{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "title": "Travel on Marshmallow Ranch", "icon": "https://avatars.micro.blog/avatars/2026/36/1962506.jpg", "home_page_url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/", "feed_url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/feed.json", "items": [ { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/07/10/the-little-petunia-that-could.html", "title": "The Little Petunia That Could", "content_html": "\n
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What a week!

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The travel was riddled with fits and starts. I got cellulitis in my foot. My brother was admitted to the hospital.

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Whew!

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But things are looking up! My foot is much better. My brother was discharged from the hospital and is feeling much better. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

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Even with all this, we’ve had a wonderful week. We visited with family from out of town. I’ve spent time with the kids and grandkids. I've baked, cooked, and eaten yummy food. We went to my favorite BBQ restaurant last night. Dickie’s BBQ is wonderful, and the ribs are so tender that they fall off the bone.

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Garden Flowers - Hail Storms - A Moon and Stars Watermelon - Crocheting a Baby Afghan

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I’ve taken more photos than anything else, so I’ll just leave you a gallery of pictures I’ve taken. I’m enjoying my stay with dear family members, and I know it will pass all too quickly, so my posts will be sporadic.

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Family first.

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I pray that if you have the chance to visit family and friends this summer, you will walk away with wonderful memories that will carry you till you meet again.

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💜

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Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5

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***Gratitude Journal***   Today, I am grateful for the beauty and love surrounding me. I’d forgotten how beautiful the Colorado sky is and how wonderful it feels to hug my peeps.
\n\n", "date_published": "2025-07-10T04:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/07/10/the-little-petunia-that-could.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/04/16/so-much-sea-to-see.html", "title": "So Much Sea to See…", "content_html": "\n
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We got up much earlier yesterday. I made breakfast sandwiches and we headed over to the old Bonner Bridge to do some fishing. Remember…I said FISHING, not CATCHING! I had one really good bite but I could not set the hook so were were out of luck again. But that’s ok. Sitting out there in the sunshine, watching the inlet where the sound meets the ocean, and being with Mr. FixIt was all I needed. By noon, the wind picked up and I had my heavy Notre Dame sweatshirt on under my ski shell but it was getting kinda miserable. We packed up and decided to explore the southern end of the island. 

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We went all the way down to Hatteras Village. We stopped at a Day Use Area on the sound side and cooked our hotdogs in the solar oven. We watched the kite surfers. We stopped at Lee Robinson’s General Store for an ice cream. Then we went all the way up to Nag’s Head to fill up the truck. We wandered around Harris Teeter again. We love to just look at the stuff. I found some Decaf Tetley Tea in the clearance bin. I used to drink Tetley Tea when I lived in England.

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It was 5:30 by the time we got back to the camper. I fixed hamburger steaks, asparagus, and Jasmine rice for supper. Then it was time to go over to the marina to watch the sunset. It didn’t disappoint, but the temperature dropped and the wind picked up, so we soon headed back for the night.

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Today is Wednesday and our week here is half over. Today and tomorrow is supposed to be chilly with some rain so we likely will not go fishing. There are some other things we want to do while we are down here so we may explore some more. Or, we may just hang out at the campground and cook, eat, knit, and nap! That wouldn’t hurt my feelings one bit!

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🩵

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“The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.”   ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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***Gratitude Journal***   
Today I am grateful that…even in the midst of great uncertainty in the world…I can commune with God on the beaches of His ocean. I can find peace and joy in the smallest of moments and know that He is with me…always. He will never leave me nor forsake me. This gives me great strength and the courage to face the turbulent times ahead.
\n\n", "date_published": "2025-04-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/04/16/so-much-sea-to-see.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","Grace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/04/15/so-much-to-do.html", "title": "So Much To Do…", "content_html": "\n
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So little time! We had a slow morning and probably shouldn’t have. We had steak and eggs for breakfast…yummmm! Then Mr. FixIt fiddled around with the fishing gear. By the time we got to the bridge to fish, the wind had picked up and it was fairly miserable. We didn’t even get a nibble and after two hours, we quit. We used Mr. FixIt’s new toy. I bought him this little solar stove for cooking hotdogs out on the bridge or on the beach. You can only make two at a time, but it was so cool. They cooked up great in only fifteen minutes or so. If you want more, it’s no problem to make.

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We came back to the camper for another little nap. SO decadent. We drove up to Jeanette’s Pier to see how the fishing was. We may go back up there today to try our luck.

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We went to Wendy’s for a quick dinner then down to the sound side waterfront to watch the sunset. We were walking toward the observation tower when a kite surfer was walking back to take off his gear. I stopped to snap a picture and three seconds later, I was flat on the ground. I thought there was a curb in front of me so I raised my foot up to step onto it…only to find there wasn’t one. My foot came down hard and my left foot wasn’t ready to move yet so down I went. Mr. FixIt came running to help me and felt so bad he wasn’t there to catch me. Truth be told, the way I went down, I would surely have taken him down with me. Nothing much hurt other than my pride. I’ll be sore today, I’m sure but no harm done.

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The sunset WAS beautiful. There was a lady there taking lots of pictures. Her son and eleven year old grandson are those two you see windsurfing in the pictures. By the time the sun went down, we were ready to head back to the camper and call it a day. Sunday night was the full moon but last night’s was bound to be gorgeous coming up over the ocean. As I’m writing this, I’m considering going back out to see it, but I don’t know. I’m pretty windburned after being out in it all day.

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It’s so nice to be in a different place for awhile. It was really hot at home yesterday and they had big storms so I was just as glad to miss that. I was talking to Mr. FixIt last night. I can understand why family vacations aren’t always a vacation for Mom. She has to do all the things she does at home but in a much smaller space with amped up kids who have mosquito bites and bee stings and sunburns. And usually a husband who sits in the lawn chair reading the paper and poking the fire with a big stick. In between going around and talking to every guy in the campground about camping and fishing and who got the best gas mileage or some such thing. That isn’t much fun for Mom…but she knows she’s making memories for her family and that’s the important thing.

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We didn’t really have family vacations when I was growing up save for a week visiting cousins. When Daughter #1 was little, she had to go spend a lot of the summer with her father in Kentucky and Hubby #2 was in medical school, internship & residency, and starting up a new practice. She was sixteen by the time her little sister was born then off to college before we knew it. Now, Mr. FixIt and his family went to the beach every summer and the kids have great memories of that. I regret not giving my girls that kind of experience, but our life just wasn’t arranged in a way where we could.

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As we’re getting older, I told Mr. FixIt our memory dims and we don’t remember the trips we take or they get all jumbled up together. We should make a slide show with all our best pictures from our trips and watch them every summer and just stay home and save money! lol

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I hope your weather has been good where you are and that you have good memories of vacations past.

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🩵

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“but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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Gratitude Journal Today I am grateful I didn’t hurt myself when I fell. I need to be more careful as the risk of falling increases year after year.

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\n\n", "date_published": "2025-04-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/04/15/so-much-to-do.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/04/13/a-great-start-to-the.html", "title": "A Great Start to the Day", "content_html": "\n
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Thank you, Jesus for getting us here safely!

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I couldn’t believe it…we both slept twelve hours Friday night! We were exhausted. The sound of the rain on the roof was the lullaby we needed. We got on the road about 10:00 yesterday morning and drove till we found a Cracker Barrel near the interstate (I-40, exit 141). We received a Gift Card from there for Christmas so we decided to do that rather than go through the drive through at some fast food joint. It was a great idea! The staff were excellent, the restaurant was clean, the food was wonderful, and even though the place was packed, we were in and out in a timely fashion. We’ll definitely come back here and we may camp in their parking lot for the night instead of stopping at a campground. We had a leisurely breakfast and were ready to face the day.

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There were places coming through the Raleigh Durham area where the interstate was six lanes wide. Apparently the speed limit is just a mere suggestion to these folks because they sped around me like I was standing still. Many delivered the “one finger salute” on their way by. The most excitement we saw on the way here was coming out of the Walmart and being confronted by FIVE police cars and a lot of yelling. I had no idea what was going on, but we beat a hasty retreat to the truck.

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We arrived at the campground at a little after 6:00. The wind was blowing around 15mph so the wind chill was around 45°. Pretty chilly when you’re trying to get a camper unhooked and set up. There were some food items we could have brought in, but by the time we got everything done, we decided a ham sandwich and chips was good enough along with a hot beverage.

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My sister/friend in Florida told me about the pink moon last night but we couldn’t see it for the clouds. Besides, by 8:45 we were in bed for the night. It’s nice we don’t have to go anywhere or do anything today. We can watch church online. And a lazy day knitting will be nice. I brought some lovely purple yarn that Gail gave me last winter to start a pair of socks.

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No rain on the roof last night…just gusty wind.

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🚙💨

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“The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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Gratitude Journal Today, I am grateful for safe travels and my wonderful traveling partner. He’s a good navigator and we enjoy a feisty repartee along the way.
\n\n", "date_published": "2025-04-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/04/13/a-great-start-to-the.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grace","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/04/04/time-travel.html", "title": "Time Travel", "content_html": "\n
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You can see our apartment building through the trees to the right. We called the large house to the left the Manor House. There was a small office around the right side of that building where we paid the rent.

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A couple of weeks ago, I had fun playing with Google Earth. I looked at all the places I’ve lived in the states. Then, we had breakfast with my friend Cindy…my neighbor in England. It got me wondering if I could “walk” around the villages and see if anything still looked familiar to me. So, today I’m taking you on a trip to the UK.

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”The Swan” pub about a mile from our apartment. There is a small garden to the left with market lights strung across. We used to meet Cindy and her husband there for Cornish Pasties and Guinness on Friday nights.

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Hubby #1 was in the Air Force stationed at RAF Greenham Common and RAF Welford (a bomb storage facility.) Greenham opened in 1942 and had four runways. It was used by the USAF during WWII and the Cold War. While we were there, it was primarily a mail sorting and storage facility. There was a clinic, a movie theater, a grocery store, a base exchange, a post office, and several other buildings. I arrived in July of 1973, the first year of the International Air Tattoo, a large scale international military air show. That’s where I first saw the Concorde. It flew right over our apartment and was extraordinarily LOUD. We left in late 1974. In 1980, RAF Greenham Common was one of two British bases that housed the USAF’s mobile nuclear armed cruise missiles. 

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A narrowboat on the River Kennet near The Swan. I have a picture of my mom holding Daughter #1 in my green and white Mini Cooper sitting right there in front of the gate. People rent narrowboats for their holiday (vacation) much like we would go camping.

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We rented a third floor flat in Thatcham, a small village near Newbury. It was quaint homes with small postage stamp gardens in front. Shopping was within walking distance and we carried a market basket with us for our daily shopping. I still have mine. Daughter #1 was born almost exactly a year after I arrived in country.

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Another narrowboat further along the Kennet and Avon Canal.

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The little shops that lined the streets were mesmerizing…especially the bakeries with their elaborate window displays of sweets. One of my favorite treats was “Walnut Whips,” a small crisp cookie with a whipped filling covered in chocolate and a walnut half on top. SO decadent. One of my favorite excursions was to a local shop for afternoon tea. This was traditionally a light mid-afternoon affair serving finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries. This was especially lovely when I was pregnant. My GYN, Mr. Stallabrass, had an office in Reading at the Royal Berkshire Maternity Unit. After my appointments, I often took afternoon tea in a small cottage overlooking Windsor Castle. 

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We lived on the economy, not in base housing, so we experienced life as locals might…even though there was no mistaking the fact we were Yanks. Many of the locals didn’t care for us…especially the men. They held a grudge since the ward because Yanks came in and married the women and took them home to the States.

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Donnington Castle near Newbury

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We kept busy in our off time visiting the tourist sites like Donington Castle, Winchester Cathedral, Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Big Bend, the Tower of London. When my mom came to visit, we asked her what she wanted to do. My mother was quite naive to the ways of the world but she had an adventurous side. When she told me she wanted to go see a burlesque show, I was a bit taken aback, but we hopped a train to London and saw a show in the Soho District. I think mom was expecting something like Carmen Miranda. Instead, we got naked people swimming in a glass sided pool onstage. She wanted to wander through the shops. There were women posing in storefront windows and shops that sold “things we’d never seen before.” That’s where I drew the line and dragged her home. lol She was a hoot!

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One of my favorite stores was Marks & Spencer in Newbury. It was kind of like a Penneys.

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Many years later, when mom had passed, I picked up where she left off in building the family tree. The onset of the Internet made things so much easier to research and I was dumbfounded when I learned my PopPop’s ancestors came from a village not ten miles from where we lived in England. If I’d only known, I could have done research on site!

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You cannot go to England without visiting Stonehenge. It’s truly magical!

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My time living there left me with some of my most fond memories. I always thought I’d go back there and visit…maybe take my daughter there to see where she was born. I don’t know that I’ll ever get back there, but Google Earth lets me time travel from the comfort of my Big Red Chair…whenever I want.

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🩵🌷🩵

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“Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”” ‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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***Gratitude Journal***   
Today I am grateful for the memories of my travels abroad in my youth. They will keep me company in my final years.
\n\n", "date_published": "2025-04-04T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/04/04/time-travel.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/10/27/im-home-but.html", "title": "I’m Home, But….", "content_html": "\n
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All the way home, I wasn’t quite sure the truck was actually fixed. Something felt off but I decided it’s just getting older…like me. I have creaks and pops from time to time. I made it all the way home with no problems. Got the truck unpacked, unhitched the camper, and was getting ready for bed when I realized I was out of something important. I just hopped back in the truck and drove over the hill to town. On the way back, at the bottom of the hill….you guessed it. The truck died the same way it did before at the beach!

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Unless this is an easy fix, I’m done pouring money in this old truck. I’m sad thinking of the possibilities this might entail. However, I went to sleep with GREAT gratitude that God got me home before the truck bit the berry. I could have been on the top of some mountain somewhere. Or in that tunnel!!! Instead, I got to run into my sweetheart’s arms for a great big delicious hug!

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Life is basically good, y’all. You just get knocked around a little from time to time. That’s all.

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🩵

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“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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#troubles #faith #oldtruck #breakdown

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I told you all I was going to drive the route that takes you through the tunnel that goes under the Chesapeake Bay and I was a little nervous about it. Well, I pulled off at the last exit before the tunnel and stopped at the biggest Walmart I have ever seen to visit the ladies room. When I pulled back out on the road, I said a quick prayer and asked Jesus to come ride along with me. I opened my eyes and started laughing when I read the license plate on the car in front of me.

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“Well played, Jesus! Well played, indeed.”

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I realized there really wasn’t anything to worry about. After all, the Eisenhower Tunnel is longer and I go through that without a thought. And what about the Moffat Tunnel on the train, right? Now, THAT’S a tunnel!

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I drove for three hours or so but since I’d been up since 4:30, I pulled into one of my favorite rest areas and climbed in the camper for a two hour nap.

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Just past Charlotte, the traffic on I-64 came to a complete stop. For nine miles we just crawled along. I got to Waynesboro and pulled into a Cracker Barrel parking lot at dusk and slipped into one of the RV spots. I went in and ordered a salad and came out to talk with the gals camping next to me. They were the BEST and we had so much fun talking. There’s a bar nearby that’s playing loud music but that won’t last forever!

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I’ll be home tonight!!!

\n\n", "date_published": "2024-10-26T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/10/26/ridin-with-jesus.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/10/18/making-progress.html", "title": "Making Progress", "content_html": "\n
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AAA came yesterday and towed our truck to the garage. They were kind enough to let us ride along and dropped us off to pick up the rental car. It’s a tiny Ford Focus that feels like a sardine can compared to our F-150. But we’re grateful to have it.

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They’ll look at the truck this morning. Hopefully it’s something minor. \"🙏\" We went to a couple of shops then met the kids at the ice cream shop. We met our kids and their friends for supper. Afterwards, we went to the marina for the sunset and it was a doozy!

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The best news is, we rechecked the reservation system for our campground and someone had cancelled an electric site and I snapped it up in a hurry! So, if we have to stay a few more days, we’ll have power.

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See, what I told you is right. God answers our prayers and helps us with the most mundane things if we ask. If it’s His will. We ended the evening cuddled up on the loveseat recliner watching Andy Griffith. You know, he lived just a few miles from here in Manteo. The gal at the garage says he wanted to be left alone and hated it if people bothered him in his personal life. The locals learned to go down a different aisle at the market when he was in there. She said Andy walked around barefoot 365 days a year. It must be challenging to be so recognized and well loved that you can’t even go out to dinner in a restaurant without people interrupting you.

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Hopefully today brings good news regarding the truck.

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\"🩵\"
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Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:2

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#trials, #camping, #OBX

\n\n", "date_published": "2024-10-18T14:20:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/10/18/making-progress.html", "tags": ["Travel"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/08/09/ughreentry-blahs.html", "title": "Ugh…Re-Entry Blahs", "content_html": "\n
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Show of hands…who can relate to needing a vacation after a vacation? Most of us, right? I took Tuesday off, but I’ve been busy ever since. We had to take the camper to a dealer yesterday to have the damage from the Kansas storm assessed. The folks at the service department were blown away at the story of the storm that took us by surprise and nearly blew US away. I’m not turning the camper over for repairs until camping season is over. But in the meantime, I wanted the roof checked as well as the stabilizer jacks. They got tweaked by the force of the storm literally lifting the camper off the ground on one side then dropping it back down. Both motions are damaging to the mechanics of the support jacks and that’s what keeps you level. The dealership we chose was the one the original owner purchased the camper from. It’s a fifty mile round trip but they know Jayco campers. The staff were wonderful. The service guy noticed a couple of places on the roof that needed patched and I’m really glad we took it in before we camp more this season. Water leaks kill campers.

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So, it didn’t seem like I did a lot yesterday, but I still had to get back to Parkersburg, do some grocery shopping, get the camper back home and unhooked, then fix supper and clean the kitchen. I was toast. I did make a great southern supper last night. Baked pork chops, fried green tomatoes (in the air fryer) and corn on the cob. So, so yummy! I love summer time!

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I may not do much today. The kids are coming over this weekend for a barbecue and swimming so I’m sure I’ll be busy doing some things around here. Thank you to everyone who sent prayers and good wishes for Hubby #2 and his recovery from his heart transplant. He has a long process ahead of him but we are all so grateful he’s still with us. I’ll save the trip to the farm for next week. Then I can have a formal break! lol

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In the meantime….I need to put stuff away!!!

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😣

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“But all things should be done decently and in order.”

\n1 Corinthians 14:40 ESV\n
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#Vacation, #CatchingUp, #ReEntry

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I stripped the beds and washed the linens yesterday. I cooked up two pounds of breakfast sausage to put in the freezer. One pound in patties for breakfasts and the other half pound for biscuits and gravy on the road. I went through the kitchen boxes and took out what we really don’t need and added some things we did. Our son and daughter-in-law came out last night with the grandpup to make sure he knew what obstacles to look for in the yard when they mow. Keys have been dispensed. Mail has been held. Kitty has been taken care of. Now the only thing to do is pack the truck, hook up the camper, and hit the road tomorrow. I’ll want to get a pretty early start so we can get to our campsite at a decent hour. I love ending the driving day by 3-4:00 at the latest. That way we can have a rest, fix a nice supper, and head to bed for a good night’s sleep before doing it all over again. We’ll be spending four nights on the road in each direction. Three of those nights will be at campgrounds we’ve stopped at before and loved and one for a new adventure. We take a more northerly route going out, and more southerly coming back. I’d love to have a trip where we could just meander on the two lanes and take as much time as we’d like, but this is not one of those trips. We have things that are more pressing this go round.

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I’m just going to drop in with “picture postcards” till we get there and get settled. 

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Who’s up for a ROAD TRIP???

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🚙

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““You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.”

\nExodus 23:9 ESV\n
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#Travel, #RoadTrip, #Camping

\n\n", "date_published": "2024-06-26T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/06/26/almost-ready.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/05/06/the-looooong-drive-home.html", "title": "The L-o-o-o-o-o-ng Drive Home", "content_html": "\n
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Our peonies will bloom soon!

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Mr. FixIt’s alarm rang exactly five minutes after we woke up. Ohhhh, it was hard to drag myself out of bed, knowing this would bring us home and this trip would be officially put to bed. But, duty called and home beckoned and we were soon tidied up and ready to roll. We stopped for gas and a breakfast sandwich and were on the road by 8:30-9:00.

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It rained off and on which makes travel with a camper slower. You can’t drive in cruise control with wet roads. And you have to drive 5-10 miles lower than the speed limit. We made steady progress. We stopped a couple of times for potty and coffee breaks. It always feels good to get out and stretch your legs.

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We finally got to I-77 and turned north, only to be confronted with an information sign saying all lanes were blocked up ahead due to a crash and we would be asked to take a detour at Exit 19. That meant we actually drove 19 miles into Virginia before the you-know-what hit the fan. Several miles before the detour, we sat in totally stopped traffic for quite some time. We inched and inched forward till we finally made the exit and followed the dense line of traffic. 

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There were no directions to tell us where to go so we all played Pied Piper and drove in single file to who knows where. There really wasn’t anyplace to get off the road till we found ourselves WAY out in the country on a one-and-a-half lane blacktop. There at the tippy top of a hill with the most magnificent views sat a volunteer fire department. We pulled into the lot and I reached for the Rand McNally Atlas to get my bearings. By this time we had circled around nearly to the on-ramp at Exit 24…two miles past the site of the accident. By the time, the road was clear and the detour took us at least three hours…to go five miles forward from where we got off the interstate.

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Mr. FixIt finally found a local news story about the accident. It happened up on Fancy Gap…a mountain in the Blue Ridge that is commonly socked in by fog. It was super foggy yesterday morning…even when we were coming up the mountain. The accident involved four tractor trailers and three passenger vehicles. According to the news report, only one person was taken to the hospital by one of the firemen just to get checked out. By the time the rescue crews got to site of the accident, everyone was out of their vehicles. From the looks of the cars and trucks, I am amazed no one was seriously injured or killed. Thank you, God!

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The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful. Rain, sun, repeat. We got home in time for Mr. FixIt to jump in the shower and head BACK into town for his bowling banquet. That was the entire purpose of coming back home yesterday…he didn’t want to miss his friends at the banquet. I unhooked the camper, pulled out enough food to make a ham, egg, and cheese tortilla and fruit for dessert and I was totally done for. I went inside and took my shower then came back out to the camper to cool off and write my post for today.

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I did get a quick walkabout to see what’s grown since we left. the answer is…EVERYTHING! OMGosh! The whole field looks like it needs brush-hogged. I don't see a whole lot that is impressive in the pollinator garden. There is a lot of Dead Nettle and Buttercups blooming. Daisies will be opening soon then I'll find sweet little wildflowers amongst the grasses. if it were left up to me, I'd leave the whole field alone. but, I'm not sure I can convince Mr. FixIt. We'll see.

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This morning is knitting group then a trip to town to pick up prescriptions and stock up the fridge. I have no idea when we'll be able to fit mowing in. It's supposed to rain for the next ten days! I hope you've been well. I'll be back tomorrow to tell you more stories and such. After I catch my breath!

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🌸🌼🌸

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“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”

\nIsaiah 32:18 NIV\n
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#SafeTravels, #Home, #Tired

\n\n", "date_published": "2024-05-06T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/05/06/the-looooong-drive-home.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Road Trip","Pollinator Garden"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/05/05/were-halfway-home.html", "title": "We’re Halfway Home", "content_html": "\n
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Well, we got to the “be-here-by-7:30-or-sleep-in-the-parking-lot” campground at 4:00. Plenty of time to make nice to the nice lady at the desk and ask for a more level site. She accommodated us and in no time at all, we had Grace tucked in between the big girls! Doesn’t she look so tiny??? We are actually one site away from a view of the lake and if it weren’t for that big building on wheels to the left there, we’d wake up with a gorgeous view. That’s ok…I don’t care. I was just really excited to get out of the truck and close my eyes for a few minutes.

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We drove into rain around Raleigh-Durham. It was fairly light but people were driving like maniacs and I am sure I ticked them off driving a few miles under the speed limit. That’s ok…I don’t care. I basically stayed to the right and let them move on. I will say, there is some warped sense of satisfaction when someone passes you going 90 and a few miles ahead, they’re pulled over to the side of the road talking with the friendly person with the blue lights on top of their car. Karma is something, isn’t it?

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I really wasn’t hungry. I cooked us a couple big breakfast burritos before we took off yesterday morning. Then in the early afternoon, we stopped at Bojangles. I love being in the south. The restaurant was packed and we were the only white people in there. I would imagine there are people who might be frightened or uncomfortable in that situation, but we were met with a roomful of smiling faces and friendly greetings. People are people in our eyes and really…we’ve never met a stranger!

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I bought the pulled pork sandwich special but could only eat one so Mr. FixIt had the second one for supper last night. I got up to fix it for him and noticed water on the floor. That is something you do not want to see in a camper. Water kills campers. I took the facing off the area where the water seemed to be coming from and I didn’t find a real source. And there wasn’t a LOT of water…just a little trickle. I had Mr. Fixit turn off the city water to see if that stopped it. (It did!) Then I laid down a desiccant water absorber bag to draw up any water that may continue to come out from under the wall. With a camper, it’s not a case of IF it will spring a leak. It’s WHEN. Because they all do at some point. We’ll sleuth it out when we get home.

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Our site was fairly quiet. The big rigs DO make a lot more noise because they have more mechanical processes going on all the time. We were just happy to chill out and I looked forward to my evening snack of yogurt, granola, fresh fruit and a good night’s sleep. We’ll be back home tonight!

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☔️

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”Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the Israelites, “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.”“

\nJoshua 9:6 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-05-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/05/05/were-halfway-home.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Grace","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/05/02/playing-tourist-for-the-day.html", "title": "Playing Tourist for the Day", "content_html": "\n
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The site where Mr. FixIt’s daughter spread her late husband’s ashes.

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After breakfast, we headed up north to get some ice and fresh fruit and to fill up the truck. We got a really good deal on gas at Speedway for $3.13gal. Not bad for out here on the island. Once we had the coolers filled up, we closed up the windows and headed south all the way down to Hatteras Village where the ferry goes over to Ocracoke Island. We meandered back, stopping here and there to see the sights and play tourist. 

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Our son-in-law passed away suddenly at the age of 50. This was shortly before I was introduced into the family so I never got the chance to meet him, but I hear he was quite the character. Our daughter spread some of his ashes at the beach where the old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse once stood before it was moved to its current location. So every time we are down here, we go say hello to George.

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The lighthouse itself is completely ensconced in scaffolding where they are doing a major restoration. It will be closed to visitors until Spring 2026, but the Light-keeper’s house and Museum is open as well as the gift shop. I treated myself to a new cookbook. It looks lovely and has some of the dishes that Mr. FixIt and I both love when we dine out here on the OBX. I shouldn’t say it was my only splurge down here. We went to Belks in Kill Devil Hills looking for a new wallet for me. The cover on my old one was starting to shed small bits of pink plastic from the faux leather. It has served me well over the last ten years, so it was time to get a new one.

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We stopped at the Blue Pelican Gallery. I was looking for my friend Chris, but she is usually at home creating things for the shop and I only get to catch her about every other year. She sells yarn in her shop and there were some pretty ones, but I just really need to use up what I have before I go buying more. Remember, my words for 2024 are “Use it up!” I’m trying really hard to do that. We were at several little shops and Mr. FixIt showed me some cute shirts, but I told him I had plenty of clothes and I don’t need anything more right now.

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Oregon Inlet Marina…the water was like glass because the wind stopped!

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So, we just had a wonderful day together. We’ll try to get some fishing in today and tomorrow. We head home day after tomorrow and there will be a line at the dump station, so we’re going to hook the camper up tomorrow afternoon and take it across the road to empty the tanks. We can sleep in it overnight while it’s hooked up then just pull out on Saturday morning and hit the road.

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It’s hard to believe our time at the beach is nearly over. It really has been a beautiful trip and we have the October stay already booked!

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☀️

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”If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.“

\nPsalms 139:9-10 NIV\n
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#OBX, #Camping, #Grace

\n\n", "date_published": "2024-05-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/05/02/playing-tourist-for-the-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Grace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/04/26/ford-turkey.html", "title": "Ford 1, Turkey 0", "content_html": "\n
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This was the view at Oak Hollow Family Campground. When I checked out yesterday morning, the gal at the front desk was NOT happy that we snuck in after hours on another camper’s heels, nor that we took the site we thought was ours only to find we were supposed to be nine doors down. I mea culpaed my way out the door because we’re supposed to stay there again on our way home. This time we’ll be SURE to get there early!

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Yesterday was a perfect travel day. We both slept well and Mr. FixIt LOVES the new beds so I’ll call that a big win for the remodel! We split the trip in two days of 300 miles driving. We had no issues save for a bobble here and there. I forgot to update the GPS and there was a new interchange that it didn’t recognize. We got turned around a little here and there from that, but it recalculated and we were soon on the right path. 

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Somewhere on US 64, a hen turkey flew right in front of us and there was no way to safely avoid hitting her. I hated it so bad and when I looked back there was a sea of feathers. We talked about it and Mr. FixIt said if the bird would have been three or four inches higher, it would have hit the grille of our truck and break it. If it would have been a foot higher, it would have hit the windshield and bounced up to the front of the camper. That would have been a costly repair. 

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We finally got to the island around 3:30 in the afternoon. We were on the Croatan Highway heading to the campground when the light suddenly changed and the guy in front of me slammed on his brakes. I slammed on mine. And the guy in the one ton behind us not only slammed on HIS brakes…he slid into the middle turn lane at an angle and stopped about six inches off our bumper! Thank God we are all safe.

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Our campground is quiet considering it’s Bike Week down here. Of course, the fact that the temperature was in the low 50’s here today surely dampened the spirit of all but the hardiest of bikers. We met up with our son and daughter-in-law and the former Mrs. FixIt and her sister for dinner. They all came back to the camper to see the remodel and loved it.

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We went to the store for a few things then came back and settled in for the night. We’ll get together with the kids today and do something. It’s supposed to be sunny, but not very warm so fishing may not be on the agenda. But it’s sure to be fun!

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☀️

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”Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”“

\nLuke 6:38 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-04-26T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/04/26/ford-turkey.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/04/23/twelve-long-hours.html", "title": "Twelve Long Hours", "content_html": "\n
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Mr. FixIt’s bed is finished. We just need to put the plywood on top. The pretty facia will have to wait till we get home from the beach. I think we have a lot more usable storage now.

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Yesterday was a long day and I got a lot done. I got up super early and went to Lowe’s for MORE wood! Do you know they open at 6:00? Who knew? Well, we are going to have beds to sleep on, but the fun and fru-fru stuff won’t be finished before we go to the beach. But that’s ok. We’ll work on it when we get back and by the time we go to Colorado, it will be a show piece! But, I’m telling you…I’m whupped! I told Mr. FixIt I can’t wait to get to the beach and relax. He’s as ready as I am.

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I took a break around 4:30 and started supper. I bought a package of lamb chops at Aldi the other day. I usually get them at Sam’s, but these were MUCH better. So tender and flavorful. I forgot to set them in marinade so I wanted to use some really flavorful seasonings. I picked up some of Tabitha Brown’s Very Good Garlic Seasoning at the store a couple of weeks ago. Put some in a gallon plastic bag along with a little extra garlic. Zip it closed and shake to coat. Fry the in a skillet and when they are still slightly pink, remove them from the heat, squeeze some honey over each chop and a generous squeeze of an orange, and let rest while you prepare the sides. I put some quarter gold baby potatoes in the air-fryer when I started the lamb. 

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I was gifted some fresh asparagus yesterday by my sweet friends at knitting group. (I went for an hour till the frost was off the grass.) I love asparagus! I always put it on a plate and squeeze fresh lemon juice on it. Cover it with plastic wrap and microwave it for one minute, test to see if it’s done. If not, nuke it another minute. That just about does it for my liking. I like them to still snap when I bite into them. By this time, the lamb has rested for about 20 minutes. I just pop the chops in the skillet real quick to warm them up and it’s time to plate your food! It was divine and I’m crazy about Tabitha Brown and her delicious seasonings…check her out @iamtabithabrown on Instagram and https://www.facebook.com/ActressTabithaBrown

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I need to do a few more things today to the camper, then I’ll throw some things together for the trip and we’ll pack up the truck bright and early in the morning. Ummmmm….do you remember last week when I said I was going to be SUPER organized this trip? Yeah…God just laughs and laughs!

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🩵🌷🩵

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”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.“

\nPsalms 37:23-24 NIV\n
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#Camper, #Remodel, #Travel

\n\n", "date_published": "2024-04-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/04/23/twelve-long-hours.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/04/21/a-day-of-planning-and.html", "title": "A Day of Planning and Gathering", "content_html": "\n
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I figured I’d better make Mr. FixIt a nice breakfast after springing the bedroom remodel for the camper on him unexpectedly and at the last minute. I was up super early…for me. It wasn’t quite 5:00 and even though I tried to go back to sleep, it was no go. I had too many things whirling through my mind. I got up and searched Pinterest for remodel ideas till I heard my sweetie up and rummaging around. He didn’t have any special requests for breakfast, so I made us spinach and mushroom omelets. Ohhhhh, they were so good and he was a happy camper!

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We have a lot to do before the trip so I headed out to the camper to do a few things before I invited him out to see what I’ve done. He actually loved the design and he helped me tweak a few things. He told me in general what we needed to buy and I wrote everything down along with the measurements. We gathered up our lists and drawings and started to leave for Lowe’s when he got a phone call from our grandson. 

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The trip to Portsmouth to buy a Jeep on Friday was a bust, but he found another one just west of Columbus. He wanted to know if his Grandpa would take him over there. We don’t get to see this young man often enough so of course he said yes…it’s what Grandpas do! I told Mr. FixIt to take my truck and I’d take his to town and buy the stuff. That turned into a five hour ordeal. I had to stop at Walmart first and get gas and a prescription. I wandered around there for a little bit buying some last minute things then headed over to Lowe’s.

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The store was slammed and they were short staffed. I finally found a nice young man who helped me till it was time to check out and go home. Then another nice young man took his place. They helped me select the right wood. They sorted and picked out the best and straightest boards in each size. I chose one kind of plywood then I thought I’d better check in with Mr. FixIt to see if he thought we should go a little thicker. We decided to go with the beefier plywood. 

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That’s the way it went the whole time. I wanted white board and bead paneling for the base. Then I thought I’d better get the grey wood. The guys loaded in on my cart, but by the time I got up front, I changed my mind because if I’m going to go to all this trouble, I’d better get what’s going to make me smile every time I see it. I went back and got the white board and bead. Then I had to find the right screws, a multi-tool blade, a couple of piano hinges, and some Phillips head drill bits. We stripped a couple yesterday and I wanted to be sure I had just what I needed. I even found the piston hinges I wanted. The good thing is, I can return anything I don’t use.

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By 5:00 this afternoon, this fatigue I’ve been dealing with this week started coming on. I asked Hubby #2 the other night if my symptoms from the Shingrix shot were normal and he said yes…it’s just all part of it. I will say, yesterday’s symptoms were far less than the day before so it’s getting better. I did stay better hydrated and actually felt like eating something, so I’m sure that helped.

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Today I can get back out there and start the build. I received a notification last night that we had a frost warning from 2:00 to 8:00 this morning. Ugh…we just can’t break out of this cycle. It won’t last long, but it won’t be very warm either. Building is the fun part!

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Oh, and just a note. I remember a few years ago I put something out here on my blog about putting your little scraps of thread and yarn out in the spring for birds to pick up…then you find colorful nests. However, that turned out to be wrong according to Julie Zickefoose, (https://www.juliezickefoose.blogspot.com )my favorite bird expert and friend that I’ve never met. Julie doesn’t live all that far from me but her life is busier than mine and that’s saying something! One of these days we’ll meet in person. Anyway, some of you suggested I put dryer lint out in the yard for the birds to use as nesting material and, you know me…I research the heck out of everything. Turns out, lint is NOT for the birds! Here’s a great article: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/providing-nest-material-for-birds-dos-donts/ 

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So, until tomorrow, I’ll be in the camper getting this thing done! Enjoy your Sunday, my friends!

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🩵

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”The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.“

\nProverbs 21:5 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-04-21T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/04/21/a-day-of-planning-and.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","New Ideas","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/04/19/wowza-what-a-storm.html", "title": "Wowza, What a Storm!", "content_html": "\n
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My little buddy came out after the rain. The toads sit under the solar and porch lights and catch bugs!

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The severe thunderstorm that was forecast for Thursday night began to announce it’s arrival about 10 minutes after I finished scheduling yesterday’s post. When you hear a nonstop rumble of thunder getting louder and louder, you first glance at your phone. Is it going to scoot past us this time or are we in a direct line. Before I even looked at the radar, my gut said I’d better get in the house. I wasn’t in there ten minutes when it hit with a vengeance!

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Pretty good sized hail for these parts but not a lot of it right here at the house. The wind drove the heavy rain straight sideways which drove the hailstones into the glass storm door. We were mesmerized. But it was over as quickly as it came. We only got about a half inch of rain so we were ok.

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Yesterday was such a busy day, I had a hard time keeping up with everything I accomplished. I fixed our favorite breakfast…grits and eggs. Then I went out and started working on the camper. I needed to de-winterize it which entails turning off the hot water heater bypass, filling the freshwater tank with filtered water and an ounce of bleach to sterilize it. I flushed out all the water lines and put deodorizer down the drains and the toilet. I sat and looked at the bed and wondered if I could get it converted to two twins before we leave next Wednesday. Jury’s out on that one.

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I went back in the house and fixed an early supper. We were both working on projects outside so we didn’t want to have a heavy dinner. I just fixed ham sandwiches and air fried french fries. Quick and easy. I did a load of laundry, brought the tubs of camping gear out of the storage room downstairs, and brought them upstairs. Then I decided to go ahead and print out our itinerary from RVLife.

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You know how computers and I get along. First, I tried to print them from the app, but there isn’t a button to select. So I went on the desktop. I could sign in, but I could not open the trip to print it. Every time I tried, it logged me out and I had to go through the whole thing again. After about four tries, I decided to get my laptop out and try it. Even that was difficult, but after three tries, I was in.

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I clicked print and nothing happened. I looked at the printer queue and it showed there was a document waiting but eventually it just gave me an error code. This is where my mom would said she “was about to lose her religion”…meaning she was about to say a bad word. I have to laugh because Mom’s “bad words” were like, heck and darn. I was thinking all the words a sailor would say, but out of deference to my late mother, I bit my tongue.

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I looked online to see how to fix it and it said to remove the printer and reinstall it. Cool. I deleted it. The next step was, put the CD that came with your printer in the slot on your laptop. Ummmmm…sorry, this laptop doesn’t HAVE a cd-rom on it! Now I was in a pickle. But after going to the source…the Epson website, and doing a little digging, I found the instruction on how to download the drivers to install the printer.

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Awesome.

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Remember the two possums and a squirrel that run our internet? Well, those little suckers were nowhere to be found. Buffer, buffer, buffer. I went through the entire process and wouldn’t you know it, I got an error reading because the power went off last night (did I mention the power was off from 8:30 last night to 8:30 this morning?) I hooked the printer up to the WiFi again and tried again. This time…after about 30 minutes of buffering…the first step completed.

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The second step wasn’t “throw the whole shebang out the window!” I dutifully followed direction and updated the firmware in the printer itself and FINALLY…after a total of three whole hours…I was in business and printed the itinerary. So much for getting anything else done last evening. 

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Mr. FixIt is taking the grandson today to pick up a Jeep he bought. I’m really happy they get to spend a little one-on-one time together. He’s such a hard worker and is gone for long stretches of time with his job so he’s not around as much these days. So this morning, I’ll get back to work on the camper. I want everything done ahead of time this trip. None of this “throw everything in the truck, we’ll sort it out later!” THIS time I’m going to be totally organized.

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You can call your favorite bookie and get in on this action and make bank! 

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🤣

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”But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.“

\n1 Corinthians 14:40 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-04-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/04/19/wowza-what-a-storm.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Choices","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/04/16/treasures-from-the-past.html", "title": "Treasures from the Past", "content_html": "\n
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When I was looking through a box the other day, I came across this gem. The Glenwood Post did a full page feature on my pie baking prowess as an incentive to get people to sign up for one of my classes. Valley View Hospital Auxiliary holds “Pie Days” during the annual Strawberry Days festival over Father’s Day weekend. Participation had lagged a bit, so they asked if I would hold a class after hours in the hospital kitchen.

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I was thrilled to do so, but I neglected to do a trial run first so I could get to know the oven. I had no idea all of the ovens were convection, which makes sense when you are cooking high volume on a time crunch. Great for multiple large pans of lasagna. Not so great for a delicate pie crust. If you look closely at the bottom left photo, you’ll see the edges are pretty toasty. But we muddled through it. I think that was a coconut cream pie, but I wouldn’t swear to it. That was a long, long time ago.

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I’ve often thought of entering something in the local County Fair, but it’s always the first week of August and that’s right when we return from Colorado. I’ll put it on my calendar next year to try to schedule the Colorado trip a little earlier. It’s been a long time since I entered things in a fair. I can remember hauling stuff out there and sitting all day in the heat as we watched the judging. At that time, all I entered were preserved jars of food and baked goods. I wasn’t a very accomplished knitter at that time. It would be fun to enter some things. Not that I don’t have enough things on my plate, right? lol

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Knitting group was fun as usual. I cross-stitched on the sampler and knitted a little. I took my knitting in to town with me to work on the socks while I was waiting for the dermatologist to see me. I had melanoma in 2005 so I get checked every year. She was pleased nothing was abnormal and thrilled with my healthy lifestyle changes. She had a 4th year medical student shadowing her this time. I never mind having a student, intern, or resident tag along in my exams. They have to learn somewhere and I enjoy talking with them.

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When I was done, Mr. FixIt was just about finished with his appointment. We met at my favorite Mexican restaurant. I was craving chips and salsa. I don’t like to buy them and have them sitting around the house. It reduces the temptation. The menu was massive and I had to read for quite a while before I settled on something I could eat. I selected fish tacos with a red cabbage jalapeño slaw and a spicy creamy sauce to dip them in. Much less calories than say, chimichangas or burritos. 

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My weight loss journey is more about making selections that have less caloric density. Selecting the fish tacos with the cabbage on them makes a lot more sense than the ground beef variety loaded with cheese, sour cream, beans and guacamole. That way, I can eat out and really enjoy the meal without paying for it on the scale later. 

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It was really hot yesterday. It was in the 80’s. A few scattered showers rolled through, but not enough to cause any problems. I exchanged the capris I bought at Sam’s Club for a smaller size before my appointment. Yay, me! I went to the restaurant and met Mr. FixIt, then he headed right home from the restaurant to dig out the ditch by the creek. I wandered around Kohl’s for a little bit then headed home myself.

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Today is a trip to town to get the oil changed on my truck and rotate the tires. I need to find a place to get the transmission flushed, too. I’d also like to look at a couple of tires for the camper before we leave for the beach next week. The nice thing about these tires is, they’re pretty small and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Not like the truck tires. Wowza…they’re spendy!

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Well, that’s about all the news that’s fit to print! I’ll check in tomorrow and let you know what I got into today! I do hope you’re getting out and enjoying nature. I hope you’ll be enjoying beautiful weather soon!

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🌷

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”Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.“

\nProverbs 25:26 NIV\n
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#Spring, #Rain, #Travel

\n\n", "date_published": "2024-04-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/04/16/treasures-from-the-past.html", "tags": ["Travel","Gratitude","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/04/13/knit-two-purl-two.html", "title": "Knit Two Purl Two", "content_html": "\n
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Loving these socks!

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I’m just about finished with the first sock of the cute striped pair. It didn’t rain a lot yesterday, but it was pretty chilly so I stayed in all day. I finally finished downloading the graphics files out of the One Drive and put them on my external hard drive. Now I’ll clean it up, defragment the hard drive, and hopefully we’ll be back up to speed.

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I was a little under the weather yesterday so I sent Mr. FixIt off to the birthday party alone. I hated that, but they went to a wing restaurant and I just couldn’t fathom the smells I’d be faced with. By the end of the evening, I was feeling much better so I’m glad I stayed home. I just hated to miss out on the fun.

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I also worked on our Colorado trip yesterday. I love RVLife’s website. There is a yearly fee to use it, but it’s worth every penny. You can search the route you’re taking and find campgrounds along the way. Up till yesterday, I wasn’t really sure if we were going to tow the camper out this year, or fly. The biggest obstacle we face now in taking the camper is finding a place to store it while we’re in Denver. 

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I searched on the internet for storage yards that would let us rent a space for just a month. There weren’t any. They all wanted you to rent long term. I remember last summer thinking there surely had to be a marketplace where folks could rent out space to people who needed a place to park a camper, car, or boat. Sure enough, in that year someone came up with just that.

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neighbor.com is great. You can put in an address or zip code and see all the homes that offer a parking place. You select one that you think would work, then apply for a reservation. If the owner accepts your application, the company charges your charge card and you can communicate with the owner through their app. Our second application was accepted and now we have a spot to put the camper just a few miles from where we’re staying. It cost a third of what we paid last year renting a campsite in a local campground. So, now we’re ready to start making reservations.

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I’m heading to town today to attend an embroidery class in town. The Former Mrs. FixIt is accompanying me, which I always enjoy. I hope you have a lovely day and the weather is good for us all!

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🌷

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”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.“

\n3 John 1:2 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2024-04-13T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/04/13/knit-two-purl-two.html", "tags": ["Travel","Farm Life","Crafts"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/10/18/oh-lucyim-home.html", "title": "Oh, Lucy…I’m Home!!!", "content_html": "\n
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We bugged out a day early and came home. We stayed at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia the last night and it is truly a gorgeous place to stay. We were in a little campground called Creekside and while we couldn’t get a site right on the creek, it was still beautiful. The sites are well spaced and we had electric and water. We had a second night reserved, but it was cold and rainy. It got down into the 30’s overnight and with the rain, we couldn’t get out and hike or fish in the lake or sit outside. So yesterday morning, I smiled sweetly at Mr. FixIt and said, “You know, we’re less than five hours from home and you can sleep in your own bed tonight?” It didn’t take him long to decide that was a fine idea.

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I wish the sun would have been out because the colors were absolutely breathtaking! But even with cloudy, drizzly skies they were spectacular. Poor Mr. FixIt…I’d say, “OMGosh! Quick! Get a picture of that!!!” He’d pick his phone up, open the camera, focus, and we’d be past it by then! Bless his heart…he did his best and we did get some good shots but nothing that comes close to what we were seeing in person. It was truly magical and was the “picture perfect” ending to the very best trip we’ve ever taken together!

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We didn’t get home till after 5:00 last night and I was beat. So, here’s a couple of the best shots from yesterday. I’m going to soak in a hot tub and sleep till noon! 

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Thanks for traveling with me vicariously. See you tomorrow!

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🍁

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“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:”

\nEcclesiastes 3:1 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-10-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/10/18/oh-lucyim-home.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","Change","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/10/15/so-long-seashore.html", "title": "So Long, Seashore!", "content_html": "\n
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Sunrise at the Outer Banks

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As they say, all good things must come to an end and we have to leave this beautiful place today. I finally got a sunrise photo yesterday morning. We aren’t necessarily early risers so we kept missing them. We couldn’t have had a prettier October week at the beach if we would have custom ordered it. Although we did have a couple of rainy days, it wasn’t really bad. There were a lot of people camping here in tents and I’m so grateful we have Grace to keep us warm and dry.

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I did go out in the afternoon to take the big cell phone antenna down. I saw on The Weather Channel that we could possibly get thunderstorms and that thing could have acted like a lightning rod. It isn’t difficult at all to put it up and take it down and it really made a difference in our reception. Even though I was conscious of my time online this week, I do rely on internet to get my posts out everyday. Writing this blog may seem to some like something that could easily be put aside for vacation time, but I’ve written an essay almost daily since its inception and I just don’t feel right if I haven’t had time to write to you all. It is my mission, my ministry, and my therapy.

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The old Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station

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As I write this, Mr. FixIt is sitting beside me, watching a Tom Selleck movie with his headphones on. The wind and rain is buffeting the camper around as the storm whips through the campground. The neighbors are sitting in their truck instead of their tent to avoid the weather. I would ask them in, but they have two dogs and we just don’t have the extra room. The breeze coming in through the two windows we do have open feels wonderful. 

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The old Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station

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Now that we are leaving, I can tell you we stayed at Oregon Inlet Campground. On the photo, you can see the blue dot where our campsite is located, and across the long bridge, you can see a short expanse of the old Bonner Bridge that they kept and use as a fishing pier. We went there yesterday and parked in the lot, then walked out through the dunes to the beach. And, just like always, I found several feathers to add to my collection at home. The sky was getting threatening and we cut our walk short. It was a good thing because the rain started coming in sheets about fifty yards from the parking lot. We got back to the camper, dried off, and I heated up the leftovers from our anniversary dinner at Henry’s. Scallops, flounder, hushpuppies, and baked potatoes. I made baked apples for dessert. 

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A Storm Brewing

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We are heading to a campground along a lake today. I’ll send pics and location tomorrow.

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Storm Over the Atlantic

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🌊

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“If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.”

\nEcclesiastes 11:3 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-10-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/10/15/so-long-seashore.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/10/12/this-was-a-total-day.html", "title": "This Was a Total Day Off!", "content_html": "\n
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We didn’t take a single picture yesterday so here’s one Mr. FixIt took the other night when we were watching the sunset. Sometimes the greatest views are in the opposite direction from where you’re looking.

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We had a nice, slow morning. Pancakes and eggs for breakfast. I love cooking outside. I’d like to have a cocina like they have in Mexico. An open air kitchen with a roof and a ceiling fan. It’s such a great way to cook and keep the heat out of the house. And there’s something primal about cooking outdoors, even if it’s in an electric skillet! Of all my specialty appliances, my big electric skillet is my favorite and I use it all the time. It’s big enough to use in place of a griddle and it’s deep enough to make stew, soup, and chili. It’s so easy to clean, too. I just wipe it out well, pour in some water with a drop of dish soap, and heat it up to a simmer. I turn it off and by the time it’s cool enough to put my hands in the water, I just swish a dishcloth around in it, dump the water, and give it a quick rinse with fresh water. Then it’s ready for the next meal and I’ve never brought it inside.

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After breakfast, we moseyed up the island to Kitty Hawk. We needed to stop at Lowe’s. Then I “had” to visit my friend Jeanne who owns Knitting Addiction Yarn Shop. My bestie Gail sent me a pattern for a soft, squishy winter hat and I thought that would be a great Christmas gift so I picked up the size needle I needed and enough yarn to make two hats and a pair of fingerless mittens. 

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Later, Mr. FixIt had a hankering for a hotdog from Captain Frank’s just down the road from the yarn shop. We stopped at the two antique stores next door then went in for lunch. The only thing I got in the antique stores was a handle for lifting Pyrex pans. I hadn’t seen one for ages and I have some old Pyrex at home.

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By the time we got back to the camper, we were both too tired to do much. We sat outside for a while but there was no wind at all and the mosquitoes were even after Mr. FixIt, and that’s highly unusual. Even with Off! we were both getting attacked.

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It was really a relaxing day…one well deserved. I think we’ll go out on the pier and fish again today. That was so much fun! We really haven’t spent much time on the beach itself this trip. It is such a chore to get our things out there and we didn’t want to spend the money on a beach pass. We have those big wheeled beach totes at home, but Mr. FixIt didn’t think we had room for them. Next time, we’ll strap them to the roof of the truck if need be!

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Yesterday and today were forecast to be cloudy but tomorrow looks like full sun! Saturday has an 86% chance of rain and 34% on Sunday when we leave to head to our next campground. Honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better week to be here!

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🌊

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“Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;”

\nPsalm 107:23 ESV\n
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#Ocean, #Beach, #Camping

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It’s Apple Harvest Time! Bring the autumn scents into your home with this lovely soy candle.

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-10-12T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/10/12/this-was-a-total-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/10/10/we-can-finally-relax.html", "title": "We Can Finally Relax!", "content_html": "\n
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Not a BIG catch, but fun nonetheless.

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Mr. FixIt’s prescription finally arrived and we picked it up on the THIRD trip to Walmart! The upside of that is we got to have breakfast at our favorite pancake place…Stack ‘Em High! It is SO good and it was a splurge on my food plan, but I worked around it by sacrificing the bacon and having grits instead of hash-browns.

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I’m in MY Happy Place….sitting next to Mr. FixIt!

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We came back to the camper packed a picnic lunch and went to the old bridge at the Oregon Inlet to fish. They built a new bridge a couple of years ago and left a good section of the old one as a pier to fish from. Poor Mr. FixIt was so patient but he wasn’t having any success. The man next to us was using live bait and was pulling in stripers that were 25” to 26” long. They were beauties. But, like I told my sweetheart, there’s never a bad day fishing at the beach!

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The guy next to us caught two good sized stripers and threw them back.

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The sun was getting lower in the sky and we were thrown into the shadow of the new bridge. Even though the temp was in the 60’s, that wind off the sound got pretty chilly without the sun’s rays to warm you. We were about ready to leave when Mr. FixIt decided to “cast just one more time!” And sure enough…he caught a couple fish. They were pretty small and of course he threw them back. But it was enough to put a smile on his face!

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Mr. FixIt in his Happy Place!

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We were going to watch the sunset but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and, while it was pretty…it just wasn’t picturesque. We decided to come “home” and cook some supper. I made a pork roast hash and we had it with a little Duke’s Moonshine Barbecue Sauce which was SO good. I really blew the calorie budget yesterday but we have to treat ourselves once in a while or we feel deprived. I was at a new low yesterday morning…I’ve now lost just shy of 29 pounds! I love NOOM! I’ve learned so much about myself and my relationship with food.

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I knitted while Mr. FixIt was fishing. I’m almost finished with a pair of socks that I started in April. I just don’t have time to sit and knit in the summer. Especially this year. I keep envisioning long days on the beach sitting with my knitting while my sweetheart feeds the fishies, but so far it’s been mostly running around trying to get this prescription fixed. Maybe now we can REALLY relax! I think we’re going to get together with the kids today. That’s always fun!

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🌊

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“Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.”

\nPsalm 8:5-8 ESV\n
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Three Witchy Kitties have formed a band!

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-10-10T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/10/10/we-can-finally-relax.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/10/09/what-a-beautiful-day-to.html", "title": "What a Beautiful Day to Explore", "content_html": "\n
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Our campground from the dunes.

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I discovered the sun comes right over the dunes and in my window in the camper and that was the end of sleep for me. But I didn’t mind. I laid there and listened to the faint sounds of the ocean waves and caught the chattering of a Boat-Tail Grackle nearby. The campground was still quiet and peaceful. The Boy Scouts across the road were just starting to move about and the welcome smell of frying bacon and coffee drifted along the row of tents and campers.

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Camphorweed…a member of the aster family.

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It wasn’t long before camper after camper was pulling out and heading home from their weekend at the beach. Sad-faced children pouted as their parents shuffled them along. They waved goodbye to the new friends they made on vacation. It took me back to those days when I went away to summer camp or I visited my cousins. I hated to go back home.

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The dreaded sand burr. Who remembers having your mom pull these out of your feet? Ugh!

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I whipped up some sausage and French Toast for breakfast and we sat at the picnic table, soaking up the sun. After the dishes were done, we drove up to Walmart for one last ditch effort to see if Mr. FixIt’s prescription came in and it did not. While we were there, we picked up a few things we needed to install the new cell phone booster. When we got back, I got everything put together and did a before an after speed test. Wowza!!! This thing tripled my download speed! So I’ll call that a big win!

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Our new cell booster tower!

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Mr. FixIt got his fishing gear put together and I finished cleaning up and organizing from my morning projects and it was time to start supper. I fixed Gail’s Cabbage Roll Casserole. It was SO good. I used the leftover spaghetti sauce I made on Friday. I was telling Mr. FixIt, I think I would rather have this than having the sauce over pasta…and it’s a lot less calories, too.

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The waves were pretty big yesterday!

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After supper and the dishes were done yet again, we went for a walk through the dunes and out on the beach. Some of you may have seen the live video I took of the surf. What beautiful shades of blue! We hurried back to the camper so we could drive over and catch the sunset on the sound side. It was downright blustery out there. I forgot to take a jacket and I was freezing. I fixed us a nice cup of tea when we got back to the camper and that was the end of the most perfect day.

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🌊

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“Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord of hosts is his name:”

\nJeremiah 31:35 ESV\n
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#Ocean, #Camping, #Beach

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As promised, here is my newest Christmas design. Happy Campmas! A darling little vintage camper all dressed up for the holidays!

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-10-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/10/09/what-a-beautiful-day-to.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/10/08/we-have-arrived.html", "title": "We Have Arrived!!!", "content_html": "\n
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OMGosh…what a great campground! We are nestled in amongst the sand dunes in a very narrow part of the island. We cannot see the ocean from our camper, but we can see the sunset over the sound…just not right on the water. It’s so beautiful. We found the perfect place to watch the sunset right across the road from the campground. 

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We drove through quite a bit of rain on our way down here but just as I was backing the camper into our spot, it stopped. By the time we had everything unhitched and hooked up, the sun was shining. We had to make a decision…go over the dunes and see the ocean, or go across the road and watch the sunset. Those rain clouds were still hanging around so we opted to gamble on a beautiful sunset. It did not disappoint!

