Self Care on Marshmallow Ranch

When Things Don't Quite Go as Planned

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:45:00 -0600

After taking two days to get here and thirty hours without sleep, I discovered that it was just the beginning of my vacation misadventures. The morning after my arrival, I noticed a small spot on my foot about the size of a postage stamp. Within two days, it was obvious I had cellulitis. I remember my sandals rubbing on my foot on the first day of travel. Then I walked what felt like a hundred miles through airports on those dirty, germ-filled carpets and got an infection. My foot was hot, red, and swollen by Saturday, so I went to a Quick Care. I was given an antibiotic and instructed to return if it wasn’t better. It was worse this morning. Another trip to the Quick Care and a different antibiotic with instructions to go to the ER if it wasn’t any better in 24-48 hours.

My brother, whom I will be visiting next week, was admitted to the hospital. They’re keeping him a second night, and he’s now agitated because he wants to go home. For those of you who are new, my sweet brother has Cerebral Palsy and lives in a group home here in Colorado. It’s about a four-hour drive to where he lives, and I’ve got this thing going on with my driving foot, or else I would have driven there Sunday. Please keep him in prayer. I hate that he’s going through this.

Argh.

The only upside is I’m forced to rest, with my foot elevated and warm compresses applied. Nothing to do but visit with family and crochet or knit. Naps are nice, too. I’m limited in my ability to do all the great baking I want. So, I have concluded… if we don’t listen to the whispers of God when He tells us to slow down, He’ll go further and whack you a good one. I hope you all are doing well. Please keep the folks of Kerrville, TX in your prayers.

💜

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 ESVText within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

***Gratitude Journal***   Today, I am grateful to be surrounded by family who love me and the ability to rest… even if it IS forced.

The Conflagration

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 02:30:00 -0600

I lived in Colorado for forty years and witnessed so many terribly destructive forest fires there. The worst was the Storm King Fire where we lost 14 smoke jumpers from Idaho. Then, eight years later came the Coal Seam Fire. That one was sneaky.

Back in the late 1800’s, there was an explosion in the Vulcan Mine across the Colorado River from New Castle. They could not put it out and it’s been burning ever since. It was too dangerous to mine that seam anymore, so the mine was sealed shut and they just let it burn. You can see the coal seam in the winter because the snow won’t stick on it. There’s a long, dark streak along what is appropriately called Burning Mountain.

Every once in a while, the fire follows a finger of coal and breaks through the ground. Most of the time, that’s been in rocky areas and the only sign is a wisp of smoke till that part of the seam burns out. But, in the case of the Coal Seam Fire, it broke through in some dry scrub oak and quickly took off.

I’ve been thinking about that and how it fits in as an analogy of the world today.

There has been evil in the world ever since Eve plucked the apple from the tree. It slinks and lurks and hides in the shadows most of the time. Then it breaks free and comes to the surface threatens to burn everything down. I know, some of you may think I’m talking about the politically charged times we’re in, but it’s not just that. It’s the world at large. A general bad vibe going around. And it doesn’t seem to matter what side of any issue you find yourself, each feels the other is wrong and it feels like there’s no way to reach the middle ground. So many hard things happening everywhere and it wears on you.

The Bible tells us about the end times, and if these are they, I’d just as soon Jesus come and get us and take us home sooner rather than later. Now, I am NOT thinking of self-harm…that’s the furthest from my thoughts. But I now the streets of gold are better than anything we can imagine here. That means we have to get right with our Maker.

I’m personally trying to clean up my side of the street, apologize where needed, make amends where possible, and spend my efforts on praising God and my family and friends for the goodness they have brought to my life. Thanking Him for being a loving Father. And putting out as much goodness as I can while I’m still here.

I’ve find when I look for the bad things, that’s all I see. And that’s the way media and pundits want it…to be at each other’s throats. It makes it seem as though that’s all there is in the world because everyone is screaming so loud…”Look here!” “Look there!” “He did it!” “She did it!” “They did it!” I do what I think is best and express my opinions through an app…5 Calls. I call my elected officials while I’m having my coffee. Then I get on with my day. It’s like leaving your work problems at work. I don’t WANT to carry all this all the time. I have to spend my time wisely.

I got a message from one of my readers yesterday that lives not too far from me. She’s interested in my sourdough bread and I’m interested in the honey she and her fiancé harvest. I love to barter! Hmmmm…maybe there will be a Marshmallow Ranch Bakery? That sounds interesting!

