our favorite spot. We really wanted to see a tug pushing barges through the ice but unfortunately, none came along. As an update, Mr. FixIt started working with a hand therapist yesterday. He’s doing really well. He did strain it a little last Sunday night when he pushed up off the floor, but it’s much better now. The therapist made a custom splint for his wrist and thumb that is much sturdier than the one he was given at the surgeon’s office and I am relieved. I was very worried he would slip on the ice and snow last week and really do some damage. We sure don’t want to have to go through this again!
\nOne of my friends and his wife lost their faithful companion, Blue, yesterday. When I was so lonely and hurting, so many of my readers encouraged me to adopt a dog, but this is exactly why I couldn’t. I simply couldn’t put myself through that loss. Mr. Virgo and I put our seventeen-year-old Yorkie-Maltese mix down just three months before Mr. Virgo himself died suddenly. We had had Cricket cremated and were going to spread her ashes in the flower garden in the spring. When Mr. Virgo died, I just put that little box of ashes in the casket with him and swore I’d never have another dog. My heart aches for those who lose their beloved fur babies.
\nWith the nature of grief being so unpredictable, sometimes you literally feel as though you are just one crisis away from losing it entirely. I cannot tell you how many times I have been in the throes of grief, and the accompanying anxiety, and I have felt like I just couldn’t handle one more thing. As a matter of fact, the FEAR of having one more thing happen actually escalated everything. I have an arsenal of coping strategies at my disposal, but sometimes the slope is too steep and the boulder gains too much momentum too fast. There were so many nights when it all got away from me and all I could do was cling to God and pray for morning. If I can get a hold of the wave early enough, the best thing I can do is get out of the situation I’m in. It usually hits me when I’m in bed, so I get up and do something…scrub the kitchen floor, clean out the fridge, run the vacuum.
\nAnother thing that will stop things from spinning out of control for me is writing. There have been countless times I’ve sat down to write my post while I’m feeling the waves of grief and anxiety come over me. As I write, I can literally feel the stress, fear, and anxiety fade…sometimes melting away entirely. I can’t stress enough how much writing can help you through grief. You don’t have to have a blog. Get a journal and write in it every night. I not only wrote this blog, but I filled several personal journals through the first two or three years after Mr. Virgo died. Writing saved me. TOW-Wanda saved me. God saved me. ❤️
\n““This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.”\nJeremiah 30:2 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-12T02:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/12/here-comes-the-rain.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/11/the-bent-reed.html", "title": "The Bent Reed", "content_html": "![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f05a2a3740.jpg\")
“The Bent Reed” by Ginny McKinney
A lot of people are struggling right now. I don’t know what it is about January. Sure, there’s the let down after the holidays. There’s the long, dark nights. There’s the bitterly cold, grey days. But there’s more than that. There’s a lot of loss.
\nI have friends who are dealing with very serious health issues…either of their own or members of their immediate family. I get prayer requests daily…from multiple people. Disasters, accidents, illness, death. Add this on top of the usual slump of January and it can send you down in a spiral in a hurry.
\nI was reminded of this beautiful verse the other day. I wish I would have had it written down so I could have carried it with me in those first long dark winter months without Mr. Virgo. I know it would have helped. As with all things, it has come to me now…when it means the most. When I need it the most. When I need to share it. God always provides.
\nMy mom died after a brief illness of five days in January 2014. My cousin’s husband a year later at 50. My sweet Uncle Bob the next January. January is just not a good month…for me and for a lot of other people.
\nI bought a new computer the other day. When I was setting it up this week, I noticed a bunch of photos had come down out of the cloud. I hadn’t seen them in a long time, since my computer has been on the fritz for a while. I was scrolling through when my screen was filled with…Mr. Virgo…in his casket. A friend took the picture for me. At first, I thought it was macabre. Then I realized I needed to have that. For a long time it was the only thing that would allow me to cry. I needed to get that out. But somewhere along the line, the pictures from the funeral home made their way up into the cloud and I didn’t see them again. Till this week. It was like getting sucker punched when that popped up, filling my screen with a vision so painful you can feel it in your bones.
\nYes, a lot of people are struggling. Debbie’s husband Toby is in the hospital. Sue’s friend had a biopsy today. Lynn’s family is struggling. Diane lost both her parents and her father-in-law in Januarys along the way and her best friend just lost his dad. The world seems to be reeling under forces whipping it into a frenzy. So, again…I am reminded of this verse.
\nGod will not break a bent reed. He will not snuff out a smoldering flame. When you are at your weakest point, God is still strong. The same God that gave his Son. The same God that walked on water and rose the dead and healed blind men. The same God that breathed life into this world lives today. And He knocks. And He waits. He is a patient, polite God. He will not impose himself. He will not barge in on you. He waits for you to open the door. Opening that door is what has made it possible for me to keep breathing, to keep walking forward through every storm…through every season. I was only bent. ❤️
\n“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out…”\nIsaiah 42:3 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-11T02:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/11/the-bent-reed.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/10/a-welcome-sight.html", "title": "A Welcome Sight", "content_html": "
![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/750015301d.jpg\")
\nThe sun! Ok, it was out for less than fifteen minutes at the farm today…but, oh! What a divine fifteen minutes that was!!! Ok, that is what is the hardest thing about living in the Mid-Ohio Valley as opposed to the Roaring Fork Valley. There is far less sunshine here. The sky stays grey for weeks at a time. When the snow finally comes, it stays till we can get a welcome respite of sunshine and warmth like yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Tomorrow is predicted to get up to 63 degrees! I will take that any day over the bitter, frigid weather we’ve had for the last few weeks.
\nI know…you’ve heard me state before that I would never spend another winter in the cold and snow. Well, never say never, right? A year ago, I didn’t know I would be where I am in this wonderful relationship. I had a fair idea which direction it was going, but a year is a year and one never knows for sure what might happen. I’ve learned not to look too far into the future since losing Mr. Virgo. Other than…this is where I want to be and who I want to be with. That’s enough for me.
\nThis winter isn’t going like we thought it would when we made our travel plans last summer. First, Mr. FixIt had surgery on his hand and it turned out to be a much bigger deal than we thought it would be so that nixed not only the trip to Colorado at Christmas, but also the two month camping trip we had planned in Florida for February and March. He has hand therapy to go through now and there is still much he cannot do for himself. We’ve decided this is an excellent time to go through closets and boxes of stuff at his house and do a little downsizing. I have a great deal of experience in that department and I am happy as a clam to help out.
\nIn my effort to stay present this year, I’m going to go out today and tomorrow and enjoy every moment of warmth I can possible soak up. I hope you are getting a respite from winter in your neck of the woods. I am also keeping the people of Southern California in my prayers as they struggle with the inevitable mudslides that follow devastating fires. I’ve personally seen the effects of that in Glenwood Springs after the Storm King and Coal Seam fires. I saw on the news last night where they rescued a teenager from the basement of her home. She was nearly encased in mud. It was unbelievable. She had to have been terrified. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this disaster. ❤️
\n“…Get up and pray…”\nLuke 22:46 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-10T02:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/10/a-welcome-sight.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/08/old-friends.html", "title": "Old Friends", "content_html": "
![\"Namaste\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/12d73a44d0.jpg\")
\nOur babies were just wee ones when we met. We were taking a sewing class together which really turned out to be twice a week therapy for busy moms to vent and create something beautiful. Sue took my breath away. Tall and slender with that long, thick, full-bodied hair those of us with baby fine strands drool over, she embodied the earth mother I so desperately wanted to be. We became fast friends. We got together and had tea. We hiked. We stitched and b****ed our way through our children’s youth. We were soccer moms. And, even though we were several years apart in age, we had so much in common.
\nSue is one of those friends you may not speak to more than once or twice a year. But when you do, you feel this incredible soul connection and time disappears. We pass each other on Facebook. We give each other virtual hugs and atta girls. We know we are never more than a message or a text or a phone call away.
\nSue moved away from Glenwood Springs a couple of years before that cataclysmic event…the overdose…and my world changed dramatically. She was so worried about me. She was supportive and listened and offered me unconditional love. There was a long stretch of time when we didn’t get to see each other. She was at our wedding. Then Mr. Virgo died and she couldn’t come to the funeral. When I went on my three month journey into the wilderness and backroads of Colorado, Sue invited me to her little “ranchita” down near the Four Corners area. She had ten acres overlooking Mesa Verde. She had a labyrinth she had designed and built. By this time, she was an accomplished yogi.
\nThe day I arrived at her place near Dolores, Sue came running out of the house and grabbed me. She hugged me tight then pulled back and looked me in the eyes.
\n“You said you were doing ok…but I had to see for myself. I wouldn’t know for sure till I squeezed you!” Then she drew me in for another hug.
\nSue ministers to you with softness, compassion. She settled me in the rocking chair by the big picture window. She brought me tea. She sat with me and we rocked…the comforting quiet hanging between us like a well worn quilt as we watched the birds at the immense feeder just beyond the glass. We drove to Silverton one day to be at the finish line of a mountain bike race. I was terribly anxious the night before. I had a really hard time with anxiety the first year or two after Mr. Virgo died. Sue sat with me for hours into the night as I cried and threw up and was generally a horrible mess. She’s that friend…the one who loves you when you’re really messy. She is the one who kicked me in the butt and made me write my book. She said…”Write it now while there is pain in your heart. We will feel it. If you try to write it after you heal, you will lose that voice.” She is so right. I love her dearly.
\nIt’s a new year…time for us to reconnect. Sue and I talked for two hours and twenty-two minutes last night. We discussed all the changes in our lives…all the changes to come. And we decided to plan a yoga retreat. We’ll have yoga sessions as well as talks…nutrition, self-care, grief, art, music, writing. I have a picture in my mind of what I want it to look like. I’ll let you know as we formulate a plan and I’d love you to come!
\nLife is full of interesting twists and turns, isn’t it? My word this year is “presence”. By being present, I will flow through life more awake, more open, more prepared to embrace challenges. Retreats have been a HUGE dream of mine. Time to start letting that dream out to play! ❤️
\n“gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”\nGalatians 5:23 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-08T02:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/08/old-friends.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/07/epiphany.html", "title": "Epiphany", "content_html": "
![\"“Epiphany”](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/124531bb4f.jpg\")
\nEpiphany
\nEpiphany; noun: plural noun: epiphanies
\nA) the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12).
\nB) the festival commemorating the Epiphany on January 6.
\nC) a manifestation of a divine or supernatural being.
\nD) a moment of sudden revelation or insight.
\nYesterday was Epiphany. Traditionally, it marks the end of the Christmas Season. The day the Three Wise Men visited the baby Jesus and bestowed their gifts to Him.
\nEpiphany also means a sudden revelation, insight, and/or appearance of a supernatural being. Eighteen years ago, I experienced epiphany on many, many levels. I was seven years into a devastating depression…one I could see no way out of. I was over prescribed medications by a medical community that my husband at the time belonged to. I was a doctor’s wife. I had WAY too ready access to medications I had no business being on because a referral pattern is a terrible thing to waste. Doctors hate to take care of other doctor’s family. It puts a lot of pressure on them to go above and beyond…to be exemplary…to have a positive outcome, no matter what. Unfortunately for me, that meant seven years of medications that made me a zombie. Add a psychiatrist who told me at every visit, that this was just the way I was…I would need to take these medicines every day for the rest of my life…that I had a chemical imbalance in my brain. I lost my 40’s…literally. My marriage was irreparably damaged. December of 1999 found me struggling. My 20th Anniversary came and my husband told me he wasn’t in love with me anymore. I was devastated. I couldn’t see how I could possibly live without him. I circled the drain and on January 6, 2000…I overdosed on two full bottles of pills and I very easily could have died.
\nAs they worked on me in the emergency room…these doctors and nurses with whom my husband and I socialized…I “faded”. My vision became a tunnel. My hearing damped down till it sounded like I had tin cans over my ears. I didn’t see a great white light like some talk about when they have a near-death experience. I’ve drawn it here, as close as I can. It was this incredibly beautiful disc of cobalt blue with golden rays of light radiating from it all around like an eclipse. It was ethereal and sparkly and incredibly peaceful.
\nAs I stood in this immense ocean of blue light, my hearing left me and there was no sound. Dead air. Nothing. And suddenly, my grandma’s voice cut through the silence and straight into my left ear, as if she were standing beside me and bent down to speak directly to me. She shouted at me!
\n“Young lady…you get back down there right now! You have work to do!!!”
\nImmediately, my eyes flew open wide and I was in the ER, lying on a gurney, the overhead light shining in my eyes. I squinted at the glare and the sudden rush of noise. I rolled up on my side and threw up violently. After a while, I turned on my back. A nurse was leaning over me…a look of sincere concern on her face. I burst into tears when I realized what had happened. I kept crying, “I’m so ashamed, I’m so ashamed, I’m so ashamed.” She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me close to her and whispered in my ear, “You have nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve been sick. You’re going to be ok.”
\nI was at the bottom of the barrel in that moment and I had to begin a very long climb back. It took a great deal of intense therapy to convince me the other doctor was wrong and I really didn’t have a chemical imbalance in my brain. It took a full three years to wean off the medications he had me on. My marriage was over. I nearly lost my relationship with my kids. It took a huge amount of work, strength, and determination to rebuild my life.
\nI think that experience actually gave me tools to help me cope with losing Mr. Virgo years later. I survived that horrible ordeal. I surely could survive this one. I’ll survive the next. It’s fitting that the overdose occurred on Epiphany. The symbolic ending. The supernatural appearance of my grandma’s disembodied voice…nine months after her death. The moment of sudden revelation and insight that I had gone as far away from where God wanted me to be as I could possibly go.
\nI look back on those years with a sadness that I lost so much. I look back on that night with the absolute conviction that God sent the one person I would listen to…my grandma. I believe with all my heart that God saved me that night because He wasn’t done with me. He still had work for me to do. And, I also believe I could not have done any of this work if I had never had those seven years of walking through hell…if I had never had that devastating overdose…if I had not nearly lost everything.
\nThose of you who have been following me for a long time have probably heard this story before because I consider January 6th my “Re-Birth Day” in a literal sense. My second chance. My do-over. And for those of you new enough that you haven’t heard it yet, it might give you a sense of where I’ve been, even before the devastating loss of Mr. Virgo. We all have struggles in life. And, so far, I’ve survived all of them 100% of the time. For a long time, I was embarrassed by this story. Depression. Anxiety. Drugs. Dysfunction. Once I became a Christian, I realized God can use me to help others in similar circumstances. If I shine His Light into every dark corner of my life and show that Light to you, then I am doing what He put me on this earth to do. I’m at peace with that part of my life now. It doesn’t embarrass me. I am not ashamed. I am strengthened by a God that wouldn’t let ME decide it was time to go. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given…a chance to rebuild broken relationships…a chance at great love, not just once, but twice. I’ve lost much…but I’ve gained so much more. ❤️
\n““Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”\nIsaiah 60:1 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-07T02:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/07/epiphany.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/06/greater-is-the-one.html", "title": "Greater is the One", "content_html": "![\"Earth](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/85de1a59c8.jpg\")
\nThe nature of my writing has grown with the changes I have gone through on my grief journey. Early on, it was so incredibly painful to even try to put words together to express my pain. I understood for the first time how God could hear our prayers when all we can manage are groans. Once the words started, it was like releasing a torrent. My pain literally fell onto the pages and it was emotionally exhausting…for me, and for you as well. The release was cathartic. The more I let it go, the more my heart healed.
\nNot everyone has a blog where they can release the pent up pain, anger, frustration, confusion that comes with grief. I am blessed with this venue and I don’t take any of you for granted. Your feedback and support has been so incredibly healing for me. I am blessed with family and friends who were supportive during the early months of my grief. The day Mr. Virgo died and I called my daughters, they dropped what they were doing and jumped in their cars to begin the long drive to be with me. They stayed by my side. They answered the phone for me. They made important calls. They took me everywhere I needed to go. Daughter #1 slept with me every night with her arm across my chest to protect me, to calm me, to reassure me I was not alone.
\nPeople gathered and surrounded me with love and support and food. My daughters and I bought every funny DVD we could find and tried to find someplace to land besides terror and pain. My friends held me in silence…the same friends who dressed me for my wedding and placed the flowers all around. Here they were…nearly six years to the day…doing the only thing they could do. After we lay Mr. Virgo in the ground, we gathered at our home…my home. I went straight to the humidor and got the expensive cigar he was saving for golf in the summer. I grabbed the bottle of Courvoisier I had used for Mr. Virgo’s favorite fruitcake. And I gathered the men…and my younger daughter. She was particularly close to her stepdad. We went to the front porch and smoked the cigar, and passed the bottle around till it was gone. We told manly stories of golf and travel, hotels and restaurants…all things Mr. Virgo.
\nAfter everyone left, the family gathered me up and took me to a restaurant to entice me to eat. I hadn’t had much of anything but coffee for days. It was the day before St. Patrick’s Day…a fine day to be buried, Mr. Virgo would have said. My daughters needed to get back to Denver. Daughter #1 offered to stay longer if I needed her. And while I did…desperately…I said no. I knew she needed to get back to her own family…her own life. And so, just like that, they were gone. And the house became quiet.
\nI stayed home alone for a week. I had paperwork to do and some things to wrap up at work. I packed a bag, stopped my mail, and headed to Denver to be near the kids. My son-in-law’s parents kept me at their home. I don’t remember the first week I was there…except that I didn’t get dressed for a week and only occasionally ventured out of the room for a little food. I slept much of the time. Finally, I started to join the land of the living again.
\nSlowly…ever so slowly…I moved forward. Days became weeks and week, months. The firsts started…my first birthday without him, his birthday, the holidays. Our wedding anniversary was just three weeks after he died. People called to see how I was doing. They sent cards and texts and checked in with me on Facebook. One of my daughter’s friends from high school contacted me every week for the first year. And eventually…they all moved on. It was inevitable. They can’t stay forever. They can’t stop their lives forever.
\nAt first, I was really put out. I still needed to vent. I still needed to cry. I needed to tell every story, a hundred times. I needed so much. I needed more than they could ever give. I have to say, I never felt completely abandoned. I am blessed to have the most fabulous people in my life who would listen to me even today if I called and cried. However…I did feel “like a burden”, as one of my readers put it. I didn’t want to unload on them all the time. Somehow, I managed to reach that tipping point where I realized I needed to start managing this pain on my own. That was a really lonely stretch. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t have to sit in that “waiting room” (as my friend Christina Rasmussen calls it in her book, Second Firsts) forever, but I had no idea how long I’d be in this social limbo. I wanted to stay alone forever AND I wanted to be with people. I wanted to be invited out AND I wanted to never talk to another soul. I wanted to feel normal AND I didn’t want to feel anything. Oh….grief is crazy making.
\nI had to have something to hang onto…something, someONE, who would anchor me and keep me from flying off the face of the earth. Even though I had been a Christian for seven years, I only attended church sporadically. One Sunday morning, many months after Mr. Virgo died, I decided I needed to talk to someone who never tired of hearing my cries. Someone who would give and give and give…no matter how much I needed. Who would love me no matter how messy or messed up I got. I went back to church…and I’ve been going ever since.
\nAs much as people want to help…they are people. They are fallible. They can say the wrong things. They can feel overwhelmed by your pain. They can burn out from your grief. But God? God never gets tired of hearing from you. God never gets tired of comforting you. He never gets tired of holding you close. Greater is the one who lives within me than the one who lives in the world. God is the one…the only one who will always, always love you. Even when you cry that horrible snot-slinging cry that no one needs to see. Even when you are so anxious you stay up puking all night. Even when your life seems not worth living. The only way you can lose is to give up. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. Because joy comes again. It sneaks in the cracks of your broken heart when you least expect it. Not all at once…just a little tiny bit at a time. But it comes, dear one. Hang on…it comes. ❤️
\n“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”\n1 John 4:4 NIV
\n#God, #Love, #Light
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-06T02:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/06/greater-is-the-one.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/05/deep-freeze.html", "title": "Deep Freeze", "content_html": "![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/da965fc8ab.jpg\")
Winter Dawn by Ginny McKinney
As most of the country settles in for a rough ride on the Snowball Express, I am sitting here snug as a bug in a rug at Mr. FixIt’s house. I’ve taken to listening to praise music as I write my posts. I’ve changed things up and started writing during the day instead of late at night. I thought it might give me a different perspective and add a new dimension to the blog. The praise music not only keeps my heart in the right place, it inspires me to write about a scripture instead of the other way around. All this time I have written my post then I’d go look for an appropriate scripture that illustrated what my thinking was. That’s a much more time consuming process.
\nI downloaded an app on my phone called Moment. It tracks my screen time and frankly, I was appalled when I saw how much time I spend staring at a screen. Granted, it’s not all mindless surfing or game playing. A good portion of it is spent writing these posts. Now, that in itself is not a bad thing by any means. It’s just that…I have this really sweet guy that would probably enjoy a little more attention and a little less screen time. So, I’m trying a few new things…new tactics to shave a little time off the screen and a little more looking into those baby blues that look so adoringly into mine. Win-Win, right?
\nAnother thing I’m going to try is, at least on occasion, including my drawings as the cover photo for my posts. This gives me the opportunity to practice…not only the drawings themselves, but the opportunity to be bold in sharing them. We all need opportunities to be bold.
\nSo, here I sit…snuggled on the sofa under that beautiful blue fox fur blanket. A fresh latte. Kari Jobe. A fire. Snow softly falling. My tree will remain to bring me light and peace well into the new year. I have the promise of a meteor shower and a blue moon to look forward to this month. The year is fresh with hope and promise. And I have this really cool Apple Pencil and Procreate…the world is at my fingertips! My heart is full, even in the depths of this bitter cold. Stay warm, my friends. ❤️
\n“Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.”\nJob 37:9 KJV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-05T02:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/05/deep-freeze.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/03/surviving-the-climb.html", "title": "Surviving the Climb", "content_html": "![\"Survive](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0d8bc3b756.jpg\")
\nOccasionally I get a comment on my blog from someone so fresh on this grief journey that they are lost. They don’t know where to turn or what to do next. They are obviously in a great deal of pain and my heart breaks for them because…I know. I’ve been there. Many of us have. I respond to every single comment on my blog. Most often it’s with a ❤️, just to let you know I have seen your comment. Occasionally, I write something back. On this particular occasion, I wrote a whole essay as my response. After giving it some thought, I decided it was time again to revisit “How do you survive this?”
\nMy reader lost her husband unexpectedly in early November. He was minding his own business, driving to work, when he was struck head-on by an impaired driver and was killed. Her world was shattered. The future she had planned with her husband was gone. To add insult to injury, her husband’s death was followed in rapid succession by Thanksgiving, his birthday, an important graduation, Christmas, and New Years. All without him. Her question? How do you cope with this?
\nHere is my response:
\nFirst, let me tell you my heart is with you, dear one. You are SO fresh on this journey and it’s so difficult. Having all those firsts, one after another when the ink is hardly dry must be unbearable. I can’t tell you how to grieve because it’s such a personal thing. I can tell you how I dealt with things and hopefully it will help you as well. If you haven’t yet, do go to Marshmallow Ranch on Facebook and see if you can scroll back to the early days of my blog. You will find much more relatable material there. I started the blog in January 2013 as a way to promote jewelry I was making. Then Mr. Virgo died in March. That’s when the blog morphed into an online grief journal. I know that’s a lot of material to sort through, but it just might help.
\nAt your stage of this journey, let me say this…there is no rule book. But here’s a list of ways to cope.
\nDon’t let anyone say you should do it this way or you shouldn’t do it that way. Do it your way.
\nYou will make mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you do.
\nBe careful…extra careful with your money.
\nGet plenty of rest, eat right, and exercise as you can.
\nAvoid drugs and alcohol…they are nothing but bandaids that put off the hurt. That goes for new relationships. I know, I know. I thought that was crazy too till I got involved with someone just five months after my beloved died. I just wanted the pain to go away but when I pulled that bandage off, dear God…it was worse.
\nFeel your feelings. Cry when you need to. Laugh when you can.
\nThere’s an actual condition called grief brain. You can’t remember squat and it may be scary as the dickens. Don’t worry…it does get better in time. You never go back to baseline, but you do get better.
\nYou won’t be in this fog forever and eventually you will feel joy. Don’t feel guilty for that.
\nI found the services of a grief counselor to be extremely helpful. I had PTSD from watching the CPR for hours so I had EMDR treatments which helped immensely.
\nRemember…you don’t “get over” this…you get through it. But, you will never be the same. Let me repeat that…you will never be the same. Don’t even try to find the old you. She is gone. Once a pickle, always a pickle…you don’t get to go back to being a fresh little cucumber again. Whether you become a sour or sweet pickle is largely up to you. Do NOT give up hope of finding a good life, though. You can…and you will…with determination and perseverance.
\nI realized early on that he died, I did not. I owed it to his memory to live…actually LIVE the days my husband was not given. Since we were looking at campers when he died, I went out and bought one and joined Sisters on the Fly…a women’s adventure group. I also belong to Girl Campers. These are all empowering groups that helped me become brave and strong.
\nOne last word of caution. It’s ok to mattress surf once in a while but don’t live there. Get up every day, splash water on your face, brush your teeth, and get dressed. Make your bed. You’re not as likely to climb back in it if it’s made. Scrub your kitchen sink. A clean sink sets the tone for the day in my book. Even if you just move from the bed to the couch…you’ve moved. Keep moving. One step, two steps. Eventually you will be able to take a deep breath again. (Oh, that’s also a thing. Physiologically, grief causes you to sigh a lot which makes you try to take deep breaths and it’s difficult. You almost feel like you can’t get a deep enough breath. Unless you are passing out or have chest pain or prolonged irregular heartbeat or cold, clammy sweat, its nothing to be worried about. Always ask your healthcare professional if you are concerned about your health. However…this sensation disappears after some time.)
\nTincture of time. That’s how I dealt with the loss of my husband. Move forward…and pray, a lot. You may not feel Him there, but God is with your every step. He holds you in the palm of His hand and He weeps for your pain. Let Him wrap His feathers around you and take your rest there. Come back here anytime you need some support. You may send me private messages at any time and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Prayers for comfort and strength, dear one. This is a club we didn’t ask to join. You will learn how to perform magic like tap dancing around that husband-sized hole in your heart without falling in…every…damn…time.
\nGrief comes in waves. At first it knocks you down. Eventually you learn to expect the waves and you can lean in and keep your footing without drowning. It’s almost five years since my loss and I have built a new life. I have expanded my social circle and have learned many new skills. And…much to my amazement…I have found love again and it is so sweet and rich. Mostly because now I have a thorough understanding of just what I lost and how incredibly precious life and love are.
\nWe all know someone who suffers a loss. We don’t always know how to help or what to say. May I suggest bookmarking this page and share it when appropriate? Share it with everyone you know because someone knows someone who is hurting. Let’s make this the year we reach out to widows and widowers and offer them whatever comfort and support we can. ❤️
\n“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”\nHebrews 13:16 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-03T02:30:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/03/surviving-the-climb.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/02/ramona-and-her-pet-burro.html", "title": "“Ramona and Her Pet Burro, Bob” or “How My Memory Has Changed Since Mr. Virgo Died”", "content_html": "![\"Country](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/beb770d8d2.jpg\")
\nWe went to the farm yesterday. On our way there, Mr. Fixit pointed out the two little burros huddling in a shed, trying to keep warm in the frigid 9 degree air. Seeing the little burros, my mind immediately went soaring back forty years to one of the favorite periods of my life. When I met Hubby #2, he was a Physical Therapist who worked across the hall from me. I was the X-Ray Tech for a small rehabilitation hospital in downtown Denver. He was also finishing some pre-med classes at CU Boulder in preparation for applying to medical school. We were young and in love and poor as church mice. Daughter #1 was three years old. We had no money so we were adept at finding activities that were free, or nearly so. It was cool to be poor struggling students.
\nIt was the late ‘70s. Trivial Pursuit was HOT and we played it a lot. H#2 told me about the Trivia Bowl that was held annually at UC Boulder. It was free, it was close, and it was fun. It was held in a large room. Two teams sat at tables on a makeshift stage and the audience stood shoulder to shoulder around a packed room…a rowdy crowd. I don’t remember a lot about that night. After all, it was forty years ago. But I do remember one team was called “Ramona and Her Pet Burro, Bob”. How could you forget that, right? I also remember one of the questions was,…”What were the tail numbers on Sky King’s plane?” What??? I knew I was witnessing trivia royalty when one young student slammed his hand down on the buzzer in a fraction of a second and shouted out…”N5348A!” You’re kidding! Ok, I Googled it just now…but I was in awe back then. Who remembers stuff like that?
\nMy memory isn’t what it used to be. You don’t get to Medicare age without losing a little something. It’s been made worse by grief and the head injury I suffered in February didn’t help matters. I’ll bet memory loss…or, “grief brain”…is the subject I address most often with those who have recently lost a loved one. I remember I thought I was going crazy or something was wrong with me when I couldn’t keep track of anything in the first couple of years after losing Mr. Virgo. I made lists and then couldn’t remember where I put them. Or my notes seemed cryptic and made no sense when I revisited them. It was a scary time. Will my memory come back? Will it get worse? What is wrong with me?
\nI don’t remember who told me about grief brain (see???) but I do very much recall the overwhelming sense of relief I felt knowing it wasn’t just me. That’s when I knew for sure I needed to write this blog. Because not everyone has someone to mentor them and while I wasn’t far enough along to actually BE a mentor, I could share what I was learning and feeling along the way. One of the greatest gifts you are given from grief comes when you turn around and offer a hand to someone who is further back the road than you are. It is the price we pay for the grace we receive during our own grief journey.
\nMemory…its a slippery sucker. I still will get a brilliant flash of an idea for a post that I just know will resonate with someone…and if I don’t write it down, or make some sort of correlation in my mind to remember it later, it’s gone. That is probably the single most frustrating thing I face when I write. I still have a hard time making myself write down ideas because I swear I’ll be able to remember. It’s aggravating. The tool that helps me most is the “Note” app on my phone. I can jot ideas down and when I hit a lean period and have trouble coming up with a topic, I go into my list and find something that is currently applicable. It’s not like it used to be. It never will be. But it works for the most part.
\nJust knowing you aren’t alone in this is often all you need to relax into the flow and be present with your feelings. No matter how difficult your struggle, God is always there with you whether you feel Him or not. Knowing that can bring enormous comfort. ❤️
\n“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””\nJoshua 1:9 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-02T02:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/02/ramona-and-her-pet-burro.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/01/out-with-the-oldin-with.html", "title": "Out With the Old...In With the New!!!", "content_html": "
![\"Happy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6358b13262.jpg\")
\nI love when the calendar turns to a new year. The slate is wiped clean and you can start fresh…a great big do over. Never was this more impactful to me personally than January 1, 2014. It was the first New Year’s Day after losing Mr. Virgo. Somehow, I had it in my head that if I could just say “My husband died last year” it would somehow make the loss easier. It didn’t. Not by a long shot.
\nI had, in my crazed grief-stricken brain, thought it would be a good idea to start dating someone…just five months after my sweet husband died. Holy Mother of God…what was I thinking??? In my defense…I wasn’t thinking. That first year…well, really the first two years…I wasn’t sane. Not in a conventional definition of the word anyway. I did some things right, but my thinking was just off. My decision making skills were lacking. Thank God time and lots of prayer and introspection have brought me to this new place…this new life.
\nNow when I look at the New Year, I contemplate where I’ve been, what I’ve done, and formulate new goals. I don’t make resolutions. I’ve never kept a resolution in my life. But I do come up with a focus word. The word for 2017 was “Reach”. I think I lived up to that. I launched a new website. I spoke to several groups. I was interviewed on several podcasts and publications. I had a branded series developed for me called “Getting Bolder” on the Sisters on the Fly website. I continued to write an essay every day here. I traveled to Florida twice, the Outer Banks, Tennessee, and Colorado. I camped and/or had outings with the Girl Campers and Sisters on the Fly several times. I continued working on my social media platform to improve my chances of selling this book I’ve got basically written. And…I introduced you to Mr. FixIt. It’s been a really big year and I reached about as far as I could!
\nSo, now I need a new word for the new year. There are so many things I want to practice in the coming year. Patience. I am not a patient person. Compassion. I try, but I am not always successful practicing compassion with people who try my patience. Love. I want to feel my Heavenly Father’s love and involvement in everything I do so that I might feel that same love toward everyone…including those to whom I want to show compassion because they have tried my patience. You see where I’m going with this? You might think I’m going to choose the word “Patience” to meditate on this year, but you’d be wrong. I learned a long time ago not to pray for patience because when I do, God gives me every single little opportunity to practice it and I just don’t have it in me to be that challenged anymore. No, I have a different word in mind.
\nMy choice? Presence.
\nIf I am present in all I do, I am here to show up and do what is needed. If I am present…I feel God’s love. If I am present…I can actively choose to love others as Jesus loves me. If I feel God’s love, and actively choose to love others the way Jesus loves me, in every interaction I have…everything gets better. My relationships with family and friends are bound to improve. My interactions with others…even complete strangers…can only improve when I exemplify the kind of love Jesus has for me.
\nHow do you remain present in today’s hectic world? To achieve the kind of presence I am looking for, I need to start every day with a connection to the Source. I need to reach for His Word first…before Facebook. Before the news and weather. Even before Mr. FixIt. It doesn’t take much. Five minutes. Five minutes first thing every morning, before anything else, I will seek His face and feel His love for me. I will invite Him to come into my day…into my world…and walk with me. It’s no different than asking any other loved one to go for a walk with me. But the benefits are undeniably higher.
\nThat’s my word. Presence. Feel every moment. Focus on God’s love. Bring His Love and Light into every aspect of my life. I can’t help but shine! ❤️
\n“After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It’s useless to brood over how long we might live.”\nEcclesiastes 5:18-20 MSG
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-01T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/01/out-with-the-oldin-with.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/31/true-love-has-no-end.html", "title": "True Love Has No End", "content_html": "![\"Couple](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3a80f0cb47.jpg\")
\nThey weren’t much more than kids when they met. I remember the first time I met my cousin Tommy’s girlfriend, Suzy. I had such a crush on Tommy in his Navy whites. And Suzy was as sweet as they come. She’s been around as long as I can remember.
\nI’ve told you about Tommy. He has mesothelioma. There is no cure. And up until the last few years, there really wasn’t much to even offer people in the way of treatment. But they did their homework and took Tommy to the doc who wrote the book on Meso and as a result, he has had two really good years he may not have had before.
\nThe treatments Tom has received are not without side effects. The toxic meds have all but killed his kidneys. They have exhausted treatment after treatment yet, thanks to generous donations and scientific breakthroughs, more and more treatments become available. Maybe someday, they will find a cure. Because…you know. Cancer sucks.
\nTommy faces his illness and death with a positive attitude and a great deal of courage. They haven’t been afraid to “start the conversation”. They talk about death and his design…how does he want his story to end when he gets to the last chapter. Suzy is brave and strong. Their love knows no bounds as they recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.
\nThis year, Tommy wanted to give his “best girl” a gift that would knock her socks off. He wanted something so deeply meaningful that she would cherish it forever. Their daughter videotaped the moment for posterity. Suzy opened her gift ever so slowly. Indoor/outdoor slippers. (laughter) Then someone points out there’s something inside. Suzy looks closer and there it is…a small box tucked into one slipper.
\n“You stinker,” she gently chided this man she’s known forever.
\nShe goes on to open the second gift when a puzzled look comes across her face. She turns to Tom and says, “For us?” She thought they were a matching set of rings. She looks again and finally can see…they are earrings. Someone off camera says…”Look at the ring.”
\nSuzy is still puzzled then Tommy holds up his left hand and she can see he is no longer wearing his wedding band.
\n“No!” she cried. “No! Not your ring!” You can see she is instantly devastated. Until Tommy bends toward her and shows her that he has had the date of their wedding engraved on the back. At this point, The enormity of this selfless gift suddenly hits Suzy and she puts her face in her hand and cries.
\nThis is a sweet, personal moment between two wonderful people who love each other without limits. No disease…no cancer…not even death will truly separate these two. I asked for permission to share their story here. For one reason, I love them both so much. Second, I wanted to stress the importance of having “the conversation”, and three…I wanted to give you an idea what to do with his/her ring. Earrings made from a ring that has been cut in half would make a wonderful remembrance.
\nWe don’t know the future. It’s not a matter of if, you know. It’s…when. We pray for a cure. We pray for new medicines. We pray for good quality of life. Time. We pray for time. Lots and lots. Oodles of time. We will love our loved ones like it’s our last day on earth…or theirs. And we will hold fast to the tokens of love like there’s no tomorrow. ❤️
\n\n“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”\nPhilippians 2:4 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-31T02:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/31/true-love-has-no-end.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/30/let-me-entertain-you.html", "title": "Let Me Entertain You", "content_html": "
![\"Gluten](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ba22e3b6b9.jpg\")
\nOne of the all time BEST things about Mr. FixIt is this…he LOVES to have guests over as much as I do. I know it’s hart for you to believe but…I love to talk with people and learn about them and visit and tell stories. We had dinner guests three times this week. What a blessing it is to share a table with friends and family.
\nWe started with an appetizer of baked brie en croute with fig jam. It sounds like something complicated but it wasn’t. I bought it at Sam’s, baked it at 375 for 20 minutes. Done!
\nOur dinner guests brought salad and I served it with hot rolls and an aioli of crushed herbs, salt, pepper, more of that wonderful Chardonnay Garlic infused olive oil drizzled over top, and a small pool of both Mango pulp and Blueberry vinegar. Yummmmm!
\nFor the main course, I roasted two chickens. I did something completely different. I stuffed them with whole garlic cloves, quartered onions, and wedges of lemon. I trussed them up with kitchen twine, rubbed the sling with Chardonnay Garlic Olive Oil and sprinkled them with fresh ground pepper, ground pink Himalayan salt, more garlic, rustic herbs, and crushed rosemary. I placed a parking rack in a roasting pan and baked them at 350 for a little over 2 hours. OMGosh! When I cut into that chicken and the aroma of lemon and garlic hit the air? Wowza! It was awesome.
\nI accompanied the meal with fresh steamed broccoli with mashed potatoes and gravy (Sam’s ready made Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Teay’s Valley Cream gravy made this part of the prep fast and easy.)
\nDessert was homemade Gluten Free Bread Pudding with a dollop of French Vanilla Ice Cream. It was pretty heavenly!
\nServed with a Pinot Noir or my personal favorite, Fré dealcoholized wine, this was a meal fit for royalty. And it really wasn’t that difficult, or expensive, to throw together.
\nHere’s the recipe for the dessert. Bon Appetit!
\nGluten Free Bread Pudding
\n6-8 slices of stale gluten free bread, cubed\n4 eggs\n2 cups milk\n3 tablespoons Splenda blend brown sugar\n1/2 c. Stevia for baking\n1/2 tsp. Cinnamon\n1/4 tsp. Apple Pie Spice\n1 tsp Vanilla\n1/2 tsp salt\n3-4 big handfuls of raisins\nAbout 2/3 c. chopped pecan4 T. butter, melted
\nCube bread and place in prepared baking dish. In this case, I used an 8” iron skillet sprayed with Baker’s Joy.
\nAdd raisins and pecans.
\nMix the rest of the ingredients and pour over bread. Using a fork, press the cubed bread down into the egg mixture to moisten it thoroughly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven till the top begins to brown and the filling is springy to the touch. Serve warm with ice cream.
\n❤️
\n“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”\nRevelation 3:20 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-30T02:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/30/let-me-entertain-you.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/29/doing-the-right-thing.html", "title": "Doing the Right Thing", "content_html": "
![\"Writing](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8a7d408d15.jpg\")
\nI love doTerra products. I especially love their LifePak vitamins and use them, along with a cannabis ointment to control the crippling plantar-palmar psoriasis I got after Mr. Virgo died. When I purchase these vitamins, I get reward points that I can redeem for free oils or other products. I didn’t realize just how many points I had until a couple of weeks ago. So, I had a grand time ordering bunches of stuff!