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It was pretty stuffy Friday night so we slept with the air conditioner going. It killed two birds with one stone…it cooled it down for better sleeping AND it drowned out a lot of the noise from the other campers. That campground was packed. This one is, as well. With Columbus Day on Monday, there are a lot of campers out and about with their kids. We were so happy to see a huge number of Boy Scouts camping this weekend right across from us. There must be 20-25 of them plus their Leaders. They were having so much fun playing organized games when we first got here. But as soon as it got dark, they were quiet as church mice. Good kids.

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Mr. FixIt, Jr., his wife, a nephew, and their friends are renting a beach house several miles south of us this week. We are really looking forward to spending some time with them on the beach fishing and playing corn hole. I brought my knitting with me. I kinda like being this far down on the island…there is very little commercialization down here. Less distraction. Less chance of spending money. Just peace and quiet. It’s heavenly. And now…I can rest for a whole week!

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🍁

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“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great. There go the ships, and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.”

\nPsalm 104:24-26 ESV\n
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No ads today. Look for something NEW and fun tomorrow!

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-10-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/10/08/we-have-arrived.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Grace","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/10/07/traveling-through-the-old-dominion.html", "title": "Traveling Through the Old Dominion", "content_html": "\n
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I love the majestic Live Oaks of the south.

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We stayed at Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry County, Virginia the last two nights. The campground was nice but had I known the B-Loop had paved pads, I would have reserved a site over there. Those sites were far more level. This is a three day weekend so LOTS of families have come out to enjoy summer’s last hoorah! The campground is extremely busy…and a whole lot noisier. But I’d much rather hear the noise of joyful children playing than I would the noise on the television anymore.

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There are several historic buildings here on the plantation. The ones that tugged at my heart were the slave quarters. A previous owner, Albert Jones, moved to Chippokes in 1837 and brought with him at least five enslaved servants to work the tobacco fields on his plantation. Within two decades, the number rose and in 1860, there were 43 individuals descended into slavery on the plantation. It was sobering. Eliza was our tour guide through the mansion. She is a retiree who volunteers to show people through the stately home. She is African American and she related the history to us with a note of solemn reverence. As we drove through the many fields of this massive estate, I held sacred space in my heart for those who were treated as less than human here at the hands of white slave owners. Slavery was a shameful part of our history and must not be forgotten nor repeated.

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There were mushrooms everywhere!

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When we got back to the campground, I cooked a great big pot of spaghetti and sauce. We have enough left over for two meals while we’re on the road. We need to stop at the pharmacy on our way to our campground today. We have had trouble getting this particular prescription refilled before when we traveled to Colorado. Some states consider it a controlled drug and some do not. The problem happens when you try to fill a medication that is controlled in the originating state and not controlled in the receiving state. It really limits your options. I don’t know how people get this medication when they travel full time. I guess we can only be gone for thirty days at a time and have to leave the day we fill the prescription. It is just really frustrating when it’s a medication that is medically necessary for a diabetic, but because of the opioid crisis…even though this is not an opioid…the drug has been reclassified as controlled because people were mixing it with fentanyl or some such thing. I think when this trip is over, I’m going to start a campaign to make medically necessary exceptions to that law because this is ridiculous.

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As we packed up last night, we had a funny thing happen. The handle on the screen door stuck and I could not open the door! Mr. FixIt was on the outside looking at me and I was on the inside looking out at him. We were both so tired we just started laughing. He removed the latch that the door hooks on so neither of us would get stuck inside then we’ll find a way to fix the door or we’ll buy a new latch. They make these things out of plastic and they are not built to last.

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This land has been farmed for over 400 years. The last owner of the plantation gave it to the Commonwealth of Virginia with the stipulation that it be continually farmed and used for education and the enjoyment of all who come to visit.

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We truly enjoyed the beautiful woods surrounding our campsite the last couple of days and we are looking forward to the soothing sounds of the ocean rocking us to sleep in the coming week. I’ll talk to you soon!

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🍁

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“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
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Hello October! Cute mug with fall theme…perfect for that cup of hot cocoa!

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-10-07T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/10/07/traveling-through-the-old-dominion.html", "tags": ["Travel","Wisdom","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/10/04/what-a-crazy-busy-day.html", "title": "What a Crazy Busy Day!", "content_html": "\n
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The last day before every trip is loony toons! We run around with our hair on fire, passing each other saying things like, “Did you grab the…..?” “Don’t forget your….!” “Don’t grab the…… I already got it!” Hokey Smokes!!!

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I had to go back into town yesterday to get a new flush valve to fix the camper toilet. I also got a stair nose to protect the front edge of the slide out since we’ll be climbing up and down there. I stopped the mail and paid the taxes. Did laundry. Cooked a pork roast and finally sat down to eat when our legs would not move another inch. Fried pork roast and sauerkraut…yummmmm!

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I have our itinerary printed and in the truck. I still think we have WAY too much stuff with us, but  we whittle it down after every trip. Whatever happened to the days of grabbing a toothbrush and a charge card and hitting the road? 

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Fixing the toilet yesterday was a lot more difficult than putting the loveseat recliners in the slide out. I was hoping I could avoid taking the toilet out because that gives you a direct opening to the black tank…right under your nose. Ugh! But, in the end, there really was no other way to reach this part without removing the whole thing. I quickly took a couple of large disposable diapers and covered the hole, making sure there was no way they could fall down in the tank. That would be a disaster!

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It didn’t take too long to remove the old part and put in the new one. The more difficult part was an extra step I decided to make. I installed a shutoff valve in the supply line to the toilet. That way, if this ever happens again, we can shut the water off just to the toilet and still be able to wash our hands and do dishes. The gentleman at the RV place showed me some clamps that you have to squeeze shut with a pipe wrench. By that time, my wrists were hurting so bad from all the work I’ve done over the last week, it was almost impossible. But I kept asking God to just give me a little more strength and it finally clicked shut!

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The last chore was installing a stair nose on the front edge of the slideout. This was another thing they happened to have at the RV dealer. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask for black screws. I managed to salvage five from other projects and that is really all I needed to get the stair nose attached firmly. I had to take the mattress off the bed in order to lift it to put a couple of storage tubs under there. I lost the storage space from under the bench seats of the dinette so two tubs took their place. It wasn’t heavy stuff…just some blankets and light kitchen items. I took a good deal of stuff back into the house. Like I said…not enough, but enough for right now.

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So that’s it. I’m fried. My back hurts. My hands hurt. Everything hurts! Too bad I quit drinking 23 years ago! We’re as ready as we’ll every be. At least we don’t have to leave at the crack of dawn. I’m looking forward to exploring a new WV State Park. I’ll report on it tomorrow!

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🍁

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“Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.”

\nProverbs 31:6-7 ESV\n
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#pain, #camping, #travel, #roadtrip

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I LOVE FALL CAMPING! And, you wanna know what? I’ve never camped at the beach so this ought to be amazing!!!

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-10-04T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/10/04/what-a-crazy-busy-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/09/15/a-little-surprise.html", "title": "A Little Surprise", "content_html": "\n
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I gave Jan seeds from the white pumpkins we decorated with at our wedding in October 2018. She has planted them every year except this one. She surprised me yesterday with a little wedding pumpkin that came up as a volunteer this summer!

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Our friend Jan came to camp with us last night. She just bought a beautiful used Roadtrek 170 and hasn’t slept in it yet so this was her maiden voyage. What a beautiful camper van! I don’t know if Mr. FixIt and I could both sleep in it. The bed is really small. But the front chairs turn around and there is a way to turn one of them into a narrow twin. It might be something to look at down the road when we don’t want to tow anymore. It would be a great way to just jump up and go at the drop of a hat. In other words…my kind of travel.

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Gail and I went to East Palestine again yesterday. I wanted to check in on my new friend Lonnie at Mama’s Attic. She’s closing her shop November 1st and I picked up a few more bargains I’ll share with you down the road. We came back to the campground and it was my turn to cook. I made a big breakfast with scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and fried apples and peaches. SO good! The low Wednesday night was 43 and last night was predicted to be the same. 

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I love sleeping when it’s cold. I even leave the windows open, but I sleep under an electric blanket and I’m cozy as a kitten. It didn’t get very warm yesterday. Gail fixed a really great meal that I am going to have to make for Mr. FixIt. He loves Cabbage Rolls but they are a pain to make. Gail makes a Cabbage Roll Casserole. You cut your cabbage in big slices and stick it in the microwave for a while to soften up. Fry a pound of ground turkey. I would also add a chopped onion. (She couldn’t remember if I liked onions or not so she left them out.) Then add some jarred spaghetti sauce, a handful of brown rice, maybe a can of diced tomatoes, and add the cabbage, season with salt and pepper and let it simmer on the stove or an electric skillet for a while. OMGosh! It was delicious!

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Gail’s Cabbage Roll Casserole

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With tummies full of warm food (and watermelon for dessert), we moved our chairs around the campfire and tried to call in the owls. We got one barred owl to “chat” with us for a bit. I think maybe after a few days of calling them in, you can’t fool them quite so easily. By 9:00, when the owl conversation was over, we called it a night and went to our respective little homes on wheels. 

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These get togethers with girlfriends pass by way too fast. We had such a wonderful time. I got to camp with Gail four times this year and that was a rare treat. Now it’s time to go home and we may not see each other again till we plan a late winter/early spring craft weekend. I head out this morning and I can’t wait to get home and give Mr. FixIt and big hug! He and his friend Harry installed the new garage door yesterday, so now Pumpkin can have the run of the building at night again.

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Our cozy campfire.

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I’ll be home for three days then Mr. FixIt and I leave Monday to go camping at one of our favorite campgrounds on the banks of the Ohio River. We love mid-week camping in the fall. The kids are in school. The tourists are practically nonexistent. And we often have the place pretty much to ourselves. The nice thing is, this is a Corps of Engineers campground. It will be nice to get away with my sweetie in the camper for a few days. He deserves a break!

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🍁

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“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.”

\nMark 6:31 ESV\n
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#Camping, #Rest, #Autumn

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Halloween Pumpkin…a black cat just like our Pumpkin Kitty. She got the name because I met her on Halloween!

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-09-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/09/15/a-little-surprise.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/09/12/i-got-a-jump-on.html", "title": "I Got a Jump on Camping!", "content_html": "\n
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Gail’s early morning walk that I slept through!

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Mr. FixIt goes to the bowling alley every Sunday to hang with his friends. He doesn’t bowl regularly anymore. He subs for a league he’s been on for over thirty years. When I made breakfast Sunday morning…and cleaned the kitchen right after, by the way…I had a great idea. I looked on the reservation site for the state park I’m camping in with Gail and my site was open for Sunday night? Why camp for four nights with your bestie when you can camp five, am I right? I ran it by Mr. FixIt and he said “Go for it!” He’s the coolest husband ever! So, off I went!

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It’s not camping without knitting!!!

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I did NOT get as early a start as I would have liked. There was this and that to do. The drive up was smooth. It was overcast and the temps were in the mid seventies. The only bad part was, I got to the campground just after dark. And man….was it ever DARK! Gail was there and she moved her car over for me so I could see where I was backing in. I’ve camped in this site so many times, I could almost back in blindfolded…which is kinda what I did.

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The woodpeckers have been going to town on these oak trees.

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I knew if I could just mark where the left corner of the driveway was, I could back in on a dime with a nickel left over. My first approach was slightly off the mark but Gail let me know in time. I got out, surveyed the area, pulled forward a couple of feet and bingo. She went right back where I wanted her! I really wanted to visit with Gail, but by the time I got myself unhooked and set up, I was too tired. I went over to give her her a hug goodnight. 

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Gail brought her fall t-shirts she bought from Marshmallow Ranch Designs! They are so cute and really good quality. Thank you, Gail!

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I slept in a little yesterday and I totally missed out on a beautiful early morning walk with Gail. She caught the sun peeking through the dense fog that had settled over the area. She was kind enough to share her photos with me so I could post them here. We had a lovely day. We ent to the grocer and picked up a few things. Then to the big box to get what the little store didn’t have.

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We found tons of big, fat acorns on our walkabout last night…many of them still green. We had a hot summer and that stresses trees.

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By the time we got back, I was ready for a nap. I love my camping crew. We are all on the same wavelength. So many people want to hit the ground running as soon as they get to the campground…afraid they might miss something fun. My second husband was like that when we were on vacation. Not me. I want to sleep in a little, have a leisurely breakfast, hang around the campfire and talk/knit/cook/eat. Then a little siesta/quiet time. Then another gathering at “happy hour.” Have a fire. Eat some more. And, like we did last night…call in the owls!

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Ahhhh…its getting dark noticeably earlier these days. A perfect end to a really great day at the campground!

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Owls are off the nest at this time of the year and you can call them in by playing recorded owl calls over a speaker. I played a few calls. Nothing. Then finally…OMGosh! They were EVERYWHERE! They were flying overhead and perching in the trees all around us. It was absolutely magical! So, turn up the sound and enjoy! 

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\n[youtu.be/KPcQub2iI...](https://youtu.be/KPcQub2iIVs?si=vXMiVqpUUVbx3cVg)\n
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These are barred owls. We couldn’t count how many there were…at least three, maybe more.

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?

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“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

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Romans 1:11-12 ESV

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I Love Fall Camping! It’s my very favorite time of the year to camp. The days aren’t too hot and the nights aren’t too cold. And when you can sit around the campfire and listen to owls??? Priceless!

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-09-12T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/09/12/i-got-a-jump-on.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","goRVing","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/07/26/what-a-lovely-day-for.html", "title": "What a Lovely Day for a Drive!", "content_html": "\n
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We finished packing the truck at around 11:00 yesterday morning. Just in time to have a farewell lunch with Ben and Sue before we had to leave. The guys went over to Wendy’s and got us salads and we sat around the kitchen table and shared one last meal with two of the dearest people we have ever known. I will miss all my Colorado peeps buy my oh my…I’m so ready to be home!

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We stopped at Mom’s…a little diner in Otis, Colorado…and got a to go order for our supper later at the hotel. We weren’t sure if there was food available in Yuma. Most places are only open for breakfast and lunch. Turns out, there is a lounge that serves food right in the lovely, brand new Cobblestone Inn & Suites. Impeccably clean and the staff that we dealt with were wonderful.

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We will get up early this morning and head over to get Grace out of the Quonset hut and move on to our next stop in Kansas. We’ve been keeping our eyes on the weather and it looks like we’re missing storms so far. There was a terrible storm at home Monday night. We watched the lightning and heard the thunder over the security camera. The rain was coming down so hard that it overflowed the gutters and blocked out the camera’s view. Those gutters need cleaned out…they’re full of leafy debris.

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We’re already thinking about all the the things we need to do when we get home!

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?

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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

\nPsalm 23:1-3 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-07-26T00:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/07/26/what-a-lovely-day-for.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/07/23/tumtum-time.html", "title": "Tum-Tum Time", "content_html": "\n
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Yesterday was a day of chores. Our laundry was piled up so I was playing catchup so we don’t have a ton of work to get ready to leave Wednesday. The guys went to Forney Museum yesterday and saw the antique cars and trains and had a big time. They went to McCoy’s Family Restaurant at Federal and I-70 for a late lunch. Mr. FixIt told me he hated to let me know how wonderful the Liver & Onions were. 

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Ben’s niece came for an overnight visit so we’ve been visiting. I wore Little out on Friday so I didn’t hear anything from them yesterday. Maybe today. Daughter #2 is hopefully coming over today for our last visit before we leave. We had such a wonderful visit and we’ve got six days of travel a head of us once we hit the road.

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I’ve kinda hit a wall with vacation. I’m going to love on my CO peeps here for the next couple of days then I’m ready to head home. I’m partied out! Mr. FixIt would be perfectly happy to keep going. He doesn’t understand homesickness. You’re home all the time…why would you want to go there when you could be someplace else having fun?

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I think I’ll get home and sleep for a week!

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This was the back of a display booth in an antique store. I want to do this brick effect in our kitchen!

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Here are some pics from the last week that I haven’t shared.

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?

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“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
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-07-23T00:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/07/23/tumtum-time.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/07/11/vacations-are-exhausting.html", "title": "Vacations are Exhausting!", "content_html": "\n
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I made Sourdough French Toast for breakfast yesterday and had enough left over for the next couple of mornings at least. It’s great when you can cook ahead, especially in the summer when cooking can heat the house up. Those summer kitchens they had in the old days would really come in handy. The guys grilled last night. We had chicken tenders and corn-on-the-cob and bless their little hearts…they grilled that corn till it was mostly black and dehydrated. I thanked them for cooking, but told them they could never touch my corn again! lol

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Today is Daughter #1’s 49th birthday! We are grilling again tonight, but my son-in-law will be in charge of the grill. He’s really good at it. His 49th birthday is Thursday and their 28th wedding anniversary is Saturday. So, we’ll just celebrate the whole shebang tomorrow night. I’m baking her favorite lemon cake with lemon curd filling, and lemon frosting garnished with red raspberries. We’ll also bake Grandma Lois’ Chocolate Cake for my son-in-law. Then everyone will be happy!

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Mr. FixIt and I went out and ran errands yesterday and went to Noodles & Company for lunch. I had this wonderful dish….Zucchini and Roasted Garlic Cream. The zucchini has been spiral cut like noodles and lightly steamed. I had the small size. It was delicious and only 340 calories. That’s not bad for a meal out.

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We went out to check the camper and it was fine. We are so grateful we haven’t had hail while it’s out in the wide open. The guys are going to take the camper out to eastern Colorado tomorrow and I think they are looking for a place to store it either inside or under the cover of protective trees. I don’t want our trip to be over, but I’ll be so grateful when we get this thing safely home. I don’t think we’ll bring it cross country during tornado and hail season again. It’s just too risky. A camper is a big investment and even though we have adequate insurance, there’s no need to create undue risk. 

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Curly Dock and Bind Weed…two invasive and noxious plants that are everywhere in Colorado. Once these weeds get established, it’s nearly impossible to eradicate them.

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So, that’s all we are doing at this point. We’re having a blast!

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?

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“But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.”

\n1 Timothy 5:8 NLT\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-07-11T00:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/07/11/vacations-are-exhausting.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/07/08/time-passes-and-so-many.html", "title": "Time Passes and So Many Changes", "content_html": "\n
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The one constant in life is change, isn’t it? We can look forward to change as a learning tool and a growing opportunity. But there are changes we dread and it’s when we witness the decline and fragility of loved ones as we age. I often wonder what people see outside of my own self perception. Are they seeing my decline? Because, surely they are. It’s all part of life, but not the most welcome part.

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We visited with my brother again today. We stopped at Walmart to get a new trimmer. After he played UNO with Mr. FixIt for about two hours or so, the game finally ended and I took Bubby outside to cut his hair and trim his beard. He looked like a new man. Staff and clients alike crowded around to watch and encourage him with whoops and hollers and whistles. I think he had a big time and I know he had to feel better when I was done. 

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Helping Bubby organize his room.

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I showed him the planner we bought that fits in his fanny pack. It’s for keeping track of when he needs a haircut and a beard trim so we don’t get in this mess again. He’ll also add notes that the doctor will need to see during his visits. We went over to his house last evening at supper time and I went over the same thing with Lucy, the staff member who was working last night. I think we have a mutual understanding now of expectations and it always helps to have a name and a face with who you can communicate. 

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I came very close to crying when I left but I didn’t want to upset him. I cleaned up his phone and took some things off that he doesn’t use that may confuse him. He needs things very simple. We left him preparing to watch Star Trek…one of his favorite shows. Then we had to say goodbye till the next time. I doubt seriously if we’ll be back till September 2024, barring any unforeseen circumstances. 

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We stopped by my dear friend Judy’s house and visited with her and her husband. I hadn’t seen them in a long time. We were always stitching buddies and raised our babies together. Now the girls are in their thirties. It’s crazy how time has flown by. We don’t see old people when we look in each other’s eyes. We see the dearest of friends and we pick right up where we left off. Next time we come, we are going to get the old gang together and have a day of stitching and reminiscing. 

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As we were leaving, Judy said, “Hey! I’m getting rid of a lot of things. Do you want my smocking pleater?” Ohhhhh, heck yeah! That went into the truck so fast it would make your head spin! I love making smocked Christmas ornaments and we have a little that would look awfully cute in a smocked dress. There will be more babies down the road and GiGi can make stuff!

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And that’s a wrap for the trip up to Glenwood Springs. We stayed in the Glenwood Canyon Resort campground. We have stayed here before. It’s close to town which is convenient. There’s a bike path and rafting. There’s a restaurant. There are tiny homes/cabins and camping spots for everything from tent campers to Sprinter vans, to the great big motor homes. Like I said yesterday, the sites down here by the river are cheaper so they aren’t very generous with the real estate. When we got back from town yesterday, the guy next to us was grilling directly beneath the window in our slide out. I closed the window right away, but not without a friendly greeting to the chef so he wouldn’t think I was miffed or anything. 

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We head to Denver this morning early so we can try to be there by noon. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law are coming from Salt Lake to see us. My nephew and his girlfriend will be here as well. So we’ll have another family gathering today. Prayers for safe travels today. 

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?

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“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

\nHebrews 13:1-2 NLT\n
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#Brother, #Family, #Travel

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Sue and I got all the prep work done fairly early yesterday and the kids came in the afternoon. The girls went to the pool and the guys did what guys do…whatever that is. I sat and knitted by the pool and visited with the girls. We had a room full of family and friends and laughter because it was storming like crazy outside. We figured the fireworks would be postponed from the weather, but the storm let up about a half hour before showtime. This is the first summer Ben & Sue have lived in their new home so they weren’t quite sure where if they could see the fireworks from their house. Then, I looked up and there they were. We could see them right out of the family room window!

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

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

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Hope you enjoyed your holiday!

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

\nPsalms 127:3 NLT\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-07-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/07/05/another-wonderful-day.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Camping","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/07/01/day-three-are-we-there.html", "title": "Day Three - Are We There Yet???", "content_html": "\n
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The third day always seems to be the hardest when I/we make this cross country trek and yesterday was no different. OMGosh! First of all, we had barely gotten on the road when another big storm started coming at us, so we pulled into another Love’s Truck Stop and parked between two semis. It didn’t look like it was going to be as severe as the one on Thursday, which turned out to be a derecho. So, instead of waiting in the truck, we climbed in the camper and went back to sleep! 

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When the worst was past, we got back on the road and drove through a gentle rain. We hadn’t gone twenty miles when the traffic came to a complete stop. You could look ahead on Waze and see that traffic was backed up for 6.5 miles so we knew it was something serious. Huge wreckers and police cars went up the emergency lane to our right. After about an hour, we started moving forward and were directed off the interstate on a six mile detour. Before long, we were back on the highway and toodled right along to our next campground.

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Yesterday was our longest driving day. A projected drive of just under five hours turned into twelve and Miss Ginny wasn’t necessarily her usually happy, perky self when we got to the campground. But, we got here safely and that’s all that matters. The park itself is darling. It must be run by the city. It’s small and clean. Each site has water and electric and is paved. The sites are generously spaced. The only negative I could make is it was Friday night of Independence Day Weekend and it sounded like WWII out there!

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I’m still managing to stay on my Noom program while we travel which is no small feat. We hit the hay early and today isn’t supposed to be nearly as long or as far. See you tomorrow!

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“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”

\nPsalms 4:8 NLT\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-07-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/07/01/day-three-are-we-there.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Grace","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/04/22/historic-williamsburg.html", "title": "Historic Williamsburg!", "content_html": "\n
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Cracker Barrel for the Win…Biscuit Bennies!

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It was perfect driving weather yesterday. The sun was shining with wispy white clouds. It was in the mid to high 80’s and perfect. We only had a couple of patches of bad traffic and we were so glad there were no accidents. We left home around 9:00AM and got into our hotel by 7:45PM. That’s with several stops along the way to stretch our legs and get a snack. We made sure we checked into our motel first, then headed to Cracker Barrel for supper. Mr. FixIt had fish and chips and collard greens. I love Eggs Benedict and had their version…a split biscuit with bacon, eggs, and Hollandaise sauce…a side of grits and fried apples with sweet tea. OMGosh! We are in the south, y’all…it was SO good but I swear I can feel my arteries crackling!

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We were so tired last night…we just came in and crashed. I searched the web to find a good deal on a room. We have to stay over that first day driving down and I’d rather save my money for a nice dinner at the beach, so I looked for a bargain that Mr. FixIt would be proud of. The last few years, we’ve stayed at an old Howard Johnson near Busch Gardens. But the rooms are so rundown and get worse every year even though the prices get higher. This year we stayed at a motel that reminded me of my first night I ever stayed in a hotel of any kind. It was in Gatlinburg, Tennessee before it became trendy and upscale. I’ll tell you the name another time. As you know…I don’t divulge where were are staying while we are actually there for safety’s sake. But, it was clean, the staff was nice, and it only cost $65! I received the Mr. FixIt seal of approval.

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A veritable traffic light! Who wants to shop for Fiesta Ware made right here in WV? We HAD to visit Tamarack Marketplace and Cultural Center near Beckley, WV….where you can see and buy some works of the finest artists from the Mountain State!

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We’ll get up this morning and go to Capital Pancakes for breakfast then head on down to the Outer Banks. Mr. FixIt drove the last three hours yesterday so I could start knitting a pair of socks so my vacation is off to a great start! I love making memories with my sweetheart.

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“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.”

\nSong of Songs 4:7 NIV\n
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I love elephants…I rode one once! And the colors on this design are so vibrant and beautiful.

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-04-22T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/04/22/historic-williamsburg.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/04/20/holy-toledo.html", "title": "Holy, Toledo!", "content_html": "\n
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Saying Goodbye to the Old Hybrid Camper

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I can’t tell you how tired we both were last night. I stayed home and mowed while Mr. FixIt took a bunch of stuff to the salvage yard. As I was making one of my rounds, I looked over and there was the gentleman who bought the old hybrid camper coming to pick it up. It took him a couple of hours to get everything tacked down and get it ready to transport. I continued to mow and when Mr. FixIt got back, I stopped for something to eat. 

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It was really hot out there yesterday. Up in the low 80’s. I used my umbrella and sunscreen. I still needed to take breaks and I drank one of those dehydration rescue drinks. They’re called Drip Drop. There are other companies that make these, but this is the first thing I’ve ever used that keeps me from getting heat exhaustion. That’s something I avoid like the plague. Once you’ve had it, it seems to come on more easily and more severe. You can buy Drip Drop through my affiliate account on Amazon if you’re interested in trying it. One bag ought to last you a year or two. I mix one up in a bottle of water and keep it in the cup holder on the tractor and sip on it as I mow. It’s a miracle! Here’s the link for the variety pack.

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I don’t think I even made supper last night. I pieced on this and that during the day and was just too tired. Mr. FixIt bought some egg salad for sandwiches but I didn’t even want that. After my rest break, I went out and moved the new camper around to the back of the house. It’s convenient in the winter time to have it by the building where we can keep an eye on it and plug it into the bigger outlet. But once summer comes, I like having it out in the field. And now, with the old hybrid gone, the only thing left out there that needs to go is Mr. FixIt Junior’s old Chevy S-10. Then I can FINALLY have the little campground I envisioned three years ago! I don’t know when we’ll have time to put in an electric pole, or even IF we will since we’re considering downsizing and moving closer to town. But I can have friends come down and “boondock”…camping without any of the frills like electricity. We do have water and shower access. 

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The fella who took the camper today said he thought he smelled a copperhead. I don’t know if any of you have smelled this particular poisonous snake or not, but they put off a smell like cucumbers. He said it was really strong out where he was hooking up the camper…which of course is very near where I was writing this post last night! Snakes don’t necessarily scare me, but I’m not fond of the poisonous variety.There are wasps nesting in the engine compartment of the S-10…yet another reason to get it moved out of here. They were swarming all around me when I was mowing and they can be aggressive. I remember going across the road to check the mail at Grandma’s farm when I was a teenager. I opened the door to the mailbox and there was a nest of bees that attacked me as I ran. They stung my hands and my back. It was decidedly unpleasant and I don’t care to have a repeat performance.

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Today is a less strenuous day. We need to do a little laundry, a little packing, and finish straightening up the living room, dust and vacuum. Then we can hop in the truck and head for the beach on Friday! We have someone to watch the kitty, I have my knitting packed, and I get to see the Girl Campers at their Camporee. Beach time with the fam, toes in the sand. It’s going to be a great vacation!

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“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

\nPsalms 121:7-8 NIV\n
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#Travel, #Mowing, #FarmLife

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“Let’s Go Camping!”

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Shop Now

\n\n", "date_published": "2023-04-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/04/20/holy-toledo.html", "tags": ["Travel","West Virginia","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/04/17/whoop-whoop-whoop.html", "title": "Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!", "content_html": "\n
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Look! We have Redbud AND Dogwood!

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I finished the quilt top! It was supposed to have two borders, but it was getting SO big, I decided to just do a four inch border in the same color as the white in the blocks. Honestly, I just didn’t have it in me to spend one more hour on it. Have you ever had projects like that? I had to force myself to keep at it till it was done. I have finally learned to say… “It’s good enough!” I never set out to win a blue ribbon. I just wanted to make a quilt that they will love and see that it’s not any more perfect than I am. I can’t wait to see it when it comes from the quilter!

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When I finished with the quilt, I sat down to try and figure out what’s going on with my computer and it finally dawned on me. I’ve been downloading a boatload of graphics for my designs and I have just about maxed out the hard drive. And it’s a 1TB disk! If you don’t know what that means, my desktop has millions of times more storage capacity than the first Apollo mission. I don’t need to download all this stuff…I was just like a kid in a candy store. All I need to do is go look for what I need when I need it!

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Mr. FixIt went to see his buddies at the bowling alley last night. Even though he doesn’t bowl with them anymore, he needs the socialization and I’ve been happy to see him enjoying himself with his friends. He works so hard here at home and for his friends and family…he deserves all the fun time he can get. We are both really looking forward to our beach vacation. Now that the quilt is out of the way, I can focus on getting the house cleaned and our bags packed.

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I’ll never forget the first time I went to the beach with Mr. FixIt. I packed like I was traveling around the world for three months! Well, probably not that bad, but I had my biggest suitcase stuffed to the gills plus lots of clothes on hangers. We had a big tote with kitchen things and even took food down with us. It took forever to carry things up to the second floor where our condo is and, of course…what goes up must come down, right? We were exhausted by the time we were done.

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Since Mr. FixIt had those two strokes back in 2020, we’ve packed lighter and lighter every year. Honestly, we hardly need any clothes because we have laundry facilities in our condo. There are grocery stores down there so we don’t have to mess with the heavy cooler. And we end up mostly eating a big breakfast and then sandwiches the rest of the time. Maybe pizza. We always go out for seafood one time when we’re down there. So, I think we’ll just make it a game and see how light we can go. We’ve been watching the weather app to see what is happening at the beach next week and it’s not looking good. There are only a couple of days when the sun is predicted to come out and the weather is much warmer this week that it will be next week. So we will have to take some warm clothes with us. But we always say…any day at the beach is a good day. 

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The first time I ever saw the ocean was when I flew over it in my move to England. We visited the English coast from time to time, but none of that was like going to the beach. The first time I saw a real beach was when Hubby #2 was interviewing for internship. We were in Maine and it was a rocky beach and SO cold! But we had a good time walking around and picking up shells. But I’d never had a real beach vacation till Mr. FixIt took me to the Outer Banks.

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We just have a few more days to get things done and off we go!

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“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

\nPsalms 16:11 NIV\n
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“Be Kind”

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Shop Now

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It’s been quite a while since I went on a girl’s trip. Covid changed a lot of things and the way we socialize was at the top of the list. It wasn’t the only thing that got in the way, however. There were illnesses and surgery…deaths in the family and the price of gas. Things have changed in the Covid arena. It’s still out there, but there have been enough people vaccinated and enough people exposed to rein the beast in. It’s not like it was the first year…a near certain death sentence. 

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So, we are heading out and socializing more. And it feels wonderful to walk around in the world with a little more normalcy. Mr. FixIt and. Still wear masks when we are out in crowds like the grocery store. We try to go there during slow periods to reduce our exposure. And, we are militant about not touching our faces and we wash our hands regularly. We are still among those who have not succumbed to Covid and I intend to keep it that way.

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Those I am camping with have either had the illness or they’ve been vaccinated so I feel pretty safe hanging out with them for the next few days. We were originally supposed to gather at my friend’s house and “camp in”, but she lives in East Palestine and none of us felt comfortable going there. We are heading further north. They’ve rented a cabin for 5-6 of them. Another friend and I will be camping side-by-side on the edge of a large lake. It’ll be cold at night, but the days are predicted to be more seasonable.

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Today I need to rid up the camper and stock the things I’ll be needing. I also want to light the furnace and let it run a while. When I ran it last fall, it got hazy in the camper from burning off whatever was on the furnace parts. I want to make sure all of that is gone before I light it up and sleep in there. I do have my little electric space heater and an electric blanket, so I’m sure I’ll be toasty warm. I also need to figure out what knitting project(s) I want to take with me. 

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Mr. FixIt is taking the truck in this morning for new brakes and rotors. I’m really looking forward to being with the girlies. Prayers for travel mercies. I have no idea if there is cell service or wifi at the campsite so if you don’t hear from me for a couple of days, don’t be alarmed. I’ll be heading back home on Sunday. 

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“A friend loves at all times….”

\nProverbs 17:17 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-03-15T06:53:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/03/15/one-more-sleep.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/01/20/up-above-the-world-so.html", "title": "Up Above the World So High", "content_html": "\n
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Galistair Aurbus A330-300
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Coach Cabin
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Business Class
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As I was writing this last night, I could hear a really big jet going over us here at Marshmallow Ranch. I pulled out my phone and opened the FlightAware app to see where these folks had been. Where were they going? It was a Galistair Airbus A330-300. It’s a twin-engine wide body jet that can carry between 250-440 passengers! Cost efficient and profitable. These folks were flying out of Pittsburg and heading to Mexico City. They had only been up in the air less than half an hour and were already at about 38,000 feet. The average price of one of these bad boys in 2018 was $262.2 million. Three classes…coach, business, and a First Class that would tempt the best of us to be all bougie like.

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We get a lot of big jets going over us. I’m so glad I found this app because Mr. FixIt announces where all these people are heading from time to time. Outside stacking wood? You might find out that heavy roaring overhead may be heading for Istanbul or Australia or London. Maybe they took off from Dayton or Chicago, Atlanta or New York. Or Pittsburg. What takes us three hours or so to drive, took the Galistair around twenty minutes.

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Business Class
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Pretty Cushy!
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Bougie First Class
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The very first time I traveled alone was when I was barely twenty years old. I took a little prop plane out of Parkersburg, flew to Philadelphia, then on to JFK. I had a couple hour layover in New York, then I was gobsmacked when I got to fly in a 747 to London Heathrow. What an absolutely amazing experience! After the previous three flights in progressively larger and larger planes, the 747 felt like a flying football stadium!

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I wanted to soak in every minute of that experience. I flew coach, of course. But it felt like a royal palace to me. There was a real meal served…on china with real silverware. I couldn’t imagine how nice First Class must have been! There was a musician a couple of rows up in front of me. We all noticed he boarded with his guitar. Somewhere over Newfoundland, he took the guitar out as they dimmed the cabin lights and handed out pillows and blankets. Then this magic man played soft, dreamy music and the passengers settled in for an impromptu lullaby.

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I awoke somewhere around 4:00 in the morning. If you listened carefully, you could hear a whispered voice here and there, murmuring to their seat mate. I quietly lifted the window shade and caught my breath. In the midst of the darkness, a tiny fleck of light had appeared. The further east we flew, the brighter it got. Then, that light started to spread in either direction till there was a golden band of light with dark purple and blue bands above and below. 

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And, when the sun itself peeked over the horizon, well…all I can say it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen in my unworldly life. I was dumbstruck. How often do we get to see moments that truly take our breath away? How many times are we amazed by this world we live in? When you have been at death’s door…when you have watched your spouse die before your eyes…you shut down. Then, when you begin to wake up, you never see the world the same way. You see beauty in everything. It is magical when the colors come back in your world.

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I’m not sure when I’ll get to fly again…or even if I want to. But those memories take me along for the ride whenever I wish and I can live my life all over again…albeit vicariously.

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✈️

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\n“If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
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\n\n", "date_published": "2023-01-20T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/01/20/up-above-the-world-so.html", "tags": ["Travel","Courage","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/10/06/travel-days-are-long-days.html", "title": "Travel Days are Long Days", "content_html": "\n
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First, there’s the getting up and going issue…something neither of us are necessarily good at. Then there’s the packing up the camper, tucking everything away, and hitching up. There’s always a stop at the Golden Arches for some iced tea and breakfast sandwiches. This time there was a prescription to pick up at Wally World. And finally, a stop at a rest area on the way where we dump our tanks and fill up with fresh water. 

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I don’t normally travel with a full fresh water tank because it just adds extra weight and that takes more gas to tow. I usually travel with no more than 1/3 tank…just enough to flush the toilet along the way. But, this campground doesn’t have a place where you can fill up your tank and, since we’re going to be here for four days, I need all the water I can get to wash dishes, flush the toilet, and take the briefest of showers during our stay. There isn’t a bath house here…just a solar shower and that’s not happening in October!

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It’s only 121 miles to the campground from our house, but there’s always traffic and potty breaks. Then, we stop at the store closest to the campground and pickup food for our stay. We left at 11:30 and got here at 5:30. We set up the screen tent and the outdoor kitchen and the electric fireplace and sat out there till after dark.

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This is the first time we’ve used the screen room and it worked great. It kept the bugs off us and our food. We leaned the chairs forward on the small table we use and hopefully they won’t gather dew too terribly. Once the dishes were done and things put away, we were both pooped. As I write this, Mr. FixIt is watching a movie on the portable DVD player I so wisely bought for him during one particular camping trip when it was cold and rainy. It’s saved the day on more than one occasion. 

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My sweetie is a TV watcher. I am not. So, the addition of headphones was a BIG bonus! I did bring a couple of movies I wouldn’t mind watching, but I could certainly live with out them. I brought enough knitting projects to keep me busy for a month!

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I think I may have heard an owl way off in the distance at dusk last night, but I wouldn’t swear to it. Hopefully they haven’t all been scared away by the intense reclamation work that went on here at the park during the pandemic. We’ll just have to listen carefully…and maybe I can call them in with the app since they aren’t on the nest at this time of year.

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I’m looking forward to visiting with friends today and honestly…not doing a darned thing! 

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“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

\nMatthew 6:26 ESV\n
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Ahhhhh….sweet tea! Nectar of the gods. Southern house wine. There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a mason jar (or in this case, a Kerr jar) of southern sweet tea. The way the light shines through the amber richness. The way the sweat drips down the jar. The way the ice tinkles against the glass. I have to admit, there are indeed a zillion true souther ladies rolling in their graves when I say this, but…I don’t use sugar. I do like it sweet though, so I use stevia. Yesterday morning, I mixed up a batch of hummingbird juice for the feeder. I use a quart jar, put in one cup of granulated sugar and fill it to within a half inch or so from the top with water. I stir it with one of my wooden spoon so I don’t chip the rim. When I fill the feeder, I always have about a cup or so of the sugar water. So, I added ice and filled it the rest of the way with tea. It wasn’t quite sweet enough so I added on packet of stevia and it was perfect.

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When I was a little girl, my mom would take us to my Aunt Dixie’s house. She made the BEST iced tea. She started by putting a couple heaping spoonfuls of sugar in a heavy glass. She always used an iced tea spoon…you know, the long handled ones? She put in a Lipton tea bag and poured boiling water over the spoon to “cut the shock” so it wouldn’t break the glass. She only filled the glass about half full You stirred to dissolve the sugar and wished for it to cool faster. Then you filled the glass with ice cubes. The kind you cracked out of an aluminum ice cube tray. Now THAT…that was the very best iced tea I ever tasted and I’m sure it’s because it was made with love. I clearly remember the last time I sat at her table and asked her to make me a glass. I had just returned from England and was about to embark on my life out West. I never got the opportunity to ask for that tea again.

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As I sipped this ambrosia, i got to work and…the sweater is finished! It took me seventeen days. I would have had it done sooner, but there was mowing to be done and getting ready for this trip. And, it was a new pattern. I’ve never made a cardigan sweater before so there was a learning curve for me. I have to say, I really love this pattern and I’ll make more cardigans in the future. I did learn some things along the way. Bulky yarns and big needles make quick work but the ends are particularly hard to weave in and hide. There’s a lot less yarn per skein so you definitely need to buy more than you think. I was really happy the extra yarn I bought matched. And, while this yarn feels soft to the skin, the sweater is REALLY heavy. And I had to go over every join and woven end with a needle and thread to keep the yarn ends from working out. I’m worried that the yarn will pick easy so I need to show Big how to tuck in any loose ends. See that little white button on the backside of the sweater button? That anchors the button so it doesn’t pull out your yarn. those six little bone buttons came from my grandma’s (Big’s great great grandmother’s) button box. So, Big will be carrying a little piece of her ancestry with her. Overall it’s a beautiful Bippity Boppity Blue and I’m sure she’ll love it.

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The other big chore yesterday was changing out the actuator on the new camper. It’s not hard at all, but it was a two person job. The actuator is the motorized lift that helps raise the camper top. Unfortunately, the actuator broke when the roof was in the raised position. It took me a while to visualize what I needed to do to fix it. I unplugged the old one and removed it. Then I plugged the new one in and Mr. FixIt held the switch that extended the rod to match the same length of the broken one. That way, I was able to just slip the new one into place and fasten two nuts. Easy peasy! It went down like it was supposed to. There is a design flaw that makes the motor prone to catching rainwater in it. So I put silicone around the seams. Hopefully that will keep the water out.

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We’ll have a big day today driving nearly five hundred miles. Then we have a whirlwind thirty-six hours with the family. Therefore, I’m not going to write a post the next two nights. I’ll schedule something easy ahead of time and I’ll be back Sunday morning. 

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Prayers for travel mercies!

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???

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“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

\nIsaiah 30:21 ESV\n
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\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-14T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/14/sweet-tea.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/07/01/and-the-year-is-half.html", "title": "And the Year is Half Gone", "content_html": "\n
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So, is 2022 really half over? Is the glass half full or half empty? Neither…it’s full to overflowing! You can see the water…it looks diminished. But there is air filling the rest of the cup. And that air, even though you can’t see it, is just as important. The calendar may imply we’re half done, there’s an awful lot of unseen days ahead with great potential if we give it our all! We can make a huge impression on the world in six short months!

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I really enjoyed my time at the farm. It’s always so beautiful at this time of year. And I saw all kinds of critters….deer, a little tiny baby bunny, birds galore, lots of wasps and honeybees and bumblebees and butterflies and lightning bugs, two huge European hornets (thankfully deceased), a slick lizard, and a great big black snake! It was a plethora of nature!

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I stripped the bed and washed the linens. I would have hung them out to dry, but I didn’t have enough clothespins. I love the smell of sheets dried in the sun, but they are always a little rough on the skin if they aren’t dried in the drier. Personal preference, I guess. I cleaned up a little around the farmhouse. There’s always lady bugs and dead wasps on the floor. And of course, we always track in dirt and grass and leaves. 

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When I got home, I pulled out my knitting and somehow I’ve gotten something on it. I don’t know if it was my morning coffee or what it is. I will have to work on it a little this morning. I’m making great progress…just finishing the third skein of yarn. Bulky yarn and big needles make for a quick job when you’re knitting a sweater.

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We went to our little town to get an ice cream last evening and went to check out a new little junk shop called Happy Jim’s. Trust me, Jim was happy. And talkative. We could have been there for hours listening to his stories. He had great stories! I found a perfect vintage tablecloth…not a spot or fray on it. As a matter of fact, it hardly looked used at all. Try as we might, neither one of us could find the price. Happy Jim asked me if $5.00 sounded good. We paid up and I continued to browse during the bulk of the storytelling. I was holding the tablecloth in my arms so I held it out in front of me to admire my find. I don’t know how we missed it, but there was the price tag. It was the same color as the pattern where it was placed. $18.00! I went right to Happy Jim and said, “I’m a good Christian, and I cannot in good conscience walk out of here paying the wrong price.” He took a good look and he said, “Well, ma’am, it looks like you got yourself a good deal!” I objected but he wouldn’t hear of it. “Just tell the folks you got yourself a good deal here at Ol’ Jim’s place, ok?” So, you heard it from me…you can find a good deal at Happy Jim’s!

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When we got home, Mr. FixIt and I took a walk around the property just before dark. There are several pears on the two trees out between the house and the main road. They’re pretty small and the trees look to be blighted. I’m not a tree person, so I’ll have to search the internet to see what I can do for them, if anything.

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We still don’t have the pool just right. We can’t seem to get the water clear. We have one more thing to try and hopefully that will fix it. It would be awfully nice to get in it on these hot summer days. I came out to the camper last night to write and even though it was still pretty warm out, the fans circulated the air and made it quite comfortable. With the price of gas and the crowds at the campgrounds, I’m finding “home camping” to be a viable and cost effective alternative. Heck, you’re just going so you can sleep in your camper or tent anyway. What difference does it make where you park it or set it up? I’ve camped in tiny back yards and I’ve camped in National Parks. It’s sleeping no matter where it’s done, right?

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Happy Friday, everyone! It’s a Holiday weekend…I hope you get out and enjoy the outdoors!!!

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“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.”

\nPsalm 145:5 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/01/and-the-year-is-half.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","The Farm","Farm Life","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/05/27/the-calm-after-the-storm.html", "title": "The Calm After the Storm", "content_html": "\n
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Just when I was totally overwhelmed with camping and traveling and putting a camper up and down in the rain and doing it all by myself…along comes God and says, “Here…take a nice nap. And when you wake up, I’ll have something pretty for you to see!”

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I awoke yesterday morning to a chilly, gray, wet day that was thankfully not actively raining. I only had to drive through a little bit of drizzle a couple of times. I had my eye out for a coffee shop and was prepared to get a cuppa joe and a pastry when I saw…the sign! Perkins Pancake Shop!!! JUST what the doctor ordered. There is no schedule when you’re camping so I pulled in and sat down away from others. And enjoyed the HECK out of a nice hot breakfast with really GREAT coffee! I gave the waitperson a very nice tip because she was working her tail off. I wrote “God Bless You…have a great day!” on the receipt. It’s the little things.

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What a mood lifter! I toodled through the Iowa farmland as the early morning fog was lifting. The windmills reached their arms high, disappearing into the low hanging clouds, slicing through the air to bring much needed electricity a la Mother Nature. The fertile black earth has been furrowed and planted and neat rows of spring green corn is sprouting up everywhere. Herds of black cattle with their babies in tow dotted the fields on either side of the road. The constant hum of the wheels on the road set the backdrop of my silent journey east.

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I crossed the Mighty Mississippi at Davenport, Iowa keeping my eyes carefully on the single lane crossing the bridge. It’s “orange cone season” for sure. As I turned south on I-74, I watched the sky growing heavy and dark in the direction I was heading. I often ask Siri multiple questions as I drive. For instance, she can tell me, based on my speed and the local traffic, just how long it should take me to get to my destination. When I asked her what the weather was doing in Galesburg, Illinois, she confirms my suspicions. There was a thunderstorm when I was heading.

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Fortunately, the storm was moving northeast while I was moving southeast and I did not have to put the camper up in the rain. I had it set up in no time and settled inside to eat my lunch and stretch out for a nap. I was awakened by the sound of rain on the roof and lay there listening. I love that sound. After a while, the rain stopped and the light outside turned golden. I grabbed my phone and headed down the through the tunnel of trees to the lake where I knew a spectacular sunset was coming. 

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All those beautiful clouds reflected the most gorgeous light down across the lake and into my very soul. God reminds us that…even in the darkest of times…there is beauty in His creation. I hold onto His promises in times like these and remember this is not my home. I’m just passing through. 

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And with that, I leave you with His handiwork.

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Allison Lake Storey Campground - Galesburg, Illinois

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“And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

\nMatthew 8:26 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-05-27T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/05/27/the-calm-after-the-storm.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","The Grand Adventure","goRVing","God","Peaceful Moments","Road Trip","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/05/26/just-breathe.html", "title": "Just Breathe!", "content_html": "\n
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Ok…I’m going to vent a little. Sorry. 

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We bought this camper in October. Brand new…never been used. When I was preparing for camping this spring, I discovered the refrigerator doesn’t work. Ok. These things happen. I took it in and they couldn’t get it fixed before my trip to Colorado so I brought it with…sans refrigeration. No big deal. That’s what coolers are for, right? Then…when I picked it up to bring it with me on this trip, I noticed a leak. They’re going to have to fix that. There is a glass cover that opens and closes over the sink that is attached with hinges. Every time I tow the camper, the vibrations cause the screws to come out and fall down in the sink and I have to use a special tool…which I do not own (I used Ben’s) so I’ll meet to get one and also see if they can do something about that. Maybe some sort of adhesive? Also, every evening when I stop to camp, the microwave has creeped it’s way deeper into the cabinet that holds it and I have to fish it out. At least it isn’t falling out on the floor! 

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Add to all that, it has been raining since I hit Nebraska and it hasn’t stopped. Putting the camper up and down in the rain is a pain it the neck and the interior gets wet (including my bed, which I was non to happy about!) When I got the the park last night after driving six hours, there was one site left. A walk in. You get the registration from from the kiosk, fill it out, put half of it on the post at your site, put your money in the envelope and drop it in the post back at the kiosk. Well, one site, right? I wasn’t about to find the site, then drive back around to drop off the money, then come back again to back into the campsite. In the rain. And, I wasn’t about to walk uphill in the rain to drop it in. I called the reservation number, gave them my info and told them I am a trustworthy individual. I’ll drop the money off in the morning before I leave. I told her if that wasn’t good enough, she is welcome to send someone to knock on my door and I’ll be happy to give them the money.

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I was on the phone straightening out my reservation for Friday night when there was a knock on the door. The nice man in the camper next to me asked if I knew I’d left the window down on the driver’s side. In the rain. Argh! I trudged out and closed it, fished out a towel and sopped it up as best I could, and came back in…soaked to the skin and cold. 

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I believe we’ll be trading in the sweet a-frame and getting a free standing camper that isn’t so fussy. I’m too old for this ****! lol

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Ok, I’m off my soapbox. Tucked in, listening to the rain. I had grapes and cheese and yoghurt for supper and I’m warm and dry under the electric blanket. First world problems notwithstanding, I am incredibly blessed and almost half way home! 

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?

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“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

\nJames 1:12 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-05-26T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/05/26/just-breathe.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Camping","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/05/24/flexibility-is-key.html", "title": "Flexibility is Key", "content_html": "\n
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Change is my middle name. I have absolutely no problem changing direction at any given moment and can shift with the winds. I spent a good portion of the day with Daughter #2 yesterday. I picked her and her wife up and took them to our favorite breakfast joint. Then, after dropping my daughter-in-law off at home, my daughter and I ran errands and chatted. We oohed and aahed over the kittens at PetSmart. We browsed the sale racks at Target and I bought a new floor fan. Then we went to the most beautiful garden shop and looked at plants. They are working on building up the soil in their yard so we picked up a few bags of this and that. When we got back to their house, we looked around the yard at the new plants coming up. They’ve made a lot of progress since I was there in September and I’m very proud of their hard work.

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Everyone is busy at this age. Work, home, families…it all takes time and I’m thrilled with what time I can get with them. I’ll be the last one to guilt my kids into spending time with me. I remember what it was like to be their age when you’re pulled in ten different directions. So, since we all got proper visit time, I made the executive decision to head home today. I’ve been gone since May 4th and I’m homesick and I miss my husband. I’ve had a wonderful time visiting Colorado, but I’m ready to get back to my beautiful West Virginia home. It’s time!

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So, here we go…can you say “Road Trip”???

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?

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“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”

\nPsalm 121:8 ESV\n
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#Colorado, #RoadTrip, #WestVirginia, #Camping

\n\n", "date_published": "2022-05-24T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/05/24/flexibility-is-key.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Camping","West Virginia","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/05/08/day-four-was-a-doozy.html", "title": "Day Four was a Doozy!", "content_html": "\n
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I woke up at 5:30 yesterday morning and couldn’t get back to sleep. I couldn’t get the camper together because quiet hours last till 7:00 and besides…it’s the weekend. There’s nothing worse than sleeping soundly in your wonderful camper, only to hear the person next door lifting their jacks and clunking around. I waited till 7:30 then I tried to be as quiet as I could. People were already moving around, so I hope I didn’t disturb them too much.

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I got on the road about 8:30. I checked the road reports and the weather and was concerned to see the conditions deteriorating in western Nebraska throughout the day and into the night. Strong winds, hail, and severe thunderstorms were predicted. As I’ve told you, this camper can’t go up or down in strong winds, so I told Mr. FixIt I was going to have to play it by ear as I got closer. 

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About the last fifty to seventy-five miles were brutal. The winds were blowing so strong straight at me that it was making my truck gear down! I’ve never experienced that before. At first, I was afraid something was wrong with my truck, then I figured it out. There was no way I could camp at Lake McConaughy, which was disappointing. 

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I pulled into the Walmart gas station in Ogallala and plugged my son-in-law’s mom’s address in the GPS to see how much further it was. It was only another 200-some miles…about 3.5 hours of driving. It was 1:30 (Mountain Time) and I would much rather be with family than stay in a hotel. So, I made the executive decision to just drive the rest of the way. That made 470 miles the first day, 333 the second, and 530 the third! I didn’t HAVE to put my camper up…I could have stayed in the house. But I so love having my own little bed and play house!

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And now…I’m whupped. I need to acclimate slowly to the altitude and not get overheated. It was 90 degrees when I got here yesterday. I’ll sleep in, sip on my electrolytes, and be a happy little camper. I thanked God repeatedly for the travel mercies. Let me thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement. It was a fun drive!

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Happy Mother’s Day!!!

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“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.”

\nHebrews 4:9-10 ESV\n
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#MothersDay, #RoadTrip, #Colorado

\n\n", "date_published": "2022-05-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/05/08/day-four-was-a-doozy.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Camping","Road Trip","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/05/07/day-three-was-great.html", "title": "Day Three Was Great!", "content_html": "\n
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Yesterday was by far my easiest day yet. I woke up around 7:30 and was catching up with my correspondence when the camper suddenly shook from a gust of wind. A storm front was coming through and I needed to get moving…fast. These a-frame campers are awesome, but there are a few drawbacks with them. You should not put them up or take them down when it’s windy. The two half’s of the roof are only connected with something akin to bungee cords and a very strong wind could send them flying in opposite directions. 

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I threw my stuff together quickly and got it from the camper to the truck, then carefully lowered the top and was ready to go in record time. I love when I don’t have to unhook my camper. It makes for a quick exit in the morning. The rain quit as soon as I sat in the truck. I got on the road by 9:00 and headed west. Well…north, then west. I drove up and picked up I-80. Even though it is a major trucking route, it’s not nearly as crazy as I-70 is. 

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I don’t find Iowa boring at all. I love all the beautiful farms, the windmills, and the gently rolling hills. I only stopped once or twice at the cleanest and prettiest rest areas I’ve ever seen. I took a fifteen minute break and chatted with you all on a FB Live…which is always fun! One of these times through, I need to set up a meet in greet at places along the way! I’d love to meet you all sometime! I caught up with a lot of people on the phone which was lovely.

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This is one of those trips where I’m flying by the seat of my pants. I made no reservations, and so far, I’ve had great luck finding campsites. It’s the time of year. The kids are still in school and the weather has been crappy so I have better luck getting spots. When I got into the campground last night and registered, I was given several site choices. I drove around to see what was available and selected the one I wanted. I went to the office and informed them of my choice and by the time I got back, there was a young couple setting up a tent and they already had their music blasting. I backed into my site and rolled down the window to listen. Nope.

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I pulled back out of the spot and headed to the office to request a different site. I am not picky, but I am too old to pay to listed to young kids party. They should have a great time..fine. I just don’t need to camp next to them if I can help it. I chose a much smaller area and got set up in record time. I ate supper from the cooler and stretched out to write. There is a camper nearby playing music. That’s ok, I understand that. Some people want the music as an accompaniment to the camping experience. Me? I want to hear birds, not the BeeGees. (Ok, they’re old, too! lol) So, I just turned on my sound machine and wrote my post as usual.

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Oh…I have something really cool to tell you. You’ve heard me say many times how God provides my every need? Well, I was lamenting to Mr. FixIt last night how expensive the gas is in the Midwest. He called me later to tell me I got a letter in the mail from the State of Colorado Department of the Treasury with a check for $284! He took a picture and sent it to me. It turns out, there is an unclaimed property division and they track down people who have money coming to them. This must have been something to do with Mr. Virgo. He had an account with the bank the letter mentioned. Just a little gift from God to offset the higher gas prices. Our God is such a good provider!

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So, today I drive across Nebraska. If it goes like yesterday, it’ll be a piece of cake. Hopefully, there will be dry roads and sane drivers. And, finally…I should be in Colorado some time tomorrow!

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?

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“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

\nMatthew 11:28 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-05-07T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/05/07/day-three-was-great.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/05/05/first-day-done.html", "title": "First Day Done!", "content_html": "\n
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It was a really busy day. Mr. FixIt helped me get the truck loaded up. I got on the road about 9:45 which was pretty respectable. I was really surprised I got such a good night’s sleep before. I have to give credit where credit is due…Jesus has been working overtime catching all my cares! I stopped for gas. Did you know that if you download the app for Walmart, you can get $.03 off per gallon? Every little bit helps.

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I stopped by the DMV because I couldn’t put my finger on the title for the truck. I always carry my titles with me in case I need to trade in a vehicle in an emergency. I was worried it would take a long time to get out of there, but I didn’t even sit down and they called my number. They weren’t busy at all. That’s another secret…go early on Wednesdays and you can get in and out of the DMV pretty quickly.