☘️

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Gratitude Journal 
Today I am grateful for the ability to make priorities and walk away from the craziness of the world when I need to keep on a more even keel. Self care isn’t selfish!

Girl Time

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 02:30:00 -0600

“Big” turned 21 on Saturday. I know, right? How can the time pass so quickly? I try to catch her every Sunday evening when I’m checking in on the family. She showed me pictures of her and her friends hiking a cliff trail overlooking the beach. We chatted about her girlfriends and her roommates and it reminded me to share a piece of advice I give to all young women “coming of age.”

“Nurture your friendships with other women. Trust me…you will need them.”

What’s that old adage? People come into your life for a reason, a season, and a lifetime. In reality, only a handful of folks tick all three boxes. I lost one of my longest lifelong friends a little over a year ago. My closest lifelong friend came into my life when we were 16 and we still text or call several times a week. She’s quick to set me straight if I swerve off course and she loves me fiercely.

There are friends that you’re close to and even though you don’t see or talk to each other often, when you get together, you pick up the conversation like no time had passed. There are friends that for one reason or another, drift away and you wish them well but you let them go.

I’ve always loved my children and grandchildren, but I relate to them so much more now that they’re getting older. My West Virginia kids and grandkids didn’t come into my life till they were adults. And now we’re getting great-grandchildren. It warms my heart when I can impart some wisdom and they’re receptive. They’re so precious.

I went to knitting group yesterday and we were the usual group of four this time. We meet at Colleen’s house and I am always excited to see her holiday decorations. She keeps a white pencil tree in her dining room and changes the decorations for every holiday. She has her St. Patrick’s Day decor out now and it won’t be long till she changes over to Easter. I’m not that dedicated. I just got Christmas put away a couple of weeks ago. That’s enough for me.

When I got home from knitting, I started working on the bread. I baked three loaves plus a loaf of pepperoni bread. That was just an experiment so I’m looking forward to seeing how it turned out. I cut a slice for Mr. FixIt and myself while the bread was still warm. Oh, my…I think I’ve finally perfected this recipe!

It’s supposed to get up near 70° here tomorrow and a low of 56° during the night so I’m going “camping” out in the field. Camping without spending a dime…that’s perfect and I can’t wait!

☘️

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

***Gratitude Journal***   
Today I am grateful for the girlfriends in my life…old and new. They keep me grounded. They keep me sane. They keep me laughing.

Ten Ways to Keep From Losing Your ****

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 09:02:39 -0600

Wow…we’re all getting whiplash with the rapid fire changes going on in our country. I won’t go into ways you can stay involved. You’ll figure out what you want to do based on your own personal beliefs. What I want to talk about today is how to not drown in the rapids.

There is fine line between staying informed and being totally overwhelmed. That’s true anytime…not just now. I found myself trying to watch all the things and being informed on all the things. I’ve felt overwhelmed and lost, confused and scared. Our brains are not built to sustain that kind of stress. We don’t know what to do when someone takes advantage of that. We don’t know where to turn when we seem to be losing all we have known. I know not all of you are feeling this and I honor the fact that we are all free to our own beliefs.

I’ve found some tools to help me stay balanced when things get stressful. And it doesn’t just apply to politics. It works in any scenario that is causing you stress…grief, illness, tragedy. Here are ten ways to keep your head on straight in times of trouble.

Remember Who is actually in control here. We know how this story ends and there will come a day when God will pass His judgement. There will come a day we can walk safely on the streets of Heaven without a care. Till then, we keep that promise in our hearts. Read your Bible every day, or whatever missive you find inspirational. Write down supportive scriptures and leave them in places where you will see them and find encouragement.
Choose two or three issues that are the most important to you and focus on staying informed. This keeps you from being overwhelmed with too many issues coming at you at once.
Limit your news intake. Stop Doom Scrolling on the computer, pad, or phone. Choose the news service you trust and watch no more than an hour unless it is a breaking news story.
Don’t disengage completely. Ignoring an issue does not make it go away. If you don’t like the way things are going, then make it a habit to call your representatives in Washington once a week and express your concern. Use a prepared script if that helps you. Making your voice heard is a contribution and a right. Don’t squander it.
Surround yourself with people who love you and support you. People you can talk to. Isolating is probably the worst thing you can do. Seek out safe and nurturing environments. A coffee group. A book club. An art class. Your local library often has interesting groups, classes, and lectures. Make it a game to find free stuff to do. Teach yourself how to make baklava or sourdough or something you’ve always wanted to bake. Baking is really good therapy.
Practice good self care. Get enough sleep. Try to have a set bedtime to keep on a healthy routine. Limit your sugar and fat intake. These things can end up increasing your anxiety while having a negative impact on your health. A lovely walk outdoors in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest will help you boost your Vitamin D.
Limit alcohol and tobacco use. A drink might make you feel better in the moment but morning always comes and often brings regrets.
Keep up with your daily living skills. I know it seems ridiculous to encourage you to brush your teeth, wash your hair, take a shower, get dressed in clean clothes, change your sheets and make your bed, practice good posture, and eat good food. But, when you are depressed, it’s very difficult to keep up with these things. Make a chart. Give yourself a gold star. Reward yourself with a walk or a crisp apple. Take a bubble bath by candlelight.
Start a Gratitude Journal. Pour your heart and soul out on paper. Document what’s going on in your life. Someday, historians will pore over collected diaries that tell future generations what living in these times was really like.
There is absolutely no shame in asking for help if you need it. If you find yourself struggling more than usual or feel like life isn’t worth living, please seek professional health. There are so many ways to get help with your mental health these days. There isn’t as much stigma attached as there used to be. Print out this list or do an internet search for “mental health resources” for a list of suggestions.