\nI received a notice in the mail just before Christmas that my box had arrived but it wouldn’t fit in the mailbox. I’m not sure why they didn’t deliver it to the door. We were home and could have received it, but it was during the Christmas rush so I am sure the mail carrier was overwhelmed. I went to the Post Office Tuesday and picked up my package. It was like a late Christmas gift to myself!
\nYesterday, I received three more boxes. In those boxes were three bottles of shampoo and two more Copaiba oils. I looked back at the emailed order confirmation and I had only ordered one shampoo and one Copaiba, among other things. That is when I also noticed that I didn’t receive one of the items on the original order.
\nI contacted customer service via the chat app on doTerra’s website. I spoke with Jakob and explained the situation. He said he would be happy to send out the missing item right away and email me a label to ship back the duplicate items. He offered to award me 10 bonus points for my inconvenience. In the course of the conversation, I told him I could have just kept the extras but that wouldn’t have been the honest thing to do. He came back and said he appreciated customers like me and he was going to add 20 bonus points instead of 10! That is free product in my mailbox…all for being nice.
\nI began this blog five years ago. I have written an essay nearly every day, covering a wide range of topics from my grief at losing Mr. Virgo to camping in the wilderness of Colorado to living on the family farm. I’ve talked about childhood memories, recipes, farm cats, and family. I’ve touched on sensitive subjects like depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, and even came close to the third rail of politics…at least in the sense of trying to get along. I’ve talked about God and my faith and the importance of being good for goodness’ sake. In all that time, I can count on one hand the times I’ve had someone post something negative to me here. Do you know how rare that is in this business? The internet lets the bars down for rudeness because our interactions are not face-to-face. This emboldens some people to bring out the ugly side of humanity.
\nI cannot tell you how much I appreciate you all…every single one of you. You meet me in this space and we have mutual respect and caring. There have been times when I have considered quitting. There have been times when it has become overwhelming and I have had trouble finding my voice. There are times when I feel perhaps I have said everything there is to say. It got better when I reached the point that I could lay down the burden of my grief and I realized I didn’t have to talk, or write, about it all the time. And, every time I’ve thought of stopping, I get feedback from you. Someone says, “You were speaking to me today.” or “This spoke to my heart this morning.” That’s when I realize…I’m not done. God is still using me to deliver the hope and encouragement only He can give. I ask Him for the words. He gives them to me freely. He will tell me if it’s time to quit.
\nSo, I’ll be here every morning as you have your cup of coffee, or every afternoon when you take a break, or every evening when you stop and catch up with what’s been going on with everyone. I pray you find hope and joy and peace here. I hope you see the goodness in my life comes straight from God and it brings you closer to Him. Your “likes” and your “shares” and your comments bring His word to a greater and greater audience. We all spread Light and Hope and Joy when we share Him with others.
\nThank you…for being here, for listening, for loving on me. Thank you for another year’s journey. Thank you for the many, many blessings you bring me. It is an honor to be invited into your hearts and lives every day and I do not take that lightly. Thank you for letting me be…well, ME! I am richly blessed. ❤️
\n“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"”\nPsalms 50:23 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-29T02:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/29/doing-the-right-thing.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/28/hygge-comfort.html", "title": "Hygge = Comfort", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/58805cf25d.jpg\")
\nYesterday was a much better day. It still amazes me how quickly things shift for me since losing Mr. Virgo. Yes, it’s been nearly five years since he died. Yes, I am in a wonderful, fulfilling relationship. But am I the same as I was before the loss? No…not by a long shot. Is every aspect of that a bad thing? The loss…yes. The grief has been incredibly difficult. But the peace and personal growth I have grasped between the waves is nothing short of miraculous.
\nI spent some time at the farm, soaking in the quiet winter sounds. Then came here to a quiet house. Mr. FixIt was off running errands so I curled up on the sofa, wrapped in the warmth of my fur throw made from the coat Mr. Virgo gave me our first married Christmas. The fire was going. The tree was lit. The soft scented candle I got for Christmas filled the air with the sweetness of apples and cinnamon. I asked Alexa to play the Zen Garden station on Amazon Music. The sun outside the window glittered on the new fallen snow. A cardinal sang in the brush next to the house. A cup of tea sat at my side. The freedom and peace was palpable.
\nAgain, in my ever hopeful way, I stared out the window…searching the barren landscape for the beauty of winter. It’s difficult for me. I’m a summer girl. I let my eyes move across the the hill to the road and over to the meadow. I love it here. There’s five acres of flat land out there. I let my mind wander to past dreams. I’ve always wanted a place where I could hold retreats for artists, writers, craftspeople. A place where my Sisters and Girl Camper friends could bring their trailers and circle around a campfire. The big pole building out back is the perfect size for barn sales and dances. I let my eyes move on. There’s a pool between the building and the house. I smiled. Pool parties, family gatherings, barbecues. I have plenty of things to look forward to in the coming months.
\nI am also reminded of the term “hygge”. Originating in Scandinavia, the term means “simple, cozy pleasures, gratefulness, focusing on a better quality of life, taking pleasure in the presence in the gentle, an appreciation of the simple things in life, soothing things, a practical way of creating sanctuary, a place to restore and revive in the middle of very real life, evoking feelings of comfort” according to a recent article by Jan Zimmer, (Port Huron, Mich.) of the Times Herald. This will be my focus for the coming months. I will embrace the sunshine when it comes. I will listen for the song of the winter birds. I will sample teas and read and commune with my love. And, I will enjoy this end of the pendulum’s swing while I have it. ❤️
\n“…his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”\nPsalm 30:5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-28T02:30:42-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/28/hygge-comfort.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/26/practicing-minimalism.html", "title": "Practicing Minimalism", "content_html": "
![\"Opening](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4ebfd31ac0.jpg\")
\nI’ve had opulent Christmases where opening presents was a long, drawn out affair. And, I’ve had lean Christmases where money was scarce. I’ve seldom had a Christmas where we just intentionally bought each other a small gift so we could do something else…in this case, put new carpet in the family room that we recently painted. I have to tell you, it felt good to not have to worry about shopping, wrapping, paying for, and storing more “stuff” while still having a small token to enjoy.
\nI gave Mr. FixIt a nice weather station that records wind speed and direction, rainfall, temperature and humidity. It’s connected to the WiFi so we can check our weather at home wherever we are through an app on the phone. Kind of fun!
\nI got a much needed cushion for my banker’s chair and a book commemorating the Centennial of our high school. We had a big breakfast, watched movies, and went for a long drive to look at Christmas lights. Perfect!
\nAnd now, Christmas is over for another year. We’ll still have a week of festivities surrounding New Year’s, and then we have that long stretch of cold, grey winter. That’s what does me in. I love the cold and snow…at Christmas. Then I’m ready for March. It’s better now that Mr. FixIt is in the picture. He brings a welcome distraction. I remember the first winter or two after Mr. Virgo died were absolutely miserably long! I think Christmas lights should be left up till at least the end of February to bring light and joy into the night!
\nWe are planning a lot of activities to pass the time till warm weather returns. Hand therapy will take some time. Dinner parties, crafting weekends with the girls, sewing projects. I want to teach Mr. FixIt’s daughter how to knit. Maybe his granddaughters would like to learn, too. There are projects inside that need doing…stripping wallpaper and painting, replacing the backsplash and countertops in the kitchen, replacing some doors and baseboards. Lots to keep us busy.
\nThis is my new life. I still sometimes sit in awe that I have been blessed with another opportunity to love, another family to cherish, another home to care for. It seems surreal after so much loss, so much pain. I swore I would never do this again. Oh….but, I’m SO glad I did. I wouldn’t have missed this for anything! What a blessing this is! ❤️
\n“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”\nProverbs 15:16 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-26T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/26/practicing-minimalism.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/25/merry-christmas.html", "title": "Merry Christmas", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a4048ce496.jpg\")
\nWishing you Peace and Love…today and always!
\nLove, Ginny
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-25T02:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/25/merry-christmas.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/24/santa-is-real.html", "title": "Santa IS Real", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d52e8da8f9.jpg\")
\nHe held three beautiful children on his lap that afternoon in the mall. Three shining faces, looking up at him in rapt attention, their eyes glittering in awe. He’d done this many times over the years…listening to the repeated requests for dolls, trucks, maybe a baby brother or sister once in awhile. It never got old with him. He was born to be Santa!
\nAs the children got up one by one and gave the jolly man a hug, they smiled into the camera for that “Christmas Card shot” and he sent them on their way with a candy cane and a wave. He looked around and saw the line had finally thinned and he could take a much needed break. That’s when he saw her.
\nA woman stood alone, a fair distance away, but not so far that he missed her tears. Their eyes met and he held her gaze for a few moments.
\n“What’s this?” he thought. “Something’s up.”
\nThe cocked his head to the side, and without looking away, he moved slightly to his left in the chair, and patted the seat beside him. The woman looked a little startled, as though she might turn and run. But, he softened his shoulders, softened his eyes, and patted again.
\nThe woman gripped the wad of Kleenex in her hand, took a deep breath, and moved cautiously forward. At first, she sat on the stool at his feet with her eyes cast down. She didn’t say a word. He bent forward and whispered.
\n“Please, sit here. Come up here where I can talk to you.”
\nThe woman dutifully got up and moved to the seat beside him. He could tell she was visibly distraught and he didn’t want to rush her. There was no one in the line and the mall had hit the mid afternoon slump.
\nThe woman began to whisper and he had to lean in close to hear her.
\n“I lost my husband.” she said. “I need a new heart.” At this point, she burst into tears. He put his arm around her. He pulled her close in to his side and whispered.
\n“I am so sorry.” There wasn’t much more he could say to that.
\nThe woman struggled and managed to choke out the words. She had lost her husband to a sudden heart attack as they were standing in a travel trailer, picking out one to take them on adventures in retirement. And then he was just gone. She didn’t know how she was going to live without him. It broke his heart.
\nAfter a while, the woman regained her composure and apologized.
\n“Oh, I’m so sorry. I must look a fright!” she said.
\n“You’re perfect.” he whispered as he handed her another Kleenex and they smiled at each other. She got up to leave.
\n“Will you have your picture taken with me?” he asked.
\n“Really? I’d love to.” she replied.
\nAs the “elf” handed her the photo, she looked at it and her lip quivered ever so slightly.
\n“Thank you for stopping.” he said.
\n“Thank you for being real.” she whispered back.
\nIt’s been five Christmases since I met my Santa. Every year, I send him my letter, telling him what I’ve done this year…things I’ve accomplished, things I still need to do. And I thank him. For being so kind to a grieving widow suffering through her very first Christmas without her love. Santa writes back and tells me his life was forever changed that day and he is so happy to see me doing better every year.
\nIt’s going to be a big letter this year! I get to tell him about Mr. FixIt and how much bigger my family is now after adding 12 more people to it…including a new great granddaughter! I get to tell him about our travels and how we got to spend time with my Colorado family this year and how much I miss them at Christmas.
\nI think I taught him a lot that year. I taught him just how difficult it is that first year without your love. The second was probably worse. At least, it was for me. If you are struggling with the loss of your loved one, do be gentle with yourself. This is such a fragile time of year. I’m here to say…with time, prayer, hard work, and perseverance, life can get better again. Joy cometh in the morning, the Bible says. And, it does.
\nOh, and just in case you’re wondering…Santa IS real. And…he is my friend. ❤️
\nDear Santa…
\n“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.””\nRuth 2:12 NIV
\nLove,
\nGinny
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-24T02:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/24/santa-is-real.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/22/here-we-go-awassailing.html", "title": "Here We Go a’Wassailing", "content_html": "
![\"Cider](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a1bd41145f.jpg\")
\nI remember going caroling as a young girl. A group of my friends and I would gather and roam the neighborhood, ringing doorbells then singing carols to the family who answered. Of course they were home. It was just after dinner time…families were always home at dinner time.
\nI loved Christmas when I lived in England. Steeped in such old world traditions, carolers there literally looked as though they had just stepped from the pages of a Charles Dickens novel. Wassail is both a greeting and a drink. Traditional wassail is a complicated affair that includes eggs. This recipe is more like what we call spiced, or mulled, cider. Victorians carried a bowl of wassail out into the street and sold cupfuls for pennies. A bit of toasted bread was placed on top. Hence, the expression…”Let’s have a toast!” when you raise your glass.
\nWassail, or spiced cider, or mulled wine…all conjure up Currier and Ives scenes of horse-drawn sleighs, women in capes and muffs, men in top hats, snow gently falling. Sleigh bells jingling with the rhythm of the horse’s gait. The last scene of one of my favorite movies, White Christmas, shows this very picture as they throw open wide the doors behind the stage.
\nI doubt we will have a white Christmas this year in West Virginia. But we WILL be having “The First Annual FixIt Family Holiday Extravaganza” on Saturday. This will consist of the WVU Basketball game, hors d’oeuvres, opening presents, and eating a big pot of chili with homemade cinnamon rolls for supper. I’m over my cold, thank you God! (Zicam is my secret weapon…reduces a two-week ordeal to three days!) I didn’t go to Colorado this year…for a number of reasons. Mainly because Mr. FixIt had hand reconstruction surgery two weeks ago and couldn’t do much of anything. He’s doing really well…thank you for your prayers. He went to get the stitches removed but it’s not quite healed up enough for that so he’ll go back next week.
\nWhat are some of your favorite family holiday traditions? I’d love to hear them! And, if you have a recipe you’d like to share, please do. ❤️
\n“Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.”\n1 Corinthians 11:2 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-22T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/22/here-we-go-awassailing.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Holiday","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/21/messages-from-beyond.html", "title": "Messages From Beyond", "content_html": "
![\"Misty](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/443fa66a37.jpg\")
\nI first met Sheba Wheeler at a holiday dinner at The Warwick Hotel in downtown Denver. Mr. Virgo was the Food & Beverage Director and had invited me to come down to the restaurant so we could at least see each other that day. Seating was limited so singles were being asked to buddy up at tables. I always enjoy family style seating as I get the opportunity to meet interesting people.
\nSheba and I hit it off from the get go. She was also a writer, working for the Denver Post. She’s a superb photographer and we enjoyed an evening of lively conversation. There was something about Sheba that drew me to her. She seemed exotic and mysterious and as comfortable as an old quilt. She had really great energy and I felt she was special…as in, she had “gifts”.
\nI’ve kept in touch with Sheba all these years and have watched her open up to accepting the gifts she has. She’s had many life changes…a new relationship, a couple flooding disasters that forced her out of her home, the loss of a job she loved. But with every door that closed, another opened.
\nSheba grew up in the church and her faith was instilled in her at an early age by her family. At the same time, she knew she was different. She “saw things”, “felt things”, “heard things”. It turns out, she learned long after her death that her mama had “the gift” too. It happened after she moved in the new house
\nIt wasn’t till she moved into a new home that Sheba got a real taste of what was to come. There was a spirit there. A Victorian woman named Theresa. She “visited” her. Sheba saw her clearly…heard her voice…felt her presence. She called in an investigator who helped her communicate. The investigator became her mentor and told her about her abilities as a medium. Sheba fought it for months till she finally embraced her gift. And once that door was opened, she became quickly overwhelmed with the sudden onslaught of spirits clamoring for her attention.
\nNow, I know what some of you are thinking. “Oh, that’s impossible.” “It’s heresy…evil…black magic.” “It’s demonic.” “It’s not Christian!” Listen, I’m here to tell you…I am a Christian. I love my God and have put my faith in Jesus. AND…there are unexplainable mysteries in life. The first time I saw my grandpa in the garden, leaning on his hoe, wiping his brow and waving…a full two years after he died…I was stunned. My grandma had told me long before that if I ever smelled roses around someone and there were no roses there, it meant someone was going to die. That has literally happened to me. When my aunt learned that these things had happened to me, she taught me to look at the time when I had “feelings” so I could look back later in comparison.
\nI believe Sheba when she says spirits visit her. I have no reason to believe she is mentally ill. I do not believe she is evil. Yet she is attacked weekly by people…mean people…over what many call “the gift”. In 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12, Verse 10 speaks of the Holy Spirit gifting certain people with the ability to “discern spirits”. I believe that’s what Sheba does…she discerns spirits around her.
\nI hadn’t had a chance to chat with Sheba in a long time and she kept popping into my head. I’ve learned to follow through when that happens, so I texted her. We chatted a while. I told her I had been following her posts about her gift. She had met Mr. Virgo. I asked her if he had ever tried to contact her. She said no but she could try from her end. I didn’t hesitate in asking her to do so. She asked for his full name and some bit of information only he and I would know. I gave her his dad’s nickname for him. Now, remember…this is via text. She told me she had never tried this avenue before but she would do her best.
\nI waited a few moments while she gathered her thoughts. Soon she came back…laughing. She said, “He’s here! The first thing he said was….Well, it TOOK you long enough!” You see, Mr. Virgo and I watched all the ghost hunting shows. We downloaded an app on my phone that could detect changes in the electromagnetic field. And, we promised each other that if there was any possible way to reach out and send a message from beyond, we would. I’ve felt his presence. I’ve even heard his voice on one occasion. I’ve had my cards read…not Tarot…just ordinary playing cards. I’ve been told he’s “with” me. I was even told the person was given a mental picture of the two of us, sitting in white wicker chairs on a covered front porch, drinking something out of mugs. That would describe our typical morning having coffee on the front porch. He told her to tell me those were the happiest times of his life, being out there with me. But, this was different. I was asking someone to connect with him directly and let me ask questions and get answers.
\nI asked if he was ok.
\n“Yes.”
\nAre you happy?
\n“Yes, it’s all love and light here.”
\nThen Sheba said, “Wait a minute. He’s really upset. I had to tell him to reel it back a little. It drains my energy too fast.”
\nShe was still for a few moments when she came back and said, “He says he’s sorry. He’s sorry he left you like that. He didn’t mean to.”
\n“I know he didn’t. He doesn’t have to be sorry.”
\n“He’s saying “Nooooooooo…I was supposed to do something!”
\nImmediately, I knew what he was talking about. The doctor had told him five months before he died that he needed a complete cardiac workup. He refused. I think he was saying he should have had the tests done then this wouldn’t have happened. He knew I had forgiven that. But he couldn’t forgive himself.
\n“You need to talk to him, Ginny!” Sheba said. “You need to tell him he needs to forgive himself…that you’re ok…that everything is as it should be, as it was meant to be.”
\nSheba had to get to a meeting and we rang off. I thanked her, and told her I didn’t feel this was a “dark” thing. Then I sat back and talked out loud to Mr. Virgo.
\n“Honey, listen…I know you didn’t mean to leave me. I know you had a strong work ethic and you didn’t think you could take time off during the ski season. And, I know it must be upsetting to know you might have avoided this…for a while. You have to forgive yourself. Let this go. It is what it is. It was hard. It still is, sometimes. But I’m doing well. I’m happy, I’m healthy, the family is great, and I have this wonderful man that loves me like you did. Just let it go now, ok?”
\nThen something extraordinary happened. You know how it feels when you’ve had a pain for a long time and you resign yourself to it and it just seems like it’s normal to feel pain? Then when that pain goes away, it becomes apparent you didn’t realize how MUCH pain you had been in? Well, when I finished saying what I had to say to Mr. Virgo, I felt as though a huge ball of static electricity suddenly released itself in front of my chest. I hadn’t even realized I’d been feeling that till it suddenly released. I texted Sheba back later and told her and we were both amazed.
\nI know it may seem far-fetched. Science fiction. Voodoo. Occult. But this is not at all what I feel…nor is it what I believe. I believe the ways of God are mysterious. So far, there haven’t been any documentaries made with empirical evidence, no footage, no recordings, of what happens when we cross over. I am a Christian, and I am a scientist. I believe in mysteries. And, if this mystery brings me comfort, there is nothing wrong with that. I know it may not be what you believe, but it seemed pretty real to me so I thought I would share. And some day…some glad day…we will know. ❤️
\n“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”\n1 Corinthians 12:7-11 NIV
\n*Note: There have been a few edits as Sheba clarified the details with me
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-21T02:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/21/messages-from-beyond.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Growth","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/20/the-great-snowy-owl.html", "title": "The Great Snowy Owl", "content_html": "
![\"Snowy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/749110899f.jpg\")
\nI love how Facebook can bring folks together that may never meet otherwise. That’s the case of Julie Zickefoose and me. When I was writing posts about the spring bird migration at the farm, a mutual friend “introduced” me to Julie. She is an artist and recently came out with a lovely book called Baby Birds. An artist’s view into the nests of birds in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio.
\nI was especially intrigued this spring when Julie took in a baby blue jay that had ended up on the ground below the nest and whose parents never showed up. She named her Jemima and taught us all how difficult it is to hand raise a wild baby bird. We watched with fascination as she fed her baby chopped up chicken and meal worms. We held our breath as Jemima learned to fly. We watched with mixed emotions as the fledgling was released into the wild, only to return to the safety of “her tree and feeder” time and again. Jemima is fully grown now but her pin feathers didn’t developed correctly because she was hours away from death by starvation when she arrived so she can’t fly very far till she molts next spring and grows new feathers.
\nJulie recently returned from a long awaited birding trip to Ecuador. On her way to the airport, she heard about a juvenile Snowy Owl that had made its way from the Arctic to the Mid-Ohio Valley, taking up residence along a creek near the mall in our little burg. Upon her return, she spent all day Monday observing the magnificent bird…and all the people who wanted to get close enough to take pictures. She was interviewed on the evening news and cautioned the public to give the bird space to rest. Here is the link to her story that was on her blog yesterday. It’s very well written and gives you the up close view you crave, but with a telephoto lens. I’ve seen a snowy owl once before. I haven’t gone to see this bird. For one thing, I’ve been under the weather all week. But, more importantly, this bird needs its space and it doesn’t need more people disturbing it. I’ll “see” it the same way you do…through Julie’s eyes. ❤️
\nhttp://juliezickefoose.blogspot.com/2017/12/parkersburgs-snowy-owl.html
\n“You may eat any clean bird. But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.”\nDeuteronomy 14:11-18 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-20T02:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/20/the-great-snowy-owl.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/19/the-modem-of-the-mind.html", "title": "The Modem of the Mind", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8e8765720c.jpg\")
\nI really love living out in the country. It’s peaceful. There’s lots of wildlife. It’s a slower life. I like life slow. I don’t like slow internet, however. Being a writer is a beautiful thing…until I’m standing with my cell phone over my head waving it around like a dead chicken, trying to get just…one…more…bar. It can be maddening.
\nMany of the images I use in my posts are really large…especially since I got my new iPhone. Great camera equals great pictures. Great pictures equals larger file size. That presents two problems. One, Wordpress only accepts files up to a certain size. Two, internet in the country is powered by two squirrels and a possum! It sometimes takes multiple attempts to get a photo or meme down to an acceptable size. That takes time and patience.
\nI went to the only office supply store in our little corner of the world and asked what I could do to make our internet work at the far end of the house where I write. We tried a booster. That didn’t work. We tried a repeater. That didn’t work either. Finally, I got the manager and he gave me a lesson in how WiFi works.
\nWiFi, it turns out, is pretty much like your water system. If you have one faucet in your house, every last bit of water pressure is going to send that water out like Old Faithful. However, if you have every faucet in the house turned on, the dishwasher running, a couple of showers, and someone flushes? You’ll be lucky to get a dribble. When we first got WiFi in our houses, we had a desktop computer, and maybe a laptop. Now we have, in this house alone, two iPhones, an iPad, Alexa, a laptop, two computers and a smart TV. It isn’t any wonder we can’t get everything to run well.
\nAs I was driving home from the store after that enlightening conversation, I thought about how my faith journey can be so much like that WiFi. When it’s just me and God, the signal is loud and clear. I feel His presence. I hear His Holy Spirit in my heart. I connect. But when I start plugging in device after device, my connection gets spotty. I start dropping calls. It is not good to keep God on hold. When I have too many “devices” plugged in, like we all do at the holidays, something has to go. And the first thing that went was my health. I caught a cold. I haven’t had a full fledged cold in a really long time. I mean a knock-you-down-and-drag-your-sorry-butt-to-bed kind of cold. This is that kind of cold, darn it.
\nThe good news is, colds are finite. You’re miserable for a few days and it gets better. I’ll be fine by Christmas. But, it IS a reminder to unplug some of those “devices” and spend some one-on-one time with God so my signal is clearer. ❤️
\n“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”\nRevelation 3:20 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-19T02:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/19/the-modem-of-the-mind.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/17/deportment-etiquette-useful-skills-or.html", "title": "Deportment \u0026 Etiquette: Useful Skills or Out-of-Date Sexism?", "content_html": "
![\"Deportment](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/883bdfaf57.jpg\")
\nMr. FixIt and I went Christmas shopping yesterday. As much as I hate to go to Walmart, especially during the holiday shopping frenzy, we went looking for a specific item we weren’t finding elsewhere. When we arrived at the store, I excused myself to the ladies room.
\nThere was a bit of a line, as one might imagine with half the town out and about the weekend before Christmas. The woman in front of me had a full shopping cart of merchandise and a cell phone in her hand. She had the phone on speaker and it was ringing…unanswered. She turned to me and said, “Go ahead…I have to do this.”
\nIn the stall, I overheard the woman leaving a voice mail. I will paraphrase so as to leave the woman unidentifiable.
\n“Listen, if you insist on hanging up on me in the middle of a conversation…I’ll tell you what. You’re in a nursing home. I just won’t come visit you anymore. How’s that?! Talk to you later, Mommy.”
\nI was dumbfounded. Who does that? It’s Christmas, for crying out loud. It was more than just being rude to her mother…in a voicemail, mind you. It was being rude, out loud, in a public restroom, where anyone within several feet could overhear. I debated. How should I react? Should I say something? Make eye contact and show my disapproval? Breathe. Breathe. “God, show me what I should do.”
\nI decided not to say anything. I do not know the whole story. I don’t know if this woman has an issue. Maybe she had a gun? These are the things you think of in 2017. I came out of the stall, made brief eye contact, and said a prayer. “Father God…protect this woman’s mother from the wrath of her child. And bring them both peace and understanding. May they know your love. Amen”
\nWhen I was in school, we were taught deportment and etiquette. Every time I put on a coat, I can see the woman on the auditorium stage at Parkersburg High School.
\n“Grasp the coat by the collar and pull it up and over your right shoulder as you slip your arm in the sleeve. Then, gently reach behind you and slip your left arm into its sleeve. Do NOT swing the coat over your head like a toreador!”
\nWe walked with books on our heads. We learned to sit gracefully without looking like a lumberjack. We learned grace and manners. Yes, please. No, thank you. Yes, ma’am. No, sir. May I? We learned which fork was for salad, which was for dinner and which was for dessert. We learned not to slurp our soup or our tea. We learned to stir the coffee in our cup without making a lot of noise. We learned manners.
\nThis was in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. In our senior year, girls were finally given permission to wear pants to school. And ever so slowly, deportment went out the window with our bras and pencil skirts and Peter Pan collars. There are certain aspects of our “training” that was decidedly sexist. After all, in many ways, we were really being taught how to catch a good man. Good girls acted in a certain way.
\nThis is the year of the woman…2017. Time’s “Person of the Year” is The Silence Breakers…the women of the #metoo movement. Women who have been the victims of sexual harassment, abuse, molestation, rape….many at the hands of powerful and influential men. But, are they really breaking their silence or just…finally, finally, finally being listened to…being heard? We’ve been telling. We’ve been talking. All along, we’ve been talking. And now, people are listening. Is it a perfect thing? No…it’s difficult and ugly and messy. And there are bound to be untruths told. But the majority…the vast majority of the stories told will be true. And far, far too familiar.
\nWere we trained to be the victims of men? We were told it was better to be seen and not heard. We were taught to keep the peace, don’t rock the boat, be a “good girl”…no matter what. “Boys will be boys.” “Were you drinking?” “Well, look what she was wearing!” Instead, these brave women are saying, “Nothing…NOTHING gives anyone the right to abuse me in anyway. Period.”
\nI texted my daughter, the high school teacher…my go-to resource when I want to understand the minds of today’s adolescent. I asked her if they teach deportment and manners anymore. She said nothing even remotely close to it. I asked if it was considered sexist. Was there a lack of funding? Was it outdated? Her answer was…outdated. They don’t call it “Home Economics” anymore. It’s “Food Science”, “Cooking”, “Catering”, “Fashion”…all under the title of “Career Technical Education classes.
\nOk, I get it. To tell a girl she has to learn to walk straight and tall, to walk in heels, to put her coat on a certain way, may be considered sexist. Especially if young men aren’t being taught the same thing. I get all that. My problem is manners. Common, everyday decency that tells one it isn’t polite to stand in a bathroom at Walmart and threaten your elderly mother who is living in a nursing home. Threatening to stop visiting her if she hangs up on you again. I don’t get that.
\nThere are parents who do a beautiful job raising polite, functional, lovable children who use impeccable manners and they do it without shaming or beating them. I know many of them. But there are so many more who leave it up to an overtaxed educational system to teach their children how to be decent human beings.
\nI don’t know the answer. Are there any “Emily Posts” left in the world? How do we teach the youth of today that manners are still important? How do we teach respect? I cannot believe that deportment is outdated entirely. It’s not that I am an old fuddy-duddy. I just want the best for our bright and shining future. ❤️
\n“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”\nLuke 6:31 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-17T02:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/17/deportment-etiquette-useful-skills-or.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/16/things-that-make-me-smile.html", "title": "Things That Make Me Smile", "content_html": "![\"Retro](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6db2e78b49.jpg\")
\nThese dishes! Man, do these take me back. When I lived at home, I set the table every night with these dishes for as far back as I can remember. I know the Golden Wheat pattern by Homer Laughlin came from boxes of Duz Detergent. The green pattern was also from Homer Laughlin and was called Pastoral. It came in boxes of Mother’s Oats. Mom would get gas every couple of days so she could get glasses from the service stations. And the only “china” she ever owned came from the Kroger Store. I had a set as well. I had some white teacups with a gold rim on them that came from my grandma. She saved them and kept them nice to use at her and Pop-Pop’s Golden 50th, but he passed away two months before their anniversary. I can’t remember but I might have given them to my cousin so she would have some precious family keepsakes.
\n![\"Retro](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5a52bfc144.jpg\")
\n![\"Mother’s](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ab8d6192fb.jpg\")
\nAs you probably experienced in your home, it was difficult to get an entire set of dishes of one type before they went on with a new pattern, so our dinner tables were often set with a mish mosh of mismatched dishes and glasses. There were often hand-me-downs and “heirlooms” mixed it. And then, of course, there was Melmac and Melamine. Those came in handy when there were active kids in the family.
\n![\"Retro](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5b9bd930da.jpg\")
\nMom bought her first real set of new dishes when she came to visit me when I lived in England. We went to market in Newbury twice a week. There were vendors there selling everything from yard goods to blood pudding. Don’t ask. It’s gross. Anyway, mom bought what I thought were the ugliest dishes ever made but she adored them. They were brown (the first strike against them) and had a bold black and white geometric pattern around the edges. I know, they don’t SOUND that bad, but trust me…they were awful. I bought a dainty rose patterned tea set. I was predictable. Mom was the maverick. She may not have had much, but she’d gladly share whatever she had.
\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e468cb602f.jpg\")
\nThis has been wonderful trip down memory lane this month. I guess it’s the holidays and missing loved ones that has be looking back with such fondness. I hope you’ve been enjoying taking a break from the news and the hectic hubbub that surrounds holiday celebrations. I’ll see what else I can come up with from the memory banks. ❤️
\n![\"Retro](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0a0b2b93a2.jpg\")
\n““Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”\nIsaiah 55:1 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-16T02:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/16/things-that-make-me-smile.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/15/the-happy-accident.html", "title": "The Happy Accident", "content_html": "
![\"Alice](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f8cf29b352.jpg\")
\nI love this time of year! There are so many fun things to do…parties, family gatherings, cookies to bake, trees to trim, packages to wrap. One thing I really miss this year is the chance to see my granddaughters perform in their annual holiday programs at school. I miss my girls. So, when Mr. FixIt’s son called the other night to tell us about his youngest having her program, we were thrilled to say, “Yes!”
\n![\"Gingerbread](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d63c2ddab2.jpg\")
\nI asked Mr. FixIt where the concert was going to be and he said it was at the historic hotel downtown. Neither one of us could figure out why on earth they would have it there. The venue isn’t nearly big enough. But, we didn’t ask questions. We just dressed for the occasion and headed downtown last night. We were lucky and found a parking space pretty close. We were really early so we could get a good seat. We got a coffee and walked around looking at the gingerbread houses on display for the contest being held this week. Finally, we headed to the ballroom to find a seat. When we opened the door, it was set up for a Christmas dinner party. We looked at each other in confusion. A gentleman said we could go on in.
\n“Ummmm, we’re here for the junior high choir concert.”, I said.
\nNow it was the gentleman’s turn to look puzzled. “This is the First Bank Christmas Party.”
\n![\"Gingerbread](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/77daf111c6.jpg\")
\nI saw the light bulb come on over Mr. FixIt’s head. He started laughing. “It’s at the school!” he said. “It has the same name.” In his defense, he’s been taking pain pills since his surgery, but we had a good laugh over it. We had plenty of time to get where we needed to go and we found good seats. If it hadn’t been for Mr. FixIt’s misunderstanding, he wouldn’t have seen the gingerbread houses. So, it was a happy accident that we went to the wrong place first.
\n![\"Gingerbread](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/325a2913fd.jpg\")
\nThis particular granddaughter goes to the same junior high I went to. I remember we had a strong choir program so I was looking forward to not only seeing her perform, but to see how well the choir did in general. As it turns out, they’re doing great. Over 270 students take part in the music program. That’s nearly half the students. They did a great job.
\n![\"Choir](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7b68a818eb.jpg\")
\nSchool programs always take me back to the days when I performed onstage. I was in choir all through school and loved it. I still remember my first solo. I was in sixth grade and sang “What’s New at the Zoo in the musical “Cowboy on the Moon”. Yeah…it wasn’t Broadway material, but oh…I thought it was magical! The lights, the applause, the nervous excitement, the new dress or choir robe. Some of my most fond memories are of choir concerts. ❤️
\n“Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.”\nPsalms 33:1-3 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-15T02:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/15/the-happy-accident.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Fun","West Virginia","Love","Peace","Holiday","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/14/lets-take-a-ride-on.html", "title": "Let’s Take a Ride on the Brain Train", "content_html": "
![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d49456d497.jpg\")
\nIn the early ‘80s, Hubby #2 was just finishing medical school and was about to start his internship and residency. I was working for a four-doctor Internal Medicine clinic as a Diabetes Educator. The wife of one of the doctors I worked for was writing a book about a kind of water exercise called “Flugel Fitness”. She contracted me to illustrate the instruction manual. In the process of working with her, we had lots of conversations about health and wellness. She had a workout studio and I started some weight loss classes for her. I remember having a conversation with her about my situational anxiety surrounding public speaking and she recommended a book by Shakti Gawain called Creative Visualization. I loved that book and read it many times and it did help.
\nCreative visualization and guided imagery are sort of like meditation. One image helped me feel grounded. I sat in the lotus position and imagined a lightning rod going from the top of my head, down my spine, and sinking deep within the earth. I pictured energy drawing up from the earth and showering out the top of my head and raining down over me. It was all very New Agey.
\nAt this same time, Daughter #1 was about nine or ten years old. She loved for me to tell her stories at bedtime. Reading Shakti’s book gave me an idea. I wanted to see if creative visualization would work to help an active child settle down and fall asleep more easily. So, I created the Brain Train. We went on lots of “trips” on the Brain Train as I described intricate scenarios. It worked beautifully! She would relax and fall asleep much quicker with this type of guided imagery.
\nI decided to write a children’s book. I made it like a dry erase book with basic background images. The child uses a marker to draw in what they “see” as they ride the Brain Train through the countryside. It was a fun idea and Daughter #1 loved it. I submitted it to dozens of publishers and received dozens of rejections. Then, about a year later, creative visualization for children took off and there were books similar to mine everywhere. I figure I was just too far ahead of my time, right?
\nWhen Daughter #2 came along, she had many of the same anxiety issues I’ve struggled with. One day we were looking through some things and she saw the prototype book that I sent to publishers. I told her all about the Brain Train and we started using creative visualization to help her cope with stress. She loved it as much as her older sister.
\nI don’t get to talk to the girls as often as I’d like these days. They are busy with their lives. But, yesterday I got to talk with Daughter #2 for a lovely, long conversation. The subject of The Brain Train came up and she told me what an important tool that had been for her and how she still uses creative visualization. She said, “Mom, I still have the painting you did for me. It’s hanging in my bedroom.” She sent me this picture. It brings back so many memories of my girls when they were little. Tucking them into bed…warm from a bath, hair still damp, tummies full of milk and cookies. We would hop onboard the Brain Train and soon found ourselves riding through mountains or along the ocean or through a forest. We saw animals of all sizes and colors. Blue elephants, pink giraffes, polka dot monkeys. We crossed bridges and went through long dark tunnels and soon they relaxed and I heard the familiar deep, even breathing of sleep.
\nWhat a gift that was…to learn something I did for them…something I really haven’t thought of in ages…had such an impact. It made me feel like I felt when I held them on my lap, brushing their hair from their foreheads, kissing the top of their heads. It made me feel like a mom. I mean…once a mom, always a mom, right? I mean like a real, active, momming mom. It gave me the feels. ❤️
\n“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”\nPsalms 19:14 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-14T02:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/14/lets-take-a-ride-on.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","New Ideas","Love","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/10/its-that-time-of-year.html", "title": "It’s That Time of Year", "content_html": "
![\"Snowy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e4e54a2659.jpg\")
\nI visit this topic every year. There’s always a big hullaballoo every year about what to say when greeting others around the holidays. It seems like there are just WAY too many perceived offenses surrounding this subject. There are those offended by “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings”. There are some who are not necessarily offended by “Merry Christmas” but who wish to be more inclusive. Sometimes the debate gets heated and we forget what the whole thing is all about in the first place. Love. The kind of love that transcends all other love.
\nWhile I was not born Jewish, I lived as a Jew for 27 years. I became Jewish for a number of reasons, but it was NOT to convert because of a marriage. I married a Jewish man, but I considered myself Jewish before I met him. When he joined a medical practice in a small town on the western slope of Colorado, we were faced with a bit of a dilemma. Everything was strictly “Merry Christmas”. Which is fine. I have no problem with that. The Christmas program included Hanukkah songs, which was great. But, it was Hanukkah songs without acknowledging Hanukkah, per se. The other children in the school weren’t taught there was anything else BUT Christmas. They thought Hanukkah was the Jewish Christmas, and it isn’t. It doesn’t have anything to do with Christmas. And, being a stickler for education, I wanted the children to learn about all the winter holidays. I wanted all the children to be included and celebrated. And to do that, it couldn’t just be about ONE holiday…as if that were the only one.
\nI joined an ad hoc committee on religious sensitivity in the schools. We added books about other winter festivals and holidays to the school and public libraries. We asked for the program to be called the Winter Celebration. We were met with incredible resistance. The mayor of the little town was a former priest. He took great offense at our request. To the point that he hung a banner over the Main Street of town accusing the “heathens of trying to take Christmas away from our kids”. Personally, I really loved that man. He was kind, generous, and worked very hard for our town. He got our local representative involved. It was a real mess. We met with them. We communicated. We pleaded for our children to be included. And, as time passed…they were. We weren’t trying to take anything away from other children. We were trying to expand the scope of the holidays to embrace all children.