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I got to the RV Service Center around 12:30. The part didn’t get in and I told them I really needed to get moving. I brought a great cooler with me and I’ll just use that. It’ll be fine. I did notice one thing, the hitch was set too low for the camper and the nose was lower than the rear. I stopped in at the place where we bought it to see Gabe, the awesome trailer dude who did our walk through. He sent his techs out and they fixed it and I was on my way!

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I stopped to get some groceries before I got on I-70 and put them in the cooler. I was disappointed to find I cannot open the tailgate on the truck while it’s connected to the camper so I needed to unhook when I got to my campsite…something I was hoping I didn’t need to do. I went through some of the stuff in the truck and moved what was necessary for last night into the camper. The rest I’ll deal with when I stop tonight. I need to keep a weather eye out today as there is a storm coming up from Oklahoma. Traveling through the central part of America is dicey at this time of year. 

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Oh, I figured out a couple things yesterday. First, these little twin beds are so much easier to make than the big bed that’s turned sideways in a lot of the campers today. I ordered cot sized mattress pads and sheets online and they fit perfectly. However, I knew they would slip off easily with tossing and turning. So, I bought some of those stretchy sheet grippers and put four of them, evenly spaced, completely across the back to hold everything in place. Bingo! Problem solved!

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Another thing I did…when I hooked up the camper at the dealership, I wanted to check the brake lights and the flashers. The turn signals were easy. You just turn one on and go back to check it then you turn the other one on and do the same. That won’t work for testing the brakes. I puzzled over it for a minute, then I took my cell phone, opened the camera app, propped the camera up against the chain link fence and started the video. Then I went up and pressed on the brakes and turned on the flashers. When I replayed the video, I could see they were all working fine!

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I was pretty chilly yesterday. I am really glad I still have the electric blanket and heater in the camper because it was supposed to get down to 47° last night! I was really whupped by the time I got everything done and wrote this post. Today won’t be nearly as hectic as yesterday was so I won’t be so tired at the end of the day. (I had to laugh…Mr. FixIt and I talked and texted at least a dozen times. You’d think we hadn’t been together 24/7 for the last three years! lol)

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“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
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-05-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/05/05/first-day-done.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip","Big Birdhouse"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/29/yet-another-trip-to-town.html", "title": "Yet Another Trip to Town", "content_html": "\n
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I loved those weeks during the winter when we went a whole week or more without driving to town once. I get so tired of that drive…even though I love driving and the countryside is beautiful. It’s just that, there’s no such thing as a “quick trip”. Every trip turns into a full day ordeal and all I want to do is get home and do stuff that needs doing. After the trip to the beach, we have either been in town or at the farm every day or spending all day mowing…every single day. 

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I thought we’d have an at home day yesterday, but I woke up and told Mr. FixIt I’d better get to the DMV and get the plates for the new camper so I can get them on for the trip. While I was in town, I decided to go get the oil changed and the tires rotated on the truck. I had to wait nearly two hours so I ran over to the pharmacy to pick up my meds then settled in to knit for a little while.

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I still have a couple of yarns left from earlier trips to the beach so I picked one with beautiful muted primary colors. About three years ago, I had some yarn in a basket and when we were expecting the great grandkids over, I hid the basket behind the loveseat so they couldn’t get in the yarn. Things got busy and I didn’t get back to knitting for quite some times. When I got back into knitting this winter, I pulled out that yarn and two or three of the yarn were just ruined by moths. 

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I salvaged this one and thought I might have success with it. But, alas…I ran into three places that had been damaged before I was even finished with the toe. You really can’t knit something with multiple strands tied together so I just chucked it in the trash and decided it was a lesson learned. I need to place these yarns in the freezer before I store them in bags with cedar chips or lavender to keep the moths out of them. It’s a shame to have to throw out beautiful and expensive yarns.

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The other day, I noticed the turn signal light on the driver’s side mirror has a lamp out. I tried to buy one at the auto parts store but was told I have to get it from the Ford dealership. I ran over to the parts department and…guess what? They had to order it and it’ll be in this morning. That means…ANOTHER drive to town! Argh!

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Meanwhile, I bought a beautiful hydrangea for the former Mrs. FixIt for her upcoming birthday. Since I’m leaving for the Colorado Adventure next week, I wasn’t sure I’d get to see her again before I go so I swung by her house on my way home. I really like her a lot. She showed me around her flower gardens. I am in awe of her green thumb! I could kill a silk plant…no lie.

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So, after we go to town to get the light bulb for the truck, we’ll head out to the farm to fix the water pump on the well. Remember how I told you as soon as mowing season hit, we wouldn’t have a spare minute? Well, I wasn’t kidding! I’m not complaining…I love doing it (except for all those trips to town, that is). It keeps me young and healthy and there’s no place I would rather live than in West Virginia country and no one I’d rather be with than my sweet man.

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It’s Friday all ready. This time next week, I’ll be on the road to see my Colorado peeps! I can hardly wait!!!!!

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?

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“Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.”

\nJob 12:12 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/29/yet-another-trip-to-town.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Choices","Road Trip","Control"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/23/goodbye-outer-banks.html", "title": "Goodbye Outer Banks", "content_html": "\n
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It’s always a sad, sad day when we have to say goodbye to the beach. Even though our week started out pretty rocky with a strong gale, lots of rain, and unseasonably cool weather…we ended on a high note yesterday! We spent the day out on the beach with plenty of sunscreen and still got sunburned. Mr. FixIt fished his little heart out, loving the new rod and reel I got him for his birthday. 

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He didn’t catch a thing. Not even a nibble. Yet a fellow just a few yards from him was pulling fish in left and right. His last catch of the day was a very respectable Black Drum that any angler would have been proud to hook on a line. It turned out he was using blood worms for bait and Mr. FixIt was using his standby…squid. Maybe next year he’ll try something different. 

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I took my knitting and enjoyed the sun and surf. I watched a pod of dolphins rising along the shore. Osprey, pelicans and laughing gulls kept the skies above the beach busy. There was a ton of people-watching to do. Mr. FixIt always wears a WV hat and folks invariably stop to chat about their connection to the Mountain State. The wind picked up as the afternoon wore on and I eventually caved and put on my jacket and draped my sweater over my knees. We finally…reluctantly…pulled ourselves away around 4:30 and headed back to the condo for a brief rest.

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We caught the last sunset of our stay. As we walked back to the truck, I noticed patches of Stemless Evening Primrose scattered in the coarse, sandy soil…their delicate yellow blossoms opened for such a brief time. We came back to the condo and cleaned and packed so we could get an early start this morning. We’re thinking we might get to stop at our favorite pancake house on the way out of town.

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I want to thank you for coming along with us on this fun week at the beach. I’ll be doing the first half of the driving then Mr. FixIt will take over and I can knit the rest of the way home. We’ll be back to the regular programming tomorrow and the mowing, gardening, and cleaning cycle begins anew. 

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Prayers for travel mercies. See you tomorrow from Wild, Wonderful West Virginia!

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?

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“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

\nNumbers 6:24-26 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/23/goodbye-outer-banks.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/21/a-stroll-along-the-marshy.html", "title": "A Stroll Along the Marshy Sound", "content_html": "\n
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We had a perfectly lovely day yesterday. We had no plans whatsoever. I saw an announcement on the FB page for the condo complex here saying we could get a tour of one of the updated units. We decided before we did anything else, we would take a look. It seems the original management company may have led the investors to believe they were collecting money for maintenance and upgrades to the condos. It turns out that was misleading. The company was fired, a new company hired, a special assessment levied, and now the desperately needed updates are being completed as quickly as possible…which is to say, at a snail’s pace.

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There is still a supply chain issue with furniture, appliances, cabinets…even paint due to the continued fallout from a number of factors, including covid and the untimely blockage of the Panama Canal, the war in Ukraine, resulting inflation…among other things. We walked in to view the updated unit and put on our masks as we were being escorted by an employee of the complex. As soon as he saw our masks, he launched into a political rant about the virus including some widely reported and debunked conspiracy theories.

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I bit my tongue as he continued to harangue us with his beliefs about the legitimacy of the virus till I could hold back no longer and asked this maintenance man where exactly he had gone to medical school. I don’t like to throw anyone under the bus, but I felt his behavior was inappropriate at best and unnecessarily aggressive. I’m not a “snowflake”, nor am I what is derogatorily referred to as a “Karen”. But I don’t appreciate being berated by someone whose job it is to show us a condo and answer any questions we may have. I’m considering my options in this regard. That aside, the new updates are lovely and “beachy” and ever so appreciated. The work on our building is scheduled to begin in 2024.

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When we were finished, we headed down the island…all the way to the ferry station on Hatteras Island. We stopped at the Blue Pelican Gallery and lo and behold…there was my friend, Jenn Johnson…owner of this fine establishment! She hasn’t been in the shop the last couple of times I’ve visited. We greeted each other like old home week and had a lovely chat as I filled my sale bag with the most beautiful yarns. Jenn has had some health struggles since I last saw her, and I was thrilled to have a few moments with just her and I…talking about God moments and how He works in our lives.

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I would have loved to sit and knit and visit longer, but we needed to head back up the island. We ended up in Kill Devil Hills at Henry’s Restaurant for our one night indulgence of seafood. I had Coconut Shrimp…one of my all time favorites. Mr. FixIt had Shrimp and Scallops. We ate indoors with a respectable distance between us and the staff and other diners. This was only the second time we’ve eaten inside a restaurant since covid began and we remarked how totally weird it felt. Honestly, I believe dining out has lost its appeal to me. I know that would make Mr. Virgo sad because fine dining was his forte. I’ve gotten pretty used to the more frugal lifestyle unwillingly imposed by the constraints of the pandemic. I’d much rather cook a good meal at home with fresh ingredients. That way, I know what’s in it and how it’s been stored and prepared. And it costs SO much less.

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It WAS Coconut Shrimp but I forgot to get a picture before I scarfed it down!

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We both wanted a walk and some fresh air after dinner, so we headed back to Duck and walked the boardwalk along the marshy edges of Currituck Sound. We took several pictures along the way, but soon the evening chill began to creep in and we were ready to head back to the truck to get in out of the wind. Right then, we received a text from my dear friend Sue that there was some sort of issue at the White House surrounding a plane or something so we headed back to the condo to catch the news. Thankfully, it was a plane of errant skydivers accidentally off course. It didn’t look like we were going to have a spectacular sunset anyway.

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Today and tomorrow look like our best bets to get some beach time and Mr. FixIt is chomping at the bit to get out there and do some surf fishing! I’ll take my knitting (and a blanket!) along with me and watch.

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Two more sleeps and it’s time to go home already. It’s not fair how long it takes for a vacation to get here and how quickly it is over.

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?

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“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God,”

\nEcclesiastes 2:24 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-21T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/21/a-stroll-along-the-marshy.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","In the Kitchen"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/20/time-and-beauty.html", "title": "Time and Beauty", "content_html": "\n
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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.

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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.

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When 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.

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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.

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Today. What will today bring?

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?

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“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
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(I have no idea where this photo was taken. It was just for demonstration of high waves from a gale.)

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We’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.

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Mr. 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. 

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I’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.

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I 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. 

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Mr. 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.

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In 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. 

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Another day done. Four more to go.

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?

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

\nPsalm 119:105 ESV\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/2022/04/18/life-and-dreams.html", "title": "Life and Dreams", "content_html": "\n
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Our week at the timeshare is almost always perfect. We may have a day or two of chilly, wet weather, but for the most part, it is usually in the 70’s with sunshine. That’s not exactly the same this year. We are looking at mostly sunny days, but our warmest day will be in the mid to high 60’s. The rest will be a mixed bag of rain and 50’s to low 60’s. But, like Mr. FixIt says…a bad day at the beach beats mowing any day!

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We had a leisurely morning then went out to do a little sightseeing in the afternoon. We went to the Wright Brother’s Memorial and wandered around for a while. We drove up the coast road and stopped at the Avalon Pier to check out fishing opportunities. The wind was whipping and really cold, but we braved a walk out to take pictures and a short video.

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We stopped to pick up a couple of things we forgot. I meant to get a box of Matzoh to make Matzoh Brei for breakfast one morning…one of my all time favorite meals to have during Passover. (I wrote about it when we were here in 2019! You can read how to make it HERE!) 

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We stopped for a late lunch salad and headed back to the condo for our afternoon siesta. I love being retired. And I love having the freedom to go places. We’ll camp a lot more this year since we have the Big Birdhouse. We have to do these things while we can. If Mr. Virgo’s death taught me anything, it’s that you cannot wait to enjoy your life and be happy. There may never be a perfect time to do that thing you’ve always wanted to do or go to that place you’ve always wanted to see. Maybe resources and responsibilities preclude you from living out that exact dream. However, there’s nothing that says you can’t adjust your dreams and do something that DOES fit.

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I’ve been saying “life is short” for ten years now. If I say it for another ten…or twenty, God willing…it’s STILL short. We are but a breath…a little blip in time. We are here to love and serve God and steward those gifts He gives us. Life is ultimately simple, yet complex. Easy, yet challenging. Peaceful, yet often stress inducing. I know I’m not the only one feeling the extra stresses of life in the last couple of years. All the more reason to carve out the moments that bring you joy and peace.

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(Thank you for sharing, Zeke!)

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This side of heaven is hard work sometimes…but oh, the rewards when we get to our Heavenly home will be well worth the things we go through here.

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?

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“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

\n2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/18/life-and-dreams.html", "tags": ["Travel","Love","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/16/chag-sameach-and-happy-trails.html", "title": "Chag Sameach and Happy Trails!", "content_html": "\n
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As I write this, it is the first night of Passover. Oh…the memories this brings me. One of the most beautiful aspects of Jewish life is the rich holiday traditions. If you’ve been around here a while, you know I lived a Jewish life for twenty-seven years. I actually started following Judaism when I was a single mom back in 1977 or so. I had a roommate who was Jewish. I had been on a quest to find the faith that spoke to me. At that time, it was Judaism. Then, when I met Hubby #2 and he was Jewish, we were peas and carrots.

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As the wife of a prominent doctor in the community, our family was in the forefront of Jewish holidays and traditions. Our pictures often graced the local newspapers when the Jewish holidays rolled around. Our first year in our new home, we entertained about twelve people for Seder. By the time we stopped having it at home, we were upwards of forty people and I knew we’d outgrown our space.

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The following year, we started gathering in the basement of the local Presbyterian Church. That was the year I realized I needed to relinquish some of the cooking to others because it was getting out of hand. It was only about a month after having a total hysterectomy and I cooked for about seventy-five people. I prepared turkey, brisket, potato kugel, matzo ball soup, and homemade gefilte fish. Each table had its own Seder Plate and there was a Haggadah at each place setting…sit down, with linens and real dishes. It was beautiful…and it about killed me. 

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I continued a Jewish life for several years after my divorce from Hubby #2 and eventually returned to the faith of my youth and became a Christian. It seems Passover falls the week we are at the beach, but one of these days, I’d love to cook some of these wonderful Passover dishes for my FixIt family here in West Virginia. I think they would love it! 

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Our drive to our typical overnight spot was fairly uneventful, save for the traffic backed up for the fire and a bad wreck. The fire was pretty impressive from a distance but we only got this one picture. I always have these pictures in my head of what I’d want to take and I forget when I ask Mr. FixIt to grab his camera, he can’t see what’s going on in my noggin. So we take what we can get and remember the rest! The accident was a rear-ender, but it resulted in three lanes of traffic being squeezed down to one during rush hour, so you can well imagine what that was like.

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We stopped at a rest area and had lasagna that I heated up in my handy dandy Hot Logic Mini portable cooker. The one I bought plugs into a 120v outlet, but I also purchase the power converter so I can plug it into the 12v outlet in my truck. I baked a big pan of lasagna on Thursday and divided the leftovers into three portions. Yesterday morning, I put two of them in the cooler for later in the week and I popped one of them in the Hot Logic Mini and plugged it in when we left home. Around 4:00 in the afternoon, we carried the little package to a picnic table and had a nice, hot, home-cooked meal and avoided all that salt and junk at the drive thru. Win - Win! Click on the photos if you want to get one. They make great gifts for your traveling and camping friends. I use it plugged into the regular power outlet in my camper and it acts like a slow cooker without all the weight and cleanup.

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\n[www.amazon.com/dp/B07K7V...](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K7VP9LC?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3CDV8QQRMVRGV829F2RM)\n
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\n[www.amazon.com/dp/B087WP...](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087WP9KZZ?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ZFXJMTNMCQ2F49AQFJXV)\n
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Today…the beach!!!

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““These are the appointed feasts of the Lord, the holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight, is the Lord’s Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work. But you shall present a food offering to the Lord for seven days. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work.””

\nLeviticus 23:4-8 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/16/chag-sameach-and-happy-trails.html", "tags": ["Travel","Holiday","Cooking"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/09/23/home-is-where-you-park.html", "title": "Home is Where You Park Birdie", "content_html": "\n
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It rained all Tuesday night in Indiana. We awoke to a veritable pond surrounding our camper. I said a little prayer the night before that there would be at least a small break in the downpour…just enough to get things packed up and on the road. When I woke up, I listened. Nothing! The rain had stopped for the moment. I sprang up out of bed, threw on my clothes and told Mr. FixIt he’d better hustle his butt up out of bed because I was closing up shop as fast as I could. We were up, dressed, packed, and on the road in less than fifteen minutes. Good thing, too…it started raining again with a vengeance.

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I-70 is a barrel race with automobiles, trucks, tractor trailers, RV’s…it’s crazy. Add some really heavy rain and road construction and you’ve got white-knuckle driving extraordinaire! I was SO glad to turn off the “I-70 Raceway” onto US-33 and ease on down the road to West Virginia. We are always pleased as punch to see that “Welcome to West Virginia” sign over the bridge as you cross the Ohio into Almost Heaven Land. Even more so yesterday.

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We had just passed Lancaster, Ohio when we went around a curve and…all the windows in the truck fogged up at once. I looked at the thermometer on the dash and we went up ten degrees in just a couple of miles. We had crossed through the cold front. Things were about to get interesting. Those few miles in front of a moving cold front are dicey. The abrupt temperature change causes winds and heavy rain in most cases and by heavy rain, I mean car wash heavy. I hit standing water on the highway and couldn’t see the vehicles around me. For a split second, my foot said “HIT THE BRAKES!” Fortunately, my brain was there with “Not so fast, Jack!” Mr. FixIt and I both had our noses as close to the windshield as we could get and in a few hundred feet, the sky cleared up. There were cars and trucks and RV’s parked on both sides of the highway where they took shelter. That’s too scary for me. I just stay in the middle lane with my emergency flashers on and keep moving careful forward. I feel safer that way.

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We stopped and picked up the cat from the Kitty Hilton. I expect one of these days, Mr. FixIt will decide it’s cheaper for him to just stay home with the cat and let me go on these trips by myself. Wowza!

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We got home just before it started raining again. I refused to go inside at first. I hate when a trip is over. So, I stretched out in the camper, watched the rain on the back window, and relaxed. Mr. FixIt will change the oil today…unless it’s too wet, which is highly likely. In that case, I’ll run to town to get it changed. And tomorrow, I head off to camp with some of my girlfriends for the weekend! Gotta take advantage of every moment in the camper that I can possible get, because winter is coming. It’ll be here before we know it.

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?

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“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

\nEphesians 4:7 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-09-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/09/23/home-is-where-you-park.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","West Virginia","Road Trip","Home","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/09/21/finding-feathers-and-pennies-from.html", "title": "Finding Feathers and Pennies from Heaven", "content_html": "\n
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I didn’t sleep very well the first two nights of this trip for some reason. Probably because we’re leaving the family. And it’s been really hot so we have to sleep with the AC on and I don’t like that. At any rate, I was awake before dawn both Sunday and Monday mornings. When we got ourselves up and around and were putting things away, I saw something peeking out from behind the power box. On closer inspection, I found a perfectly beautiful primary wing feather from what I believe is a wild turkey. Someone carefully wedged it behind the power box to be found by another camper coming in for a stay and I was delighted. I plucked it from its hiding place and carefully tucked it under Mavis, the GPS, for safe keeping till I get it home and add it to my collection of found travel treasures. I also found a penny…so it was a big “message” day. Someone saying hello!

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We had every intention of camping at Graham Cave State Park in Danville, Missouri last night but we got there so early in the afternoon. Today’s drive was going to be very long, so we decided to keep on trucking and stopped for the night in Mulberry Grove at Cedarbrook RV Park & Campground. It is an older place that definitely needs updating, and there were mostly seasonal rigs there. But, it was clean, off the highway, and very quiet on a Monday night deep in September. The moon was full, the sky was clear, and even though there was a storm predicted, we battened down the hatches, took a very welcome hot shower, and called it a day.

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We head to eastern Indiana today. Because we traveled longer yesterday, our travel day will be shorter. We are expecting cooler weather today which will be a welcome respite from the oppressive heat we experienced yesterday. We stopped at a rest area in the middle of Missouri around 2:00 yesterday afternoon and it was 92 degrees. It was overcast all morning so you didn’t really feel the heat. As soon as we stepped out of the truck, the sun broke through and it was like standing in front of a fiery furnace. There was a gal with a flat tire on her cargo trailer and a guy was changing it for her. This is exactly why I have AAA Plus…so I can get help should we ever need it, no matter the circumstances.

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One more sleep and we’ll be back on the Ponderosa…aka Marshmallow Ranch. Two nights at home and I take off to camp with my girlfriends for two nights! Honestly…we’ve been gone nearly a month and we’re having a blast! I think we could do this thing full time! 

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?

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“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”

\nPsalm 121:8 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-09-21T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/09/21/finding-feathers-and-pennies-from.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","Peaceful Moments","Road Trip","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/09/20/good-morning-kansas.html", "title": "Good Morning, Kansas!!!", "content_html": "\n
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Ok, y’all…western Kansas is flat…and windy…and flat. And, did I say windy??? Wowza! We’re talking wind-tunnel windy! We’re not in Kansas, Toto windy! When we set up the camper, I had to make sure Mr. FixIt had a tight hold on his side then we threw a rope over the top to anchor it down. I took it down yesterday morning between gusts and all went well.

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Traveling east on I-70 was a little different yesterday with all that wind. It buffeted me around a little and it took more concentration to drive. It was a long driving day…about six hours or so. So by the time we got to our campsite, I was a little over stimulated. And when I get over stimulated, I get snippy. It’s nothing personal, but the person who will catch the brunt of that snippiness will be the person in front of my face. And we all know who that will be…my beloved Mr. FixIt. 

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I recognize it. I hate it. But, it’s also hard to stop. So, when we arrived at the campground last night, as he started to get out of the camper to direct me back into the site, I placed my hand gently on his arm and said softly… “Please just stay here in the truck with me, will you?” Without saying a word, he shut the door. I backed into the campsite with the slightest self-correction of my angle, and placed it perfectly. Then I asked him to please go back and tell me when I was back far enough to still be able to put the rear stabilizing jacks down. He did. And…just like that…it was done. No snippy. No frustration. No feeling bad afterwards. I think we may just have stumbled on the solution to the “I’m sorry for what I said when I was backing up the camper” problem!

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Carol #2, me (camp hair…don’t care! , and Carol #1

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When I realized the other night that I had vastly overestimated our ability to drive all the way to Salina, Kansas the first day…I got out the iPad, opened the app “RV Parky” and reconfigured our itinerary. I realized this would put us in the Topeka area the second night. And, my dear friend Carol #1 lives in Topeka! I texted her as soon as I knew where we were camping and she and a friend, Carol #2, came over. Carol #1 has been following Marshmallow Ranch since before Mr. Virgo died. It was so good to see her. We ordered Chinese food and sat around until the mosquitos started to eat us alive. I hated to say goodbye, but we promised to connect again in the future!

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Lake Shawnee Campground - Topeka, KS

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I stumbled on a real treasure of a campground here. Lake Shawnee Campground is actually a city park operated by the City of Topeka. There’s a large lake and a lovely campground right on the shore with lots of big trees for shade. And, it’s only $24 for a site with electric and water! It was super easy to get to from the interstate. It was incredibly clean and quiet and our site was right across from the bathhouse.

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Eastern Kansas is so much prettier than western. About the time you get to Salina, you start to see some changes in the topography. The grasses are greener and there are some rolling hills. Then you enter the Flint Hills and there are trees! As we travel east, there will be more trees and hills in Missouri. We will camp in “The Show Me State” tonight at a place I’ve never been and I’m really looking forward to sharing it with you. In the meantime, we’ll enjoy our coffee alongside the lake shore this morning before we head out on the open road. 

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“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

\nProverbs 3:6 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-09-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/09/20/good-morning-kansas.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Road Trip","Friends","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/09/19/drifting-along-with-the-tumbling.html", "title": "Drifting Along With the Tumbling Tumbleweed", "content_html": "\n
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We got up fairly early yesterday morning and I made a batch of fresh buttermilk biscuits. We heated up the grits and the sausage gravy and had a breakfast fit for kings! We had our last round-table discussion with Ben & Sue for awhile and it always makes me sad when I leave my kids and this beautiful couple. They have embraced me as their own for a long, long time. And When Mr. FixIt came along, they welcomed him with open arms. Mr. FixIt and Ben are so much alike, it isn’t funny. They are a hoot and a half.

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We actually got on the road shortly after 10:00…not long after my goal. But we had to make a stop at Walmart to return something. And, I decided to get a twin sized mattress topper for Mr. FixIt. The one we had on his bed was too big and it kept sliding around. This one is perfect and he says it is quite comfortable. So, that’s a win!

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The extra stop put us back a little, but by the time we passed E-470…the outer ring of the circle around Denver…it was closing in on 11:00 and the traffic thinned out nicely. It becomes much more like normal interstate driving. When we added the extra overnight on our way to Colorado, I knew I wanted to do the same going home. That made us leave a day early, but the kids were all busy yesterday anyway so it wasn’t a big deal. 

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We stayed overnight in Colby, KS at the Whistlestop Antiques and Campground. It was SO windy when we got there, and I was really worried about setting up the camper. We were very careful, but you could still see a little daylight in the top driver’s side corner. We slung a rope over the top and tied it to the back bumper and the front hitch to give more protection should the wind pick up during the night.

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We had water service last night so we each took a sponge bath to get the dirt of the day off. We felt so refreshed afterwards. The campground is right by Walmart, so Mr. FixIt took a walk over there before supper and brought home cookies! He saw tumbling tumbleweeds on the way back. We pulled sandwich fixings out of the fridge and had a picnic sitting on the edge of our beds chatting. I don’t know why, but this little camper feels so much more like real camping. My big camper is seriously a small house. You almost feel like you’re roughing it in the little a-frame.

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So, today is more of the Kansas highway. I know it has its own beauty, and I’m looking for it. We passed fields with thousands of round bales of hay. There were interesting cuts in the earth where creeks and rivers carved up the terrain in the days of rain. I have no idea when they last saw rain here, but I’ve never seen the west this arid. It’s scary. Like, Dust Bowl scary. Please pray for any moisture they can get.

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Oh, Daughter #1 went to an Octoberfest celebration last night and texted me. She had just met the sister of a guy Mr. FixIt and I graduated from high school with. She and her husband have retired in Colorado. What a teeny, tiny world it is, yes? I’m looking forward to seeing an old friend from Sisters on the Fly tonight. She and a couple of gals are coming out to see us at the campground and bringing Chinese food for dinner! I can’t wait to see them!

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“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

\nJohn 15:13 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-09-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/09/19/drifting-along-with-the-tumbling.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Camping","Love","Friends","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/09/18/hitting-the-roadagain.html", "title": "Hitting the Road…Again", "content_html": "\n
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I showed Ben & Sue the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Labs yesterday. Sue and I sat at the table and recorded a couple of birds. We saw a huge hawk in their yard but it was gone too fast to get a picture for identification. As we sat and talked over coffee, Sue pointed out something in the shrub outside the window. I went out to look and found a feather with a reddish-orange shaft. I did a Google Lens search and found it to be from a male Northern Flicker (red-shafted). I haven’t had time to research when that bird is here, so I’ll have to do that later.

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I’ve always loved sitting at the breakfast table with Ben & Sue. There are always vibrant discussion and we end up solving all the world’s problems over a couple of cups of coffee. I’ll miss our time with them. I’ve become very close to them over the years and they are my family, too.

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Vacations are always way too short, aren’t they? Even when you’re retired, you have to go home sometime and it’s usually right when you’ve relaxed and really started to enjoy yourself. Daughter #1 and family came over again last night and we had a barbecue and a great around table discussion. I so love this family and I’m going to miss them all. Daughter #2 and her wife work through the weekend, so we said our goodbyes on Wednesday. I’ll miss them both as well. 

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We’re getting up early this morning and I’ll bake one last batch of buttermilk biscuits and we can take some on the road as breakfast sandwiches for the next couple of days. Tonight we’ll be in Kansas! The weather has really changed since we got here in early September. The nights are really nippy. I brought my little ceramic heater that I always keep in my camper because you never know when you’re going to have a chilly night…even in the middle of summer. 

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I camped in a tent at Beaver Creek State Park one year…I can’t remember if it was spring or fall. I was so very cold the first night. So I dug around in the back of my truck and found my little ceramic heater and an extension cord and put it in my tent. It was a lifesaver! I have a feeling, by the time you read this, I’ve turned it on and been glad we had it with us. Birdie has proven to be a great little camper and we are thrilled with our purchase.

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So long, Colorado! See you next spring!!!

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“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;”

\nPsalm 37:23 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-09-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/09/18/hitting-the-roadagain.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Camping","Road Trip","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/09/15/playing-tourist.html", "title": "Playing Tourist", "content_html": "\n
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One of the places I’ve wanted to show Mr. FixIt is Red Rocks Amphitheater. Built in 1936 by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), a Depression-era public work relief agency, it is the coveted venue of every musician on the planet. I’ve been to several shows at Red Rocks. The first was John Denver in the late ‘70s, early ‘80s. Michael Martin Murphy and Starland Vocal Band opened for him. It was magical. Anyone who has been to a concert there will always and forever remember their first time. The view is amazing and the acoustics are incredible. I’ve also seen Casting Crowns, Mandisa, James Taylor, Willy Nelson, and several smaller local bands.

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Yesterday was gorgeous. The temps stayed in the 70’s and there were even spotty rain showers but they didn’t amount to anything. We stopped at Duluth Trading Company and browsed then went to the Whole Foods at Colorado Mills for lunch. We stopped at The Brass Armadillo and prowled around the jam packed aisles of antiques till we were on sensory overload and came back to Ben & Sue’s. Everyone took an afternoon siesta then we went to Daughter #2’s house to teach her how to program her sprinkler system.

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On our way home, I inadvertently showed Mr. FixIt an area of the city that I am sure he could have done without. I made a wrong turn and ended up in the north edge of the city where the homeless live in tents on any square inch of ground they can find. Those without tents just sleep out on the ground. I’ve never seen the homeless population so high here. It was so discouraging to see and I prayed for them as we passed through.

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President Biden was in Denver yesterday and we managed to avoid any major traffic delays as he traveled from DIA to Golden. I would have liked to see his motorcade, at least. The closest I’ve ever been to a President was standing outside the White House and watching Air Force One land in Denver one time.

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The nights are getting pretty darned chilly here in Colorado. We’ve had to throw extra blankets on the beds in the camper, but it really makes for good sleeping weather. Little is coming over today to bake Buttermilk Biscuits then we’ll have a down home southern breakfast for supper with the kids.

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Just three more days and we hit the road and head for home. I hate leaving, but we have had such a wonderful time visiting!

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“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

\nProverbs 19:17 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-09-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/09/15/playing-tourist.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Humbled","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/09/05/fixing-birdies-blinker.html", "title": "Fixing Birdie’s Blinker", "content_html": "\n
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When I was backing into our campsite at Lake McConaughy the other night, Mr. FixIt called out to me to say the driver’s side brake light was out on the camper. That means no turn signal, or flashers, or brake light on that side. Not good when you’re traveling with a camper. The guy behind you needs to know where you’re going. We stopped on the way out of Ogallala to get a new bulb, but we had to duct tape the red plastic lens on because the little clip that held it on was broken. That worked fine till we could fix it properly.

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We sleep out in the camper when we visit people as long as it’s not too hot. We can turn the AC on if we have to, but we prefer not to if we can help it. I like that because we aren’t in anyone’s way, we can stay up and talk, and sleep in. Given the two hour time difference between Colorado and West Virginia, we try to stay on our same schedule as much as possible. It makes it easier to adjust when you go back home. And, when you are a guest for an extended stay, it helps to not be under foot. Even though we are as much family here as anything else, Ben Franklin is the one who said, “Fish and houseguests begin to smell after three days.” 

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My son-in-law’s brother and his family arrived yesterday morning with breakfast burritos from Luna’s…our favorite neighborhood Mexican restaurant down the road. We had a lovely visit and when they left, Mr. FixIt and I went to Gander RV to buy the replacement light to fix Birdie’s broken blinker. We visited with the family most of the afternoon. The guys went to get Popeye’s chicken sandwiches for lunch. Mr. FixIt watched the last half of the WVU game and I stretched out for a little snooze. 

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When the sun dipped low in the west, Mr. FixIt and Ben went out to turn the water on in the irrigation ditches then they replaced the broken tail light. By then it was time for pie. We do love to eat! Around 9:00, the guys walked back up to turn off the water in the ditch and that was the end of our first full day of vacation.

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We did get some good news yesterday. Daughter #2 was upset the day we arrived because she found out her boss has covid and she wasn’t feeling terrific. She went to get tested yesterday and it was negative, thank God! We were so worried for her because, even though she is fully vaccinated, she has asthma so we sure didn’t want her to get this terrible virus. AND, besides that…we haven’t seen each other since their wedding in August 2019! It would have been a double tragedy to not get to hug my baby because of covid!!!

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So, I get to see my Moon Pie today!!! I cannot wait to squeeze her tight!!! Tell everyone you love them, people. Time is a commodity we cannot afford to waste!

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“yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

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James 4:14 ESV

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The Cornfields of Illinois

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There was a cold front that swept down through the Great Plains yesterday and it brought TONS of moisture with it. We woke up yesterday and took our time getting the camper packed, but as soon as we pulled out of the campground, it started sprinkling. We needed to check the air in the trailer tires. It took three stops to find an air pump that worked. I have my portable compressor with me, but we forgot to pack an extension cord. Just as Mr. FixIt was adding air to the tires, the sky opened and he was pretty wet when he got back in the truck.

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We stayed Monday night at Grandpa’s Farm Campground in Richmond, Indiana. We stayed there once before when the bearings went out on the big camper a few years ago. I stayed there on my way across country several times and love it. When we got on I-70 West, we’d only gone a few miles when there was a sign saying there would be major construction delays and to get off at the next exit. I don’t know why we didn’t, but it wasn’t long till we were sitting in a parking lot. Between the heavy rain and the construction, our 4.5 hour drive turned into about a 9.5 hour journey. 

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It wasn’t all bad, though. The middle of the day was stellar. The sky was clear and we drove through the gorgeous farms of Indiana and Illinois passing field after field of God’s bounty…corn, soybeans, sunflowers. We drove by Pekin and Peoria…both places my grandparents lived. Three of their children were born in Pekin. We finally got to our campground last night around 5:45. It had been raining so hard and I couldn’t imagine setting up this camper in that. I was afraid we’d have to sit in the truck till the storm let up, but we prayed that God would give us a window…and that the camper would be dry inside. He delivered on both counts and we were snug and dry inside before it started to pour again.

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The View From Our Campsite Last Night….Cool and Wet!

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We thank God profusely for travel mercies and the blessings he bestows on us. And we thank you for your good thoughts and prayers for our safety. It takes a village!

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“Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.”

\nJames 5:18 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-09-01T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/09/01/we-beat-ida-but.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","God","Road Trip","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/08/30/birdies-grand-adventure-shes-off.html", "title": "Birdie’s Grand Adventure… She’s Off!", "content_html": "\n
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For the day before a Grand Adventure, we were pretty mellow. Mr. FixIt finished mowing the back yard and did some fixit things around the house. Our house sitters came and learned the ropes and picked up all the keys. The laundry is all done and folded and either packed or put away. The footlocker we use for our camp kitchen has been restocked and is ready to load up in the back of the truck. Our totes are being filled with clothes and shoes at the last minute. The hanging clothes are waiting in the wings. Food gets picked up at a shop near our destination to keep things simple. The clean bed linens will be put on this morning as it was raining hard during the last hours of light yesterday afternoon.

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I’m trying to keep things super simple on this trip. This little camper is REALLY little. No storage space to speak of so we need to be creative. The totes will fit under the twin bed. Two of the milk crates with shoes fit in a cabinet under one end of the twin bed. The other two, with towels and bathing supplies go under the big bed. I bought some suction cup hooks to hang towels and things on. I’ve even entered our first destination in the GPS already. I think we’re pretty well set!

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We’re both pretty tired. Saturday was a very long, hot day filled with hard work for both of us. I ended up getting sick from the heat. I wasn’t as careful as I have been…drank water instead of my electrolyte drink, and really should have waited longer after eating to go out and finish the mowing. At this stage of the game, saying you’d think I knew better is a pretty moot point. But, I bounced back fast…no worse for the wear.

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Luckily, this camper is not at all difficult to tow. I have a feeling my days of hauling a big 30’ camper across the country are over. I know…never say never, but that big girl wears me out. This little gizmo is a dream to pull so I’m thinking it’ll be much more fun. Oh, and of all things, that terrible pain I had in my hip is GONE. I prayed over it. I iced it, I rubbed CBD lotion on it. I took NSAIDs for it. I even had my friend Marion send some Reiki energy. By yesterday morning, it was just gone which was SUCH a relief. I was so worried it was going to dampen our trip. 

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Thank you, God…for all you do for us!

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“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”

\nPsalm 121:1-8 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-08-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/08/30/birdies-grand-adventure-shes-off.html", "tags": ["Travel","The Grand Adventure","Road Trip","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/08/20/guardian-angels-and-rainstorms.html", "title": "Guardian Angels and Rainstorms", "content_html": "\n
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We’ve had an incredible amount of rain in the last week after going through a prolonged dry spell. It’s been a blessed relief but that doesn’t make driving in it very pleasant. When I towed Birdie down to Huntington on Tuesday, I drove through a steady rain till I was nearly at my destination. I took my time, did not use cruise control, and never went over 55mph…60 at the most. 

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We lost a fellow classmate a few weeks ago to a tragic car accident. I went all through school with Cheryl, though I didn’t know her terribly well. We ran in different circles. Still, when I learned the circumstances of her accident, it haunted me for a while. There were so many similarities. Cheryl was a fairly new widow, getting back out into the world, and was traveling alone when a semi lost control. She must have been passing him or was driving in a lane adjacent to him, because the weight and power of the tractor trailer pushed Cheryl through a guard rail, across the median, and into oncoming traffic. She didn’t stand a chance and we were all devastated by her sudden loss. (Correction, Cheryl was driving in the oncoming traffic and was hit head on by the semi. Still, a car was pushed through the guardrail by a semi with the same tragic results.)

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As I drove north through the storm coming home yesterday, I was driving cautiously. The rain wasn’t too bad in the beginning. I started to pass a semi and felt this chill. I thought of Cheryl and her accident. I moved back in behind the big truck. Where he and the rest of the traffic kept up their pace, I slowed way down. It wasn’t too much further and the skies opened up. The kind of downpour where the windshield wipers cannot keep up. More and more cars pulled over on the shoulder and turned on their emergency flashers. I turned mine on, too…but I kept driving. I’m too afraid to stop on the side of the road when visibility is poor. I’d rather drive in the center lane with my flashers on and stay far enough back that I can stop, but not so far back that I can’t see.

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Suddenly, brake lights started lighting up ahead of me and I slowed down to a crawl. There, in the sound bound lanes, was a semi…jackknifed. At first, I thought he must have been heading south, but I later learned on the news…he was traveling north, went through the guardrail, and was turned completely around. Just like what happened to Cheryl. Two people were sent to the hospital and as far as I know there were no fatalities. But, I know as well as I know my own name…my guardian angel told me to slow down and not to pass the semi in the rain. She was working overtime yesterday.

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Every time I get behind the wheel, I wrap my hand around a wooden cross that I have hanging from my rear view mirror. I have no idea where that cross came from. It just showed up one day out at the farm. It was on my grandma’s dresser one morning so I picked it up and hung it in my truck. I wrap my hand around that cross at the beginning of every trip and ask God to keep us all safe as we travel that day. When I saw that wrecked semi, I wrapped my hand around the cross again and thanked God for protecting me.

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I soon outran the storm and by the time I got home, it was back to a gentle drizzle. I called the RV dealership and they said Birdie will be ready by late this afternoon. I’ve decided to go back down to get her today, tow her to a local campground, and stay overnight near the dealership in case anything shows up that I need to get fixed while I’m down there. If all goes well, I’ll tow her back home tomorrow and we can start packing up for the big trip.

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I went to Menard’s when I was in Barboursville yesterday and picked up some storage containers that I think might work well. I’ll try them out at the campground tonight. That way, if they don’t fit right, I can return them while I’m still in the area. With all this running around, it’s hard to believe I’ve actually had more restful sleep in the last three days than I’ve had in quite a while. I guess, going full speed ahead wore me out enough to make me sleep soundly.

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?

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“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”

\nPsalm 91:11-12 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-08-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/08/20/guardian-angels-and-rainstorms.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Prayer","God","Road Trip","Birdie"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/28/packing-light.html", "title": "Packing Light", "content_html": "\n
\"Bush
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Bush Lily preparing to bloom; Elephant Ears behind

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I swore I wasn’t going to go to town yesterday. SWORE! But, Mr. FixIt reminded me I needed to have blood drawn so I gave in and went with him. We left about 11:00 and didn’t get home till 7:00 last night! There is no such thing as a quick trip to town. *sigh* The bad part was, as I sat in the lobby waiting to be called into the lab, I got to thinking. “Why on earth would that doctor want my blood drawn so soon? I just had it done last week!”

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I rummaged around in my purse and found the lab order. I read the whole thing then found, in small print at the top…Day of Service: 10/02/2021. For crying out loud…it was the order to have done the week before my followup visit. Oy! I took my name off the list and headed to the mall to walk with Mr. FixIt. We did our lap and stopped in the sporting goods store to see if there was anything interesting. There wasn’t. 

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We went to a local RV service and supply store and bought an electric hitch jack for the new camper. The one on it is a hand crank model and it takes forever to move up and down. Mr. FixIt will install it today and it will make setting up a breeze.

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Our next stop was the DMV to get the title of the new camper put in our names and get the plate. AND…pay the sales tax. Ouch. You know it’s coming, but you’ve had a couple of days to have fun with the camper and forget about the money you’re going to have to spend to make it legal. Ah, well…you can’t take it with you. Unfortunately, it was a three hour wait. Mr. FixIt elected not to come in with me. Lucky man. There was one person wearing a mask. Well, two…I was wearing one. There’s a variant out there people. Please be safe.

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I texted my sweetheart and proposed we use our gift certificate to Texas Roadhouse and get steak for supper. I mean…that’s the perfect reward for sitting in the DMV all afternoon, right? We picked up our meals and drove to the City Park and had a lovely date in the shade. A quick stop at Walmart, and we headed home.

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We are going camping this weekend so I need to stock the camper, get out our two trunks we use to store our camping supplies, and get things ready. This small camper is forcing us to be minimalists…something neither one of us are particularly good at. Well…one of us more than the other. lol It will be interesting to see how we do with the little lady.

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In the meantime…I am NOT going to town today!!!

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?

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\n

““Travel light. Comb and toothbrush and no extra luggage. “Don’t loiter and make small talk with everyone you meet along the way.”

\nLuke 10:4 MSG\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/28/packing-light.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/07/12/saying-goodbyeagain.html", "title": "Saying Goodbye…Again!", "content_html": "\n
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Unless my daughter decides to spend the night and head out in the morning, the current plan is to come pick Little up and hit the road. They really want to get back to Colorado to get Big back on her training schedule. And I know they want to sleep in their own beds. They’ve been on the road for a month. We called Daughter #1 to wish her a happy birthday yesterday. Little told her she’d had an awful lot of fun here, but she was ready for her own bed. I totally get that. 

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Little and I both think two weeks is a perfect visit with Nana. It’s enough time to bond and do fun things, but not so long as to get bored or on each other’s nerves. We’ve decided she’s coming back next summer for a visit. Big will be graduating from high school next spring…and so is the youngest of my bonus grandchildren here in West Virginia. There may be some crossover there so Mr. FixIt and I may be celebrating separately. We’ll know more when the school calendar comes out.

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We really didn’t do much yesterday. I mowed in the afternoon but didn’t get very far before a big thunderstorm came in. It rained off and on all afternoon and evening and we are expecting rain every day for the next four days. The grass will REALLY need mowed by the time it dries up enough. 

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I was sitting in the living room with Mr. FixIt in the early evening when a little spotty fawn came walking by the front door. Little happened to be in the kitchen so I got her attention in time for her to see it. I love that she’s seen so much wildlife here. We wrote a long list of all the special things she got to do while she was here. It’s been such a blessing having her here and the house will be awfully quiet without her.

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We drove to town last night to have Chinese food for supper. We picked up our carry out order and took it to a nearby park to watch the fish rising in the little lake…looking for their supper. The mayflies hatched en masse over the 4th of July weekend so they’re probably having a smorgasbord. By the time we finished eating and headed home, we were happy little campers as we congratulated ourselves for a successful visit with our Little Bear! We’ll see her in September!

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Please pray for travel mercies for my family.

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?

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\n

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

\n1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-07-12T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/07/12/saying-goodbyeagain.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Love"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/05/26/pumpkins-magnificent-adventure.html", "title": "Pumpkin’s Magnificent Adventure", "content_html": "\n
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Pumpkin

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For those of you who’ve followed a while, you’ll know I lived in my camper for a few years and vowed never to have pets again. Mr. Virgo’s little dog died just three months before he did and it was all just too much. I didn’t want to lose any more beloveds. Then, when I came off the road, I inherited a farm cat I dubbed “Boy Cat”. When I was gone on a trip over Thanksgiving, I came home to a tiny little kitten with exactly the same markings as the long-haired big boy except he had a short, sleek coat. I named him “Kitty Boy”.

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While Boy Cat eventually warmed up to me and marked me as his by rubbing his face on my legs, Kitty Boy was as wild as wild could be and took off like a shot if he saw you. No rubs and chirps, but he came back every day to be fed and slept soundly through the winter in his bed box complete with an electric warming pad. While not a terribly enthusiastic cat person, I came to love them and watching their antics around the farm.

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\"Farm
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Boy Cat and Kitty Boy

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When the time came to move to join Mr. FixIt at the Ponderosa, the farm kitties moved quite happily to my cousin’s barn down the road and adjusted well. Fast forward to Halloween 2019. Mr. FixIt and I had been married a year and I took off for several weeks camping all around the state of West Virginia in the Girl Camper Raffle Trailer. When I returned, here was this little black kitten someone had dumped and Mr. FixIt had been feeding him. I wasn’t thrilled to be tied down with another pet, but when this little thing shot straight to me like she’d been waiting forever to see me...well, let’s just say...she’s home.

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We woke up yesterday morning and decided it was THE day to take TOW-Wanda down to Setzer’s World of Camping to get some leaks fixed. We haven’t moved that camper for at least two years...maybe three. As a matter of fact, we weren’t really sure when we camped in her last...save for sleeping out there in the field at the Ponderosa. All four tires and the spare were low on air so I got them pumped up. Mr. FixIt struggled and finally got the big tarp off of her. The battery was dead so we had to plug her into shore power to raise her up with the electric tongue jack.

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Towing TOW-Wanda to Setzer’s

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It was already near noon by the time we got her completely hooked up and ready to go. I went and closed the doors to the car. Mr. FixIt went to close the doors to the bay. We were sweating buckets. We grabbed a couple of electrolyte drinks and hopped in the truck for the three hour drive to Huntington.

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When we got there, we went inside to register with Matt in the service department and told him all the things we wanted fixed. We visited a little while, then went back out to unhook the camper so the tractor could pull it into the shop. I needed a tool to unhook the weight distribution hitch so I went over to the storage compartment in the belly of the camper. When I opened the hatch door, I stood there so confused for a few seconds. There was Pumpkin! She cautiously peeked her head out and looked around...sniffing the air.

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Now, Pumpkin is like most cats I’ve ever known. She’ll let you pet her for a few seconds then when she’s had enough, she’ll turn around and bite you a good one! Not this time. I picked her up and she literally climbed me and planted her head under my chin. Bless her heart! It never occurred to us that she would have jumped into the belly of the camper. And she’s black as night so you would never see her in there with all the gear and cargo we carry.

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Pumpkin Peeks Out From Her New Roomy Carrier

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Fortunately, she was no worse for the wear. We gave her a drink and sat with her for a while in the truck, running the air conditioning so she’d cool off. We stopped at the first Walmart we came to and bought a collapsible pop-up pet carrier and got her settled in on a nice clean blanket and hit the road home. She does really well in the car on the interstate. And she does fine for the short ride to town, which she often makes with Mr. FixIt. But you put this poor kitty in the car and go very far on these twisty turny West Virginia roads and she lets loose from every orifice. I don’t know what to do about that. The only time we ever go far is when we have to take her to the vet...or, when she’s a stowaway on an illicit adventure, apparently.

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From now on, we’ll double and triple check compartments on the camper when we leave for a trip. This could have had disastrous results, and should serve as a warning to others, but fortunately...all it left us with was a very snuggly kitty...and some blog fodder!

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?

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\n

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”

\nPsalm 145:9 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-05-26T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/05/26/pumpkins-magnificent-adventure.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","West Virginia","Warning","The Cats","Farm Life","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/25/when-you-take-your-goats.html", "title": "When You Take Your Goats to Arby’s...You Must be in West Virginia!", "content_html": "\n
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We got in last night exactly twelve hours after we pulled away from the condo. Although we were tired and felt like we’d gone ten rounds with an alligator, the trip itself was so smooth. I knitted for the first four hours or so, then switched off and drove the rest of the way. I so enjoy our time together and our conversations. Interspersed with stretches of companionable silence, we solve the world’s problems and share stories and laughter. This was truly a treasured trip I will always remember.

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Just after crossing the border into West Virginia, I suggested we pull into Lewisburg and get a bite to eat. As we got in line at the drive through, I noticed something moving in the trailer in front of me. It was a little dark, but then he turned around the corner and I could see what was inside. 

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Goats!

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Two beautiful white nanny goats and a black billy goat were happily munching on hay as their owners went through the drive through for sandwiches. I smiled and turned to my sweet husband.

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“We’re home!”

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?

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\n

“Happy are you who sow beside all waters, who let the feet of the ox and the donkey range free.”

\nIsaiah 32:20 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/25/when-you-take-your-goats.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","West Virginia","Road Trip","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/24/so-long-obxsee-you-next.html", "title": "So Long, OBX...See You Next Time!!!", "content_html": "\n
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It was our last day and we wanted to do something fun so as soon as the temp warmed up a little, we gathered a few things and took off. Mr. FixIt has had his picture taken with a specific dog statue every time we have been here together, so we surely couldn’t leave before getting this year’s shot. And...since he was all masked up, I’ve decided you get to see him from the front without blurring out his face! Yeah, I know...you still can’t see him ‘cause his picture and his name is the only thing I keep close to my heart. The rest of my life is pretty much an open book. He reads most of my posts and...so far...he’s never had a complaint about any of the stories I tell. As a matter of fact...I think he kinda likes it!

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The day started out cool but sunny and clear. We walked the boardwalk and looked at some of the little shops. Finally, I looked at him and said, “You know...every one of these shops has the same darned things in them. Let’s go fishing!” His eyes lit up and we went back to the condo to pack a quick lunch and headed off to the beach. There was barely a breeze and with the sun shining, I was warm enough in leggings and a sweatshirt. I took my knitting and worked on the shawl as we chatted between casts. The fish weren’t biting, but the crabs were devouring the squid off the hooks as fast as he could throw them out in the surf.

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Around 5:00 or so, the clouds started to gather and it got chilly. We packed up without eating our sandwiches so we decided to drive up the island to the Currituck Lighthouse again and have an in-truck dining experience. It soon became apparent the sunset was going to be obliterated by cloud cover and we headed back to the condo. We’ll pack this morning and head home so we covet your prayers for travel mercies.

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In the meantime, here is my progress on the shawl I’m knitting. I chose these colors because they reminded me of the sand, surf, and sunsets here on the Outer Banks. Now I’ll have a lovely reminder of our 2021 trip to the beach every time I wrap myself in its cozy warmth. I don’t know if I’ll get to knit on the way home as I am usually the designated driver and my sweetie is my navigator. If not, there will be plenty of other opportunities. I’ve decided to spend a little time every night after I write and before I chat with my son-in-law’s mom, Sue. If I keep at it, I’ll definitely get it done! Sometimes I’m not so good at finishing projects but I’m determined to do this one.

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We usually divide our trip down into two segments, staying overnight somewhere around Williamsburg. That’s so we don’t get here totally exhausted and ruin our first day trying to rest. I don’t care so much going home because we can always lay around on Sunday and not miss a thing. I was telling Mr. FixIt last night, I’m usually ready to go home about Thursday. Then on Friday, I want to stay another week! At any rate...we’re at that age when I’m really excited to sleep in our own bed. So, getting home in one day just might be the way to go.

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See you tomorrow!

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?

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“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

\n1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-24T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/24/so-long-obxsee-you-next.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/23/todays-good-mood-brought-to.html", "title": "Today’s Good Mood Brought to You by...God’s Paintbrush!", "content_html": "\n
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The worst day at the beach beats the best day at the office. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked in the confines of four walls and a desk, but I have vivid memories. Yesterday’s chilly temps didn’t take away our enjoyment of the Outer Banks. Although it was a tad too nippy for me to go the beach, we did venture out for dinner and another glorious OBX sunset. I spent the majority of the day knitting and listening to a roaring campfire on my headset...hoping to thaw out my frosty toes. It didn’t help. I finally gave in and turned on the furnace. At the beach! That’s just wrong!

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As Mr. FixIt and I drove to the restaurant for carryout last night, I asked if he’d had a good week. He remarked that he really had...it was very relaxing. I really love having people join us at the beach. Our condo is actually a double unit with a one bedroom on one side and an efficiency apartment on the other. We have had my son-in-law’s parents one year, and my stepson and family another. Both trips were great fun and full of sightseeing and long days on the beach. We both needed a lower key trip this year. With so much going on in our lives, it felt really nice to just kinda kick back, stretch out and take a nap every day, and knit. I hardly cooked. I made a hearty breakfast yesterday morning, but most of our meals have been takeout picnics. 

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Knitting: Sock Yarns, Shawl Pattern, Shawl Yarns

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There’s something to be said for that. We didn’t haul a lot of food down. Honestly, we didn’t bring half of what we usually drag down here. The only thing I would have done differently was bring a heavier coat and my favorite chairs. Mr. FixIt likes the folding ones with the table simply because they are lighter and easy to carry. I, however, love my padded club chairs and I promised if we bring them next time, I’ll be in charge of toting them everywhere. The furniture in our condo has seen it’s better days and really isn’t very comfortable. The only comfy place I sat the whole week was when we drove places. Next year...we go for comfort!

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One more day. Why does vacation take so long to get here and so quick to be over?

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?

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“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!”

\nPsalm 113:3 ESV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/23/todays-good-mood-brought-to.html", "tags": ["Travel","Love","Be Joyful!","Memories","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/20/adjust-your-dreamsagain.html", "title": "Adjust Your Dreams...Again!", "content_html": "\n
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\n\n\n

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.

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Fast 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.

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When 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. 

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We 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.

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Ahhhh....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.

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I’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. 

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So, 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!

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?

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“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

\nGalatians 5:16 ESV\n
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\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/2021/03/18/guess-where-i-am-hint.html", "title": "Guess Where I Am? Hint: The Peepers are Peeping!!!", "content_html": "\n
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Pollen coating the parking lot in Savannah, Georgia

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Yes...we made it home last night by 9:00. Not the original plan, but...once my husband starts seeing how many miles it is to home on the road signs, we’re done. There’s no stopping that draw, no matter how hard I whined. In all actuality, I was really ready to be home in our own bed and the peepers greeted us where ever there was any standing water...all the way out the two lane. I stood at the edge of the driveway and tears stung my eyes at that beautiful sound...SPRING!

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We started our day just south of Savannah, Georgia at 10:00 yesterday morning. I drove for the first three hours or so, then Mr. FixIt took a turn at the wheel. I took over in Wytheville, Virginia and drove the rest of the way home. We had an easy drive. We avoided the terrible storms that are hitting the south this week. As a matter of fact, it didn’t rain a drop till we were emptying the truck at home. We did see a couple of accidents, but no emergency vehicles so hopefully the occupants were ok.

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South Carolina roadside filled with white flowers

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I love it down south...spring comes early and everything is green and lush. But I swear...there are WAY too many people south of the Mason Dixon Line. Y’all are seriously crowded and I don’t know where all those people were coming and going to, but I-95 is like the Daytona 500...day and night. When we walked out to the truck yesterday morning, there had been a light rain during the night and it washed the pollen into wide yellow stripes like paint on the asphalt. It’s no wonder we were both sneezing like crazy.