So, that’s my list of suggestions to help keep yourself on an even keel. I hope this helps. If you have more to add to the list, please share with us in the comments. Be safe out there…be good to yourself, and each other.

💜

“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.”” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

***Gratitude Journal*** 
Today I am grateful for all the tools in my mental health toolbox. I was blessed to have a good therapist that helped me get through some really tough times in this life. Mental Health and Physical Health is just…health.

#mentalhealth, #selfcare, #askforhelp

A Good Day to Stay Inside

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:30:00 -0600

One of Mr. FixIt’s former coworkers at the tool plant died over the weekend. He’d been ill for quite some time so it was not unexpected. Still, it’s always sad when you lose a friend. He’s lost so many over the last couple of years. We seem to be at that age now. A lot of his friends worked for him and he often played golf and fished with them over the years.

Mr. FixIt was an engineer in the plant and helped design tools for gardening and firefighting. We were watching the news last night and he kept stopping and rewinding over and over. Then he said, “Look at this. It’s a brush fire tool. I helped design it.” I love when we go to hardware stores. He always gravitates to the tools like the kind they manufactured. He’s always a bit disappointed at the lower quality these days. Yet proud to see things he’s designed still in use.

He met his friend Harry in town this morning so they could go to the viewing together. Afterward, they had lunch then he ran some errands. While he was gone, I indulged in binge watching homesteading, baking, knitting and crafting videos. I found a video for One Hour Sandwich Bread and decided to try it. The bread wasn’t anything you would win a ribbon for, but it was quick and tasty. It only goes through one rising and I think the crumb would have been much better with a second rising. I will try the recipe again with a second rise. In the meantime, here’s the video: https://youtu.be/sRK18hBDd_w?si=o4153o15-soxvwmK

I also made two batches of Almond-Cashew-Date Creamer. I love it because it’s thick and rich and it has NO artificial ingredients or fillers or stabilizers. I have about a pint of nut pulp from the straining process that I’ll use in a recipe in the coming days. I didn’t get to make the chicken livers yesterday. Mr. FixIt ate in town and wasn’t hungry for more than a ham sandwich on that nice, warm bread. I’ll try again tonight.

I worked so hard getting this weight off and now I’ve gained ten pounds in the last six months. I need to get control of that before it gets out of hand. You don’t suppose baking has anything to do with it, do you? We have a couple of weeks coming up with really frigid temps. It was -1 yesterday morning at 8:00 and there are several days that will be in the single digits. Thank God we got our furnace fixed last year. I can’t wait till it warms up and I can get out and be more active again.

❄️🩵❄️

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

#baking, #bread, #comfort, #home, #winter

Happy Humpday!

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 01:30:00 -0600

Oh, the lengths a person will go to see. I’m determined to finish as many projects as I can from the stash I have. And these old eye have ‘seen’ their better days. In reading the stitching instructions for Common Ground, the sampler from Just Nan, I realized I had all but one of the threads. I was in town yesterday so I went to the craft store and found the thread, plus some bags on a ring to store the silks, and a cross stitch ruler. This has a gauge on it so you can check to see what the stitch count is on your fabric. All under $4 and it doesn’t add appreciably to the stash.