\nI don’t feel any holiday should be diluted. Every faith has its own place in this melting pot of a country. Religious freedom is what this country was founded on. I am a great proponent of inclusivity. In the years since, I have become a Christian. My faith is very important to me. But, I have a memory. And my little girl was ostracized by her peers. She was…to her face…called a “stupid effing Jew” and that is totally unacceptable.
\nSo, here’s my bottom line. I do not care if you say Merry Christmas. I didn’t care when I was Jewish if you said Merry Christmas to me. You were being kind and wishing me well. What’s not to love about that? I, however, will more than likely say “Happy Holidays” to you unless I know for certain that you celebrate Christmas. Because, I am not clairvoyant. Unless you are wearing a Santa suit or elf ears, I’m not going to assume who or what you are. I will respect your human-ness. With a heartfelt holiday greeting.
\nI love Christmas. And, I love Hanukkah. I am not familiar with Kwanza, but I love that there is such a holiday. For me personally, I love the story of the Nativity, of the birth of the Christ Child. And, I love all of you. I hope this season is full of love, no matter what your faith…or lack thereof. This is a dark time of year, and a dark time of the world in many ways. We all need all the Love and Light we can get…and not just in December! ❤️
\n“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;”\nLamentations 3:22 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-10T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/10/its-that-time-of-year.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/07/a-lost-art.html", "title": "A Lost Art", "content_html": "![\"Vintage](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2b81d02043.jpg\")
\nHow many Christmas cards did you get last year? Not too many, huh? Yeah…me either. Maybe it’s because I lived on the road for a couple of years. Maybe it’s because Mr. Virgo died. Maybe it’s because the “old guard”…the older generations…are passing on. Maybe it’s because I stopped sending them. Whatever the reason, the giving and receiving of Christmas Cards seems to have fallen to the wayside with the likes of the “Thank You Note” and the “Handwritten Letter”.
\nI remember it being such an honor for Mom to let me open a Christmas Card when it arrived. I slowly opened each envelope, being careful not to rip the return address. We ooohed and ahhhed over the picture on the cover marveling over the glitter or the crystals of “snow”. We read every word. We pored over the newsy letter that was enclosed in the cards of those who lived far away. These weren’t “brag letters”. These were informative bringing us up to date with the news of the year because phone calls were expensive and this may be the only way to catch up.
\nMy mom knew a man named Mr. Pancake. Really…that was his last name. One year, he had Christmas Cards made. They were cutouts of a pancake with a smiley face on it. Inside, it said “Merry Christmas from the Pancake House.” We kept that card forever. I think it was still in Mom’s treasures when she died. I don’t know if I kept it or not. That was my most memorable card.
\nI love the photo cards that you can look back on and see how children have grown and the older folks have aged. I even love the “brag letters”. Getting a piece of mail that isn’t a bill or an advertisement is such a joy that I don’t care what’s in it or on it. I just appreciate the thought.
\nI was shopping the other day and came across the Christmas Card display. I browsed through them, smiling over Santas and Snowmen and Reindeer. My heart warmed at the Nativities and The Wisemen and Angels. My fingers and hands were sparkling with glitter when I chose a small box and took it to the register. When Mr. Fixit got home from Florida, I showed him my prize. He smiled and took my hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’ll get my address book.” he said. I smiled back and said, “I’ll get mine.”
\nNext, we’ll make one that is “ours”. ❤️
\n“You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”\n2 Corinthians 3:2-3 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-07T02:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/07/a-lost-art.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/05/he-loves-melike-that.html", "title": "He Loves Me...”Like That”", "content_html": "
![\"Man](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c29a911247.jpg\")
\nIt was December 4th, 2013. It had been 267 days since the love of my life died right in front of me. It was 267 largely sleepless nights. I had made myself put one foot in front of the other…day after miserable, lonely day…for 2-6-7 long $&@#%€* days. I was tired. I was broken. But I was trying.
\nOn this day, I went to work. It was normally an hour commute each way, but on this particular day, the skies opened up and snow started falling at an alarming rate. The further west I drove heading home, the deeper the snow became. When I finally pulled up in front of my house, there was nearly 18” of heavy, wet snow in my driveway. I slogged up the drive and got my snow shovel out. You know…the one with MY name on it…not Mr. Virgo’s. He was gone. Two-hundred-sixty-seven days of…gone.
\nI shoveled for what seemed like hours. I was numb…physically and emotionally. I could hardly make a dent in the snow removal. I barely got my car in off the street when I gave up and went inside. I marched straight to our…MY…bedroom. I stood in front of the picture of Mr. Virgo and yelled at him. I screamed. I cried. I ranted and raved. He had a lot of nerve leaving me like this…with this house and this mess and this…LIFE! I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t want this. I was just so $&@# tired. I didn’t care if I lived or died, to be perfectly honest.
\nThat was a particularly dark and dreadful season in my life. There were a lot of people who helped me through that. I had support from those who loved me and from complete strangers in several widow’s support groups on Facebook. I’m only active in a couple of them now. I see myself there now as a symbol of hope, having survived the worst of it.
\nThe other day, one of the women in the group said “No one will ever love me like that again”. I couldn’t let her go on thinking that…believing that. I know early on…I couldn’t imagine loving again. If for no other reason than I was sure another loss like that would surely kill me. Then time passed, wounds scarred over, and color started to filter back into my life. I started to think…maybe I COULD do this again. I prayed a lot about it and asked God to place a worthy man right in front of me. And…He did.
\nI wanted this woman to know…your heart can beat again. You can open it up. You can give and receive love. It’s been almost five years since my world fell apart. And, while this man is so different than my late husband, he loves me “like that”. I feel the same joy true love brings. I feel the same hope, warmth, trust. This one is far more passionate…partially because I’m acutely aware of what I lost and I find this so precious. Which brings me to the biggest difference. Fear. When my husband was alive and I used to have the fleeting thought…”What if he died?” I had absolutely zero understanding of what devastation that loss would bring. Now, I know exactly what that loss brought to me. I still don’t know what losing this man would be like, but I have a $&@# good idea. I try to keep the wolves at bay and live in the moment, but they’re always howling in the woods somewhere.
\nGod did not create in us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 is one of my go-to verses when I’m feeling weak and out of control. Mr. FixIt is having some reconstruction surgery on his hand Thursday. Even though I worked most of my career in medicine and was married to a physician for two decades, since losing Mr. Virgo, I don’t handle medical situations very well…especially when it involves someone I love. I read 2 Timothy, and asked a friend to come join me at the hospital for coffee and a chance to catch up. I know it’s not a huge invasive surgery, but I know things can happen. This man loves me…”like that”. I will do my very best to support him in whatever comes our way because…I love him “like that”, too. ❤️
\n“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”\n2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-05T02:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/05/he-loves-melike-that.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/04/making-progress.html", "title": "Making Progress", "content_html": "
![\"Interior](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cf92378bfc.jpg\")
\nMr. FixIt came home yesterday! happy dance Doggone it…we really miss each other when we are apart. I always say, “But, I still need my space. I have to have time to recharge!” And I do. About four days and I’m good. After that, I’m ready to see that happy smile on Mr. FixIt’s face. It is a good thing to miss your love when you’re apart. It means you’ve got it goin’ on, right?
\nI worked like a little bee while he was gone. I did some rearranging and cleaning and decorating and nested like a woman about to deliver. (Thank God THAT’S not happening anymore!) I didn’t want to post pictures while he was gone because he reads my posts every day (didn’t I say he was sweet?) and I didn’t want to ruin the surprise when he walked in the door. I have to say, the look on his face was worth all the work. I literally finished minutes before he pulled into the drive!
\nReally, the only room we’ve done any work on has been the family room. Some paint, a new desk and chair, editing what was in there, and adding some of my special things, and it’s a whole new room for very little outlay. There’s more to do, but it’s really lovely now and it reflects US! This picture is the corner where I set up my desk and chair. I love how the desk closes up, hiding any “office clutter”. The raven on the top is an old orchard decoy I bought thirty years ago. The heron lamp belongs to Mr. FixIt. The quilt was a wedding gift to Mr. Virgo and me from a friend. It hung in the breakfast nook at my home in Colorado. The sign on the top says “Once in awhile, in an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale.” I bought that to put in my camper as a remembrance of the love I had with Mr. Virgo. And now, it’s doing double duty because I get to live another fairytale!
\nI’ll share bits and pieces of my decorating as we go along but I have to maintain Mr. FixIt’s privacy as well. Bless his heart, he signed on for a heck of a ride when he asked me out for lunch a year or so ago. He’s never said a word about showing up in my posts, but I want to respect his boundaries at the same time.
\nThe house is decorated for Christmas and this week is jam-packed busy with appointments. I hope you are enjoying your early holiday preparations. If you are experiencing your first (or second, or tenth….doesn’t matter) holiday without your loved one and you’re really missing your person, I hope you are practicing good self care. Reach out here if you need extra support. There are a lot of us here who have been through similar losses and we’re here to help as we can. ❤️
\n“…I found the one my heart loves.”\nSong of Songs 3:4 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-04T02:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/04/making-progress.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/03/the-rheostat.html", "title": "The Rheostat", "content_html": "
![\"Rheostat\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d4dd13ff46.jpg\")
\nWhen Daughter #2 was born, I had the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom. Her sister, and only sibling, turned sixteen and got her driver’s license just a few months after she was born. So, I had a lot of time on my hands to devote to the baby. I knew this would be my last child so I read all the parenting books and nurtured her learning from the get go. As a matter of fact, I placed headphones on my tummy and played Mozart and Beethoven to her in utero. Yes, I was “one of THOSE” moms.
\nDaughter #2 was precocious. She could READ the alphabet at seventeen months. She knew the names of all her body parts, by their anatomical terms. She spoke complete sentences early. She was a beast! Fierce. Determined. Focused. I had flash cards on the wall by the changing table. We would talk about what it was and what it meant and how you spell it and how you pronounce it.
\nBecause of all this exposure to knowledge, this baby was powerfully curious. She pointed at everything and wanted to know what it was, how it worked, and what you used it for. One afternoon, I caught her staring intently at something from her high chair. I followed her gaze. She was looking at the dimmer switch. Soon she looked at me and asked “Whassat?” It was her FAVORITE question! She asked it hundreds of times a day.
\nI explained to her that it was a dimmer switch, but the thing that makes it work is called a rheostat. I took her outside and showed her the electric lines coming into the house. I told her about electricity. And I told her how a rheostat slows down or speeds up the waves in the electricity and that changes the light from dim to bright to dim at will. After that, wherever we went, she demanded to know if our host or hostess had a rheostat. My friends rolled their eyes at me. “Would you let her be a kid, for crying out loud?” I should have, probably. My daughter struggled because the other kids just didn’t “get” her. She had trouble relating to kids her own age. She’s turned out fine…it just wasn’t easy for her.
\nLife can be like a rheostat. We can turn up the frequency and shine light out into the world. Or we can turn it down and sit in the dark. There’s something really cool about the light, though. Darkness cannot overcome the light. Only light can overcome darkness. Keep shining your light out into the world. Keep the darkness at bay. Constantly tell the enemy he is not welcome here. Show him your light. Tell him Who you get that light from. Send him packing. Remember your rheostat when you feel down…and turn it up! ❤️
\n“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””\nJohn 8:12 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-03T02:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/03/the-rheostat.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/02/more-christmas-memories.html", "title": "MORE Christmas Memories", "content_html": "
![\"Ceramic](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bf84f90cf7.jpg\")
\nI have been on such a nostalgia kick lately! Here’s one I know you all will remember and you probably had (still have!) one of these bad boys. My mom had one that she made in a ceramics class. As a matter of fact, I think I might have made one somewhere along the way. I seem to remember painting on the glaze that puffed up like snow and gluing the little ornaments in the holes. Wow…that’s like opening the top of your head and reaching WAY back in the memory banks!
\nMom got to the point where this was the extent of her holiday decorating. When Christmas was over, she dusted off the “tree”, put a dry cleaning bag over it, and took it back upstairs to the attic till the next year. I found it up there after she died. It’s one of the things I saved when I cleared out her house. And, unfortunately, it’s one of the only things that broke during one of my many moves over the years. It made me so sad.
\nI was rummaging around in the upstairs of the cellar house the other day and ran across one of these in a box up there. I need to get it out and set it up on the dining room table. My aunt used to put it out when she lived there.
\nI was wandering around the mall yesterday and was thinking of more things we used to get at Christmas. Remember those round bath oil beads? They were jewel-toned, came in about four or five scents, and often were in a tube with a plastic crook on the end to look like a candy cane. You put on in your bath and the hot water would melt the gelatin bead and the oil would come out into the water. Only, who could resist picking it up and playing with it till it completely dissolved???
\nHow about the Easy Bake Oven??? OMGosh! Do you remember how horrible that stuff tasted??? Yet, we ate it! There was Chatty Cathy, Betsy Wetsy, Tiny Tears. I always wanted one but never got one. I did get the bride doll that was as tall as me! And I had a Barbie. My Aunt Marge once traded eggs for a Barbie Doll dress that the neighbor made. I knew that was a big deal for her to do that and I took extra special care of that dress.
\nHow about the socks with the toes in them? Or games like Operation or Chutes and Ladders or Candyland. I remember getting a set of Old Maid cards once.
\nOne year, money must have been really tight. Mom ordered our Christmas presents from a catalog and they didn’t come in time for Christmas. So on Christmas morning, mom gave us each an envelope with the pictures of what we were going to get when the box arrived. But then, when the box did come, Dad found out Mom had charged the items so he made her send them all back. We were so disappointed and to this day, it makes my heart ache for her. She had to have felt horrible that we didn’t get a Christmas.
\nWe moved into the house we grew up in over Christmas break when I was in second grade. The house and furnishings were our Christmas that year. I remember my Grandmother bought me a bedroom set. It was grey, very modern. It had a twin bed and a dresser that had a drop\nFront that turned into a desk. Grandmother made curtains out of pink fabric with grey poodles on them. There was an old TV console in my bedroom and for some reason, she made a cover for that as well. I even had a black metal trash can with a poodle on it! My brothers room was decorated with a Cincinnati Reds theme. That was a grand Christmas!
\nI remember when I got old enough to babysit, I would go downtown to Kresge’s and buy Mom a little bottle of Evening in Paris perfume or a chiffon scarf. She always acted as though that was the finest gift a mother could have wished for and it made me so proud. I loved wrapping the presents. As a matter of fact…when we got old enough, she would put our gifts in boxes and I’d wrap my own presents! I wrapped everyone’s presents. It took all day on a Saturday. I’d sit on the floor in front of the TV and use up all the bows and the stickers and the gift tags and have a big time. Then I’d pile everything under the tree. We didn’t have a lot. But we had enough. ❤️
\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 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-02T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/02/more-christmas-memories.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/01/johnny-and-punkin-spice.html", "title": "Johnny and Punkin Spice", "content_html": "![\"Dog](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/899f0bd7c2.jpg\")
\nI have this friend. She’s one of those wonderful shining stars that God places on this earth to be a guardian of animals. I am convinced she is an “angel unawares”. I met Aimee through a high school friend. They were talking at a conference once and Aimee told her about this great group of women campers she belonged to called…Sisters on the Fly. Diane couldn’t wait to hook us up. And I am so glad she did. I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with Aimee. As a matter of fact, I believe we have only seen each other in person two or three times. But it’s always “old home week” when we greet each other like long lost friends.
\nNot only are Aimee and I “Sisters”…we are also fellow West Virginians. And darned proud of it, I might say. Aimee works for the state and created the COOLEST soil trailer. It’s a cargo trailer that she converted on the inside to give you a “worm’s eye view” of what it looks like in the ground. So, she’s an animal activist, she hauls a soil trailer all over the state to teach kids about the earth, she’s a Sister on the Fly, and a farmer, and she creates beautiful art pieces that she sells at some of the big decorator barn sales. On top of that, she’s beautiful, funny, and I just love her to pieces. Because she saved Johnny’s life.
\nJohnny was a rescue. Terribly ill, he was essentially a lost cause. The vet didn’t think he could possibly live. But Aimee found out about him (I think she’s on speed dial at the animal rescue) and scooped him up. She sat up with Johnny for days, snuggling him in blankets, taking him in for infusions and tests practically every day. He kept getting sicker and sicker. He was a rescue…but he had wriggled into her heart and she couldn’t give up on him. One night, they made a desperate trip to see the vets at the university in Columbus. It took a while, but they finally diagnosed Johnny with a rare disease that affects his joints. If they could just get him through, things would get better for him and he would live a pretty normal life. But there were no guarantees. They pleaded and prayed and now…look at him! He’s so beautiful. All of us fell madly in love with him and Aimee is great at recording his life for his fan base.
\nThis fall, Aimee was driving down the street in her truck when she saw something very tiny in the road. It was a kitten! And there was a man in a truck alongside the road. The kitten was trying desperately to get in the truck but the man just sat and stared at it. Without thinking, Aimee jumped out, stopped traffic, scooped up the kitten, and ran back across the busy highway. She yelled at the man. “Didn’t you see that kitten?” He just shrugged. “I don’t know anything about that.” Oh, he knew alright! He had more than likely dumped that baby right before Aimee drove by. God puts angels right where he needs them, doesn’t He?
\nThis little kitten went to work with Aimee every day as she fostered it. She socialized her and made sure she had all her shots and took extra special care of her in hopes she would forget all about the bad man in the truck. What sent us over the moon was how much Johnny loved his kitty. HIS kitty. Oh…how Johnny LOVES kitties! He would cry and cry until Aimee gave him the kitten. Then she had to sit with him and tell him over and over…”Easy, Johnny. You have to be gentle. Easy. Easy.” Johnny knew, the only way he could have his baby was if he laid down very still…then Aimee would place this tiny little fur ball under this big boxer boy. He laid so still…but his tail pounded the bed like a drum.
\nEventually, the kitty found her way to a forever home with a boy to play with. We were all SO worried about Johnny. How would he handle losing his baby? Aimee posted pictures of Johnny with his other kitties. His mommy knows when she has reached the number of animals she can responsibly care for. She did the right thing. And she knows Johnny better than any of us. She knew he would be fine. It’s as if Johnny knew he was only a temporary caregiver for this little baby.
\nWe can learn so much from Johnny. Patience, kindness, caring…unconditional love. He doesn’t care that the kitten isn’t like him. All he knows is…here is someone who needs love and he has love to give.
\nYou never know what kind of stray Aimee will attract next. Right now she is fostering a dog with cancer who is legitimately psychotic. They are trying to figure out how to help her. If anyone can, it’s our divine farm girl…the Dirt Queen. Thank you, Aimee…for having such a huge heart. You are so loved and there are many stars in your crown. ❤️
\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. Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food? Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”\nJob 12:7-12 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-01T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/01/johnny-and-punkin-spice.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/30/throwback-thursday.html", "title": "Throwback Thursday", "content_html": "
![\"Glass](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/acb1650193.jpg\")
\nI don’t know about you, but I’m scared of all this threatening talk between the US and North Korea. I need memories of my childhood to focus on so I can sleep at night. So here goes…
\nI love, love, LOVE Pinterest! Think of anything….some obscure thing from your childhood…and you can just about guarantee someone has posted a picture of it. Like…Glass Wax Window Stencils! I remember the can, the color, the smell, how it felt when it dried on your fingers. I could hardly wait for Christmas so we could get a new set.
\nAnd spray snow in a can…remember that? Oh, that stuff was wicked awful. Who knows what kind of chemicals were in that stuff? We would spray it around the bottom of the windows to look like drifted snow. And I would spray it on a mirror that mom set on a table then I’d set up ice skaters and make it look like they were skating on a pond.
\nRibbon candy? And those straw-like candies that were crunchy on the outside and had some sort of chocolate on the inside. And Christmas morning we would have an orange in our stocking. Or better yet, a couple of tangerines. And a candy cane. And a handful of nuts, in their shells. And a Lifesaver Storybook! We didn’t have much money when I was growing up, but we had enough for a stocking and a couple of toys. I remember the year I was ten…I got a bike! Somewhere there’s a picture of me in my baby doll pajamas, my finger over my lips and my eyes open wide as I caught sight of it! It was blue. One speed. I think the metal label said JC Higgins on it.
\nThere were a lot of Christmas memories that I used to drag around like a load of bricks…usually surrounding my dad and alcohol. But now? Since I lost Mr. Virgo, I’ve decided to rewrite history and just remember the good parts. There was almost always a doll. A game that my brother and I had to share. Clothes. (Insert eye roll here) I begged Mom to wrap every single thing so it felt like I got more stuff. (See? I learned early about accumulating “stuff”!)
\nThe paper was thin and printed with what are now vintage Santas or Rudolph or stripes or metallic foils. There was flat satin ribbon when we were a little more flush. Usually it was curling ribbon and a bag of cheap bows. And gift tags! There were little gift tags made out of card stock with “Season’s Greetings” and “Silent Night” printed in glitter with a space for “To:” and “From:”.
\nChristmas has always been my favorite holiday. Christmas and my birthday. Some of my very best memories totally surround those two days. What are some of your best Christmas memories? Did you go caroling and sledding? Did the neighbors invite you in for hot cocoa with a big melty marshmallow in it? Did you build snowmen and forts for epic snowball fights? Let’s share some warm fuzzies and forget about the scary stuff for a little while. ❤️
\n“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”\nMatthew 18:4-5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-30T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/30/throwback-thursday.html", "tags": ["Family","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Holiday","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/29/the-shift.html", "title": "The Shift", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/08a030f2c5.jpg\")
\nThe earth shifted yesterday. Did you feel it? I did. Mr. FixIt is about halfway through his guy getaway to Florida with his buddy and I’ve been staying at his house…feeding cats, cleaning, decorating, rearranging. It’s been great fun.
\nFor those of you who have been following from the beginning, I downsized and got rid of ninety-five percent of my personal belongings when I sold my house in 2014. I brought those things to West Virginia that I could not part with. A friend has been so kind as to let me store them in his basement all this time. I went over a couple of weeks ago and brought a whole truckload over to Mr. FixIt’s house. The Christmas decorations were all put out so yesterday, I got into the boxes of decorator items. A pink Fenton hurricane lamp, an antique cast iron rabbit doorstop, some quilts, my raven decoy, a sign that says “Kindness Matters”…these found themselves mingled with Mr. FixIt’s memories. Looking at the finished project, they could have all been purchased together for just the same house
\nI went back into the storage room and lugged the heaviest box to the kitchen. This is where I felt the shift. Do you sense what’s happening here? I’m nesting. The lines of “yours” and “mine” are blurring. Nowhere did I feel this as much as when I opened that heavy box. It was filled with china. Precious cargo that has been carted from one side of the country to the other…never seeing the light of day.
\nOne winter day, what seems like a lifetime ago, Mr. Virgo and I were shopping for a tablecloth. When I caught up with him, he was standing in front of a display of china. He was studying something intently so I followed his gaze. When I saw what he was looking at, I gasped out loud. Royal Doulton’s “Tennyson”. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. And, six months later, I got eight place settings for my birthday. I sat down and cried like a little girl. I’d never had anything so…fine.
\nThose dishes were packed away in 2014 when I sold my house. Yesterday…I carefully unwrapped each one, inspecting them for chips or cracks. They were perfect. I carefully hand washed and dried each piece and set them out on the dining room table in Mr. FixIt’s house. I thought about how far I have come in the nearly five years since Mr. Virgo died.
\nMr. FixIt and I still have an unconventional relationship. He has his place, I am taking care of the family farm. We stay a little here, a little there. We travel, and we stay apart a little. It works for now.
\nI am so blessed that Mr. FixIt gets me. He’s an angel…tolerant of many things. And he’s thrilled to spend whatever time he can with me. The feelings are mutual. ❤️
\n“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain…”\nPsalm 127:1 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-29T02:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/29/the-shift.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/28/the-stick-tree.html", "title": "The Stick Tree", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/df4b74fec3.jpg\")
\nYou’ve all seen that spindly little Christmas tree Charlie Brown had, right? Basically a stick with some twigs branching off. As far back as I can remember, that was the tree out at the farm. My Uncle Bob was a simple man. When he was told to go cut down a pine tree for Christmas, he did just that. And being a practical man, he brought back one that was easy to carry and would not take long to decorate. He was the smartest of the bunch, turns out.
\nGrandma didn’t have a lot of ornaments. I remember some of those made by Shiny Bright. There was a very old hand blown Santa that my fat baby fingers accidentally broke one year. sigh And, there was an angel that went on the top of the tree. Her dress was made of vinyl with a net skirt over it. Her upper torso, arms, and head were like a doll made of hard plastic. Her hair was spun glass. And her wings were silver pressed cardboard. Somehow, I managed to acquire that angel. I suppose because I’m the oldest grand daughter and got married first, I don’t know. But that angel has been with me forever. She is too fragile to put on top of a tree…I’m afraid the cardboard tube that slips over a branch might break. So, she gets tucked in a place of prominence on the front of the tree…up high enough to avoid any encounters with two or four-legged children.
\nWe always had a big, fat tree at home that my dad bought at a lot. I remember the excitement of driving around looking at Christmas lights then stopping at the lot to pick out our tree. I wore a woolen coat buttoned up to my neck, someone’s hand-me-down, I’m sure. I had a blue velvet hat that tied under my chin with blue satin ties. And, hanging on one side we’re two white balls made of real rabbit fur. I remember shaking my head back and forth to feel them bounce around. I wore that hat till it literally disintegrated. I wore rubber boots that fit over my shoes and buckles with an elastic string over a button.
\nDad would walk us up and down the aisles to choose the perfect tree…i.e. the cheapest without too many holes in it. Once the price was negotiated, an attendant would help Dad carry the tree to the Oldsmobile and strap it to the top with sisal rope. Once we got it home, there was trimming to be done before we could take it in the house. We had strings of lights with big reflectors that went on before screwing the big bulb in. This was a safety feature that kept the needles from touching the hot bulb and catching fire. And many of the ornaments hanging on my tree that I so carefully preserve were placed on those big, fat trees at the house on 55th Street.
\nI remember feeling so sorry for Grandma and her skinny little Charlie Brown tree. Now I look back and appreciate the simplicity with a fervor. I use an artificial tree now. The first one I’ve had since Mr. Virgo died. I opted for a slender one. I thought I’d be putting it in front of the window at the farm. Instead, it’s over here at Mr. FixIt’s. I never would have dreamed. This is the fifth Christmas without Mr. Virgo. To have found this new love and new joy and renewed zest for life is something I am profoundly grateful for.
\nIt’s the simple things I crave now. Things held by loved ones long gone. Gentle, loving companionship. Soft music. A warm fire. Good food. And a loving God that made all this possible for me. I am richly blessed. ❤️
\n“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\n", "date_published": "2017-11-28T02:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/28/the-stick-tree.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/27/the-ghosts-of-christmas-past.html", "title": "The Ghosts of Christmas Past", "content_html": "
![\"Antique](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ae88575c4b.jpg\")
\nI think this is my all-time favorite Christmas ornament. It’s been in my family as long as I can remember. I have a dozen or so of the smaller ones of the same era but this is the only big one that survived. I can still remember the box it came in. I am always extremely careful with all my ornaments when I store them, but this one especially so. It is so fragile and the paint has been flaking away for years.
\nThere are so many ornaments on this tree that have a story. Baby’s First Christmas. The angel topper from Grandma’s tree. Hand blown glass Santas. A sterling silver tree that was a gift to Mr. Virgo from The Ritz Carlton in 2011. An Old World Santa with the tip of his Christmas tree broken off that Mr. Virgo rescued from the trash at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. Dozens of coveted hand made ornaments gathered from my friend Judy’s famous Christmas Ornament Exchange Parties. And, the seven Ne’Qua ornaments Mr. Virgo and I bought together on our trips…one for every Christmas we shared.
\nChristmas has always been my favorite holiday. I found an e-mail the other day where Mr. Virgo had asked me to get our Christmas decorations and stage them in the living room so we could put up our tree that weekend. We always put on White Christmas and decorated the tree together. The first Christmas after he died, I followed the tradition. I did fine until I got up the next morning and saw what I had done. I can’t tell you how close I came to taking the whole thing down and putting it away. I cried for days. It was brutal. The next Christmas was spent in my friend’s apartment, sitting in the dark, staring out the window as the snow slowly drifted down through the circles of light around the old fashioned street lamps of Marietta, Ohio. It was still brutal.
\nThe next two Christmases were spent with my Colorado family. That was much better. We decorated the tree together and baked a million cookies. It was fun.
\nEach holiday season is a little easier. Last year, even though we weren’t together, Mr. FixIt and I had started dating and had fallen in love. Holidays were again filled with light and love and joy. Mr. Virgo was still there with us in spirit but the sadness of his absence had abated somewhat. This year, Mr. FixIt and I did the majority of the tree trimming before he left for Florida. I finished up last night. I’m actually glad I had those few hours decorating alone. I turned on Christmas carols. (I can’t figure out how to turn on Mr. FixIt’s DVD player. ?) I held each special ornament in my hands and thought of the person who made it, or where I got it, or who was there when it was used year after year. The Ghosts of Christmas Past paraded through the room and through my mind and heart as I smiled through the tears that stung the back of my eyes as Tony Bennett crooned The Christmas Song.
\nThis is a new life…a different life. Another chance at love. Another gift of making memories. My heart is full to overflowing with the beauty of it all. God has been so good to me…us. ❤️
\n“A cheerful heart is good medicine…”\nProverbs 17:22 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-27T02:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/27/the-ghosts-of-christmas-past.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/26/o-christmas-tree.html", "title": "O Christmas Tree", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1fffbc5f7c.jpg\")
\nLast Christmas, Mr. FixIt and I had just been dating a few weeks and December found us traveling in opposite directions. He went to Florida with his buddy and a few days later, I went to Colorado for a month with my kids. That’s the longest we’ve been apart since our first date and we neither one liked it. That’s when I figured things were pretty serious between us.
\nRight around Christmas, I was talking to him on the phone, lamenting that I didn’t get to put up a tree and have a Country Christmas at the farm. When I pulled in the driveway upon my return, I stopped in my tracks. While I was gone, this sweet man had decorated the farmhouse for me to come home to. Not only that, but he was standing there in his grey wool trousers, black dress shoes, a white shirt, and a red sweater vest. He looked so sharp and my heart nearly exploded! What a sweet and generous thing for him to do. He also bought me an indoor lighted Christmas tree, but we didn’t put it up because it was almost New Year’s when I got back from my trip. So, this is the first year we have a tree together.
\nSomeone mentioned they wanted to see a picture and someone else wanted to know about the mechanical angel, so I decided to post a video for you this morning. I still have ornaments to put on but didn’t get home till late last night so I’ll decorate more today.
\nI went to the funeral yesterday. As it turns out, Sis wasn’t just my grandma’s friend and neighbor. We were related…through marriage. I’ve told you before, you can’t throw a stick up this holler without hitting someone I’m related to. I got to see several cousins and met Sis’s son. He’s been my Facebook friend for ages. It’s such a small, small world.
\nI am so relieved that I can attend a funeral service now without wigging out. My friend’s son was killed in an accident a year or so ago. Another friend took one look at me during the visitation and said, “Let’s go.” She got me out in the air and my heart started beating again. You certainly don’t LIKE going to funerals, but you have to be able to express condolences without flipping out and it took me a while to get there. For the longest time, I seriously felt like I was just one crisis away from losing it altogether. That “one crisis theory” hung over my head like Damocles’ sword which increased my anxiety exponentially. Full blown grief is about as close to flat out crazy as you can get. I didn’t know if “I” would ever come back. Thank God I did. I couldn’t live like that forever.
\nMy sweetie is gone for his annual Florida guy’s trip so I’m spending the week catching up with “back burner” things…stuff I put off because it’s much more fun to go play with my bestest buddy. I need to be pretty productive this week! ❤️
\n“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”\n2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-26T02:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/26/o-christmas-tree.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/25/its-small-business-saturday.html", "title": "It’s Small Business Saturday", "content_html": "
![\"Shop](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/de9742a1bc.jpg\")
\nI avoid Black Friday like the plague. There is nothing in this whole wide world I…or anyone I know…need bad enough to risk life and limb for. I know there are great deals. I know the color glossies and TV commercials have been pumping everyone with the next great thing they can’t live without. I’m fortunate in that my kids were raised Jewish. They got a little present every night, then one big one on the last night of Hanukkah. They also had Santa but there was only one really extravagant year that I can remember. My kids and grandkids are frugal. They would much rather have money and go shopping at the after Christmas sales. More bang for their buck!
\nI have everything I need. I buy myself a plane ticket every year and go see my Colorado family. I don’t want anything I have to take care of or dust. This year, Mr. FixIt and I have decided instead of getting each other presents for Christmas, we’re going to carpet the family room. We’ll get much more enjoyment out of that than any appliance or sweater. And, it’s the gift that keeps on giving! I encourage you to shop small, hometown, mom & pop businesses this year. Big box stores may have better deals on cheaper goods…but they don’t have the vested interest in you personally that a small business owner has. I’ve owned my own business before…I know. This month makes or breaks a small business. Do your best to keep your money local.
\nI have a funeral to go to today. Sis Strickling passed away. That’s not her first name, nor is this her last name…my family always just called her Sis “Stricklin’”. She was born and raised on the country road a couple miles from the farm. Always sweet and with a smile on her face, my favorite memories of her were at the little one room church house where Grandma went. Sometimes she would come over to the farm for a visit while I was there. She kept her house neat and tidy. After her husband passed away, she went to Ohio to be with her kids. Her memory went at the end and I know it was so hard for her family. I praise God that he gives us an eternal home with no pain, no tears, and no illness. I know her husband and loved ones who went before her met her with open arms.
\nIt took the longest time for me to be able to go to a funeral after Mr. Virgo died. I wasn’t sure I would ever go to another one, but surprisingly…it’s BECAUSE he died that I can go easily now. If I begin to get anxious, I remind myself I am doing this for the loved ones. This has nothing to do with me…it’s all about them. I was so touched by everyone who came to my husband’s funeral. Their presence meant more to me than they will ever know. I remember so few individuals, but I do remember a sea of faces and that equates to a boatload of love. That love helped me through, so that’s why I go to funerals now.
\nMr. FixIt and I put up the Christmas tree last night. It’s our first one together. Blending traditions gave us ample opportunities to discuss and compromise. He wanted the tree in the dining room where you could see it from the road. I wanted it in the family room where WE could see it. We compromised by moving furniture around so we could put the tree in front of the picture window in the family room. This way we can see it from the side road coming in AND while we’re sitting in the family room. I’ll put lights in the dining room window so he can see it from the big road. Even through the top branches of the tree were pretty tippy, the mechanical angel HAD to go on top. I managed to wedge the branches around enough to support her and she is beautiful. Melding…it’s what you do when you keep adding to your family. At this point, if we got everyone I’m related to through marriages together, that would be one huge family portrait. I am so, so blessed to add so many branches to my family tree. ❤️
\n“May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us.”\n1 Kings 8:57 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-25T02:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/25/its-small-business-saturday.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/24/and-soit-begins.html", "title": "And So...It Begins", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/aa1b343fa7.jpg\")
\nThe other day I found myself with a little time on my hands and stopped at the Blennerhassett Hotel for a Starbucks. The Easter Seal Parade of Trees was on display so I took my coffee and wandered among the holiday decorations, getting inspiration. There were some stunning trees this year. The trees are decorated by volunteers, sponsored by local businesses, and auctioned off to the highest bidder. It’s a wonderful fund raiser for the Easter Seal Society and helps provided needed services for area physically and developmentally disabled children.
\nI grew up going to the Easter Seal Treatment Center. My big brother was born with cerebral palsy and went to therapy every week. He had physical, occupational, and speech therapy for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories was a play table with little doors. You went in and the door shut after you. It was designed to allow children with disabilities to stand up for a period of time. There were toys and puzzles you could play with on the table in front of you, but what really stuck with me was the milk and cookies we got at snack time. Even though I had no need of these services, I was allowed to attend many of the sessions because I totally understood my brother’s speech when others found it difficult.
\nMom learned to drive when my brother was first starting therapy so she didn’t have to rely on my dad to get us to school and therapy at the end of the day. I’ll never forget my mom’s friend Elaine trying to teach her to drive. I sat in the back as mom drove around and around City Park. At one point, we ran up an embankment and nearly hit a tree. Mom put her head down on the steering wheel and cried. She kept saying, “I can’t. I can’t do it!” And Elaine would pat her arm and say, “Wanda…you have these kids to take care of. Of course you can do this. Now, let’s try again.”
\nElaine was a saint. And…so was my mom. I look back now at what her life was like and I’m in awe of her. I wasn’t always a supportive child and I sure wish she was here now to receive this new appreciation I feel for her.
\nChristmas is such a special time of year. I love bringing beauty and light into the long, dark nights of winter. We came back last night from our Thanksgiving visit with my family and will work today to get some decorating done before Mr. FixIt leaves for Florida on Saturday. This will be our second Christmas together…my fifth without Mr. Virgo. Bittersweet becomes more and more sweet with time.
\nI hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I ate a lot, loved on my family, and took a nap!!! ❤️
\n“You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.”\nProverbs 3:24 MSG
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-24T02:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/24/and-soit-begins.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/23/with-gratitude.html", "title": "With Gratitude", "content_html": "
![\"Ginny](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a3ca25658f.jpg\")
\nIt’s deer season in West Virginia and I bagged my first deer yesterday. Unfortunately, it was with Mr. FixIt’s 2007 Tundra. There was no stopping and I did exactly what I was supposed to do. I didn’t swerve. I held steady. Fortunately, there’s not much damage to the truck but we will have to replace the bumper. I’ve never hit a deer before. One fell down in front of me once but I drove right over it and it jumped up and ran away. I am grateful we weren’t injured and the damage was minimal.
\nThe other night, Mr. FixIt and I were having dinner and talking about Old Mama Kitty being gone. He stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth and asked, “You don’t suppose she wandered into the cellar house when you were in there last week and got trapped, do you?” OMGosh! The look on my face must have been pure horror. He looked at me with such compassion and said, “Don’t worry…we’ll go right back out there and check.” We drove the twenty-two miles and I ran up to the building and checked but she wasn’t there. Im sad she is gone but I’m grateful I didn’t accidentally trap her and keep her from food and water.
\nWe visited my mom’s sister and brother and his wife yesterday. My aunts are having memory issues and my uncle is caring for them. So far they’re holding their own. Actually, the aunt whose dementia is really bad was having a pretty good day. She recognized me and told me she had been worried about me. She put her arm around my neck and pulled me close. She told me she loved me. She waved goodbye with a smile. I am grateful to have made that connection with my aunt.
\nMy uncle regaled us with funny stories all evening…one of which I thought to record. He told the story about the day they rolled the old farmhouse I’m living in down onto the new basement they built. We all laughed. I am grateful for this man’s strength, courage, and sense of humor. Most of all, I’m grateful for his heart…it is full of love!
\nI am grateful for my Colorado family. They are healthy and happy and enjoying their lives. My brother is doing well. I’ve more than doubled my family since bringing Mr. FixIt into my life. More people to love!
\nI am grateful to all of you for making a little space in your lives for my words. You all bless me every day. Thank you for indulging me in my stories. May you all be richly blessed.
\nHappy Thanksgiving! ❤️
\n“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.”\nPsalms 100:1-5 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-23T10:36:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/23/with-gratitude.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/22/little-lies.html", "title": "Little Lies", "content_html": "
![\"Pinky](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0a23834061.jpg\")
\nIs there such a thing as a “little white lie”? I mean, isn’t a lie…a lie? Big or small, untruths between couples erode trust in a relationship. If you have a need to outright lie to your spouse, you might not be with the right person. And what about the sin of omission? Ok, I’ve been guilty of “rounding down a little” when reporting how much I spent on that little black dress I had to have or trying to maintain a secret surrounding a gift. And, if I’m going to be honest here, there have been times in my life when I have not been truthful in a relationship and I’m not married to that person anymore. Which brings up that point again…if you have a need to outright lie to your spouse, you might not be with the right person. I wasn’t way back when. Enough said.