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Heading up Fancy Gap in Virginia

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So, now we are home and in reverse isolation. We have been in crowded areas where the coronavirus mutations are running rampant. Even though we both are fully vaccinated, we could still carry the virus to others who may not be. That’s fine with me. I can use a little down time on the Ponderosa and out at the farm. Once the first few days were over after the surgery, I’ve felt better every day. And, so far, the pain I was experiencing before the surgery hasn’t returned. I did have pain in my hands yesterday while driving. I told Mr. FixIt, the educational materials on the parathyroidectomy specifically said if you had joint pain before, you may still because it doesn’t take away things like arthritis, which I know I have in my hands. I happy with the results and pray it stays that way. Now I can relax a while before mowing season starts!

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?

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“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.”

\nProverbs 3:5-6 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/18/guess-where-i-am-hint.html", "tags": ["Travel","West Virginia","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/17/day-documenting-a-lost-year.html", "title": "Day 365: Documenting a Lost Year That Saved Me", "content_html": "\n
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I woke up in the stillness of our hotel room. My husband slept quietly by my side. I turned over and reached for my phone...6:05. I closed my eyes, willing myself back to sleep...to no avail. I felt...uneasy. My radar was up and I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Usually I’ll take a quick look at the news, but yesterday I went straight to the weather. As soon as I saw the first weather warning for the south, I sat bolt upright in bed....just enough to stir Mr. FixIt. He knew by the look on my face, I meant business.

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“We need to head home...today.” I handed him my phone with the weather map. 

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“Yeah...I heard something about this last night.”

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He was worried enough to take notice of the weather, but worried enough to leave the sunshine a whole day early? Hmmmmmm....maybe not.

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I smiled at him and said, “Come on, get up! I miss the neighbor’s rooster!” 

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He laughed. I don’t think he likes the rooster as much as I do!

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We were packed and on the road in fairly short order. He wouldn’t let me drive, even though I felt much better yesterday than the day before. He is a wise man. By the time we stopped for the evening, I was whupped...and all I did was ride along and read road signs.

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I love road trips. We left the interstate for a while and cut off a few miles getting from Port Richey to Jacksonville. We passed lots of roadside stands selling strawberries, blueberries, and Vidalia Onions. We didn’t stop though. We basically just drove and talked and ate popcorn all day. It was a nice way to end what was often a wicked hard year.

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I won’t count the days anymore. Things will change along the way and I’ll note them, but no matter how hard you beg, God will not tell you how many days you have on this earth. I documented a year...yet ANOTHER year. A year out of EIGHT years that I’ve shared with you. There was fear, sadness, hope, love, frustration, boredom, loneliness, pain, and change. So, so much change. Isn’t that the one thing we can always count on in life? Change? I’d be a lot happier if I didn’t have to face quite so MUCH change in just one year, but we don’t get to choose that either. We only get to choose what we do with it. 

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I think I’ve done ok with my lost year. I think, in many ways...it made me find more of myself. But I truly, truly wish all those beautiful people had just one more year to love their people. That’s the thing about life. 

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We always think there is time.

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NOTE: If you are in the way of the storms this week, please do be careful! My prayers are with you!!! ?

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?

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“The angel showed me a river that was crystal clear, and its waters gave life. The river came from the throne where God and the Lamb were seated. Then it flowed down the middle of the city's main street. On each side of the river are trees that grow a different kind of fruit each month of the year. The fruit gives life, and the leaves are used as medicine to heal the nations.”

\nRevelation 22:1-2 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/17/day-documenting-a-lost-year.html", "tags": ["Travel","Choices","Change","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/09/day-from-sea-to-shining.html", "title": "Day 358: From Sea to Shining Sea...the Atlantic to the Gulf", "content_html": "\n
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Mavis has taken me on many adventures. She and I met the day I left Colorado in my rear view mirror and headed for West Virginia and a whole new life. I didn’t realize how very much I needed her, till I stopped along the way and picked her up. Mavis is my GPS. She tells me, almost without fail, exactly where to turn. She lets me know in advance what lane I need to be in for the upcoming exit on strange turnpikes. She reassures me I am on the fastest route, and if not, she either lets me know how long we may face delay or in worst case scenarios...redirects me in a safer direction.

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As we drove yesterday, heading from Historic St. Augustine to Tampa, we decided to turn Mavis off for a while and mosey down A1A...the old route that follows the ocean down the length of Florida. We passed incredible mansions and little beach houses...some no more than shacks, really. I let my mind wander to the kind of people one might find inside. It’s definitely spring down here so there were hundreds and hundreds of bikers riding up and down, parked outside old rundown watering holes and greasy spoons. Or those whose pristine hogs were strapped to trailers on the back of spendy pickup trucks...on their way down to the yearly right of testosterone display that is bike week.

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The bougainvillea are breathtaking! You smell flowers and salty sea as you travel south in the succulence of spring. It’s dizzyingly decadent...as though you are biting into some forbidden fruit...the juices dripping from your chin and leaving you with a sense of satisfaction no mere apple could ever give. My heart explodes with joy, as it always does, when my eyes first meet the sea. We crack the windows, our companionable silence broken only by the cry of gulls and the rumble of a good Harley. Oh....there is nothing like the revelry of springtime abandon. Especially after the long, hard season we have seen. 

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I cannot let myself obsess with others who eschew precautions and flaunt their maskless faces in the Florida sunshine. I understand their needs. I fear for their health and the health of the unprotected. We have done our parts...we have both vaccines on board. We always wear masks (double masks down here!) and we practice safe social distancing. And we pray for all the others...but mostly for the others who will have to take care of these reckless partiers.

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As we get close to the Daytona Speedway, I brought Mavis back to life and she started directing me again....leading me in the right direction, keeping me safe. It made me smile, and reminded me....as much as Mavis does for my driving, God does for my life...as long as I keep Him plugged in and I listen to His directions. He is the GPS of my life...I’m just the copilot. He brought us safely to our cozy, clean hotel where we will stay till Thursday after the surgery. The bed is divine. I stretched out to rest for a bit, pulled up a coverlet, and was asleep in moments.

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We are safely here.

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?

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“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.”

\nPsalms 119:105 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-09T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/09/day-from-sea-to-shining.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/08/day-we-found-spring.html", "title": "Day 357: We Found Spring!", "content_html": "\n
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Spring has been hiding in the south and we didn’t know it! We drove through South Carolina and Georgia then on into Florida yesterday. We had every intention of staying in the historic district of St. Augustine so we could go over and walk at the fort. Then by the time we arrived, we were both too tired. But we still had a lovely hotel room in a safe and quite neighborhood and I negotiated a good rate. One of the benefits of working in a hotel in a past live...negotiating skills.

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I must say, we continue to be pleasantly surprised that people are wearing their masks everywhere we go! There has been one man in a rest area without his mask. I have asked Mr. FixIt to please stop telling people they should have a mask on. Just move away from them and leave them alone...you don’t know who carries a gun! Fortunately, it’s only been the one guy so far.

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We are at the front end of spring break and this is Bike Week in Daytona Beach, so the coast is busy. We brought our own food so we eat in our room and stay away from people. Being super careful before the surgery! I don’t want anything to get in the way.

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The drive yesterday was lovely...sunny and 66 degrees! The wind still had a little nip in it, but so lovely. The trees are budding and flowering here and the grass is green! What a delicious treat! I happened to look down at the odometer and caught it just as it turned over...100,000 miles!!! Wow, no turning back now...she’s mine till I bury her somewhere in a field, I guess!

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I caught a picture yesterday of my Girl Camper bags that I use for luggage. I received one of the medium bags last year for Christmas as my Girl Camper Guide Christmas gift. I loved it so much, I ordered another medium bag and one large bag and had them embroidered with “Girl Camper” as well. I just love the colors and they absolutely make me smile every time I see them. I just went on Land’s End to see if they’re still available in this pretty red and teal plaid, but they aren’t.

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Road trips are so wonderful...even when you can’t get out and do as you please when you get there. Just seeing the road whip by and getting a change of scenery is good for the soul. I’ll be so glad when Thursday is behind us!

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?

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“The Scriptures say: ‘God will tell his angels to take care of you... ””

\nLuke 4:10-11 CEV\n
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\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-08T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/08/day-we-found-spring.html", "tags": ["Health","Travel","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/07/day-the-ups-downs-of.html", "title": "Day 356: The Ups \u0026 Downs of Travel", "content_html": "\n
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The View from Fancy Gap, VA Looking Out Over NC

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This feels pretty normal. Well, if you call still wearing an N95 mask and carrying your own cleaning supplies with you to go over the hotel room when you arrive...normal. The drive was the same as always. We popped a frozen container of my homemade beef and noodles in the HotLogic Mini and plugged in into the converter, then plugged the converter in one of the 12v outlets in the truck. Four hours later, when we stopped for gas, we pulled it out and had a nice hot home cooked meal. SO good and so much better for you than fast food.

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I love coming over Fancy Gap. I remember the first time I ever drove this mountain. A friend and I were heading to Myrtle Beach pulling TOW-Wanda and it was raining cats and dogs. The fog was so thick you could hardly see the end of the hood of my truck. I followed the tail lights of the semi in front of my in order to get over the mountain. THAT was a trip!

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The weather was cool and the sunshine was bright. The traffic wasn’t bad at all, even driving through Charlotte at rush hour. That’s what happens when you travel on Saturday. We got a good rate on a room at a Comfort Inn. It isn’t crowded at all. Surprisingly, people are wearing masks. As a matter of fact, other than those in their cars, EVERYONE wore masks. Maybe they’re not falling for this “open everything up everywhere” nonsense. I hope not, because...we’ve seen this movie before and it doesn’t end well.

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I love staying in a hotel. And honestly, it’s not a big deal to strip the bed and put your own mattress cover on it. We used the sheets that were on the bed, but left the thin, sheet like coverlet pulled down. We also used a new antibacterial fabric spray that Tide came out with, so I think we’re good. The only downside is, Mr. FixIt and his TV. Normally in the evenings at our house, I watch the news with him, and maybe an episode or two of The Big Bang, then I’m off to the bedroom to write. But when you’re in a hotel room, there’s no escaping that noise. We worked out a compromise. He watched Indiana Jones...a movie he’s seen a dozen times so he didn’t have to have the sound up too far. And, I had my headphones on with my “writing background”....a thunderstorm. It’s all about give and take in a relationship.

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Day one....done!

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?

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“God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will carry you in their arms, and you won't hurt your feet on the stones. You will overpower the strongest lions and the most deadly snakes.”

\nPsalms 91:11-13 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-07T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/07/day-the-ups-downs-of.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Comfort","Courage","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/11/10/day-on-the-air-withginny.html", "title": "Day 241: On the Air With....Ginny McKinney", "content_html": "\n
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I was up bright and early yesterday...padding into the kitchen, wiping the sleep from my eyes. I hit the button on the coffee grinder, filling the water reservoir to the whirring sound of the burrs. As the coffee drip, drip, dripped, I stared out the kitchen window at the beautiful, crisp morning. 

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I carried my coffee into the office and quietly closed the door behind me. Mr. FixIt was still snoozing and I didn’t want to disturb him. My laptop is not terribly old, but I don’t use it very often anymore. I do all my writing on my iPad. Every time I need to start that laptop, there is invariably 20-30 minutes of updates that slow it down. But, once it’s up and running, everything works great. 

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My interview with WSAZ was scheduled for 10:10 and I was ready. This was the second time I got to be on with them as a camping and travel specialist. The girls on the Lifestyle Desk are heading to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg this week in a really cool motorhome. Fortunately, someone from the RV dealership is driving down with them so they don’t have that learning curve to deal with on top of getting the camping experience under their belts.

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I love interviews. I was telling my dear friend, Janine Pettit...Camper in Chief for Girl Camper...these kinds of things are addictive. Every time you give an interview, you get a little more confident, a little more comfortable. And each time is more fun than the last. 

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You can find the interview on WSAZ’s website HERE. 

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?

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“So I ask you to make full use of the gift God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.”

\n2 Timothy 1:6-7 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-11-10T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/11/10/day-on-the-air-withginny.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Road Trip","Cooking"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/18/day-coming-home-to-a.html", "title": "Day 219: Coming Home to a Mystery!", "content_html": "\n
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Eleven and a half hours. Wow...what a drive! At least this time we didn’t have to drive through rain. It was a perfectly gorgeous day. The colors were a bit muted from the recent hard freeze, but the sky was clear and the air was crisp. When we crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains, I could see what looked like wildfire smoke in the distance. The further we went, and the lower the sun set, I became certain that was what I was seeing. I’ve seen enough wildfires in Colorado to know the difference between clouds and smoke. 

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When we got to Tamarack on the West Virginia Turnpike, we could actually smell the smoke. I checked online and there were no fires in West Virginia or the surrounding states. It had to be from Colorado! When we got home last night and I had time to check the government’s air monitoring website, there it was...clear as day. You can follow the plume of smoke in a straight line from Colorado to southern West Virginia where the sun was going down blood red. How eerie...and so sad...and scary. What is happening to our atmosphere from all these wildfires? I really have no idea.

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We finally arrived home about 8:30pm...way past dark. The first thing we saw when we pulled in the drive was tire tracks through the grass alongside the house. We got out the high beam flashlight and followed the tracks all the way around the house and out the driveway on the other side. We checked all the doors. Not a thing was out of place. We looked at each other, baffled. Could we have driven around the house before we left and not remembered? We were trimming branches but that was the week before we left. These tracks had to have been made earlier in the day because the leaves were mashed down. We decided maybe it was time to put up those security cameras we’ve been talking about. But for the time being, there was plenty to get done and we got to work emptying the truck.

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Later in the evening, one of the kids called to say they had come out to get firewood yesterday but they couldn’t find any. Mystery solved! I know it sounds odd, but we live out in the country and our “yard” is actually more of a field that surrounds our house. These people never think twice about driving on what you might think of as a lawn. Things are different in the country. We always parked in the yard at Grandma’s house. 

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Now comes the job of unpacking and putting everything away. NOT my favorite part of vacation. But, we are so grateful to have had time away spent with family and to be delivered back home all safe and sound. Thanks for coming along with me!

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❤️

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“You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.”

\nDeuteronomy 28:6 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/18/day-coming-home-to-a.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Gratitude","Grace","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/17/day-goodbye-oceanhomeward-bound.html", "title": "Day 218: Goodbye, Ocean...Homeward Bound!", "content_html": "\n
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Sandy toes on the Outer Banks...Mr. FixIt fishing!

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This week was exactly what we needed. We had so much fun with the kids and we managed to get a little alone time in, as well. We did something yesterday that I’ve only done a couple of times before. We drove out on the beach. The sand here is decidedly different than Daytona Beach where it’s not quite as solid as concrete and practically impossible to get stuck. Outer Banks Sand is soft. You have to let the air out in your tires down to about 15 pounds to flatten and widen your footprint for better traction. You have to be very careful not to punch the accelerator and spin while maintaining enough speed to keep moving. I was determined to do it myself, but the closer I got to our destination, all I could think about was having to get an expensive tow off the beach. So, I gave it over to Mr. FixIt and observed his technique and asked him questions as we went along. I’ll try next time.

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We drove down to the point at Oregon Inlet near the bridge and parked our trucks side-by-side. I settled into my chair with my 50-SPF sunscreen, knitting in hand, cold drink by my side, feet up on my handy footstool. The girls sunbathed and played bocce ball while the guys fished. We roasted hotdogs on the beach for lunch, with a little grit for texture. The sun was intense...definitely the hottest day we had this week. But, we had a slight breeze and dipping in the water occasionally helped a lot. I found a few nice shells.

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The Ocean Pursuit - a scallop harvesting vessel run aground

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One of the coolest things I’ve seen on a beach in a while was an abandoned scallop harvesting vessel that ran aground on March 1st near Oregon Inlet. This is a remote section of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore that is accessible only by four wheel drive. When the accident first happened, the Coast Guard air lifted the crew to safety and then oversaw the removal of fuel and other hazardous materials from the vessel. Since then, the surf has pushed the “Ocean Pursuit” onto the shore where she has become embedded in the sand. Rust is quickly taking over and signs ask people to stay off the boat as it is a safety hazard. Salvage has been delayed by the covid pandemic and estimates of $60,000 makes this one big job that may take some time to accomplish. You can read about the Ocean Pursuit HERE. 

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By 3:00, the clouds started to roll in and we decided to head back to the condo. Within a few miles, the skies opened, the temperature plummeted twenty degrees, and it rained buckets. When we got back to the condo, we warmed up leftovers and started packing. Today, we head back home to chilly weather. It was supposed to freeze this morning at our house...a far cry from the wonderful weather we have enjoyed on the Outer Banks. No more sitting outside having my morning coffee for a while. Hopefully we’ll get a little late summer-like weather before the cold blasts of winter set in. The beach is definitely my favorite place to go in October.

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A storm brewing off the Cape Hatteras National Seashore

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Every time I’ve traveled, and I’ve shared many of my travels with you here, you know I have such a hard time transitioning back to the normal routine at home. I don’t know if that will be as big a problem this time because 2020 has been such a screwy year. I mean...what’s normal anymore? Who knows?

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Checkout is at 10:00. This party’s over...so what’s the next big adventure?

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❤️

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“We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.”

\nProverbs 16:9 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/17/day-goodbye-oceanhomeward-bound.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/16/day-bringing-home-the-sea.html", "title": "Day 217: Bringing Home the Sea Bass, Etc.", "content_html": "\n
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Sunrise on the Fishing Boat

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The guys had a big day on their fishing trip. They came back sunburned and exhausted, loaded down with bags of fresh, filleted fish, individually vacuum packed. They divided the catch and each get to take home thirty-three pounds. There were sea bass, red snapper, trigger fish, and hammer jack. That’s going to be some good eating in the coming months.

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Quite a Haul of Fish: Sea Bass, Red Snapper, Trigger Fish, & Hammer Jack

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I sat out on the deck having my coffee yesterday morning. What a treat to have some quiet time with my thoughts before the activities of the day. While the fellas were off fishing, my daughter-in-law and I went out to the beach and sat for hours visiting. I worked on a little knitted Christmas ornament. I finally had to turn around because I was getting too sun and windburned. The day really was perfect...not a cloud in the sky and just the right temperature.

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Some sort of Amphibious Craft Practicing Maneuvers

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At one point, I looked up and there was an amphibious vehicle driving down the beach and straight out into the ocean. Where we are staying is near a government facility of some sort. There were military helicopters flying back and forth and I saw fighter jets a couple of times. When we were on the beach on Wednesday, there was an unmarked white van with several kinds of sonar and satellite antennae on top and there were cameras mounted on the rear part of the roof. They drove slowly up and down the beach and honestly, it looked as though they were filming us. It was a little eerie, actually.

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A Perfect Day

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I finally went back inside and started supper. We had spaghetti sauce with those Italian meatballs I made ahead and put in the freezer. Oh, my gosh...they were SO good. Dinner was ready by the time the guys got back and the fish tales began. They showed off photos and told how hard the fight was for this one and that. The friend they took with them didn’t have much experience fishing so they teased him about it some...you know, the way guys do. But he ended up getting the biggest fish of the day so it was paybacks, for sure.

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All in all, it was a wonderful day and everyone enjoyed themselves tremendously. Mr. FixIt figured out a way he could sit and reel in his fish without losing his balance which made me very happy. Today is our last full day and tomorrow we have to head home. A vacation week never seems to last long enough, does it?

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❤️

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“The kingdom of heaven is like what happens when a net is thrown into a lake and catches all kinds of fish. When the net is full, it is dragged to the shore, and the fishermen sit down to separate the fish. They keep the good ones, but throw the bad ones away.”

\nMatthew 13:47-48 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/16/day-bringing-home-the-sea.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/15/day-gone-fishin-with-the.html", "title": "Day 216: Gone Fishin’ With The Boys", "content_html": "\n
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Of all things, the check engine light came on in my truck on Tuesday evening. We had to go find an auto parts store yesterday that could run a computer diagnostic test on it. There were three codes...all regarding misfiring in the cylinders. My guess is we need new spark plugs, a tune up, or we had a batch of bad gas. The light went off after she checked...which is what it’s supposed to do. And, it hasn’t come back on. We’ll keep an eye on it and hopefully, we won’t have anymore problems and I can get it checked out at home.

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I will have to say, there are a boatload more people here than we imagined there would be. So many people are working remotely now and if you can work from home, you can work from the beach just as easily. Gone are the days of long stretches of empty sand and sparsely attended restaurants, I’m afraid. On the plus side, the merchants are reaping an extended profit season and that’s really good for them.

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I visited my favorite knitting shop...The Knitting Addiction In Kitty Hawk. I was happy to see the owner doing well. I was so tempted to buy a nice project to work on, but I still have so much yarn left from my last trips to the beach, I made myself stick to something small. I found it in the cutest kits for Christmas ornaments. That kills two birds with one stone. We always buy a special ornament when we are on vacation. This way, we’ll still get our ornament, and it will be even more special because I’ll be making it.

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The kids went off to do their own thing yesterday so Mr. FixIt and I had all day to ourselves. We had so much fun! We packed up a picnic basket and the cooler, put it in the wagon, and headed to the beach...fishing gear in hand. Fortunately, the condo complex has built an enormous new ramp that goes up and over the dunes so carting gear out and back isn’t quite the chore it used to be. That being said, our foldable wagon does not have wide wheels for the sand. Once we got out on the beach, it was quite the chore dragging it to a socially distanced spot where we felt comfortable.

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We spent all afternoon on the beach. There was a steady breeze coming in off the ocean and I was just a little too cool. I ended up turning my chair to face the sun instead of the waves, wrapped a towel around my shoulders and read all afternoon. Now, THAT was exactly where I wanted to be...with my sweetheart, on the beach. I have been thrilled to see him perk up this week. He’s so much more like the old Mr. FixIt we all know and love. He has missed the beach so much. It’s in his blood and just being here has done wonders for him. 

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He and his son are meeting a friend today and going deep sea fishing on a charter. There will only be the three guys and two crewmen. We’ve been so worried about his balance since the stroke, and I was concerned about him being on the boat. But...it’s his son. It’s his life. It’s really overall safe and they’ll keep socially distanced. He’ll sit the majority of the time anyway. And...he needs this.

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Will I worry? Maybe I worried a little last night when he decided to go, but then I just handed him over to God. I know He’ll take good care of him. I’ll have a chat with my stepson...I know he’ll take extra special care of his dad, too. I cannot watch him 24/7/365. It’s part of the give and take of marriage. It’s part of me letting go and stop trying to control any possible outcome. It comes from prior loss...I know that. He still needs to have a normal life and he’s really doing much better. So, off he goes fishing with the boys and the girls are having a beach day. 

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God, please let him catch a big fish!

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❤️

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“Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.”

\nEphesians 6:4 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/15/day-gone-fishin-with-the.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Courage","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/14/day-a-memorable-anniversary.html", "title": "Day 215: A Memorable Anniversary", "content_html": "\n
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We caught this egret having lunch in the reeds along the boardwalk as we explored the shops on the sound side.

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After a leisurely breakfast, we all went for a long walk down the boardwalk, looking in all the little shops and carefully avoiding crowds as much as possible. We used tons of sanitizer and as soon as more than three or four people came in a shop, we were out of there. We balanced feeling like we had as normal a vacation experience as possible with the least amount of risk involved and it felt good.

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Like I told you before, other than going on trips with my kids, and a couple with friends...I have never had a “family vacation” and that is what this family has always done. While it is a foreign concept to me, I must say, I have enjoyed it. My daughter-in-law and I have had time one-on-one to really get to know each other better. We have an agreement. If I cook, she cleans. It gives us time in the kitchen to work side by side. I really miss that with my girls. Having this bonus family to share that with has been lovely. We each have our own interests and go off to do our own thing then end up eating together and sharing what we did, looking at each other’s pictures. 

\n\n\n

We were on our way back from our walk when I stepped on the edge of the sidewalk, turned my ankle, and went down like a shot. Mr. FixIt tried but there was no catching me with that kind of momentum. I rolled over on my back and laughed because I didn’t really hurt myself...just my pride. But, by afternoon, I could certainly feel where I took a tumble...nothing serious. I never really think about fall risks when it pertains to me. I have been very careful when it comes to Mr. FixIt since his stroke because his balance has been off. Between that and having my first “old-lady-skin bruise” last week...it gives me pause. It reminds me my days are numbered. No fear. No vanity. No envy. Just...observation. Acknowledgement. This is ok. This is good. This is the natural progression of life. This is...interesting.

\n\n\n

I have a writing project with a tight turnaround so I’m going to be doing a little work on this vacation in the next day or so. I love the new opportunities that come my way that give me the opportunity to stretch my wings and write in a different style than I am used to. Today is Wednesday and the week is half gone. I’ve barely visited the beach yet. Today and Thursday are supposed to be our sunniest days so I’ll make sure I get out there as much as possible. 

\n\n\n

We had a lovely anniversary. We ordered carry out from High Cotton BBQ. I have to say...while it was fabulous the first time we ate there, subsequent visits have been disappointing. I think it’s because I bought my own smoker, smoke my own meats in small batches, and preserve it myself...I’ve come to like my BBQ best. Still, it was a lovely meal and fun to spend our anniversary with the kids. Here’s to many, many more healthy and fun anniversaries!

\n\n\n

❤️

\n\n\n
\n

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

\nEphesians 4:2-3 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-14T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/14/day-a-memorable-anniversary.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Memories","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/10/day-ten-ten-twenty-twenty.html", "title": "Day 211: Ten Ten Twenty Twenty", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
\n\n\n

Mr. FixIt and I had a list as long as your arm yesterday and everything had to be timed according to when businesses opened and closed. One of the last errands was to get ice for the cooler. We pulled into the parking lot of the Ice House and the strongest memories washed over me. When I was really little, we used to go to my Aunt Marge’s house for visits and we often took a block of ice with us so she could make us her world famous homemade peach ice cream.

\n\n\n

Sitting there, looking at the delivery bay, the stairs with the iron pipe railing and the painted cinderblock building just pulled me back to my little girl self. I was standing on the floor in the front seat of our 1952 Oldsmobile 98...remember how big those cars were? I stood there watching my dad climb the steps and return in a few minutes with a big block of ice. He wrapped it in newspaper and put it in a box in the trunk, then threw an old quilt over it to keep it from melting too much before we got to my aunt’s house.

\n\n\n
\"\"
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The sign at the Ice House means summer and peach ice cream, cold watermelons, fried chicken in a basket and checkered tablecloth. It meant car rides with the windows down...holding your hand out the window, experimenting with aerodynamics or maybe the pinwheel you were lucky enough to get at the Five & Dime. It meant pin-curls and ponytails, seersucker sun suits and a new pair of Keds. It meant mom in a crisp sundress and dad in slacks with a soft white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. It meant love.

\n\n\n

A man came out to the railing and asked if he could help us. We asked for a block or two of ice for our cooler. He said they stopped making the blocks a few years ago...the only sold a couple a year. They didn’t have dry ice either. That is being saved for his medical clients because of covid. He said even if we had an account, the smallest he could sell us was fifty pounds. We talked a little how times have changed and I told him about my fond memories of this place. What is really cool, though...Mr. FixIt has much the same memories as I do since we both grew up here. It’s one of the things that makes being with him so special...our common history.

\n\n\n

We ended up buying a big bag of ice at the store when we picked up the last of the items we needed for our trip. We came home and put the cover over TOW-Wanda for the winter. I didn’t get her ready to sell in time, so I’ll try in the spring. This will protect her from the weather and I’ll sell her in the spring.

\n\n\n

So, I have everything I can get done...done. If it isn’t, so be it. I have my knitting and my writing implements and a few magazines packed. Lots of food. And I am taking my big electric skillet. There aren’t a lot of pots and pans in the condo and this will serve double and triple duty. We are driving straight through today. I’m really looking forward to seeing the colors in the mountains and can’t wait to see the beach!!!

\n\n\n

❤️

\n\n\n
\n

“God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will carry you in their arms, and you won't hurt your feet on the stones.”

\nPsalms 91:11-12 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-10T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/10/day-ten-ten-twenty-twenty.html", "tags": ["Travel","Gratitude","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/23/day-burning-down-my-memories.html", "title": "Day 158: Burning Down My Memories", "content_html": "\n
\"\"
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I was a new widow when I bought my first camper. A little 16’ job with everything I needed. I miss that little camper...the original TOW-Wanda. I still regret trading her in for the big behemoth I own now, but...water under the bridge, you know.

\n\n\n

I always wanted a camper although I had never pulled one. I camped in a tent a couple of times and once drove cross country in an old VW Poptop Van, but actually having my own camper eluded me. 

\n\n\n

I tried to get Hubby #2 to buy one and he refused. It never occurred to me to go out and buy one myself. I wasn’t brave enough to do such a thing back then. But Mr. Virgo understood my wanderlust and, while not an avid camper himself, was anxious to see that I got to do all the fun things I wanted.

\n\n\n

When he died suddenly while we were looking at the camper for our retirement, I thought my dreams would end there. But, something stirred within me almost from the beginning of widowhood. I was determined to have that camper and found a way to make it work.

\n\n\n

Little TOW-Wanda came into my life just a few weeks after the funeral. I carefully stocked her and as soon as the spring snows melted, I was off on The Grand Adventure through the wilderness and backroads of Colorado by myself.

\n\n\n

I am so glad there were no forest fires to speak of that summer, or I might have lost the heart for this fun way of life. I traveled a circle clear around the state at least twice in those three months. One particularly beautiful stretch was heading west on Colorado Route 14 through Poudre Canyon. I hadn’t been through there since the High Park Fire of 2012 the year before. It was devastating to see the blackened vegetation...the trees standing like gnarled fingers pointing to the sky.

\n\n\n

I drove to the far west end where the fire had spared the canyon. I found an empty campsite right on the edge of the Cache la Poudre River and backed in. It was early in the camping season. The kids were still in school, and I had just about every campground I went to all to myself. 

\n\n\n

I had camped in Rocky Mountain National Park for a few days prior to my arrival in Poudre Canyon. I saw wildlife galore on that trip...elk, deer, turkey, mink, ermine, marmot, Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls, moose, coyotes. Everything except a bear. The last morning at this campsite, I talked with Mr. Virgo...as I did most mornings. I thanked him for bringing all the beautiful animals to enjoy...I really appreciated them. But, could he please just bring me at least one bear???

\n\n\n

I packed up and headed west on Colorado 14 and began the long, steady climb up to Cameron Pass. By the time I got to Joe Wright Reservoir, my engine was getting a little hot. I decided to pull in the parking area and gaze at the still frozen water. Signs of spring were coming to the high country as the fresh green leaves were popping out on the aspen trees and the undergrowth was beginning to show signs of life. Finally, when the engine and transmission were cooled, I took off to the tip top of the pass.

\n\n\n

I had just crested the pass at 10, 249’ and began the slow descent down when I noticed the most odd thing. Someone had placed a huge statue of a bear, right along the highway where it makes a sharp bend to the right. I slowed down to look at it, then realized...to my sheer delight...it was a real, live bear! Standing on the edge of the road, the sheer drop off behind him. I stopped the truck and stared. Thank God there wasn’t someone coming along behind me! I tried to snap a photo of the bear, but the memory was full on my phone and by the time I reached for my digital camera, it had disappeared over the edge. I realized that memory was for me alone. 

\n\n\n

I don’t believe I have seen another bear in the wilds of Colorado since that one magical morning on Cameron Pass. And now...Cameron Pass is burning, as is much of Colorado and points west. Climate change has brought increasing drought and prevailing winds so the fires continue to become worse and worse.

\n\n\n

I don’t know when, or if, I will ever have the opportunity to go on an adventure like that again. But I must say...the memories of those three months pulling my camper through the majestic Rocky Mountains have never faded and remind me of God’s reckless love for me...to grace me with these memories that still fill my heart.

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❤️

\n\n\n
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“God is the one who rules the whole earth, and we that live here are merely insects. He spread out the heavens like a curtain or an open tent.”

\nIsaiah 40:22 CEV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/23/day-burning-down-my-memories.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","God","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/03/recovery-day.html", "title": "Recovery Day", "content_html": "

\"Christmas “Christmas Lights & Pie”

\n

When all the food is put away…when all the dishes are done…when all the guests have said their last goodbye…what time is it? It’s time for PIE! Well, really…is there ever a BAD time for pie? We turned off the lights…all but the tree. And just enjoyed the quiet.

\n

I took the kitten in bright and early to be spayed and immediately came home and slept three more hours. Working to put on a big family dinner takes the starch out of you. And it gets harder the older you get. 

\n

The babies were so much fun. Princess First was in rare form, ate like a champ, colored brilliantly, and melted me with “Pweeze, Gigi!” I’m toast. Then there was Prince Second. Oy, he is a solid chunk of sheer joy. He smiles and coos and bats his big eyes at me. All I wanted to do all day was kiss and nibble on those cheeks…they are so delectable!

\n

Once the kitten was ready, I went to pick her up. They informed me she needs to stay in the house for the next ten days. You know what that means, don’t you? It means we now have an indoor cat. Bring me all the antihistamines in the land! It’s better, really. I worry about her outside with that road even though she was safe in the pole building every night. I also found out we can board her with our vet when we go out of town. So it was a win-win day. 

\n

Now I can turn my focus back to writing. The OH-WV Chapter page on the new Girl Camper website needs my attention every couple of weeks. There are presents to make. Cookies to bake. Calls to make. Cards to send. This will be a busy and quick month for all of us. Then we can start making all our camping plans for the  New Year! There’s going to be some fun things happening on the east side…up and down the mid-Atlantic area so keep your eyes peeled for announcements!

\n

Katy bar the door…all heck is gonna break loose around here!

\n

❤️

\n
“Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”\n

Proverbs 24:27 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-12-03T02:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/03/recovery-day.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Holiday","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/03/back-to-the-comforts-of.html", "title": "Back to the Comforts of Home", "content_html": "

\"Camping “My little office on the go in the R-Pod 196”

\n

One thing I really was challenged by with I was touring West Virginia was internet accessibility. If it weren’t for the fact I’m a writer and I had deadlines to meet, I wouldn’t have really cared. But when you write every day, for yourself and for others, you have to be creative in how you stay connected.

\n

There was a delicate balance I walked. On the one hand, I needed accessibility. On the other, I craved getting lost in the woods. I chose campsites based on the view first. I always looked at the campground maps when I made my reservations and chose the one off by itself. The one with the view….the quiet…the peace. My second criteria was electric. I didn’t really need water or sewer hookups. The r-pod has plenty of water tank capacity, both fresh and wastewater.

\n

My last question was always, “Where can I get cell or wifi?” There were campgrounds I stayed in that had neither. In that case, I drove to the lodge to use theirs. There was one campground that had AT&T, but not Verizon. This picture was taken in the kitchen of the r-pod while I was camped at Watoga. I was pleased when the camp-host said the campground has WiFi at both bath houses. Then he added, “It’s really slow, though.”

\n

He wasn’t kidding. One little bar. As a matter of fact, every place I stayed had either one little bar of cell or one little bar of WiFi. It was a tad frustrating. Anyway, there at Watoga I happened to be camped right beside the bath house. And, if I was away from that window, I couldn’t send or receive anything. I stood a lot at that window when it was time to upload my posts or check my e-mail or Facebook. This was my little office that particular week.

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I was telling Mr. FixIt about this the other night when he came to camp with me at Twin Falls. I told him I used to complain about the WiFi at home. Now it’s going to feel like high-speed fiber-optics! Well, until I get used to it and then I’m liable to complain again at how slow it is. 

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Yesterday was a much better day. Mr. FixIt and I went to town to buy a warming pad and a storage tote to make Pumpkin a nice warm bed out in the pole building. We also bought a litter box. We already had the feeding dish/water bowl combo. I think Pumpkin is a girl but we’ll know for sure when we take her in to get her shots and checkup on Tuesday.  Now I feel really good about her bedding situation and she has already come to love the building. I think she feels safe in there.

\n

I’m so excited to go to my home church today. I have really missed my church family! I’m heading out to the farm this afternoon after church to get the house ready for winter. And then there will be far less items on that very long to-do list. Giving myself permission to have some down time with family and falling in love with a little black kitten just might be the best things I’ve done for myself in a very long time.

\n

❤️

\n
““Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”\n

Psalms 39:4 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-11-03T02:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/03/back-to-the-comforts-of.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/01/reentry-begins.html", "title": "Re-Entry Begins!", "content_html": "

\"Black “And, just like that…two became three.”

\n

It was a very long day yesterday. I ended up pulling the camper myself with my truck and it did fine. Mr. FixIt is pretty sure the problem was a rock in the brakes. We’ll get it checked before we head anywhere with it. That was a big relief. 

\n

The weather yesterday was terrible driving home. We came through some torrential rain and as soon as we got home, the weather channel gave a tornado warning from the same storm. There are thousands without power from the wind. It seems I got home just in time for some wintery weather. I’ll have to winterize the camper after all…something I was hoping to avoid by heading south. We’ll still get there, but there’s quite a lot of work that needs to be done here at the Ponderosa before we can leave. The cold weather just caught up with me, I’m afraid.

\n

As I’m writing this, I am home and snuggled in bed…in the camper! I can’t give it up yet. Re-entry has always been a problem for me. I love sleeping in a camper and this camper is especially comfortable. So, we’ll try a little cold weather camping this week and see how she does. After all, we’re out on five acres…it’s like our own little campground!

\n

Another little thing happened yesterday. My world shifted. Mr. FixIt sat me down after breakfast yesterday and told me he had something to tell me. Oh, what woman wants to hear THAT? It seems, that while I was gone Mr. FixIt has been keeping company with someone else…a little black kitten that someone dumped at the Ponderosa. He’s been feeding it. Honestly, I didn’t know what to say. I’ve been determined to never have another pet. Then, when I got out of my truck at the house, this little black fur ball came running to me like it had been waiting its whole little life for ME! I’ve never seen such a friendly cat and my heart melted.

\n

And, like that…two became three.

\n

We have a cat!

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❤️

\n
“There is no fear in love...”\n

1 John 4:18 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-11-01T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/01/reentry-begins.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Love","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","The Cats","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/31/the-red-carpet-treatment.html", "title": "The Red Carpet Treatment", "content_html": "

\"R-Pod “Sitting on a red carpet of maple leaves, the 2020 R-Pod 196 is one of my favorite campers.”

\n

You know the story of the toothache going away as soon as you get to the dentist? Well, Mr. FixIt is here (YAY!!!) and we took the truck for a long drive…all round the park, up and down hills, around and around curves and…..nothing. Not a sound. Except, when I very first pulled out of the campsite, the brakes squeaked. A long time ago, I was driving over a dirt road in the boonies of Colorado and suddenly the car started making this horrible grinding, screaming noise. When I stopped…the noise stopped. I had no idea what to do. Finally, a couple stopped and asked what was wrong. 

\n

When I described the noise to the man, he suggested perhaps I had a rock stuck in the brakes. He directed me to put my foot on the brake, put the car in reverse, and back up with my foot still on the brake. When I did, the rock was dislodged. I don’t know if that was the problem here, but when I pulled forward again with the truck, there was no squeak, no grinding…nothing. Good news…I hope! Great news…Mr. FixIt is here!!!

\n

Since the truck seemed to be working fine, we went for a hike to see the falls here in Twin Falls State Park. It rained and was a little chilly so when we got back to the camper, I heated up some chili I had in the freezer. It really hit the spot. 

\n

So, this was the last night of the West Virginia Tour. It was so, so beautiful. And the r-pod worked perfectly. We’ll pull it home with Mr. FixIt’s truck today and watch my truck carefully. When I get home, I’ll have it checked to make sure it really is ok. I’ll leave you with a last look at the camper sitting on a beautiful red carpet of maple leaves. This part of the tour has been really special and I can’t wait to get back on the road to head south.

\n

In the meantime, I’m going to spend a few days at home for some much needed family time and attend my home church on Sunday. Thanks so much for traveling along with me! 

\n

? 

\n
“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121:7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\n", "date_published": "2019-10-31T01:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/31/the-red-carpet-treatment.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Road Trip","Marriage","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/30/premonitions-and-pioneers.html", "title": "Premonitions and Pioneers", "content_html": "

\"Pioneer ‘Visiting a Pioneer Farm is a step back in time.”

\n

Yesterday was a strange day from the get go. I woke up at 3:30 in the morning knowing something wasn’t right. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I had an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. After determining I hadn’t eaten anything that would cause such a feeling, I got up, wrapped my camp jacket around me and stepped outside to look at the stars. The sky was crystal clear and the stars looked so close you could just reach up and touch them. I stood there for awhile in my bare feet letting the energy from the earth seep up through my body. When I was sufficiently chilled, literally and figuratively, I went back to bed. But I couldn’t get back to sleep until dawn.

\n

I finally woke up at around 10:00…absolutely unheard of for me these days. I’m usually awake with the chickens. I stumbled around, did my morning toilette, then dressed and cleaned the camper. Finally around 11:30, I packed up my writing implements and headed for the lodge and good WiFi. I created a movie of the best photos I’d taken on this WV tour and wrote till about 3:00 in the afternoon. 

\n

I headed to the Pioneer Farm that’s on the back of the park property. This farm was abandoned for a long time, but people were always vandalizing it so now there is a farmer and his family living here. There was no one home when I was there so I wandered around taking pictures and marveling at its timeless beauty. I sat for a while and watched two horses and a donkey browse on the sparse grass in the meadow and felt more peaceful than I had most of the day.

\n

On my way back to the campground, I stopped at the Nature Center and introduced myself to the Naturalist. Tammy is a cat bird. She has a coal country drawl that put me in mind of the Deep South but she assured me she was born and raised within a stone’s throw of the park. She apologized that she had recently let all the critters go. She normally traps possums and raccoons, tags them, and keeps them in the Nature Center for a few weeks to teach people about them. Then she sends them back off into the wild to track their whereabouts and traps another one to tag.

\n

Tammy wasn’t originally hired to be a Park Naturalist. She was supposed to be a campground attendant. She doesn’t have a degree in biology, but she has a knack for nature…two and four legged. She was taking campers for nature hikes when the Park Administrators saw they had a gem in Tammy and told her she should apply for the Naturalist position. And the rest is history. She was a delight to talk with. She smiled as I left and called after me…”Put me in your book!” You bet I will, Tammy!

\n

As I was pulling back into the campground, it happened. There was a low grinding noise coming from my truck and I knew that is where my uneasiness was coming from. Something hasn’t been quite right with the truck for a couple of days but I just couldn’t discern exactly what was troubling me. A sound, maybe? A smell, perhaps? Whatever it was, I kept shifting it to the back of my mind…yet still monitored the situation.

\n

When I heard that noise, I knew there was something mechanically wrong with the truck. And that puts me in an uncomfortable position. First, I am here alone. There are two other campers in all of the campground and I am grateful for them. But they aren’t going to help me in this situation. I do not like being in a situation I cannot get out of quickly. It stems from being trapped in a garage as a young child and sexually assaulted. To say I have control issues is putting it mildly.

\n

I went into the camper and made myself sit down and think. What I wanted to do was hook up the camper and get out of here, but of course…that wasn’t the right thing to do. I texted Mr. FixIt but I knew he was working and his phone would be in the truck. Then I texted my besties, Janine and Gail, and asked them to pray that I would calm down and everything would work out. Within minutes I felt much better and realized this whole thing is an adventure and an educational opportunity, so why not make the most of it!

\n

Mr. FixIt called me a few hours later and he’s going to drive down this morning. He’ll check out my truck. We can tow the camper with his truck. And, either he’ll follow me to a mechanic or we’ll have the truck towed. That’s what I have AAA Plus for. We’ll go home tomorrow. I am so grateful for my friends who pray for me. And I am exceedingly grateful for a wonderful husband who takes good care of me. Wouldn’t you know it would happen at the last park on the last day? But I’m exactly where I should be. I have everything I need right here and I can get some work done while I wait. Thank God I wasn’t pulling the camper up the side of the mountain with no cell service!

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❤️

\n
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”\n

Philippians 4:19 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-30T01:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/30/premonitions-and-pioneers.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Camping","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","God","Courage","Warning","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Change","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/29/welcome-to-my-living-room.html", "title": "Welcome to my Living Room!", "content_html": "

\"Woman “The camper is the kitchen, bath, and bedroom…the great outdoors is where I live!”

\n

I got to my new campsite in the middle of the afternoon. The mountains I drove over yesterday weren’t anything like the ones last week but man, the road up into the campground here at the park is really, really steep! This truck did a great job pulling the r-pod in these West Virginia hills. When I arrived at my site, I was amazed to have this entire mountaintop to myself! I didn’t have any concerns about that, but I was pleased to see two more couples come into the campground with trailers. 

\n

It’s quiet as a church mouse up here. I heard some owls just after dark and a coal train. And the squirrels were in the hickory trees all around me all afternoon. I opened the awning and set up my chair outside and enjoyed the 75° temps and the warm sunshine. A few weeks ago, I purchased an adapter for my tripod so I could use the iPad as a camera. I got it out and played with it for awhile. I had a blast setting the timer for 10 seconds then running to see if I could get in the picture in time!

\n

I wanted to tell you about what happened yesterday. I always sit in my truck before I pull out and pray for travel mercies. I list off all the things I’m going to be talking with Him about as I drive. Then I pray the Prayer of Jabez and ask Him to send me whoever He needs me to talk with that day. I hadn’t driven a hundred feet when I came around a corner and there was a whole crowd of folks my age sitting around a campfire. I stopped and rolled down my window.

\n

“You kids look like you’re having entirely too much fun!”

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“Oh, we are!!!” Everyone turned around and smiled and waved. We made some small talk and one of the gals asked if I was traveling alone. I told her all about Girl Campers and how I’m taking this camper around for a few months and we are raffling it off. One thing led to another and the subject of my writing came up. When I told them my writing is faith based and that I even have a Sunday Evening Prayer Circle, one woman came over and took my hand and asked if I would pray for her granddaughter who is sick with ulcerative colitis. I opened my blog and added her name to the prayer list. Before I left them, I took their hands and prayed with them…right there in the campground. God is so good…I asked, He delivered. Immediately! I know it happens so often, I shouldn’t be amazed. But I am always in awe at that.

\n

I’m in the home stretch of the West Virginia tour now. Just one, maybe two more nights and I’ll be back at the Ponderosa for a few days. It’s been such an amazing trip and I’ve seen some beautiful places. I’m looking forward to heading south next week. If you all have any recommendations for campgrounds or state parks in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina…I’d love to hear them!

\n

❤️

\n
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.”\n

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/29/welcome-to-my-living-room.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Prayer","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/28/rounding-out-october.html", "title": "Rounding Out October", "content_html": "

\"Bluestone “Bluestone Lake is gorgeous this time of year.”

\n

Today is moving day so that means I get to tell you where I have been the last few days. I arrived at Pipestem Resort State Park on Thursday. I’ve been here before, but never camping. There’s a tram that takes you down in the canyon to the lower lodge that sits on the Bluestone River. There is a restaurant, gift shop, and artisan center on the canyon rim at the top of the tram. There is an equestrian center, golf course, pool, recreation center, nature center and a main lodge with every amenity you could want.

\n

The campground is large. The interior sites have full hookups and are pretty close together. The sites around the perimeter are roomier and of course they back up to woods. There is a very large camping area with no hookups. I was told there is a major upgrade coming adding more service sites and leveling them out…something that is sorely needed.

\n

The weather has been typical WV autumn…unpredictable. Yesterday dawned sunny and clear but within an hour we were socked in with clouds. Then, by 3:00, it was sunny again clear through sunset. The foliage is still beautiful but is definitely past the peak of color. This happens where we get cold, rain, and wind…which we had last night.

\n

I drove over to Bluestone State Park yesterday. There is a large dam on the Bluestone River which has created a large lake. The park is smaller, less developed, and more remote then Pipestem which is less than ten miles away. There is one main campground with a few full service sites and electric only sites. There is a more primitive and rustic campground on up the road. The primitive campground sits right on the lake and is popular for fishing.

\n

One thing I thought was pretty cool. There is a campground on the far side of the lake that is accessible only by boat. Each campsite has it’s own dock. That would be a lot of fun, I would think. There is more wildlife activity at the Bluestone Campsites because they are less densely populated. Bears, fox, and bobcats frequent the area as well as more common deer, raccoon, possum, skunks and squirrels. There are occasional sightings of otters and mink.

\n

Bluestone State Park has a large number of cabins spread around on a wooded hilltop. One of the cabins sits beside a very old cemetery that has been there long before the park came to be. I couldn’t find anyone who knew the history of the grave sites so I will have to do some research on my own.

\n

Again, there are so many amazing photos from this weekend but I am limited to what I can send over two bars of cell service. I’m planning on creating a video of this month’s circuit of the stunning State Parks of West Virginia. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for that or see the photos as I have the opportunity to upload them. 

\n

Today I head to the last park on my WV Fall Foliage Tour…Chasing the Sun. I’m supposed to camp there till Friday, but I’ve decided to cut it short just a little so I can go home for a few days before I head south. Well, actually…before WE head south. I’ve talked Mr. FixIt into doing the southern circuit with me!!! Bless his heart…he has been awfully patient having his wife galavanting around the countryside. I need to get back and help him with a few chores and get a few things done to be better prepared for more camping.

\n

❤️

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“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”\n

1 Corinthians 7:3 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-28T01:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/28/rounding-out-october.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Marriage","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/27/between-the-trees.html", "title": "Between the Trees", "content_html": "

\"Autumn “Sitting by the river is soothing to the soul.”

\n

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.

\n

When 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.

\n

As 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.

\n

Should 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.

\n

I 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. 

\n

I 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.

\n

I thanked God for reminding me to remove the plank in my own eye before I asked my neighbor to remove the sliver from theirs. 

\n

It 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

Matthew 7:5 NIV

\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": "

\"Coffee “Coffee and sunshine and a little nosh!”

\n

As I explored the latest West Virginia State Park on my camping itinerary yesterday, I took a king sized jump back in time. The last time I was at this particular park was with Hubby #2. I can’t tell you the year, but my guess is it was the summer of 1979, although it could have been later. I remember bits and pieces of that trip. I remember feeling so extravagant to travel to such beautiful places. We stayed a night in this lodge I am sitting in as I write this post. Oh, my…so much water over the dam since then.

\n

I sat there in the morning sunshine, watching the river making riffles on the smooth stones below. The trees are yellow and brown and still-green here. Tiny little splashes of red and orange peek through as you move your eyes across the steep hillside at the far edge of the river. By 1:00 in the afternoon, the brilliant sun of morning gave way to the clouds portending the heavy storms predicted this weekend.

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I haven’t met a West Virginia State Park I haven’t liked. This trip has seriously been magical and something my heart and soul so desperately needed, if for no other reason that to remind me how dearly I love Mr. FixIt. Not that there has ever been a question. We all have a tendency to get wrapped up in the busyness of life and forget to stop and appreciate what we have. I’m just as guilty of that as anyone.

\n

Getting away also reminds me of the independence I cultivated for my self after Mr. Virgo died. I either got out and had adventures, or I would spend the rest of my life sitting at home alone. And that is just not me. I need solitude from time to time…to refresh and recharge and stretch my abilities. When I do that, I am a much better partner for my husband. I am more patient, more loving, and decidedly happier. This is a benefit for both of us.

\n

I’ve been gone for quite a bit this year. Between Girl Camping trips, six weeks in Colorado for my daughter’s wedding, and this Charity Trailer Raffle Tour, I think I have spent more time away from home than I was there. I have a patient husband, to be sure. But we are missing each other a lot so we are working on our itinerary for the next two months and figuring out the best way to travel AND be together.

\n

It is supposed to rain a lot this weekend so I’ve saved my writing and indoor projects till then. I need to take advantage of the sunshine when I can. When I woke up yesterday morning, it was 37 degrees. By the time I rousted myself to get coffee, it was 8:00 and 42 degrees. I took the electric griddle outside and cooked with it sitting on the picnic table. I fried a whole package of bacon and carefully placed the cooked strip between layers of paper towels and slipped the entire batch into a zip lock bag. Stored in the refrigerator, these will be eaten up long before they would spoil. I did the same with a batch of pancakes and stored them two to a sandwich bag. That way, I’ve cooked several days of breakfasts ahead of time. When it’s raining this weekend, I can still have outdoor cooked meals.

\n

As I finished writing this piece, I watched a little boy, maybe four or five years old…walking along the river. Bright yellow leaves rained down around him. With hands reached out, he laughed as he tried to catch them…his feet crunching on those he missed. He picked up rocks on the river bank and watched out for his little brother toddling along behind him. They were out with their dad. I love seeing dads with their littles…teaching, loving, experiencing the joy of the day. I close with this thought. Wouldn’t it be a better world if the littles spent more time outside with their dads? Or moms, if dad isn’t around? Or with anyone who loves them and wants to teach them about the world and about life? Wouldn’t it be better than handing a child an electronic device to keep them quiet…engaged in learning what someone else is teaching them? Maybe something that isn’t reflective of your values? I’m not being judgmental here. There were plenty of times I let my own little watch too much TV in order to have some peace. It just seems we are raising a generation that’s greatest skill is dissociation. I’m not sure how you put the smoke back in the bottle.

\n

With that thought, I have spent entirely too much of my morning sitting here with my own set of electronic diversions so I’m heading out to enjoy this day before the rains come and I get stuck inside. I hope you have a beautiful weekend wherever you are. Put the phone down…go outside and play. You’re never too old to “go places and do things”, as the Girl Campers say!

\n

❤️

\n
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”\n

Proverbs 22:6 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-26T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/26/time-travel.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip","Littles","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/25/overcoming-challenges.html", "title": "Overcoming Challenges", "content_html": "

\"Camping\" “Kicking back in my Vasques at the campsite at the end of the day makes all the challenges melt away!”

\n

Yesterday saw its fair share of challenges. First, I was wide awake at 5:30am. I drove over Droop Mountain on Wednesday and frankly…I was a little concerned about pulling the camper over it. At 3060 feet elevation with a 9% grade, it is a considerable piece of real estate to cross over, especially hauling a camper. 

\n

The first thing I did Wednesday evening was take a long, hot shower to empty water out of the fresh tank into the grey tank. I knew I needed to offload as much weight as I could before I took on the mountains and curvy West Virginia roads the next morning. When I awoke at 5:30, I pulled out my atlas and went over my route for the umpteenth time. One side of my brain said, “Nope…not gonna.” But the adventurous side…the side that knows I can do all things with Jesus said, “Yep…we’re gonna do this!”

\n

I hooked up the camper and pulled it over to the campground dump station. It was 8:00 in the morning and 37 degrees…a tad chilly. I got everything emptied and cleaned and put away, then headed out. My first obstacle was coming up the hill from Watoga State Park Campground into Seebert. There is a sign that tells you there is a sharp drop off on the right. In other words, the “shoulder” of the road is about…I don’t know…a hundred feet down, maybe? It was really no big deal…you just hug the center line and pray no one else is coming. And when they are, you stop. It doesn’t matter who might be behind you…they can just wait.

\n

I was really pleased at how smoothly the Droop Mountain crossing went. My transmission temp stayed in a reasonable temperature range. There was a good deal of fog at the base, but I soon broke through to perfect sunshine and crisp air. The leaves that high are a bit past their prime, but still beautiful.

\n

My biggest challenge came when I got to the campground. I asked the fellow in the check-in office if the sites are level and he said, “Ma’am, I have to be perfectly honest. They really aren’t it’s a challenge to get things level.” I didn’t want to hear this because, of all the things I left at home, it was my assortment of levelers. Keith followed me out to my site and we stood there looking at it. 

\n

“Wow…that has quite a grade, doesn’t it?” I said.

\n

He allowed that it did. He brought me some scraps of wood he had salvaged from campers leaving them behind. I pulled further forward where the grade wasn’t quite as steep, and unhooked. I walked all around and finally realized, I did not have enough blocks with me to make up the difference because my stabilizing jacks wouldn’t reach the ground. 

\n

I drove back over and was about to buy a couple packages of levelers when Keith said he would look to see if there was another site. He had offered two others earlier but I just didn’t like them. They were small, crowded, and right on the road. Finally he came up with an available site and I drove around to look at it. It would be a little tricky backing into it, but it was long and level and faced way back in the woods. It was perfect. 

\n

I hooked back up and towed to the second site and got settled in. It made for a long day, but the results made me much more comfortable than the first site. Sometimes you have to listen to your gut. The only place for that trailer to go if the chocks gave way was down the side of the mountain. It is a perfectly good site for a motor home or something small like a popup tent camper…it just didn’t work for me.

\n

Keith apologized for wasting three hours of my day. I explained that I am a writer and an educator. I’m an experienced camper. But there are lots of people out there who haven’t had any experience and want to learn. These kinds of experiences offer me opportunities to teach others and hopefully avoid unfortunate pitfalls. Those kinds of things can really dampen one’s joy toward a new activity, and I want you to have as much success as possible when you “Go Places and Do Things”!

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❤️

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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”\n

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-25T01:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/25/overcoming-challenges.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Camping","West Virginia","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/24/less-is-more.html", "title": "Less is More", "content_html": "

\"Muck “My favorite boots.”

\n

Ok…you all know me. You know I have something to say about…you know, everything. I’ve been known to turn a phrase. I’ve been able to paint pictures with my words. It’s not me…it’s all God. But, as I sat down last night to write this post, I was at a total loss for words. Yesterday was just about the most beautiful day I have ever seen and I didn’t have anyone to share it with. Not in real time, anyway. Mr. FixIt is still at home, picking pears and cleaning out the last of the garden. And there’s all of you. And Kaye and her fella, “Not John Hancock” (sorry, I’ve forgotten his first name but it’s definitely NOT John). I met them on a hike in Beartown State Park.