One of the things I saw in the craft store was a magnifier that you wear on your head. It had a light and was rechargeable. It reminded me I also saved one of those from my shop, but where was it? I ran through my inventory in my head and by the time I got home, I went straight to the right tub and pulled it out. There, use what you have or do without…thread and storage bags notwithstanding. This thing may look outrageous, but I’m telling you…you can SEE what you’re doing with it!

I met some girlfriends from high school for lunch and had such a good time. I had all these things I wanted to accomplish yesterday, but in all actuality, I just wanted to be done and get back home. I had every intention of going out to The Farm yesterday, but the weather reports says there will be severe thunderstorms this week. I am not crazy about being out there in severe weather. The trees on the hillsides on both sides of the house have big trees. The soil is clay and shale, so the roots aren’t all that stable as they grow large. I’ll wait till calmer weather before I head out. We will have to go next week and mow, though.

It’s getting warmer now. I’m sure the cold is past us. It’s probably safe to de-winterize the camper, but I might wait one more week just to be sure. There’s a lot to do before our trip to the beach and I need to start working on that. The camper needs a good cleaning. And I want to pull out the camping gear from storage. I know we don’t need ALL that stuff. It just adds weight to two, using up more gas. So, anything we didn’t use last year is out. We carted a grill with us everywhere last summer and never once used it.

I really need to start planning our summer trip to Colorado, too. That’ll be here before we know it. I am so glad we had the winter months to regroup. I could have done a lot of this instead of just sitting and knitting, but…after a long and crazy summer, I really NEED that downtime to recharge. My friends were saying yesterday…there’s a sense of urgency at this age. We’re burning daylight and you can’t put the sand back in the hourglass.

I was talking to some of them about ‘Positive Aging’. They wanted to know what I meant by that and my best explanation is…it’s an attitude. It’s accepting the reality of where we are in the moment, but living with purpose so it isn’t wasted. This time thing has become a more and more precious commodity with every passing year. I’m not playing around…I have things to do. And even if it’s sitting by a campfire or stitching or knitting or mowing the field, or baking a mean biscuit…it is MY life.

We spend so much of our lives giving it all away in order to take care of everyone without remembering to take care of ourselves. Self care isn’t selfish. It’s imperative. We can’t fill others from an empty cup. Especially if you are in the position of a full time caregiver. Schedule some self care time wherever and whenever you can. When people say, “What can I do to help?” give them a blessing. Let them nurture you a little. Don’t worry that the house isn’t presentable or that they can’t possibly do things the way you do. Go anyway. Even if it’s just down the street for a cup of coffee with a good book.

So, Happy Humpday…be good to yourself today! You deserve it!

🩵🌷🩵

”Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.“
3 John 1:2 NIV

The Matriarch

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 02:30:00 -0600

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.

I 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.

That’s me in the center of the photo with my uncle and cousins going for a ride in the old Model A truck.

My 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.

“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!”

I 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.

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.

I am the matriarch now.

🩵

”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.“
Proverbs 31:30-31 NIV

#Matriarch, #Aging, #PositiveAging, #InternationalWomensDay

Water Water Everywhere

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 02:30:00 -0600

A little trip to the coffee shop before my appointment…let’s make teddies!

I had a follow-up appointment with the endocrinologist yesterday. When I saw her a year ago, it was for my hyperparathyroidism. For some reason, my numbers were still high even after two surgeries to remove two adenomas. She noticed that I had some symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease (it runs in my family) and she wanted to see me back in a year for repeat labs. This time, my parathyroid number was great but my kidney numbers elevated a little bit. My doctor is determined to get to the bottom of what’s causing this. I’ve been reading up on Vitamin D so I checked to see how much I’ve been taking in total. So many things have Vit D added and I never thought to add it all up. I was taking WAY too much. I have to reduce my Vitamin D intake because that can effect calcium and that’s what’s wacky. I have to stop my morning antihistamine. But when she got to my fluid intake, things took a turn.

As you know, I started drinking RYZE mushroom coffee a year ago. I went on Noom and made several lifestyle changes and lost over 30 pounds. I also bought a second type of mushroom coffee that has more of a cocoa flavor. I’m afraid I am one of those people who think if one is good, two has to be better, right? Well…maybe not so much. I was drinking the RYZE and about a half dose of the other cocoa flavored mushroom coffee mixed in…AND I was having two mugs of this a day. Hey…I feel great! No muscle aches, no acid reflux, sleeping like a baby, and NO anxiety attacks. However…something has made my kidney numbers get a little wonky.