\nI was thrilled when Mr. Virgo came along. He was a great communicator, which was quite refreshing for me. We told each other everything. We told each other stories. I loved his stories. He worked in 5-Star resorts, hotels, and restaurants around the world. He met fascinating people…celebrities, politicians, dignitaries, kings and queens. His stories were enthralling and he loved telling them as much as I loved hearing them.
\nSeveral weeks after Mr. Virgo died, I was going through his personal papers in his dresser and came upon things that shook me up. Things I didn’t know. Things I felt were out of character for the man I knew and loved. Oh, it wasn’t anything like a second family in another state or something of a criminal nature. It was credit cards I didn’t know about. A relationship he had had before me that he never told me about. A business he had lost that had debt I was unaware of. Little things, but little things add up to big things.
\nI didn’t know how to feel. I felt a little betrayed. I felt a little disappointed. I felt a little angry. It added to the sadness and devastation I was already feeling at his loss. I carried that around for a long time and never told anyone because I didn’t want to besmirch Mr. Virgo’s good name. And you know what happens when you hold things in…they rot and swell and become that abscess you need lanced or your soul will explode.
\nI’m sure I’m not the only person who went through this. But I’ve never really talked much about it till the other day I met someone going through the same thing I went through and I knew there was a post in there. I knew somewhere out there, there is at least one person who needs to hear how I handled that, so here we are.
\nWhen I first stumbled across information that I had not known when Mr. Virgo was alive, I was confused. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was looking at. Grief brain addles your mind anyway. Add conflicting information and I was stumped. I wrote things down, made notes, compared conversations till I had a pretty good idea what I was looking at. Then I started the process of reconciling that information and asked myself a number of questions.
\nDoes this new information change how you KNOW you feel about him…how you’ve felt about him since the beginning?
\nFor me, the answer was a resounding “No!”
\nDid he love me? “Yes…more than life itself!”
\nWhy did he not tell me? “He didn’t want to…for whatever reason…and that was his choice to make.”
\nIf I would have known this information before I married him, would I have gone through with the wedding? “Oh, h*** yeah!”
\nMr. Virgo is still the same man I knew and loved and grieve for. The only thing that has changed is thought. Yes, there was some debt to contend with that I wasn’t expecting. That is what life insurance policies are for…debt, funeral expenses, and living expenses till you can stand up and breathe again. It wasn’t much, but it helped me get through the messiness. The relationship he had before me that I didn’t know about? Who cares? He married me. The credit cards I didn’t know about? That is still a puzzle, but one I’ve had to let go of. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter.
\nUnless it’s something criminal, or there’s a whole secret family you didn’t know about, my advice is…let it go. Obsessing over things never changes the past. It only sullies the present and tarnishes future memories. They make mistakes…they sin…they’re human. Let it go. I prefer to preserve that special relationship I felt before I rummaged around in the bottom drawer of his dresser. It’s better this way. ❤️
\n“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”\n2 Timothy 2:15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-22T02:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/22/little-lies.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/20/you-never-know.html", "title": "You Never Know", "content_html": "
\n
You buy a desk…you need a chair, right? And not just any chair. I wanted an old banker’s chair. I found one on Facebook Marketplace. I went to pick it up Saturday. The woman I spoke with over the phone was lovely. I felt comfortable meeting her to pick up the chair.
\nThe house was back away from the road…the quintessential farm house. White with green shutters, a long covered porch. As soon as I drove up to the house, the garage door opened and I was greeted by a middle-aged woman. I’ll call her June. June directed me to the chair and helped bring it out to the truck. We stood in the driveway and chatted for the longest time. This was her parents’ place, she told me. Her dad died in July and her mom is starting the daunting process of downsizing. I told her my heart is with her in her loss…then I told her about Mr. Virgo. Suddenly her eyes lit up and she said, OMGosh! You write a blog! You’re Marshmallow Ranch!
\nThis always slays me when someone knows me. And I always go through a little mental inventory of my behaviors leading up to the moment of recognition. You never know who you might be talking to. I have a certain self-imposed regulation. I want to always put my best foot forward and exemplify good Christian values. It was wonderful to make June’s acquaintance.
\nThe family dinner party was wonderful. The only mishap was forgetting to take the candied yams out of the oven to serve. The company was delightful. I cooked for three days and I was exhausted when I posted this so I’ll catch up more with you tomorrow. ❤️
\n“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.””\nProverbs 31:27-29 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-20T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/20/you-never-know.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/19/almost-heavenhomemade-apple-pies.html", "title": "Almost Heaven...Homemade Apple Pies!", "content_html": "
![\"Homemade](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/78f5f508bf.jpg\")
\nOne of the happiest places in the world for me is a kitchen. I used to bake competitively and had a huge kitchen back then. My last house had a rather small galley kitchen but I still managed to bake several times a week as Mr. Virgo had a sweet tooth. When I sold that house after his death, I lived much of the next three years in my camper. I don’t know if you have ever tried to bake in a camper oven but they are nothing like a home stove. The bottom of everything burned and I gave up trying to bake anything. There is a big country kitchen at the farm, but I traveled so much this last year, I really didn’t cook all that much. I kind of got out of the baking habit.
\nWe’re having our early Thanksgiving dinner with Mr. FixIt’s family today. I actually started cooking Friday evening. I cooked a bag of cranberries and put them in the fridge in a covered container. I have the sweet potatoes parboiled and in the fridge ready to assemble with butter and brown sugar today. The fresh green beans and ham have been cooked and will just need reheated. Yesterday I fried bacon and added chopped pecans and dried cranberries. I parboiled Brussels sprouts and tossed them with the bacon mixture in my huge electric skillet, then put the whole thing in the fridge. I mixed up two pans of dressing…one sage, the other with nuts and cranberries…sealed them with foil and put them in the fridge as well. Then I made two pumpkin pies and two apple pies.
\nToday I have to bake a 20-pound turkey and a ham, hot rolls, the two pans of dressing, and the sweet potatoes. I’ll heat everything else up and time it all to be ready at 4:00. The table is set. The ice is made. We are expecting thirteen for dinner. I’ve got this!
\nThe family room is finished. It took three coats of Kilz and two coats of Valspar with primer to cover that dark green but we got it done. I didn’t get curtains made in time for dinner, but that will come soon enough. I sat there enjoying the fruits of our labor, listening to soft music in the background as I wrote this. It was very warm yesterday…nearly 70, but rain came in at dusk and it will continue to get colder as the week progresses.
\nAll but the most stubborn of leaves have fallen now, the color all but gone. I have such vivid memories of going out to the farm for Thanksgiving dinners and having it look just like this. It’s funny how our senses take us back so quickly, isn’t it? The sights, sounds, and smells transport me over six decades and brings me so close to my mom and my grandma. I miss them both so much. And I miss my Colorado family. The grandchildren are growing so fast. I always say this, but I wish Colorado and West Virginia were closer. It’s hard when your heart has two homes. ❤️
\n“She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”\nProverbs 31:15-17 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-19T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/19/almost-heavenhomemade-apple-pies.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/17/its-just-a-phase.html", "title": "It’s Just a Phase", "content_html": "
![\"Phases\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/737daa8371.jpg\")
\nMr. FixIt and I graduated from the same high school class. Our classmates started gathering once every two or three months for dinner. We are “of an age” where loss is too real and we want to enjoy each other while we can. Last night was just such a gathering…and it was wonderful. There were forty-two of us…our largest gathering yet outside of an actual class reunion.
\nBeing the social butterfly that I am, I went from table to table to visit so I could speak with everyone, at least for a few minutes. Some of these people I’ve known since first grade. They are all\nImportant to me, whether I’ve known them forever or not. Some of my dearest friends were talking about Mr. FixIt and I. One of them mentioned I’m in a new phase. She wasn’t crazy about my “I downsized so you all should too” phase. lol I don’t blame her…I can beat a subject to death sometimes.
\nWe’re having a dozen or so family members over for an early Thanksgiving Sunday. The family room is nearly finished. Another coat of Kilz on the second door then the trim color can go on. A little touch up here and there, then up comes the tape and drop cloths, a good vacuuming, and move the furniture back then I can start cooking.
\nYes, this IS a new phase. Not totally uncharted territory. I’ve been in relationships before. I’ve nested and played house and been Susie Homemaker. This time around is different somehow. It’s more deliberate…easing into it, savoring each moment like a fine French wine or an aged Camembert. Feeling the silky smoothness of love and fun and laughter and even the serious moments. I love this phase. Remember how you wanted to stop your kids at three…at least for a while? Three-year-olds are perfect. They have gained some reasoning skills and they are sweet as sugar. That’s how this feels. I want it to just be like this…forever and always. I’m a realist…and a dreamer. ❤️
\n“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.”\nEcclesiastes 7:8-11 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-17T02:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/17/its-just-a-phase.html", "tags": ["Hope","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/16/things-that-make-me-smile.html", "title": "Things That Make Me Smile", "content_html": "
![\"Antique](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b23533f910.jpg\")
\nI was rummaging around in the basement out at the farm the other day, looking for painting supplies, when I saw the old stove in this great light and had to stop and capture it. I’m not sure why my Grandma did most of her canning down in the basement. I know this past summer the basement was so humid mold was growing on everything. I had to buy a dehumidifier to put down there to keep the humidity below 50%. When she got this baby cranked up with a canner full of boiling water (not to mention the wringer washer) the condensation literally ran down the walls.
\nThere is a good-sized triangular patch of ground across the creek from the house that was the truck garden. This was where most of the vegetables for the table were grown. The canning vegetables, as well as the strawberries for the farmer’s market, were grown back up on the hill. There was a footbridge that crossed the creek to the garden. My uncle ran an electric fence around the garden to keep the deer out. Grandma grew a ton of green beans, corn, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes in that little patch of ground. The potatoes were grown on a similar, though much smaller, triangular patch along the end of the driveway. I spent many hours stringing beans and shucking corn, scalding and peeling tomatoes, and helping any way I could on canning days.
\nOne year we drove all the way to Virginia to buy peaches. I remember they were as big as softballs. Mom was helping Grandma can them and neither one knew the other had stirred sugar into the syrup to pour over them in the jars. When they opened the first jar later on, they were sickeningly sweet. Mom felt so bad…she thought she had ruined Grandma’s beautiful peaches. But Grandma said, “Sis, don’t you worry about a thing. We’ll just make us some peach butter and not have to add any sugar.” They cooked them down and that was the best peach butter ever!
\nNow, this old stove stands silently in a back corner of the basement…rusted and resting on cinder blocks for legs. This appliance was from a time of resourceful ingenuity… a time when you never threw anything away. You made do. You “recycled” by reusing. You reduced waste simply by being too poor to buy something better. The Baby Boomers were on the tail end of that generation. Ours was a disposable generation. Cheaply made plastic and paper products have filled countless landfills. Grandma didn’t even have trash service till very late in life. You burned what little paper you threw away. You fed table scraps to the cats or hogs. You reused the glass jars that you canned your food in. I’m glad this stove is still here…even though it doesn’t work…it would never be safe enough to use. But it’s like going into the museum of my youth when I go downstairs. And it’s one of the the things that makes me smile. ❤️
\n“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”\n2 Thessalonians 2:15 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-11-16T02:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/16/things-that-make-me-smile.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/15/the-long-goodbye.html", "title": "The Long Goodbye", "content_html": "![\"Vintage](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/266ba1783d.jpg\")
\nI have a longtime friend…I’ll call her Betty. Betty is retired. She was a child and family counselor…and a darned good one. She is kind, gentle, tender in her approach. She was an intuitive therapist. She raised a beautiful family. She had struggles along the way, as we all do. Some of hers were really difficult. But, in the end, she is still with the same loving spouse, and her children are thriving.
\nSeveral months ago, Betty contacted me and asked me to go to lunch with her. It was there that she revealed she had been diagnosed with dementia. It was hereditary, she explained. She already saw the signs and was struggling a bit. She wanted to thank me for teaching her to quilt because it has been a favorite pastime for her the last few years. Her legacy is in the quilts she stitched by hand as well as the books she wrote.
\nBetty’s biggest worry, she told me over lunch, was being a burden to her family and friends. She told me she was going to become more involved in Facebook as a way to stay engaged and interested. She didn’t want to disappear into the shadows of her mind. I encouraged her to write and remain present as long as she could. In true Betty fashion, she turned her Facebook page into a lesson…of love, of courage, of perseverance. She used to send me private messages occasionally. Bringing an article to my attention. Sharing a travel photo. Sharing a memory. Then the private messages stopped. A few days ago, she shared that her dementia was worsening…right on schedule. She doesn’t leave the house much anymore. She realizes how much she is forgetting and she hopes she isn’t boring any of us. I told her this:
\nWe love you. We cannot fully understand what you are going through. But, we can certainly empathize. It must feel like you are leaving on a cruise ship and the people on the shore are getting further and further away till they disappear. But here’s the good news. The land to which you will eventually arrive has streets paved in gold. There will be no more illness and pain. Only love and joy. And when you can no longer feel our hands, turn around and reach for His. He is always waiting for us with arms wide open.
\nIt’s been a long goodbye. And while I will miss her sweet, gentle posts with pictures of “Home”, I know for a fact she is surrounded by people who love her very much. They will support her as best they can. They will guard her and protect her and wish her bon voyage. I do not know where she will go when she gets lost in her mind. But I hope it will be pleasant and not painful for her. Safe travels, my friend. I will see you on the other side. ❤️
\n“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”\nPsalm 23:1-6 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-15T02:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/15/the-long-goodbye.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/13/when-things-get-messy.html", "title": "When Things Get Messy", "content_html": "
![\"Painting](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8b9cda10b8.jpg\")
\nThis is the part I hate about home improvement projects…living through the mess till it gets finished. I have done this countless times in my life. You can’t avoid it if you are a homeowner. I did this and then some when my mom died and I prepared to sell her house. She wouldn’t let me do anything to her house when she was living because it meant she would have to throw something away. I completely redid the kitchen and bathroom, painted the whole house, and refinished the hardwood floors…all by myself. It’s ever so much more fun to do a project with someone…especially if you work well together as a team. We took yesterday off, went to church, then out to the farm to feed cats. And today we are back at it.
\nAs I sat down to write this post, a notification came through on my phone. There are nearly a hundred women from Sisters on the Fly down in Port Aransas doing hurricane relief. The very day the hurricane hit, the call went out on the Sisters on the Fly Facebook page. Someone picked up the ball and started The Sister Corps. They immediately started recruiting women to go south to help with the cleanup efforts as they knew help would be needed beyond the immediacy of the storm. The Sister Corps has been posting pictures of the mounds of trash out in front of the houses where they are working. Homes are bare to the studs where drywall must be replaced because of flooding. Bathrooms and kitchens are being replaced. Carpeting and ruined flooring has been ripped out. It makes me look at this room with a whole new vision.
\nWe are freshening this room…not salvaging it. We are making a choice to change outdated colors and carpeting, not replacing everything because of a natural disaster. Again, God humbles me when I get too “uppity” for my own good. This is a joy…a blessing. We are wealthy beyond our wildest dreams. We are rich in love and the bountiful blessings of not one, but two homes to live in. We have the money to buy a few gallons of paint without having to go through insurance adjusters and contractors and estimates to do so. I will look at this project with new eyes today when I am privileged to pick up a paint brush and know I have a comfortable bed to sleep in tonight. I know where my family is sleeping tonight. I know we have food in the pantry and a little money in the bank.
\nI want to share with you another way God works in my life. The other day, I received notice I needed to make a change in my insurance. I’ve been on the healthcare.gov website and on the phone a few times choosing New coverage. It’s an affordable policy, but still…money I wasn’t necessarily planning on spending. As I looked through the choices, I prayed. “God, show me what I need. I’ll worry about filling out the paperwork…you worry about how I’ll afford what I need.” God always, always provides. You want to know how I know this? Because, yesterday after church, Mr. Fixit and I went to the post office to pick up the mail and there were, not one but…TWO checks in there. Not enough to pay for a full month of insurance. But enough to cover my tithe for the next three months.
\nThis is how God works. He has countless, countless blessings for YOU. They have your name on them…specifically. And he so wants to give them to you. But…he waits for you to ask for them. Don’t come out of the chute asking for those blessings directly, either. Come into the conversation thanking Him for the blessings he has already showered on you. An attitude of gratitude is a fair way to start a prayer when you are asking for more.
\nThank you, God…for the unexpected bounty you have blessed me with. I am so grateful. ❤️
\n“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”\nMalachi 3:10 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-13T02:30:22-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/13/when-things-get-messy.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/12/the-sentinels.html", "title": "The Sentinels", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/81e1358a02.jpg\")
\nWe survived the first day of painting…barely! It wasn’t a problem working together. That part was awesome! We put on ‘70s music and be-bopped around the living room, dancing and singing and having a grand time making each other laugh. Till we had to move the treadmill out of the corner and into the middle of the room to paint around it. The part you walk on folds up and you pull back on the entire thing to make it stand on two wheels. This allegedly makes it move easier. Well, not so on carpet. I bent down and grabbed the front legs and helped Mr. FixIt move this thing several feet. I’m not sure what happened, but when we set the front end down, it came down like a shot and the handles slammed me in the side of the head so hard it literally knocked me off my feet and sent me flying about six feet. It didn’t hurt as bad as it surprised me. And of course, scared Mr. FixIt to death. I laid there on the floor for a couple minutes to let the bells stop ringing in my head and got up. I’m fine, thank God!
\nWe finished painting the ceiling in time for the kickoff of the WVU game so I left Mr. FixIt to his own devices and headed to the farm to feed the cats. The last couple of years, I’ve been trying to embrace fall and not hate it as the harbinger of winter. I’m trying to embrace winter, too…but, one thing at a time. As I drove across the two-lane, I made myself look at the landscape. In the past I would just feel sadness that the leaves were gone. This time, I asked myself to name something lovely. Suddenly…I saw texture. Where leaves were densely packed in the summer months, bare trees now stand and you can see the ridges and waterways that they line. “Name one thing that’s lovely.” The sycamore. They stand like ghostly sentinels, guardians of the creek banks, their white arms stretched toward the sky. Their limbs are crooked like a gnarly witch’s hand, the last of their dinner-plate sized leaves clinging curled and crispy to the uppermost limbs. Their round, light mustard-brown seed pods dangle like ornaments silhouetted against the sky.
\nOnce I noticed them, I saw sycamores everywhere. They were so beautiful. As I drove back from the farm, the sun was setting and the light turned rose-gold. The trees on the hillside looked like the tips of paintbrushes dipped in yellow and gold, orange and red…only the tippy-top leaves were left. Soon the winter winds will strip all but the most hardy leaves and the twigs and branches will create a mosaic against a thin blue sky. There was a hard freeze last night…a hoar frost still clinging to the frozen grass. As I pulled into the driveway at Mr. FixIt’s house, ten deer were out grazing in the field. I sat there for a while, contemplating. It was a good day. This is a good life. I am healthy, loved, secure…happy. I smiled and went inside to start supper. ❤️
\n“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”\nPhilippians 4:12-13 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-12T02:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/12/the-sentinels.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","The Cats","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/11/the-closet-christian.html", "title": "The Closet Christian", "content_html": "
![\"Rain](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6dcd069dda.jpg\")
\nSometimes it’s hard to walk the talk. And sometimes it’s even more difficult to talk the walk. I shied away from Christianity for many, many years after being frightened by a little ol’ banty rooster of a man. He was a circuit preacher, all hellfire and brimstone. As an adult, I can appreciate where that style of preaching is coming from and what affect it has on my spirit. But, as a seven-year-old, it literally scared the pee out of me and I ran in the opposite direction. I walked a long journey away from Jesus. I couldn’t be an atheist because I knew God. It was this Jesus guy that gave me fits. I rectified that by becoming Jewish for 27 years. It wasn’t till I was 51 that I became a Christian. And, even then, I was a closet Christian.
\nI never wanted to be that person. You know, that stereotypical church lady who can’t carry on a conversation without “Praise Jesus” this and “Praise Jesus” that. I’ve since learned you can…and SHOULD…let others know that you are a Christian by the way you act and talk. You can do this without shouting “Hallelujah” in the produce section when the Olathe Sweet Corn arrives. (Although, that actually may be justified!) I took closet Christianity to the extreme though. I was like the Unabomber in my hoodie and shades, being very careful not to expose my true identity. Some of that has fallen away with age. I don’t care as much what people think about me. Mostly it’s a conscious decision.
\nI had lunch with a dear friend Thursday. We met at Bob Evans…a busy chain restaurant where I can get a good breakfast any time of the day. We hadn’t seen each other for quite some time so there was much catching up to do. We talked about the kids and our new loves. We chatted about our travels and holiday plans. And we talked liberally about God and our faith walk. It was an easy conversation…the kind of comfort you only find with close friends.
\nAfter about an hour or so, a woman walked over and placed her hand on my arm. “I overheard you talking about the Lord. Thank you! Isn’t He wonderful?” Yes, yes He is. I appreciated the woman’s gesture. She was a true Believer and wanted to share that moment with me. That was fine, but what meant more to me was this…if SHE, as a Believer, overheard our conversation, then there just might have been someone there who may never have had the opportunity to hear someone praising God over hash browns and scrambled eggs.
\nIncorporating our love for God into our daily conversations doesn’t have to come in the form of that guy with the sandwich board in front of Taco Bell shouting about the end times. That’s the quickest way to turn people off of any religion, in my humble opinion. I prefer a more organic approach.
\nDon’t hide your light under a basket. Let it shine! ❤️
\n“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”\nMatthew 5:15-16 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-11T02:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/11/the-closet-christian.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/10/brushing-up-against-the-past.html", "title": "Brushing Up Against The Past", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e40973f790.jpg\")
\nToday is Veteran’s Day. Every Veteran’s Day, I sent Mr. Virgo a note thanking him for his service. His father was a veteran. His late daughter was a veteran. My dad, my uncle, my first husband, my niece, my late father-in-law…all veterans. Mr. Virgo had military honors at his funeral. I cannot hear taps without feeling a catch in my throat. This time of year brings him closer to the surface.
\nThe other day, one of my dear friends posted a video. In it, she addressed her friends and family. Her nose was red from crying. She sniffled as tears slowly dripped down her cheeks. This is the angelversary week of her husband’s death. It hits her hard every year and even though it’s been eleven years, she relives his final days over and over. It broke my heart. And, of course, it made me think of Mr. Virgo. His was a sudden death. No warning. No long goodbyes. Thankfully, no suffering. I cannot imagine a lingering death. It crushes me.
\nWhile I haven’t cried for him in quite some time, that doesn’t mean I never will again. It certainly doesn’t mean I’m through with grief and loss. That’s something that is forever imprinted in the fibers of my being. But I will say this…I don’t let myself “go there” very often. I used to meditate on him. I felt it was necessary to purge myself of as many tears as possible to clean out my heart from this terrible pain. When tears wouldn’t come, I would look at a picture of him in his casket taken at the viewing… white turtleneck, ivory sweater, hair carefully combed, glasses missing from the CPR efforts. I know that sounds absolutely macabre, but somehow I needed that pain to burn itself out or the fire was going to consume me. I knew this without a doubt.
\nTime and distance has softened Mr. Virgo’s death somehow. It’s like looking at the horizon without my glasses. I see the line…it’s just blurred. If I concentrate, I can bring it back into focus because it’s always there…just beyond where the light spills over. But, something interesting happens when he brushes up against my mind now. When I get close to the memories, I “feel” him instead of “see” him. I mean…literally. While there are some passages in the Bible that allow for a little wiggle room in the idea of “ghosts”, Evangelical Christians believe that we are absent from this place once we die. However, it isn’t far fetched to believe that God may use visions, smells and touch to evoke loving memories of loved ones who have passed.
\nThe other night, Mr. FixIt and I were talking and he said the sweetest thing. He said, “How can we love each other this much?” Immediately, I felt something brush up over my right arm. It surprised me and I sat very still. I looked down at my arm and thought hard. “Do it again.” I whispered in my mind. And there it was…a distinct “touch”…like static electricity on my right forearm. I smiled and looked up at Mr. FixIt. I don’t know how we can love each other this much, but we do.
\nAnd…I’ve a feeling someone else approves. ❤️
\n“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”\n2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-10T02:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/10/brushing-up-against-the-past.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/09/what-have-i-done.html", "title": "What Have I Done???", "content_html": "
![\"Computer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a778e52dce.jpg\")
\nOMGosh! I broke my absolute cardinal rule yesterday and…gasp…bought a piece of furniture! I know, I know…you all were with me when I downsized and I absolutely SWORE I would never accumulate “stuff” again. BUT…things are different now. A lot different. I’m not living in a camper, for one thing. For the last three years, my desktop computer has been riding in my camper, under the bed, in an airtight plastic storage tub. There have been numerous times I’ve needed to use it and I have to go out, prop up the bed, haul it out, and put it away when I’m done. Ok, ok…I’m rationalizing. Here’s what happened.
\nI had to run to town yesterday for an appointment and on my way back to the house, I saw a sign that said “Grand Opening!” It was a consignment store. Who can pass up a good consignment store, right? My truck pulled in, all on its own. I had no choice but to follow. I browsed around and they had some beautiful pieces of furniture. I was first attracted to an old rolltop desk. It was small, and a little beat up. Mr. FixIt has a nice rolltop desk…much nicer than this one. I went on and looked at other things. When I came back around, I asked the clerk about the desk. He said, “You know, if it were me and I had the room, I’d be looking at this one. Much better piece of furniture.” He opened the doors and the drawers and showed me the solid oak construction. The top opens and there’s a place for the monitor, a drawer for the keyboard, and a separate cabinet for the CPU. It is in two pieces to make it easier to transport. The selling point for me was the price. The piece originally sold for $1800. It had been priced for sale in the consignment shop for $500…a decent price for a sold piece of furniture of this quality. However, it was marked down to $250. So, I own a piece of furniture.
\nThat’s two pieces, actually. I also own the jelly cupboard in the kitchen at the farm. Oh, and a recliner. Hmmmmm….I am accumulating. Not excessively, but still. It doesn’t feel as scary to put down some roots as it did in the first few years after Mr. Virgo died. I didn’t want to feel a sense of permanence then. Permanence meant real loss when things headed south. I needed to feel untethered…free. I didn’t have the strength to be needed…even by inanimate objects. As long as it fit in my truck and my camper, I was just fine. And like I said, things are different now. A lot of healing has occurred. Time has passed. A relationship has been established. A home is being created. Two homes, actually.
\nMr. FixIt lives exactly twenty-two miles from the farm. He lives on five acres out in the country. He generously shares his space with me. Mi casa es su casa. My house is your house. He is just as comfortable at the farm as I am at his place. And neither of us are giving up our space. We stay a little here, a little there, and then have our own space to retreat to when we need to recharge. It’s the perfect arrangement for the time being. I became very independent after losing Mr. Virgo. While I missed him, certainly…I also came to appreciate the stillness of my own breath. Mr. FixIt and I both like our alone time. Although…truth be told…whenever we are apart, we miss each other terribly. This whole relationship thing is growing on both of us. I suppose, for me, there is still an element of fear deep down inside. That “What if something happened to him” thing. I know I can’t live my life in fear. I won’t. But, there’s something to be said for taking your time in any given situation. After all, there’s no biological time clock ticking here. There’s absolutely nothing to be in a hurry over.
\nMr. FixIt and I have been together for a year now. I was thinking about this yesterday. I’m in a really good place now, emotionally. I haven’t had a “bad night” in a really long time. My anxiety level is at an all time low. I’m comfortable in my own skin. I’m happy. I am blessed. And…I am grateful. God has answered so many prayers. I think I’m just going to go along for the ride and enjoy…everything. Life is so sweet! ❤️
\n“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.”\n1 Corinthians 13:4-10 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-09T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/09/what-have-i-done.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/08/getting-cozy.html", "title": "Getting Cozy", "content_html": "
![\"Gas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c8456322d9.jpg\")
\nI’ve always loved to sit in front of a nice fire with a cup of tea, a comforter, and a stack of magazines. I haven’t had a stove or fireplace to sit in front of since my youngest was a baby. She’s twenty-seven. We are fortunate to have free gas at the farm so we have a couple ventless gas stoves to ward off the chill in the far reaches of the house. But they don’t look like a wood stove and are situated where sitting near them is impossible. I was delighted when Mr. FixIt showed me his house for the first time. This gas stove sits in the family room and is perfect for getting cozy on a cold, wet November afternoon.
\nAnd it’s a good thing we’re getting cozy today because…we are about to embark on the first real test of our relationship. Painting a room together. We picked up an array of paint samples at the hardware store the other day and sat down with them yesterday. Or rather…I did while Mr. FixIt finished up something he was working on. I looked through the color swatches, booklets, and magazines and all I felt was frustration. You can ask Daughter #1…I’m horrible at choosing colors. I have it in my head what I want but putting it down as a plan that makes any sense eludes me. I spent an inordinate amount of time cross-stitching a quilt pattern for one of my BFF’s one year for Christmas. I had it framed and when it was done…well, let’s just say it looked lovely in her downstairs guest bathroom. I have a horrible time matching colors. My daughter, however, can pick out tea towels to match the accent wall in her kitchen six months after painting it. I couldn’t tell you if it was green or yellow. (It was the color of red grapes, actually. I mean, what IS that?) Anyway, I finally found a picture that showed what I was looking for just as Mr. FixIt walked into the room.
\n“How’s it going, my baby?”
\nBreathe. Act like you know what you’re doing.
\n“Great! What do you think of this? We can do three walls in this color, one accent wall in this darker shade, and the trim in white!”
\nI held my breath.
\n“I like it!”
\nReally? That was easy. Listen, this may very well actually BE the world’s most perfect man!
\nWe went to town and bought the paint and some supplies we needed. Now comes the challenge of actually painting…together. I’ll keep you apprised how that goes. In the meantime, I sat here in front of this cozy fire with a Rosemary Chicken in the oven, a definite chill in the air, browsing through a stack of my favorite magazines, a nice cup of tea at hand. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than that!
\nMr. Virgo’s Rosemary Chicken
\nPick out a nice, fat roasting hen. Remove giblets and set to simmer for gravy, if you’re into that sort of thing. Personally, I think innards go in the trash, NOT in my gravy. Rinse the chicken, inside and out and place in a baking dish. Wipe the chicken with extra virgin olive oil. Season with fresh ground pepper, salt, rustic herbs, garlic and crushed rosemary. Place uncovered in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake until golden brown…about an hour and a half to two hours. The leg should be squeezable and when a knife is stuck in between the thigh and breast, the juices should run clear. That’s it, easy peasy. Mr. Virgo and I had this every Sunday. I made it for Mr. FixIt last night for the first time and it was a big hit. If you need a quicker meal, prepare chicken thighs in the same manner but bake 30-45 minutes. Bon Appetite! ❤️
\n“May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.”\nPsalm 119:76 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-08T02:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/08/getting-cozy.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/06/when-its-all-bad-news.html", "title": "When It’s All Bad News", "content_html": "
![\"Cross\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/89d0881981.jpg\")
\nI watched the news last night and was reminded why I don’t watch the news. The sadness in my gut, the fear in the front of my mind, the sorrow for families of loved ones lost to senseless tragedy is unbearable. The news came through an alert on my cell phone as we left church yesterday. I grabbed Mr. Fixit’s hand and shared. His jaw clenched as he gripped my hand, silently taking it all in. Thinking…no doubt…that it could have been us.
\nChurch. Church is where we’re supposed to feel utterly safe. Yesterday’s tragedy in Texas was the third mass shooting in the last seventeen months…all of which were among the worst in U.S. history, according to USA Today. I don’t know about you, but I look around more these days. I wonder about people I don’t know. I ask myself if they could hurt me…or my loved ones. It’s taxing. I’m feeling the strain of fear. I don’t like this. I don’t like worrying. I don’t like wondering, not IF, but WHEN will it strike close to home?
\nThere is evil loose in this world and we’ve been rocked to sleep…complacent in our busyness. In our rush to beat the clock and get the most out of every day. Lists need to be made and checked off. Appointments need to be scheduled and kept. And the enemy doesn’t give a darn about any of it. He is only here to seek, kill, and destroy. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. He distracts us with the sparklies then swoops in with the spear…or, in this case, an assault rifle.
\nWhen bad things happen and you are simultaneously grieving, everything is compounded and spins out of control. It’s difficult to remember there IS control in this world. There IS a winner. There IS a great comforter. When I hear and see reports of things like the shooting yesterday in Texas, I am inclined to feel fear. That fear is from the enemy. However, when I turn to God, He reminds me to put my trust in Him. The enemy whispers…”Ahhhh, yes. But will that bring back the twenty plus lost yesterday? What good is your trust if your God can’t save His people?”
\nThe enemy will not deter my faith. God doesn’t cause these horrific tragedies to occur. It breaks His heart to see his children suffer. What He DOES want is for us to turn to Him for comfort and solace in times of trouble. He wants us to continue to love. We love….because first, He loved us. There will always be senseless tragedies that we can’t explain. But…there will come a day when the things of this world will melt away and we will be freed from the shackles of fear and pain.
\nI pray for the families of the innocents lost. I pray for the victims of this senseless shooting. I pray for the first responders and the citizens of this very small town in Texas where everyone knew everyone else. I pray for the family and friends of the shooter who may have known something was off…may have tried to get him help…may have never dreamed this could have happened. And I pray for the soul of the shooter. He could not possibly have been in his right mind so I pray for any healthcare workers who may have tried to help him but couldn’t. I pray for the pastor of the church where the shootings occured and for his wife. They were not at the church yesterday…but their fourteen-year-old daughter was one of those killed.
\nNo, I will not roll over…I will not let satan win by becoming consumed with fear and loathing. I will keep my faith in God and let Him sort the rest out. That being said…I will make my feelings about gun safety known to my elected officials. God wants us to turn to Him…but he needs us to suit up and show up and go into battle, too. ❤️
\n“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”\nPsalms 56:3 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-06T02:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/06/when-its-all-bad-news.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/05/sweetness.html", "title": "Sweetness", "content_html": "
![\"Sweet](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/722845f6ca.jpg\")
\nIt seems like yesterday when I traced the delicate shell of my first baby’s ear. She was so tiny at just over five pounds. I was terrified I would break her. That was forty-three years ago. Twenty-seven years ago, I did the same thing with my second daughter. Thirteen years have passed since my first grandchild was in my arms and ten since I cradled her little sister. I thought it would be a long time before I got to hold a little baby again. But, along with Mr. FixIt came a brand new great grandchild and I’m in love all over again!
\nOh, this makes me ache for Big and Little…my sweet grand daughters in Colorado. I won’t get to see them till Christmastime. They are growing so fast…and without me. This is the hard part…the only downside…of living in West Virginia. Being so far away from my family. I wish I could tie a rope around Colorado and a rope around West Virginia and pull them closer together. My heart has two homes and sometimes it really hurts when I’m away from those I love. Holding this little sweet thing (who I am SURE is going to call me Gigi!) brings me all kinds of feels.
\nWe had a first yesterday. Our first dinner party together was quite successful. I used that electric pressure cooker again. This time I cooked a pork roast. Mr. Virgo only wanted pork roasts actually ROASTED in the over with EVO, garlic salt and pepper. I seared this roast in a hot skillet then placed it on a bed of sliced onions in the bottom of that pressure cooker, sprinkled it with fresh ground salt, pepper, rustic herbs and garlic and two cups of water. I cooked it on high for 45 minutes then turned it off and let the pressure come down on its own. I opened it and checked the meat and it wasn’t quite tender enough. I cooked it another 45 minutes (it was a big roast) and released the pressure. I let the roast rest in its juices while I made mashed potatoes, fried sauerkraut, green beans, fried apples and hot rolls. When the guests arrived, I tore off chunks of the roast with a fork and served it with the rest of the fixings on the side. It was wonderful and we all had a fun evening filled with fellowship and laughter.
\nIn case you forgot, daylight saving time is over. Turn your clocks back an hour. Have a blessed Sunday, dear ones. ❤️
\n“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”\n1 John 3:2 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-05T02:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/05/sweetness.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/04/i-spy-with-my-little.html", "title": "I Spy With My Little Eye...", "content_html": "
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/61b19a035e.jpg\")
\nSome very observant readers picked up on something in my picture yesterday. My inbox lit up like a Christmas tree! I didn’t answer the questions directly and suggested they come back today to read my post. I love a little mystery. What was it they saw? A ring…a shiny ring…on my left hand!!! squeeeee
\nYes, I have a ring! And in all fairness, so does Mr. FixIt. I gave him his first though. So here’s how it went down, what it means, and how we’re feeling about it.
\nEarly in the year, just a couple months after Mr. FixIt and I started seeing each other, we found out there was something wrong with his blood. The initial thoughts were he had leukemia. Suffice it to say, we were both pretty devastated about it. After all, we just “found” each other again after 45 years. It would be terribly tragic to turn around and lose him, too. He had more tests run and they were worse, so we went for a bone marrow biopsy.
\nWe had been talking about a life long commitment but that’s as far as it had gone. Then the blood thing came up. I wanted some way, some outward sign that would show Mr. FixIt that…no matter what the results of this bone marrow biopsy, I was in this for the long haul. I didn’t want him to worry or be afraid. I happened upon a beautiful gentlemen’s ring and in a moment of impulse, I bought it. We were leaving for the hospital when I pulled out the box and told him I wanted him to know…good or bad…I’m not going anywhere. I thought he was going to cry. He knew I was sticking with him, but the gesture was not lost on him. He asked if this meant we were engaged. Smiling, I said, “Halfway.”
\nOne evening we were going out to dinner with friends and I stopped by Mr. FixIt’s to get ready. I was sitting out front when he came home. He said, “Oh! You’re wearing my favorite dress!” I stood up and twirled around. He had a concerned look on his face and I thought. “Uh-oh. Somethings wrong.” He looked at me and said the dress was missing something. Something sparkly. Then he gave me this beautiful ring!
\nHere’s where it gets complicated. This is the most personal I’ll ever get about our relationship. I don’t want to get married again. At least, not in the conventional way. I’ve had three husbands. That’s two other women’s quotas. It has nothing to do with how much I love Mr. FixIt…or Mr. Virgo, for that matter. When women of a certain age become widows, they qualify for “widow’s benefits”. If they get married, they lose that. Things don’t work in the widow’s favor in this regard. Therefore, a lot of very long engagements take place in my age bracket. And that’s just fine.
\nFrom a faith standpoint, it slays me that women are forced to lose income in order to\ndo what God says to do. Someone said to me…”Well, you aren’t trusting God to provide.” To which my answer is…maybe He already provided. Maybe those widow’s benefits ARE his answer to prayer. The Lord takes care of those who help themselves. To me, it would be crazy to throw away money He had provided.
\nLong engagements are still in vogue. I will be here for the long haul. The rest is a matter of semantics. So, no…there’s no date set. No fanfare. No hoopla. Just love. Lots and lots of love…always and forever. I’m sure I’ll be talking to God about it when I get to Heaven. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long conversation! ❤️
\nEdit: He still has an abnormality which they have determined is not leukemia. They still don’t know what it is. We have to repeat the tests in six months. I’m sorry. I was writing this late and missed that piece.