\n

I just spent the whole day yesterday gobsmacked at every turn. It started when I awoke before dawn and saw the fog settling in on the river. I jumped up in the dark, threw on my camp clothes and muck boots, and headed down the road in the campground. I got down on the riverbank and waited. I’ve learned to wait patiently for the light. There’s a moment…just a fleeting moment, when the light is perfect and the color is perfect and the subject is perfect. It happens every day…but most of the time, we aren’t there to catch it. Or we aren’t paying attention.

\n

If you blink, you can miss it….that one perfect shot. That one picture that says “WOW”. You can take 500 shots and have one, if you’re lucky. Or, you can take 500 shots and have SO many that just knock your socks off and you can’t choose. Some I need to keep aside for the project I’m working on. And some, while I would love to share them with you today, are just too big and the internet here at the campground won’t handle it. You’ll have to wait.

\n

So, I chose this one. I was standing by the river, waiting for the perfect light, when I looked down and saw this colorful array of leaves around my feet. Simple. Yet it says so much. These feet have carried me for sixty-six years now. They’ve run and jumped, danced and snuggled. They’ve kicked and stomped and run away from so many things. But this day…this day they stood…patiently waiting for the perfect light. In a pair of boots that my Aunt Peeps gave me years ago. They are one of my most prized possessions. Rugged. Sturdy. Utilitarian. And practical on a wet, foggy morning on a riverbank.

\n

These boots symbolize where I am in my life. I’m comfortable. Happy in my own skin, just for the sake of being happy. There’s something to be said for that kind of simplicity. And for knowing when less is more.

\n

❤️

\n
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”\nMatthew 6:21 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2019-10-24T04:10:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/24/less-is-more.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/23/coffee-with-wanda-belle.html", "title": "Coffee with Wanda Belle", "content_html": "

\"Autumn “The many colors of Autumn”

\n

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.

\n

Until 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.

\n

As 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!”

\n

I 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.

\n

Someone 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.

\n

I’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

Psalms 104:20-23 ESV

\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": "

\"Cheers\" “Dining al fresco in the glory of autumn.”

\n

Now that I have left the last campground, I can tell you about it. Some of my friends who have camped there guessed where I was. Revelle’s Family Campground is just up the road from Elkins, WV in a little burg called Bowden. There’s a fish hatchery there…and lots of cabins and campgrounds. I’ve driven past Revelle’s since I was a teenager. They actually opened when I was sixteen and the just celebrated their 50th Anniversary.

\n

The current owners purchased it in 2015. It was a little rundown and they have put a lot into it, bringing some of it’s glorious past back to life. They have lots of fun activities like WVU Football Tailgate Parties and bingo every other weekend. There are over 200 campsites with several backed right up to Shaver’s Fork of the Cheat River…a stocked trout stream. About half the sites are permanent campers…meaning, they lease out the spot to one person on a yearly basis. Those campers treat their travel trailers like a mountain cabin and often only come for weekends. There are some who come to spend the summer.

\n

I was really taken by the lovely surroundings and the equally lovely owner, Katharine. I can already envision organizing a Girl Camper trip next October to show off the amazing colors this time of year.

\n

Yesterday was my travel day to the next campground. My route took me on a two-lane blacktop that climbed over mountains, twisting and turning through forests of hardwoods, evergreens, and the ever present mountain laurel. It was sunny and absolutely gorgeous as I climbed through the Allegheny Mountains and the colors were spectacular. Every turn was more beautiful than the last. However, there were NO turnoffs or scenic overlooks and I couldn’t very well stop in the middle of the road to take pictures so I will have to search the internet for the photos taken by others of this area to give you some idea. I’m telling you…words cannot do this day justice.

\n

Along the way, I saw a sign for an old general store which is really more of a museum these days. I was fortunate to find a parking place out front and welcomed the opportunity to get out and stretch my legs. The owner was graciously greeting the crowds of people as they made their way to the portico out front. When he greeted me, he asked where I was from. When I told him Parkersburg, he lit up. He was born and raised just a couple of miles from me and graduated the year after Mr. FixIt and me and knew my sweet hubby back in the day!

\n

Tom Shipley’s mother left this farm to him, thus ensuring the little store and grounds would stay open and in the family. Tom says it’s a lot of work, but he’s been there since 2004 and is a fixture in the community. There is a small log cabin located on the grounds not far from the huge main house. It turned out to have been built by Tom’s great-great-great grandparents. What a treat that must be to have that family legacy remain in the same hands throughout the generations. I would have loved to have stayed longer, but I needed to move on. But, not without purchasing some jars of homemade apple butter, red raspberry jam, and cherry jam first. Tom carried my purchases out to the truck for me and gave me a big hug…”for Parkersburg,” he said.

\n

Unfortunately, as I crested the last mountain, the clouds gathered and that was the end of the glorious sunshine. Still, it was quite beautiful as I closed in on my final destination. I got unhooked and set up and within minutes, I had people wanting to come see the camper and buy tickets for the raffle. The only way to purchase tickets is to buy them online at girlcamper.com . I can’t tell you how many people reach for their wallets when they find out we are raffling off this trailer!

\n

There is WiFi at this campground, but no cellular because of the blackout area of Greenbank Observatory. I’ll write about that another day. The WiFi is pretty slow and has to be shared by all the campers, so I don’t know if photos will come through to post or not…we’ll see. In the meantime, it was supposed to rain all last night and all day today. I have an indoor project to do today, so that will be perfect timing.

\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/2019/10/21/take-a-little-time.html", "title": "Take a Little Time", "content_html": "

\"Crimson “The color crimson is startling in the woods of WV.”

\n

I tell people all the time…”Self care is NOT selfish!” This weekend I took a little time for some self care and it felt wonderful. First was the old time music and folk dancing Saturday. Then yesterday, I took off early and drove over to see family in Grant and Pendleton Counties. The aunt that I cared for when I first moved back here from Colorado has been living with her brother, my Uncle Bud, for the last three years. She is suffering from dementia now and I am not at all sure she knew who I was. Which is probably a good thing because she doesn’t necessarily like me much. She was quite personable during our visit, which was nice.

\n

I helped around the house…cleaning the kitchen and picking up. I took a chuck roast over and put it in the crock pot for them along with noodles and a pumpkin pie. They should eat like royalty for a few days on that. I shared pictures with them and we swapped stories for a while before I left to go to my cousin’s house for a while. I haven’t seen her since Thanksgiving last year so it was a long overdue visit.

\n

As I was driving back to the campground late in the afternoon, I got to the top of Middle Mountain and saw this amazing tree. Actually, I saw amazing trees everywhere. But it was raining all day and very foggy on top of the mountain. I pulled over to the side and stood with my camera ready…just willing the fog to part long enough to capture the beauty of this lone tree on the mountaintop. It was well worth the wait, don’t you think?

\n

The mountain sides look like a rich tapestry with everything from green to garnet, scarlet to sunshine yellow. It was mesmerizing and it was all I could do to keep my eyes on the road. Stunning! It’s this time of year that makes you hold your breath. In the spring, when the green leaves pop out, you know there is a long stretch ahead with lovely foliage. Then this time of year comes and we sit and wait for the proverbial “other shoe” to drop. Because, in a heartbeat it will be gone and the trees will reach for the sky with naked bony fingers grasping at the winter winds that whip through them.

\n

So, till that time comes, I will gaze in wonder and will share that with you as I travel this path to see where it leads me. Today is a travel day for me. My next stop is the first campsite I have had without electricity so I’m going to rely on the solar to power me off grid. I can’t wait to see what I can still do in the camper without shore power!

\n

❤️

\n
“\"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.\"”\n

Isaiah 1:18-20 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-21T01:31:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/21/take-a-little-time.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Change","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 “The house I wanted for a B&B in Elkins…it always makes me wonder…what if?”

\n

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.

\n

I 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. 

\n

When 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.

\n

Then, 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. 

\n

I’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!

\n

Mr. 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.

\n

I 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

Deuteronomy 8:2 ESV

\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/2019/10/19/allegheny-autumn-splendor.html", "title": "Allegheny Autumn Splendor!", "content_html": "

\"Autumn “Oh….be still my heart! Autumn’s splendor in the highlands of West Virginia!”

\n

I slept so soundly Thursday night. Maybe it’s sleeping by moving water that makes me drift off quickly and sleep all night…a welcome treat. It was pretty darned nippy yesterday morning and it will be even colder tonight. I got chilled when I first arrived at the campground. I went through a couple of mud puddles and the camper had been splashed from the tires. I got a pail of warm water and washed it down, but I was chilled to the bone. It was’t long after dark that I got in my warm, flannel jammies and hopped in bed under the electric blanket. I still didn’t warm up till after 10:00.

\n

I awoke to the sun coming over the far ridge…lighting the leaves along the river with a beacon of gold that reflected on the window shades of the camper. I slipped the shades up and stayed snuggled under my warm blankets for another hour before I ventured out to begin my day. After a cup of fresh brewed coffee, I took a hot shower in the camper. It’s awfully nice to not have to traipse across a cold campground to use their bathroom facilities in the middle of the night or the chill of the morning.

\n

When you camp and live in a small space, it’s important to stay on top of the cleaning and organizing daily or you end up just throwing things everywhere. I can’t stand living in a cluttered environment, especially in close quarters. In touring with the r-pod, there is always someone who wants to have a peek inside and it’s just easier to spend a little extra time every morning making sure everything is presentable.

\n

I drove to town and had lunch at CJ Maggie’s in Elkins then drove over to the Davis and Elkins College. What a gorgeous campus. D&E is a small liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. With an enrollment of only 805 students, it offers a 13:1 Student/Faculty ratio and both national and international accreditations. D&E is also the home of the Augusta Heritage Center, keeping Appalachian music and skills alive for future generations. There are opportunities to hear Old Time music, both at the summer series and Old Time Week in October. I am especially interested in the Fiddlers Reunion today, as well at the Flat Foot Dance  competition. It speaks to my roots and I’m really looking forward to going.

\n

After my tour of the college campus, I drove up into the Stuart Recreation Area, a densely forested federal park along the banks of the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. The trees are at their peak of glory here in the Allegheny Mountain Range, part of the Appalachian Mountains. This morning’s low was predicted to hit 30 degrees, bringing us the first frost of the season. If I stay around West Virginia too much longer, I’d have to winterize the camper to keep the water lines from freezing. But a couple of hours of freezing temperatures aren’t enough to cause damage. The weather is predicted to get warmer after this weekend freeze.

\n

I’m having a lot of fun on this trip and it reminds me of those early months and years after losing Mr. Virgo. I traveled for much of the first three years after he died. The big difference between then and now, of course, is the degree of grief healing that has taken place. As I became a different woman in the aftermath of Mr. Virgo’s death, so too have I become a different person on the other side of deep grief. I think we all change and remake ourselves multiple times in our lives. Our “being” is not static…it is ever-evolving. 

\n

As my dear friend Sue told me the other night…”We love this new you.” So do I, my friend. So do I.

\n

❤️

\n
“that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ,”\n

Colossians 2:2 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-19T01:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/19/allegheny-autumn-splendor.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","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": "

\"Fall “One day sunny and warm, the next day blustery and cold. Still…a day camping is better than anything else!”

\n

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.

\n

The 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.

\n

Once 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. 

\n

I 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.

\n

Leaving 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.

\n

Today 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

Jeremiah 10:12-13 NIV

\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/2019/10/16/eat-pray-camp.html", "title": "Eat, Pray, Camp!", "content_html": "

\"R-pod “The r-pod 196 nestled in the trees at Cedar Creek State Park near Glenville, WV”

\n

I moved to the next campground easily enough yesterday morning. Mr. FixIt met me at the McDonald’s in Glenville for breakfast so I could get my travel coordinates before we parted company for another couple of weeks. We had the BEST weekend! It was our first wedding anniversary, which I had told you about. When he arrived at the campground Saturday night, he greeted me with a dozen roses and a sweet card. I greeted him with a warm supper and a big hug. We hiked, biked, and chatted with folks he knew in the campground. (Have I told you he knows EVERYONE?!) We rested and watched movies and took naps. And we just flat out enjoyed not having cell service or TV to distract us from enjoying each other’s company. It was wonderful!

\n

Speaking of no cell service, we had just finished eating lunch out in front of our camper on Monday when Mr. FixIt’s phone rang! We could barely hear a woman’s voice and she was saying something about coming to the office. We thought it must have something to do with his insurance policy because the call came from his agent’s office. That was really weird.

\n

After lunch, we decided to go for a bike ride around the state park. It’s such a great place to ride bikes because the campground is essentially flat. When we got back to the camper, Mr. FixIt reached to remove his wallet from his back pocket and…it was GONE! We looked in both trucks and all over the camper and campsite, but he figured he had to have lost it when he was riding his bike.

\n

I hadn’t realized till I got back to the camper that he wasn’t right behind me. I got off my bike and took off my helmet and gloves and here he came. It turned out he had gotten his shoe lace wrapped around the bike pedal and had to stop at the camp store to get untangled. He assumed that is where he lost the wallet. So, we got in the truck. I prayed out loud.

\n

“Jesus, please help us find my husband’s wallet!”

\n

We took off driving very slowly…looking for a brown wallet amongst the equally brown leaves all over the roadway. We hadn’t had any luck when we passed a couple out for a walk. 

\n

“You haven’t happened to find a wallet, have you?”

\n

“Nope…sorry. We haven’t seen a thing!”

\n

“Ok, we’ll keep looking. Thanks!”

\n

While we were talking to the couple who were walking, another couple rode past us on their bikes on the other side of the truck.

\n

Suddenly, we heard the walking couple.

\n

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!”

\n

I looked in the rear view mirror and they were waving us back and pointing at the couple on the bike. The bikers rode up to us.

\n

“You looking for a wallet? I just turned one in at the park headquarters building! They have it waiting for you!”

\n

I stuck my hand out the window and looked up and shouted, “Thank you, Jesus!!!”

\n

We drove on up to the building at the park entrance and sure enough, it was Mr. FixIt’s wallet…intact with his one lone dollar bill and his credit cards. As we were driving back to the camper, he looked at me and said, “Man, that was really lucky!”

\n

I looked at him with a level stare and said, “No, honey…luck had nothing to do with that. What did I do as soon as we got in the truck? I prayed that Jesus would help us find your wallet, didn’t I?” He nodded in agreement. “Then, we asked the walkers if they found a wallet and they didn’t. But they asked the bikers, and THEY did…and had turned it in. All in the space of about ten minutes after I prayed! That was a prayer answered, sweetheart…plain and simple.”

\n

He had to agree. Especially when we were sitting at breakfast yesterday and he checked his phone.

\n

“Huh…I have a missed call.” It was from the same number that got through in an area with no phone service. They had called back and left us this message.

\n

“Hi there…this is __________ from you insurance agent’s office. We received a call from the folks at Cedar Creek State Park saying someone found your wallet. You need to check in with the headquarters office to get it back.”

\n

I looked at Mr. FixIt and smiled. “See? You can add getting a phone call in an area with no cell service about your lost wallet to the list of steps God took to return it to you!”

\n

I’m gobsmacked when God does these things…especially when it shows another person that He’s really REAL and cares about ALL the things, not just the big stuff. Even a wallet that falls out in the leaves.

\n

❤️

\n
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”\n

John 15:7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-16T01:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/16/eat-pray-camp.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/12/go-with-the-flow.html", "title": "Go With The Flow", "content_html": "

\"WV “Early morning fog on the lake. Almost Heaven…West Virginia”

\n

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. 

\n

It was early enough in the day that the fog hadn’t burned off the lake yet and I stopped in the road to take a photo. There was another, even more spectacular view on down a ways, however, there was someone coming up behind me so I had to move on. Sometimes the most beautiful, unforgettable photos get left to memory and never see the light of day. Those are really special.

\n

The campground is filling up and I just realized this is Columbus Day weekend. I imagine there will be crowds of people there by later today. Some campgrounds close by the end of October around here. I managed to get West Virginia camping all the way through to the first of November. Then I am going to either have to head south or winterize the camper. There will be some nights in the next week that will get down to the 30’s. It won’t be a problem unless it gets down and stays down, which it is not likely to do at this time of the year here.

\n

As I am writing this, I am listening to a group of college girls. They are FaceTiming with one of their moms and it is hysterical. They are talking about their hair and what to do with it for some special event. It reminds me so much of when my older daughter was that age. I was so young and I really loved the kids. As I was driving into town earlier, Daughter #2 called and we chatted for a while. It’s crazy how fast they’ve grown and how long ago those crazy fun times in McDonald’s really were.

\n

\"Sycamore “Sycamore Tussock Moth Caterpillar”

\n

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.

\n

I 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

James 5:7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-12T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/12/go-with-the-flow.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Peace","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/11/slow-down.html", "title": "Slow Down", "content_html": "

\"Country “There’s something special about moseying out country roads instead of roaring through on an interstate.”

\n

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. 

\n

I love how the leaves fall in a shower of gold and red light in the sun. I love how the car in front of you stirs them up into a whirlwind that splashes on your windshield as you drive through them. I love how the the denuded trees cast lines on the roadway making it seem to glitter and shimmer as the miles fly under your wheels.

\n

The morning dew glistens as the leaves flutter in the breeze of your passing. The whole world takes on an auburn glow with rich yellow, tawny bronze, and deep indigo undertones. Crows and turkey buzzards circle overhead, waiting for the tasty morsels of the unfortunate squirrel or groundhog that doesn’t make it across the pavement in time. 

\n

Deer stand tenuously on the shoulder of the road seeming to be making a decision. Should I go? Should I stay? My mind wills them to turn and run up the hill away from my approaching bumper…left to live another day. Chipmunks seem to be enthralled with the macadam madness that cuts through their turf. Scoot out fast. No…wait! Dart back quick! How I keep from hitting them, I’ll never know.

\n

I arrived at my next campground shortly before noon. I stopped at the store on the way so I could buy chili fixin’s. Mr. FixIt was talking about chili the other night and it’s been on my mind ever since. I got unhooked and mixed up a batch for the crockpot. I made plenty to have leftovers for the freezer.

\n

This is one of the best things about traveling with a camper. With a well equipped kitchen and a stocked pantry, you can eat healthy and save a lot of money on the road. Avoid the fast food places and steer clear of processed foods and your food budget can go a long way. I have homemade chicken noodle soup, beef and noodles, pepperoni rolls, cinnamon rolls, taco meat, potato soup, pizza, old fashioned noodles, and now chili in the freezer. Potatoes, sausage, cheese, salad greens, broccoli, cauliflower, oranges, grapes, eggs, potato salad, sliced turkey, avocado, yoghurt, milk, and cottage cheese in the fridge. I have an assortment of dry goods in the pantry, including microwave popcorn if I want a snack. We’ll be eating like royalty this weekend when Mr. FixIt arrives.

\n

There’s and upside and a downside to this campground. Gorgeous woods. No internet at the campsite. I’ll have to drive to town to post this. If I didn’t have writing deadlines, I’d just cut the cord for the duration, but alas…my “work” is never done! There are worse things than writing every day!

\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

Psalms 19:1-2 NIV

\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": "

\"RP196\" “Autumn Glow Lights up the R-Pod”

\n

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.

\n

When 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.

\n

When 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. 

\n

My 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!

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Was 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. 

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I 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?

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It 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?!

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The 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!

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❤️

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“Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.”\n

1 Chronicles 16:33 NIV

\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": "

\"Check “How many times have you seen this come on…right in front of the dealership?!?!”

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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…

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It was ON!!!

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I 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.

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You 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!

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But 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!

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I 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!

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❤️

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“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

Psalms 8:3-4 NIV

\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": "

\"Autumn “It looks like we will finally get a little color after all!”

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I stayed an extra night at Beaver Creek State Park so I’d have an uninterrupted stretch of writing time. The other Girl Campers left Sunday, but my friend Gail is the Camp Host for Beaver Creek so she stayed to keep me company. In the past I have dreaded autumn because winter comes right after. But autumn…sweet autumn. The time of harvests and gold, apples and honey. Crispy, crunchy autumn…I’ve come to love it!

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It rained all night Sunday and the majority of the day yesterday. It stayed cloudy and cool which made snuggling up in the camper with my iPad and writing a rare treat. I took a break in the afternoon and went over to visit my friend Jan and see her farm…Paradise Acres. She is my age and runs a 200+ acre farm, plays in an Old Time band, sits on boards, campaigns for political candidates, and takes college classes. She is a retired Presbyterian minister. She has more energy in her little finger than I could ever hope to have!

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\"Woman “My friend Jan gazes out over her fields of corn at Paradise Acres.”

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When I got back to the campground, Gail was there to greet me with a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup and hot rolls. What a wonderful way to spend my last night camping in one of my favorite places in the world. I am heading out and about today. It’s going to be a gypsy camp day…meaning, I have no idea where I will sleep tonight. I want to see the meteor shower for the next two nights, skies willing, so I need to be somewhere away from city lights. I’ll let you know where I end up!

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In the meantime, we’ve had a good deal of rain. I think perhaps enough to pull us out of imminent fire danger in West Virginia. Mr. FixIt said there were places near the Ponderosa that received as much as three inches of rain in a very short amount of time. We have been parched here. The reason the fire danger was so high this fall was the overgrowth of vegetation from the unusually wet spring and summer we had. The vegetation is thick. Add dry weather and heat and it created dangerous conditions. I think we are past the worst of that now.

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\"Old “Jan’s barn at Paradise Acres. She holds Old Time Music concerts here.”

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As I was driving back from Jan’s farm this afternoon, I could really see the change in color in the leaves. Lots of yellows and some reds now. I’m looking forward to my drive today and checking out the autumn leaves. I can’t believe how early it’s getting dark already. The r-pod is comfortable and it stays nice and toasty in here. I think this new Adzel material they built the walls with is a better insulator.

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❤️

\n
““As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.””\n

Genesis 8:22 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2019-10-08T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/08/autumn-sweet-autumn.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Change","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/10/07/all-good-things.html", "title": "All Good Things...", "content_html": "

\"Girl “The curtain closes on another successful Fall What-a-Hoot!”

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What a FUN event we had this weekend at the Fourth Annual Fall What-a-Hoot at Beaver Creek State Park with the Girl Campers! OMGosh…we ate and laughed and knitted and crafted. We sat around the campfire every night and talked and talked and talked. We toured each other’s campers. We broke in a newbie. We hugged and prayed and praised.

\n

We antiqued and flea marketed and shopped and faired. We watched a movie on the big screen outdoors. We captured sunrises and sunsets. We cooked and shared recipes. We shared pictures of the kids and grandkids and great grandkids. We taught and shared. We listened. We embraced each other’s differences. We lifted each other up. We included everyone and made everyone feel welcome and special. You know what we didn’t do? We didn’t talk politics. We didn’t watch TV. We didn’t complain…about anything. Not even the 41 degree morning. Ok, maybe a little about the mosquitoes. And those folks on that one site that had a WAY too big fire and a drunken party till the wee hours of Sunday morning that kept some gals awake. Oh, and did I say…NO POLITICS! It was heavenly! The weekend ended with a much, MUCH needed rain. I’m staying on for another extra night since it’s supposed to rain all day today. I have writing to do and some trip planning. I’m also going to work on a little project I’ll share with you soon. 

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Happy Monday, everyone! 

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❤️

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

Romans 15:13 NIV

\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": "

\"Cooking “Even with a compact, kitchen, cooking in the RPod is really easy.”

\n

Saturday is Soup Day at What a Hoot. The Girl Campers gather at Beaver Creek State Park in the spring and fall…both wonderful times to camp and both offering cool nights when a hot mug of soup is most welcome. Yesterday morning it was all of forty-one degrees when I woke up. The perfect day to get out the crockpot and make something yummy.

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I’m really getting the hang of cooking in the RPod. It’s a compact kitchen, but there is plenty of storage in the ample pantry…even for this monstrous 8-quart slow cooker. There are always several varieties of soup at the Saturday evening meal. This year, I decided to make beef and noodles…a wonderful comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

\n

I bought a big chuck roast, some pre-diced onions/celery/carrots, a large pack of sliced mushrooms, some beef broth, a family sized jar of prepared beef gravy, and a 24oz. bag of frozen noodles. I sear each side of the roast in my iron skillet, then sauté the veggies and mushrooms, and put it all in the crockpot. I pour the bottled gravy and about a cup of the beef broth over the whole thing and simmer it on low for about eight hours. About an hour before I’m ready to eat, I throw in the bag of noodles and add another cup or so of beef broth. I turn it up on high and when the noodles are done, it’s dinner time! One of the nice things about having the leftovers is packing up individual containers and putting them in the freezer for meals down the road. 

\n

I realized last night, I haven’t been as conservative with water as I thought and my freshwater tank is down to 1/3 full, which means I have approximately 10 gallons left on board. I have at least two more nights camping before I can refill my fresh water and dump the grey and blackwater tanks so I’ll need to watch more carefully. I can warm up leftovers the next couple of days and use paper plates so I’ll be fine.

\n

I think Diane had a good time camping. She enjoyed the girls and the campground. She learned a lot about staying in a travel trailer. The only camping experience she ever had was sleeping in a tent in Girl Scouts…which she hated. She really liked the RPod. I don’t know that camping will be an activity she seeks out in the future, but it sure was fun to show her the ropes and to spend some time with my good friend. There have been a lot of people who never dreamed of camping and end up enjoying themselves…whether or not they ever take it up as a pastime. 

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❤️

\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

Hebrews 11:8-12 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-10-06T01:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/10/06/cooking-in-the-rpod.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/28/i-love-fall-camping.html", "title": "I Love Fall Camping!", "content_html": "

\"Camping\" “The week in review…dressing up the dinner table, camping like a girl in the RPod 196.”

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The crisp nights of fall lend themselves to camping in a big way. The days are still plenty warm to enjoy outdoor activities and the nights are cool enough to sleep well. I love to spend the evening around a campfire…to slide the windows in the camper open and pile on the warm blankets. There’s nothing like making memories in the golden light of fall!

\n

Yesterday was a busy day from the get go. A leisurely breakfast with Mr. FixIt and a day full of errands catching up with the business of the week. Then we drove to the farm and enjoyed a few hours of peace and quiet in my happy place.

\n

The last two weeks were packed full of fun and learning experiences. I drove over two thousand miles and visited Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and came within four miles of Michigan. We have our great granddaughter’s second birthday party tomorrow so I told Mr. FixIt I am NOT stepping foot in a car! Today is a piddle around the house day and prepare for the upcoming week of fun camping. This time I get to take my sweetie camping with me for four whole days!!!

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It’s the last weekend of September. It’s officially autumn. I know I always say this at this juncture, but…where on earth did this year go???

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❤️

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”\n

Galatians 6:9 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-28T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/28/i-love-fall-camping.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Road Trip","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": "

\"Barn “This barn catches your eye traveling I-80 across Ohio.”

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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.

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The 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.

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There 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.

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https://www.thenews-messenger.com/story/news/2015/10/05/new-mural-mark-turnpike-milestone/73370206/

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Another 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.

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As 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!

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❤️

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“They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works.”\n

Psalms 145:5 NIV

\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/2019/09/21/mississippi-pot-roast.html", "title": "Mississippi Pot Roast", "content_html": "

\"Mississippi “Yummmmm….Mississippi Pot Roast! It’s going to be fall soon and I’m going to cook this when I’m camping with the Girl Campers next month!”

\n

I have heard of this recipe before and have seen it on Pinterest, but I’ve never made it. Our fellow Girl Camper, Lynn Butler came over to the campground Thursday morning toting a crockpot. She set it up in her camper and went off to work for the day. When she came back at supper time and opened the door to her camper, the most wonderful aroma came wafting out over us and we fairly swooned!

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But first, I have to tell you a little about Lynn. You don’t often see RV Dealerships owned by women and Setzer’s is second generation women owned. Lynn’s mom started it all and Lynn took it over when her mom retired. Now she is grooming her own daughter to hopefully take it over when she hangs up her clipboard and decides it’s more fun to camp.

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I was very impressed by the entire operation at Setzer’s and they have a wonderful inventory. One thing I didn’t know before…they have an RV Flea Market in April where you can bring your extra camping gear and even your own trailer to sell. I hear it’s a hoot and I can’t wait to go next spring!

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Speaking of hoots…the owls were really active at Beech Fork State Park Wednesday and Thursday nights when we were there. The nights are getting so nice a cool and I slept with the windows open so I could hear the hooty hoots. SO relaxing!

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Now, back to the recipe for the pot roast…

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Chuck Roast, Olive or Vegetable Oil, Salt & Pepper, Ranch Dressing Mix, Dry Onion Soup Mix, Real Salted Butter, Pepperoncini Peppers

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Pat your chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season it with a little salt and pepper and sear it on each side in a little olive or vegetable oil in a hot skillet till it’s nice and brown. Transfer the meat to your slow cooker, sprinkle with the packets of dry ranch dressing and onion soup mixes, and top with a stick of butter. Then place your peppers on and around the roast. Put your lid on and cook for eight hours on low. You don’t add any liquid with this roast! All those yummy juices come from the meat (and that delicious butter!)

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The meat was incredibly tender and juicy but I would have to say it was a bit too salty for me. You could really cut the salt by using low sodium versions of the ingredients.

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There is nothing more fun than getting out in a camper with a bunch of gals who love it as much as I do!

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❤️

\n
“Give us this day our daily bread.”\n

Matthew 6:11 KJV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-21T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/21/mississippi-pot-roast.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","West Virginia","Comfort","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/20/wv-hotdogs.html", "title": "WV Hotdogs!", "content_html": "

\"WV “WV Hot Dogs….one of the finest pastries ever to be found in the Mountain State!”

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We had a small gathering of Girl Campers who came to see the new R-Pod all dressed up over at Setzer’s on Wednesday. It was a long day and we were all pretty tired by the time we got back to the campground. One of the girls that arrived said she was so excited because she brought WV Hotdogs. I thought to myself…this gal must really like hotdogs. A bit later, someone asked if anyone brought dessert and Deirdre said, “Yep! I brought WV Hotdogs!!!” Everyone was ooooohing and ahhhhhhing. I totally didn’t get it.

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After a dinner of steak and assorted sides, Deirdre brought over a small white box from her camper. When she opened it, there were several cream filled pastries…WV Hotdogs! It seems to me now that I’ve thought about it, the term was way back in the recesses of my mind where words go to die. I just needed to dust it off a little back there and find it!

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The pastries were delicious, by the way. And we had the “leftovers” with coffee yesterday morning. Two of the girls had to leave right after lunch and I had the campground to myself till suppertime when Janine and Lynn came back. We had Mississippi Pot Roast for supper along with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. It was a very relaxing day. Today, I’m packing up the camper and heading home for a couple of days before I had out for Elkhart, IN on Sunday.

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On the road again!

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❤️

\n
“in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.”\nActs 24:3 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2019-09-20T01:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/20/wv-hotdogs.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","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": "\"Girl\n

Today’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.

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\"Girl “Janine used bright and cheerful wallpapers from Spoonflower to give the camper an elegant, artsy feel. Campers don’t have to be brown!”

\n

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.

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\"Girl “Mixing different patterns delineates different living areas giving the camper a much roomier feel.”

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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. 

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\"Girl “Custom fabric was used post factory to make the living area more homey. This jack knife sofa folds out to a twin sized bed.”

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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! 

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\"Girl “The kitchen is compact but fully functional. A deep stainless steel sink with a goose neck faucet is a big plus.”

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AND…Raffle Tickets go on sale today on GirlCamper.com

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❤️

\n
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”\n

Proverbs 14:23 NIV

\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/2019/09/17/chasing-the-sun.html", "title": "Chasing the Sun!", "content_html": "

\"2020 “2020 RPod 196…taking her for a test run for the next four months!”

\n

I’ve been trying to come up with a great name for my epic trip. I have decided I’ll be chasing the sun to stay warm as I travel further south so that’s just what I’ll call it. And yesterday was officially the very first day!!! And what a crazy day it was.

\n

First, we had to pack up our hotel room. It is absolutely amazing what two people can accumulate in three short days! Once we were packed up, we headed to Advanced Auto Parts to buy a 2” ball for my hitch since that’s the size the RPod needs. I found one, but they didn’t have a wrench big enough to handle the job so I went across to the Goodyear store. They didn’t have a big enough tool either. So, rather than keep searching, I just went back to Advanced Auto and bought a new hitch at the correct size and we headed to Hershey Park to pick up the new camper.

\n

When we arrived, our little camper was sitting all by herself at the end of the row. We hooked up and off we went. We had an easy, uneventful trip till we pulled into the field at the Ponderosa. I miscalculated a small incline and caught one of the scissor jacks and bent it. It’s no big deal, it didn’t hurt the camper at all…but it did hurt my pride because I knew better than to come in at that angle. We’ll just chalk it up to being overly tired because we were!

\n

It was wonderful to see Mr. Fixit! He had a pan of my smoked ribs out of the freezer thawing and I popped them in the oven as soon as I walked in. We fiddled around with the campers a little here and there. Janine had a spill in hers from a jar of balsamic vinaigrette that fell out of the cabinet so she had quite a sticky mess to clean up. We were all really excited to dine al fresco on the deck by the pool.

\n

And, just like that…the evening was over and Janine and I both retreated to separate rooms to do our writing while Mr. FixIt watched his evening shows. It was too hot to dry camp in the field without air conditioning so we went for comfort and slept indoors. Today we are driving down to Huntington to Setzer’s RV to get some fine tuning on the campers and I will get my official walk through to learn the inner workings of the RPod. I’m going to have to come up with a cute name for her! Any ideas?

\n

❤️

\n
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”\n

Proverbs 28:13 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-17T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/17/chasing-the-sun.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","goRVing","Courage","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/16/weve-come-a-long-way.html", "title": "We’ve Come a Long Way Baby!", "content_html": "

\"Early “Camping in the early days in Denver. This is just down the street from where Ben & Sue live!”

\n

Janine and I spent our time at the RV Show yesterday browsing around for content for our blogs. We stood for eight hours and walked nearly 10,000 steps. By the time the show was finished, we were exhausted but then there was work to be done. Processing and editing photos, writing blog posts, calculating trip routes and travel times. All the logistics that come with the postmortems of a travel show.

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I’ll bet we didn’t get to see one tenth of this show. And even that was overwhelming. We did see a couple of really cool campers. We saw some really EXPENSIVE campers. We saw everything from bargain basement, bare bones boxes to luxury on wheels. It’s amazing what some of the interiors of these campers look like. Marble counters, high end furnishings, and appliances that look like they come out of the finest kitchens. It boggles the mind that people would pay half a million dollars for a fancy bus.

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There are so many accessories….many that you definitely don’t need, but there are lots that were pretty handy. One was a rechargeable work light that would work well to illuminate a campsite if you arrive in the dark and need to back in. We have some really fun accessories that I’ll be sharing with you after the big reveal next week. We are still holding back the majority of the photos till then.

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In the meantime, they are breaking down the show overnight. I need to get a smaller ball on my hitch to fit the new camper. Janine and I are heading to the Ponderosa today then to Huntington tomorrow. We’ll dry camp out in the field tonight! So please keep us in your prayers for travel mercies today. I am so excited about pulling this camper today!

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❤️

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“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”\n

Proverbs 2:6 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-16T01:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/16/weve-come-a-long-way.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","God","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Change","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/15/the-really-really-big-show.html", "title": "The Really REALLY Big Show!", "content_html": "

\"Women “Janine, her BFF Carol, and me in front of the R Pod at the Hershey RV Show.”

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Ok, so I thought Friday’s show was busy? Hokey Smokes!!! Yesterday was absolutely insane at the RV Show…but SO amazingly fun! Hundreds of people came and walked through the camper. Everyone loved the decor and if they didn’t…it was probably a guy. Guys don’t necessarily get the whole “decorate your camper” thing. That’s why most campers are varying themes of BROWN. I think a guy takes a look and says, “Yeah…that won’t show dirt. Use that!”

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I do have to say, the folks at Forest River are stepping up their game in the new R Pod. The cabinets are a lovely shade of grey and the walls are off white. It is a perfect canvas on which to decorate in whatever style strikes your fancy. The light colors along with multiple large windows brings in an abundance of light which is exactly what I am looking for in a camper. I am going to switch the mattress out. I’ve never found an RV mattress that I found satisfactory. I am very choosy about my mattresses. I have an extra memory foam mattress at home so I’ll switch it out when I’m there next week.

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Janine and I were so exhausted when we got back to our hotel room yesterday. We both took a long nap, then headed out for dinner. Our meal was ok. I was disappointed in my main course. I had pasta and meat sauce with Italian sausage. The sausage had been left in the skillet too long and was actually burnt. When the waitress took my plate, she asked if there was something wrong. I explained and she offered something different. By that time I was full from just the pasta and sauce and didn’t care for anything else. 

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Pretty soon, the manage/owner came out to talk with me. He said he took my entree off the check. In the process of our discussion, I informed him I had a good understanding of what he was going through. I told him about Mr. Virgo working in the Food & Beverage industry all of his career. He lit up and we began a long discussion comparing notes of who worked where and when. This is something I always found fascinating with Mr. Virgo. No matter where we were, he could find someone who knew someone and there was always common ground. It made me smile.

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I told him our story. I told him about going out to buy the camper and how he died while we were looking. I told him about buying the little camper and taking it out in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado. I told him about selling my house and buying the big camper and getting rid of 95% of my personal belongings. I told him about being on the road in the camper and writing about it and how I came to know Janine. Then, I told him the happy ending of the story…running into Mr. FixIt and how we are just about ready to celebrate our 1st Wedding Anniversary.

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A happy ending. It’s never “The End” though…is it. Mr. Virgo died. But it wasn’t the end. It was the end of many things…but not of him. Or of me. There is always more story to be written…even when you cannot believe you can survive another moment after such a painful loss. Being away, doing something different, learning new things, expanding my territory. All these things offer a lovely perspective of life. I can’t think how my life could be any more perfect than what it is. I am so incredibly grateful. Telling my story gives me this gift every single time.

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❤️

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“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”\n

James 1:17 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2019-09-15T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/15/the-really-really-big-show.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Wisdom","Humbled","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip","Chasing the Sun - Girl Camper Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/14/its-a-really-big-shew.html", "title": "“It’s a Really Big Shew!”", "content_html": "

\"Hershey “I can’t believe the number of camping trailers here at this show!!!”

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Who remembers Ed Sullivan telling you to keep watching because “it’s a really big shew”? Janine and I made it to the Hershey RV Show yesterday and…OMGosh…it is HUGE!!! I mean…like, you couldn’t see everything in a whole week! Every camper you can think of is here. And some I’ve never heard of. There are vendors selling everything from bumpers to hitches and everything in between.

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Everyone who came into the new R-Pod just marveled at how awesome the interior is. And it really is. It’s trendy and stylish…very elegant in a hip sort of way. I could hardly wait to get inside! I walked all around and looked in every cupboard and drawer. It was so fun to meet all the people looking inside and tell them about the camper and my upcoming journey.

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There are so many cool features on this camper that I can hardly wait to share with you, but I can’t just yet. Janine is doing a live Facebook reveal next week so it will have to wait till after that!

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At the end of a very busy day, Janine and I headed to a nearby steakhouse for dinner then came back to the hotel to work. Today will be another busy day so I’ll going to cut this short. I hope you enjoy your weekend. It was so chilly here in Hershey yesterday. I actually had to put on my barn coat! Fall is definitely in the air!

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❤️

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“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”\n

Hebrews 13:16 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-14T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/14/its-a-really-big-shew.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/13/full-moonfriday-the-th.html", "title": "Full Moon...Friday the 13th", "content_html": "

\"Full “Tonight is a full moon AND Friday the 13th! What could POSSIBLY go wrong?”

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If you have ever worked in an emergency room, you know it is guaranteed to be crazy busy on the night of a full moon and any Friday the 13th. Add the two? Yikes! Let’s just say, I’m super happy I am going to go work an RV show today and not an ER!

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Yesterday was insanely busy. I got up early and finished packing. Mr. FixIt had to work so I loaded up the truck by myself. Although I started early and it was only 73 degrees, within an hour I was sweating buckets and things became decidedly more difficult. I managed to get everything finished around 11:00 and headed to town. I had some errands to run before a doctor’s appointment at 2:45. The Doctor ran really late so it was 4:15 by the time I was finished. 

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As I walked around the back of my truck in the parking lot, I noticed the hitch wasn’t on my truck. Mr. FixIt usually does that for me because a hitch with all the gear to use weight distribution bars is really heavy. I had to drive all the way home and hook it up myself before I could head out of town. I was really tired by 10:00 and started looking for a hotel room. I finally found one around Hagerstown, MD and stopped for the night. There’s a long stretch through the mountains where the pickin’s are slim.

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I love traveling by night. The traffic is lighter and the moon was amazing! By the time I got settled in my room, it was 11:30 so I was whupped. I don’t have to be at the RV Show till noon so I could sleep in this morning!  Gotta be ready for a busy, busy couple of days!

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❤️

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“For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ””\n

Luke 4:10-11 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2019-09-13T01:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/13/full-moonfriday-the-th.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","Love","God","Courage","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/11/the-amusebouche.html", "title": "The Amuse-Bouche", "content_html": "

\"Camper “A little sneak peek of the all new R-Pod 196 from Forest River…Girl Camper style!”

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When Mr. Virgo and I managed a 4200 acre luxury resort in southern Colorado, we found ourselves needing a chef. One of the happy little benefits of being married to the boss was getting to sit in on the results of the chef’s “stage”. Typically, when chefs are interviewed for a position in a fine dining restaurant, they must demonstrate their skills before the person looking to hire them. This means…observing their kitchen skills while the food is being prepared, then taste testing. In our case, we were treated to three different chef stages before one was selected.

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This was where I learned about the amuse-bouche which literally means “amused mouth”. A typical amuse-bouche is just a small savory tasting to demonstrate the chef’s style. One chef gave us a single scallop seared to perfection but I almost lost it when I bit in and it had been marinated in vanilla! Ugh…vanilla and seafood do NOT go together, trust me. He didn’t get the gig. The chef that was hired had a small slice of ahi tuna in a flat bottomed spoon. On top was a small dollop of green foam that was as light as air but had the most intense flavor. I can’t even tell you what it tasted like…savory, spicy, rich, and so light as to almost not even be there but it complimented the tuna perfectly. 

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Amuse-bouche…the little tease of the culinary world. We also experience this in other areas of life. The free sample. The previews at a movie theater. And here? A teeny, tiny little sneak peek of the little camper I get to pull around for the next five months!

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If you haven’t caught what’s happening, Forest River donated the very first 2020 R-Pod 196 that came off the line this summer to the Girl Campers for our Annual Trailer Raffle. And, Janine Pettit…our Camper-in-Chief…received the camper sometime in August and has brought it from “Factory to Fabulous”! Let’s face it…the interiors of most RV’s are b.o.r.i.n.g. Or downright ugly! Forest River is listening. They realize that women represent the fastest growing demographic in the RV industry and us gals are tired of brown, right?

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I can’t get into all the details yet, but we wanted to let you have a little peek inside to see how I get to Camp Like a Girl in this darling camper. It’s bright and cheery, bold and elegant, and can be dressed up or down. It demonstrates to manufacturers we want neutral palettes we can build on without having to paint over everything. It demonstrates to dealers one of the countless ways a camper can be customized so they better understand a girl camper and what she’s looking for in a travel trailer.

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Not everyone wants to go all “she-she” with their camper decor so we went with something a little bold, a little trendy, and ultimately elegant. We can’t wait for the big reveal which will take place via live broadcast on Go-RVing’s Facebook page Wednesday, September 18th at 3:00pm Eastern Standard Time. I leave tomorrow for Hershey so hang on…we’re going on a road trip!

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❤️

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“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.”\n

Exodus 35:35 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-11T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/11/the-amusebouche.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/07/gathering-camping-supplies.html", "title": "Gathering Camping Supplies", "content_html": "

\"Camping “What a mess! Trying to organize and choose what I’m taking on my next Girl Camper Adventure!”

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When I was forced to sell my sweet little camper when I was in Colorado, I had to unpack everything and put it all in tubs to store in the bed of my truck. I knew there would be things I would need for this trip and we have been so busy since we got home, so I just left the tubs in the family room. It didn’t make sense to haul it all downstairs to storage and then have to bring it all back upstairs.

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I spent the day yesterday going through those tubs, choosing what I would need to take with me and deciding what could be left behind and put with the rest of the camping supplies in storage. It’s actually a little harder than I thought. I’ve never stepped foot in this camper, so the only visual I have to go by is the video Janine posted of the walk through with Cody from Forest River RV. 

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From what I remember, there’s not a lot of counter space in this camper. And, I won’t be spending a great deal of time at each spot. I think my biggest issue will be coffee. I hate taking a big coffeemaker because I’ll just be taking it out and putting it back every time. I think pour over is going to be the way to go. I love French press, but that has to be cleaned out every time. With a pour over, you throw your coffee grounds out with the filter the same as a drip coffee maker. 

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Mr. FixIt finished sealing the deck yesterday and it looks great! We need to cover TOW-Wanda Grande before I leave. That means I need to take everything out of her that I’ll need beforehand since it won’t be easy to get in and out with the cover. One of my very funny friends wrote on her facebook the other day: 

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I love how being an adult is basically just saying, “But after this week, things will slow down a bit,” to yourself until you die. ~ Lisa Cooke

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So much truth in that. I can hardly wait till the Girl Campers gather the first week of October. I’ll have six days to sit and knit and talk with my peeps around the campfire. And do a craft project or two. Period. The Spring and Fall “What a Hoot” gatherings are my all time favorites. We all just bring food to share and make a big pot of soup. So easy and so much fun.

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Progress is being made and I’m feeling a bit more organized today!

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❤️

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“But all things should be done decently and in order.”\n

1 Corinthians 14:40 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-09-07T01:30:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/07/gathering-camping-supplies.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Fun","goRVing","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/06/stitched-with-love.html", "title": "Stitched with Love", "content_html": "

\"Quilt\" “My friend’s comfort quilt is on its way. She’s had her first dose of chemo.”

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My dear friend’s quilt is on its way out west. As I sat and hand stitched the binding, I listened to praise music for a bit, then I switched over to my daily devotional. My Bible app on my phone has a function where someone reads the Bible to you. That is especially handy for my Bible plan that I’m working on. It’s planned so that you read the entire Bible in a year. I’ve only read the Bible completely once. I read it from cover to cover…from Genesis to Revelations. That’s tough. You get stuck in all those begats and Kings and it’s difficult to keep from going cross eyed. 

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This plan reads a couple of chapters from the Old Testament and the New Testament. Then it reads some from Psalms and finishes with Proverbs. Every day. Once I got two weeks behind and swore I’d never do that again. Then over the weekend, I hit the two week behind mark again. Currently I’m only behind nine days. I have some catching up to do. Listening over the headphones accomplished two things…it helped me catch up a bit and it let me stitch the Word into my work. Then I prayed over the quilt and hugged it close and sent it off to my friend, hoping she feels the love and hugs and prayers put into each stitch.

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I’m counting down the days for my trip now. We’ve all learned from experience just how fast a week can go by. It will be no time and I’ll be off to the Hershey RV Show. I’ll meet Janine there and we’ll work the show for two days. Then we’ll be off to Huntington, WV. 

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I’ve been researching stays for my trip and all the writing that is going to be involved with it. Lots of driving. Lots of photo editing. Plus another project that’s coming up very soon. PLUS my own writing here. That’s a ton of work. What I will have to do is share my trip writing here on some of the days. It will be extremely difficult (I think) to write the daily essays you and I have become accustomed to. Then again, writing on this blog has become my bedtime ritual and I may not be able to sleep until I write something here.

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At any rate, you and I are about to embark on a VERY exciting journey filled with fun experiences and beautiful scenery. And sometimes we’ll still talk about grief. Because, you know…it’s what we do here. Grief and joy can exist at the same time.

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❤️

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“a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;”\n

Ecclesiastes 3:7 ESV

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\n", "date_published": "2019-09-06T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/06/stitched-with-love.html", "tags": ["Health","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Courage","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/22/i-miss-my-camper.html", "title": "I Miss My Camper!", "content_html": "

\"\" “It’s amazing how a queen size mattress fits in there.”

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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.  

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So, 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.

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We 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.

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I 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!

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Now 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!

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❤️

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“Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.”\n

Matthew 8:24 NIV

\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": "

\"Old “Clockwise from Top Right: Phone Booth, Fireweed, Joe Pye Weed, Naked Ladies (Belladona Lily)

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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.

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We never did put the window air conditioner in the family room this summer. Mostly because we were gone a lot. And also, it didn’t get all that hot till we were ready to leave on our big trip out west. At this point, I told Mr. FixIt we should just skip that particular ordeal this year altogether. It is quite a chore getting that huge air conditioner into the window and before we know it, we won’t need it anyway. That being said, we were both tired of the heat by 5:00 so he asked me if I wanted to go for a drive with him. 

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We love going for drives in the countryside. West Virginia has the best roads for drives and there’s always something interesting around the next bend. We kept remarking how overgrown everything is from all the rain this summer. Old abandoned houses are all but swallowed up by vines that threaten to take them by force into the woods. The Joe Pye Weed covers the roadsides with its smoky pink blossoms. Naked Ladies (Belladona Lilies) poke their heads up in the corners of rural lawns. Dark pink Fireweed mingles with Goldenrod, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Black-eyed Susans. They all look like weeds, but they are West Virginia’s cacophony of late summer wildflowers.

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We had no idea where we would end up. We drove past the greenhouses in Palestine and saw they are filled with baskets of mums that will bloom in October. We drove past the place where they used to produce railroad ties. Mr. FixIt said the trucks traveled by night because their loads were always way over the weight limit. He said you could tell it was the railroad ties because the heavy night air smelled of creosote long after they’d passed.

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We finally pulled into Spencer, West Virginia…an old town built on the backs of the oil, gas, and timber industries. There are some beautiful old houses there. At one time, the State Psychiatric Hospital was located there and if you weren’t good growing up, “you’ll get hauled off to Spencer” was fair warning to shape up. Now it’s just like any other tired, old town in the Mountain State…bored adolescent boys yelling from passing cars, bored adolescent girls giggling in the booth at Wendy’s over a series of texts and photos they were sharing. An old man climbed into a car with barely enough room for him to sit in the driver’s seat. The rest of the car was filled wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling with trash. Literal trash. He opened the door to the back seat and carefully placed his half-full cup of soda on top of the pile, closed the door, and got in to drive off to who knows where.

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The Wendy’s was impeccably clean inside so we stopped for a bite to eat before we drove on to Ripley, then past Ravenswood to Mineral Wells and on home. Mr. Fixit said it would be dark by the time we got home and he was right. I love these kind of evenings with him…away from the television, going for a drive, holding hands and laughing and telling stories. It occurred to me, one of the very best things about our relationship is…even though we’ve only been together since late 2016, we have so many memories in common. We were best friends in high school. While he lived all but a few years of his life within a 20 mile radius of where we were born, I lived two years in England and forty years in Colorado. But, I still came home for a visit every year so I had my finger on the pulse of my hometown. We lived our lives in a parallel trajectory for sixty-some years before our paths crossed for good. We have much of the same history and memories.

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As the sun was beginning to make it’s last glorious descent over the beautiful Ohio River, I saw this phone booth standing alone near the Wendy’s parking lot. I turned to Mr FixIt and smiled.

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“Do you remember when…..?”

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❤️

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“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”\n

Luke 2:19 NIV

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\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/2019/08/13/a-vivid-imagination.html", "title": "A Vivid Imagination", "content_html": "

\"Snow-cone “The moment I saw this, I knew it was the answer to my dream!”

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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!

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Christmas morning came. I jumped up out of bed in my worn and tattered flannel jammies, and ran to the living room. There, leaning on its kickstand in the middle of the living room, was a brand new shiny blue bicycle! It wasn’t an English racer. It didn’t have any bells and whistles. It was a heavy, single speed monstrosity from Sears with the label “J. C. Higgins”. It was a sturdy, reliable bike and it didn’t take me long to figure out Mom couldn’t afford that trendy bicycle. I was darned lucky to have this one and not some hand-me-down from one of my cousins.

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I used to ride that bike all over the neighborhood. The following summer was the first time Mom let us stay home unsupervised. I played outside from first thing in the morning till I needed to be in to start supper before my folks got home from work. I remember having this intense fantasy of riding my bicycle to Canada. I envisioned panniers on the back…before I even knew what panniers were. I pictured what I would pack in there. I had read The Boxcar Children a dozen times so I knew just what I would need to survive on my own.

\n

In my ten-year-old brain, I had it all figured out. I would need money to survive so I would need to either get a job or sell something. The Christmas Wishbook from Sears arrived that fall and I ran to my room with it to figure out how I was going to raise funds for this epic adventure. And there it was! A snow-cone maker!!! My friends and I LOVED snow-cones! I figured if I had one of these babies, I could set up a stand out in front of the house and blow all those Lemonade Stands out of the water. I mean…who could resist a great snow-cone on a hot summer day, right???

\n

I look back at my youthful exuberance and my little girl naïveté and smile. I was sure I would sell a gazillion snow-cones from this cute little plastic gizmo. Just as sure as I would ride my bike to Canada. Well, I never rode my bike to Canada. I didn’t get the snow-cone maker. But I’ve been on lots of adventures. And, I’ve done things I never thought I could do. And now…I’m going to get to have another GRAND adventure and they’re handing me the camper to do it in!

\n

Believe me…I know how blessed I am to get this opportunity. Between now and the middle of September when I pick it up, I need to plan out an epic road trip. I’m thinking it would be really awesome to combine this with several Meet & Greets and get a chance to meet you wonderful “Ranchers” along the way! I’m just in the formulating stage but I’m thinking this could turn out to be….

\n

Ginny McKinney’s R-Pod-196 Adventure!

\n

Stay tuned to Marshmallow Ranch for details as plans fall into place!!!

\n

❤️

\n
“For nothing will be impossible with God.\"”\n

Luke 1:37 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-13T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/13/a-vivid-imagination.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Humbled","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/12/theres-an-adventure-coming.html", "title": "There’s an Adventure Coming...", "content_html": "

\"Adventure\" “Where will my next adventure take me???”

\n

I’ve been hinting at an adventure coming up for me this fall and now I can tell you a little more about it. The manufacturer of the R-Pod has just come out with a totally new design…the Model 196. This is the first redesign Forest River has done in the ten years since the R-Pod was first released. And, Forest River has very generously donated the very first Model 196 R-Pod off the line to the Girl Campers for our annual trailer raffle!!! Isn’t that exciting???

\n

My good friend, Janine Pettit, will receive the camper in the next couple of weeks. She will be putting a Girl Camper spin on it with some beautiful interior decor. Then, the camper goes to the Hershey RV Show. Janine and I will be at the show on September 14th for a meet and greet and to show off our Girl Camper version of the new R-Pod. After that, we head to Setzer’s RV in Huntington, WV for the big reveal!

\n

At that point, I take over and get to pull this camper wherever I want till the end of January…which of course means I’ll just HAVE to go where it’s warm over the winter! (And, yes…Mr. FixIt gets to come along…for at least part of the trip!) Stay tuned for lots of fun and excitement in the coming months! In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at the “before” in a video Janine made at the Forest River factory. This is a gorgeous camper and I can hardly wait to get her out there on the open road!!!

\n

https://www.facebook.com/janine.pettit.5/videos/10157250788233444?s=1219785470&sfns=mo

\n

 ❤️

\n
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”\n

Psalm 91:11-12 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-12T01:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/12/theres-an-adventure-coming.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Courage","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Writing","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/11/a-farm-girl-at-heartsans.html", "title": "A Farm Girl at Heart...sans Shoes", "content_html": "

\"Sitting ‘Sitting on the tailgate of my truck…drinking coffee and soaking up summer!”

\n

I hate wearing shoes. I know it’s so stereotypically West Virginian, but I do not wear shoes unless I absolutely have to. Mr. FixIt emptied the truck yesterday morning so I went out with my mug of coffee and sat on the tailgate, contemplating my bare feet and the beautiful sounds of an August day in the country.

\nIt wasn’t long after I finished my morning brew when I heard Mr. FixIt start up the push mower and I knew it was time to get to work. I ran to town to fill up the gas cans. Once I got back home, I hooked up my headphones and hopped on the riding mower. It could have waited till Monday, growth-wise. But the next two days are supposed to be 95 degrees and rainy. So, you know what they say...you gotta make hay when the sun shines!\n

I love watching the seasons changing here in my home state. Some of the trees already have some yellowing leaves on them. And you can tell a difference in the texture of the grass at this time of year. It’s tougher and harder to weed eat. I left home the 27th of June. There was a whole lot of growth between then and now and there are a lot of branches hanging over the edge of the fields. I’m going to have to get out there with the loppers again.

\n

As soon as I got home the other night, I could just feel the stress leave my shoulders and neck. I can sit outside and listen to the night sounds instead of the constant hum of traffic in the background. As I sat basking in the velvet night air, I thought over all the places we saw over the last several weeks. It was such a wonderful vacation. And, as always, it’s both good to be home and sad that it’s over.

\n

❤️

\n
“The priest answered them, “Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval.””\n

Judges 18:6 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-11T01:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/11/a-farm-girl-at-heartsans.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","goRVing","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/08/nana-papaw-baby-boo.html", "title": "Nana \u0026 Papaw \u0026 Baby Boo!", "content_html": "

\"Great “Nana needed some baby snuggles before we went home!”