Personally, I think it is the cocoa flavored drink because it has Chaga mushroom in it. Multiple studies have shown chaga can cause oxalate crystals that can damage your kidneys. I had NO idea until yesterday that the extra cocoa drink I was consuming did indeed have chaga in it. The RYZE does not.

That being said, my doctor doesn’t know exactly what has caused the abnormality so she wants me to stop my beloved RYZE and the other drink, make the other changes, and recheck everything in six months. I am so bummed because, even though I can have the occasional cup of tea, I have to strictly stick to water. W.A.T.E.R. No sodas, no fizzy drinks, no flavorings. Ugh…I’ve never been a great water drinker as it is so I’m going to have to really up my game in the hydration department. As I’ve told you in the past, I’m not a doctor and I don’t give medical advice. I just tell people what I like and what has helped me. The lesson being, be sure you only use the recommended amount of anything. “Too much of a good thing” you know. And, remember to ask your medical provider if there’s a problem with you using supplements. I am sure I’ll be able to start the RYZE again after the labs get better because I don’t think that is what caused this. Till then….boring, boring, boring old water.

I know I share a lot here…I speak from my heart. But I do this because I’ve learned I’m not the only one who goes through the things I do. And if by sharing I can help another, then that’s what I’ll do. I hope I don’t make you uncomfortable.

Mr. FixIt and I went for a long walk after supper. The sun was shining and it was in the low 60’s. It was a beautiful day. Today is supposed to be rainy and we don’t have anyplace to go. It’s a knitting day!!!

🩵

”Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.“
3 John 1:2 NIV

The Need to Fix Things

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 02:30:00 -0600

When I was camping last week, I woke up after a great night’s sleep and looked around. I love this little camper…especially after I installed the new double recliner. It is so comfy and cozy…little, but the slide out makes the room seem much bigger. As I looked around my eyes settled on the ceiling. I have just enough artsy OCD in me that this ceiling bugs the dickens out of me. And I have enough self-awareness to know I’ll never do anything about it.

When I’m sitting in my Big Red Chair with ten projects half done in baskets around my feet, it doesn’t bother me a bit. But when I go to a hotel and I set out my personal items on the vanity…I place them precisely where I want them. And they have to stay there during the whole trip. I have no idea why, but I like the way it looks and makes the trip seem like a celebration for some reason.

I have to straighten picture frames, even if it’s in someone else’s house. I can’t go to bed with dirty dishes. I finally gave up on trying to keep my spices in alphabetical order. And I still make piles, but they’re MY piles. I know where everything is. lol

Yesterday was a very busy day. I saw my dry eye doctor…things have improved tremendously! I just need to keep on doing what I’m doing and I’ll be much better. Mr. FixIt thought that was the only thing I needed to do so he thought he’d ride in with me and work on his friend Joe’s storm door. That wasn’t going to happen. I had to go get blood drawn for an appointment next week. Then I went to the Bodega Coffee Shop and sipped a lovely chai latte and read a book I bought last year and have never taken the time for. I needed to me time.

I grabbed a quick salad at Wendy’s then spent the better part of the afternoon in the doctor’s office. Then it was a big trip to Sam’s and Wally World and it was dark by the time I got home. You don’t just walk in and relax after a trip like that. Everything has to come in the house. In order to fit the new things in the fridge, the old things have to be thrown away. In order to throw things out, the trash has to be emptied. Then all THOSE dishes have to be washed. It was quite a while before I got to settle in my Big Red Chair and write.

Snow is in the forecast here for tonight and tomorrow. How much is up for debate…maybe a couple of inches. Most of our storms come in from the southwest but this one looks to be coming in from the northwest and that brings in colder air. We’ve had more snow this winter than we have for a few years. But I’m ready. I have stocked up and don’t have to go anywhere till Monday for Knitting Group.

I’ll be happy as a clam all tucked in here at home, working on my projects.

That’s a Feel Good Friday in my book!

🩵

”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.”“
Mark 6:31 NIV

Another Sunny Day

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 02:30:00 -0600

The baby blanket I’m working on.

The temperature got up to 46° yesterday and today will be in the 50’s. It’s a welcome change from the deep freeze we’ve been in for the last couple of weeks. I didn’t get quite as much done as I wanted to, but I did finish two more babies, a pair of mittens, and another strip of the baby blanket. We had a lovely day at home. Personally…at this time of year, it all starts feeling like the movie Groundhog Day. It’s pretty much the same day…over and over and over.