\n“…..may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”\nProverbs 5:19 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-04T01:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/04/i-spy-with-my-little.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Forgiveness","Humbled","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/03/the-promise.html", "title": "The Promise", "content_html": "
![\"Before](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d646665210.jpg\")
\nThree thousand seven hundred sixty-four. That’s how many days came between these two pictures. On the left, the day I married Mr. Virgo. Is it any wonder that handsome man wanted to marry me??? Look at that fresh face, smooth skin, dark hair with just a smattering of gray. Where are the wrinkles around my mouth? Where is all the proof of my sorrow and my joy?
\nIt was a warm spring day stuck smack dab between storms. They shoveled the snow off the balcony so we could get married outside. I had shopped and shopped for the perfect dress, finally finding it on eBay for $45! It was too big so my friend took it in for me. I loved the beads on the silk with hand painted flowers. I thought I looked like a million bucks!
\nIf I had it to do over again, I would have had Mr. Virgo plan the wedding. While it was lovely, it wasn’t until the honeymoon when he reminded me this is what he does for a living. I hadn’t even thought of that. I was just so darned excited to be marrying this great guy, I just barreled through like a bull in a china shop. I asked him why he didn’t say something, and in his sweet, self-deprecating way, he told me, “Sweetheart, it really is all about you. You were having so much fun with it, I just sat back and enjoyed the ride.” I started to ask him what he would have done differently and I know he would have said, “Nothing, baby doll. Not a thing.” Because, that’s the kind of guy he was.
\nWe stood before some seventy-five or so of our family and friends and shared our vows. We promised to always be there. Till death do us part. We had no idea at the time it would only be five years, eleven months, and five days till the unthinkable happened and he was gone.
\nThere is joy on that face on the left. Fresh with the wonder of love and a wedding and music and dancing and cake! Fast forward a decade and look…that face has aged. It has seen indescribable loss. The eyes have shed a river of tears. The hair has a lot of glitter in it. And, there is also joy on that face on the right. Fresh with the wonder of love and music and camping and great barbecue and the handsome man taking my picture….my life companion. The woman on the right is wiser. Older chronologically, but not in her heart. While I lost so much when I lost Mr. Virgo…I ended up gaining in the end. I have a much greater sense of adventure. I’m not so “in the box” as I used to be. I got out from under crushing debt and the weight of long held worldly goods. I figured out what’s really important in life. I’m SO different now than I was then.
\nI am relieved to be this far down the road of this grief journey. The pictures I have of those weeks, months, years break my heart. I try not to think about the possibilities of having to walk that path again but I’m realistic enough to know it can happen. I know I could survive it again if I had to. But, for now…I think I’ll just hang on and go for the ride. The best is yet to be! I’m becoming a crone! ❤️
\n“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", "date_published": "2017-11-03T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/03/the-promise.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/02/the-information-age.html", "title": "The Information Age", "content_html": "![\"Card](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/74fc870f76.jpg\")
Prehistoric Google
Hubby #2 is a pretty smart guy. Even so, when he was in medical school, he had to study really hard for the grades. Once he graduated, he started getting medical journals delivered to the house. JAMA…the Journal of the American Medical Association…was the biggest one. Lancet…the British equivalent. There were issues dealing with pathology, dermatology, cancer. There are a zillion of these magazines that doctors get and they have a name for them. Except for the top two or three, doctors refer to them as “throw aways”.
\nH2 would clip articles, make files, read, read, and read some more. The making of a doctor is not a pretty thing. Nor is it at all glamorous. Long, long hours with very little sleep. Cram studying in there and a family? Let’s just say, it’s no wonder the divorce rate is high in that field. One particularly rough rotation, I found him curled up on the bed. I sat down beside him and asked what was wrong. He said he couldn’t learn enough to make a difference. It wasn’t long after that when he had an a-ha moment. One of his mentors told him the most important thing he would ever learn in medical school is where to look things up. From then on, things went much more smoothly. And he began throwing away the superfluous stuff. He stopped clipping articles. And he became a knowledgeable and beloved physician.
\nThis was back in the days before the internet. What on earth did we do without smart phones and Google? When I was in the hospital last month, the doctor kept getting texts while we spoke. I can clearly see both sides of this issue. Frustrating as the patient but so incredibly useful as a physician. How much easier life would have been had H2 had a smart phone. I remember when he got his first Palm Pilot. Oy…
\nThe amount of information that comes to us in any given day is mind boggling. It’s easy to become overwhelmed when it’s too much. We shut down. Is the world really worse than it’s ever been? Or are we just bombarded with every story…with every news outlet vying for the ratings by sensationalizing everything? Bad things have always happened. Every single day. We just didn’t have it thrown in our faces 24/7/365. It’s too much. This is why I cut out television. The month after Mr. Virgo died, I got the satellite bill and realized I hadn’t even considered turning the TV on. Not once. I called and cancelled the service. I do have it here at the farm in case of an emergency and I need news. In the fifteen months I’ve lived here, I have watched TV maybe three times. My life is so much more peaceful without the box entertaining me….bombarding me…enticing me…scaring me. I don’t need to see the images in order to feel the horror of an event.
\nWe become what we consume, and that includes information. A chaotic world creates a chaotic life…and, vice versa. ❤️
\n“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”\nProverbs 18:15 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-11-02T01:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/02/the-information-age.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","New Ideas","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/01/twinkle-twinkle-little-star.html", "title": "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5aebaf1ff8.jpg\")
\nI think the first time I remember really looking at the stars was when Sputnik was orbiting overhead. My dad came and woke me up and said, “Come with me…I want to show you something.” He helped me into my coat and we stepped outside into the cool, night air. I was instantly alert, fully understanding this was unusual and an adventure. I shivered with the thrill of my dad sharing something special with me. That didn’t happen very often.
\nI remember he held my hand and pointed into the night sky and said, “See the stars?”
\n“Yes, daddy.”
\n“I want you to watch for a special star…it’s going to move across the sky. Not fast, like a shooting star. But pretty fast.” He pointed straight up above us and said, “There! See it?!”
\nIt took me a few seconds of searching but there it was…a moving star!!! “I see it! I see it!” I shouted. It was, come to find out, the newly launched satellite…Sputnik. The Russians had beat us into space. I was only four years old when this little round ball went around and around our world. It was up there for twenty-one days…then it was done.
\nI’ve been in love with the night sky ever since that night at Grandma’s farm, holding my dad’s hand in the dark. There was a reverence about it, a sense of awe at the magnitude of it all. One summer after Grandma died, I came to WV for my high school reunion. It must have been in 2012…the August before Mr. Virgo died. I was staying at the farm, even though it was a good hour’s drive after the party let out at midnight. It was a hot August night and when I stepped out of the car into the inky blackness of the night, I looked up and stopped in my tracks. The stars looked like a million diamonds thrown on a black velvet cloth. The distinct stripe of the Milky Way slashing across the sky fascinated me. I laid down on the wheelchair ramp my uncle had built two decades before and placed my hands across my belly and stared for the longest time. Shooting stars streaked across the sky at irregular intervals. Crickets and katydids sang their love songs deep into the night. An owl hooted far up the holler behind the barn. And there…there was a satellite. Then another. And soon, another. The night sky is littered with space junk and communication satellites and spies anymore.
\nNow I have an app on my iPhone that identifies whatever star or constellation I point it at. It’s a lot of fun, especially when you’re out camping. There are several apps but the one I use is the free version of SkyView. The sky will never again be like that night in 1957 when I first shared an adventure with my dad. ❤️
\n“who made the great lights— His love endures forever. the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.”\nPsalm 136:7-9 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-01T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/01/twinkle-twinkle-little-star.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/31/free-refills.html", "title": "Free Refills", "content_html": "
![\"Free](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d81787510b.jpg\")
\nSunday’s sermon was amazing, as usual, and I am always compelled to share my impressions. Pastor Justin Enoch of The Warehouse Church delivers a passionate message every Sunday that really speaks to me. I love this church! It’s contemporary, has a great praise team, and speaks to my spirit week after week. As I was driving to church Sunday, I felt this delightful anticipation that made me smile. I’ve never known a church where people are SO excited to attend. They give you “high fives” as you enter and as you leave. They hold up signs in the parking lot that say “So glad you’re here!” and “You can sit with us!” It is a reaching church and welcomes everyone, no matter where they are in their lives. I love that.
\n“If you only knew…” This was the title of Sunday’s sermon. How many times have you said…”If I only knew then what I know now…”? Pastor Justin used the example of the oil and gas industry. If he had only known about the development that was going to come, he would have thrown everything he had into the pot and bought all this land for pennies on the dollar that has now created so many “Mailbox Millionaires”. We live our lives this way. The enemy feeds on this. He whispers into our lives and makes us fearful of the future, worried about today, and ashamed of the past. If you take up the spoon and eat what you’re being fed, you’ll soon starve to death. Your spirit will be hungry…for what, it has no clue. So you seek to find something that fills you up. Drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, shopping…anything to fill up that hole in your spirit.
\nPastor Justin goes on to ask how many of us love “free refills”. Hands go up all over the sanctuary. We do! We love to have that bottomless cup of coffee at the diner or the unlimited soup and salad at Olive Garden. We want something for nothing. God offers us unlimited, bottomless cup, free refills for all eternity…refills of love. If you only knew how much He loves you. If you were the only person on this earth, He would still have sacrificed His Son for you. That kind of love is unfathomable. You can’t earn it. You can’t buy it. He gives it freely. And when He does, you cannot help but be changed.
\nThere is an East Indian saying that says, “No matter how far you have gone down the wrong path, turn around.” You have to make choices in your faith walk. If you are struggling with addiction, you can’t get clean and play in the same playground you did before. You have to make changes. God offers his love freely, but we have to show up and suit up and play the game. What if you put that passion and drive and love and attention you put into anything that takes you off the right path and turned it towards God? What if, instead of running to the bottle or the needle or the charge card or the relationship, you ran towards Jesus? Whoa. That blew me away.
\nFree refills…unconditional love, free for the taking. I’ll fill my cup at the well that serves Living Water and my cup will never be empty. I ran into a gal in Harrisville yesterday. I hadn’t seen her in about a year. She looked at me and said, “You look so rested, so peaceful.” I am…for a number of reasons. My cup is filled every day by a living, loving God. I have healthy, happy children and grandchildren. My brother is stable and happy and living a fulfilling life. I live in the country in the home of my heart. And, I’m in love with a wonderful man. I am wealthy beyond all imagination. I may not have a boatload of money…but I’m richer than I have ever been in my entire life.
\nTwelve years ago today a tall, silver-haired gentleman with piercing blue eyes and a disarming smile walked into my needlework shop in Glenwood Springs and changed my life forever. I am so grateful for that. I am so grateful I had that kind of unconditional love and that I have it again. I am so grateful for this life! My prayer today is that you are richly blessed in your own lives. ❤️
\n“Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.””\nJohn 4:13-14 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-31T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/31/free-refills.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/28/soupnatures-tranquilizer.html", "title": "Soup...Nature’s Tranquilizer", "content_html": "
![\"Homemade](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f01a66ca3e.jpg\")
\nIt was twenty-seven degrees here at the farm yesterday morning when I sent Mr. FixIt off on a guys trip to North Carolina. This leaves me on my own till Sunday night. I love this man…I truly do. AND, I love my alone time on occasion, so I’m sitting here in the dining room, in front of Grandma’s favorite window, classical music playing softly in the background. It is lovely outside…nearly sixty degrees, sunny, the last of the autumn leaves clinging desperately to the branches like quivering field mice bracing for winter’s chill. It is warm and cozy in this little, old farmhouse and I’m snug as a bug in a rug.
\nThe other day I told you I was making pot roast in the pressure cooker. That night after dinner, I added a can of green beans, a small can of sliced carrots, a can of diced tomatoes, and the leftover potatoes from dinner to the crock pot. When I say “‘crock pot” and “pressure cooker”, I am talking about the same appliance that also is a steamer. When I got rid of most of my belongings and moved into the camper, I didn’t want to be without the conveniences of my kitchen appliances and there wasn’t room for everything. That’s when I ran across this wonderful gizmo that does it all. It’s not very big, but its big enough for two and leftovers aplenty.
\nI put the soup on and frankly…I forgot all about it till I was heading to bed. I came into the kitchen to lock the back door and noticed it was still cooking. Too hot to put in the fridge, I took the soup…pot and all…out to my truck and set it inside for the night as the temperature got down into the thirties. The next morning, I skimmed off the fat and plugged it back in to have ready for lunch. It was wonderful!
\nMr. FixIt was heading into town after lunch to help his ex with something. I sent him off with a container of soup and some crackers for her. Why cater to the needs of an ex-wife? Because…divorce may change a relationship status, but you can still be family. There is Christian loving-kindness to be considered. She is moving this week into her first home of her own. I remember what that was like after my divorce. I wanted her to know she is loved and cared for. It is the same love and kindness extended toward me from my exes’ wives. You can be bitter and angry and full of resentment with a divorce. Or, you can embrace the new member into the family circle. I know that doesn’t work for everyone, but I choose love. I always choose love. ❤️
\n“We love because he first loved us.”\n1 John 4:19 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-28T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/28/soupnatures-tranquilizer.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/27/how-far-have-we-really.html", "title": "How Far Have We Really Come?", "content_html": "
![\"Ad](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a9ce66e4e0.jpg\")
\nI have really been getting into nostalgia lately. The other day I shared my Pinterest page of Childhood Memories. When I have a few minutes, I go on and add a few more. It’s interesting how Pinterest works. When you click on something, you soon see more and more pins in that category and it’s been a fun walk down Memory Lane. Some of the memories I could do without, though.
\nEventually, I started seeing ads…legitimate ads…that reminded me of a time before “political correctness” became de rigueur. Ads about keeping women in their “place”. Ads about making little girls feel less unacceptable by dressing them in Chubettes. Ads about keeping slim for your man by taking amphetamines or gaining weight if you’re too skinny in order to be more attractive to the opposite sex. It makes my blood boil that generations of women…including my own…were made to feel “less than”. To be objectified…categorized…scrutinized. Ads like this one. I mean, seriously…what is this even about? What are they saying? “Wear these stylin’ kicks and your woman will worship the ground you walk on. As an added bonus, she’ll do it fabric free!”
\nFinally…finally, finally, finally…these kinds of ads fell out of fashion. It became considered to be in poor taste to openly objectify women. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t still happen…it most certainly does as is evidenced by current events being reported. People of power often take advantage of those seen to be beneath them or weaker than they. Hopefully, this is a gut check and might strike a more even balance of power in the future.
\nI was visiting one of the “widow pages” I frequent on Facebook the other day. The topic of one post was regarding the Hollywood actresses who went back to their abuser in order to get another part. She couldn’t understand how a woman could do that. This smacked dangerously close to blaming the victim so I had to step into the fray and offer my two cents. It IS difficult to understand how a woman could go back to the same circumstances and risk abuse again. That is, until you try to look through her lens. She’s an actress. It’s what she does. She depends on the power brokers of Hollywood to promote her, hire her, give her a break. The power broker knows this. He is emboldened…drunk with his position to make or break the careers of nubile young coeds. She (or he, as the case may be…actors are not exempt to abuse) knows what will happen if she is blackballed in Hollywood. She might as well go back to the Midwest or wherever she came from and get a job, because she or he will never work in Hollywood again. Everyone knows this. They just didn’t talk about it. And, finally…somebody told. The hoopla over it all will die down with the next news cycle but maybe some meaningful change will occur.
\nWe’ve come a long way, to be sure and there’s so much further to go. I understand people’s frustration with “political correctness”…sometimes even I think it can be excessive. But, when I was growing up, it was called being polite, doing the right thing, showing respect. The Golden Rule. Good manners. And there’s nothing wrong with exercising plenty more of that. ❤️
\n“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”\nGalatians 5:14-15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-27T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/27/how-far-have-we-really.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/26/farmhouse-obsession.html", "title": "Farmhouse Obsession", "content_html": "
![\"Farmhouse](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/dd542a5e6a.jpg\")
\nIn 1982, Hubby #2 and I moved into an old brick bungalow that had been the farmhouse before the area around it was developed. It was drafty and poorly insulated. Three quarters of the basement was bare dirt floor. The brick support pillars down there were crumbling and frankly, it was a pretty scary place. But the rest of the house was charming. Dark hardwood floors and built-in storage, tall ceilings and a sun porch, large windows you could fling wide open to catch the cool evening breeze…it was the closest I had come to living in an actual farmhouse since I’d left home at the tender age of twenty.
\nHubby #2 was in medical school when we moved into this rental. Even though it was a farmhouse, it was on a very busy street in east Denver. I had a big garden and flower beds everywhere. We grew as much of our own food as we could and I was very much into Mother Earth News. I made our bread, yogurt, granola and tofu. What I couldn’t grow, I bought at the neighborhood farmer’s market. I canned dozens of jars of green beans, pickles, tomatoes, jams and jellies in my huge country kitchen which looked very similar to this one.
\nI have a total obsession with these porcelain farmhouse sinks. There’s nothing better for canning than one of these babies. The sink was huge and deep…perfect for washing large quantities of fruits and vegetables. A water bath canner could sit right down into the sink for easy filling. And two dishpans fit perfectly side by side for washing and rinsing dishes. My grandma’s farmhouse doesn’t have one of these sinks but I imagine the first one I ever saw was in West Virginia. I run across them every so often here but haven’t found just the right one. The laminate on the countertops in the farm kitchen is lifting and needs to be replaced. I’m thinking if I ever do that, this kind of sink is going in. The plumbing under the sink is getting pretty fragile so when it goes, it’ll be a perfect opportunity to do a little updating. It is, to be sure, just an earthly tent…but the home of my earthly heart.
\nSpeaking of plumbing, remember when I told you about leaving the bath water running and getting distracted by a phone call? I actually ran the well dry and this terrible, black water started coming out of the faucet. I spoke with one of the locals here and he said this hard water gunks up the insides of the pipes just like cholesterol in your arteries. When I let the well run dry, the “spurting” of air and water essentially roto-rootered the plumbing. Before that, the water smelled and tasted awful. Now, while I don’t think I’d drink a glass of it, I can stand to brush my teeth with it…but only after I tested the water. It’s hard, and slightly alkaline, but there’s no lead, pesticides, or bacteria. It’s really amazing the difference in the quality, before and after.
\nThe pot roast from yesterday was wonderful and is in a crockpot for vegetable soup today. It’s cold and rainy and we were expecting our first hard freeze last night. It’s time to get out the jeans and sweaters and boots and jackets. The only thing missing is a fireplace but this old house is all wood and I wouldn’t dare have one. We did change out the stove in the bathroom yesterday with one that has a thermostat. Now it shuts off and on rather than being way too hot or freezing with the manual shutoff.
\nThe fire in Parkersburg is dying down but still has smoldering hotspots. More information is being released about the owners and what they were doing in there. And, more importantly, what they WEREN’T doing…like correcting past environmental and safety violations. The owner, who has at least four other of these warehouses in the area packed with God knows what, is conveniently out of the country at the moment. Fines had been levied against them for these violations to the tune of $80,000…$60,000 of which remains unpaid. They’re still evaluating the air quality results. The first class action lawsuit was filed Monday. And the circus begins. I pray for the first responders and the folks who live nearby and in the path of the smoke cloud, which shifted continually with the direction of the wind. I pray this gets sorted out quickly. I hear Erin Brokovich has been alerted. I hope that helps. ❤️
\n“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.”\n2 Corinthians 5:1-5 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-26T01:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/26/farmhouse-obsession.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/21/the-ice-cream-truckfor-adults.html", "title": "The Ice Cream Truck...for Adults", "content_html": "
![\"UPS](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2aed99e684.jpg\")
\nI finally broke down and got Amazon Prime. Living out here in the boonies makes shopping difficult sometimes…especially in winter. And, while I try to buy local at every opportunity, there are things that I’m not willing to compromise on like saving money. Prime gives you free two day shipping. It pays for itself quickly. Also, I love the music channel. I can ask Alexis to play “Kari Jobe” or “Contemporary Christian Rock” and she gets right to it.
\nI’ve told you before but, since downsizing, I’m very careful about what I accumulate. It would be very easy to let things get out of control. If I run across something I think I might need, I jot it down on a list in my iPhone. If I haven’t thought of it in a couple of weeks, I figure I don’t need it and take it off the list. When I get four or five items on the list, I go on Amazon and put them in my cart but I don’t actually buy them. If I haven’t bought them in a week or two, I re-evaluate whether I really need that particular item. Often, my fascination with it wanes or I figure out how to use something I already have.
\nI placed an order this week and the UPS man backed up my driveway this afternoon. Four boxes arrived and it felt like Christmas! I ordered some probiotics for the best price around. I bought Lisa Mora’s book called Vintage Trailer Style. (I’ve been eyeing it for months. Cute camper ideas.) I ordered a microwaveable corn bag to warm my feet up at night. I have a barley one but cannot find it anywhere. And I bought a small gas stove for the bathroom. You may remember I replaced the stove in there in the spring, but we got the thing hooked up before we realized the stove had no thermostat. I thought we’d get by, but a stove that runs all the time soon has this little house WAY too hot! This new stove is exactly like the other one but with a thermostat. We’ll get that installed this weekend…another winter prep job.
\nI mowed the yard yesterday. I put the mower away in the barn so hopefully I won’t have to drag it out again this fall. I mulched the leaves into the lawn for extra fertilizer. I covered the air conditioner with heavy plastic for winter. I got the lawn chairs put away in the basement and worked on the back porch. It has become a catch all this summer and it was getting out of control. Still didn’t get the cat beds fixed yet. As I was writing this last night, Old Mama Kitty knocked one of the beds off the table and onto the cement porch floor. It sounded like a bear was getting into a trash can. I jumped and looked out the back door. When I went out, poor Mama came running like she needed me to save her from that big, bad plastic tub. ?
\nWe’re supposed to have good weather this weekend and rain comes Monday. There’s a meteor shower this weekend. Get away from the city lights to someplace dark and enjoy Morher Nature’s fireworks. ❤️
\n“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”\nColossians 3:23 NLT
\n#UPS, #cleanhouse, #farmlife
\n", "date_published": "2017-10-21T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/21/the-ice-cream-truckfor-adults.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","The Cats","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/20/tea-time.html", "title": "Tea Time", "content_html": "![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/99cee94710.jpg\")
\nI’m a coffee drinker but I can’t have it after about noon or I’ll be counting the spots on the ceiling all night. I can drink tea at night without a problem. Now that the weather is getting cooler, I share tea time with Mr. FixIt every evening. He catches up with the news on his phone. I sit here on the sofa, write my post and schedule it for 4:00 in the morning so you can read it when you have YOUR cuppa.
\nI always liked tea, even as a young girl. But, I really got into it when I lived in England. I learned to drink it with cream and a side of “digestive biscuits”…England’s counterpart for graham crackers. I bought a Brown Betty while I was there…a sturdy, brown, earthenware teapot that keeps your tea at a proper temperature for quite some time. I was taught to put in a teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup and add one for the pot. I poured my cream into the pot then fresh, boiling water. I let it steep till it was the color I like and poured it through a strainer to removed the leaves.
\nI had my first child in the Royal Berkshire Maternity Hospital. My physician was Mr. Stalabrass (certain physicians are referred to as Mr. in Britain, or at least that’s the way it was forty-three years ago.) I had pre-eclampsia and had to be in the hospital for a week before I had the baby. Every afternoon, an aide would take your lunch tray, close the curtains and the door, and settle you in for a nap. Two hours later, she would come back with a warm face cloth and a tea tray…a lovely pot of tea, finger sandwiches, and sweets. It was divine! They should do that everywhere.
\nI am working double time trying to give this house a deep cleaning before winter sets in. The water here at the farm is hard and has a lot of iron in it. It turns the porcelain dark brown and takes a great deal of elbow grease to get clean. I discovered a wonderful product called Zap. The tub hasn’t been this white since I was a kid and they installed running water in this house. Seriously…it’s probably some horrid chemical, but the bathroom looks great!
\nI have to tackle the outside next, scrub the porches, and get the kitty beds ready for cold weather. But, first…another spot of tea! ❤️
\n“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.”\nProverbs 6:6-11 NLT
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-20T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/20/tea-time.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","The Cats"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/19/i-am-not-alone.html", "title": "I Am Not Alone", "content_html": "
![\"Prisma](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1925126736.jpg\")
\nOf all the comments I get on my blog posts, by far the most common is “It’s good to know I’m not alone.” When Mr. Virgo died, I felt like the only person on the planet. No one could possibly understand what I was feeling. I didn’t know how to find resources to help me feel better. I didn’t know who to turn to. I tried reading grief books but I couldn’t read. I couldn’t get beyond a sentence or two before my mind exploded. My family and friends were wonderful…don’t get me wrong. But I was sure even they couldn’t really get it because they hadn’t walked this particular path.
\nI reached out through this page as much for me as I did for you. Maybe more so. And we both found out we’re not alone in this. That was HUGE for me. Knowing others were having the same or similar experiences gave me courage.
\nI scroll through my files of pictures often for inspiration. Sometimes a particular photo will jump out at me and that’s the one I go with for my next post. Last night, it was this one. Mr. Virgo…big smile, twinkling eyes, and that shock of silver hair…in the afternoon sunshine at Rocky Mountain National Park on a day much like today. We had gone for a drive to view the elk and the bright yellow gold of the aspen leaves quaking in the breeze. It was a perfect day. As I scrolled through the photos and saw this one, two things happened. My heart squeezed for a few seconds. And I smiled. The smile is good. The squeeze in my heart still takes my breath away because it takes me by surprise.
\nI had a beautiful day yesterday. It was a day much like the one in this picture. The sky was a brilliant cerulean blue. The temperature was reasonable in the high sixties, low seventies. I was with the man that I love. We had a really busy and full day winterizing another of the four campers. Lunch out. A granddaughter’s softball game. A trip to the Piggly Wiggly. A day. Just a normal day in a life. Some would say it was nothing special. I beg to differ…it was.
\nWhy was yesterday special? Because I get to love again. I get to look in another human being’s beautiful eyes and see love in return. Because I get to love…a lot. I get to love both of my ex-husbands and that great cowboy I dated for awhile. I get to love Mr. Virgo. And…I get to love Mr. FixIt. That is so special. I can still love all of them because I stretched my heart and made room
\n“I am not alone” has taken on a new meaning now. I’ll never take that for granted. ❤️
\n“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”\nIsaiah 41:10 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-19T01:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/19/i-am-not-alone.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/15/a-perfect-fall-day.html", "title": "A Perfect Fall Day!", "content_html": "
![\"WVU](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1129495ec4.jpg\")
\nWe couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for football yesterday. It was HOT…about 84…and not a cloud in the sky. The stadium was sold out and the crowd was great. West Virginia clearly got our butts whipped the first half. Frustrating calls, penalty flags out the wazoo, and eleven points down definitely put a damper on things. I was thinking to myself (ok…I MAY have said it out loud) that maybe college football games weren’t my thing. Mr. FixIt looked at me and said, “It’s not over yet…you just wait.” As if he somehow held a crystal ball and knew a change was coming.
\nThe halftime show was cool. The alumni band played because it was homecoming and they mentioned my friend Karen Nutter Ali as being the oldest alumni member playing. They crowned the homecoming king and queen. I ran into someone I knew. Then…the magic happened. The Mountaineers came out on the field looking less like an aberrant junior high school team and more like a well-oiled machine. Far less flags flew in the second half as the ’eers finally settled down and got it together. Down eleven points as they left the field at the half, they ended up trouncing Texas Tech 46-35 to win the game. They always play John Denver’s “Almost Heaven” at the end of every game but the atmosphere is electric when sung in victory. My heart swelled and I teared up as I sang along with 65,000 Mountaineer fans. It was glorious!
\nAfter the game, we joined Mr. FixIt’s family for a tailgate party. I’m just now meeting more of his family and it was great fun! The meatball sliders I made were a big hit. Here’s the recipe.
\nwww.jessicagavin.com/grandmas-…
\nNote: I used three pounds of ground beef so I added a little extra of the other ingredients to compensate. I also used jar sauce but added two cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes and about a cup and a half of diet blackberry flavored fizzy water for a sweet kick. I used packaged hot rolls from the grocery store, cut them in half, added a meatball, a little sauce, and some shredded mozzarella cheese and topped with the other half of the roll to make a little sandwich. I arranged the sliders in two disposable aluminum baking pans. I brushed the tops with a little melted butter and sprinkled the top lightly with garlic salt, covered with foil and baked them at 375 until the cheese was melted. Yield: 24 sliders. These were SO good! I’ll definitely make them again.
\n❤️
\n“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”\n1 Corinthians 13:8 ESV
", "date_published": "2017-10-15T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/15/a-perfect-fall-day.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/13/an-act-of-forgiveness.html", "title": "An Act of Forgiveness", "content_html": "![\"Photo](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f8059e8674.jpg\")
\nDisclaimer: This may be a trigger subject with some. It is dreadfully sad but it touched my heart and I wanted to share with you. It is about the Holocaust and Forgiveness.
\nEva Kor was a young child when she and her twin were torn from their family upon arrival at Auschwitz, never to see them again. Under the direction of Dr. Mengele, they were both subjected to medical experiments that nearly killed them. By sheer will, they fought to survive and were liberated by Russian forces.
\nFor fifty years, Eva held on to her position of “victim”…and rightly so. Her life had been forever altered in ways we cannot even begin to comprehend. She is all that is left of her family. As the 50th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz approached, she awoke one morning with an idea. What if she could forgive someone. She was often called upon to speak and recalled a Nazi doctor that had been at Auschwitz. She had met him at a conference. She figured he may still be alive so she found his phone number and worked up the courage to call him. I’ll let you watch the video and see how she found it in her heart to forgive the most heinous of acts.
\n\nWe speak a lot here about forgiveness. Anger, bitterness, and resentment are the poisons we take hoping they will affect our enemies. Our enemies don’t care if we are eaten alive inside by negative emotions. They are going on with their lives in the nature of enemies…unknowing, uncaring. If my Lord and Savior has forgiven me of my sins, who am I to not do the same? I try to love others as Jesus loves me…even when they are my enemies. Eva’s act of forgiveness took a great deal of strength and courage. She was alienated from other Holocaust survivors for forgiving the Nazis who killed millions of their fellow citizens, friends, and family members. But she didn’t care. She didn’t do it for them. She did it for herself. I am in awe of that kind of heart…that spirit of forgiveness. My petty grievances pale in comparison. ❤️
\n“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”\nColossians 3:12-15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-13T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/13/an-act-of-forgiveness.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/12/magic-hands.html", "title": "Magic Hands", "content_html": "
![\"Photo](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/24d31fbbae.jpg\")
\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have always been prompt at getting my mammogram done every single year. I always had it at the same place for consistency. Still, even though it always niggled in the back of my mind that time was slipping by, I went a full three years without one. The fact that I am fairly diligent in doing breast self examination regularly was at least some consolation. But not all lumps and bumps can be felt. An exam and getting the tatas compressed is your best advantage for early detection of breast cancer.
\nI had my mammogram done September 27th, a Saturday. I was up before dawn to go get this thing done. I was in and out relatively quickly. The technologist was friendly, knowledgeable, and the entire experience left me feeling confident in the Women’s Center at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital in Parkersburg. I left the appointment and met my girlfriends for coffee and it became a day like any other day.
\nThe following Wednesday, I went camping for a week and when I returned, there was a message on my home phone from the doctor’s office. Mr. FixIt and I looked at each other and I saw the slightest flicker of fear in his eyes.
\n“I’m sure it’s fine, sweetheart. I’m a girl…girls are complicated. We’ve got all these parts we have to maintain. It happens all the time.” I said in my most reassuring voice. But he wasn’t buying it. And neither was I. I’d never been called back before. And I’d never had an ultrasound of my breast.
\nMy doctor’s office made an appointment for me for the following Tuesday…a whole week away. As much as I tried not to think about what it could mean, it was fruitless. I’ve worked in medicine almost my entire working life. I was married to a doctor who was the director of hospice. I was an x-ray tech. I know what I know. I ran through the risk factors. I used to drink more than I should have when I was going through a particularly difficult marriage/divorce but when the divorce was over, so was the drinking. I am not at my ideal weight and I don’t exercise as much as I should. The king sized plus for me is absolutely zero family history of breast cancer. By the time the appointment came around, I was feeling pretty confident this wasn’t cancer.
\nTuesday finally came. The technician who came out to get me was the same gal who did the first mammo. That was comforting…and good, in that her technique would be the same for comparison’s sake. She told me there were two places in the breast that caused them concern and she pointed them out to me. She proceeded to do another mammogram. This one used a compression paddle on the machine that squeezed a small, three inch circle…really squeezed. I won’t lie…it stung. No problem holding my breath for that one! When she had the top down views done, she changed the paddle to a five inch circle for the side views. Again, the compression took my breath away, but I wanted good compression so the radiologist could see what he/she was looking for. It was soon done and I was ushered to a waiting room. Once the radiologist said no more views were needed, I was taken to the ultrasound room.
\nI’ve had ultrasounds many times, but never of my breast. They warm the gel! How nice! I’m laying there with my arm over my head and my boob hanging out in front of someone who was born the year I graduated from high school but, by golly, that gel was warm! The tech turned the screen slightly toward me and I saw what I had seen on the mammogram, only instead of being an oval, clearly encapsulated thing that looked much like a grape…I saw a black hole. My heart sank for a moment. Then my medical expertise came back and I thought about the physics of ultrasound. I soon reasoned what I was looking at was a fluid filled cyst and the vast majority of those are benign. Breathe.
\nThe tech moved to the other spot. This was more worrisome. It was calcification within some very dense breast tissue. I have what used to be called fibrocystic breast disease till they dropped the disease part, because…it isn’t one. It’s extremely common. The last time I had a mammogram, my doctor was musing to herself. “Hmmmm, I wonder why your left breast is so much denser than the right?” “Easy,” I said. “I’ve always been with right handed men” I think she peed a little. Anyway, I digress. I couldn’t make heads nor tails of what I was seeing in this exam area so I just laid back and let my mind wander. What was my gut saying? “This is ok. Don’t worry.”
\nI was wandering through the mall yesterday, contemplating a pair of shoes, when the doctor’s office called. She said the doctor felt the findings were benign. They wanted to know if there was a family history of breast cancer. Since there is not, the recommendation is to repeat it in six months and if there are no changes, resume the yearly schedule. I didn’t realize I had been holding my breath as I sat down on one of the chairs in the shoe department. I thanked her and hung up. Relief spread over me and I immediately texted Mr. FixIt and my Prayer Warriors.
\nOne out of eight women get breast cancer. Unlike Julia Louise Dreyfus…today it was not me. Get your mammograms, girls. Save the tatas! ❤️
\n“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”\nProverbs 17:22 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-12T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/12/magic-hands.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/11/free-spirit.html", "title": "Free Spirit", "content_html": "
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/deff4aaa3d.jpg\")
\nMuch of my life was spent trying to conform…to not be too loud, too big, too much. To fit into the mold of who I (and others whose opinions I valued over my own) thought I should be. I was a doctor’s wife. I was supposed to fit in, entertain, volunteer. I converted to Judaism. I smiled, a lot. I had a perky voice. I did the best I could. And still, things unraveled, my marriage fell apart, and it darned near killed me.
\nIt took a long time, and a lot of therapy, to find my voice. So many times women hang their identity on a hook by the front door and become who they need to be…who they’re expected to be. I have two beautiful daughters who are wonderful adults. Honestly, I don’t know how they survived me because I was a hot mess back in the day.
\nMr. Virgo was the first man to really “get” me. He was patient and listened intently and fiercely supported me. He helped me see, and really FEEL, my value. When he died suddenly, my world and my self-confidence was rocked. When I was alone on my grief journey in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado in the first few months after he died, I really understood for the first time that it’s up to me to be happy. If we search for happiness from external things, we will always be disappointed.
\nI had a Mr. Virgo-sized hole in my heart and a God-sized hole in my life. I couldn’t bring Mr. Virgo back, but I could…and DID…reach out to God to fill me up with a peace only He could give. My go-to scripture became “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Over and over, through long anxiety-riddled nights, I repeated it till I believed it…till I felt it in my bones. And magically, God filled in the empty, hurting places with a golden love-light like none I had ever known.
\nI was telling someone yesterday…I loved Mr. Virgo with the white-hot heat of the sun. But I still never felt whole till I loved GOD with the white-hot heat of HIS Son. My light shines from within. I carry myself differently. I’m happy and content with myself and my life. And now? Now I have Mr. FixIt. I’m so glad he came into my life after I was broken open. I don’t know that we would have appreciated each other if this would have happened at any other time in our lives.
\nGod’s timing is so perfect. ❤️
\n“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”\nLuke 12:6-7 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-11T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/11/free-spirit.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/10/past-the-breaking-point.html", "title": "Past the Breaking Point", "content_html": "
![\"Photo](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ee854f77b4.jpg\")
\nFilicide. It’s something we don’t want to talk about…something we don’t understand. How could a mother kill her own children? It’s beyond our comprehension. How can someone be pushed so far that they would break like that? It goes against every grain. Yet, it happens.
\nThere was a tragedy in West Virginia last week. A woman shot her two young children, then herself. The little boy was hanging on by a thread last I heard. The little girl and the mom are gone. I just learned last night that not one, but both children have/had special needs. I don’t know what they’re challenges are/were, but I do know what it’s like to grow up in a family with a special needs child. My brother was born with cerebral palsy and mild mental impairment. I will never forget the day the doctor gave Mom the prognosis. They told her he would never live a normal life. He wouldn’t drive or be able to take care of himself or hold a real job. She was devastated. Add to that a troubled marriage and it’s no wonder she suffered from migraines, anxiety, and depression.
\nAbout six years ago, I did a short stint as a substitute paraprofessional in a severe needs classroom at the elementary school where my older daughter taught. I couldn’t do it…and I grew up with this. I don’t know how teachers and parents keep from going over the edge. This mother had more than she could handle and she broke.
\nThe news headline said “Let this be a wake up call.” Yes, let’s. There are few people who don’t know anyone affected by a special needs child in their circle…be it church or the hair salon or the bank or a neighbor. If you know someone, and you’ve never offered to help out, do something. A couple hour break could make a world of difference in an overwhelmed parent’s life. Take them a meal. Offer to cut their lawn. Give them a gift card to the grocery. Heck, give them a hug. Tell them, while you can’t understand exactly what they’re going through, you’d like them to know you’re there for whatever help you may be able to give them. Pray with them. Pray FOR them. If you can’t do any of these things, pray for God to open your heart to whatever He would want you to do.
\nMy demographic here is 40-65 year old women mainly, so I guess I’m encouraging grandmas to do what grandmas do best…love on somebody that sorely needs it today. You never know who that outstretched hand may save. We cannot understand how horrible things like this can happen, but perhaps we can change the course by opening our hearts and loving people like Jesus does. ❤️
\n“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.”\nMatthew 19:13-15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-10T01:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/10/past-the-breaking-point.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/09/a-little-rr.html", "title": "A Little R\u0026R", "content_html": "
\n
![\"Ol'](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/da0ba7457c.jpg\")
\nWe awoke to the sound of rain gently falling on the tin roof yesterday. What a welcome sound. Something else grabbed my attention. It was stuffy and still in the bedroom. I picked up my phone to check the temperature. No wifi. The power was out so the fan was off. This happens frequently here at the farm. I keep thinking I’ll get a generator but haven’t yet.
\nOld Mama Kitty curled up at my feet while I sat on the porch, watching the rain. Every time we have this moment, I wonder how much longer we’ll have her. She’s about twenty-four years old now. I love this sweet little kitty.
\nThe persistent rain made me sleepy and I couldn’t get motivated to do much. I did put about half the stuff away in the kitchen that I had brought in from TOW-Wanda. The rest of the day was literally spent doing as little as possible. Sometimes you just need a day like that. Mr. FixIt is like the Energizer bunny. He never stops. I like to do a lot of stuff but when I need down time, I NEED down time. I sent him off to deliver a chair to his granddaughter and go bowling and I spent the afternoon/evening laying low. Just what the doctor ordered!