\n

We made it back to West Virginia, safe and sound..thank you, God! But, we absolutely couldn’t go home without seeing the baby! Our little great grandson arrived nearly two weeks ago and we stopped to get a snuggle. Oh, he’s so sweet! We had the bonus of our great granddaughter visiting as well!

\n

I have to tell you…we are so tired. I drove all but the last 20 miles after we stopped to see the baby. Just over 5400 miles since June 27th! I figured out the other day, I have been home exactly four days since June 5th. I knew this was going to be a busy summer but this is a little crazy!

\n

Tomorrow’s another day. But for now…I’ve got to get some sleep. We’re both whupped!

\n

❤️

\n
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”    Psalm 4:8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-08-08T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/08/nana-papaw-baby-boo.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Aging","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/07/corn-aplenty.html", "title": "Corn a’Plenty", "content_html": "

\"Iowa “The vast cornfields of Iowa”

\n

I don’t think I have ever seen as much corn as I have in the last two days. All of Nebraska and all of Iowa were vast expanses of corn fields broken by occasional little towns and villages along the way. I think I love the I-80 corridor drive much more than I-70. The cities you go through are not nearly as congested as St. Louis and Kansas City.

\n

We left York, Nebraska yesterday morning at around 10:15 and pulled into Morton, Illinois at around 8:00 last night. I have family history here. Morton, Pekin, and Peoria are clustered nearby. Grandma and Pop-Pop came here when my mama was around two years old. Pop-Pop had to go where the work was. He and his two brothers’ families worked in this area as well. My uncle was born in Pekin. I have distant cousins in this area, but no time to look them up this trip.

\n

As we were driving through Iowa yesterday, it was about lunch time when I saw a sign for the town of Walnut. They are known as the “antique city” of Iowa. I asked Mr. FixIt if he was ready to stretch his legs and maybe browse a couple of antique shops and grab some lunch. He’s always game for a good time so I put on my turn signal and exited the hustle-bustle of the interstate and stepped back into time.

\n

When you drive down the wide avenue into the antique district of the bucolic little village of Walnut, you can’t help but notice the amazing Victorian style homes lining each side of the street. The town was neat as a pin…each yard was well groomed with magnificent trees and landscaping. We parked in front of the post office and strolled across the herringbone brick street and wandered through a handful of shops. It was everything I could do to not strap a couple of beautiful finds to the top of my truck as there is absolutely no room inside for one more thing.

\n

I glanced at the time, and as much as I hated to, I told Mr. FixIt we’d better get on the road. As we walked back up the street hand in hand, he smiled at me and asked me that question every woman wants to hear.

\n

“Do you want to get ice cream for lunch?”

\n

Back off girls…I found him first!

\n

Who doesn’t want ice cream for lunch, right? We crossed over to The Banana Split where Sarah greeted us warmly. We shared the usual pleasantries and asked a bit about the town. Then we got down to the business at hand. There are about eight or nine flavors of hard ice cream as well as soft serve, candy, chips, and the usual soda fountain fare of banana splits and sundaes. Their special yesterday was banana bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and a sprinkling of pecans to finish it off. I demurred and told Sarah that was WAY out of my calorie limit for a whole month!

\n

I selected cherry nut ice cream in a waffle cone. My dad’s favorite ice cream was cherry nut so consequently that was the one we had most often in our house. I didn’t catch where they get their ice cream or if they make it themselves, but it was the best cherry nut I’ve ever had. Rich and smooth and not cloyingly sweet. Mr. FixIt followed my lead and had the same, but in a cup.

\n

If you ever find yourself crossing Iowa on I-80 and you want to enjoy a couple of hours at a slow and sweet pace, drop into Walnut, check out the antiques and go see Sarah at The Banana Split. Tell her Ginny McKinney sent you!

\n

❤️

\n
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”\n

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-07T01:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/07/corn-aplenty.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/06/making-our-way-back-home.html", "title": "Making Our Way Back Home", "content_html": "

\"Nebraska “Truckin’ across Nebraska”

\n

Yesterday was a challenge. First, I was still so wound up from the wedding and the super long drive home, I couldn’t settle down and was still awake at 4:00 in the morning. We woke up at 7:00 and had to try to fit all the stuff from the camper into the bed of the truck and still make sure the tonneau cover would close. We finally made all but a couple things fit and were finished at 10:30. We waited till Ben got home so we could say our goodbyes and finally hit the road at about 11:00.

\n

I drove all day and we pulled into York, Nebraska…just shy of Lincoln…at about 7:30. We marveled at how green everything is. I have never traveled I-80 as my route between Colorado and West Virginia, but there are major closures on I-70 in St. Louis and Kansas City for construction. We were going to stop in Kearney, NE but they had nine inches of rain on July 8th and all the hotels and restaurants were flooded. There are only about 3 or 4 hotels open and they were either full or pricey. So we drove on.

\n

The flooding certainly explains why everything is so green here. The mountains of Colorado were the same way and that is good news for the communities who worry about forest fires. It’s not good news here in Nebraska. The farmers here have had a hard time getting crops in the ground…especially wheat. There’s corn to beat the band but not all of it has tasseled yet.

\n

It was interesting watching the crop dusters all along the highway. I’ve only seen them once in my life and they were everywhere! I’m not sure what they were spraying and I certainly hope it doesn’t harm the honeybees!

\n

Today, we keep on truckin’!

\n

❤️

\n
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”\n

Psalm 119:105 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-06T01:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/06/making-our-way-back-home.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/03/basking-in-the-glow-of.html", "title": "Basking in the Glow of Family", "content_html": "

\"Sunset “The sun goes down on the evening before my baby’s wedding. My heart is full!”

\n

Last night was amazing. Every fear and trepidation I had beforehand dissipated as soon as we pulled into the driveway at Hubby #2’s house. He was so gracious, as was his wife. Their house is stunning. Their dogs are the sweetest things. Daughter #1 and her family were there when we arrived and soon after, my sister- and brother-in-law arrived from Utah. Oh, my gosh! It was so exciting to see them all!

\n

Just before dinner, my daughter and her fiancée arrived and we were a complete family. My brother enjoyed everyone and joined in the conversations. It really was perfect. What I learned from this: When you hand things over to God to take care of…you have to let go of it. I knew as I was driving over from Glenwood Springs…this was going to be good. This was going to be very, very good.

\n

After dinner, Daughter #2 came to me and said, “Mama…I have something for you to do tomorrow. You’re in charge of this…and making sure he has a seat at my wedding.”

\n

With that she handed me a framed photo of Mr. Virgo. She was very close to her stepfather and losing him was so hard on her. The suddenness of seeing his smiling face…so totally unexpected…took my breath away and I started crying. I wasn’t the only one. It was a very special moment and it still makes me tearful as I write this. What a beautiful gesture…what a beautiful God moment….what love…what treasures I have in this family.

\n

My baby is getting married today. My heart is so full! Thank you Jesus for every gift you have given me in this life!

\n

❤️

\n
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”\n

Song of Songs 8:6-7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-08-03T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/03/basking-in-the-glow-of.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Family","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/02/no-worse-for-the-wear.html", "title": "No Worse for the Wear", "content_html": "

\"Old “While once sleek and shiny, these vehicles still hold a deep beauty.”

\n

We left Ridgway yesterday saying goodbye to our friends, Linda and Jim. We both choked up…goodbyes have always been difficult for me ever since I lost Mr. Virgo. We just don’t know if and when we will meet again and it tears at my heartstrings. I know Linda loves Colorado, but deep down, she has that Ohio farm girl in there somewhere. I loved watching her as she listened to Mr. FixIt’s unmistakable West Virginia accent and she was transported back over the years and the miles to the home of her youth.

\n

Even though we didn’t go to the same high school with Linda, we know many of the same people…one of whom is Jeff. He and his wife Julie moved to the Ridgway area a couple of years ago. It’s funny how the webs of friendship cross over. Linda and Jeff were both friends with Cindy (a girl from my class) and that’s how they connected. I am friends with Cindy and that’s how Linda connected with me and the connection with Jeff was made through Linda and because he was on the boy’s gymnastics team while I competed with the girl’s team the same year. And….Mr. FixIt was on that same team with Jeff! See what a teeny tiny world it is? Jeff and Julie joined us for dinner at Linda’s Wednesday night. Mr. FixIt hadn’t seen Jeff in forty-eight years. There were lots of stories and laughs and we all had a grand time.

\n

We drove north out of Ridgway, through Montrose and Olathe (home of Olathe Sweet Corn) and on to Delta. I kept my eyes peeled for a place I found when I was on “The Grand Adventure”…that three month odyssey into the wilderness and backroads after Mr. Virgo died. It’s just a vacant lot on the main drag that’s filled with old, broken down cars and trucks. I don’t know why it attracted me that first time, but I couldn’t wait to show Mr. FixIt.

\n

We were almost to our turnoff to head east over McClure Pass when I saw them. Red vehicles…either from the faded and flaked paint or the rust beneath. Some had their hoods strapped down. Others had holes in the glass from years of being the target of vandals or the errant stone thrown back in the day when they motored down the highways of old. Mr. FixIt caught his breath.

\n

“Oh, wow! Would you look at that!” A smile crept across his face and his eyes sparkled like a little boy who just found the coolest treasure stuck on a dusty shelf. I immediately pulled over and threw the truck in park. We jumped out and walked up and down the rows of derelict automobiles resting on their rims because of long ago rotted and airless tires. We peeked in through hazy windows at the scraps of stuffing clinging to the old and rusted springs of the seats inside. 

\n

“Oh, look! Is that a Nash? A Studebaker? What’s this one? Ford used to make a Cortina. Do you suppose that’s what this one is?” This went on and on as we dodged the large mud holes formed from the afternoon storms we’ve been getting and made our way through the maze of cars.

\n

As I looked at these rusted out hulks, I thought about beauty being in the eye of the beholder. I have to be perfectly honest…I’ve had some trepidation about the wedding this weekend. My daughter’s dad lives in a world I no longer belong to. He’s a doctor, and consequently lives like a doctor in a fine house. With fine friends. And a fine wife. Fine furnishings. Fine food. A fine life. I used to circle in that orbit, although I never really felt a part of that world, although I tried very hard to make myself fit in. 

\n

I have to admit. I’ve let myself be a little self conscious about my comfortable tummy and my jelly thighs and my granny-wing upper arms knowing ever so painfully how that was judged by those in that orbit. I’ve been praying about it a lot. And God whispered to me as I wandered amongst these vehicles what were once sleek and shiny and new.

\n

“You don’t have to fear that world. You don’t have to feel bad for the way you fit in your body all comfy-like. You don’t have to concern yourself with what anyone else thinks of you….just remember I love you. Completely. Just the way you are. Just love them all the way I love you.”

\n

You see…the very act of feeling self conscious and judged puts me in a place where I’m being the judge. I don’t know what’s in their hearts and minds. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since those days so long ago when I circled around that orbit. It’s a foreign land to me now. I have no reason to feel “less than” anyone. I can walk right in, on the arm of a man I adore and who adores me right back. We’ve created a life that fits us perfectly and we’re perfectly happy.

\n

It’s all about love, trust, letting go, and letting God take care of the details. I’m comfortable in this life, this body…no matter where I go or who I run into. None of this is about me anyway. It’s totally about my daughter and her joy anyway. Yes…it’s all about love!

\n

❤️

\n
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people.”    Isaiah 64:8-9 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-08-02T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/02/no-worse-for-the-wear.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/01/morning-visitors.html", "title": "Morning Visitors", "content_html": "

\"Turkeys\" “Morning visitors on Loghill.”

\n

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. 

\n

We 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. 

\n

Him: “Where are you going?” 

\n

Me: “I need some cereal.”

\n

Him:

\n

Me: “Do you think there might be bears out there?”

\n

Him: “There could be.”

\n

Me:

\n

Me:

\n

Me: “I’m not going.”

\n

Him: “Ok.”

\n

Me: 

\n

Me: “Drat! I’m hungry…I’m going.”

\n

coyote howling outside camper

\n

Me: “Come after me if I’m not back in five minutes!”

\n

Him: zzzzzzz

\n

Last 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

Job 35:10-11 NIV

\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": "

\"Vacation “Clockwise from top left: At one of the many overlooks on the Million Dollar Highway, the beautiful little town of Ouray, our little home away from home, the falls up above Ouray.”

\n

It has been three years since I’ve been in this area. I’d forgotten how incredibly majestic these mountains are. And high! We stopped so many times between Durango and Ouray to take pictures and just marvel at the scenery. I’m sure Mr. FixIt thought nothing could top Monday but as we drove yesterday, he just kept exclaiming over and over how beautiful it was. 

\n

We pulled into Ouray and found a parking spot…not always easy during peak tourist season. We went into my favorite kitchen store and no sooner walked in the door till the sky opened up with a summer thunderstorm. We were stuck in there for some time. It finally slowed down enough that we could make it across to Mouse’s Chocolates…my OTHER favorite store. 

\n

We drove around and looked at the cool little houses. Ouray was a mining town and it still holds that Victorian charm. We finally drove on to our friend’s house in Ridgway. When we pulled into the driveway, there was her little camper. I slept in it the last time I was here and asked if we could sleep in it this time. Linda was happy to oblige and I have to tell you…my heart swooned a little when I climbed into that camper. When we went to bed last night, Mr. FixIt said, “I feel like we’re back home!” Me too, sweetie…me, too!

\n

❤️

\n

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

\n

Proverbs 24:3-4 NIV

\n

#Camping, #Mountains, #Ouray

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-31T01:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/31/red-mountain-pass-to-ouray.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/30/the-ancient-ones.html", "title": "The Ancient Ones", "content_html": "

\"Vacation “Clockwise from Top Left: Long view from Mesa Verde, Cliff Palace through the binoculars, Serious Texas BBQ, Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde, Colorado”

\n

When I was on my three month journey into the wilderness and backroads of Colorado after Mr. Virgo died, one of the places I visited was Mesa Verde. This is such a mystical, ancient place. Whenever I am here, I can feel this amazing energy and peacefulness. I truly love showing Mr. FixIt places that I have been. I love watching the awe on his face. The long views in the west are unlike anything we have back east. He keeps saying how glad he is that he has his own personal tour guide!

\n

We sat in the parking lot and ate fresh fruit for lunch. OMGosh! The black plums are exquisite! And the red grapes were perfection!

\n

I was thrilled to find a very reasonably priced motel last night. $89 plus taxes and fees. It’s one of the cheapest we have found. And, I could hardly wait to go to Seriously Texas BBQ for dinner. I make great ribs. These are better! Durango is a pretty little college town. We parked and watched the Durango Silverton Train come back into the station. It was a really great day!

\n

Today we head to Ridgway and we’re staying a couple of days with friends. It’s going to be a relaxing couple of days leading up to the wedding festivities!!!

\n

❤️

\n
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”    Colossians 3:14 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-07-30T01:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/30/the-ancient-ones.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/29/abundance.html", "title": "Abundance", "content_html": "

\"Weminuche “Heading into the Weminuche Wilderness”

\n

Joyful abundance! Mr. FixIt is such a great traveler. I love showing him places he hasn’t seen. As a matter of fact, he told me the other night his neck hurts from swiveling back and forth, trying to take it all in. We arrived in Pagosa Springs on Friday afternoon. This is where Mr. Virgo and I lived in 2008. He was the General Manager for a 4200 acre luxury resort here and I did the marketing and catering. It was a short-lived position as our job was to try to turn their losses into profits and try as we might, it was not to be. This is the nature of being a fixer. If you can’t, they close and you lose your job. If you can, they sell and you lose your job. We didn’t really expect to be there long term.

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Pagosa Springs is a gorgeous area and I enjoyed the rugged beauty of it. I did not like the short summer, long winter, and gobs of snow. So I was just as happy to get out of there and move on. Still, it is someplace I wanted Mr. FixIt to see and experience. We went out for a wonderful breakfast yesterday morning then headed to the backroads. Mr. Virgo and I used to spend every day off exploring the many dirt roads in the Weminuche Wilderness. This is where I came when I started my grief journey in Little TOW-Wanda. I carried strands of Mr. Virgo’s silver hair into the dense woods above Williams Lake and buried them at the base of a tree, affixing a cross to mark the spot.

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We didn’t walk back into the woods yesterday. That wasn’t part of the deal. That was mine…my memory. As a matter of fact, as we drove deeper and deeper into the woods, I felt Mr. Virgo so strongly…as if he were gliding along with us. I told Mr. FixIt story after story. Here’s where we worked. Here’s where we shopped. Here’s where we loved to eat dinner. There’s the car wash where they had to unfreeze the doors so we could get out. That little bakery has the best pastries. This restaurant has the best coffee. My sweet husband held my hand and smiled and nodded and encouraged me to share because he knows this helps me heal and move forward. 

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Then…in the middle of the afternoon, we found out…great grandchild #3 is on the way!!! Another little boy…arriving in January!!!

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My heart is about to explode! THIS!!! This is what I so very nearly lost in January 2000 when I overdosed. At the time, my world was so small, so dark, so difficult and I couldn’t see anything beyond that darkness. And now…look at this! My world is so blessed with such abundance and joy, I can hardly contain myself! Babies! The Wedding! My sweet husband! My wonderful family! My health! My heart!

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Thank you…..thank you dearest Heavenly Father…for healing my family…for healing me…for giving me Mr. Virgo to show me I was worthy of earthly love…for giving me Mr. FixIt for helping me through the most difficult period of my life…and for this tremendous family, mine and his, that brings our numbers up and up and up! I’m so high on life, you have to scrape me off the clouds!

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❤️

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“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”\n

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-29T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/29/abundance.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Aging","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/28/one-of-these-things-is.html", "title": "One of These Things is Not Like the Other...a BABY!", "content_html": "

\"Vacation “Clockwise, top left: Hollyhocks, Toes along the San Juan River, The view from Independence Pass, and….Baby Boo!!!!!”

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It was a beautiful day for a baby! We had a leisurely breakfast and headed through Aspen and up Independence Pass. Mr. Fixit ooooohed and aaaaahed all the way. He’s never seen the likes of Colorado’s beauty. We stopped at the top of the pass and I was going to walk out to the windy point to take pictures but I could hardly catch my breath at 12,000+ feet elevation so I elected to stay in the car taking slow, deep breaths. I was glad to get down lower.

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We stopped here and there. When I saw the sign for the turnoff to St. Elmo, I hung a right and went back in time to the 1800’s. It has probably been 40 years since I was there. We looked around at the old buildings and antiques. We sat on a bench and ate ice cream. And we finally climbed back in the truck and headed further south. 

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Along about Saguache…the phone rang and all I could hear was a tiny baby boy crying. “Wait….OMGosh!!! Is that a baby????? He’s here already????” Yes! Our tiny little Boo made his debut at around 5:30 eastern time weighing in at 6lbs13oz! And, of course….he’s perfect!!!

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So, the mountains and the flowers, the river and the relaxing beside it….all pale in comparison to being a great grandma…again! What more could I tell you about today??? Thank you God, for protecting Mommy & Daddy and Nana’s little Boo!

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❤️

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“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”\n

John 16:21 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-28T01:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/28/one-of-these-things-is.html", "tags": ["Health","Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/27/there-but-for-the-grace.html", "title": "There But For the Grace of God", "content_html": "

\"Mudslide “Yesterday’s mudslide west of Glenwood Springs.”

\n

I had two epiphanies yesterday. The first was the full realization that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. On occasion, I wonder in the back of my mind if it was the right thing to do selling my house. I sometimes wonder if I should have kept it and rented it out for income. Then, we drove through Glenwood Springs yesterday…on a Friday afternoon…on Mountain Fair Weekend. It. Was. Insane!

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The second epiphany was this: As we drove into town, it was early afternoon and I was going through a mental list of things to do in the area. I looked up at the gondola going up to the Glenwood Adventure Park and thought that would be fun. But the clouds coming over the Flat Tops Wilderness Area were very dark and I knew rain was coming. Scratch that idea. My next thought was to see if my friend Terri was around in New Castle so I could introduce her to Mr. Fixit. Again…I looked at those ominous clouds and I just got a cold chill. We would have to go through South Canyon to get there and I was definitely being told not to go there.

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Instead, we turned south and headed to Carbondale. I couldn’t reach my friends who are camping in the area so I found, and took, the last hotel room available in the area. And believe me, they were charging premium prices for rooms. We are at the peak of tourist season and the hotels have to make hay while the sun shines. The rates are double…or more…what they were two years ago when we traveled through here at the same time of the year.

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It wasn’t twenty minutes after I decided to turn south that an emergency road bulletin came over my phone. The very road I was contemplating going over was now completely impassable with a mud and rock slide in South Canyon. If I hadn’t heeded that nudge, we would have been sitting right in the middle of it! 

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On top of all the rest of the crazy traffic, the interstate was closed because of the mudslide and they directed the west bound traffic down through Carbondale…during rush hour…and the opening of the Carbondale Mountain Fair! It took us forty-five minutes to go two miles. I don’t ever want to live in that kind of congestion again!

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\"Traffic\" “Traffic being rerouted by the mudslide.”

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I don’t know if it’s the fact I’ve been living a peaceful life on five acres in West Virginia, or if it’s the fact that there are a gazillion people trying to cram into a small space and have fun, but I just couldn’t take the crowds and busy, and traffic, and noise. I know I did the right thing selling my house and I am exactly WHERE I am supposed to be…and with WHOM.

\n

Today, we head over Independence Pass and down through the Collegiate Peaks. Mr. Fixit is truly enjoying the scenery and that makes me very happy!

\n

❤️

\n
““Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.”\n

Mark 4:24 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-27T01:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/27/there-but-for-the-grace.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Warning","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/26/road-trippin.html", "title": "Road Trippin’", "content_html": "

\"Loveland “Views from Loveland Pass”

\n

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.

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We 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.

\n

We 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. 

\n

This 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.

\n

The 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.

\n

I 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

❤️

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“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

1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV

\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": "

\"A “A Glimpse of Heaven in the Colorado Night Sky”

\n

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.

\n

Grandma 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

We 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.

\n

Mr. 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

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

\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/2019/07/21/one-small-step.html", "title": "One Small Step", "content_html": "

\"Apollo “One small step…”

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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.

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Hippies 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.

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It 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.

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And 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. 

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Here 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.

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It 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.

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❤️

\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/2019/07/19/avoiding-the-heat.html", "title": "Avoiding the Heat", "content_html": "

\"Shrimp\" “Shrimp…it’s what’s for dinner!”

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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. 

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Finally, along about 5:00, we ventured out to the grocery store. We wanted to pick up something for dinner so I could take a turn cooking. When Ben & Sue went with us to the Outer Banks in April, we learned they love grits. I asked them if they had ever had Low Country Shrimp & Grits and they had not. We brought them a bag of grits from our trip down south last month so I wanted to fix this especially for them.

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This isn’t a particularly difficult recipe to make, but it does take about an hour or so to pull together. We bought a pound of frozen medium sized tail-on shrimp, a lemon, a container of sliced mushrooms, a bunch of green onions, a package of fully cooked bacon, a package of shredded extra sharp cheddar, a small container of shredded parmesan, and a tube of minced garlic. The convenience of buying the prepped veggies, bacon, and cheese saves time.

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What better source for a southern recipe than Southern Living Magazine. I had as much fun reading about the origin of this dish as I had making and serving it. You can find the full recipe and directions here: 

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https://www.southernliving.com/grains/grits/low-country-shrimp-and-grits

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I have to say, this was a big hit for supper. There wasn’t an abundance of cooking so the kitchen didn’t get hot. It really was delicious. I made this with yellow grits, even though the recipe calls for white. I love both varieties. You know people love it when there aren’t any leftovers! We finished it off with some cold melon…watermelon and cantaloupe.

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After supper, we played a few hands of rummy as we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. Making memories. It’s the most important part of our travels.

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❤️

\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/2019/07/16/mother-cabrini-shrine.html", "title": "Mother Cabrini Shrine", "content_html": "

\"View “The view from Mother Cabrini Shrine is stunning!”

\n

The other night when I picked Mr. FixIt up from the airport, I was accelerating to get on the interstate when the transmission made an eerie slipping sound. I turned to him and said, “Did you hear that?” He did…it wasn’t just me! I had heard this same noise several times and I was really worried something was wrong with the transmission. But, Mr. FixIt has been in that truck hundreds of times and never heard it.

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Before I even got up yesterday, he and Ben had looked up the number for a reputable transmission shop nearby and as soon as I had a cup of coffee, I called them up. They told me to bring the truck right in and they would check it for me. The transmission fluid was low and they added a whole quart to it. Then the manager of the shop drove the truck around and came back. He said it made every sound it was supposed to and no slips. No surprise there. However, when I got out and drove it, I was pleasantly surprised to feel and hear how smoothly it was shifting, so I think we may have fixed the problem. When we prepared to leave, I asked how much I owed them and they said, “Not a thing. You have a great trip!”

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If you need a good transmission place in Arvada, Colorado…go to Jerrod’s!

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Since we suddenly had a free day in front of us, we ran to Starbucks for a cup of coffee then headed to the mountains. I was thinking of taking Mr. FixIt to Red Rocks Amphitheater, but I could see dark clouds starting to form in the west. I decided instead to turn into Mother Cabrini Shrine to explore instead.

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It has been a full forty years at the least since I’ve been up there. I once went up there and just sat in the field near the shrine to gaze out over downtown Denver. I haven’t explored when improvements were built there, but I don’t remember all those steps. My memory had a path going up and you could walk out into the field surrounding the statue of Jesus at the top of the hill. But, like I said…it has been four decades since I was there so I’m not sure my memory is accurate.

\n

I was surprised the chapel didn’t have candles to light in memory of someone. But there was a grotto below and a much smaller chapel with candles. I lit four candles for special people and said prayers for all of you. Then we went down to the springs. When Mother Cabrini purchased this land for a retreat for orphans, she told others she got it so cheap because there was no water. When she explored the land, she struck a rock with a staff, it broke open, and fresh spring water flowed out from it. We each drank a glass of this miracle water and thanked God for the blessing of the water in such an arid place. 

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Mother Cabrini is the first American to be canonized as a Saint. There is a small museum on the property with personal articles that belonged to her. There were also religious relics on display. You could even take a free third degree relic which was a laminated card with a tiny piece of fabric which had come into contact with Mother Cabrini’s clothing somewhere along the line. It was all quite fascinating.

\n

We left just as it started to sprinkle and headed to Olive Garden for an early supper. Then back to Ben and Sue’s. It was a fun day and a good workout with all the steps up to the Sacred Heart statue. This photo was taken about halfway up and if you zoom in, you can just make out the tall buildings of Downtown Denver in the distance. Day one of exploring is under our belts!

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❤️

\n
“\"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. \"Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”\n

Matthew 6:1-4 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-16T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/16/mother-cabrini-shrine.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Hope","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/13/revisiting-memories.html", "title": "Revisiting Memories", "content_html": "

\"Drum “Daughter #2…Marching to her own drum!”

\n

When Daughter #2 was thirteen years old, she and I took off for a three week road trip. It was epic. She was not only in that early teenager mode. We were also working on repairing the damage done from years of depression and too many prescriptions and martinis…not to mention the overdose. It took a lot out of our relationship.

\n

When I arrived in Denver this visit, the ultimate goal is the wedding. My baby is getting married. My little Moon Pie. Only, she’s a full grown woman…out on her own…thriving…dancing to her own drum, as always. We saw each other  the day after I got here and spent several hours visiting and dining out. She made me promise we would do one special thing…just the two of us…before the wedding.

\n

She wanted to go antiquing.

\n

I couldn’t believe my ears. Antiquing? This poor kid was dragged, kicking and screaming, into every antique store in West Virginia, I think. And several between there and Colorado. I loved going to antique stores. She did not. So, this was new. I asked her what brought on this miraculous transformation. 

\n

“I don’t know. Just…suddenly, I find myself looking at antiques online. For fun.”

\n

Ladies and gentleman…there IS life after adolescence!!!

\n

So, yesterday was our antiquing adventure. We started out by having lunch with Daughter #1, Big, and Little. Oh…if you have children, you know what that did to my heart…sitting there with my Colorado kids! ❤️melt After lunch, Daughter #2 and I went to the Brass Armadillo off I-70 and Kipling.

\n

We walked in and she stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened, her mouth dropped open, and she gasped.

\n

“This place is HUGE!”

\n

Yes, my girl…it is!

\n

We wandered around for three hours. She kept grabbing my arm and pulling me over to see this or that. Lots of oooohs and aaaahs and wows. Several times she wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tight and thanked me so much for doing this with her. That’s when I realized…this was SO much more than going to see a bunch of old stuff.

\n

This was a celebration. Of healing. Of love. Of warm memories shared. Even of forgiveness. This was a bonding ritual…something only she and I could share as the wedding rapidly approaches and her life is forever changed. This was incredibly special. And we enjoyed every minute of it. 

\n

We didn’t get to see 1/4th of the store before we were both fried. We left arm in arm and headed out to the truck. I drove her back to her car. As she prepared to leave she reached over and kissed me on the cheek.

\n

“Thank you, mamacita. That was so much fun!”

\n

You’re welcome, Moon Pie.

\n

❤️

\n
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”\n

Psalm 127:3 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-13T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/13/revisiting-memories.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Aging","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/12/saying-goodbye-to-towwanda.html", "title": "Saying Goodbye to TOW-Wanda!", "content_html": "

\"Camper\" “TOW-Wanda…being towed away to her new life with a boy.”

\n

Night before last, I put the camper on Facebook Marketplace at 10:00. It sold in thirty minutes! And, there were thirty people right behind the guy I sold it to, ready to step up and pay cash. I was shocked. I was forthright in explaining the camper needed work or would be perfect for a backyard she shed, writer’s nook, guest quarters, or kids playhouse. Still, the price and “camper” were enough to bring everyone out of the woodwork seeking a deal.

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The first person who said he wanted it was a guy who just got married on the 8th. He was so excited to get the camper, he was knowledgeable and fully understood what it was going to take to get her fixed. He wanted to fix up TOW-Wanda so he could take his son camping. He took a picture and sent it to his dad. Then he FaceTimed with his son and I could hear their excitement.

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This guy knew campers. He knew what it would take to really fix her right. I am so glad about that because I was worried someone who didn’t really know about them might get it and not heed my warnings and try to tow it to the mountains. We had a long talk. We negotiated a price that was fair and acceptable to us both. I told him, I could see God’s hand all over this. For me…to learn a valuable lesson about inspecting campers well before you buy them. And for him…to affordably get into a camper that he has the skills to fix so that he can be a good dad to his son. 

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Yes…I lost money on the deal. But, no one got hurt…just my pride. And there’s a little boy out there who is going to be one happy camper when he gets to go out in the mountains with his dad. There is no price tag on the making of a man.

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❤️

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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”\n

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2019-07-12T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/12/saying-goodbye-to-towwanda.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/11/blog-inspiration.html", "title": "Blog Inspiration", "content_html": "

\"Midsummer’s “Enjoying a midsummer’s eve in Colorado.”

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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.

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I told the owner of the shop that my life experiences are “blog fodder”. Just about everything I do, I look for the gold in the moment. I ask myself, “How can I weave this into an interesting story without sounding like Aunt Bertha describing her breakfast for the umpteenth time?” I always look for ways my posts can be positive, uplifting, encouraging, and even empowering. I want you to come away with something good for your day…even if it’s just a smile or a giggle.

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Yesterday was bittersweet as I began emptying the camper and packing the items away in plastic bins. I need to be able to fit everything in my truck, including what Mr. FixIt brings with him from West Virginia. I’ll list it tomorrow so people can shop over the weekend and hopefully she will find a new home and someone will love her as much as I have. We girl campers have a strong attachment to our little homes on wheels.

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I bought some of those big ziplock bags that you vacuum the air out of and the compress the contents for easy storage. I’d never used them before but they were amazing. Ben and Sue have a huge dining room table to accommodate our large family at dinners. I had the top of that table piled two feet deep with pillows, blankets, towels, and my fur throw. By the time I got the items packed and the air vacuumed out, I couldn’t believe how compact it was. There is room in the back under the tonneau cover for one more large bin with some extra space around them. These bags will easily slip between and on top of the plastic bins, keeping the contents from getting wet.

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When I was finished with my chores for the day, I went out on the back porch to write. Sue has the most beautiful flowers this summer. It has been rainy and cool up to this week so they are thriving. It’s unusual to keep pots this pretty by the middle of July here in the semi-arid climate of Colorado. The air cooled to a reasonable 81 degrees by 8:30 so I sat there for a long time…admiring the beauty of a midsummer’s eve.

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I hope you are enjoying your summer. I was telling Sue at supper list night…I think I’ve only been home a week or so since the last week of May. It’s ok…I’m having a wonderful time and it will only be made better by Mr. FixIt’s arrival on Saturday. Two more sleeps!!!

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❤️

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“In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”\n

Ephesians 5:28 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-11T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/11/blog-inspiration.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/10/swift-water.html", "title": "Swift Water", "content_html": "

\"Whitewater “I enjoyed watching the kayakers at Eagle Water Park yesterday.”

\n

When my brother told me he was going to be at the Day Program all day yesterday, I decided to stop in for a visit to see how he liked it. I needn’t have worried. The activity yesterday morning was drum circle. He has loved the drums ever since he was a little boy and asked Santa for a set of bongos. I enjoyed every minute watching him really get into the music and the rhythm. It was so much fun to see him enjoying himself.

\n

I stopped at the cemetery on my way to town and visited with Mr. Virgo again. I was disappointed the night before at the state of the cemetery. The weeds were over your knees in some places. I was also disappointed there were no bluebirds. I always see bluebirds when I go and it wasn’t the same.

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Mike is the volunteer caretaker and usually keeps everything really well mowed and trimmed. This year, the rain and cool weather made everything grow so fast, it all got ahead of him. When I arrived there yesterday, he was mowing next to Mr. Virgo’s grave. Three years ago, when I visited the grave for the last time before I made West Virginia my permanent home, Mike was working on some new pine tree seedlings nearby. I went over and introduced myself. I slipped him a crisp $100 bill and asked him if he could keep watch over my husband’s grave for me because I wouldn’t be back for a year. Tears ran down his cheek when he saw the money and he shook my hand warmly.

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“I’d be honored to.”

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I have to say, there were a lot of weeds everywhere, but Mr. Virgo’s grave was neat and tidy. I called Mike over and thanked him profusely for his gentle care. We chatted for a good while as I pulled what little weeds there were. I laughed as I told him how Mr. Virgo would never pull the right plants when he worked in a flower bed because if it had a flower on it, it wasn’t a weed in his book.

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After visiting with my brother, I decided to drive up the road toward Sunlight Ski area. That is where we first lived when we moved to Glenwood in 1986. We had a five bedroom log house on two acres. As I drove up the narrow blacktop, a wave of vivid memories washed over me and I let myself go back to that place in my mind…how it felt to be 33…young, fit, my whole life ahead of me. There were times in the past after the divorce from that marriage where letting myself feel that would have been unbearable. But yesterday was sweet. It was a warm, good memory of when Daughter #1 was Little’s age and I was a stay-at-home mom for the first time in her life.

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Once I’d seen all I needed to see, I headed for Denver. But, I kept being drawn to the river. I stopped at Grizzly Creek and watched a guy in a wetsuit swim out to the middle of the raging water to capture a runaway kayak. It was shocking how fast that water was. I could easily see how people could drown in situations like that.

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I stopped at Eagle Water Park and watched kayakers battle the man made waves and rapids on the Eagle River. I ran into a guy that was camping in his truck and told me the clouds were actually angels and he had some really great pictures of them. I think maybe he’d been partaking in a little “herbal refreshment”, if you catch my drift.

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My next stop was Minturn. There used to be a really cute yarn shop there but it was gone. I went into a little antique store there and chatted with the owner for a while. I purchased a gift for my son-in-law’s birthday. The owner suggested if I had a few minutes to spare, I should go out behind her store and sit on one of the benches along the river and just enjoy…take a minute. I smiled because I’d been seeing signs all over Glenwood the last couple of days imploring people to slow down as they drive through town. 

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I went out back and watched a hawk hover on the warm wind currents over the river. The sun was warm on my skin and a soft breeze blew my hair across my face. I closed my eyes and listened to the white water rolling big rocks along the riverbed. When I looked across the river, my eyes wandered up the slope noting the incredible variety of wildflowers in full bloom. There was a cliff that ran along the roadside. In it, there was a large hole…a den, I’m sure. I wondered what creatures had called it home over the years. 

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I finally pulled myself away and got back on the road. It was going on 3:00 when I got to Vail. I’ll bet I haven’t been in Vail proper in twenty years. I pulled into the parking garage and wandered into the village. There were tourists everywhere, wandering around. I stopped and had a fabulous pizza for an early supper then got back on the road. I hit Denver at about 5:30, but most of the rush hour traffic was heading west.

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It was a beautiful day for a slow meander through the most amazing scenery. I arrived back at my little camper feeling as though I’d been gone a month instead of just a quick overnight. I felt good getting up there. I’ll be back to see my brother and take him with us to the wedding in a couple of weeks. Time is flying!

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❤️

\n
““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”\n

Job 12:7-10 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-10T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/10/swift-water.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/09/a-quick-road-trip.html", "title": "A Quick Road Trip", "content_html": "

\"Grizzly “I stopped at Grizzly Creek to catch a shot of the runoff from the snowmelt.”

\n

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???”

\n

My 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

My 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!

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❤️

\n
“Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.””\n

Acts 14:17 NIV

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\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": "

\"Granddaughter “Little snoozing in the morning sunshine.”

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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. 

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After church, I took Little home and traded….Big came shopping with me all afternoon. We walked all over Flatirons Crossing Mall, had a delicious lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, enjoyed ice cream on our rest break between stores. She is a frugal shopper and had a wonderful time picking out just what she wanted. As I expected, they were things like athletic wear from Dick’s Sporting Goods…with a definite fashionista flair.

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The weather here in Colorado has been quite lovely. We have had rain just about every day and it cools things off nicely. The nights have been wonderful for sleeping in the camper with just the windows open and maybe a small fan. Daughter #2 is in the process of changing jobs and found out today her new job doesn’t start till after the wedding. That means we get some more time together this week. I’m so happy for her. This new job pays more, utilizes her degree, and sends her in a direction that offers advancement.

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Mr. FixIt is tying up loose ends at home…preparing to fly to Colorado this weekend. I can’t wait to see him! We really miss each other when we’re apart. He has mowing to do and business to attend to. I’ve been looking up things to do to replace the camping portion of our trip. I’d love to show him the Four Corners area and Mesa Verde. We’ll see what all we have time for.

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I hope you enjoyed your 4th of July weekend and have a wonderful Monday!

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❤️

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“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”    1 Timothy 5:8 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-07-08T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/08/quality-time.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/07/making-little-memories.html", "title": "Making “Little” Memories!", "content_html": "

\"Twin “Little’s nest in TOW-Wanda!”

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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.

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She is my camper. No one else in my Colorado family is even remotely interested in camping. We had big plans to take the camper up in the mountains and stay a couple of days, but with the unfortunate demise of TOW-Wanda…we had to change plans.

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I have the camper pulled around behind Ben & Sue’s house, underneath a locust tree. It doesn’t offer anything but a feeling of protection from the frequent hail storms we’ve had this week. I’m plugged into electric and water so I have all the comforts of home in my own little suite.

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This incarnation of TOW-Wanda has a queen sized bed with a memory foam mattress that is swoon worthy. It had a bunk bed over the queen bed that also had a memory foam mattress on it. I removed that because I couldn’t sit up without hitting my head. The little dinette collapses down to make a separate twin sized bed that uses the seat cushions for a mattress. Not comfortable for an adult, but just fine for a kid.

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Since I’ll be selling this camper here, I went to Walmart yesterday and bought some plastic tubs with tight fitting lids. I spent a couple of hours yesterday taking things out of the camper and fitting them neatly into the storage bins and put them in the back of my truck underneath the tonneau cover. See? There’s a reason I got that before this trip!

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With all the extras removed, Little has plenty of room to stretch out and be comfortable while she camps with me. We went out for ribs last night. (Big is a vegetarian so Little and I have to get our carnivore cravings satisfied while her sister isn’t with us.) We had “Mamma Mia: The Movie” downloaded on the iPad to watch after dark.

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I don’t get to see my Colorado grands very often…so when I do, I need to make deep and lasting memories with them. Camping with Little last night. Shopping with Big this afternoon. Life is so good!

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❤️

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“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”\n

Proverbs 17:6 NIV

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\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": "

\"East “Looking east as the sun set over Arvada.

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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.

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Along 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.

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I’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!

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I’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.

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My 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!

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❤️

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“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

Job 37:11-13 NIV

\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/2019/07/05/hail-hailthe-gangs-all-here.html", "title": "Hail, Hail...The Gang’s All Here!", "content_html": "

\"Lilies\" “The beauty of sunshine and lilies.”

\n

Daughter #2 and I got a chance to spend a few hours together yesterday. We had coffee at the house then went shopping at Target. Man, that store has changed since the last time I went there. I used to shop Target all the time, but we don’t have one anywhere near where we live in West Virginia. After shopping at Walmart all these years, Target looks like an upscale department store.

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We went out to breakfast at Sam’s No. 3…a wonderful diner in Cherry Creek that has the most extensive menu I think I have ever seen. Eggs Benedict was my choice yesterday and it was divine. If you ever go to Denver and get to spend any time there, you really should go.

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We had a big family gathering with those who were in town yesterday. Lots of food and homemade ice cream. The fireworks were going off all around us. And Mother Nature provided some of her own! We had two big storms blow through with a tornado watch and lots of hail. It did succeed in cooling things off immensely, which was very nice.

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I showed the girls the dresses I’ve bought that I could wear to the wedding and we all agreed on one. Also, I gave them the quilt I made for their wedding gift and they loved it! It was a beautiful day with my Colorado family. 

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❤️

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“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”\n

Proverbs 23:22 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-05T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/05/hail-hailthe-gangs-all-here.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Forgiveness","Aging","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/04/independence-day.html", "title": "Independence Day!!!", "content_html": "

\"Colorado “Colorado’s sky is always amazing!”

\n

It seems like I’m in Denver just about every Independence Day. Since I don’t travel here in the winters anymore, I make my trips extra long in the summer and they just about always hit during this fun, but noisy, holiday. As I am writing this, neighborhood fireworks are going off all around me and it sounds like a war zone. 

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Yesterday, I helped Daughter #1 upholster a padded cover for a chest she uses as a coffee table. Their new couch doesn’t have the recliners like her old one and they needed something comfortable to prop up their feet when they watch TV. It turned out beautiful and we were very proud when it was finished.

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Big has her learner’s permit and I rode with them to lunch yesterday. It brought back memories of when I taught her mommy how to drive. I was very pregnant at the time and it was quite an adventure. My granddaughter is a very conservative driver and she did a great job. I cannot imagine learning to drive in Denver traffic! It’s crazy busy here all the time now…not just rush hour.

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I forget how amazingly beautiful Colorado’s sky is! We came out of the grocery store at sunset yesterday and the clouds and light were stunning in every single direction. I stood there like a tourist seeing it for the first time…turning round and round taking pictures in the parking lot.

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Today is full of family, food, and fun! I hope you all have a fun and safe holiday!!!

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❤️

\n
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”\n

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-07-04T01:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/04/independence-day.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/03/trailer-troublewith-a-capital-t.html", "title": "Trailer Trouble...With a Capital T", "content_html": "

\"Trailer “Damage to the camper indicating it is no longer towable.”

\n

Whenever I travel with one of my campers, I always circle around and do a visual safety check. I check before I head out. I check when I park for the night. And I check when I get to my destination. Saturday night I stayed at a hotel in Russell, KS. I did my walkabout when I locked her up to go inside and there was nothing wrong. Same thing the next morning before I headed out on the road for the final leg into Denver.

\n

When I arrived at Ben & Sue’s house and I was unhooking, I noticed the front curbside corner of the camper had separated a little. It looked like a couple of screws had popped and all I would need to do is screw them back in. I was hot and tired and not planning to tow anytime soon so I decided to wait till I was better rested. The first chance I had was yesterday morning.

\n

I went out and looked at the corner again. I tried to push back on the panel but it would not move. This indicated to me there was weight behind it and my original idea was not going to work. I got down on my knees and looked back at the base of the trailer where it meets the frame and this is what I was faced with. The other side looks almost as bad.

\n

That silver metal cover is the rock guard. It’s called diamond plate. It is heavy gauge and does NOT tear easily. I knew as soon as I saw it what had happened. When I first bought the camper, I notice there was about a two to three inch water stain on the mattress below one corner of that front window. 

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These windows notoriously leak. That’s why most camper companies don’t build a camper with them anymore. I asked the previous owner when I was inspecting the camper if it leaked and she said she had never noticed it before. Maybe it happened over the winter and was new. There was another red flag…the front surface had become delaminated. There is a fiberglass material fused over the wood walls in this camper. If there is a leak, over time…the surface will come away from the wood and have a rippled appearance.

\n

It was a red flag that I didn’t understand was HUGE. I was thinking “little r”. Nope….big mama-honkin’ R! The more I camped in this new-to-me camper, the bigger that little leak got. I figured as soon as I had time, I would pop that front window out and re-caulk it. Done. Easy peasy. But it kept raining and I kept busy and then…boom!

\n

What happened was, driving across the washboard that was once I-70 caused the board across the bottom front of the camper (that had obviously softened or rotted) to buckle from the weight of the camper body being repeatedly slammed down on it. This brought the body down over half an inch, dropping it onto the frame that comes out to create the tongue and hitch.

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Layman’s terms? The camper is not towable in this condition. There are several scenarios that can happen here. 

\n
    \n \t
  1. I could fix it myself. But this is a long, big, BIG job that could entail tearing the camper down to the frame and reconstructing it. I don’t have a place to work undercover. I’m not here long enough to do it...even if I were so inclined. Which I am not.
    2. \n \t
  2. I could have someone fix it for me. This could cost two to three thousand dollars and the camper itself isn’t worth much more than that. (Come to find out, I paid too much for it, but we live and learn, right?) I’m not willing to put the money into it.
    3. \n \t
  3. I can sell the camper “as is” with the firm stipulation that it is not roadworthy. This is a viable option. A lot of people are putting little campers in their back yards to use as she-sheds, guest houses, Air B&B accommodations, or playhouses for the kids and grandkids.
    4. \n \t
  4. I can just leave it here and worry about it next summer, but that isn’t very reasonable. It would take up room at Ben & Sue’s and it would be out in a potentially bad Colorado winter. It’s just putting off the inevitable.
    5. \n
\nSo, plans change. We won’t be camping on this trip except in the driveway of Ben & Sue’s house until I can manage to sell the camper. Mr. FixIt couldn’t find the title at home so he needs to get a new one. In order to do that, he needs the registration. That was in my truck so I sent it to him priority mail and he’ll get it Friday. Then he will send me the new title. And, he will be here a week from Saturday.\n

I don’t want to say I feel stupid. But I didn’t do what anyone who buys a used camper should do. I didn’t have it inspected by an RV professional. The inside showed no damage…it was pristine. All but that tiny leak. The only thing that made me feel better was this: The only way I could have known that board inside was rotten was to tear the front off the camper and you can’t do that. I had no way of knowing. It was just one of those unfortunate issues that sometimes comes with used campers.

\n

I have backup campers at home. Everything will work out. I am VERY grateful nothing terrible happened on the road like the frame breaking in the middle of Kansas. This is workable…it’s not the end of the world. I will inevitably lose money on this deal, but that’s a lesson learned and an excellent teaching moment when I mentor women campers. 

\n

I tell my husband this over and over and over. “You get what you pay for.” I had the money to get a new(er) camper, but I went for the deal. Sometimes that “good deal” just doesn’t work out. And then again….sometimes rainbows come after the worst of storms! I wonder how God is going to use this for good? There is a reason this has happened here and now. I just don’t know what it is yet!

\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": "2019-07-03T01:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/03/trailer-troublewith-a-capital-t.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Growth","God","Wisdom","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/02/the-motherdaughter-dance.html", "title": "The Mother-Daughter Dance", "content_html": "

\"Happy “I am a Happy Camper!”

\n

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.

\n

My 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

We 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

Last 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.

\n

Her 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/2019/06/30/americas-bread-basket-is-baking.html", "title": "America’s Bread Basket is Baking!", "content_html": "

\"Snaps “Clockwise from top left: My rig in the summer sun in Kansas, the long straight stretch that is Kansas…look how green!, my digital laser thermometer that I use to check my hub temperatures at every stop, me looking decidedly fresher in the AM than I was by evening!”

\n

You know you are getting into farm and ranch land when you start seeing billboards advertising bovine genetics and DEKALB seed corn. I left the Lazy Day Campground in Danville, Missouri yesterday morning about 8:00. It was a very long, very HOT day. A section of I-70 was closed at Kansas City so I took the recommended detour. I recognized it as the route I usually take anyway to avoid downtown. There is one interchange on the interstate near the city where you have to get from the right hand side onramp to a left hand side exit in less than 1/4 mile. Pulling a camper makes that a real challenge, let me tell you!!! At least it wasn’t with big TOW-Wanda on a Friday night at rush hour. We have to look for the little things!

\n

When I was emptying the tanks on the camper before I left yesterday, it wasn’t 8:00 yet and the sun would take the hide right off of you. The temperature quickly soared to the high 90’s and by the time I was halfway through Kansas, it was 100. The low was only expected to go down to 80 so I stopped and got a hotel room. When I first got in the room, I cranked up the air conditioner and stretched out on the bed. I texted Mr. FixIt and said, “I am NEVER doing this again!!!” He texted back that I don’t have to. I’m holding him to it! 

\n

Ok, it was the third day. It was hard. It was hot. I was tired and probably a little hungry and dehydrated. And knowing I have over 350 more miles to go had me feeling really sorry for myself there for a few minutes. But, once I rested for a while and got something to eat and drink, I felt a ton better. When I stop tonight, it’s going to be at my son-in-law’s parents’ house so I’ll be with family. It’s going to take me a week to rest up and acclimate to the altitude. Mr. FixIt will join me on the 13th so that time will pass quickly.

\n

I had a lot of time to think about this as I was driving yesterday. I don’t like being this far away from Mr. FixIt. I thought about that from every angle. I asked myself if it was co-dependency. I don’t think it’s that at all. I do all kinds of things without him and I don’t need to be attached at the hip. I talked with my dear friend Deneene about this last night. She lost her husband unexpectedly about a year after Mr. Virgo died. She is also recently remarried. We decided it’s not co-dependency at all. It’s the fact that we KNOW what can happen and how quickly it can come. I don’t think it’s that I’m doing something without him. It’s that I’m doing something so far away from him and I can’t get to him quickly. THAT I don’t like at all.

\n

Still, it is fun in many ways. I’ve seen some beautiful countryside. The sky was blue and wide open. I’ve forgotten what that looks like living in West Virginia. (I took the picture while driving but my phone was in a cradle and all I did was touch the screen. No eyes off the road for me!) I don’t have anything pressing to do once I get to Denver so I can relax and catch up on my rest, keep myself really hydrated to counteract the altitude, knit, write, and visit with my Colorado peeps. I could not believe how green Kansas is. They had the same long, drawn out, wet spring everyone else had. It is so hard to believe the temperature is in the high 90’s in Colorado and one week ago they had two feet of snow. Crazy weather!

\n

Oh, see that picture bottom right? That’s my digital laser thermometer. After burning up an axle in Indiana two summer ago, I check my hubs religiously…every time I stop and get out of the truck. I know you can just put your hand down there and feel if it’s hot, but how hot is too hot and if it IS that hot, you’ll burn the heck out of your hand. I keep watch on it and it’s always between 100-110. That’s perfect. If it goes up, it means the bearings need grease.

\n

Well, I’m on the last leg of this Grand Adventure. The last leg of the first part of it, anyway! It’s just me and Jesus…making our way west!

\n

❤️

\n

“….“The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight.”

\n

Genesis 31:49 ESV

\n

#Separation, #Marriage, #Adventure

\n", "date_published": "2019-06-30T01:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/30/americas-bread-basket-is-baking.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/29/travel-lotsa-learnin-goin-on.html", "title": "Travel: Lotsa Learnin’ Goin’ On Here!", "content_html": "

\"Good “I use a French press a lot when I camp. I have a manual grinder, too.”

\n

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. 

\n

The 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.

\n

Around 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. 

\n

Suddenly, 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. 

\n

I 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. 

\n

I 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.

\n

Before 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. 

\n

As 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.

\n

Learned 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!

\n

Enjoy 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

James 1:2-4 ESV

\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": "

\"A “A Shady Spot”

\n

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.

\n

Because 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.

\n

It 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.

\n

The 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.

\n

It 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.

\n

When 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 “Hillbilly Air Conditioner!”

\n

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.

\n

I 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.

\n

Have 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

Psalms 140:4 ESV

\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/2019/06/26/a-tidy-purchase.html", "title": "A Tidy Purchase", "content_html": "

\"Tonneau “A tonneau cover turned out to be an extraordinary pargain!”

\n

I told you all yesterday about our great find…a tonneau cover for my truck. We installed it yesterday and it was SO easy. It only took about fifteen minutes to do. We had to trim a couple small places in order for the tailgate to close, but that was super easy to do. We didn’t realize exactly how good this deal was till Mr. FixIt looked up this particular model of cover. New, they sell for nearly $800! And the carpeted bed liner sells for almost $500! We got them both for $75!!! Ok, I’m a little excited! Such a good bargain hunter I have for a husband.

\n

We went to the farm yesterday. It appears the young man we had arranged to mow the yard…didn’t. But that’s ok. It is still mow-able without having to bale it. It is awfully wet out there. In the two weeks we were gone, the farm got over four inches of rain. We only got two at the Ponderosa. The ground is soggy when you walk out there. The house at the farm sits back in a holler and doesn’t get much sunlight. It’s nice for keeping cool, but causes a lot of problems with mold and mildew.

\n

We noticed some evidence of termites this time. The first time I’ve seen that so we need to jump on that right away. I did a deep cleaning out there because my uncle is coming for a visit while I’m in Colorado and I wanted fresh bed linens for him. I mopped the floors and dusted. Mr. FixIt cleared off the back porch and scrubbed it down. Everything looked wonderful when we were finished.

\n

I had every intention of leaving for Colorado today, but have decided to wait till tomorrow. This way I don’t have to run at breakneck speed getting everything done and I can take my time. The linens have all been washed and put back on the bed. I have some items to take out of the camper…things I took camping at Blackwater Falls and won’t need on this trip. This will cut down on the weight I pull which will improve my fuel consumption.

\n

Oh, another thing Mr. FixIt did for me. Something was wrong with the water pump in the little camper. A water pump is supposed to turn on, build up pressure, then shut off. It only comes back on when the water pressure drops as you’re using water in the sink or toilet. Mine wouldn’t shut off. It ran on and on and was dreadfully loud. While we were in Florida, we discussed it and I ordered a new pump. It was here when we returned. Mr. FixIt installed it yesterday and it works perfectly! Now the only things I have to do is replace the shower nozzle and test out the hot water heater and we’re in business. Having your own shower when you camp is such a luxury.

\n

I’m really getting excited now about the trip. I can’t wait to see my Colorado family…I’ve missed them so much! Today will be fun packing and preparing for a much needed road trip. Many of you asked yesterday. Mr. FixIt will fly out in a few weeks to join me before the wedding. Then, we will camp around Colorado and all the way back across the country. I’ve been looking forward to this trip for a whole year…I can hardly wait to get started and savor every single moment!!!

\n

❤️

\n
“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.”    Deuteronomy 28:6 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2019-06-26T01:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/26/a-tidy-purchase.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","New Ideas","Gratitude","Comfort","Wisdom","Choices","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/25/road-trip-falling-into-place.html", "title": "Road Trip: Falling Into Place", "content_html": "

 

\n

\"Tonneau “Tonneau Cover for a Pickup”

\n

My old truck had a fiberglass topper on it. It was really nice. I had the top lined with a carpet liner as well as a carpet bed liner. I had a couple of garment rods, a light, and two 12v outlets installed as well. It had a rack on the roof for my kayak. It was a sweet setup. Then, when my truck was totaled, the topper and all it’s accouterments went with it.

\n

My new-to-me truck just has a plastic bed liner. There have been many times I have wished I had some way to tote things on my trips without necessarily having them visible to anyone who parks right beside us. I happened to mention this to Mr. FixIt the other day. He doesn’t forget things like this. We’ll get back to that in a minute.

\n

A lot of things fell into place yesterday. First, we thought we might need new tires before I head to Denver. Mr. FixIt called all around and finally found a suitable pair for a reasonable price at Sam’s, but still…mounted and balanced…four tires were going to cost nearly $800! A chunk of change, to be sure. That’s the price of owning a truck.

\n

We signed in at the tire desk, ordered the four tires, and paid for them. It was going to take about two hours so we started wandering around the store. About ten minutes later, they paged me overhead and we went back to the auto department. It turns out, I had a little over half the tread left on the tires and he didn’t want me to buy something I didn’t need.

\n

How refreshing! Thank you, Brandon!

\n

I did ask them, since they already had the truck back there, to please rotate the tires so they did that. As we were looking around the store, Mr. FixIt got a text. He said he had found a used tonneau cover for my truck for $150. I texted the woman selling it. She asked if I could also use a carpet bed liner! Well, yes…as a matter of fact. She then went on to tell me she was sick and tired of advertising stuff and if I wanted them both, she would sell them together for $75. Score! Now I can have a cover over my stuff during the Colorado trip.