I keep myself busy, and I try to do lots of new and interesting things, but I have to admit…I do get bored easily. My mind is already three months down the road, thinking of the next camping trip. We’ll be taking the camper down to the beach in April and I can hardly wait. I was telling Mr. FixIt, with the warmer nights coming up I can get out and “camp” out here on our property. I love that because it’s free and I can cook in my own kitchen!

Speaking of cooking, I fixed Gail’s Cabbage Roll Casserole yesterday. I had never had it till last summer but it’s become one of our favorites. Mr. FixIt often orders Cabbage Rolls when we eat at the diner. This tastes the same with much less work. And it’s so quick and easy to make. Is there anything better than fixing a meal for your sweetheart and have him smile and tell you it’s great? Mr. FixIt is so appreciative of everything I do for him and is quick to tell me so.

I’m really missing my mom this week. Today is her 20th Angelversary. It seems like forever since I’ve seen her. Somewhere in this house is a recording of her voice. On video and on a cassette tape. I sent her a children’s book and asked her to record herself reading it to Daughter #1, then mail them both to her for her birthday. I remember tucking the tape away in a drawer of an old roll top desk we had. Years later, when things were different in my life after Mr. Virgo died, I carefully put that cassette in a box of mementos where it sits today. I’ve dragged that box with me everywhere these last twenty years. Someday I’ll go through those boxes again and I’ll give that tape to my daughter. Bonus points if I find the book to go with it.

I’m heading to town today to meet with some high school friends for lunch then do some shopping. It may be a rainy day, but at least it will be warm!

🩵

”However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.“
Ephesians 5:33 ESV

It’s Okay to Say No

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 02:30:00 -0600

The fog rolling in over the far field.

God put it on my heart today to talk to you about something.

We’re heading into the busiest time of the year. Holiday decorating, shopping, baking, parties. It’s a whirlwind of activity and for many of us…it’s just overwhelming. We can’t all be like Martha Stewart. She works hard, I’m sure. But she has a staff to do the big stuff. So, I’m here to tell you…

You and I don’t have staff.

It’s okay to say no.

Let me say that another way…

IT. IS. OKAY. TO. SAY. NO!

You’re asked to bring five dozen cookies to the craft bazaar but you’re budget is feeling the pinch…just like that nerve in your back. But you hate to disappoint them.

It’s okay to say, “I’m sorry, I really can’t this year.”

You’re expected at yet another holiday event and you’ve been overloaded at work this week, but what will they think of you if you don’t at least make an appearance?

It’s okay to say, “I really wish I could make it, but I’m spread too thin this year. Thank you for the invitation, though! Let’s make it another time when things settle down.”

You’re grown kids want you to make their 37 favorite dishes this year for Christmas.

It’s ok to say, “I’d love to do that, but it’s a little much for me right now. Here are the 37 recipes. Why don’t you all go through the list, pick your top three, and come early. We’ll cook together. I’ll provide the wine!” This works for friends, too.

You’re neighbors have decorated to the nines and you hate for your house to look all dull and Scroogie compared to theirs.

It’s okay to call your local high school and see if their Booster Club might be interested in earning a little money if the kids could come and decorate for you. The teen group at your church might be interested, too.

You’re grieving the loss of someone special and your friends want to get you out of the house and “get your mind off things.” Your friends mean well, and this really could be something fun for you to do. But if you aren’t feeling it…

It’s ok to say, “No, thank you. I’m just really not feeling it this year. I’d love to go to coffee after the holidays, though! Let’s do that.”

At any given time, it is ok to say no if you’re just over it. We had to go to town nearly every day this week. The last two days, I felt myself getting overstimulated and agitated. So, I politely told Mr. FixIt that I’m going to stay home till Monday morning knitting group and again till my Wednesday mammogram. The roofers are starting soon and I want to ENJOY the holidays. I can’t if I’m overwhelmed and snippy.

I know there’s someone out there that needs to hear this. Just chill a little. You’ll be much happier, as will everyone around you, if you take a little “me time” and get some rest. Eat healthy foods. Get plenty of sleep. Drink lots of water and less alcohol. Get a massage. Meditate. Go to yoga. Take a walk. Listen to soft music. Spend some time with God, or whoever you pray to or consider a Higher Power. I want to be inclusive here because self care isn’t just for Christians.

Sending big hugs out to all of you. You’ve got this!

🎄

“And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”
Mark 6:31 ESV

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We’re getting down to the cutoff for Christmas ordering. I’d say by the end of next week, if you’re looking for something from my shop, you should have your orders in. I’d like to thank all of you who have been so supportive and are shopping small! I’m most appreciative.

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