\nThe only downside of having a lay low, shut in kind of day was not going to church. The only upside to that is the Warehouse Church where we attend goes live on their Facebook page every Sunday night at 7:00 so if I can’t go for some reason, I can watch the sermon from home.
\nLast night, Pastor Justin spoke on getting past your past. I dragged my past behind me like a sack of rotting garbage for years. I played and replayed every mistake, every misstep, every wrongdoing I ever did and berated myself for being a bad daughter, sister, wife, mother. It turns out, those were all lies…whispered into my life by the enemy. He has no power over the future, but man…does he know how to play the past. There are ways you can use the past. Learning from your mistakes and moving forward, letting the past “push” you into the person God has always intended you to be…THAT’S the only useful thing the past can give you. God uses those mistakes you made in the past to allow you to minister to others, to speak life over them, to demonstrate that you do not have to let your past define who you are. You can get past it. Powerful message. So, I got my lay low day, I had a nap under the sounds of a gentle rain on a tin roof, AND I heard a great message from God. What’s not to love about that? ❤️
\n“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”\nPhilippians 3:13-14 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-09T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/09/a-little-rr.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","The Cats","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/08/from-long-horns-to-long.html", "title": "From Long Horns to Long Rifles", "content_html": "
![\"Longhorns](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/635ca2d838.jpg\")
\nIt’s going to rain today…thank God. We haven’t had measurable precipitation in a month and its dreadfully dry. Since yesterday was such a gorgeous day, chores were put on the back burner yet again and we went gallivanting all over three counties. Our first stop was to finally get some pictures of these magnificent long horned cattle. Seems there’s a wealthy oil man in our county who likes them so he bought himself some. I believe these are a cross between longhorn and the watusi. I must say, you do a double take when you drive down a two-lane blacktop in West Virginia and come across these big boys! I had an uncle who had white-faced cattle simply because he liked looking at them through the window when he ate breakfast…so, I get it.
\n![\"Civil](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7a29c4654f.jpg\")
\nThe next stop was Elizabeth’s Pioneer Day. That’s singular…as in, blink and you miss it. We ran into cousins. Did I tell you I love small town life? We missed the car show but we visited the town’s museum where my cousin regaled me with more juicy family history that I was, as yet, unaware of. I love hanging with them…not only are they fun, but they’re educational.
\n![\"Confederate](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3b5ed760a7.jpg\")
\nThe last stop was really awesome. As we rounded a curve to head back to the farm, there was a Civil War reenactment camp set up in a field. Mr. FixIt turned to me and smiled. Blog fodder! We turned in and introduced ourselves and an hour later we were making ourselves at home, telling stories and laughing around the campfire. Mr. Virgo was a huge Civil War buff so I’ve watched dozens of documentaries on the subject. I felt a softness around me as the sun hung low over what will today become a battlefield. That part I have no interest in seeing. But the people? I wanted to know who they were, how long they’ve done this, how often, and why? Turns out, they’re Civil War buffs, just like Mr. Virgo. One couple have been doing reenactments for 29 years. They were from Ohio and West Virginia. Some represented the Union, others the Confederacy. I didn’t ask why. It didn’t matter.
\n![\"Civil](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6be200a206.jpg\")
\nThey were quick to share their knowledge. They took great pride in their clothing and uniforms and weapons…and knowledge. They explained the flags and the units and the differences in the tents. They cooked over an open fire, just as I did last weekend. They slept on rope beds and bedrolls the last two nights. They had young men and a young boy with them, teaching them the old ways. It was absolutely fascinating. And, instead of scrawling a rural address with a hand sharpened pencil on a page from a bible to be tucked away, hoping to reconnect when the battle was over…we became friends on Facebook. And, we were instantly brought back to 2017.
\n![\"Civil](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1d6f9a5a95.jpg\")
\n![\"Civil](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/948edecc25.jpg\")
\nI love the connections I make doing what I do. I was thrilled when I surpassed 6,000 readers over the weekend. I’m honored and humbled to write stories for you every day. Thank you so much for being here. ❤️
\n“a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”\nEcclesiastes 3:8 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-08T01:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/08/from-long-horns-to-long.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/06/losing-your-sense-of-direction.html", "title": "Losing Your Sense of Direction", "content_html": "
![\"Losing](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1397099534.jpg\")
\nThere’s no quicker way to lose your inner compass than through the experience of grief. God built us to numb down so we don’t experience the loss in one gulp. I remember the first year. I was so numb from the neck up. I didn’t fully grasp what had happened to my world until the second year. THAT was the year of pain for me because I “woke up” and he was still gone. I didn’t know where to turn. I literally didn’t know which end was up. I couldn’t make intelligent choices. I couldn’t see further than today…maybe even this hour. It was terribly disconcerting to me to feel so out of control. It was terribly comforting to me when you all started writing back with things like “Yes! That’s me!” and “OMGosh! You’re in my head! How did you know?”
\nLosing your inner compass is normal in grief. Losing your sense of direction doesn’t just come with the loss of a loved one though. It can come with anything that shocks our sensibilities. And I can’t think of anything more shocking than the events of the last month. While I was out galavanting around, camping here and there, appearing at public events, being interviewed while flyfishing, sitting around the campfire with friends…events were taking place that were shattering our world and I was largely disconnected save for the occasional notification on my phone when I was in cell range.
\nDisclaimer: I’m not here to discuss politics. There are many, many sites where that is the theme. This is a safe place where we discuss grief and the things that effect it. That being said…I would be remiss if I sail along singing Kumbaya and not address the horrifying events that have hit us over and over and over the last few weeks.
\nDevastating hurricanes. Deadly earthquakes. Horrific mass murders. Huge breaches of electronic security. Every week…every day…it’s something. Another thing…another horror. It’s hard to feel safe in times like this when you aren’t grieving. Add the insecurity and emotional turmoil of loss to the mix and it’s so easy to lose your way…to lose direction…to lose hope.
\nYes, there are political avenues that can and…in my humble opinion…should be implemented to curb events that can be curbed. I am an enigma. I am a diehard liberal Christian and Democrat with a gun. I believe in my right to carry and protect myself, my property, and my loved ones. If I need to hunt to eat, I need a weapon to do so. What I don’t need is an assault rifle, let alone forty-three of them, and I certainly don’t need one that shoots automatically. I might need a couple hundred rounds of ammo. I don’t need ten thousand. I might need some fertilizer for my garden. I don’t need enough to blow up a building. I need to protect my little corner of the world from nefarious interlopers. I’m fully aware not everyone agrees on these issues and I’m not here to debate politics or gun control or any “third rail” issue. This is a faith-based blog so I’m going to approach this from my own personal faith-based perspective.
\nI usually drive in silence. It’s my think time. But, occasionally I listen to a book on tape or a talk given by someone on a subject I am interested in. As events unfolded over the last month, I found myself getting upset and angry…a perfectly normal reaction to such chaos. Since losing Mr. Virgo, I’ve found it helpful to retreat within myself and become quiet and introspective in order to process additional loss. Now that I have Mr. FixIt in my life, I don’t have long stretches of time to silently contemplate my feelings, process them, and retrieve my bearings. I felt my fear grow and my frustration build to the point of lashing out at him when he did nothing but be kind and love me. I needed to fix that before it became a problem.
\nGod always brings me what I need to walk through this path. Remember me telling you that we have to walk through fire in this life, but God throws gems down in the flames? We may not recognize the meaning of a particular gem, but we tuck it away because somewhere down the line, we’ll understand. When I was in Colorado, I went to a used book store looking for books on tape for the long drives I take traveling with TOW-Wanda. This time I found several presentations by such notables as Brené Brown, Pema Chodrin, and Joyce Meyers. I tucked them in the truck but didn’t listen to them on the trip home because Mr. FixIt was with me.
\nLast week I traveled up to Beaver Creek State Park and found the four hour block of time to listen to Pema Chodrin’s “Don’t Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions”. Her basic premise boils down to finding compassion for the perpetrator. She spends the better part of three and a half hours explaining how to fight the addiction of anger and replace it with patience and compassion. Anger sits in the pit of our stomach. It’s uncomfortable and we lash out to release those pent up feelings. But, what if we allow ourselves to sit with that discomfort, recognize it as a temporary feeling, look at the person pissing us off and feel compassion? If that’s too hard, then at least just say…“OK, this person is pissing me off. I’m not biting that hook.” There is a difference between suppressing anger and diffusing it. Suppression will just place it in a pressure cooker and it becomes self-destructive. Diffusing it dissipates the energy and converts it into something self-soothing.
\nHow does this relate to the current events in the world? Well, environmentally, these storms are getting more powerful, more frequent, and more destructive. As an environmentalist, one can get angry at politicians who refuse to believe in climate change. As one who believes this is a predictable cycle of nature, one can get angry at the “tree huggers” for leading the charge with “the sky is falling!” Earthquakes? Environmentalists are angry with the oil and gas industry for fracking and causing instability beneath the earths crust. Others are angry at such rhetoric saying the earth’s crust moves…deal with it. Mass shootings? The NRA will give you their guns when you pry them out of their cold, dead fingers as Charlton Heston so eloquently put it. Gun control advocates are angry that this just keeps happening over and over and over and nothing ever changes.
\nThe common denominator in all of this is anger. Righteous indignation. Me against them. No one ever resolves conflict with increased conflict. The divisive nature prevalent in today’s world does nothing to diffuse anger. As a matter of fact, it seems its only point is to produce more anger and conflict. This is the work of the enemy. This is where my faith comes in. This battle has been fought for centuries and my personal belief is…the good guy wins in the end. My personal belief is…that which lives within me is more powerful than that which lives in the world. Lashing out at Mr. FixIt because I’m harboring anger over world events is counterproductive. So, how do I resolve that inner conflict? Through compassion.
\nHow do we live out the compassion of Christ in such a dark time in this world? Turning to the Master Teacher, we can cry out for Him to teach us compassion. We can read about the ways Christ showed compassion to others…even his enemies. He touched those who were sick. Even the outcast…the untouchables with leprosy. He sought them out and ministered to them and healed them with just a touch. Race, religion, social or economic status…nothing kept Christ from touching the lives of others with love and tenderness. We can read about Jesus’ tears for the fallen. How He wept for those who refused to hear His teachings. How he asked His Heavenly Father to forgive those who crucified Him for they knew not what they were doing. That in and of itself is the ultimate display of compassion. The motivation behind all of Christ’s teachings throughout the New Testament is love and compassion.
\nSo, how do you show compassion for someone who stands in a hotel room on the 32nd floor of a busy hotel and calmly executes 59 innocent people, wounds nearly 500, and changes the lives of thousand more…forever? For me, it comes from the realization that one does not do something like that unless they are not in their right mind. There is such evil in the world. Satan whispers into the lives and hearts of vulnerable people and leads them to do unimaginable, unspeakable things. My response is to pour out more love…to try to tip the scales of the world toward goodness and light. Not with a Pollyannaesque naïveté, but with the pure, genuine love and compassion expemplified by Jesus.
\nIt’s a scary world. I saw Mr. FixIt’s first little greatgrandchild this week. I held this tiny, perfect little human in my hands and prayed hard that God would keep her safe in this great big place. It hits hard when a new life is placed in your hands. In the end, the left wing and the right wing belong to the same bird. We really are in this together. There is one race…the human race…and if we want to keep going, we are going to have to find a way to come together, to get along.
\nOk, we went to church there…but, in my humble opinion…this world needs more light. For me, it is through Christ, who strengthens me. For others, it may be different. But by whatever means available, the answer to everything is love and compassion. ❤️
\n“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”\nColossians 3:12-14 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-10-06T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/06/losing-your-sense-of-direction.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/01/camping.html", "title": "Camping", "content_html": "![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/114fbe6e82.jpg\")
\nI went to church camp when I was thirteen. I remember having a wonderful time but I don’t quite remember what we did. My camping excursion this week has seriously felt like BEING at camp. This State Park (which I will name Monday) has the best naturalist. He organized a fly fishing class yesterday afternoon. Five of us went and had a grand time. One gal caught a little fish and was so excited. We were excited FOR her. We didn’t have waders. I had rubber rain boots and I promptly filled them by stepping in too deep. So I just kept on going and waded in up to my hips. I didn’t catch anything but it didn’t matter.
\n![\"Stream](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/85f7fc940a.jpg\")
\nOur next activity was the “stream stomp”. We held a net across and below rocks in a riffle and someone would pick up the rock. The net would catch any little critters that had been hiding under the rock. Some children who were camping nearby joined in and it was so much fun watching them giggle and squeal over the crawfish and hellgrammites (dragonfly nymphs) that landed in our nets.
\nI spent much of the afternoon with the publisher/editor of Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine for an article they are doing about the Girl Campers. I was thrilled to represent this great group of gals and talk about Janine Pettit and all of her hard work with her podcasts. Gail Bable, the camphost of this park, joined me for some photos. I’ll let you know when the article comes out.
\n![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/601f823e08.jpg\")
\nThe next thing on the agenda was an archery lesson. I can’t remember when I last shot a bow but I remember I loved it. I originally learned archery in high school. It turns out, I’m a pretty good shot.
\n![\"Ohio](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/99f509bde7.jpg\")
\nThe day ended with 27 people around a campfire listening to the park naturalist give a talk on honeybees. The entire day was fun and fascinating and one I will long remember. ❤️
\n“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.””\nLuke 5:4-5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-01T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/01/camping.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","goRVing","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/28/grandmas-spoon.html", "title": "Grandma's Spoon", "content_html": "
![\"Grandma's](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b02fef45d0.jpg\")
\nSome time after Grandma died, I was visiting the farm. I was cooking and rummaged around in the utensil drawer for a wooden spoon to stir something with. I grew up using wooden spoons and have owned many over the course of my life. I love them. I love the feel of the wood in my hand. I love the way they gently rub the bottom of the pan as you stir. I’ve learned how to gauge the proper thickness of a sauce or gravy by how the liquid coats the spoon. Placed across the top of a pan, a wooden spoon will keep pasta or potatoes from boiling over. Drape a wet dishcloth over the end and you can scrub the inside of a jar or bottle. They’re very handy.
\nWhen I looked in the drawer in Grandma’s kitchen, there was a packet in the back wrapped in a flour sack dishcloth. Curious, I opened it up to find treasures. Grandma’s paring knife, potato peeler, and favorite wooden spoon had been wrapped and carefully put away. The paring knife was so thin and the blade was curved in an unnatural shape from the many times it had been run over a whetstone. The potato peeler showed wear from years and years of use. Potatoes were a staple in that house for at least two meals a day. But, it was the wooden spoon that got me. Stained red from a lifetime of making blackcap jelly, I held it in my hands as if it were fragile crystal. The end is worn flat from all the years of stirring back and forth, back and forth…making sure the sugar and pectin dissolved and the mixture didn’t scorch on the bottom of the pan. I could still see my grandma’s arthritic finger run over the jelly coating on the back of her wooden spoon. She pushed it along to see if it had reached the jell stage. Then she popped her finger in her mouth, licked it clean, and gave me a wink as she wiped her hand on her ever present calico apron over her ever present belted house dress with the hankie in the pocket. I never, ever saw her wear pants. Always a dress, with stockings, and sturdy black lace-up shoes with a sensible heel. My breath caught with the memory. I missed her so. I miss her still.
\nMy aunt noticed my reverie and asked if I’d like to keep the spoon. I was so touched…and thrilled. It occupied a place of honor for several years on the windowsill of my Colorado kitchen. It got tucked away when I downsized and sold my house. It made its way back to that same farmhouse kitchen in West Virginia when I finally settled back here. I remember unpacking that box of special kitchen items, taking extra care that the spoon didn’t get thrown away with the packing materials.
\nThe spoon now hangs on a pegboard over the kitchen sink. I see it every time I wash dishes and I think of my grandma and how hard she worked standing in that very spot. It’s like that wink comes all the way from heaven and I know she smiles that I am here. ❤️
\n“She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.”\nProverbs 31:14-15 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-28T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/28/grandmas-spoon.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/27/twolane-blacktop.html", "title": "Two-Lane Blacktop", "content_html": "
![\"WV](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/360a30fe7b.jpg\")
\nYesterday was errand day. Up at dawn, I ran through my list of very important things that needed to be done for the camping trip I’m leaving on today. And, not surprisingly, there were a couple of things I forgot. Mr. FixIt to the rescue! Yet another of the many wonderful advantages of dating this good man! He stopped on his way to my place and picked my items up at the market.
\nDriving back home on the two-lane blacktop, I always let my mind run through the points of note along the route. There’s the State Police barracks where I took (and failed) my first driving exam. (Not my fault, mind you…there was a hole in the muffler.) There’s the county line where I got carsick when I was seven. (I have no idea why that sticks with me, but it does.) There’s the last bridge of its kind between town and the farm. (It’s a lot like the old bridge that used to be where you turn onto the country lane to drive the last few miles to the house.) There’s the old country store where we stopped for ice cream on Sunday afternoons on our way back to town. There’s the turn where I had my wreck in February. My mind takes me through every turn and hill, reliving days long gone.
\nOne of my favorite turns brings me to a straight stretch that passes the old Nutter Farm. There’s a family cemetery on the hill across the road. Every time I drive through that stretch, I get the strangest feeling. It’s akin to the feeling you get when someone hugs you. I didn’t get to meet the particular set of great-grandparents that are buried there, but somehow I feel them when I drive by. It’s a little eerie, but comforting at the same time. My great-grandfather died in his early 30’s of a ruptured appendix and left my great-grandmother with four little boys to raise. Charlie and Sabina. I have always loved her name. Folks called her “Binie”, with a long “i”. I never knew her proper name till after my last child was born or I might have named her Sabina Rose.
\nI know every turn, every pothole, every hill on that road. It stretches for miles all the way back as far as I can remember. I really get John Denver’s lyrics. “Country Roads, take me home to the place I belong…West Virginia!” I love coming home when I’ve been gone a while. When you’re there every day, you don’t notice how the house smells. But when you return from a long trip, it’s truly like stepping back in time to my childhood. It smells like old wood…damp and rich. It smells like old books and worn leather…slightly stale, dusty, and tired. It smells like iron skillets and well water. But it smells like family. It smells like home. I bought a scented candle when I first moved in last year and was decidedly dismayed when all you could smell when you walked in the back door was cinnamon apples. I stopped burning it right away and was ever so relieved when the familiar aromas returned a week or two later.
\nI count every day here as a blessing…a gift that God has brought me. This place almost seems like my reward for having lost my sweet husband. As though God said, “You’ve suffered enough. Let the memories in these walls comfort you for a time.” I know it’s not forever…one day the house will pass from one to another and I’ll need to move on. Or, more likely, there will be that point in my life when I choose to live elsewhere. But for now…for this brief time…I will live and love and laugh in the home of my heart. And I’ll remember every nook and cranny, every squeak in the floor, every line in the worn linoleum. I’ll remember every bend in the road. ❤️
\n“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”\nIsaiah 32:18 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-27T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/27/twolane-blacktop.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/24/when-the-partys-over.html", "title": "When the Party's Over", "content_html": "
![\"Camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7ba95fe51d.jpg\")
\nGirl time is important to me. Yesterday it was coffee with a few of my home girls…the ‘71 Divas Do Coffee. We figure Starbucks is cheaper than therapy. I popped into the Women’s Center at 7:00am to get the tatas smushed (Save the Tatas, ladies. Get your mammograms!) then ran over to the hotel to wait for my tribe. They never disappoint. Once we were properly caffeinated and had solved the world’s problems, we went our separate ways till next month.
\nTwo weeks ago it was twenty-four Sisters and last weekend it was four Girl Campers. On Wednesday, I meet up with thirty-five or so Girl Campers (and some Mister Sisters) for five nights of fun and frolic in eastern Ohio. Given the week I just had, I promise you there will be napping involved!
\nThe anticipation of a trip is delightful. We “meet” ahead of time on the Meetup app page or a Facebook page to get to know one another and get directives. We send messages back and forth. We share recipe ideas and weather forecasts. We count down how many sleeps till we get there. It can be a little stressful…especially when you are new at it. But overall, you should just go with the flow and have fun.
\nThe day you arrive at the event, you get unhooked and do any decorating you might like in and around your camper. I had two huge tubs of decorations I used to use but have pared way back since my camper is for living in, not necessarily for showing off. Once you’re settled, you go around and greet old friends and make new ones with the common bond of loving outdoors adventure. The fun commences in earnest!
\nThe first night is usually a meet-and-greet potluck. The second might have a low scale event and the third night is usually an all out blowout. You fall in bed, tired and happy. But then comes the inevitable and you have to say goodbye. It’s like summer camp when we were kids and we cried when we had to say goodbye. There’s definitely a certain melancholy that comes over you when you hook up and head home. But you promise to do it again. And you exchange recipes and contact info and ride off into the sunset.
\nI love this picture that was posted on the Sisters on the Fly page yesterday. I asked the photographer for permission to use it, which she graciously gave. It really summed up that melancholic feeling you get when the party’s over. Thank you, Rebecca, for such a great shot! ❤️
\n“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”\n1 Samuel 18:1 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-24T01:55:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/24/when-the-partys-over.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/22/when-things-dont-go-as.html", "title": "When Things Don't Go As Planned", "content_html": "
![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3800980b81.jpg\")
\nThe first two of our three day getaway was perfect. The weather was moderate. We hiked, fished, lazed around, read, cooked, and sat out long after dark watching the boats go up and down the river. We had to go into town Wednesday to salvage some doors, windows, and light fixtures out of a structure that’s being torn down today. It was hot, dirty work and by 2:00, we were done. We ran some errands then headed to a restaurant for lunch. We’ve eaten salads there before but I was hungry so I ordered a chicken salad wrap and fries. We left to head back up to the river to the campground and within 10 minutes, I was sick as a dog. The thing that scared me was my heart was doing weird things and I felt faint. Mr. FixIt took me to the hospital. They kept me overnight for observation and did a ton of tests. They finally decided they thought I had food poisoning. I got home from the hospital yesterday and unhooked the camper and went to bed.
\nThere comes a point when you have to realize…even though you may FEEL 24…when you’re 64…you ARE 64! That’s not “old” by any stretch of the imagination. But for the first time in a long time…I feel my age. I have to slow down just a little bit. Not enough to stop. But enough to take care of myself.
\nNot the way I wanted my little getaway to go. But I need to listen to my body and not keep pushing so hard. Today, I mattress surf! ❤️
\n“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”\n1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-22T01:55:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/22/when-things-dont-go-as.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/18/time-out.html", "title": "Time Out!", "content_html": "
![\"Time](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6b1f999f73.jpg\")
\nLast weekend was four days of fun (and hard work) hostessing the Sisters on the Fly. This weekend was four days of meet and greet at Country Living Fair with the Girl Campers. When I came back to town late yesterday afternoon, really…the only thing I wanted to do was go home, take a hot bath, and go to bed. Instead, I went to the 7:00 service at my church. I missed last week. I couldn’t miss again.
\nI stopped at Starbucks yesterday morning for a GOOD cup of coffee. Hotel coffee is marginal. As I left, a young man was sitting on a bench outside the door. He said, “Excuse me. Can I ask you something?” I stopped, knowing what was coming. “I just got out of prison and I want to go to church today. Can you give me something?” He was clean. He didn’t look strung out. He looked like the son of any of my friends. I walked up to him, placed my hand on his shoulder and said, “Son, I can give you two things. I can give you one dollar. And I can pray with you.” He looked like he was about to cry and knelt his head. I prayed for him right there on the streets of downtown Columbus in front of Starbucks. Afterwards, he smiled and thanked me and I went on my way.
\nI can’t give much but I can give my time, my prayers, my heart. So what if I got to the fairgrounds ten minutes late? Sharing that moment with that young man might have made a huge difference in his life. Surprisingly, it made a huge difference in mine. It made me bolder in my faith. It made me more compassionate of others. It made me love on a fellow human being for a few moments. It set the tone for the rest of the day at the fair. When I received praise for my accomplishments, I put praise where the praise was due and told them it wasn’t me…it was God that brings me words.
\nWith that, I will be honest and tell you I am truly tired. I’m totally talked out after four days of nonstop talking. Mr. FixIt has been so wonderful and picked up the slack for me the last couple of weeks. He’s worked hard and helped me load and haul and unload stuff for my events only to turn around and help me take it all back home and put it away. We are packing up this morning and going camping for three days. It’s his turn to get my attention. It’s my turn to take a time out. I’ll be back soon! ❤️
\n“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”\nMatthew 6:6 NLT
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-18T01:55:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/18/time-out.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Grace","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/16/my-lot-in-life.html", "title": "My Lot in Life", "content_html": "
\n
![\"Windmill](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/085421e4ae.jpg\")
\nFor those of you who’ve been following me for awhile, you remember what a struggle it was to downsize when I sold my house. Getting rid of 95% of my personal belongings just a year after losing Mr. Virgo was very stressful. I have been so careful not to accumulate “stuff” again. But, I’ve got to tell ya…this Country Living Fair is exceptional. I think this is my third in a row and it seems each one gets better. I will have to say, there were a lot more people here on opening day than the last two years. If that’s any indication of the overall attendance, we’re in for a whale of an event!
\nWhen you work a Fair such as this, you try to have enough people helping that you can take breaks and wander around. As I was walking over to the main stage for Janine’s talk yesterday, I spied some windmill vanes and stopped after to price them. The one in this photo was a half vane for $600! One with two less fins was $400. Still way out of my price range. My daughter’s sister-in-law has one she got from the family ranch and has it mounted on the wall in her dining room. I’d love to have one, but A) I’m not spending that kind of money and B) I don’t have anyplace to put it right now, and C) experiences before stuff. I could have a really great trip for $600.
\nWandering the aisles of the fair is so tempting. I will tell you what I bought yesterday. A nice serving of Miss Parolee’s Kentucky Deep-Dish Blackberry Cobbler warmed up with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Windmill vane. Miss Parolee’s cobbler. I think I made the better choice! ❤️
\n“Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.”\nEcclesiastes 5:18-20 NLT
\n", "date_published": "2017-09-16T01:55:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/16/my-lot-in-life.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Country Living Fair","Uncategorized"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/13/mountain-music.html", "title": "Mountain Music", "content_html": "![\"Jake](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/56419a5260.jpg\")
\nI’m still glowing over the events of the past weekend. When I was planning this gathering for the Sisters on the Fly, I had everything pictured in my head and it came out just like I had hoped. But the months leading up to the event had points where it was pretty nerve wracking. The two big items on my list turned out to be the two most difficult to fill. A caterer and entertainment for Saturday night.
\nI have such a wonderful network of friend on Facebook. They come from all walks of like. After making countless calls and searching the internet, I finally called the administration at the park where we camped and she gave me the name of a caterer to try. One phone call and I had them booked…at a price about half what I expected. The food was fabulous! If you need a BBQ caterer in the Mid-Ohio Valley, call Smokin’ Pig’s Ash Barbecue.
\nI kept striking out on the entertainment front, too. First off, it was the same weekend as the Sternwheel Festival in Marietta (the main reason we planned it when we did) and there was a huge bluegrass festival up north. I really wanted old time jammers, but they were scarce as hen’s teeth. I finally contacted my friend Todd Burge, a talented local musician who is more a folk singer. Unfortunately, he was booked, but he told me to contact Jake Eddy. Jake turns 18 this week, and has already been named #1 in guitar and banjo in the state of West Virginia. He and his brother (only 13!) and grandpa played for two hours and I’ll tell you what, they did not disappoint. The girls were so impressed! And, frankly…so was I. We are all going to look back one day and say we saw him way back when!
\nTomorrow, I head out for my next event. I’m going to be at the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio with Janine Pettit and the Girl Campers lending a hand in any way I can to support her. Janine is so talented and well spoken. She will have the crowd eating out of her hand and I so enjoy tagging along whenever I can. I always learn so much from her.
\nThis is an incredibly busy month in the camping circuit and I’m thrilled to take you along with me. We’re going to see some amazing things. Watch for some live broadcasts from the Country Living Fair! ❤️
\n“I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music.”\nPsalms 101:1 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-13T01:55:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/13/mountain-music.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/06/sisters-on-the-fly.html", "title": "Sisters on the Fly", "content_html": "
![\"Sisters](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e894d8cf7a.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/69677a7cd3.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f07e8b48bb.jpg\")
What is Sisters on the Fly?
\nIt’s the world’s largest outdoor adventure group for women. We have affected the lives of over 9,000 women from around the world. Our motto is “We have more fun than anyone!” And it’s true! Sister gatherings are jam packed with fun and we turn women into girls.
\nWhat do the Sisters do at their gatherings?
\nWe do a number of things! Some of us fly fish. Some ride horses or mountain bikes. We love to go junkin’ and eat great food. Some hike. Some play and listen to music. Whatever floats your boat. And speaking of floating your boat, we are going to ride the sternwheeler on the Ohio River over to visit the Blennerhassett Mansion this week. We love to eat so we’re going to have an old fashioned weenie roast. My Pop-Pop whittled the end of sharp sticks for roasting weenies and marshmallows. We’ll serve them the WV way with sauce and slaw. We are playing music and listening to music and maybe even clog dance. Sisters will try just about anything!
\nHow can I be a Sister?
\nYou can have more fun that anyone by heading over to www.sistersonthfly.com and signing up. Dues are $70 a year and there are gatherings of every interest all around the globe.
\nWhat kind of women become Sisters on the Fly?
\nBold women. Shy women. Women with campers. Women with tents. Women who prefer the lodge or a fine hotel or a cabin. Single women. Taken women. Married women. Widowed women. Young women. Old women. Key word is Women. No men. (Sorry, guys!) No kids. (Sorry, kids!) and, no pets.
\nThese gals love to eat! I shopped yesterday. Such a wise shopper I have become. This big grocery cart ended up costing $150! I was impressed. We will see how the menu and activities go over. I’ve done the planning, the shopping and the prep. As my friend V says…it’s time for the fun! ❤️
\n“Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”\nProverbs 3:17 ESV
\n(Photos from older Sisters on the Fly gatherings.)
\n", "date_published": "2017-09-06T01:55:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/06/sisters-on-the-fly.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Love","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/02/an-unlikey-pair.html", "title": "An Unlikey Pair", "content_html": "![\"Turkey](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b3f35cb96e.jpg\")
\nI’ve been living on the farm a little over a year now. It went so fast, yet…as with many things…it seems so much longer. Not long after I got settled in, I began to notice an odd pair of friends at the house down the road. You never see one without the other and I cannot help but smile when I see them. They never leave the yard, wandering about nibbling up bugs and grass.
\nI don’t know the story behind these two. The family who lives there lost their mom several years ago so it’s just the guys on their own. They all work a lot and the house and grounds seem to be well cared for, but I rarely see anyone….just the turkey and the duck.
\nAs Mr. FixIt and I drove to town yesterday, I asked him to stop in the rain so I could take their picture. As soon as the car stopped, the turkey laid down. The duck never moved from the turkey’s side, but he set to squawking like crazy to let me know he didn’t like the intrusion. We sat by the road and talked to them for a bit then moved on. We forgot something and had to go back to the house and when we came back down the road, the fowl confab had moved behind the house to eat uninterrupted.
\nI thought about this pair all the way to town and wondered…Why can’t we ALL just get along like that? Those two don’t know they’re different. They just like each other’s company. Now, I’m not going to get into a political discussion. I’m not “choosing sides”. I just think we could take a lesson or two from this turkey and duck. We only have one race…the human race. We only have one life…this one. We are being divided and I’m not sure by whom. Media? Politicians? Special interest groups? Who know…who cares? I just want to love my fellow man like this duck loves this turkey.
\nGod created us all. He gave us the rule book. We can’t do this divided. The enemy wants us to fail. And if he can get us to do his dirty work for him and make us destroy each other…well, that’s just icing on the cake. Shine your light, people. Walk out in faith and fight for truth and justice….for all! ❤️
\n“Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our ancestors by being unfaithful to one another?”\nMalachi 2:10 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-02T01:55:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/02/an-unlikey-pair.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/01/words.html", "title": "Words", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/667f78caa0.jpg\")
\nI have seldom been at a loss for words. My mom always said I had “the gift of gab”. I was always a little insulted by that because I was sure she was saying “You talk too much!” Ok…I’ll have to admit…I do have a lot to say. About everything.
\nSome of my very best writing has come from my very deepest pain. As difficult as it was to go through, that kind of writing is actually a whole lot easier than writing from a place of joy. Of peace. Of love. Writing from pain is cathartic. It releases energy and the words have a life of their own. Someone told me I had “lost my focus” a little while after I introduced Mr. FixIt to the story. That has niggled at me ever since. She’s right…in a way. But not in the way she thinks.
\nHere’s the thing. I was driving to the farm last night after spending a lovely day in town. I am putting some finishing touches on the event I am hosting next week for the Sisters on the Fly. Between that, the trip to Colorado, the trailer breaking down, the return trip to get it, catching up with stuff around the farm, the Centennial Celebration at my high school, and nurturing a new love relationship…I haven’t been keeping my focus where it belongs. Not on grief, but on God. I was driving along that twisty turny two lane and started talking to Him. Then I realized…I hadn’t been keeping Him at the center of my life for a little while. I took my focus off for just a moment and that led me down a path I don’t like. Peter was walking on water toward Jesus when he took his eyes off Him…and sank immediately.
\nI had a long discussion with God…it’s a forty-five minute ride, you know. I made my apologies and I’ll try to do better. Because everything is better when I keep God at the center of my life. My relationships. My writing. My life. It has to be more than just lip service, this profession of faith. Keeping that fire in my belly keeps me from drowning…and keeps my words flowing. ❤️
\n““Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””\nMatthew 14:28-33 NIV
\nPhoto Credit: Shutterstock
\n", "date_published": "2017-09-01T01:55:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/01/words.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/29/a-walk-in-the-park.html", "title": "A Walk in the Park", "content_html": "![\"City](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/317c38b682.jpg\")
\nYesterday was a super busy day with appointments and errands and helping Mr. FixIt do some stuff. We got a salad from Chik-fil-A and went down by the Ohio and ate an early picnic supper. The weather was cool and overcast which made the day’s chores less bothersome. I was getting ready to head back home when a friend posted a clearance sale for tabletop ice makers. I’ve been looking at those for a couple of years and finally found one I liked with a price I could live with so I ran to the store to get it. As I was leaving, Mr. FixIt called to see if I wanted to meet him at the park and walk. Man, did I ever!!! I’ve been working hard but haven’t really been exercising so I was quick to say “Yes, please!!!”
\nThe City Park in Parkersburg is beautiful. When I was growing up, there was a huge lily pond in the park. As a matter of fact, it has been billed as the largest lily pond in the country, if not the world. Mr. FixIt and I have a running disagreement as to where said pond was located. I say it is where the current pond stands. He says it was over by the band shelter. He’s probably right because he tells a story about how he and his brother ran away from home when they were seven and nine and hid out in the park to evade the search efforts. He remembers losing a shoe in the pond. We think it was sometime in the ’60s when they tore the old lily pond out for some reason. I don’t recall why, but I remember clearly how beautiful it was when the water lilies were in bloom. My dad would drive us around the pond when we were little and sometimes we would stop for a picnic.
\nOne loop around the paved outer road in the park is one mile exactly so I walked two miles and headed home. I fed the cats which means my finicky eaters delicately nibbled some kibble and left the rest for the possums. They will sit right there and watch the possums come up and eat from their dishes. I mean, really? I don’t get it. Mr. FixIt scared off the brazen little devil and tucked the dishes in a covered container to keep the yard rats out of them. I hate feeding varmints and I don’t know what else to do. I’ve taken to feeding the cats once a day. That way they are hungry, eat well, and there aren’t the leftovers at the end of the evening like there is when I feed them at night. Last night I fell for their sad-eyed looks and slinking around the back porch as though they hadn’t eaten in a month. Sneaky stinkers!
\nToday is a home day then I’m going to town tonight to hear the Alumni Acapella Choir perform at my Alma Mater for the Centennial Celebration. I’m really looking forward to that! Then Wednesday I’m not going anywhere. First time in weeks. I think I’m looking forward to that even more! ❤️
\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", "date_published": "2017-08-29T01:55:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/29/a-walk-in-the-park.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/28/forgiveness.html", "title": "Forgiveness", "content_html": "![\"Warehouse](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1e753e5f4c.jpg\")
\nWe had a guest speaker at church yesterday and man…did he deliver! So here we go…it’s time for some Monday Morning Motivation. We’re going to church.
\nForgiveness. Such a simple word that is packed full of power. We all need forgiveness for something. Something we’ve done that has hurt others. Hurt ourselves. Or maybe, something we did in the dark that no one knows about. Thing is….someone knows. Someone always knows. You know. And God knows.
\n“would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart.”\nPsalms 44:21 ESV
\nOur guest pastor was Pace Hartfield of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He tells a story of the first night his father let him drive his mother’s brand new car when he turned sixteen. There was just one caveat…he was not to leave town. So, of course, he left town. And had an accident. He had hoped to leave his dad in the dark, cruise 22nd Street with his homey, Andy, and get back with his dad none the wiser. But the deed was exposed. There was the damage to the car. And the police report. There was no way around it. Pace’s dad didn’t yell at him. He didn’t beat him. He grounded him. He also informed him he had lost his father’s trust. He would have preferred the beating, I am sure.
\nHow many time have we lost the trust of others by our deeds? How many others have trespassed against us and we have lost our trust in them? As Pace pointed out so eloquently, forgiveness requires exposure. And that exposure creates vulnerability. Oh, we hate feeling vulnerable, don’t we? We can get stuck in that exposure and vulnerability and feel shame without forgiveness. It is the forgiveness that sets us free. That frees others. Who have you literally held hostage for years by not forgiving them?
\nThe guest pastor spoke of the woman who was caught in the act of adultery. The religious leaders tried to set Jesus up by bringing the woman before him in the temple where he was teaching. They were loud and raucous and challenged Jesus to do something with her. Instead, he ignored them and stopped down to write in the sand. The leaders were outraged and became even louder. Jesus quietly stood up and said, “Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.” He then went back to writing in the sand. One by one, the leaders left without stoning the woman till they were left alone in the temple. Jesus knew what she had done. But he loved her anyway. He did not condone what she had done, and instead offered her forgiveness and sent her on her way with the admonishment to “Go and sin no more.”
\nWe all sin. We all make mistakes. We feel guilt and shame. But we are forgiven and we are loved. Forgiveness sets us free from the bondage we place on ourselves, on others, by others. I often quote Maya Angelou…“We do what we know and when we know better, we do better.” Well, sometimes we know better and we do it anyway. Yet, still…we are loved and forgiven by a good, good Father. Our work here is to love and forgive in the same way. ❤️
\n“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”\nProverbs 15:3 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-08-28T01:55:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/28/forgiveness.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/26/back-on-the-farm.html", "title": "Back on the Farm", "content_html": "![\"Grandma's](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9c6c082a94.jpg\")
\nIt’s been a year since I put down roots here on the family farm. Well, as deep a root as I can put and not own property. What a remarkable year! I battled fleas, painted walls, mowed, trimmed, pruned, cleaned, sorted, dehumidifier, and about scared myself to death that I had ruined the well or burned up the pump. I’ve learned to stop letting grief steal my joy. I’ve learned to let go of the fear of loss and clear out enough room in my life to accommodate the love of a sweet man. I’ve spoken in front of crowds, large and small. I started blogging for Sisters on the Fly as well as here on Marshmallow Ranch. I bought a vintage camper to fix up. I’ve been to Colorado twice, Florida twice, the Outer Banks, Tennessee, Savannah, Amish Country, and a fun trip to a WVU basketball game. I’ve been to concerts galore…Garth Brooks, SHEL, Brandy Carlisle to name a few. I’ve camped at some pretty cool places. I’ve been interviewed for podcasts and articles. I’ve lost some people in one way or another and I’ve gained more. I spent some wonderful time with my family. I’ve grown stronger in my faith. And I fell in love. All in one year! Whew!