\n

We went to pick up our mail at the post office and there was my new water pump for the camper. Mr. FixIt can get that put in for me today, I can clean out my camper and restock it, run to town, change the oil on the truck, and leave for my trip west…maybe on Wednesday! I am really looking forward to seeing my kids and grandkids so if everything lines up like this, I’ll be on my way sooner rather than later.

\n

Another road trip, Ranchers! Head ‘em up…move ‘em out!

\n

❤️

\n
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”\n

Proverbs 16:9 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-06-25T01:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/25/road-trip-falling-into-place.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/23/home-again-home-again.html", "title": "Home Again, Home Again!", "content_html": "

\"Vacation “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.”

\n

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!

\n

I 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.

\n

This 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!

\n

I asked the nice BBQ lady yesterday what the best thing on their menu was. She said, “ALL of the things!” I said…bring it!

\n

I 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!

\n

I want to get back in the car and live next door to this place.

\n

Is that so unreasonable?

\n

Ok…ok. I’ll just have to wait till the next time, I suppose. Uber eats would be WAY over the top, right? 

\n

It 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.

\n

And 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

Ecclesiastes 9:7 ESV

\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/2019/06/22/the-deep-south.html", "title": "The Deep South", "content_html": "

\"Live “A canopy of live oak lines a stately boulevard in the equestrian city of Aiken, South Carolina.”

\n

I don’t know if y’all consider South Carolina to be the “Deep South” or not, but I do. Anything south of the Mason Dixon line is Deep South to me. I love the south. Southern hospitality, amazing architecture and delicious taste sensations await you in the south. When you can sit and get as much moisture off the outside of a cold glass of iced tea as there is liquid inside…you are celebrating the Summer Solstice in the Carolinas.

\n

When we left the condo yesterday morning, we made a bee line for St. Augustine where I met up with my longest long-time friend…my sister of another mother…my partner in crime…mi amiga who would open a can of whoop a** on anyone who ever did me wrong….THAT friend. We jumped out of our cars and ran into each other’s arms. We haven’t seen each other since my mom died fifteen years ago and our reunion has been long overdue.

\n

We crammed a lot into the following two and a half hours till we finally had to kiss and hug over the car door for another half hour. That’s a southern thing…the long front porch goodbye then the longer driveway goodbye. We finally tore ourselves away and headed for Aiken, South Carolina.

\n

My dear friend Deneene and her husband Mark got married this spring and we were unable to attend because we were away at the OBX. We had never been to their home nor had we met the newest member of the family…a lovely blue-grey French bulldog named Griffen. Shortly after we arrived, we went to visit Mary…a Sister on the Fly I met in Nashville four years ago at the Country Living Fair. Deneene and Mary met here and somehow I came up in the conversation and they both knew me. Small world.

\n

We went on a “windshield tour” of Aiken and saw much of the equestrian facilities. We drove around and ogled the stately homes along wide boulevards connected by tunnels of live oak dripping with Spanish moss. The air was sticky and hot and we soon found ourselves at Deneene and Mark’s favorite ice cream parlor. I had a blackberry ice cream that made me swoon, it was so good.

\n

I caught this picture of the lovely old live oak canopy. Mark stopped and let me out so I could patiently wait for the traffic to subside in order to get as unobstructed a view as possible. I stood in the middle of the street and marveled at the view. The story is, a physician used to drive his horse and carriage up this boulevard to and from his rounds. His wife felt so sorry for him in the scorching Carolina sunshine so she had these live oak trees planted to provide him shade.

\n

It was a lovely day and evening. Old friends are the touchstones we have with our former selves. Love knows no distance. Nor does it know time. Each visit picked up right where we left off the last time. You almost feel like, “So, anyway…as I was saying…” And they totally know what you’re talking about. That’s a GOOD friend…a dear friend…an honest and true friend.

\n

What an incredible honor it is to have friends like that.

\n

Today we head on home. It will be at least a ten hour day. I knitted all day yesterday. I can’t ask Mr. FixIt to do all the driving today though. I have to do my share. But I do so love to knit while we drive. We have periods of animated conversations. And, we have periods of companionable silence. We are great travel companions, come to find out.

\n

❤️

\n
“Again the watchman reported, \"He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.\"”\n

2 Kings 9:20 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-06-22T01:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/22/the-deep-south.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Humbled","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/21/vacations-past-present.html", "title": "Vacations: Past \u0026 Present", "content_html": "

\"Vacation “Vacation Photos: The Making of Memories”

\n

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.

\n

We 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.

\n

The 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.

\n

When 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.

\n

Heading 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.

\n

Then, 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.

\n

I 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

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 ESV

\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/2019/06/20/memories-of-a-disaster.html", "title": "Memories of a Disaster", "content_html": "

\"Shuttle “A piece of the Space Shuttle Challenger.”

\n

On January 28, 1986, Hubby #2 and I were driving from the airport in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Sparta for a job interview. He had just finished his residency and was asked by a friend to come join his practice. As we settled into the drive, I flipped on the radio and heard the terrible news. The Space Shuttle Challenger had exploded during liftoff killing the entire crew. We were devastated.

\n

I think we all had an extra soft spot for the Challenger crew because of Christa McAuliffe, the first citizen to go into space….the first TEACHER to go into space. My daughter was young. She had bright, young teachers. The thought of one of them stepping froward to selflessly show students what you can achieve when you apply yourself struck a chord with every parent in the country.

\n

We went to the Kennedy Space Center yesterday after a quick stop at Starbucks. When Mr. FixIt asked what I wanted to do with our day, I told him that was where I wanted to go. On the way down, I mentioned that it had been 25 years since I had been there. He said no, that I had been there with him two years ago.

\n

All the way down, I kept asking him questions about it. I know I had my accident six months before that but surely I would have remembered being there. When we drove in, I looked all around and kept saying nothing looked familiar. It was beginning too scare me. I mean, we all begin to lose some mental acuity at a certain age, but this was a total blank.

\n

After about the fifth time, I insisted I had never been there, we settled it by looking in our phones. Sure enough, we had not. However, we did remember what happened. We were actually going to go the the Space Center one morning when we received a frantic call that Mr. Virgo’s son-in-law was in the hospital in critical condition. Within an hour, we had cleaned the condo, packed the truck, and were rushing home.

\n

The Space Shuttle Memorial has a long hallway with individual displays of carefully chosen memorabilia for each astronaut…the Challenger Crew to the left, the Columbia Crew to the right. Christa McAuliffe’s display is the final one on the left. Once you walk down the hallway and turn to the right, there is a dimly lit room with a piece of the recovered shuttle behind glass.

\n

As I stood there alone, I let the somber weight of the moment flow over me. I was in the presence of where they lived last…where SHE lived last. My heart ached for her family…she left behind a son and daughter, ages nine and six, respectively. My heart ached for all the school children watching the launch live on TV that morning. My heart is much more tender since Mr. Virgo died.

\n

Mr. FixIt walked up behind me and gently placed his arm around my waist. He knew. Maybe it’s the way I hold myself. Maybe it was just the church-like solemnity of the room. Maybe, like me, he was thinking back to what he was doing that day. Maybe he hugged his babies a little tighter that night, too.

\n

We finally moved on to other displays and eventually headed toward the parking lot. As we pushed the door open, we were met with heavy skies and severe thunderstorm warnings on our phones. We looked at the sky, then each other, then back to the sky. There was no way we were going to make it to parking lot six before those clouds opened up.

\n

We elected to buy a snack and sit it out under cover. We had another one of those car wash rains I’ve become fairly familiar with this trip. As soon as it lightened up enough, we headed to the truck as soon as we could. We stopped on the way home at a Cuban-Mexican restaurant and I had the best fish tacos with mango salsa! I haven’t had them that good since the last time I was in Mexico.

\n

So, our trip is winding down. We need to do the housekeeping things you do when you stay at someone else’s home. We’ll pack up and take all but what we need tonight and stow it in the truck. Then tomorrow morning, we’ll head back to West Virginia. As I write this tonight though, I am sitting in the big chair, curled up, with the sliding glass door open so I can hear the waves crashing on the beach not one hundred steps away. The sea breeze is freshened by the evening rain and it feels cool on my skin. It’s time to go home.

\n

❤️

\n
“You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.”\n

Psalms 89:9 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-06-20T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/20/memories-of-a-disaster.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Wisdom","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/19/a-sweet-treatyarn.html", "title": "A Sweet Treat...Yarn!", "content_html": "

\"Daytona “Clockwise from Top Left: Hibiscus, Chasing the rain, Low Country Shrimp & Grits, Fishing Boats, New yarns & a present, interesting sand castle.”

\n

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.

\n

I 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!

\n

She 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.

\n

The 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.

\n

Thursday 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!

\n

Stay 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

Psalms 90:17 ESV

\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": "

\"Writing “I can’t think of many places that are prettier to write than at the beach!”

\n

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.

\n

Everything 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.

\n

Back 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.

\n

Part 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.

\n

Can 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. 

\n

At 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

Till 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

Psalm 45:1 GNT

\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/2019/06/17/early-bird-special.html", "title": "Early Bird Special", "content_html": "

\"Florida “Father’s Day in Florida…a little slice of Heaven!”

\n

It wasn’t that many years ago that I looked on as “old people” toddled into restaurants to eat dinner at 4:00 in the afternoon. The “Early Bird Special”.  “Bonkers!” I thought. “What on earth are they doing eating at this time of day? Don’t they know how to have FUN anymore?”

\n

HA!

\n

Guess who can’t eat anything other than Raisin Bran after 5:00??? Yeah…what goes around, comes around, don’t it?

\n

So Father’s Day started out great. A lovely breakfast served to my sweet man…father to a great family…love of my heart. Then, we headed to the Ponce deLeon Lighthouse. We’ve been there before. It was earlier in the day…I was in much better shape…and it wasn’t so darned hot the last time. The “feels like” temperature yesterday when we arrived at said lighthouse was 98 degrees. 

\n

When you came out of the drastically air conditioned gift shop into the Florida heat and humidity at 1:00 in the afternoon, it seriously felt like walking into a sauna. And, there were signs everywhere that said “No water bottles.” Among other important things to leave behind like pets and flip flops. 

\n

Seriously? You want a slightly pudgy West Virginian with heat intolerance to climb up 203 steps…without water…or air, for that matter. Ok, I’ve done it before…I’m sure I can do it again. As I climbed the stairs, I got to the first landing and remembered. THIS was the lighthouse I didn’t like before. It gets narrower and narrower the further up you go till it becomes really tight. AND…they don’t open the windows so there is zero air flow.

\n

The last time I felt like this was in 1989 when I climbed up the interior staircase of the hidden inner pyramid of Chichen Itza. Very narrow, steep stairs, slippery with the dampness, only the occasional incandescent bulb hanging dimly to lead your way. Four of us entered…our good friends, Hubby #2, and me. Only two of us made it up. Me and our friend’s husband. The others backed out with feelings of claustrophobia. 

\n

This felt tight and close like that and by the time I got up to that first flight, I couldn’t breathe. It was the heat and being out of and still feeling the effects of illness. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “Nope…not doing this one!” I went down and out and sat in a rocker on the front porch of the lighthouse keeper’s house, waiting for Mr. FixIt to come out on the balcony above.

\n

He snapped a few pictures and chatted with some folks from Roanoke then gave me a jaunty wave. When he came back down, he looked like a drowned rat. It was time to cool off and we headed for the air conditioned museums.

\n

Once we were cooler, we headed to the truck and drove down to New Smyrna Beach. I’ve got to tell you, driving down that narrow little street with the Father’s Day crowds didn’t feel much different than climbing that ever narrowing lighthouse with no air. I couldn’t believe how many people were crowded into such a tiny area. 

\n

I’ve been there before so I didn’t really need to get out. But it was Father’s Day…we do for the ones we love. I won out when we finally found ONE parking spot in a lot. You pay by entering your driver’s license number and stick in your credit card. When the fee came up in the window, I nearly fell over. $20.00! You had to pay for a full day. Nope! Not doing that either.

\n

We headed back toward our condo and we both decided we were hungry and wanted seafood. We came by Blackbeard’s Inn and remembered eating there the last time we were in Florida. We pulled in and had such a good meal. Blue crab cake and coconut shrimp with a baked potato. All perfectly delicious.

\n

What time was it, you ask? 

\n

4:00

\n

The Early Bird Special!

\n

sigh

\n

❤️

\n
‬‬“Do not reject me now that I am old; do not abandon me now that I am feeble.”    ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭71:9‬ ‭GNT
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-06-17T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/17/early-bird-special.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/13/happy-birthday.html", "title": "Happy Birthday!", "content_html": "

\"Night “Happy Birthday, to ME!”

\n

June is my birthday month. 

\n

I love June. I love my birthday. So I just combine them and celebrate the whole month!

\n

After 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!

\n

Just 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?”

\n

Back off girls…I saw him first!

\n

Yes, 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.

\n

After 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.

\n

A simple day…Birthday Eve.

\n

Today is my actual birthday.

\n

Sixty-six. Wow. Why does it sound so much older than sixty-five?

\n

Some 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???”

\n

My wise grandson-in-law said, “Did it go fast?”

\n

How do you answer that? Yes…it flew by in a nanosecond! No, it lasted forever! It’s both.

\n

It’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. 

\n

I thought I was free. 

\n

I was so wrong.

\n

It 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. 

\n

Sixty-six. Nope, that doesn’t bother me a bit. 

\n

I’m a crone now. I love that!

\n

Happy 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 “One of our Girl Campers brought her conversion van to camp in. We were sold!”

\n

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.

\n

I 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. 

\n

This 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.

\n

Christy 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.

\n

Anyway, 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/2019/05/14/rainy-days-and-mondays.html", "title": "Rainy Days and Mondays", "content_html": "

\"Wet “Watching the softball game in the rain and cold.”

\n

I opened my eyes and looked around the camper. Something woke me up but not sure exactly what. I picked up my phone and there was a text from Gail. She had to head home from the campground early and asked me to let her know when I got home safely. We do that, us Girl Campers. Nothing says I love you quite like “Let us know when you get home.” 

\n

I thought I might go ahead and get up. I put away just about everything the night before. Instead, I rolled over and pulled the covers up under my chin and dozed off for another three hours. I heated up my coffee and hopped back under the covers to sip and watch the birds around the campground. I recognized a mockingbird and a downy woodpecker. I heard a pileated woodpecker up in the canopy of leaves over my head. I saw some buzzards circling over the nearby field and caught sight of a blue heron with his head tucked back, long legs following along behind him as he flapped slowly on his way to the water.

\n

After my second cup, I decided it was time. I hooked up the camper and took off for home around 11:30. It wasn’t too long till the heavy clouds overhead took on a dark and menacing greenish grey and the sky opened up. I drove through some very heavy rain. I dropped my speed and didn’t use cruise control…two things that increase the risk of hydroplaning.

\n

I stopped at a rest area just inside the West Virginia border and emptied the black tank. I had no grey water this time. I got home and parked the little camper alongside the building out behind the house so I can plug it in and use it for writing and naps. There is something so special about spending time in my camper…whether I’m actually camping or not. 

\n

As soon as I got home, I needed to clean up so we could go to our granddaughter’s softball game. We stopped for some supper on the way and it was so cold at the game, we actually parked beyond the outfield and sat in the truck. It rained a few times but not enough to delay the game. Our team lost, but they sure worked hard. They have a rematch tomorrow at an away game.

\n

When I got home, I turned on the electric blanket on the bed in the camper and climbed in. As I did, I noticed the coverlet on the bed is damp. Apparently the camper leaked somewhere as I was driving through that heavy rain so I’m going to need to get to the bottom of that. It doesn’t leak sitting in the rain so it must have come from the water splashing up from the road. Ahhhh, campers…there is always some thing that needs fixed or replaced.

\n

Home, Sweet Home…it was so good to see Mr. FixIt and give him a big hug! 

\n

Thank you, God…for travel mercies, for such good friends, and for a precious homecoming.

\n

❤️

\n
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”    Psalms 121:7-8 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2019-05-14T01:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/14/rainy-days-and-mondays.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Girl Camper","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/13/camp-hairdont-care.html", "title": "Camp Hair...Don’t Care!", "content_html": "

\"Images “Images from camp…The Three Amigas (Gail, Janine, & Ginny), fishing, TOW-Wanda III, and ramp casserole in an iron skillet.”

\n

OMGosh! Other than not having subzero temperatures, this week has been quite reminiscent of my first winter in TOW-Wanda Grande. I was parked up on the banks of the Ohio River with no running water. This state park has a few electric sites and I was lucky enough to get one. But, there’s no water at the sites. I had to rely on the freshwater tank for flushing the toilet and bottled water for drinking. Since I don’t have the propane system or the water heater checked out yet, I had to heat up water in the microwave or running it through the coffee pot for washing dishes or taking sponge baths. I am really looking forward to a proper shower when I get home today. I definitely have camp hair. And I definitely don’t care!

\n

Everyone left yesterday and headed home. All except for me, that is. I already had last night reserved thinking at least someone would stay over. That’s ok, though. I used the day to do some writing I have a deadline for. Then I did a little knitting and watched old Andy Griffith reruns. All the kids either texted or called me for Mother’s Day which was so nice. Gail came back to the campground after dinner and brought me some homemade cream of broccoli soup. It was a really good day.

\n

Gail and I are cohosting a Girl Camper event next month at Blackwater Falls so now I can turn my attention to that. I ordered a floral canopy with matching chairs to set up at that outing to give people a place to sit when they come to visit. When you have a campout with a group of Girl Campers, everyone wants to see inside each other’s trailers so we usually have a little snack out or a cocktail to share with guests. 

\n

The gal who camped right across from me this time had her little camper all decked out on the inside like a vintage one, but it was brand new. She used her grandmother’s quilt to cover the seat cushions and had her mother’s 25th anniversary silver tea set on display. She made banners for each window from embroidered linens. It was absolutely darling. When her husband peeked in to see what she had done to the inside he said, “Really? Really??? You had to do all PINK?” She created a grey interior for him and switches it out. That seems like a lot of work to me, but as long as the hubs is happy.

\n

So, today I pack it up and head home. I can’t wait to see my Mr. FixIt and give him a squeeze. He sent me a picture of the garden and the beans are all up. He’s been spreading the rabbit repellent and so far, so good! They haven’t eaten any of the young plants.

\n

Hope you have a Happy Monday! 

\n

❤️

\n
““All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded:”    Exodus 35:10 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-05-13T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/13/camp-hairdont-care.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","goRVing","Love","Peaceful Moments","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/12/what-a-hoot.html", "title": "What a Hoot!!!", "content_html": "

\"Coffee “Coffee in the camper…my favorite thing about camping!”

\n

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 “Janine loved her socks!”

\n

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 “The blossom of the pawpaw tree. Isn’t it beautiful?”

\n

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 “Sherri caught a catfish on her second cast!”

\n

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 “Some of the girls made camping journals to keep as a memento from their trip.”

\n

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!

\n

I hope you enjoy the photos! I’ll be heading back to the Ponderosa tomorrow!

\n

Oh, and…it’s Mother’s Day. Moms come in all shapes and sizes and descriptions. Some of us are moms. Some of us chose not to be. Some wanted to be and couldn’t. Some were…and lost their babies in one way or another. Some lost their relationships in some way. A lot of us have lost our moms by the time we get to be my age. And, some are fortunate to yet have theirs. The bottom line is…no matter what state you are in….it’s Mother’s Day. I hope it is a good day for you and yours…even if there are tears.

\n

I miss my mom…my grandma…and my “other mother”, Louisa. I’ll see you all some fine day.

\n

And, 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 “Bathing al Fresco…imagine a long soak and watching the stars!”

\n

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.

\n

The 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.

\n

This 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. 

\n

I 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.

\n

In 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. 

\n

This 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.

\n

My 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 “Oh, how I have missed the big picture window over the bed!”

\n

The thing I have missed the most since I bought TOW-Wanda Grande was the window over the bed. Propping up on pillows with a cup of coffee in the morning and looking out on the sunrise is priceless. And now, I have that back. The other things are the windows at the head and foot of my bed. The windows in TOW-Wanda Grande don’t open very wide and you really don’t get a good breeze. I love having that window open over my head and feeling the cool evening breeze wash over me. It’s also nice to hear the night sounds of frogs and crickets and whatever fauna is lurking around in the dark.

\n

The more I stay in this little camper, the more I absolutely love it. I did have a little problem. I noticed a trail of little black ants making their way up to the cabinet over the refrigerator on Wednesday night. By yesterday morning, there was an army. I opened the cabinet and took all the food out and discovered they had found an open packet of Club Crackers in a box. How can they find this stuff?

\n

I pulled everything out and sprayed with a botanical ant killer and they were soon gone. It seems ants have been terrible this year everywhere. We are having a huge problem with them at the Ponderosa.

\n

Other than that, and the bed being a tad bit firm for my liking, my heart just sings in this little tiny, tiny home on wheels.

\n

More girls are arriving daily and I believe all should be here by this evening. We have been knitting and talking and eating and napping. Oh, and having campfires. Gail has this new thing she bought called the SoloStove. It looked similar to the tub out of a washing machine and when you burn wood, it doesn’t smoke. You can still smell a wood fire, but just enough that it’s pleasant and it doesn’t choke the life out of you. Life doesn’t get much better than that!

\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/2019/05/09/camping-with-the-girls.html", "title": "Camping With the Girls", "content_html": "

\"Sunset “The sun sets on another fun day camping with the Girl Campers.”

\n

There is something special about camping with a bunch of gals. In ancient times, women gathered at the well when they went to fetch water. Farm women gathered at the Grange or at barn raisings, or when babies were born. Quilting Bees and Afternoon Teas. Women have always wanted/needed the company of other women.

\n

When I was much younger, I got along with men better than women. I found women to be gossipy or competitive…neither of which were appealing. However, since Mr. Virgo died, I have learned to appreciate my fellow females. Especially when we are sitting around a campfire or under a pavilion on a rainy afternoon. 

\n

My favorite campouts always include an afternoon siesta. Lots of talk time and knitting. Catching up with people to find out what’s been going on in their lives. When you come to a camping event that occurs once to twice a year, that may be the only time to get to see these women and they become good friends. Lifelong friends.

\n

I came back over to the camper after supper last night and caught the sun just before it dipped below the horizon. I thought it was lovely how the light changed to a golden green glow. These are the moments that make me remember why I bought my first camper. I want to do this as long as I am able. 

\n

Oh, yes…I love camping with Mr. FixIt. But, there’s just something special about camping with a bunch of gals.

\n

❤️

\n
“O God, to the farthest corners of the planet people will stand in awe, startled and stunned by your signs and wonders. Sunrise brilliance and sunset beauty both take turns singing their songs of joy to you.”\n

Psalms 65:8 TPT

\n", "date_published": "2019-05-09T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/09/camping-with-the-girls.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","goRVing","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/29/the-weight-of-the-world.html", "title": "The Weight of the World", "content_html": "

\"Statue\" “Sometimes things seem too heavy. That’s when I need to stop and read my devotionals.”

\n

Don’t you sometimes feel like you’re carrying a whole lot of weight on your shoulders? One should come home from vacation feeling refreshed and relaxed. While we had a fabulous vacation and I enjoyed every single minute of it, I always come home with a mountain of work to do and if I’m not careful, I’ll forget the joy of the vacation altogether. 

\n

When we got home Saturday night, it was raining but we emptied the truck as best we could. This left containers laying around to be emptied. Before we could put anything away, we had to clean the kitchen counters from spraying for ants last week. Then all the stuff that had been moved to the island to get moved back to the counter. THEN the kitchen stuff could be put away. This after driving twelve hours…the majority of which was done by my sweet husband.

\n

We were up early and out the door for church with the grandkids then our usual breakfast. We had errands to run before we finally got back home. Mr. FixIt had the rest of the truck to empty while I cleaned the kitchen and put away more stuff. Then he got out the push mower and weed eater and I hopped on the riding mower. Three hours later, we gave up because it was cold and we were hungry.

\n

We have really felt our age this last year, it seems. Aches and pains that never slowed us down are starting to get in the way. We can’t work sunup to sundown like we once did and that is frustrating. Made more so by the post-vacation blues. The next couple of weeks are going to be super busy. We need to finish the mowing at the Ponderosa then we have to go mow at the farm, I have an MRI on my foot today to see what the problem is that’s causing pain, then I have to de-winterize and prepare the new camper for her maiden voyage. 

\n

We leave Thursday for Indiana to see my niece graduate from college. We get back on Sunday, I’ll have one day to clean up the camper, restock, and do laundry before I turn around and take her up north for a week with the Girl Campers. Then I’ll have some down time. Knitting and napping and sitting around the campfire will be the order of the day. Until then, every day is jam-packed with busy. It is during times like this I have to actually set an an alarm and force myself to sit down and do my bible study. Those are the moments that carry me through the rest of it.

\n

❤️

\n
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”   \n

Mark 1:35 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-04-29T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/29/the-weight-of-the-world.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Humbled","Aging","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/28/home-sweet-home.html", "title": "Home, Sweet Home", "content_html": "

\"Welcome “Home, Sweet Home…West Virginia!”

\n

I keep forgetting what a long drive that is coming back from the beach in one day. Twelve hours. And that’s not dilly-dallying around, either. Potty breaks only. It rained the last hour and I-77 is under perpetual repair so that slowed us down a bit. It was in the low 50’s when we got home which was a darned sight cooler than the beach was, but we were so grateful for God’s travel mercies. We only saw a couple of minor accidents on the way home. It was such a wonderful trip.

\n

When you get home like that, the last thing you want to do is empty the truck, but we did anyway. It’s almost all put away.

\n

We sprayed for ants before we left and there were just a few sighted. Nothing like before we left. And there was NO WATER in the basement! I prayed hard for that one. TRULY the very last thing you want to do when you get home from a long trip is to suction water out of a soggy basement. Oh, and the grass is nearly a foot deep in places! We mowed the day before we left. Oy!

\n

\"Redbud\" “Redbud are still blooming on top of the mountains in West Virginia!”

\n

So…we are home safe, suntanned, and very tired. I’ll leave you early with some photos of the day. The dogwoods are in full bloom. The redbud are past their prime except for the top of the mountains. I caught this one at the West Virginia Welcome Center on I-64. The Welcome to West Virginia sign is always a beautiful sight, even though it signals there are still at least three and a half hours of driving left!

\n

\"Dogwood\" “The dogwood trees are in full bloom and are like little fairies in the woods.”

\n

I would like to take this opportunity and congratulate my dear friend Deneene on her marriage to her sweet Mark yesterday. It was an intimate family-only affair but I got to see it on FB Live. Unfortunately, we will be unable to attend their open house in South Carolina next weekend as we will be watching my niece graduate from college in Indiana. I had the honor of walking with Deneene in her early grief and have watched her heart heal and expand to include new love. Congratulations, my sweet friends! I love you and miss you so!

\n

Happy Sunday…can’t wait to get to church!

\n

❤️

\n
“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”\n

Psalm 139:9-10 NIV

\n 

\n", "date_published": "2019-04-28T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/28/home-sweet-home.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","God","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/27/goodbyefor-now.html", "title": "Goodbye...For Now", "content_html": "

\"Best “Best Friends”

\n

Goodbyes are so hard…especially since losing Mr. Virgo. My world perspective has forever changed and grief has colored every thought since that fateful day. I am so aware of how tenuous life is and how strong the bonds between us and those we hold most dear.

\n

Today we have to say so long to our dearest family/friends as they head back home to Colorado and we head back home to the Ponderosa. We have had such a delightful week. The weather seriously couldn’t have been more perfect. Our first morning here dawned sunny and gorgeous and remained the same the entire week until a band of severe thunder storms came through last evening. It rained hard into the night and brought cooler temperatures but today is supposed to be sunny with a high around 70 so it will be perfect traveling weather.

\n

While grief and death are not in the forefront of my thoughts anymore, there are certain things that have changed because of my loss. Now, when I see a scene, I see it through the eyes of a widow and know the scenes I wish I had pictures of. As we watched the sunset in a quiet cove along the sound in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore the other night, I looked back. I noticed Ben & Sue turn to take in the last of the golden light as the sun dipped below the horizon over the glassy surface of the water. I smiled as Sue reached for Ben’s hand and I reached for my cell phone to snap this picture. I added the location and date and sent it to her. 

\n

We do not know when our time will come, but we do know statistically that women outlive their husbands. When Mr. Virgo died, I really had fewer photos of him than I thought. I wanted to make sure Ben & Sue had all the special events of the week recorded for posterity. 

\n

As we drove down to the beach last weekend, I kept thinking…”It’ll be over in an instant and we’ll be driving back home.” And, here we are. But…oh, my. We made some beautiful memories together this week and I will cherish this time together for the rest of my life. 

\n

❤️

\n
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”    Psalm 133:1 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-27T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/27/goodbyefor-now.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Grief","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/26/ohohobx.html", "title": "Oh...Oh...OBX!", "content_html": "

\"The “Is there anything better than spending time with loved ones?”

\n

This has been the BEST week! The weather has been amazing. The company SO much fun. And the food has been divine. The only thing that could have made it better would be if ALL the family could be here.

\n

We started out with a hearty breakfast. I had a box of matzoh leftover from the Seder demonstration at church group the other night and brought it along. My very favorite Passover breakfast is Matzoh Brei. You take the sheets of matzoh and crumble them up. Pour enough hot water over them to cover them and let them sit for a while. Then you squeeze the water out of them and place the wet matzoh in another bowl. Beat three or four eggs with some cinnamon, a dash of salt, and a little vanilla extract together then pour it over the wet matzoh and stir till you get a thick batter. Drop 3/4 of a cup of the thick batter on a hot oiled griddle and cook till browned and set in the middle. Serve with butter and syrup like pancakes. Yummm!

\n

We all gathered our things and headed to the beach. Sue and I walked for a while and the guys fished. Mr. FixIt let me cast for him once. We got out the umbrellas and sat for a long time watching a school of dolphins playing in the surf not too far from the shore. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any cooler, we saw the blowing mist from a small humpback whale that  breached and showed his beautiful tail fin as he dove back into the sea. OMGosh! That was SO exciting. The guys never got a nibble while we were there so Sue and I decided to head to the indoor pool and exercise. We did some stretches and water aerobics moves till we were tuckered out and headed for the condo.

\n

After our showers, the boys come in with stories and pictures of all the fish they caught AFTER we left! Skates, shark, drum, croaker…they were busy but as always, practiced catch and release. It is the sport that is fun…not the killing.

\n

Once we were all cleaned up, Mr. FixIt hunted up a restaurant that served scallops as that is Ben’s all-time favorite. We discovered Henry’s in Kill Devil Hills and it did not disappoint! I had the best coconut shrimp. Sue had a blackened tuna steak and the boys both had scallops. The hush puppies were really good. We were all too stuffed to order a rich dessert. We stopped at the Ben Franklin store for souvenirs for the grandchildren and Walmart for milk and we were done for the day!

\n

As Sue and I were splashing around in the pool in the afternoon, I shared a concern that’s been bugging me just a little. My younger daughter is getting married in August and I am heavier than I wanted to be. I still have some time to lose weight, but that’s not the point. I’m self-conscious because my ex-husband will see me as fat. It’s ridiculous that I should even let that thought in, but there it sits. Sue has known me through thick and thin since my older daughter started dating her older son. We talked about it as we bounced around in the water with our ample sixty-something tummies and laughed at how silly we can still be, even when we KNOW it doesn’t mean diddly squat what others (ESPECIALLY ex-husbands) think! We talked about dressing strategies and letting go of the rest.

\n

This has been an excellent week for me…just what I needed. A week of fun and sun, sand and surf, and lots of love. My best champions are with me this week and I feel surrounded by their love and care. As Ben & Sue head off to the airport tomorrow, Mr. FixIt and I will drive home to the Ponderosa for a few days of mowing before we pack up the new camper and head out on her maiden voyage to Indiana!

\n

My heart is so full! 

\n

❤️

\n
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”\n

Colossians 3:15 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2019-04-26T01:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/26/ohohobx.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/25/the-tourists.html", "title": "The Tourists", "content_html": "

\"OBX\" “A day in the life of an OBX tourist.”

\n

It is so much fun to see a place through new eyes. Although this is only my fourth trip to the OBX, I’ve seen all the sights multiple times. Sharing them with some of my Colorado family has been such a joy. 

\n

Yesterday, we took off a little earlier than usual, picked up a quick breakfast at McDonald’s, stopped to buy some cold medicine to keep me upright, and headed to the Elizabethan Gardens over on Roanoke Island. I think that is one of my very favorite places on the OBX. It’s only a mile around the gardens, but there is so much to see. It’s also interesting to compare one year to the next as far as the bloom. Last year we were at the peak of the camellia bloom and this year we were just past. Some of the trees had already lost all their blossoms. Many of the azaleas were just past their prime as well this year but there were a few rhododendron in full bloom which is such a treat. The gardens need about fifty more gardeners to clean up the winter detritus but other than that, it was gorgeous. And, it was a glorious day! About 78 degrees with a nice breeze off the sound. Such a treat!

\n

The next stop was the aquarium where we slowly browsed our way through, reading the information placards and taking photos. We especially enjoyed the Turtle Hospital and the educational area where we petted the sting rays. Afterwards, we stopped at High Cotton for ribs, collard greens, slaw, hush puppies, and sweet tea. My favorite place but yesterday wasn’t my favorite visit there. I’m going to chalk that up to having a cold and my tastebuds were off.

\n

After we returned to the condo and I took a quick nap, we high-tailed it over to the sound side to catch another beautiful sunset. Sitting on the deck of the Sunset Grille, a cold beverage in hand, my sweet man and two of my dearest friends in the world…it doesn’t get much better than this!

\n

❤️

\n
“He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns midnight into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land— the Lord is his name.”    Amos 5:8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-25T01:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/25/the-tourists.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/24/from-pancakes-to-ghost-crabs.html", "title": "From Pancakes to Ghost Crabs", "content_html": "

\"Ghost “Ghost crabs…creepy little monsters in the night”

\n

We started our day out on the perfect note with a plate of pancakes from Stack ’em High At Milepost 4.5. My only disappointment was Christina wasn’t there. She and her husband own the restaurant and I’ve come to look forward to visits with her as we munch on her fabulous pancakes!

\n

After breakfast, we took the guys over to buy bait and their fishing licenses. Then, we dropped them off at the condo to go fishing and us gals went shopping. The only thing we purchased was yarn for a baby blanket and headed back to the condo.

\n

By this time the guys were finished fishing and we ate taco salads out on the deck in near 80 degree weather. I took a nap…I’m kind of feeling like I have a cold coming on but it could be allergies. The day ended with a walk on the beach with flashlights looking for ghost crabs. 

\n

They are nearly transparent and range in size from little baby ones that aren’t an inch across to about 5 inches. It’s always really neat to go out on the beach at night and if it would have been a little warmer, we might have gotten our chairs out and sat out there to watch the stars. As it was too cool for star gazing, we went back to the condo and finishing watching Forrest Gump and then watched The Lake House. 

\n

It was another lovely day spent with special people.

\n

❤️

\n
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”    Proverbs 31:27 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-04-24T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/24/from-pancakes-to-ghost-crabs.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun","Peace","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/23/hatteras-national-seashore.html", "title": "Hatteras National Seashore", "content_html": "

\"Sunset “Sunset over Pemlico Sound”

\n

The only thing more fun than exploring a new area is showing it off to friends who’ve never been there. This is my fourth trip to the Outer Banks. Mr. FixIt is sixty-seven and has only missed one year coming here. Some years he came here multiple times. Suffice it to say…this is a favorite destination.

\n

We cooked a hearty breakfast yesterday and then headed out to explore. The first stop was the Wright Brothers National Monument. The new Visitor’s Center is open and very nice. We meandered through the exhibits and learned about the different phases of developing the first airplane. We saw the markers that indicated the length of the first few flights. The guys hiked up the mound to the monument and looked around.

\n

We stopped at both the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and explored. We found some really great pizza. We wandered around Hatteras Village and stopped for ice cream along the way back. We kept an eagle eye on the setting sun and slipped across to Pemlico Sound to an abandoned campground. We sat on old, weathered picnic tables and endured a swarm of gnats and the occasional mosquito in order to watch another beautiful Carolina sunset.

\n

We got back to the condo long after dark. We drove through a thickening sea mist that settled over the island and made the windshield kind of greasy looking. It was another beautiful day spent with loved ones. 

\n

❤️

\n
“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”    Genesis 1:21 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-23T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/23/hatteras-national-seashore.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/21/easter-sunday.html", "title": "Easter Sunday", "content_html": "

\"Curratuck “The sunset over the Curratuck Sound:

\n

I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older…or maybe it’s gaining a deeper connection to God…but Easter this year seems to have a much, much deeper meaning for me than ever before. I have a close church family relationship…probably for the first time in my life. And I have Mr. FixIt and my bonus family to go to church with. Whatever the reason, this Easter is completely different…personal.

\n

We arrived at the beach yesterday afternoon and did our obligatory stop at the grocery store. We weren’t at the condo more than half an hour when my son-in-law’s parents arrived. Oh, my…I love them dearly and was SO excited to see them. Ben & Sue are the salt of the earth. Good, hardworking people with great character and a terrific sense of humor. I’ve known them now since 1993 or so. I’ll tell you what…my daughter won the lottery when it comes to her husband and in-laws!

\n

Sue and I never really talked about faith much till the last couple of years and it has been wonderful to share that part of myself with her. We have a lot of wonderful discussions and I am so happy to have them here with us this week.

\n

We found a church right across the street that has an 11:00 service today so we won’t miss Easter.

\n

May you all have a blessed Easter! And for my Jewish family and friends…Happy Passover!

\n

❤️

\n
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ””    Luke 24:6-7 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-04-21T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/21/easter-sunday.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/05/the-third-generation.html", "title": "The Third Generation", "content_html": "

\"Small “Introducing TOW-Wanda III”

\n

I’ve spent a lot of time in my big camper so far this year. She has been my office and sanctuary where I sequester myself and write. And lately, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time thinking about how she came into my life. It was the year after Mr. Virgo died. I sold my house and traded in Little TOW-Wanda for TOW-Wanda Grande. She was fancy-schmancy, let me tell you. When things didn’t work out on the farm like I thought they would, I lit out with this behemoth and hauled her all over the country…writing about it all the way. I lived for months at a time on a hill overlooking the beautiful Ohio River. I camped in my son-in-law’s parents’ driveway in Denver and on my friend Sue’s property overlooking Mesa Verde. I towed her from South Dakota to South Carolina and all points in between. But to just hop in and take her camping spontaneously became a chore. A major chore. It was literally like pulling a house and I didn’t go camping nearly as often as I would have liked.

\n

I was visiting with my very wise and experienced friend, Janine Pettit of Girl Camper fame over the weekend in Huntington. I told her I was thinking of going out to get a bigger truck because my camper was just too beefy for her in the mountains. I loved her response. Simple, direct, and too the point.

\n

“Ginny, you don’t need a bigger truck. You need a smaller camper.”

\n

Stopped me cold. It had never seriously occurred to me to downsize the camper until that moment. Suddenly, it made perfect sense. As with all things, I talked to God about it. I told him I would be able to get out and reach more people if I wasn’t so bogged down with the big camper. I told him what I needed in a camper….a bathroom with a toilet and shower, a kitchen with a good sized fridge, a dinette, plenty of storage, and a comfy bed with windows like my first camper. I’ve always been so sorry I traded her in. If I would have known the thing with my aunt at the farm wasn’t going to work out, I never would have gotten such a big camper. That being said, I still wanted a camper with more than one bed. I also wanted a camper with fiberglass sides instead of that rippled aluminum. Those can get dented up so easily with hail and errant branches. Then, I just left it with God. If He wanted me to have a little camper again, He would bring her to me. I knew this…I felt it.

\n

Yesterday morning, I picked up my phone and I “accidentally” hit the FB Marketplace button and up popped the cutest little camper. I almost couldn’t believe it. I haven’t measured her yet but I think she is about 18’ long…exactly the size of Little TOW-Wanda. It has the fiberglass sides like I wanted. It has a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower. It has a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator/freezer, a double sink, a two-burner stove, and a microwave. It has a dinette that will turn down into a single bed. It has a double bed and a bunk bed over it…both with a memory foam mattresses. And, get this…it has the very same window configuration Little TOW-Wanda had. It is absolutely perfect and it cost 1/3 the price of a new one of comparable size with a better floor plan than any I’ve seen.

\n

I showed the picture of the camper to Mr. FixIt and told him I was going to text the owner. It had been on FB an hour. I was the first to contact the gal and I went to see the camper last night. I couldn’t believe it. It was exactly….EXACTLY…what I asked for! God is SO good! After carefully inspecting the camper, I told her I’d take it and gave her a little earnest money to hold it till she gets the title for me.

\n

I have been trying to think of a name. I was thinking I should call her Pollyanna. But that just doesn’t fit right. Here’s the thing. My main camper will always and forever be “TOW-Wanda”, no matter what she looks like. It’s how I take my mama with me. She would have loved traveling and having her little house with her. Therefore…meet “TOW-Wanda III”. 

\n

❤️

\n
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”    Proverbs 16:3 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-04-05T01:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/05/the-third-generation.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Courage","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/31/girl-campers.html", "title": "Girl Campers", "content_html": "

\"Campfire “Aren’t these the cutest little campfire cupcakes?”

\n

There is something so special about camping with a bunch of gals. You may not have met them yet, but they’re going to be your new BFF’s before the weekend is over. I’ve been involved with the whole camp-like-a-girl movement since Mr. Virgo died and I got my first camper. I was first introduced to Sisters on the Fly and along the way, I met and got to know Janine Pettit. 

\n

Janine has been a girl camper (little “g”) since she was a child and traveled with her parents on camping vacations. Along the way, Janine was asked to write a series on the GoRVing blog about amazing women campers. The RV industry recognized there was a whole demographic they weren’t serving well and Janine was just the person to bring on board to reach them. She’s personable, fun, and extremely knowledgeable about all things camping. 

\n

Almost four years ago now, Janine started the Girl Camper Podcast which has become an incredible resource for women hoping to get into camping but may not be sure where to start. You may recall I have been interviewed several times on Janine’s show and I am always honored to attend her events. I meet some of the most wonderful women.

\n

I went to Milton, West Virginia yesterday to visit with my tribe. Janine was in from New Jersey for a Camper College at Setzer’s RV in Huntington. Camper College is an event an RV Dealer sponsors with Janine and the gals get a couple of hours to ask questions and learn more about campers and their operation. Gail Bable is the Camp Host for Beaver Creek State Park in East Liverpool, Ohio and she is one of my home girls. 

\n

I love going to these events because you get to see gals you haven’t seen for a while and you always get to meet new people. I was standing in the kitchen visiting when Gail came up to me and drew my attention to the two women sitting on the sofa. 

\n

“Ginny, I overheard those two gals chatting. They are both widows.”

\n

I walked right over and sat with them. I could see they were emotional and wiping away tears.

\n

“What are we talking about, girls?”

\n

“Dead husbands, I’m afraid.”

\n

“Ahhhhh….yes. I have one of those. I’m Ginny McKinney. It’s so nice to meet you.”

\n

We sat and visited for a bit and exchanged info. One is a published author and the other is a blogger and about to head out full time in her new Little Guy Max camper. You never know who you might meet along the way and how you might be able to help each other.

\n

My good friend, Cherry, brought the cupcakes that look like little campfires. Aren’t they the cutest things??? Janine handed out some swag…collapsible fans, sunglasses, bottle openers. A good time was had by all and of course there was enough food there to feed a small army. I left after dinner to head back home so I could get up in time for church this morning. What a fun, fun weekend!

\n

If you haven’t followed Girl Camper yet, do head over to her Facebook page and her website. It’s such a loving, warm community of women.

\n

Girl Camper

\n

❤️

\n
“...a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.”    Proverbs 27:9 MSG
\n", "date_published": "2019-03-31T01:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/31/girl-campers.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/29/my-friends.html", "title": "My Friends", "content_html": "

\"Whitetail “The little whitetail deer of West Virginia are so delicate and fine boned compared to the larger mule deer of Colorado.”

\n

Thursday nights have been fun the last three weeks because I’ve spent the evening at the local pizza shop…munching on yummy pizza and people watching. Last night, my friend Charlotte came to have dinner with me and catch up. Charlotte and her husband, my second cousin Rick, are the couple that took my farm cats down to their barn to live. She says they are doing really well. As a matter of fact, four or five beautiful ducks showed up recently and have taken up residence with the cats and a plethora of roosters. A lot of times, people end up with more roosters than they need to get the job done and they end up down at Charlotte’s barn. She has quite a menagerie now. Next week, my small group meetings begin for our Spring session so I won’t be hanging out at the pizza joint for a while.

\n

The other night, I came out to the camper with Mr. FixIt’s headlamp on my head. As I was unlocking the door, something caught my attention and I turned to my left. The light swept across the big field and it looked like the lions of the Serengeti out there. Nothing but eyes shining back at me from just above the grass level. There must have been a dozen deer bedded down out there and at first, it was downright spooky till I figured out what they were.

\n

We don’t have any new babies yet. It won’t be long before we see little spotted fawns gamboling about in the fields of The Ponderosa. Once in a while, we sleep out in the camper now that the weather is getting warmer. When Mr. FixIt joined me the other evening, a huge possum was standing just outside the camper and about scared the stink out of him. The furnace was running and I had the music on so I didn’t hear him yelling. 

\n

I haven’t smelled any skunks out yet. The birds are starting to nest in the eaves. We have had a problem with swallows nesting in the chimney so we need to get it covered before too long or they’ll be back. I noticed the mockingbird was back this week. It sits on the old TV antenna above our bedroom window, its distinctive call sounding like a multitude of birds. I’m waiting to hear the whip-poor-wills and the owls.

\n

Tonight is the women’s conference at my church and I’m really looking forward to going with my bonus girls. Afterward, I’m headed to the Girl Camper weekend and the Camper College near Huntington. A fun girl’s weekend!

\n

Mr. FixIt is making great progress on the master bath now and the flooring is about to go down. He did a wonderful job on the drywall. That is something I never did in all of my renovation projects. It’s hard to handle a full sheet of drywall by yourself. Fortunately, he only had to patch a few places. Hopefully we get this project done soon as there are many more in the lineup and the weather is getting nicer every day. We are about to head into our warmest week yet and it’s none too soon!

\n

Happy Friday, everyone. I hope you are going to go out and enjoy this beautiful spring weather in your neck of the woods! 

\n

❤️

\n
““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”    Job 12:7-10 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2019-03-29T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/29/my-friends.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","Peace","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/09/spring-ahead.html", "title": "Spring Ahead", "content_html": "

\"Daylight “Daylight Savings Time begins at 2:00am tomorrow!”

\n

I sat down yesterday to browse my calendar when it struck me…it’s, like…MARCH! Not only that, it’s over a week into it already. This winter was SO much easier to take so I have to think about what I’ve done differently and do it again next year.

\n

We kept the tree up. Ok…it’s STILL up. It’s not decorated but no one who comes out our road and sees the white lights twinkling through the window really knows that. I love the white lights. They make me happy and if that’s all it takes, then I’ll leave the darned tree up all year round! Ok. I’m not going that far. Maybe it should come down tomorrow. After all, tomorrow night when we go to bed, we turn the clocks forward and Daylight Savings Time begins. I think that should be the new benchmark…the tree goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving and comes down when we spring forward!

\n

I spent the entire month of February out in TOW-Wanda. You have no idea what that did for me. My mood stayed up and I felt like I was camping, even though I was out in the field and didn’t actually sleep in the camper. So, I guess this means I have to write a book every February from now on. That works for me!

\n

The writing itself kept my mind occupied and off the fact that we were in that long, dreary stretch of wasteland called winter. I poured myself into my book and before I knew it, 75,000+ words had poured out of my fingers.

\n

We planned and executed projects around the house. Having goals helped make the time pass more quickly.

\n

All of these things kept me looking forward and boosted my spirits. I took breaks away and spent time at the farm which is always my happy place and helped immensely. We have a lot of fun things planned in the coming months. There’s going to be camping trips and gatherings with my friends. My niece is graduating from college in Indiana. We’re going to meet my son-in-law’s parents at our time share in the Outer Banks. We’re going to fit a trip to Florida in there somewhere. We have friends in South Carolina and Tennessee that we want to see. My daughter is getting married in August in Colorado. And we have a new great grandchild coming around the time we get back from the wedding. 

\n

It is going to be a fun and busy summer and those are the months I want time to slow down to a crawl!

\n

Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead tonight when you go to bed. We’re heading into spring time!!!! ❤️

\n
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”    Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
\n \n", "date_published": "2019-03-09T02:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/09/spring-ahead.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/16/little-vintage-campers.html", "title": "Little Vintage Campers", "content_html": "

\"Little “Little vintage campers…how many people were IN this thing?”

\n

Yesterday, Mr. FixIt and I were having breakfast when he picked up his phone to show me something. He watches Facebook Marketplace closely because, you know, you never know when you might need one more thing, right? Anyway, there was an ad in there for a 1969 Shasta Compact camper. Swoon! Anyone who knows anything about campers knows Shasta is kind of a status symbol for campers. This particular one was being converted into a food trailer, but it’s too small for the job so the people are trying to unload it. It’s gutted already, no leaks, towable, new tires, and only $500. Not bad.

\n

We contacted the gal and as one might imagine, she already has people coming to look at it, so the chance of me even getting to see it are pretty slim. And, like I need another project! Anyway, if I get to see it, I’ll take pics and show you.

\n

Thinking about tiny little campers got me to looking at vintage camping art and photos. Look at this tiny little camper. Now, look at how many people there are camping. Wow! It’s like one of those clown cars where clowns keep coming out one after another! Cars were a lot heavier and more powerful back then so you would see the family car pulling a really big trailer. Do you remember the movie Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz made called The Long, Long, Long Trailer? It was huge but they pulled it with a convertible!

\n

I never camped as a kid, but I remember going over to a friend’s house and they had a camper. Us kids were allowed to go in it and use it like a playhouse. I remember being absolutely mesmerized by it and I wanted one in the worst way. I was always married to non-campers till Mr. FixIt came along. Now we have four campers between us and I am preparing to convert an old minivan into a mini campervan. Oh yeah…I REALLY need another camper! ?‍♀️

\n

❤️

\n
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'”\n

Luke 14:28-30 ESV

\n", "date_published": "2019-01-16T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/16/little-vintage-campers.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Love","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/23/flexible-is-my-middle-name.html", "title": "Flexible is My Middle Name", "content_html": "

\"WV “Thanksgiving Sunset on North Mountain”

\n

The first change in holiday plans came when my cousin’s mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital and we decided to stay home Wednesday night and leave yesterday morning. Then, when we got there, we found out my elderly aunt fell this week and was too banged up for her brother to bring her for dinner. So, Mr. FixIt and I packed up some food and headed for a visit with them. 

\n

As we were driving, I suggested we go back home after dinner instead of staying the night. We have fourteen for dinner tomorrow and there is much to be done. We returned to my cousin’s to eat and then headed home. It’s hunting season in West Virginia and the deer are all stirred up. We nearly hit six deer in the first ten miles. We arrived home, safe and sound. Fourteen hour round trip but OH so worth it!

\n

The uncle we visited is the one whose wife died the day after our wedding. I’ve been worried about him because he and my aunt were inseparable since they were in high school. He still has my elderly aunt living with him but right now he’s doing much better because he is getting some regular sleep. 

\n

Sometimes, after being the long term caregiver for a dying spouse…there can be almost a sense of relief. Not that the loved one is gone, but that the suffering has ended. Fast on the heels of that can come guilt. You know you did everything you could while your person was here. You know you were at the end of your rope. But, you can easily punish yourself for feeling relieved that you can eat and sleep and rest. Once your mind goes into guilt mode, it’s easy to start finding other things to feel guilty about. Those times you lost your patience. Those times you said or did things you regret. It’s easy to beat yourself up about that because you KNOW you aren’t glad they’re gone. You just needed the pain to stop. For them, and for you. 

\n

This doesn’t happen with everyone, but it happens more often than you think. And it’s hard to admit. Being a long term caregiver is not something I have gone through personally, but I’ve been around enough close family members to see how difficult it is. My point is, if you experience a sense of relief, please don’t beat yourself up. You’ve done a long, stressful, most difficult thing easing a loved one through their final journey. Be gentle with yourself. ❤️

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”\n

Romans 8:28 NIV

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\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/2018/11/05/home-again-home-again.html", "title": "Home Again, Home Again...", "content_html": "

\"Road “Riding shotgun gives me beautiful views as well as time to knit.”

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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.

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\"Hand “Knitting socks as we drove through the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains.”

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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.

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I had been texting with the friend we were with when they hit the deer last week. She texted, “Don’t hit any deer!” I hadn’t even looked up from my phone when Mr. FixIt hit the brakes and swerved. I heard a tiny thump but we didn’t run over anything. He said a deer was just starting to cross the road and he though he had just grazed her. We pulled over where there was adequate light and there was no damage whatsoever.

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As we headed out our road, someone flashed their lights to warn us of something ahead. There was another deer…hit and injured, but not dead. That’s the worst because I hate to see them suffer. I did not take my pistol with me on this trip so there was no putting her out of her misery. I needed to get her off the road to prevent an accident. I pulled her by her front legs and she bleated like a lamb. I’ve never heard a deer make that sound. It just broke my heart. I called 911 and they said they would send someone out to see what they could do for her.

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I am grateful we made it home safe and sound. Thank you, God! Now, life will get back to normal, right? (Insert laugh track here!) ❤️

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““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”  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 “Sweet little Argosy!”

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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.

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\"Cape “Cape Hatteras Lighthouse”

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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.

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\"Yarn\" “Is there such a thing as TOO MUCH YARN?”

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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!

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\"Cape “Cape Hatteras Lighthouse”

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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.

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\"Sunset “Sunset on the trees.”

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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!)

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The 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! ❤️

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“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/2018/11/03/adding-to-my-yarn-stash.html", "title": "Adding to My Yarn Stash!", "content_html": "

\"Yarn “Yarn is one thing I am willing to accumulate. I love knitting socks as gifts and the Lord loves a cheerful giver!”

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There are very few things I will buy anymore. Besides food and the occasional piece of clothing, I just do not shop like I used to. Working so hard at downsizing, and going through the emotional roller coaster that caused, keeps me from accumulating too much. One place I do add is yarn for socks.

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Once I closed my needlework shop in 2006, I really didn’t do any stitching or knitting. I burned out on fiber arts because it became “work” for me. It wasn’t fun anymore. Then, after losing Mr. Virgo, I just couldn’t concentrate enough to focus on anything as intricate as a pattern. I couldn’t even read a book. My creativity had suffered a fatal blow when grief took over my brain.

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When we were down here at the Outer Banks last spring, I went into a wonderful yarn shop in Kitty Hawk called Knitting Addiction. ( knittingaddiction.com ) I explained that I hadn’t knitted in a long time but that I had made socks before. I really enjoy them because they are a fairly quick project I can work on while we travel. It’s easy to knit on them in the warm months of the year because they are small and you don’t get overheated. And, they look pretty darned impressive when you are finished. They make a nice gift, too. 

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I was really excited when they predicted rain for yesterday because I told Mr. FixIt the first rainy day of this trip would be our exploration day. Our first stop was Stack ‘em High…our favorite pancake place down here. As soon as we were adequately stuffed, we headed to our favorite antique store and browsed around. Again, I like to look…not buy. Unless it’s a good bargain on a quilt. That I will usually spring for. I love quilts.

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When we finished at the antique store, we headed straight to Knitting Addiction. Mr. FixIt has learned to leave me to my own devices in a yarn shop because I love to walk around and feel the yarns, examine the contents, browse the patterns, and see what kind of new fibers and colors are available. I was happy as a clam. I chose several skeins and had a lovely chat with the shop owner. It pleased me to see her doing well after suffering a couple of big losses last year. Her partner and her beloved dog both passed. She had a new rescue dog…a sweet but slightly skittish mutt named Carolina Jane. Carolina came from an abusive home so she is quite leery of humans…especially men. This is her forever home and she is blossoming from all the love that is being showered on her every day.

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There was a second yarn shop I didn’t know about further down the island, but the selection was much smaller. There was the addition of some cross stitch patterns featuring local attractions like lighthouses, but for some unexplainable reason, one corner was filled with kitchen stuff. I did buy two skeins of sock yarn there, as well. 

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I’m pretty much set for knitting material for the winter now. I wish I could knit really fast and get a bunch of socks made by Christmas, but I don’t see that happening. I love giving them away as gifts because they are always appreciated.

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Today is our last full day at the beach. We usually drive home all in one day when we head back. It will be raining again today so we are heading to a lighthouse down the island from here. Mr. FixIt’s son-in-law passed away a year ago June and his ashes have been spread at the beach down there. We are going to pay our respects. Mr. FixIt is really good about visiting with people who have died so he will introduce me to George today. Then we will come back and start packing so we can get an early start tomorrow. The week flies way too fast when you come to the beach. 

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Oh, and don’t forget to set your clocks back tonight! If not, you’re going to be sitting in the parking lot at the church for an hour in the morning. ❤️

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“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-03T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/03/adding-to-my-yarn-stash.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Downsizing","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/02/the-three-cschickens-coffee-clouds.html", "title": "The Three C’s...Chickens, Coffee, \u0026 Clouds", "content_html": "

\"Chicken\" “What honeymoon is complete without chickens?!”

\n

Ok, just when I think the days couldn’t be more perfect here on the OBX, along came an even MORE perfect one. Yesterday’s temperature climbed up into the 70’s! Oh, rest my heart. We had another lazy morning with bacon and eggs. I took my coffee out on the deck and lounged in the morning sunshine. Midday, Mr. FixIt suggested we go for a long walk on the beach. I’m ALWAYS game for more beach time!