\nWe got home from the trip to Indiana and It was almost dark. I had to back this camper up into the driveway and it was more challenging as the light faded. I got it in ok and Mr. FixIt was a real trooper coaching me along. He filmed it. It might be funny…I don’t know. I haven’t taken the time to look at it yet.
\nWe are going to a class picnic today so as soon as I walked in last night, I mixed up a yellow cake to bake. I’ll make Penuche Frosting this morning so it’s nice and fresh. I looked through Grandma’s notebook hoping to find her recipe but it wasn’t there. Her Brown Sugar Pie recipe was though. I’ll have to make that soon…it’s wonderful!
\nAs I sat and wrote this, Mr. FixIt asked if I could hear the owl. I couldn’t until I went to the front door. I recorded it for you and posted it last night so be sure you catch it. It’s the Eastern Screech Owl we heard the other evening on our walk. Oh…we visited with the neighbor down the road he other evening. He had a health scare while we were in Colorado and I was so happy to see him out working in his garden! It’s just another reminder how uncertain life is.
\nIf you are in Texas, or have loved ones there, you are in my prayers. Please check in and let us know how you’re doing.
\nYes…it’s been an amazing year on the farm, hasn’t it? Big things, little things, fun things, scary things. But we made it through. We’ll keep on keeping on and I’ll keep telling you these stories about this crazy, beautiful life I am privileged to lead. Thank you all for being here! ❤️
\n“and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.”\n1 Timothy 5:10 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-08-26T01:55:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/26/back-on-the-farm.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/22/back-to-business-as-usual.html", "title": "Back to Business as Usual? Not so Fast!", "content_html": "
![\"Boxer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cfc6ed7bc4.jpg\")
\nOk, move along…nothing to see here. Just a boxer in some goggles…looking uber cool, I might add! This is Chloe. I met her and her human, Kelly, at Point Park yesterday. All weekend I’d been poo-pooing this whole eclipse madness as though the entire world had gone ‘round the bend. I was on my way back to the farm yesterday…fully intending to go home and mow, when I got a call that something I was having repaired was ready for pickup. I hadn’t gone far out the two-lane so I turned around and headed back. Mr. FixIt called and when he found out where I was, he came to join me. (Mr. FixIt would crawl through glass to see me. He told me so. ?) So, there we were, nothing to do, with a nearly total eclipse about to occur. And…I went silly!
\nI asked the clerk for a couple pieces of paper. I got a manila envelope with a large hole for the clasp. And, I punched a smaller one in it with an earring post. Whatever works, right? We took off for McDonalds to arm ourselves with cold drinks and headed for Point Park. It was hot! The light started to change. I wasn’t getting the right distance to get a clear picture with the pinhole projector I had jury rigged. There was a couple standing next to us that offered to share their eclipse glasses. A few others gathered. And for one glorious hour, we were treated to a taste of what life was like in the olden days. You know…pre-election. We had an awesome goal…share a cool experience and have fun! And then it hit me. THAT’S what the whole over-the-top, staggeringly silly, brouhaha was all about…these mega gatherings. We just wanted an escape. A reminder of our humanity. A reminder there is peace and goodness and kindness in the world. It filled me with hope of brighter days ahead.
\nWe have the power to turn this around…this sense of frustration and fear. It’s all about focus. What we focus on is what we see. Yesterday it was the sun. Today…what will it be? For me? I’m looking for joy. Joy created by others. And joy which I can create. C’mon…let’s change the story. Let’s go do the good stuff. Look at Chloe, The Boxer. She changed the story with a pair of shades! ❤️
\n“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”\nPhilippians 2:4 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-08-22T01:55:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/22/back-to-business-as-usual.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Grace","Love","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/20/umbraphilesthe-shadow-lovers.html", "title": "Umbraphiles...The Shadow Lovers", "content_html": "![\"Total](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/de028099c9.jpg\")
\nThey’ll chase an eclipse…clear across the ocean if they have to. They are umbraphiles. The Shadow Lovers. In 1972, Marcy Sigler chartered a ship, gathered 830 of her closest friends, and took off across the waters from\nNew York to Nova Scotia to chase the eclipse and make it last as long as possible. There won’t be another total solar eclipse viewable in the continental United States for 180 some odd years so there are, as you well have seen, a gazillion umbraphiles coming out of the closet.
\nThere are a lot of weird warnings out about the solar eclipse and it’s affect on everything from pregnancy to pets. An Indian newspaper recently warned women not to go outside during an eclipse to keep them from giving birth to a blind baby or one with a cleft lip. Eskimo women must place their cooking utensil upside down during an eclipse to ward off diseases. Also, some Indians wash their eyes out with urine during an eclipse to keep your eyes from ever hurting again.
\nI just received an e-mail from some veterinary outfit warning everyone to bring their pets into the house during a solar eclipse to prevent them from “looking up at the sun and being blinded”. Ok…is there a rash of beagles going outside at noon on any given day and staring at the sun? And if that’s the case, how about cats, and rats, and elephants? Actually, animals don’t take much notice of the sun. Pets may take notice of your excitement and react to that. You don’t need to put those cute little glasses on FiFi but if it will make you feel better, you can bring your pets in, draw the shades and let them watch the eclipse on television like respectable animals.
\nThat being said, there may be some behavioral changes in the animal kingdom. Birds that roost may become quiet and prepare for a nap while nocturnal creatures may get the signal to wake up. The darkest moments of the eclipse occurs so quickly though that those night critters will probably just yawn and turn over and go back to sleep.
\nNow, one very real thing that may occur is the decrease in electricity from all the solar arrays in the path of the eclipse. As more and more communities produce more and more solar energy, an eclipse may be more noticeable with decreased output…especially when the eclipse occurs during the summer and during peak energy use times of the summer. I’m not sure what will happen, but there some potential for disruption.
\nI was wondering if anyone has calculated the carbon footprint of the eclipse and how all the increased driving and production of waste would affect the environment. But maybe I’m just being too, you know, scientific here. It’s still a pretty cool event and if you have a chance to watch one, you really should. Just remember to never stare at the sun without the proper protection. Be safe and have fun tomorrow. We’ll talk Tuesday about what you did and what you saw! ❤️
\n“The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine.”\nJoel 3:15 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-20T01:55:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/20/umbraphilesthe-shadow-lovers.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","New Ideas","Peace","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/17/my-hometown.html", "title": "My Hometown", "content_html": "
![\"Sunset](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e98d9cf5c9.jpg\")
\nThere was a time in my life when I didn’t think much of my home town. I considered it terribly backwoods in comparison to the metropolis of Denver. To my chagrin, I recall making disparaging comments about Parkersburg, and West Virginia in general to anyone and everyone. It’s a wonder they didn’t revoke my home state status and mark me down as “hatched from under a rock”. What can I say? I never rebelled as an adolescent. I saved it all for long after I should have known better.
\n![\"Parkersburg](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/531ac2c362.jpg\")
\nI remember making such comments to one of my oldest, dearest friends. We went to high school together and we’re “sisters of different parentage”. As a matter of fact, when I went off to live outside London for two years then settled in Denver, it was my high school friend who kept a close, personal friendship with my mom. She was a much better daughter to her in those days than I was. When I spoke ill of my fellow Mountaineers and this Wild and Wonderful state, she had some pretty stern words to say to me.
\n![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cb39f24681.jpg\")
\n“You just remember where you came from, missy. I knew you when you had nothing, just like me!”
\nOh, she was so right. I was feeling pretty full of myself…a doctor’s wife and all. Like…small town girl does good. I was an ass. Plain and simple. And I’ve done my best to make up for it. As Maya Angelou said…“We do what we know. And when we know better, we do better.” These last three years, I’ve spent more time in West Virginia than I had in all of the forty years prior. I’ve grown to love and appreciate this rugged state filled with can-do, sturdy individuals. I still get frustrated sometimes when I see progress thwarted at every turn. But maybe staying a little backward is ok. Yeah, we have been hit hard with drug problems. Poverty, obesity, poor education run rampant. Plants and mines closing down. Towns with nothing for kids to do but make more kids that do nothing. But, at the base, there is this amazing depth of pride for coming up through the hard times and standing tall when they play the National Anthem at the Friday night football games at every high school in every county. The mountains run through our veins like the coal beneath our feet and we are a fiercely proud, fiercely independent, fiercely loyal group of people.
\n![\"Barges](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bb044e3bee.jpg\")
\nLast night, as Mr. FixIt and I sat and watched the sun set over the Ohio River at Fort Boreman Park, we looked out over this town we grew up in. You could see where the houses sat on Quincy Hill where Mr. FixIt grew up. You could see Ohio across the river. I snapped photo after photo, trying to capture for you the essence of West Virginia…of Parkersburg…of my home town. In the end, it is in the peaceful colors of the setting sun that I see the famous blue and gold…West Virginia’s colors. And I realized that we are the river and the sky, the mountains and the valleys, the wooded hillsides and the amber fields. We will always be here. Montani Semper Liberi…Mountaineers are always free. ❤️
\n“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”\n2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-17T01:55:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/17/my-hometown.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/16/curiosity.html", "title": "Curiosity", "content_html": "
![\"Curious](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/51f304a219.jpg\")
\nYou know what they say about curiosity…it killed the cat! I don’t know what Kitty Boy was after, but something sure had his attention yesterday. This old stump is what’s left of a poplar tree my Pop-Pop planted when I was a teenager. Poplars grow fast, tall, and straight as an arrow but they are pretty fragile in a storm. Long after Grandma died, my aunt was living here alone and a bad storm blew up. She said that poplar tree was twisting in a circle and she was just sure it was going to come down on the house so the next time her brother came, she had him cut it down. I understand why, but it broke my heart to see it gone. Thoughtfully, they left a tall stump and we use it for the rain gauge…and occasional cat perch. I noticed as I sat and wrote this last night, the rain gauge needs emptying. It’s at five inches. It hasn’t been emptied since before I left for Colorado in early July. I’m sure there has been some evaporation, but I know we had a lot of rain while I was gone.
\nI noticed when I was mowing yesterday that the creek banks are eroding a lot this year. I pointed it out to Mr. FixIt last night. We’re going to have to line the banks with heavy stones to keep the creek from eating out into the yard and into the foundation of the house. The new dehumidifier is doing a great job and has reduced the humidity in the basement from 75% to 45-50%. That makes the whole house feel more comfortable. This house was built in the early 1930’s. And it was a cheaply made one, at that. The rough sawn timber siding has shrunk over the years and there are now gaps of nearly an inch between them. It has the original tin roof. The walls in the upstairs bedrooms are made of what looks like a stiff corrugated cardboard with several layers of wallpaper accumulated over the years. The basement is unfinished and damp and could use a good coating of a waterproofing product. There’s just a boatload of work that should be done, but here it sits…held together with spit and love.
\nI was blessed that my friend Charlotte mowed for me while I was gone. It rained the last several days though so I couldn’t mow till yesterday. I swear I could have used a bailer on it! It was still pretty wet and the grass clumped up bad as I mowed. It kept clogging up the grass chute and I’d have to stop, turn off the mower, clear it out, and start up again. It was in the 90’s yesterday and I had to keep taking breaks. It took five attempts to get the yard done and I didn’t even attempt the area up by the barn. I don’t have a rake here. Well, there may be one up in the barn somewhere but this is snake and spider season so if it’s up there, there it’s staying for now. Mr. FixIt called before he headed to the farm yesterday and I asked if he could bring me a rake. He had to kind of piece one together from parts but it’ll do. As I am writing this, he is out in the yard, raking up those ugly clumps of wet grass so they don’t kill spots in my yard. What a good man!
\nIt sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? This farm…this old house…this home of my heart. It is. Things are always breaking or fumbling but I fix them and move on. Yesterday it was the water. I was running a bath and it was sputtering and sent bits of black sediment from the hot water heater. It’s old and fragile. I flushed it out for a while, checked the pump, and checked the heater itself. I think it was from sitting dormant for a month. After I flushed it out it seemed fine. Yes, there’s a lot to do, and it is hard work. But, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Farm living suits me. It’s brought a pride into my life I felt lacking most of my adulthood. The kind of pride that comes with working hard and going to bed tired, and happy. ❤️
\n“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”\nPsalm 37:4 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-16T01:05:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/16/curiosity.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Prayer","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","The Cats"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/15/a-change-in-the-air.html", "title": "A Change in the Air", "content_html": "
![\"Early](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1b9f4b761c.jpg\")
\nEven though it is only the middle of August, there is a definite change in the air. There are leaves changing already and the woods have taken on the “tired green” of late summer, having spent their glorious stores of chlorophyll in the peak of summer. Yesterday dawned cloudy and relatively cool and soon the sky gifted us with a gentle rain that lasted most of the day. So much for mowing the lawn.
\nI’m sitting on the front porch at the farm as I write this, watching the goldfinches fight over the socks of thistle seeds. Boy Cat and Old Mama Kitty are keeping me company as I listen to the rain pattering on the leaves in the nearby woods. The sun is trying to break through and make its first appearance of the day, just shy of 5:00. Since I couldn’t mow, I drove to town and ran errands. I am hosting a Sisters on the Fly event September 7-10 and I needed to make arrangements. I have 23 women signed up so far and registration is still open if you would like to attend.
\nI felt much better today…stronger, better rested. I have been thinking about triggers and how they stimulate the grief response. At first, everything is a trigger. When you are in the acute stages of grief, your feelings are like a frayed electric cord, ready to shock you at the slightest touch. After some time, things even out a bit but it is still amazing how the tiniest thing can trigger grief. When you’ve had a long stretch without a meltdown, you can get a little complacent, thinking maybe you’re through all that. So it kind of takes you by surprise when a new wave comes. That was what I felt over the weekend.
\nAs I was driving through town yesterday, I was coming up to a stoplight when I heard an ambulance approaching. I stopped and waited for it to come through from my left and make the turn towards the hospital. There was an elderly man seated in the front passenger seat and I suddenly flashed back to the ambulance ride taking Mr. Virgo to the ER from the RV dealership where he had his heart attack. I hadn’t thought about that drive for quite some time. For a brief moment, my eyes met those of the man in the front seat and I recognized that panicked and confused look on his face. There was a slight set of the jaw that was familiar. “Ok, ok, ok….let’s get this done. Be strong. Just breathe.” At least, that’s what went through my mind when I was in his shoes.
\nI didn’t have a reaction to this trigger. I was prepared. It’ll be a while before I have another grief response, I imagine. I’m a bit more on guard now. That’s a relief of sorts. I hate when the wave comes unexpectedly. For now, I’ll sit on the porch and watch the rain as the light changes and the hummingbirds fight over the feeder…and wait for Mr. FixIt to call so I can start supper. History repeats itself and life goes on. ❤️
\n“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”\nColossians 3:15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-15T01:55:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/15/a-change-in-the-air.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/12/hand-in-glove.html", "title": "Hand in Glove", "content_html": "
![\"Summer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e8f15bb98a.jpg\")
\nI fit here. West Virginia is just the right size and shape to accommodate all that is…me! We were sitting on the porch last night contemplating the “traffic” up this little country lane. Maybe a dozen or so cars and trucks have come and gone. The light turned that beautiful golden of August, giving the tired green of the trees a gilding that brings a little life back in their weary veins. Old Mama Kitty munched out on that bit of pork chop I surreptitiously dropped for her to try to keep her from climbing Mr. FixIt’s leg like a young sapling, disturbing our Friday “date night” dinner.
\nI love to cook. I didn’t for a long time, but cooking for an appreciative audience is delightful. Last night’s fare was pork chops, sauerkraut fried a golden brown, mashed potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, and home grown tomatoes. Oh my…be still my heart. Mr. FixIt rose to clear the table and rid up the dishes while I settled in to write this post. Norah Jones is crooning softly in the background. The air is still. A jet flies overhead, whisking happy travelers off to another place. Crickets, katydids, locusts, and tree frogs serenade us as we each settle in for our own interests for a bit.
\nWe are a perfect fit. A hand in glove relationship. Mr. FixIt comes out from cleaning my kitchen (seriously, is there anything sexier than a man cleaning a kitchen???) and taps me on the shoulder. He hands me a cherry flavored Tootsie Roll pop. I give him my brightest smile. He knows. He knows what I love. He listens. He cares.
\nHe got here about fifteen minutes before I woke up from my nap. He came in quietly, picked up the paper and settled into the rocker to read and wait for me to wake up. He would have waited much longer than fifteen minutes. He would never have disturbed my rest. When I got up and saw him in my dining room, I smiled and gave him a big kiss. I padded into the kitchen for a cold drink, and there…sitting in a jug of water…we’re two dozen beautiful copper-colored roses. Hand in glove. This man gets me.
\nLearning to love and appreciate this man has not taken anything away from my feelings for Mr. Virgo. If anything, it has kept that love alive and in the forefront in many ways. When Mr. FixIt does or says something sweet and loving, I smile knowing how Mr. Virgo would love the way this man treats “his best girl”. Not by way of comparison. Mr. FixIt is his own man and I love him for his own merits. But, two dozen roses? Letting me wake on my own? Doing the dishes? Bringing me a cherry flavored lollipop? Oh yes…this man fits me and I am ever so grateful for the honor of loving, and being loved, again.
\nI am home…and it isn’t all about the house, the land, the state, or even the man, really. No…it’s all about living comfortably in my skin and choosing the right guy to share it with. Hand in glove. Peace. ❤️
\n“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”\nJohn 13:34 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-12T01:55:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/12/hand-in-glove.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/11/welcome-home.html", "title": "Welcome Home!", "content_html": "
![\"Gas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4137199959.jpg\")
\nIs there anything more wonderful than the glow of the gas light in the yard to welcome you home? This light has burned continuously since I was a little girl. It’s had many mates replaced and several panes of glass. It’s had a coat or two of flat black paint and it can no longer be adjusted for the rust, but it’s the beacon that greets me when I come up the driveway here at the farm
\nI ran errands this morning…mail, groceries, produce stand, coffee. Then made a beeline home. All the kitties came to greet me. Old Mama Kitty trembled at the sound of my voice. Boy cat sat a respectable distance and gave me his best throaty hello. Kitty Boy skirted me and settled at the barn with a mouse or some such critter.
\nI called the neighbors to let them know I was home. They had informed me several days ago not to be too surprised when I come home and find four new kittens. What??? It seems they hitch-hiked up in the car and stayed. I think the mama took one back because it was back at their house down the road. That left three. I managed to catch two of them and delivered them back to their mama. I just didn’t have it in me to try to catch the last one. I’ll try today.
\nIt rained an extraordinary amount here this summer and many of the surfaces in the house are covered in a light mold and mildew. I need to get after it with bleach water. I also need a dehumidifier. I put the groceries away, fed the cats, sorted the mail, cleaned the fridge, and just about emptied the truck. I am spent. I don’t know if it’s age, or if it’s after effects of the concussion, or all the trouble with the camper, but this trip was a rough one for me…even with the help of Mr. FixIt. Thank God he was along. It was fun. I loved seeing the kids and I miss everyone already. But I swear…I’m going to sleep for a week!
\nIf you don’t hear from me for a bit, I’m laying low and catching my breath. I just wanted you to know I’m home…really home! God protected us and kept us safe and we are so grateful! ❤️
\n““Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.”\nLuke 8:39 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-11T01:55:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/11/welcome-home.html", "tags": ["Family","Prayer","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Humbled","The Cats","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/02/road-trip-day-twentysixon-sharing.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-Six...\"On Sharing\"", "content_html": "
![\"Daisies\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cba0e5e988.jpg\")
\nThere has been a major shift within me this trip. I wasn’t sure going into this vacation how I would react sharing the space that is mine in Colorado with both Mr. Virgo’s memory and Mr. FixIt’s presence. How would everything fit? At home on the farm in West Virginia, Mr. Virgo only occupies space in my mind and heart as well as what few tangible things I have kept that were his. Here, he lives in the mountains, he sits in the sunsets, he whispers in the wind that blows through the trees. He’s everywhere. Would he distract me too much? How would I feel entertaining two men…one very much here, the other very much real but not here?
\nI took this wonderful man to “meet” Mr. Virgo and I needn’t have worried. He respected my space. He listened intently. He waited patiently. And at the perfect moment, he walked up behind me, wrapped me in his arms and said, “I’m so sorry, Ginny. I know this was so hard for you. You’ve been through so much and you are very brave.” His arms were a comfort. My fingers intertwined with his as I leaned back against him. I felt his warm breath in my hair. For a moment, I remembered what this same position felt like with Mr. Virgo. Then I let it go…like a feather on a breeze…dancing and floating away from me.
\nTime has allowed me perspective and healing. Choice has brought me ever onward and upward. Prayer has given me strength where there was none. Mr. FixIt has given me…Love. Hope. Trust. Joy. Peace. Companionship. Friendship. Laughter. Stability. Comfort. Contact. Connection. I am grateful. This shift has a lot to do with all of the above. Sharing this space with my new love is helping me to, yet again, redefine its meaning. Redefine who I am…redefine my “status”. I know it’s different for everyone. For me, at four and a half years…it’s a choice. I choose love. It is my purpose in life. It is the one thing I am to practice, to hone my skill at. To emulate in a Christ-like way. Not just my love for Mr. FixIt or Mr. Virgo…but for everyone.
\nI’ve been asked when I will share a picture of Mr. FixIt with you. And the answer is…not in his lifetime. Not a definable picture, anyway. Distance, maybe. From the back, sure. His hands, definitely. He has the hands of a hard-working man and I love them. But I won’t be sharing his name or his face because those are mine. I share everything else with you…my pain, my fears, my hopes, my joys, my struggles, and my triumphs. I do so without reservation as this is my platform…my purpose. I share to spread love and promote healing. This one great thing…this glimpse into who he really is in real life…is the one tangible thing I will fervently protect.
\nYesterday was a day shared with loved ones. My heart is full. ❤️
\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. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 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.”\n1 Corinthians 13:2-7 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-08-02T01:55:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/02/road-trip-day-twentysixon-sharing.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/31/road-trip-day-twentyfourin-jesus.html", "title": "Road Trip, Day Twenty-Four...\"In Jesus' Name\"", "content_html": "![\"On](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/87bbb1d1c4.jpg\")
\nWhew….some Mondays we just have to go to church here at the Ranch. Especially when I’ve heard a sermon like yesterday. Let me tell you a little bit about how God works in my life. There’s a church here in Denver that I really like…Red Rocks Church. It’s very much like my home church in West Virginia…contemporary, progressive, energetic. I love it and couldn’t wait to take Mr. FixIt. Red Rocks Church has four campuses plus a prison outreach. One campus has the pastor live and all the others watch a live feed on the big screen in their respective churches. I usually go to the Arvada campus, but I really wanted Mr. FixIt to hear the sermon live. I was planning to drive down to the Littleton Campus in order to accomplish that. I’m always quick to get ready but yesterday I just couldn’t seem to get it together. I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the clock and saw we would be lucky to make it to the local satellite church. We made a bee line and got there in time to grab a cup of coffee and get seated. As we were walking into the sanctuary, a volunteer said, “You’re in for a treat today…the pastor is here live with an amazing message!” I couldn’t believe it. If we would have left on time to get to the other church, we would have been watching the pastor on the big screen! God fascinates me. His ways are so mysterious. His love is so complete.
\nThe message yesterday was about the Samaritan woman at the well again. The pastor spoke about five words and how they relate to all of us. Pain. Prison. Power. Platform. Purpose. The Samaritan woman had suffered pain…as we all have. She was living in a self-imposed prison of isolation as she avoided interacting with others. Then she had an encounter with Jesus at the well and experienced His power. She used her experiences of Pain, Prison, and Power as her Platform from which she could share her testimony. This allowed her to live her Purpose.
\nI don’t know about you, but I struggled for nearly sixty years trying to figure out what my purpose is in this life. I hadn’t done a very good job being a wife until my third marriage. I didn’t feel I had been a very good mother, although I tried and I did the best I could with the knowledge and experiences I possessed at the time. It wasn’t till I lost Mr. Virgo and spent three months in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado that I discovered my purpose is to love. To accomplish this, I have built this new life from the ashes of who I was before the fires of grief changed me.
\nThe pastor used an example of someone who has turned her pain into her platform. At seven years old, Gabriella has had more pain than you can imagine. After a diagnosis of leukemia, it has been this innocent child who teaches the doctors and nurses…and, anyone in earshot, really…about Jesus. She comforts her mother when she worries about her and says “Don’t worry…God’s got this!” As they were taking her into surgery to place the port for chemo, this brave little girl only said three words but she said them over and over for two hours before they wheeled her into the OR. “In Jesus’ name…In Jesus’ name…In Jesus’ name.” When the folks from the Make a Wish Foundation contacted Gabs and her parents to find out her wish, she couldn’t think of what to ask for. She didn’t need anything. Finally, after weeks of contemplation, she decided last Saturday what she wanted. She wanted to preach at Red Rocks Church. So, yesterday, this beautiful little angel…just a wisp of a thing in her flower halo…bravely marched out onto the stage in front of hundreds of strangers. She held her notes in one hand, the microphone in the other, and she told us about her friend, Jesus. And how He holds us in the palm of his hand. She said we don’t need to be afraid because when she was afraid before her chemo, it was Jesus who comforted her. She said that was why she had wanted to be “bapatized”…because she loved Jesus. I’m telling you…that was the most powerful service I have ever attended. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place and I was so grateful to have been in the front row to witness it live.
\nThe rest of the day was beautiful. We drove up to the top of Mt. Evans after church. At 14,134 feet elevation, we were quite literally in the clouds. After the power of witnessing the faith of that child, standing on top of the world seemed almost inconsequential. Afterward, we went to Central City for supper and to wait out the Sunday evening traffic returning to Denver. By the time we were back and told our stories of the day to our family, we were spent. Yes, some Mondays I just have to take you to church. This was one. ❤️
\n“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”\nJohn 14:13-14 NIV
\n#Jesus, #wisdom, #faith
\n", "date_published": "2017-07-31T01:55:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/31/road-trip-day-twentyfourin-jesus.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Peaceful Moments","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/30/road-trip-day-twentythreeback-across.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-Three...\"Back Across the Divide\"", "content_html": "![\"Camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/11822d57e8.jpg\")
\nI don’t think the trip back to Denver was quite as difficult as going over. Yesterday was overcast, rainy, and much cooler and that helped keep the transmission temperature down. That and the fact that the eastbound approach to the Eisenhower Tunnel is a much more gradual slope. But Vail Pass? Brutal! It is so steep I drove much of it at less than twenty-five miles per hour and the transmission temp still shot up to 232 degrees! I had to pull off the road three times to let the truck cool down. I tried the trick of staying in third gear and that didn’t help. I have vowed never to pull this camper with this truck over these mountains…ever again. It was too stressful and I was exhausted when I was done. But, we arrived safely and got parked back under the tree at my son-in-law’s parents’ house so all is right with the world.
\nWe camped the last three nights at Redstone Campground in Redstone, Colorado. What a beautiful place. The campsites are broad and private. We couldn’t even see the next site and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The camp host told us there had only been one bear sighting in camp this summer and that was back in May. I was kind of surprised because the campsite was literally surrounded with shrubs that were loaded with all kinds of berries. We paid for a double site in order to maintain privacy. If someone took the other side, our door would literally open up on the neighbor’s camper, so it was worth the extra expense.
\nWhen we returned to Denver, we took our son-in-law’s parents out for dinner at Culver’s. It’s a hamburger place but we had salads that were quite good. After dinner, we went for a drive and went to see the new Light Rail Station in Westminster. Denver is developing a wonderful train system that will soon be completed. You can now catch the train into downtown Denver and be at Union Station in eleven minutes. Senior Citizen rate is $2.60 round trip. You can’t park downtown for that! We’ll take the train down just for the experience while we’re here. Maybe we’ll go to the Art Museum.
\nThere is so much to do and see in Colorado. And, I don’t think it is my imagination when I say there are more people here than there was when I left three years ago. Granted, I’ve been living a fairly solitary existence, but this is crazy! It felt like being in a bee hive. There are people everywhere. I especially noticed when we went to Maroon Bells near Aspen. Here we were, in one of the most picturesque settings in the stat…bus after bus emptying tourists from all over the globe out onto a parking lot. Paths spread out in every direction like tentacles and there were people wherever you looked…scrambling in every direction…grasping for their moment in the sun. It made me cringe. It made me sad. I think maybe the economy is allowing people to vacation again and there does seem to be an awful lot of people camping these days. Colorado is a desirable destination and it IS high summer tourist season so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised…but it was surprising nonetheless.
\nRegardless of how busy everyplace was, Mr. Fix and I had a fabulous time and we made wonderful memories. After all, that was the goal. Mission accomplished! ❤️
\n“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”\nLuke 5:16 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-30T01:55:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/30/road-trip-day-twentythreeback-across.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/19/road-trip-day-thirteenin-him.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Thirteen...\"In Him\"", "content_html": "
![\"John](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/342f8b4e98.jpg\")
\nThe phone dinged. I had a text.
\n“Are you awake?”
\n7:30am on vacation. A Tuesday.
\n“Yes!”
\n“I have to bring the van back and pick up my car and I’m stopping at Starbucks. You want something?”
\nOMGosh! I love this woman…daughter or not.
\n“Yes, please!!!”
\nDaughter #1 is a busy woman. Even though she is technically “off” on summer break, her oldest is on swim team and practices eight times a week. She’s helping her BFF remodel a kitchen. She carts her youngest to this camp or that. She took a whole passel of kids to a concert Monday night. She’s organizing a cleaning a house that is a challenge. She’s always ready at the drop of a hat to be someplace, help someone, do something. And yesterday morning, that something was to curl up on the twin bed in my slide out, coffee in hand, for an hour and a half of uninterrupted conversation with her mom.
\nI miss this. I miss my babies and their activities. Big grew five inches since I was here at Christmas. Little at least two. Their hair is long, their knowledge increased, braces are gone. At the same time, I’ve found peace and love on a farm in West Virginia and I can’t imagine not living there right now. So, I continue to come here twice a year, summer and Christmas. I did suggest perhaps next summer everyone can come visit us!
\nI met one of my Sisters on the Fly friends for lunch and walked around the mall for some exercise. I heard on the news yesterday that it was something like the 23rd day in a row of 90 degrees or above here in Colorado. At least it’s a dry heat. It’s much easier to exercise in the mall than outside. It turned out to be another wonderful day.
\nI have learned that when I am in the Word…when I am God-centric…when I am Faith-focused…I have peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding. This is supernatural. This is standing in Grace. This is Joy. I am so grateful. ❤️
\n““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””\nJohn 16:33 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-19T01:55:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/19/road-trip-day-thirteenin-him.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/11/21/the-nest.html", "title": "The Nest", "content_html": "
![\"Bird’s](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/05cc0b0a1b.jpg\")
“A bird’s nest from the farm.”
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.
\nOne 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.
\nGod 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.
\nSo, 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
![\"Snowflake\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/48d44dbcc9.jpg\")
“Snowflake”
This is a big turning point in the year…the first snowflakes. They excite us. The holidays are coming. The turkey is probably thawing in your fridge. You are making your menu. You’ve shopped for the food. You’ve pulled out the recipes. You’ve invited family and friends. The games are scheduled. The marching bands will be descending on New York City any day. The workers are preparing the floats and the giant balloons. Deer season is starting. And here they are…the first flakes of snow.
\nI was standing in the Cook’s Store in Marietta after lunch yesterday when I overheard a couple talking about a bundt pan. The man admitted he used his as a water bowl for his dog. I tried not to show them I had overheard, but I was shaking as I laughed silently. I couldn’t help it. The look of horror on the face of the woman with him was classic! They noticed me and suddenly we were all having a grand, knee-slapping laugh. It was fun. It released a lot of stress to interact with total strangers with abandon. No agenda. We chatted a while then went on our way.
\nI moved to the la Cruset display in the front window and saw a beautiful red tea pot. I look out the window and caught the first snowflakes of the season. I could hear the tea kettle whistle in my imagination so I brought that little red teapot to the little red farmhouse. We will have many lovely moments together.
\nI lay in bed in the pale flickering candlelight and heard the icy snow hit the dry leaves with the same sound of sizzling bacon and wondered if it will amount to much. How will it affect my drive to church tomorrow? The first flakes of snow. The harbinger of change.
\nWinter.
\nMay she come in peace. ❤️
\n“He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor.” Job 37:6-7 NIV\n
![\"Jelly](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a99074f92f.jpg\")
“My favorite piece of my childhood.”
I gathered some of my belongings out of storage the other day and brought them to the farm. I kept my dearest antiques knowing someday I would either decorate TOW-Wanda or I would have a small home of my own again. I have postponed making this house my “home” for the last three months till I was fairly certain I wouldn’t be moving for a while. Now that I feel more secure in that, I’ve been nesting with a vengeance.
\n![\"Folkart\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d3d99e545b.jpg\")
“I bought this in an antique store in Carbondale, CO years ago. Perfect for my farmhouse kitchen.”
I’m loving how cozy this place is getting. The items on top of the cabinets are special and I haven’t lived with them for two and a half years, at least. As I unwrapped the dishes Mr. Virgo gave me, I carefully cleaned them and placed them in the jelly cupboard so I can see and use them every day. The watering cans were in my flower garden in Colorado. They were literally the last thing I grabbed from my house as I left. The sap bucket on the far left was hanging here in the basement by my grandma’s old canning stove. The copper bucket on the far right holds my mom’s wooden clothespins. The crocks on top of the cabinets belonged to my late Uncle Bobby Joe’s grandparents…as did the little red rocking chair that was found in their barn years after they passed. The churns in the middle belonged to my grandma (left) and mom (right). The little lamb was my toy when I was a baby. The blue mason jar is a #13…rare because moonshiners broke #13’s because they were unlucky. The old lunchpail on the right belonged to my grandpa. The folk art “Homemade Pies” sign came from an antique shop in Colorado many years ago.
\n![\"Red](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/eda64532a6.jpg\")
“My favorite little red rocking chair…found in an old barn in West Virginia.”
I made the door decoration yesterday from a horn I bought in a junk shop. That and the two candles in the first floor window constitute my entire holiday decorating since I’m going to Colorado for Christmas again this year. I found the bird’s nest in the ditch by the driveway this fall and the boots were an old pair in a barrel downstairs. I bought the handmade broom at Country Living Fair. And the little “dress” hanging from the light over the sink is a reproduction and is actually a tea towel. (My windows REALLY need washing!)
\n![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2d1ddc7a79.jpg\")
“Old hunting boots from the basement.”
I have a picture hanging in my bedroom here that says…“It’s not the size of the house but how happy the home.” My home is where I lay my head and I always make it happy. It might be a thirty foot camper on the road through Tennessee. Or it might be on a ridge overlooking the Ohio River. Or it might be on a farm that hold memories so thick they feel like cobwebs when I brush through them. I am rich beyond my wildest dreams. Not monetarily…I’m rich with family, love, memories, health, happiness, joy, and words. These are my everyday gifts from God. I am so blessed. ❤️
\n![\"Antiques\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c0183e9826.jpg\")
“Treasures!”
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”” Hebrews 13:5 NIV\n
![\"Antique](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/878ae4cfc8.jpg\")
“I made a wreath from an antique horn.”\n![\"Apron\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/119a8f670d.jpg\")
“Reproduction apron hanging from the light over the sink. Loving my farmhouse look.”
![\"Albert](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e5f2d1c568.jpg\")
“A word from the wise.”
It’s been a little over a week since the election. I don’t know about you…but I felt emotionally and physically exhausted after being subjected to such derision and anger on a daily basis. I, quite literally, was numb from the whole process and escaped through a cleaning frenzy the likes of which this house has not seen in years. And that’s from a woman who never watched TV throughout the entire campaign. I jumped on the Peace Train. I prayed and wrote and meditated and tried to wrap my head around the whole thing. Who I voted for doesn’t matter as much as the fact that I voted…there’s problems from both sides. I ride in the neutral zone here on The Ranch because politics raises passions and I respect you all…regardless of politics.
\nOne SHOULD be passionate about one’s beliefs. This election highlighted how divided we are as a nation. While I preach a message of peace, that doesn’t mean I should shirk my duties as a concerned, active citizen. I should learn everything there is to know about the issues that effect the world today. And…I can do that without hurting anyone. It is my responsibility to be a contributing member of society and research legislation so I can make informed choices in the polling booth.
\nThis isn’t easy for me. Conflict makes me extremely uncomfortable…being the child of an alcoholic can make it very difficult to be around verbal disagreements. However, I can still suit up and show up without entering into the fray. I can be passionate about being the change I want to see in the world. I don’t have to advertise my position in order to affect change. I can help…and I can do it from a place of love. ❤️
\n“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV\n", "date_published": "2016-11-17T02:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/11/17/on-being-passionate.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Comfort","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/03/05/make-love-not-war.html", "title": "Make Love, Not War", "content_html": "\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/08968ac206.jpg\")
The angry, hateful rhetoric being slung around like a bunch of schoolyard bullies continues to dismay me. And it makes me wonder...where are the hippies? Where are the pacifists, the tree huggers, the flower children? I want them back. I want them to protest. I want them to stand up and say, \"No...we won't take this!\" I want them to put flowers into the weapons that are destroying us!
\n\n\nWhere are they? What happened to Flower Power? We fought for something. We stood up for our rights. Everyone seems so complacent anymore. I have nothing to say about who you vote for. It is your right to choose in this country. But I do have to ask you...BEG you to exercise your right to vote. It's an important right that was hard fought for.
\n\n\nI wanted to be a hippie but my mom wouldn't let me. Wanda Belle would have tanned my hide if I acted like a \"wild nelly\". I know every generation thinks the world is going to h$&@ in a hand basket, but we've never seen anything like this. I want the peace freaks back.
\n\n\nWhat do you all think? Where did they go?
\n\n\n✌️❤️?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2016-03-05T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/03/05/make-love-not-war.html", "tags": ["Hope","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Choices","Change","Kindness","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/28/breathe.html", "title": "Breathe", "content_html": "\n“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
\nMatthew 5:9 NIV\n
I seem to write a great deal about breathing. Breath is life. It is powerful, cleansing, vital. We catch our breath at the sight of something beautiful. It can be so beautiful in fact that it's breathtaking. We breathe a sigh of relief. We breathe deep the smell of rain on a breeze. Our breath quickens with passion, becomes shallow with fear. We fill our lungs and cry out with the sudden searing pain of the first breath in the moments after birth. We wait with baited breath in moments of great anticipation. We slip away with a sigh as our last breath leaves us.
\n\n\nBreathe. Gurus tell us to control our breathing. Yogis tell us to focus on our breath. Midwives tell us to pant to ease childbirth. Emergency responders tell us calmly, \"Just breathe.\" Conscious breathing can ease anxiety and relax us for sleep. I often remind you to breathe. The world is a hectic place. Life is sometimes a difficult place to be. Grief can make you have an actual sensation in your chest. A heaviness. An ache. It can give you the feeling that you can't take in a deep breath. Sometimes the waves of grief come over you so hard you feel like you're drowning. The waves crash and knock you to the ground. It's ok. Sometimes you find precious gems while you're down there. Just breathe. Then stand up again.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”
\nPsalm 33:6\n
![](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7834259c21.jpg\")
![](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e8232b8f13.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3b058b26cc.jpg\")
Shhhhh...listen. Do you hear that? It's quiet. The rain has stopped! The breeze is gently rustling the palms outside my window and the sound of the surf is a constant roar. We are less than a hundred yards from the beach and this is the first time I've heard the waves crashing from this far away.
\n\n\nAwesome!
\n\n\nAs I lay in my bed last night, I listened to those waves. I breathed in their goodness and raw strength. And I breathed out the hurts and the unexpressed...and unexpected...sadness of the last few days. I'm looking forward to doing more of the same today.
\n\n\nThe ocean is the background music for stillness. Peace. The break in the steady din of rain pounding on the roof and walls of the camper came so suddenly that it took us by surprise. I'm looking forward to sleeping in in the morning. And maybe taking my coffee out on the beach. And maybe just taking it easy for the day. I'm on beach time. I can do that. I need to be still and watch the waves. I need to meditate. Thank you, God...for getting me through the storm safely. And for giving me the opportunity to be here.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-06T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/06/be-still.html", "tags": ["Camping","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/30/namaste.html", "title": "Namaste", "content_html": "\n“Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”
\nPsalm 4:4 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5734bbf63d.jpg\")
At the end of yoga practice, you put your hands together in a prayer pose, bow to the others in the room, and say \"Namaste\". It means, \"The divine in me honors the divine in you.\" You recognize the similarities between you, not the differences. There are no colors. There are no lines in the sand. There are no differences in dogma. Only the sameness of the divine spark that lives within each of us. For me, that divine spark is God. If someone else calls this spark of life by a different name, if they follow a different path, it is not my place to judge them. It is my place to love them.
\n\n\nThe same goes for differences in choices of who to love, who to marry, who to have children with if children are desired. The same goes for political orientation. I do not judge you. I love you. All of you. And, isn't that what Jesus preached? And Mohammed? And Gandhi? And Mother Theresa? Isn't that what we all want…to love and be loved? To be at peace with one another? The world is a dangerous place right now. There is so much turmoil, so much anger, so much hatred, so much confusion. Issues have come up that we had hoped were long ago put to rest. In the words of Rodney King…\"Can't we all just get along?\"
\n\n\nI make it a point not to discuss politics and the extent of my online discussion of religion is done here on the Ranch in my profession of faith, and my inclusion of Scriptures that underscore my topic of the day. I bring my thoughts to you from a place of love. I don't have an agenda other than peace and love. And that is what I wish for you today…every day. Peace and love. Namaste. Amen.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/30/namaste.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Courage","Choices","Kindness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/01/peace-love-rock-roll.html", "title": "Peace. Love. Rock \u0026 Roll!", "content_html": "\n\"They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.\"
\nJeremiah 6:14\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b6b6b8f520.jpg\")
Ok…that was just about the most fun weekend I've ever had. I know, I say that a lot but this was quite the experience. I took this panorama of the campground to give you some idea how huge this place was. Yesterday's music was awesome! Merle Haggard was the headliner and wrapped up the weekend. He did a great job. But, for me, the highlight was Brandi Carlile! OMGosh, she put on an absolutely amazing performance. And I came away with a new group that I'm looking forward to following…Elephant Revival. They are a Colorado based band and the lead vocalist is fabulous. Unfortunately, the two days they perform in Colorado this year are days I'm already booked.
\n\n\nI feel so energized by this experience. There was such a good energy here. Everyone got along. Friendships were formed. I made new friends. I learned new music. It was peaceful. It was full of love and cooperation. I didn't see a single negative thing. The place was kept clean. A full 95% of the trash generated is being recycled! 95%! That is absolutely amazing!
\n\n\nEverywhere I go I meet the most interesting and beautiful people. Tonga was a joy and she's connecting me with this really cool earth mother in Colorado. The guy in the coffee shop has read Marshmallow Ranch! I let the girls camping next to us use my power strip to charge their phones. They left us a gift of bread from the Farmer's Market.
\n\n\nI'm so happy I don't watch TV or the news because my world is a beautiful place!
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/01/peace-love-rock-roll.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Peace","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/14/a-fairy-tale.html", "title": "A Fairy Tale", "content_html": "\n\"“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
\nMark 9:50\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8bb31ba9d6.jpg\")
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.
\n\n\nOne 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.
\n\n\nShe 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.
\n\n\nAnd she was finally free.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\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/2015/02/03/worry.html", "title": "Worry", "content_html": "\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
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/df6f9a1e2b.jpg\")
I have retired from my position as \"Chief Worry Wart\". I got it honestly. It was a family trait, handed down from my sweet mom…the \"Queen of All Things Worried\". We used to accuse my mom of lying in bed at night worrying about things to worry about tomorrow. Obviously, there are situations in life that capture your concern. You have to think creatively how to resolve adversities sometimes. But that's not what I'm talking about here. I'm talking about those nights you lay awake hour after hour ruminating on a situation you have absolutely no control over, hoping you can somehow affect a change if you think about it hard and long enough. Worry doesn't fix anything. It doesn't change the future…it just changes the present. It robs you of peace (and most likely, sleep) today.
\n\n\nIt took me a long time to kick the worry habit. I still have to stop myself on occasion. The best way I have come up with to get a grip on myself when I start obsessing on a worrisome thought is to ask myself one question…usually in the wee small hours of the morning when the dark things start creeping around in my mind. \"Is there anything you can do, right this minute, to fix/change/stop this?\" 99.9999% of the time, the answer to that question is \"No, of course not.\" And if you cannot do anything about it, worrying about it certainly isn't going to help matters. But, that's only the first half of the equation. I have to follow that up with something that will keep my mind occupied or I'll end up chasing my tail all night. The first thing I do is say a prayer, tell God what's bothering me, and ask Him to take care of it for me. Then I do this really cool meditation. I turn on my side and feel the pillowcase against my cheek. I focus on one square inch of skin, right on my cheekbone. I concentrate on how the fabric feels, how my breath sounds as it goes through my nose, how my eyelashes feel against the pillow. I focus my concentration on such a small area so there is no room for anything else. And 9 times out of 10, I'm asleep in just a few minutes. On that one time when nothing takes the worry, fear, sadness, or pain away, I am comforted by the thought that \"weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.\" (Psalms 30:5)
\n\n\nI speak often about the liberation of letting go. Try letting go of worry and see how fast your life changes.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-02-03T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/02/03/worry.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Peace","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/01/12/time-of-reflection.html", "title": "Time of Reflection", "content_html": "\n\"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?\"
\nMatthew 6:27 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8656f79e02.jpg\")
I love Sunday. I get to go to Church. I didn't always go. As a matter of fact, I was a good Jewish wife and mother for 27 years. I was frightened out of believing when I was a very young child. I followed the \"Church of Ginny\" for a number of years until I had a roommate who was Jewish. I started following the holidays and traditions because I loved the sense of family it gave me. I loved God. But I had a fear of Jesus after that scary preacher yelled at me and told me I was going to go to hell. I was six. So, with Judaism, I could have a relationship with God and leave it at that.
\n\n\nI met and married a nice Jewish man. We had a nice Jewish house and celebrated all the Jewish holidays. But there was something missing. I had an emptiness inside that I couldn't fill with anything…no matter how hard I tried. Finally, five years after my divorce from this still nice Jewish man…I found Jesus. And my world literally was recreated. I was recreated. I changed instantly. I found my happy place.
\n\n\nI've been Church hunting since I came to West Virginia. I have attended the church of my youth…my grandparent's little country church. I visited a Baptist church with a praise team which was decidedly more contemporary than anything else around here but still pretty tame compared to the throw-your-hands-up-in-the-air kind of worship I have become accustomed to in the churches I attend in Colorado. I visited a lovely Methodist church with friends and saw some classmates there. And the past two Sundays, I attended services at a beautiful Methodist church in the historic district. My mom's cousin is the associate Pastor there and she invited me to come hear her sermon.
\n\n\nYesterday was the Sunday celebrating the Baptism of Christ. Having grown up in a little country church and after attending contemporary churches, I felt a bit like a fish out of water. There are more rituals in the Methodist church than I remember. It was a lovely service, however. I sat and smiled as I watched and listened to my cousin speak about the \"Something More\" we are always seeking. I smiled because I remember her as a very young mother attending the little white church on the hill and now here she was in black robes, standing in the pulpit, delivering a sermon in a big stone church with stained glass windows. We both had humble beginnings. We both are widows. We share genes. We share a love for God.
\n\n\nToward the end of the service, we were invited to come forward to the baptismal font to have the sign of the cross placed on our foreheads with water from the Jordan River, the river in which Jesus was baptized by his cousin John. My cousin, Sue, did the honors. It was a lovely experience for me. I knelt before the pulpit for a bit…without thought of what I would say to God. Instead of many words, I merely felt the warmth of the moment…smiled…and whispered \"Thank You.\" Sometimes just that is the greatest of prayers.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\nPainting is entitled \"Baptism of the Lord\" by Guido Reni
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-01-12T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/01/12/time-of-reflection.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/01/02/hibernation.html", "title": "Hibernation", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b9588d14bf.jpg\")
When my older daughter was about six or seven, we were sitting on the couch watching a PBS special. (Just ask her…Channel 6 is all she was ever allowed to watch. We were SO mean!) At one point, she sighed and laid her head on my shoulder.
\n\n\n\"Mama?\"
\n\n\n\"Yes, babe?\"
\n\n\n\"When I die, I want to come back as a bear.\"
\n\n\n\"Really. Why is that?\"
\n\n\n\"So I can hyperventilate all winter.\"
\n\n\nThe child of medical parents who made her watch PBS nature shows. Poor kid.
\n\n\nThere's something to be said for hibernating, though. I spent a good deal of time on the phone yesterday with various friends. Every single one of them was searching for something…some sort of comfort…some form of peace. Quiet. Stillness. This was the major theme. I totally get that. I went to get a coffee yesterday morning, stopped at the store, emptied out my truck, watched the parade, did some laundry, and communed with my like-minded, ready-to-hibernate comrades. I was right there with them.
\n\n\nWhat brings us to this place where we crave the cave? Part of it, of course, is the long dark nights. And we are coming down off the frenzied sugar high of the holidays. We need to retreat…be still…listen to our hearts. Whether you're rescuing yourself from a week of guests like a friend of mine, or feeling the stress of too many obligations and too many funerals like my friend Denise, or reeling from the death of your mother like my friend Debbie, or escaping from an emotional bruising like me…we're all the same. We just want to be left alone to lick our wounds and refill our well.
\n\n\nI received a private message from one of my readers yesterday. He was confused. He didn't understand what was happening with me because I was here to help my aunt and the next thing he knew, I was off on a different course. He wondered if he missed something and if I was ok. It made me realize not all of you get to see every post and some might think I didn't take this situation with my aunt seriously or that I'm flighty. While there are certainly areas of my life beyond the scope of this page, there aren't many and I've been up front and open with you about everything else…so here goes.
\n\n\nI've spent a great deal of time the last few weeks praying and meditating on what changed about the dynamic between my aunt and me. We are about as different as two people can possibly be. While she is very bright, somewhat worldly, and well read, she is extremely narrow in her views and uncompromising in her beliefs. I am a liberal, free-spirited social butterfly. She is 83…she believes in saying exactly what comes into her mind, without filter, and without regard for the effect her words may have on the recipient. I am 61…I believe in diplomacy and the rule my grandma taught me - \"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.\" She is also angry. She is losing her independence and knows it. I am healthy and free, active and young. At least youngER. I was the closest thing available for my aunt to lash out at. I get that. I understand it from a medical and intellectual standpoint. That doesn't make it sting any less, but I certainly get where she's coming from. The problem came when she made it personal. When she started making calculated attacks, then retreating with sweetness only to attack again when I got close enough, it started making me question what was going on. I don't want to believe she would actually be mean…on purpose. But none of that matters in the grand scheme of things. Because if she doesn't respect me…if she doesn't trust my judgement or my expertise…a caregiving relationship cannot be established. Nothing will ever be right…nothing will ever be satisfactory. And, as it turns out, I am not who she wants in that capacity and that's ok. This is, after all, her life…her home…her future. The sad thing is, I doubt there's anyone else she WOULD want. I know there is no one else available. I was the only one, short of hiring someone, that can keep her out of a nursing home. I felt it was the best thing, for all parties involved, to bow out gracefully and let she and her brother figure out a solution that will be more amenable to her. I also wanted to do this in such a way that would not break whatever tenuous connection we still have. After talking with her yesterday, I think we may have accomplished that. I hope so, because I do love her and only want what's best for everyone involved.
\n\n\nRelationships are a lot of work. I knew coming into this that it might not work out, but I held high hopes. The most wonderful lesson I have learned from this situation is…I can trust my gut instincts AND I can control my mouth and not go down a destructive path just to prove a point. So, now I can hibernate a little bit myself, fill my well, and come out swinging again. We all need a little down time. You should never feel bad about taking yours.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-01-02T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/01/02/hibernation.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Growth","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/26/the-sunll-come-out-tomorrow.html", "title": "\"The Sun'll Come Out, Tomorrow...\"", "content_html": "![\"october](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a0f3905bfa.jpg\")
“October Sunshine in West Virginia”
It did yesterday, it will today, and the next few days as well! Wahoo! I didn’t get to the apples yesterday. I did do my laundry and emptied a couple more boxes then went to town to the pharmacy, grocery, and out to dinner with a friend. It was a lovely day…except for the arrival of the dreaded Asian Lady Beetles. As soon as the sun hit the house and the temp hit around 60, those suckers swarmed out of the woods! I had hung a sweater out to dry. (Yes, we have a clothes line on the front porch. We’ve got one on the back porch, the back yard, and the side yard. We are big on solar and wind energy here.) Well, in 15 minutes the front porch looked like the fly scene from Amityville Horror! I couldn’t get out there fast enough and my sweater was covered. Ewwww! I shook the beetles off the sweater and their hooky little claw feet stuck to the fibers and when I shook harder they put out their nasty stink alarm and started flying all around and landing in my hair and I’m dancing all over the porch with the heebie jeebies! Ok, lesson learned. Screw solar and wind…use the dryer during the dreaded lady beetle season. (shiver) At least there’s a bug spray you can use now to keep them from coming in the house. Of course, I’ll probably grow a third arm in the middle of my forehead from it but that’s a small price to pay to keep those nasty little creatures outside.
\nTen years ago, I was here in January for my mom’s funeral. My mom’s other sister was living in Las Vegas at the time and met me in Charlotte. We came the rest of the way together and there was one double bed left at the farm. We had no problem sharing. The problem was, with nothing to create a chemical barrier, the house was literally infested with these rabid little ninja beetles that spent all night (and I mean ALL night) tip tapping on the ceiling and windows and walls and…us. We didn’t sleep at all because we were afraid our mouths would open and we’d breathe in one of those objectionable beasts! The next night we slept in town.
\nI have been told they aren’t nearly as bad as they used to be…that there’s less of them and the spray at least keeps their numbers down in houses. Back in the day, folks would have to use shop vacs to clean them up…every day. And you’re thinking…why on earth did this crazy woman move there? Eh, in the end…they’re only bugs. They’re a stinky nuisance and they bring out a childhood fear of hard shelled beetles tip tapping on the ceiling at night, but it takes a lot more than this to rattle me much. Like say…that big barn spider in the toilet the other day…but that’s a story for another day! <3
\n", "date_published": "2014-10-26T01:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/26/the-sunll-come-out-tomorrow.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/24/old-mama-kitty.html", "title": "Old Mama Kitty", "content_html": "![\"old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/344e8d9a8b.jpg\")
“Old Mama Kitty”
This little gal has been the resident mouser around here for about 23 years. She spends her days on the front porch now, leaving the capture (and eventual presentation at our doorstep of many mice, moles, snakes, and bird)s to the younger generation. This summer there were three feral kittens and their mama who showed up and caused Old Mama Kitty all kinds of grief. We had to send the mother and two of the babies elsewhere and kept one little orange and white kitten to take over the mousing duties, leaving the old gal to take her much deserved naps on the lounge chair. We named her Little Bit because she was so tiny and dainty with such a quiet little voice. She was the one her mama brought from the barn and placed at my aunt’s feet. My grandma always said that the mama will give you the best kitten and she was right. While the feline matriarch will let my aunt scratch her back with her foot, Little Bit will climb up into your lap and purr like crazy. I’ve never been much of a cat person, but these two farm cats have captured my heart. Old Mama Kitty won’t be with us too much longer, but hopefully Little Bit will provide us with years of devotion.
\nThe neighbor’s golden retriever, Willy, is traipsing around my trailer as I write this. He’s young and sleek…a gorgeous deep reddish gold. His paws rustle through the leaves and I can hear him panting at the door, hoping I’ll come scratch him behind the ears. Thankfully, our road isn’t terribly busy. I’d hate it if something happened to him.
\nYesterday was really fun. I called up my younger daughter on FaceTime on my iPad and my nearly 83 year old aunt was mesmerized. We didn’t get a paper today so I pulled it up online and showed it to her. I chatted with my cousin’s daughter in the evening and found out she can FaceTime as well so we’ll get to see her baby. That must seem amazing to one who has never operated a computer. Not that my aunt is uneducated, mind you. She reads the top news and financial magazines every week. She was one of the first Head Start teachers in Washington, DC. She’s been around and is quite interesting to talk with.
\nI had a totally indulgent day of rest yesterday. I believe I will get a few boxes emptied today. I have a barrel of apples in the cellar and I need to make some applesauce for winter days. Maybe I’ll bake a couple of apple pies. I also need to get out for a walk and enjoy the nice weather predicted for the next few days. I have the new Lehman’s catalog to look at and I’m going to order a seed catalog or two for planning the garden for spring.
\nToday marks the end of my first week as a farm girl! I think I’m settling in just fine. <3
\n", "date_published": "2014-10-24T01:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/24/old-mama-kitty.html", "tags": ["West Virginia","The Farm","Peace","Choices","Change","The Cats"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/09/24/being-mindful.html", "title": "Being Mindful", "content_html": "![\"mindful](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1e595a89be.jpg\")
“Mind Full, or Mindful?”
Although I have had moments of panic, for the most part I have been pretty well centered on this journey. I am beyond tired but I am so excited and happy to be moving forward that it’s not really hitting me. It probably will once I’m done today.
\nThe “hitch” with the hitch was rectified easily enough. My sales guy was off Monday and when he heard about what happened regarding the trailer hitch, was on the phone first thing yesterday morning reassuring me that he was going to make everything work exactly AS I wanted it, WHEN I wanted it. He called me five minutes later and said if I could be at the shop in 15 minutes, they could fit the hitch right away. He also moved appointments around so that I could come in this morning for the full walkthrough. Then the only thing left is the actual transaction after the closing and I will have my trailer by 3:30 this afternoon!!! He even offered to come help load it so the load will be distributed correctly and safely in the trailer and car. I was SO exhausted by 5pm yesterday, I gave in and called my dear friend, Deisy, to come help me for a couple of hours to clean the empty house.
\nI am done. I am ready. It seems surreal. It seems like it took forever. It did take six months and that was long enough. By tonight, I will be free! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your love and support, kindness and wisdom, patience and, well…..MORE patience! This has been an amazing journey of growth and letting go and it was made so much easier with you by my side.
\nAddendum: (@2:30am…can’t sleep…too excited!) For those who have followed me for quite some time, you probably remember that I was Jewish from 1978 to 2004. I finally went through the formal conversion process when I was expecting my second child, who is now 24. As I head into this new world, this new life, I was reminded that Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, starts today at sundown. I love synchronicity! Shana Tova….may you have a happy, healthy new year!
\n<3
\n", "date_published": "2014-09-24T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/09/24/being-mindful.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Peace","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/09/16/confessions-of-a-former-drama.html", "title": "Confessions of a Former Drama Queen", "content_html": "![\"drama](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3ccd700cb0.jpg\")
“Drama doesn’t just walk into your life our of nowhere…you either create it, invite it, or associate with people that bring it…”
I have an addictive personality. I’ve over indulged in a lot of things in my life, not the least of which was drama. I created enough drama in my second marriage/divorce to make Shakespeare roll over in his grave. Just ask my second ex-husband. Ok, it takes two to tango but honestly, I was the best at it because I had an excellent foil. Children of alcoholics notoriously create drama as a diversionary tactic. And what is ingrained in childhood follows you throughout your life unless you learn to recognize and correct the behaviors.
\nMy correction came in the form of Mr. Virgo. He was a no nonsense kind of guy that I absolutely could not manipulate. I think I cried twice in seven and a half years and, while it hurt him to see, it did not sway his course. The gift that gave me was the ability to correct behaviors that had not served me well in my life. It has allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have in previous relationships. People are brought into our lives for a reason. Mr. Virgo set my sails and changed my course so that I could have a much better life experience. This was one of his greatest gifts to me. <3
\n", "date_published": "2014-09-16T01:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/09/16/confessions-of-a-former-drama.html", "tags": ["Peace","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/08/23/fall-is-coming.html", "title": "Fall is Coming!", "content_html": "![\"rainy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a35402da7c.jpg\")
“Fall is coming to Colorado!”
Looking like FALL in Colorado! It rained most of the night and we should get thunderstorms here in a bit. I’m sorting, sorting, sorting today. Good day to be in the garage!
\n", "date_published": "2014-08-23T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/08/23/fall-is-coming.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Peace","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/08/05/joy-of-towwanda.html", "title": "Joy of TOW-Wanda #33", "content_html": "![\"view](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/07f2868994.jpg\")
\n“View of Georgetown Lake, Colorado"Traffic on I-70? Jet lag? See a lake? Hey, stop awhile…kick back, take a nap, read the copy of This Old House you picked up at the airport yesterday, watch the trout rise and the chipmunks scamper. Life is too sweet to sit in traffic!
\n", "date_published": "2014-08-05T01:30:42-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/08/05/joy-of-towwanda.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/08/04/a-simple-life.html", "title": "A Simple Life", "content_html": "![\"simple](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/185015e90b.jpg\")
“A Simple Life”
I’m back! Here it is, August 4th already…can you believe it? Those three weeks literally flew by. I’ve missed you all even though I did peek in from time to time. And I am rested, refreshed and rearing to go!
\nI’m still snuggled up in bed, preparing my mind for the onslaught of civilization. I’m listening to the morning call of a whip-poor-will knowing full well in a few hours I’ll be hustling through busy international airports. I’m not looking forward to it…and I LOVE to fly. I want to pour a cup of coffee and go out on the front porch, the familiar stretchy squeak of the screen door spring the only sound louder than the morning birdsong. I want to see old Mama Kitty curled up in the corner, one eye opened slightly in protest over the crude interruption of her peaceful slumber. I want to listen to whip-poor-wills every day for the rest of my life.
\nI need to head to Colorado. I need to settle some business. I need to snuggle my babies and spoil them a little bit. I need to do the really big purge and get rid of the things in life that weigh me down. I am so grateful to my son-in-law’s mom for sitting me down and telling me to look at what I want my life to look like and make it that. I will miss my kids and grandkids and my Colorado family like crazy, and I will travel to see them as often as I can. But I also know I need to live where my heart sings…where I can stretch out and be free…where I can own a piece of God’s country. It’s time to go home.
\nMoney will only stretch so far. When you have x-amount of dollars to spend on housing and you have a choice of a repossessed HUD home in a dicey neighborhood or a hundred acre farm, tell me…where would you go? What are you willing to let go of in order to set your heart free and give it wings? How far are you willing to fly?
\n", "date_published": "2014-08-04T01:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/08/04/a-simple-life.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Presence","Downsizing","Choices","The Cats"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/08/01/mister-bee-potato-chips.html", "title": "Mister Bee Potato Chips", "content_html": "![\"mr.](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1199b36185.jpg\")
“Mr. Bee Potato Chips”
You know those special foods you can only get at “home”? Well, ours are pepperoni rolls, Ruben’s Deli Hot Italian Hoagies, and Mister Bee Potato Chips. My sister/friend Patty in Florida has put in a special request for some Mister Bee’s so off they went in the mail today. While I was at it, I just went ahead and shipped some back to Colorado for the kids…and my brother/friend Greg…and my brother Gary…and, ummmmmmm…ME! :-) I’m going to be somebody’s best friend come Monday!
\nI can’t believe I fly back to Colorado on Monday. :-( This has gone all too quickly. The only consolation is….I get to see my girls AND it won’t be long till that house sells and I can come back!
\nHere are some more WV photos!
\n![\"west](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6237620a56.jpg\")
“West Virginia Cousins!”
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5998648dc8.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/24fe745eeb.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/84a9e83c45.jpg\")
![\"woman's](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7ce249b0b0.jpg\")
“A Crooked Path”
There are stretches of life that resemble the Gunbarrel Highway down the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado…stick straight and you can see for miles. Some stretches offer scenic vistas of families at dinner and in the park. Others are unlit, seemingly endless tunnels with no light at the end. Grief is like driving in the mountains of West Virginia. Some turns are so sharp you meet yourself coming back as my grandma used to say.
\nI like to stop here at the cemetery some evenings and talk with Mr. Virgo. Whenever I go on a trip with TOW-Wanda, I being him back a rock. I place it around the perimeter of his grave and tell him where I’ve been and what I saw. Tonight I had to tell him I’m going to sell the house and move to Denver to be near the family. I won’t get to visit him as often. I’ll have to bring his rocks in batches. I told him I feel I’m making the right decision but gosh…could he please send me some sort of sign that I’m doing the right thing? Just at that moment, a beautiful mountain bluebird flew up and sat on the post at the head of his grave and started singing to me, cocking its head this way and that, studying me.
\nI just smiled.
\nCoincidence? Possibly. But I choose to believe Mr. Virgo hears me and these bluebirds are a sign from him. I see them all the time now whereas before, I was hard pressed to see one occasionally in the yard. I love that.
\nThank you, Mr. Virgo…for hanging out with me on a cold, spring evening!
\n", "date_published": "2014-05-01T01:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/05/01/a-crooked-path.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Comfort","Peace","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/27/get-in-tune.html", "title": "Get in Tune", "content_html": "![\"bob](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e51e646937.jpg\")
“Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.” Bob Marley
Like my little six year old grand daughter, I have always been a deep thinker. For a long time, I thought everyone thought the same way I do. But we all think and dream in different colors. And sometimes, time itself wears us down to the point we really are just putting one foot in front of the other…slogging through life. I’ve heard people say they have no control. Life just happens willy-nilly and $#@! happens. Well, yeah…sure. Life hands us lemons a lot of the time. Our control comes in what we do with what comes our way. Do we take out our umbrellas and dance in the rain? Or do we just get wet? It really is a choice and that puts us in control.
\nI hope you splash in the puddles of life!
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-27T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/27/get-in-tune.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/10/inner-peace.html", "title": "Inner Peace", "content_html": "![\"marvin](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/403b128805.jpg\")
“If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.” Marvin Gaye
So, yesterday I mentioned that I went through the whole day Monday without remembering it would have been Mr. Virgo’s and my 7th Wedding Anniversary. Thanks to everyone who sent me love and sweet thoughts. Now that I’ve had a chance to think about it, I realize it is just another step in healing. I haven’t forgotten him. I’ve just been living this amazing life I’ve been given and I still take him with me wherever I go.
\nWhen I went out for my walk/run yesterday, I went from my house to the cemetery for the first time. When I travel in TOW-Wanda, I bring a rock back from each trip and place it around Mr. Virgo’s grave and tell him about my trip. I did that yesterday without thinking of our anniversary. It was only after getting to the office and seeing the calendar that I remembered. And I felt sadness wash over me.
\nBut then something amazing happened. I’ve been reading The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer and have learned that “I” am not the thoughts, the voice chattering in my head. That voice of admonishment that chastised me for not remember on the day itself is not “me”. I remembered that “I”…the real “me”…sits back and observes that chatterbox. And really, what was the difference between the five minutes BEFORE I remembered and the five minutes AFTER? Only one thing…a tiny thought. I remembered. Everything else…the ensuing feeling of guilt…was nothing more than self judgement. Is anything really different after I remembered? Nope…he’s still gone. I’m still here. I’m still functioning and strong. I’m still standing. It may have taken me a few hours of rumination to work that thought through, but the point is…I DID work through it. I know HOW to work through it.
\nWhat an amazing revelation to know where “I” sit…to know who “I” am. Things will never be the same.
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-10T01:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/10/inner-peace.html", "tags": ["Grief","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/09/quiet.html", "title": "Quiet", "content_html": "![\"horse](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/580a80744c.jpg\")
“Quiet”
One thing I now have much more control over as a widow is noise. I am very selective about what I listen to these days. Driving is still much more fun for me while listening to my iTunes playlists. I sort them into fun mixes just like we used to do with mixed tapes. Country, Road Trip, Christian, Classical. I have a playlist for every mood. When we were in Ouray this weekend Sue played “Girls Chase Boys” by Ingrid Michaelson and I kept playing it over and over yesterday when I drove to Denver and back. Sometimes a song catches me and won’t let go!
\nThere are times when I just want peace and quiet. I rarely have TV on anymore. When I hear it for more than 15 minutes or so, I usually get really agitated…unless it’s a show I like. The Voice is one of my favorites. I bought an Apple TV unit yesterday. My daughter has it and says it has saved them a ton of money. Hey, my bottom line is this…$99 is a small price to pay to see Blake Shelton on the big screen! Am I right???
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-09T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/09/quiet.html", "tags": ["Grief","Growth","Comfort","Grace","God","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/08/meanwhile-back-on-the-farm.html", "title": "Meanwhile, back on the farm...", "content_html": "![\"woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1e9edd1a2a.jpg\")
“Meanwhile, back on the farm…”
This photo makes me smile. We lived in this log house on two acres a few miles out of town. I grew up spending a lot of time on my grandparents’ farm in WV. I owned every issue of Mother Earth News. I cut and split wood. And I wanted a garden, so I borrowed this old John Deere and plowed the south forty. Well, 4000 square feet of it anyway. I had every vegetable you could want and they were growing like crazy. I went back home to visit family the end of June and my husband called me to break the news. We had a hard freeze and my garden was gone. June 23rd. Sigh.
\nI tried again the next summer and apparently the deer got the memo about the new 4000 square foot salad bar opening up because they were camped out with bibs on. Grrrrr.
\nI didn’t have a garden for years till I bought this house 14 years ago and I can’t say I have a proper garden. A neighbor moved and left their hot tub saying they’d be back for it. I never heard from them again. I filled it and it worked for a year. When it broke, I filled it with dirt and created the world’s biggest container garden! I got quite a lot of veggies out of it.
\nHope you are enjoying your spring…wherever you are!
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-08T01:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/08/meanwhile-back-on-the-farm.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Fun","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/26/seeking-inner-peace.html", "title": "Seeking Inner Peace", "content_html": "![\"inner](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f5cc5ee774.jpg\")
“Seeking Inner Peace”
What a glorious day I had yesterday! I had a nice lazy start then headed over for yoga in the yurt. Many others had the same idea. This was my first ever yoga class and my inner voice would NOT shut up! “Look at these people. They know what they’re doing and you look like a pretzel. Do these leggings make my cellulite as obvious as I think they do? Man, this woman beside me breathes loud! Jeez-o-Pete…just how long IS 80 minutes? I’m glad I just signed up for one class today!” Yack, yack, yack. Yoga is supposed to be peaceful and feel good. If I had to do one more downward facing dog I was going to have to get up off the floor and go punch Doug…Namaste THAT! But, I got through it, went to the restaurant and ate a lovely, calorie laden feast for breakfast, and promptly returned to The Sanctuary…aka TOW-Wanda…to take a much deserved nap. After all, I think I broke a sweat in that yoga class!
\nAfter nap time, I tried to put together a 6 ton hydraulic press (yeah, I know…I’m a mystery to ME, too!). Low and behold, there were pieces missing. Why do I always think it’s a good idea to buy stuff on eBay? I called a guy friend and asked him to see if there is a Harbor Freight in Santa Fe and he sent me the address. I’ll be heading there today so hopefully they’ll have the parts. Oh…..WHY do I have a 6 ton hydraulic press with me on vacation? I thought you’d never ask! I have to get some inventory built up for these two art show/sales and I can write off my trip if I work and show my jewelry to shops where I stay. I think I have figured out a way to flatten spoons without using a 3 pound hammer and smashing various fingers and or thumbs. Smart!
\nAnyway, after the missing parts fiasco, I was feeling pretty frazzled and that inner chatterbox was yammering on about always missing the boat or some Tom foolery so I headed for the pools to soak. I stopped in the gift shop (ALWAYS a bad idea). This place is a spa and they take their quiet VERY seriously. There are signs everywhere that say “Whisper Zone”. There is actually an employee that walks around the pool area with a sign that says “Whisper Please”. Well, I was feeling all Ghandi-esque, what with the yoga class and all, and promptly swung my pool bag into an entire display of wind chimes! Two dozen faces turned to glare at me and then started laughing at my vain attempts to silence said chimes. Good grief! I browsed and bought a hat to shade my face and a diet coke (remember the cellulite comment from my inner roommate in yoga class? Well, I got her some potato chips to shut her up!). As I was heading to the checkout, I passed the book stand and saw The Untethered Soul. This is EXACTLY the book I was looking for. It’s all about putting a sock in that inner $&@@$’s mouth and freeing yourself from the constant whining and second-guessing and critiquing that voice does and free you to live in peace and quiet. Sold!
\nNamaste!
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-26T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/26/seeking-inner-peace.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/02/i-was-so-much-older.html", "title": "\"I Was So Much Older Then...\"", "content_html": "![\"farmhouse](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0ab90fd67b.jpg\")
“The Farm”
Bob Dylan was right…“I’m younger than that now.” There have been times in my life when I was SO old. I had hung my identity on a hook by the door and became something I wasn’t. I was not being genuine. I was being a chameleon and trying to fit into a situation that wasn’t healthy. It made me old beyond my years.
\nAbout 55 years ago, I was standing by my grandma’s rocking chair…in that window to the right of the door there. I was looking out the window asking her how Jesus walked on the water. She looked at me with kindness and said I just had to believe. I was skeptical and went on a 45 year search for “the truth”. It brought me full circle to the same chair, in the same window, in the same house. I just have to believe. Once I made that decision, everything fell into place…well, sort of.
\nOne thing I didn’t realize till Mr. Virgo died is…I’ve always made someone other than God the center of my universe. My kids, my spouse, myself, my house….my focus was off. Somewhere deep down, I could feel it but it was so foggy, I just couldn’t see it. I’ve been a Christian for 10 years now. And even then, I didn’t have my focus right. Since Mr. Virgo died, I have made Christ my Heavenly husband and my focus has been very clear. Having been in that state for the last year, I can really tell when my eyes shift 2 degrees off center. It makes me feel…dimmed, as if some of my sparkle has diminished.
\nThe song we sang in Sunday school about letting our light shine is really true. When people see me and tell me I’m glowing, or I sparkle, or I’m getting younger, it’s not me they are seeing. It’s the light God has placed in me that I shine out on the world. When you are walking YOUR path, your true path, the one God has in mind for you, you are in tune with a much higher frequency than anything here on earth. You cannot help but glow!
\nThere’s also something to be said for the wisdom and experience gained in 60 years to make you let go and live your life. Without that tension you carry around with you while you’re growing up. Without the worry about the day-to-day life of raising a family, developing a career, feeding the hamster. We are wise. We are wonderful. We are beautiful. We are free. We can dance and sing and travel and paint and write. If I died tomorrow…I am invincible today! Today I have everything. Right this minute I have my health. I have joy. I have family and friends who love me. I have a roof over my head and food in my fridge. I have wonderful, wonderful memories of an epic love story. But most importantly, I have Jesus in my life and I will never, ever be alone again. And, as long as I keep my focus clear, I can keep on sparkling!
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-02T02:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/02/i-was-so-much-older.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Growth","Peace","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/02/24/nap-time.html", "title": "Nap Time!", "content_html": "![\"camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2f906a1b3e.jpg\")
“Stressed out? There’s a nap for that!”
Ah, to be a kindergartner. To be five and the only responsibility is tying my shoes and keeping a goldfish alive. Someone to give me a cold glass of milk and a warm cookie. Someone to tuck me in with a kiss to my forehead. It’s nap time.
\nEntire cultures revolve around naps. Some corporations in Japan offer small cubicles where workers can take a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of a busy life. Einstein worked for a few hours at a time then slept, rising to repeat the cycle and look what it did for HIS brain! I’m not talking the escapism of depression here. That kind of napping is unhealthy. No, I’m talking about taking a break from the BUSY and slow down. A power nap. A peaceful nap. An oasis in an overly cluttered life.
\nMy schedule has been pretty packed here of late. Gone are those large stretches of time that I needed to survive this year of grieving. I sleep well at night. But occasionally I need to just stop and recharge. I have a friend in her eighties. She is like a mom to me. As a matter of fact, she and her husband stood up for me as my parents when I married Mr. Virgo. I was visiting her the other day. The sun was shining through the south windows. We were enjoying a lazy day, chatting by the fire, when we both started yawning. I feel quite at home at her house, so I just told her I was going to lay down for 30 minutes then I would take her to her doctor’s appointment. I came out refreshed and ready for whatever the rest of the day offered me.
\nWe don’t always have the opportunity to nap, but if you can swing it…go for it. I’ll have cookies and milk for you when you wake up!
\n", "date_published": "2014-02-24T02:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/02/24/nap-time.html", "tags": ["Positive Energy","Camping","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/02/18/authenticity.html", "title": "Authenticity", "content_html": "![\"authenticity](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8764dd1073.jpg\")
“Authenticity”
When I wear my fringed and beaded western jacket, my girls roll their eyes. My granddaughter (the 10 year old fashionista) shudders and walks some distance from me. But others go on and on about this jacket. I finally asked a gal in Aspen why she liked it and she said it was more me than the jacket. It was ME, being authentic. Not being self-conscious. Not being afraid of what others might think. That is how 60 year olds become sexy! This is something that has to come with age, this ability to step out of the cloak of conformity we wore all those many years.
\nI have always admired people who know who they are, who don’t conform to match others around them. I have to admit that I have been a conformist for most of my life. I learned at an early age that it’s a lot easier to get along in this world when you are camouflaged. I changed who I was to match my love interests. I was much, much more authentic with Mr. Virgo, probably because I was so much older by the time we met. And since he died, I have had an opportunity to really find out who I am. I’ve found I’m much stronger than I ever thought I was. And I trust my own judgement more. I’m comfortable in my own skin. I’ve learned you can be assertive and not be a b&@$#. When you get to that place in your life, you become a magnet and attract other like-minded individuals and your world explodes with color and music and companionship. People WANT to be around you and seek you out. It’s amazing!
\nLife is a sweet, sweet thing, isn’t it?
\n", "date_published": "2014-02-18T02:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/02/18/authenticity.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Growth","Grace","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/02/15/cabin-fever.html", "title": "Cabin Fever", "content_html": "![\"gypsy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3a51bc0293.jpg\")
“I’ve got a little gypsy in me!”
Oh, I’ve got it bad. You know what I’m talking about. That itch to get out and do something…anything…outside. In the warm sunshine. To feel my toes in the grass. To hear the birds sing. To feel the tug of a good sized trout that will soon be sizzling over a campfire.
\nThat’s what I want…right now. I want to hook TOW-Wanda up and feel the miles roll under us. I want to get lost in the woods. I want to go someplace I’ve never been.
\nIs it spring yet?
\n", "date_published": "2014-02-15T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/02/15/cabin-fever.html", "tags": ["TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/10/14/ohio-river-point-park-parkersburg.html", "title": "Ohio River - Point Park, Parkersburg, West Virginia.", "content_html": "![\"ohio](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e732ad3cb1.jpg\")
“Ohio River - Point Park, Parkersburg, WV”
What a beautiful day! A friend of mine took this the other evening. Great camera and good eye. I love the colors on the water!
\n", "date_published": "2013-10-14T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/10/14/ohio-river-point-park-parkersburg.html", "tags": ["Travel","West Virginia","Peace"] } ] }