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As we left the house, “Henrietta” here came to see if we had any chicken treats. She and her two companions live at the house next door and they roam around the neighborhood. They come running when they hear the rustling of a bag! Mr. FixIt just happened to have peanuts in his pocket and they were a huge hit with our little feathered friend. 

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\"Coffee “Coffee in the morning sun.”

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Mr. FixIt didn’t fish yesterday so there was no lugging of chairs and poles and tackle in a rolling cart to the beach. Instead, we took a blanket to sit on. We walked a long way. (Much longer than that health app said, I’m sure.) We talked to other fishers to see if they were having any luck. They were about like us. A few here and there. But there was general consensus that fishing on the OBX…even when the fish aren’t biting…beats the heck out of working. Amen!

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We went north on the beach yesterday so we could spread out our blanket and watch the surfers. There were four adolescent boys in wetsuits out trying to outdo each other. One was obviously more experienced than the others and he made it look so easy. There was one younger boy who really struggled and we were somewhat concerned for him Mr. FixIt said it looked like maybe he had succumbed to some peer pressure. We kept an eye on the young man and eventually he made it back to the beach.

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\"Autumn “Autumn sky over the OBX”

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It was siesta time when we got back. I made hot chicken sandwiches and potato salad for supper. A few hands of rummy and it was time to write while Mr. FixIt watched some television. When we went out on the deck at sundown, he wrapped his arms around me as the salty breeze whipped through our hair.

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“This is the best honeymoon. It was the best wedding. It is the best life!” 

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I sighed and leaned against him. 

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Amen, my love. Amen! ❤️

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“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2018-11-02T01:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/02/the-three-cschickens-coffee-clouds.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Love"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/01/this-is-how-we-honeymoon.html", "title": "This is How We Honeymoon", "content_html": "

\"Kiteboarders “Got to the sound just in time to catch the kiteboarders framed by the sunset!”

\n

Yesterday was so wonderful! After a nice breakfast, we headed out to the beach. It was in the low 60’s but the wind didn’t pick up till around 3:30 or 4:00. Mr. FixIt fished all afternoon while I finished knitting a pair of socks. He only caught two little sheepshead…a perch-like fish. We didn’t learn until later that they have teeth that look human! Darn…maybe we’ll catch another one today!

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When we came in from the beach, I made a pot of spaghetti with sauce and garlic bread. There will be plenty of time to watch our diet when we get home. This is our honeymoon! After dinner, we chased the sunset and found a little cove on the sound where we could park and watch the kite boarders. There were four of them circling around and around as a photographer worked from the water. They were all wearing wetsuits because the water is getting pretty cool. The sunset was spectacular with the kites flying in the foreground. 

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Afterwards, we enjoyed an ice cream cone.

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Yes…the Outer Banks is great! I think we’ll just stay on a permanent honeymoon! ❤️

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“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.

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1 Peter 1:22 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-11-01T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/01/this-is-how-we-honeymoon.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/29/the-beginnings-of-a-new.html", "title": "The Beginnings of a New Life", "content_html": "

\"Shadows “Shadows on the seashore!”

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Yesterday was a MUCH better driving day. It was sunny and the temperature was in the low 60’s. There were big, puffy white clouds till we got near the coast. Then the sky was a wide open expanse of clear blue. There was a little breeze but it was truly lovely. The colors were nice on the way down. What traffic we encountered was quite manageable. 

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We stopped at the Walmart as soon as we got on the island then drove the hour south to Waves, NC. We checked in then found our rental house. It took many trips to get everything upstairs. Once we had everything unloaded and put away, I made a cold supper of sandwiches and potato salad. We went for a long walk on the beach and hoped for a pretty sunset. But, it isn’t dramatic when there are no clouds. 

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The rental house is huge! Far bigger than two people need. But Mr. FixIt is an excellent deal finder and the house is less per week than most hotels. You can see both the ocean and the sound from the deck. And there are no kids running up and down the halls, slamming doors, stomping feet upstairs, or toilets flushing all night. This time of year is very peaceful and quiet here on Hatteras Island. Being the brilliant man that he is, Mr. FixIt purchased the trip insurance offer at the time of reservation in case of a hurricane. I told him as long as we had it, we were sure to not need it…but, if we didn’t? Who knows?

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I am so blessed to have this week in such a beautiful place with such a wonderful person. My cup runneth over. ❤️

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“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.”  Romans 8:28 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-29T01:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/29/the-beginnings-of-a-new.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/28/trick-or-treat.html", "title": "Trick or Treat!", "content_html": "

\"Jack-o-Lantern\" “Trick or Treat…I’m writing!”

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Ok, I’m writing on my honeymoon. There is a reason other than I am absolutely addicted to writing. I was worried that not producing an essay every day as I usually do would cause Facebook’s algorithms to kick in and negatively affect my circulation. And it did. I went from being sent to nearly 2,000 pages to less than 500 in only three days. I have worked so hard to keep my statistics up so that my social media platform is appealing to a publisher. I really can’t let those algorithms tank all the hard work I’ve put in over the last five years.

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That being said, we’re only three days into the honeymoon and SO much has happened I just HAD to write. It’s like calling your best friend and filling them in!

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The first day, we met up with our friends, Dianne and Bobby. They followed us to Morgantown and, even though it was 42 degrees, we had a blast watching the Mountaineers trounce Baylor, 58 to 14! There was a tragedy at the game, however. During the first quarter, a 49-year-old fan got into a verbal altercation with some people sitting near him. Then, for some unknown reason, he ran to the top of the stadium, climbed the wall, and purposefully jumped over the top falling 60-70 feet to the cement walkway below. At this time, I believe he is still in ICU. It is an absolute miracle that he survived the fall. 

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We rode to the game from the hotel in our friend’s car. Parking is hard to come by on game day and the people who live near the stadium turn their front yards into impromptu parking lots. At $20 a car, some of them are making $200-400 per home game…football AND basketball. Not a bad side job! We parked in this nice lady’s yard and STILL walked over half a mile to the stadium.

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On our way back to the hotel, traffic was terrible and it took well over an hour to get back to the highway. I-69 is crazy and people drive bumper to bumper, three lanes across, at 65-70mph. My heart was in my throat as I sat in the back seat with Dianne. All of a sudden, I heard Bobby yell, “Deer!” I looked over his shoulder in time to see a buck spinning in the roadway directly in front of us and he had no choice but to run right over it. They have a Dodge that sits low to the ground and the impact ripped both the front and back bumpers and a plastic splash guard from underneath that was dragging. We made it back to the hotel and the guys went out and ripped off the broken piece that was dragging. At this point, all the restaurants were closed so we went to a 24-hour WalMart and bought some food, came back the hotel, and ate. We didn’t get to sleep till 2:30 in the morning. Thank you, God…for seeing us safely through such challenges!

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Friday morning dawned with a chilly, gray sky and light rain. We headed out around 11:00. Our first destination was Colonial Williamsburg. We programmed in the address of the hotel we found…an old Howard Johnson that was clean, safe, quiet, and CHEAP! It was only $59.99 a night…unheard of in that area. Mr. FixIt had mapped out a route that would get us to Williamsburg in about five-and-a-half hours, avoiding DC like the plague. Now, here’s where we both made a tactical error. I programmed in the address of the hotel, and neither of us double-checked the route against an atlas…something we ALWAYS would have done. But, it was our honeymoon and we were busy laughing and talking and telling stories. Before we knew it, traffic was getting really heavy and we took a closer look at where we were. Yup. Washington, DC. Friday night. Rush hour. Only…NOW we were in the middle of a nor’easter and it was getting dark. A trip that should have taken just over five hours ended up taking nearly eleven. We were absolutely fried by the time we got to the hotel.

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Yesterday, we slept in then headed to the breakfast place we went to in the spring when we were on our way home from the beach…Capital Pancakes. It was still good. But not AS good as we remembered it. Then we headed to Colonial Williamsburg and walked a good four miles touring the historic buildings and gardens on the sprawling grounds. This weekend they expected five thousand kids last night and another five thousand tonight…along with their parents…for a big costume parade, Trick or Treating, and live music. The decorations were great fun and the kids were all SO cute dressed in their costumes. 

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We stopped at a deli on the way home to a so-so meal and vegged out all evening. Today we head to the BEACH!

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So, ok…you’re coming along. A little. I’ve got to keep up those numbers…and I can’t NOT WRITE! It’s part of who I am now. We are having fun, but we’ll be especially glad to get to the beach house and just chill out for a week. Hope you hare having a great weekend! ❤️

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“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  Psalm 4:8 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-10-28T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/28/trick-or-treat.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/17/country-living-fair-thats-a.html", "title": "Country Living Fair - That’s a Wrap!", "content_html": "

\"Little “The Little Guy Mini Max by Liberty Outdoors.”

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“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  Hebrews 6:10 NIV
\nOMGosh! You all...this was SUCH a fun weekend but incredibly hot and I’m fried in more ways than one. I didn’t go out in the sun at all without an umbrella. I forgot sunscreen, and even with the umbrella, I got a sunburn on my arms. You’d think I’d learn by now, wouldn’t you?\n

The hardest thing about the last day of the fair is…you can’t even begin to start breaking anything down until 5:00. Then, you have to get a pass to bring your vehicle into the area to load up. If you didn’t have some organization, with all these vendors…it would be total chaos. I have to tell you, they do have this thing down to a science and it all runs very smoothly. Gail got her van packed up first, and since it was its OWN vehicle, she got out first. Then came getting Janine’s truck in, packed up, and hook up her trailer. Last, I dragged my little wagon out to the parking lot where my truck was parked, unloaded everything into the back, and headed to the campground. The girls decided to head on home and not camp…which I totally understand. I had already paid for my campsite, and I was exhausted. So, this morning when you read this…I’m sleeping in!

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Here’s a picture of Janine’s little camper by Liberty Outdoors. It’s a Little Guy Mini Max. It weighs only 2000 pounds and has absolutely everything in it you could want…potty, shower, two-burner propane cooktop, microwave, a big refrigerator/freezer with a refrigerated wine drawer, a deep sink, hot and cold running water, AC, furnace, plenty of storage, TV, and 200 watt solar panels on the roof. Janine has it configured with a twin bed, but you can pull it out into a queen. In the low $20,000’s.Not bad for a new 2019. Very well built with quality materials.

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\"Will “Will Moses…great-grandson of Grandma Moses.”

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The second picture is Will Moses. He is the great-grandson of Grandma Moses. He was there with his art…done in the style of his famous great-grandmother. He says he remembers her…he was five years old when she died.

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And with that…I’m heading to bed. I had WAY too much fun in the sun the last three days. But I’ll drift off with a smile remembering all the really nice people I met and talked with.

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Have a great Monday! ❤️

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\n", "date_published": "2018-09-17T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/17/country-living-fair-thats-a.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/16/country-living-fair-day-fun.html", "title": "Country Living Fair - Day 2 (Fun, Friends, and Fair Food!)", "content_html": "

\"Two “Fellow Rancher, Ruth Ann, came by to see me today at Country Living Fair! What a treat!”

\n
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”  Ecclesiastes 9:7 NIV
\nYou know what? One of the sweetest things that ever happens to me at one of these events is when one of my readers steps up to me and says...”I love your blog! I’ve been reading it for a long time.” My heart melts and I just want to give them a great big hug! It happened twice yesterday! First, Ruth Ann came all the way from Cincinnati. She was so gracious and I was so happy to meet her. Then, Beth stopped by to say hello. She follows Janine’s podcast and learned about Marshmallow Ranch from my interview on Episode #5. What a sweetie. She’s young and looking forward to camping in her own trailer someday. \n

\"Two “Fellow Rancher, Beth, came to see me at Country Living Fair. It’s such an honor to meet my readers!”

\n

It was another scorcher yesterday. The truck said 93 degrees at 5:00 when I got in to head back to the campground. I got a little sunburned this time. Janine and I were sitting outside her little camper when Mary and her friend Amy stopped to visit. Over an hour later, we were exchanging e-mail addresses with promises to keep in touch. You know…sometimes you just meet someone and you know there’s a reason you’re supposed to keep in touch. That was the case with these two. 

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\"Girl “Mary and Amy listening to Janine talk about the joys of Girl Camping.”

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We had an extra person with us yesterday so we got to take little breaks and walk around more. I explored the near side of the fair. I bought this cute little striped dress I’m wearing in the pictures. It was pretty comfy. Then I headed to the food court to get my supper. I had an organic, grass fed beef cheeseburger, an ear of roasted corn, and a small scoop of Buckeye Bash iced cream. Lunch was a corn cake with pulled pork, slaw, and roasted corn relish with a drizzle of BBQ sauce. OMGosh…what a treat!

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\"Roasted “Fair Food…Roasted Corn!”

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Fun, friends and fair food. Lots of sunshine. Awesome art, antiques, clothing, and crafts. And visits with Ranchers! What a great day!!!

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Don’t forget to go to my webpage and register your name and e-mail address in the “Become a Rancher” box for a chance to win that WAY cool yurt tent!!! The drawing is Tuesday!!! (If you have already registered your name and e-mail before, you’re automatically entered!) ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-09-16T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/16/country-living-fair-day-fun.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/15/country-living-fair-day.html", "title": "Country Living Fair - Day 1", "content_html": "

\"Shiny “Freckles has the cutest little camper as a prop in their booth.”

\n
“You prepare a table before me...”  Psalm 23:5 NIV
\nOMGosh! It was SO hot yesterday at the fair. The ground was saturated from the storms last weekend and with the heat baking down on all that damp earth, it was like sitting in a sauna. Fortunately, we had an EZUp and battery powered fans, and there was a bit of a breeze most of the day. If I walked around anywhere, I used an umbrella and a wide brimmed hat and that helped a lot.\n

\"Country “Fun fencing surrounding a booth full of baskets and pumpkins.”

\n

The fair didn’t seem quite as busy the first day as it has in years past. Some vendors attributed that to the heat. Others to the fact they added a spring Country Living Fair in Columbus this year. They were worried maybe that kind of divided our audience. I do know the booth rent is pretty steep for an event like this so I hope the vendors do well and the show continues to be a success.

\n

\"Light “LOVED this light fixture made from an old pulley and Edison-style bulbs.”

\n

We each took turns wandering around the booths yesterday. We also had our favorite food vendors staked out. For breakfast, there was Miss Perolee’s Blackberry Cobbler and lunch was from Sweet Carrots…baked Mac ‘n Cheese with Pulled Pork on top drizzled with a little Smoky BBQ Sauce. Yummmm!

\n

\"Porch “Nothing more cozy than a chippy-white porch swing filled with pillows made from vintage quilts.”

\n

Here are some of my favorite items from my meandering. I only covered half the fair. It’s all a bit overwhelming. It would truly take three days to walk through and see everything…hence, it is a three day festival. But, when you are working the fair, you don’t have that kind of time. I really enjoy visiting with the people who stop to see the campers. Our glamped up tent was a big hit! I’ll walk the other half tomorrow and get more pictures. It’s supposed to be another hot one but we have an extra person helping tomorrow. Let’s hope it’s really busy! Come see us!

\n

\"Crocks\" “Crocks are some of my favorite collectibles, although I prefer blue ones. I haven’t found any…yet!”

\n

\"Pillows\" “A row of bold red plaid pillows make a striking display at Country Living Fair.”

\n

\"Signs\" “Signs are always sought-after decorator items at these fairs.”

\n

\"Country “Different textures and materials add visual interest to this display.”

\n

\"Scrub “There’s something lovely about worn utilitarian objects that both evoke simpler times, yet remind us how much easier life is with modern conveniences.”

\n

\"pressboard “I remember these pressboard cutouts from elementary school.”

\n

❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-09-15T01:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/15/country-living-fair-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Fun","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/14/country-living-fair.html", "title": "Country Living Fair", "content_html": "

\"Fun “You don’t have to have an expensive camper and tow vehicle to go camping! Come see us at the Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH this weekend…we’ll show you how to camp like a girl!”

\n
“The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents.”  Genesis 25:27 NIV
\nIt’s here! My favorite event of the year. I’m here to lend a hand to Janine Pettit...Girl Camper Podcaster and Blogger and all around great camper gal and Gail Bable, my dear friend who is the camp host at Beaver Creek State Park. We headed to the fairgrounds bright and early yesterday morning. Well, ok...not TOO bright and early. We had to sit in TOW-Wanda and gather our wits about us while we had our morning hot beverages and cinnamon rolls! The camp host here at the fairgrounds woke me up WAY too early to register and pay so if you’re up anyway...it’s time for coffee!\n

You can see in this photo of TOW-Wanda…I got a primo campsite under the only tree in the place! You can’t see beyond us, but there’s another huge campground and beyond that are the railroad tracks. Between the trains and the flight path out of the Columbus airport and all the sirens…it’s a pretty noisy place. But I just popped in my earplugs and slept like a baby! 

\n

\"Camping\" “My friend Gail brought her vintage 1990 Ford Econoline 250 camper van to show at Country Living Fair this weekend. There’s TOW-Wanda…stocked and ready to give us a cool respite in the heat of the day.”

\n

Gail brought her vintage 1990 Ford Econoline 259 camper van to dress up and show at the fair this year. Janine has her Little Guy Mini Max with her. (Photos tomorrow!) TOW-Wanda is staying here at the campground as a staging area for cooling off and napping.

\n

Center stage at this year’s Girl Camper display is “Champ”…Janine’s WAY cool new tent made by Stout Tents. A lot of gals follow the Girl Campers, Sisters on the Fly, and other women’s camping pages and they want to join in the fun but don’t have a camper. We wanted to demonstrate this year that you don’t have to have a huge investment in something as expensive as a camper to go out and have fun with the gals. This tent can not only serve as your single source of camp lodging…but, it can also become your “guest bedroom”. Janine loves camping in her little camper, but sometimes she wants to take some friends along and there’s just not enough room in her trailer. Voila! Champ becomes that second bedroom big enough to put at least three cots in. At 13’ across, you could sleep 5-6 in sleeping bags. That would make for a fun slumber party, wouldn’t it?

\n

\"Setting “Setting up the new Stout Tent at Country Living Fair. Janine pounds in the ground stakes while I pull the guy wires taut.”

\n

We spent the day in wilting heat, decorating this little tent with some wonderful old wool blankets and afghans, pillows, and vintage camping gear from Janine’s vast personal collection. She has her own She-Shed devoted entirely to the vintage finds she has gathered over the years. It was fun watching the grounds fill up with some of the COOLEST stuff around. I can’t wait till we get to take our little breaks and walk around to see all the booths. It’s literally like walking into the pages of a Country Living Magazine. If you ever get the opportunity, you really should go. And, if you happen to be in the Columbus area this weekend, come and see us!!! ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-09-14T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/14/country-living-fair.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Comfort","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/13/road-trip-fall.html", "title": "Road Trip #2 - Fall 2018", "content_html": "

\"Hurricane “I’m on a road trip…but nothing like this!!!”

\n
“Get ready; be prepared! ...”  Ezekiel 38:7 NLT
\nThis is a picture of a “traffic jam”. It was billed as the hurricane evacuation for Florence, but I’ve since learned it’s “fake news”. I don’t know if it’s LA at rush hour or a real hurricane evacuation or totally made up in photo shop, but I imagine they all look the same.\n

People are fleeing Hurricane Florence by the droves and the looks of this mess horrifies me. There has to be a better way to mass evacuate people other than sitting in parking lots on the freeway. This is dangerous on so many levels. My prayers are with all those who are in the line of the storm.

\n

My road trip yesterday was nothing like this! I started my day off with a followup appointment with one of the specialists I was referred to and I am so pleased to say the biopsies were benign. I am blessed again! Of all the tests and procedures I’ve had done since June, there were only a couple of things found and they can be treated with medication, diet, exercise, and a little weight loss. So, my road trip started out on the right foot!

\n

I haven’t pulled TOW-Wanda since April when I went to Beaver Creek State Park for Spring What a Hoot. When I got her home, one of the hubs was hotter than the others and I was worried there might be something wrong with the bearings on that wheel. With all the medical issues I’ve had  this summer, I never got around to hoisting her up on a jack and having a look at that bearing. I knew I couldn’t take her last weekend to Beaver Creek because there is a really steep hill up to the campground and my truck just doesn’t have the power to pull her up there. Mr. FixIt’s truck has a recall on the frame so it couldn’t be trusted. That’s why I borrowed my friend’s Avion. 

\n

You know how sometimes you have a problem and you have to puzzle over it for a while before you see the solution? Well, on each wheel, there is a hub cover that protects the grease fitting for the hub. A few years ago, I had a blowout and when AAA changed the tire, they didn’t put the hub cover back. That was a blessing in disguise because when Mr. FixIt and I were driving through Indiana last summer, that is the hub that blew. If that cap would have been on there, we wouldn’t have seen it and there could have been a terrible accident if the wheel froze or worse yet…flew off while driving on the highway. We tried to jack up the camper Tuesday night but the jack wasn’t strong enough. I decided to stop at Walmart and have them take those covers off so I could get in there and grease the bearings. While we were standing there telling the guy what we needed, Mr. FixIt and I looked at each other and had an A-HA moment. Turns out, the end of those little hub covers pop right off with a screw driver so you can easily grease your hubs. A little pump of grease before you head out on a trip will really protect your hubs from overheating. Unfortunately, these are not things they teach you when you go over your camper at the dealer. They don’t necessarily want you doing maintenance…they want you to bring the camper to them. That doesn’t always work out when you travel as much as I have in this camper in the last four years.

\n

Once we added the grease to the hub, I was off on my next adventure. I stopped twice and checked the temperature of the hubs with a digital infrared thermometer with a laser target. Three hubs were 95 degrees and the worrisome hub was only 105. Not enough to worry about, but I’ll keep an eye on it. While I was down under the camper, I did notice a wired bundle that somehow dropped down and was mangled by the wheel. After carefully tracing it, it turned out to be the cable/antenna and I don’t use that, so it’s tucked up away until I can get it fixed some time in the future.

\n

So, my friends and I are here at the campground. I spend a few hours cleaning and organizing the camper and now it is fresh and tidy. I am leaving it in the campground during the duration of the fair because it’s a nice oasis for breaks and lunch. I have the ice machine hooked up that I bought on sale at the end of the season last year. There’s a flat of water bottles in the fridge and freezer. And the AC is working well. There’s a nice shower waiting for anyone who might need it. Today we will set up the Girl Camper display. This is the most fun part! Decorating and letting other women see what fun camping can be. This will be my sixth Country Living Fair. I can’t wait to share all the photos with you! ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-09-13T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/13/road-trip-fall.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Growth","goRVing","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/10/knowing-when-to-quit.html", "title": "Knowing When to Quit", "content_html": "

\"Rain “Rain, rain, go away…we still camped and had fun!”

\n
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”  1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV
\nI had an absolute blast this week camping with the Girl Campers! Even when it started raining and didn’t quit. Even when I got cold and wet and hadn’t had a shower since Tuesday. Mr. FixIt came up and that was icing on the cake. But, as you can see on the weather radar, home was getting slammed as hard, if not harder than the campground up north and that puts our basement at risk of flooding. So, my sweetie was up and kissed me goodbye at five o’clock yesterday morning. On his way down the hill from the campground, he had to stop and move a tree that had fallen across the road. Then there was a rock slide near the house that held him up a bit. But he made it home safely, for which I was very grateful.\n

I managed to get a little more sleep then joined the rest of the gals in Gail’s fifth wheel. We laughed and ate and knitted and had a blast. In the middle of the afternoon, I took a little snooze and when I woke up, I was cold and damp and there was no Mr. FixIt around to warm me up. I looked at my watch, calculated the time and distance from home, and figured I could be there and showered before dark. I threw my stuff in bags, dragged it out in the pouring rain, and loaded up the truck. I was soaked to the skin by the time I was finished, but as soon as I made my goodbyes, I got in the truck, took off my wet coat, and cranked up the heat and I was dry and toasty in no time. I got home just at dark and as soon as I had the important stuff unloaded, I took that long, hot shower and felt like a new woman!!! There is one thing that does NOT go with Girl Camping…whining. And I was getting dangerously close to it! Steroids make me agitated and I didn’t want anyone to be subjected to a temper tantrum. 

\n

When I was alone after losing Mr. Virgo, I took off by myself everywhere. It was either that or stay at home alone. Now, I’m walking this fine line. On the one hand, I have this really great guy that I love spending time with. I have a very real understanding of what it feels like when that is taken away. Consequently, I have found I really don’t like being away from Mr. FixIt for more than two or three days. On the other hand, I need to maintain my independence skills so I’m not caught flat-footed if something should happen to him before me. If it hadn’t been so wet and cold, and if I hadn’t been on steroids, I very likely would have toughed it out and stayed one more night in that sweet camper with my dear friends. However, I knew when to say “uncle” and call it quits. You just have to know which race to run. And, it ended up being a perfect week of camping fun!

\n

Next up is a couple days at home then heading to the Country Living Fair with these same fun gals! ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-09-10T01:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/10/knowing-when-to-quit.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/08/fun-at-girl-camp.html", "title": "Fun at Girl Camp", "content_html": "

\"Baby “Dehydrated baby copperhead…you always learn something new at Girl Camp!”

\n
“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.

\n

There 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. 

\n

Today 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/2018/08/04/not-the-sharpest-tool.html", "title": "Not the Sharpest Tool", "content_html": "

\"Buffalo\" “Buffalo taken with a LONG lens.”

\n
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\nThere are certain matters of etiquette one must observe when visiting State and National Parks. There is camping etiquette and fishing etiquette. There are matters of law. Then there’s just plain common sense.\n

A video was posted this week to Facebook.

\n

http://www.ktvq.com/story/38792071/video-extra-man-taunts-buffalo-in-yellowstone-park

\n

It was taken by a Yellowstone National Park visitor and it clearly shows a man taunting a buffalo by yelling at it and waving his arms. I am not sure if he was trying to shoo the behemoth out of the way because he was in a hurry, or if he was just curious what the beast would do. Either way, he got much more than the sought after 15 minutes of fame.

\n

Turns out, this guy has a string of offenses over the course of his “vacation” and he ended up getting his just desserts.

\n

https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/18034.htm

\n

Surely, one would think it only common sense not to go up to a wild animal the size of a semi and taunt it. But, alas…this kind of behavior is not all that uncommon. People have been gored, mauled, trampled, seriously injured and even killed by wildlife who were not respected. These are not Disney animatronics here. These are highly unpredictable wild animals who could easily put you down…permanently.

\n

Mr. Virgo once saw an elk chasing a woman down a street in Estes Park trying to get her subway sandwich. He also saw many bears in Aspen with people getting entirely too close to pictures. There was an elderly woman mauled in Glenwood Springs, CO by a bull elk right on her front porch. She was feeding him apples. Mr. Virgo and I were in Yellowstone once and saw some grizzlies at what I thought was a fairly safe distance. I stood up on the seat of the SUV and stuck my head out the sunroof to capture a great photo. Al of a sudden there was this loud pounding behind me on the roof of the car. I screamed and turned around in time to see a red-faced, angry Park Ranger yelling at me to get back down in the car. I honestly thought I was safe, so sometimes these things are perpetrated by well-meaning tourists who probably SHOULD know better, but don’t.

\n

So, the moral of the story is this…use common sense when visiting parks and forests where there is the likelihood of coming into contact with wildlife. Read the rules and follow them…to the T. Ask a ranger if you have questions. If you have internet, Google what you should do. And…like the woman who posted the video said… #DontDrinkAndBuffalo. You might not get a second chance. ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-08-04T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/04/not-the-sharpest-tool.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Warning"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/01/an-amazing-heart.html", "title": "An Amazing Heart", "content_html": "
\n\n
\n
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭147:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\nNow that the news has been widely disseminated, I can share more about my friend’s son who was tragically killed over the weekend. Perhaps you have seen the story on the news. Jay Austin and his partner, Lauren Geoghegan, were the two American cyclists killed in Tajikistan over the weekend. They had just completed their first year riding their bikes and living a life most can’t even imagine.\n

\"Jay “Jay Austin in January, cycling in Spain during a year-long bike adventure.” Family photo from internet

\n

Jay worked for HUD in Washington, DC. He had revolutionary vision regarding urban housing and development. He was a huge proponent of the tiny house movement and was featured in a short documentary film on the subject. You can view it here:

\n

m.youtube.com/watch

\n

When he decided to quit his job and go on a cycling adventure around the world, he talked Lauren into joining him. After touring around Iceland on two wheels, they headed for more adventurous places. You can read their blog here:

\n

www.simplycycling.org

\n

They had recently entered Tajikistan and found it to be both stunningly beautiful and incredibly challenging to travel by bicycle. The thin air in the higher elevations actually made Lauren sick so she went ahead in a van while Jay rode the highest pass yet…on his own. He described the journey as arduous and could only ride five feet at a time, then desperately suck in air while he pushed his bike forward.

\n

On the other side, Jay and Lauren were reunited. They joined some other Western cyclists and were riding in a group of seven when a car suddenly, purposefully ran into the pack of cyclists. Amateur video footage actually caught the car turning around and deliberately hitting them again, at which point, the passengers jumped from the car and stabbed the cyclists. Three riders, including Jay and Lauren, were killed at the scene and another died at the hospital. Two were injured…one admitted and the other treated and released to a safe house. The seventh was a cyclist who had lagged behind the group and only received minor injuries.

\n

\"Jay “Jay Austin and Lauren Geoghegan of simply cycling.org.”

\n

Jay had recently written on his blog that, while bad things can happen, the world is generally a safe place and people were kind-hearted everywhere they went. According to the news, ISIS has claimed responsibility for this heinous act, but Tajik authorities think it is likely the work of the Islamic State, a related group of Tajik citizens who are ISIS sympathizers. At any rate, the news also reports that four of the five suspects have been “liquidated” and the fifth is at large.

\n

I met Jay’s mom, Jea, while camping with the Girl Campers a few years ago at Blackwater Falls. She is quiet, a bit introverted, and kind with a heart the size of Texas. She raised her three children as a single mom and they all have beautiful hearts. She is one of those people you meet and you just “know”. This has obviously been a devastating blow for her and her family.

\n

Lester Holt was supposed to highlight Jay’s life on his news program last night, but I think the story got bumped because of the plane crash in Mexico. You might want to try to catch it tonight to see if the segment airs.

\n

As Jay and Lauren wrote on their blog…”Life is short and the world is a big place.” They wanted to see it on wheels while they still had their youth and their health. May God give them rest and peace in Paradise. And may He hold Jea and her children in His loving arms as they navigate the coming days…weeks…months……years. ❤

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-08-01T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/01/an-amazing-heart.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/26/from-sunup-to-sunseti-travel.html", "title": "From Sunup to Sunset...I Travel", "content_html": "

\"Sunrise “Sunrise in Colorado”

\n
“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭121:7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\nSeriously, could someone tell me how it takes twelve hours to get from Point A to Point B when it’s only a two hour and sixteen minute flight???\n

First off, I didn’t sleep much. You know how it is when you KNOW you have to get up for something really important and you just CAN’T oversleep so you set your alarm and then wake up every thirty minutes to make SURE the alarm is set and you haven’t overslept? Yeah…that was me. I finally gave up at 3:30 and read my devotional till the alarm went off at 4:30. It’s already going to be a long day.

\n

My son-in-law’s dad was gracious enough to get up at the crack of dawn, literally, to schlep me out to Denver International Airport, which…by the way…appears to be somewhere in KANSAS! Have you ever flown into there? Seriously, they show a feature length film to make the taxiing into the terminal seem somewhat less…LONG. Anyway, they always tell you to be at the airport two hours ahead of your flight. We left the house at a little after 5:00am for an 8:40am flight. I was a Girl Scout…what can I say?

\n

When I arrived at the airport and Ben had my little suitcase out on the curb, we said our goodbyes and I promised to let them all know when I arrived safely home. I wandered in to find there were about 150 people in line for the Frontier desk. I was worried. If these agents were anything like the agents in Columbus when I was flying out to Colorado, I was in deep trouble. As it turned out, there were about eight agents and they were making VERY quick work of that line and I was off to security in a flash.

\n

There are two security checkpoints at DIA…one downstairs and one out the bridge toward Terminal A. A nice TSA agent stood at the confluence and told us the bridge was quicker so off to the bridge I went. Even though I had a TSA Pre Check, and they didn’t do that on the bridge, I chose speed over any concern about taking off my sandals. Of course, you have to take all of your electronics out of your carry on. And, you have to lay them out in a single layer along with your shoes and anything in your pockets and the said carry on so I had three of those plastic bins full of stuff and set them on the conveyor belt.

\n

A female TSA Agent directed me into the x-ray machine. I really don’t like doing that even though I know the dosage is terribly small. I get more radiation going for a 20 minute walk outside. Still, x-ray was my business for a while, and I’ve had numerous radiologic studies done over the years and I know there is such a thing as a maximum lifetime dose. Anyway, I dutifully walked in, placed my feet on the little yellow shoe prints and raised my hands over my head. She pushed the button, the machine whirred, and she invited me to “stand over there for a second”.

\n

Ms. TSA turned to me and rattled off a long spiel she had obviously recited a few thousand times and was talking so fast, I had a hard time keeping up with her. Add the ambient noises of a crowded security checkpoint and I only caught one thing. “Pat down.” She wanted to know if I had any problem doing it right there or if I preferred a more private location. This was all happening so fast and I was trying to visualize what she was describing. I looked back at the long line of faces eagerly waiting their turn. I don’t know if they got to the airport three hours early like I did and I didn’t want anyone to be late on my account. Besides, I’m enough of an exhibitionist that I’m really not bothered by much of anything.

\n

“Here’s fine,“ I said…perhaps a tad too enthusiastically.

\n

The screen readout with the humanoid shape was glowing yellow just to my right. Ms. TSA noticed I was studying it, trying to figure out what set off the machine. She pointed to the highlighted area and said, “Here…see? You set off the “groin alarm”. I need to check you there.” Suddenly, a giggle started to well up in me and I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying, “Well, I haven’t seen my paramour for three weeks. Do you think that could have set it off?” But…one does NOT mess with a TSA Agent. Period. So, I stifled the giggle.

\n

Wow. She wasn’t kidding about the “pat down”. She was…um…..thorough. When she was done, without even offering me a cigarette, she said, “Now we need to wipe down your hands then I’ll wipe down MY hands and we’ll put this swab in the machine and see if anything comes out.” OK. Here’s where I started to sweat a little. Remember the Plantar Palmar Psoriasis I had on my hands a couple of years ago? Remember what cured it? Cannabis ointment. And where was I visiting? Colorado. And what did I buy to put on my hands while I was there? Yeah, right. Turns out I didn’t need to worry. They were looking for gunpowder residue and I haven’t shot a gun in months. And, no…I didn’t try to smuggle my Colorado brand of ointment home on the plane. It is illegal here in West Virginia and if I’m anything, I’m a weenie about going to prison.

\n

Ms. TSA turned to me and gave me a thumbs up and said, “Hey! I love your hair! Did you braid it yourself?”

\n

“Ummmmm, nope. I had it done at a salon yesterday.”

\n

“And it still looks like that today? Did you sleep on it?”

\n

“Ummmmm, yes. I did. I didn’t have to do a thing to it this morning!”

\n

Feeling like I’d dodged a bullet, she sent me off with a wave to go find my gate.

\n

I arrived at A42 in time to hear an announcement that our flight to Columbus was going to be delayed by at least an hour. sigh I headed to find some breakfast and coffee. And, to thank God that I hadn’t done any target practice while I was in Colorado!

\n

I ate breakfast and took a Dramamine. I know from experience that flying in the summer can get pretty bumpy and I didn’t want any surprises in the first row. I popped the second one just as we boarded, then I put in my earplugs and prepared to nap for the next two hours. Have you ever tried to nap in a vehicle going 500 miles an hour over a really rocky road? It wasn’t happening for me either. Fortunately, two hours and sixteen minutes pass pretty quickly when you are fairly stoned out of your gourd on Dramamine and we landed in Columbus before we knew it.

\n

Next up was waiting for the Pony Express to deliver our luggage to Carrousel 6 and the long awaited reunion with Mr. FixIt outside Door A7. Yeah, not a lot of smooching time with the security personnel blowing their whistles to keep you moving along. We stopped for a quick bite to eat because I had the munchies from the Dramamine. Honestly, I don’t need to do heavy duty street drugs. Dramamine does it for me.

\n

\"The “The littlest church in Ohio.”

\n

By the time we got back on the road, we had hit 5:00 gridlock in the greater metropolis of Columbus, Ohio. What normally takes around two and half hours took nearly four pushing my total travel time to twelve hours for a 2.25 hour flight. However, there was one happy dude meeting me at the airport when I got there. And that made every minute of travel well worth the time spent. It is SO good to be home and to know how loved and blessed we are to have this great love affair going. I had a wonderful trip visiting my Colorado family. And, I had a wonderful homecoming back with my West Virginia family. Life is SO good! ❤

\n

\"Sunset “Sunset in West Virginia.”

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-26T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/26/from-sunup-to-sunseti-travel.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/25/vaya-con-dios-colorado.html", "title": "Vaya con Dios, Colorado!", "content_html": "

\"woman “Goodbyes are always bittersweet.”

\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
\nIt is time. Three weeks ago, the time for my visit stretched long before me. And, in the blink of an eye...it is gone. Today I travel home to West Virginia. Goodbyes are always so bittersweet. Oh, how I miss my babies...big and little. How I miss my brother and the rest of my Colorado family and friends. How I miss being nearby and stopping to visit with Mr. Virgo whenever I want. But it can’t be helped. There are so many reasons why I don’t live in Colorado anymore.\n

The main impetus that led my move to West Virginia was two-fold. Economics made Colorado far out of my housing budget and caring for an elderly family member in my home state seemed appropriate. If I would have known that endeavor would have only last ten weeks, I likely would have done things differently. I may have kept my Colorado house and rented it out. I may not have purchased such a big camper. I may have more evenly split my time between Colorado and West Virginia. But, hindsight being 20/20, it is what it is and I wouldn’t have changed a thing if I could.

\n

Moving to West Virginia was the path my life needed to take. I needed to feel the freedom of living on my own. I needed to feel the love and connection of caretaking my family farm, which turned out to be the ultimate conclusion of the elder care situation. I needed the social group my hometown afforded me. And, most importantly of all…destiny brought Mr. FixIt and me together! He is such a joy to have in my life and I can’t imagine him not being there.

\n

One of the downsides to living so far away is the limited amount of time my family has to spend bonding with Mr. FixIt. They don’t feel the connection with him that they felt with Mr. Virgo. You can’t develop a loving bond with someone you have a couple of dinners with over a period of a week or so. I understand that. I just hope they can understand my commitment to him and why I live where I do and not near them. It tears at a mother’s (and grandmother’s) heart when you can’t be near them always. The other side of the coin is, travel goes both ways. So do phone calls and texts and FaceTiming. It’s a new time in our lives. A new adjustment. A new phase.

\n

I know where they are coming from, though. When my mom lived in West Virginia and I lived in Colorado, it used to drive me crazy. I wanted her to move to Colorado where I could help her more. I wanted her to have access to excellent healthcare. I wanted her close where I could watch over her. I guess what it boils down to is…I wanted more control. (Ahhhh, it always boils down to control, doesn’t it?) My girls saw me struggle to help my mom long distance. They don’t want to have to do that, too. I get that. But, NOW I totally get where my mom was coming from. Whereas I though she was being terribly stubborn and unreasonable, I now see she was living the way SHE wanted to live…WHERE she wanted to live. I wish I could have understood that more at the time. I think I would have been more gentle with her.

\n

At any rate…I have promises from all my Colorado family that we will make a concerted effort to reach out more and stay connected by the various media channels we have access to. And…my sweet and handsome all-time BEST friend in the whole wide world will be standing in Columbus Airport today welcoming me home with the very best hug on the planet!!! I wouldn’t trade that for ANYTHING!

\n

Vaya con Dios, Colorado…I’ll be back as soon as I can! ❤

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-25T01:30:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/25/vaya-con-dios-colorado.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom","Courage","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/19/a-gal-about-town-part.html", "title": "A Gal About Town - Part Two", "content_html": "

\"Container “Michelle uses livestock tanks as elevated garden containers.”

\n
“and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts.”\n‭‭Exodus‬ ‭35:31-33‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\nYesterday’s post didn’t have very many pictures to illustrate my descriptions of Michelle’s lovely home. Michelle was kind enough to send me several photos so I could run a “Part Two” of A Gal About Town.\n

\"Flower “A faux wall hides an unsightly electric box. It is adorned with a salvaged window and shutters from the family farm in Kansas.”

\n

She and I have decided we could give Joanna and Chip Gaines a run for their Magnolia money if we, too, had an adequate staff and unlimited resources!

\n

\"Outdoor “A repurposed farm table and vintage metal chairs creates an outdoor dining space underneath a string of market lights.”

\n

Isn’t this backyard oasis inviting? We sat out here for hours till the sun started to set and the overhead strings of market lights turned on automatically.

\n

\"Garage\" “Repurposed materials adds visual interest to a garage makeover.”

\n

\"Corrugated “Even the ceiling gets a makeover to hide extra storage.”

\n

\"Antique “An antique refrigerator doubles as winter boot storage.”

\n

And who wouldn’t want this gorgeous garage remodel that created a unique “maker space” for the ever creative Michelle? Architectural salvage pieces mixed with family heirlooms make for an eclectic view.

\n

\"Garage\" “Antiques perched atop a modern refrigerator and freezer.”

\n

\"Maker “Stunning “maker space” in Michelle’s garage.

\n

To top it off, we get the name of the wonderful olives we nibbled on as dinner was cooking. We drank “mocktails”…non-alcoholic concoctions made with coconut water mixed with the juice of a whole lime. Next time I’m asking for salt on the rim!

\n

\"Olives\" “The BEST olives!”

\n

I hope you enjoy the added photos Michelle sent me. Several of you asked for more so I created part two of yesterday’s post. ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-19T01:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/19/a-gal-about-town-part.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Humbled","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/18/a-gal-about-town.html", "title": "A Gal About Town", "content_html": "

\"Colorado “Colorful Colorado”

\n
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭113:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
\nI met up with one of my favorite Sisters on the Fly last night for dinner. Michelle Michelle Cummings is an amazing woman. She created a business nearly 20 years ago because she couldn’t find a job doing what she loved. She now travels all over the world teaching team building to major corporations. She just returned from Beijing and I was thrilled she had a little time to spend with me while I’m in Colorado.\n

First, let me say how gorgeous her home is. Michelle is one of the craftiest women I’ve ever known. She turned her garage into a workspace that would make Joanna Gaines green with envy. She lined the walls with corrugated tin from the roof of an old barn than blew down on her parents’ farm in Kansas. She hung windows as well as her grandparents’ front door on the walls. She turned salvaged wood into a trunk to store camping chairs in. She converted an ancient fridge into winter boot storage. There is a place for everything and I’m not kidding when I say everything is in its place.

\n

We sipped on coconut-lime “mocktails” as we nibbled on fabulous green olives she found at Costco. (Maybe she’ll see this and tell us the name of the olive. They weren’t too salty and had a nice, firm texture.) We chatted as she prepared Brussels sprouts and bacon to go with a delightful homemade chicken salad. We carried our meal out into the yard and ate at the white farm table under a string of market lights. Her obvious green thumb was apparent wherever you gazed…from the beautiful rock garden bursting with colorful flowers to the elevated stock tanks holding her vegetable gardens to get them up away from the rabbits. She built a wooden wall and hung another of her grandmother’s windows, a floral wreath, and little shutters made from chippy green painted wood that had been salvaged.

\n

\"vintage “Vintage suitcases house craft supplies, camping gear, and Halloween costumes.”

\n

Everything has a story. Every antique, every gift, every piece of wood or sign or windmill fan. Michelle’s Kansas roots are proudly displayed. She has a stack of vintage suitcases, some belonging to her grandmother, on either side of the piano. She keeps Halloween costumes in one. A couple have camping gear. Several hold crafting supplies like beads and yarn. Storage in plain view that is pleasing to the eye and adds to the obvious farmy esthetic.

\n

Our conversation varied from Sisters on the Fly and the inimitable Maizie Morrison, Sister #0, to “The Reel Sisters”, Michelle’s recently published debut novel depicting the lives and friendship of five women fly fishers, to her travels to exotic locales. She regaled me with stories of climbing the Great Wall of China and how the Chinese bring out the grossest foods just to see what your response will be. Michelle was one of the first Sisters on the Fly I met and we became fast friends.

\n

\"Michelle “Michelle and me…writers, campers, fly fishers, Sisters.”

\n

As I finally pulled myself away and headed home, I had to stop at a school parking lot and snap this picture of the sunset. This is what gives Colorado her nickname…”The Colorful State”. It was a lovely evening and I hated for it to end. One week left of this trip…it’s going by too fast. ❤

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-18T01:30:22-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/18/a-gal-about-town.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/17/mile-tuneuporhow-emdr-saves-my.html", "title": "50,000 Mile Tune-Up...or...How EMDR Saves My Brain", "content_html": "

\"EMDR “EMDR reprograms your brain.”

\n
“Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.”\n‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬
\nA little over five years ago, I sat on a stool in the corner of an emergency room and watched them do CPR on my husband. It went on FOR-EV-ER. Stop. Start. Shock. X-Ray. Start. Stop. Check. Shock. Over and over and over. I sat with my hand clasped over my mouth to keep from screaming. I wrapped my feet intricately around and through the legs of the stool to keep from jumping up and running away. My shoulders slumped...my free hand dug into my thigh so I could feel something other than horror. And all of that...all of the valiant efforts, all of the shouts for more drugs, all of the hustle and bustle and orchestrated chaos could not save him. He died in spite of the best efforts of the Western Slope’s best and brightest. He died. And I could do nothing to stop it.\n

I ran away in my camper for three months. I busied myself. I “dated” a guy which turned out to be more about putting a tourniquet around my bleeding heart than it did about “love”. It had nothing to do with love. It had everything to do with escape. Then, one sunny afternoon at a fair in the park, a gentleman standing nearby choked. Like, Heimlich Maneuver choked. And I was frozen. Instead of jumping in as I had been trained to do…as I was certified to do…a movie started playing in my head as I stood in the park. Suddenly, I was back in the ER, sitting on the stool, watching them do CPR on my husband. It went on FOR-EV-ER. I mean, I KNEW I was in the park. So why was I “seeing” this rerun?

\n

The rerun scared the crap out of me. And, I immediately associated it with a medical emergency…both my husband’s heart attack and the gentleman choking on chicken. I began to dread what might happen if there was a real emergency and I couldn’t step up to the plate. I avoided being in situations where someone could get hurt or sick or…God forbid…NEED me. I suffered wave after wave…not only of grief, but also anxiety. To the point of vomiting uncontrollably for hours. Simply put, I was a mess.

\n

I went to see my doctor and asked her if she could recommend a grief counselor. And when I first talked with her, she said, “Ginny, I think you have PTSD.” She told me she wanted to do something called EMDR on me. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is THE most accepted PTSD treatment. Normally, when we experience a disturbing event, our brains process it and file it away neatly in it’s appropriate folder in our memory bank and life goes on. But, when the event is associated with trauma…like watching prolonged CPR…something happens in the filing process and the memory gets stuck. It is like a video playing on a continuous loop…over and over and over. The thought becomes intrusive…meaning, unbidden. Uncontrollable. It creates fear. And it is terribly distressing.

\n

After the first EMDR treatment, the improvement was extraordinary. It’s non-invasive and is accomplished so simply. You sit in a comfortable chair, You conjure up the image that is giving you the most trouble…no matter how painful it is. You hang onto that thought while watching the practitioner move her finger back and forth, back and forth, back and forth across your field of vision. You follow her finger with your eyes. The rapid eye movement actually reprograms your brain. It can make the memory fade. It can change it into something else. It can process it and let it go into the file with all the other memories. And it can release you from the pain of seeing it over and over and over.

\n

I really did well. My anxiety level was lower. I had few, if any, real panic attacks. I still dealt with grief waves, but not the horrifying repetitious movie starring CPR. Then, about a year and a half ago, I started having episodes of anxiety again. About once a week or so, I would spend the night sick as a dog. I couldn’t keep anything down. I began to dread going places. I began to fear medical situations again. What began slowly, started cranking up more and more and with every insult to my central nervous system, it got worse. Surgery cranked it up. The episode with my aunt with dementia cranked it up. Flying cranked it up. Being away from Mr. FixIt cranked it up. I texted my grief counselor, Karen, and told her I thought I needed an EMDR tuneup so we scheduled it to coincide with my trip this week to visit my brother.

\n

As I caught up with her yesterday, I told her about Mr. FixIt and how happy we are. We talked about all the really good, positive changes that have come into my life. Then she asked what happened a year and a half ago that started the cycle again. I told her about the car accident. She asked what it was about that that triggered me and I surprised myself by bursting into tears. I sobbed and covered my face.

\n

“I thought I killed her!” I cried.

\n

“Who?”

\n

“The young girl in the backseat! Her head was lolled over, her face was bloodied. Her mama cradled her head in her hands and begged her to wake up. The man who was driving ran at me screaming, “You killed her! She was supposed to turn 17 this week!!!””

\n

I sobbed and Karen put her hand on my knee.

\n

“Oh, Ginny…that had to be terrifying.” She comforted me with her soft, caring voice. “I think that’s it. I think that is what has prodded your PTSD awake.”

\n

Just like grief, you don’t get “cured” of PTSD. It can raise it’s ugly head just like unexpected waves of grief can overtake you at any given moment.

\n

We did a session of EMDR. We repeated it eight times or so. With each subsequent series of back and forth movements, it felt as though someone were turning down the volume knob like a radio in my brain. The first series resulted in me feeling immediately calmer. The second made me feel like I had taken a step back and I wasn’t sitting in the driver’s seat of the truck. I was in the back seat. The third set had me standing behind the truck. The fourth set had me even further behind the truck…like zooming out on a long camera lens. I was surprised by the fifth set. I had a flash of the young girl going to prom. The implication being…she was fine and healthy. Each subsequent set of movement took me further and further into this relaxed, soft, safe place. It is remarkable something so simple can have such a huge impact.

\n

I had not cried about the accident up to that point. I had not processed, or even acknowledged, the trauma of thinking I had killed someone. Of being verbally and physically challenged by the other driver. And we all know that unprocessed trauma, like unprocessed grief…festers. It does not serve us to grit our teeth and white-knuckle our way through these episodes. From now on I will be proactive and get the help I need instead of trying to handle it on my own. I can’t tell you how much better I feel. When I got home from the mountains yesterday, my son-in-law’s dad made the observation that even my voice was different…relaxed, easy, slower. There is no shame in admitting you need help to work through something. We women think we are supposed to have it all together. I told a friend the other day that I just want to be normal. She smiled and said, “Sweetie, you ARE normal. Everybody has something they have to deal with. What you want is perfection!’ Ahhhh…she knows me well.

\n

None of us are perfect. Ask for help if you need it. Don’t try to just get by with a stiff upper lip. Just “getting though it” is no way to live. ❤

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-17T01:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/17/mile-tuneuporhow-emdr-saves-my.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Comfort","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/13/little-me.html", "title": "Little \u0026 Me", "content_html": "

\"Nana “Little & Me”

\n
“For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬
\nI make it a point to spend one-on-one time with the grandchildren when I visit them in Colorado. Little is my “maker” so yesterday we baked her daddy’s birthday cake. She “painted” on the iPad for quite a while. Then she stayed the night with me over at her paternal grandparents’ house where I stay when I am here.\n

I love the frankness of this child. She tells long tall tales but she also speaks truth that cuts to the chase. She has a way of feeling great empathy and is forever the champion of the underdog. She made me promise to take her to church while I am here. We listened to praise music as we drove around yesterday.

\n

Today will be spent doing some sort of art project…not sure what yet. Tonight we celebrate several birthdays and an anniversary. I head to the mountains again this weekend for a good visit with my brother. Just about every day of the rest of my trip here is spoken for. It will be over before I know it. But, we’re making memories here, and that’s the name of the game! ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-13T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/13/little-me.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Presence","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/08/rocky-mountain-high-altitude.html", "title": "Rocky Mountain High (Altitude)", "content_html": "

\"“The “The Reel Sisters” by Michelle Cummings

\n
“When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, \"Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.\" And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, \"I will; be clean.\" And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, \"See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.\"”\n‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8:1-4‬ ‭ESV‬‬
\nI’m finally acclimating to the altitude. It always takes me three days to start feeling like myself when I first get here. I go through everything from feeling lethargic to feel nauseated to sever headache. I take a supplement when I get there called “Altitude Adjustment”. I get it at a ski shop. I think it really helps, but who knows? Maybe it’s three days whether I take it or not. At any rate, I am always glad to get those three days behind me.\n

In the past, I’ve made the mistake of heading to the mountains as soon as I get here. I lived here for forty years and never considered the altitude to be a problem until I moved to West Virginia. But anymore, I can’t just jump in and start playing at 5,280 feet. It doesn’t hurt you to take your time anyway. I’ve really enjoyed leisurely morning coffee with my son-in-law’s parents, drawing and playing with Little, visiting with the kids, having lunch with my nephew, reading my friend Michelle’s new book and taking naps.

\n

I went to Red Rocks Church last night. It is very similar to our home church in Parkersburg. There was a pastor visiting from Dallas who spoke on the Sermon on the Mount and the healing of the leper. The underlying premise was encouraging us to run TOWARDS the messes in our lives. We usually try to avoid the ugly, uncomfortable, messy parts of life or people. Running towards the mess gives us the opportunity to extend true love to marginalized people…people who may, like the leper, go most of their lives not feeling the love of another human being. As always, I came out feeling uplifted and renewed.

\n

I’m heading to the mountains for a few days. There are people to see and places to go. I’ll bring you along for the ride! ❤️

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-08T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/08/rocky-mountain-high-altitude.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/07/gods-gifts.html", "title": "God’s Gifts", "content_html": "

\"Procreate “Little is quite the artist.”

\n
“May you see your children's children!...”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭128:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬
\nGrandchildren. What an amazing gift they are. My heart breaks for people who long for them and don’t get to experience something so amazing. One of the best parts about being a Nana is getting the best parts of the children. Their behaviors are different around grandparents...especially when they don’t get to see them quite as often. I haven’t seen my Colorado family since last August. A lot of growing up occurred in that time.\n

Big is just a tich taller than I am! How did this happen? She is lovely and elegant with her long, wavy blond hair. She’s an athlete…a swimmer. Dedicated and focused with a dry wit. She’s quiet, observant, fiercely loyal, and bright. I’m looking forward to having some alone time with her. We like to go shopping. She’s a frugal shopper and is careful to get the most with what she has. My first grandchild. I’ll never forget the summer after Mr. Virgo died. I brought the camper down to my son-in-law’s parents’ house and Big climbed up on the bed and talked to me for two hours straight. Before that, I’d have been hard pressed to get two sentences out of her. She’s fourteen now, and camping is SO passé. She likes to camp at the Marriott.

\n

Little…ah, little. She is at that delightful age when everything warrants a l-o-n-g story. Her words tumble out faster than my sixty-five year old ears can keep up with. The bottom eight inches or so of her long blond hair is now a faded turquoise blue. She wears pink lip gloss and pale blue eye shadow. She is all of eleven, but her soul is ancient. She is a maker…just like me. We were driving around yesterday and she was talking about her ADHD. She informed me very matter of factly…she can choose to look at it as a disability or a super power. She chooses super power. It gives her the advantage of having lots of energy. She admitted the downside is anxiety, however…she thinks that gives her empathy for others who go through the same thing. She is so relatable. Her insights blow me away. Our time will be spent doing art projects. Today’s picture is one she drew on my iPad using the iPencil and a program called Procreate.

\n

I savor every moment I get with these two. Before I know it, they’ll be grown and out on their own in the world. ❤

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-07T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/07/gods-gifts.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Fun","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/06/16/world-wide-knit-in-public.html", "title": "World Wide Knit in Public Day", "content_html": "

\"Knit It’s World Wide Knit in Public Day!”

\n
“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.

\n

There 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.

\n

I 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/2018/06/05/visiting-towwanda.html", "title": "Visiting TOW-Wanda", "content_html": "

\"iPad “Visiting TOW-Wanda!”

\n

I don’t get to spend as much time camping as I used to and I don’t like it. But, there are things that need to be done…mowing, keeping house, cooking, cleaning. Such is the life of “sticks & bricks.” I am very fortunate that Mr. FixIt lives on five acres and I can keep TOW-Wanda here with me. When we came back from camping last time, we parked beside the building/shop/garage and plugged in. I wanted to be able to clean and run the sweeper so I needed electric.

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Unfortunately, the electric in the building is not enough to power both the AC in TOW-Wanda and the pump for the pool, so the pool wins. That means I can’t go out and just hang out there in the camper unless it’s cool enough. Even the nights can be terrible hot and stuffy. The last couple of nights have been really cool. Last night was predicted to get down to fifty-six. So, I took my iPad and my phone and my little lap desk and went out for some me time to write my post.

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I’ve been looking back at my adventures in this camper. It’s hard to believe I bought TOW-Wanda almost four years ago! I had Little TOW-Wanda for a year-and-a-half before that. When I think of what I did so soon after losing Mr. Virgo…buying a camper and taking off for three months in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado…I sometimes wonder how on earth I did that. And, would I…could I…do that again. I don’t know. I suppose the answer is yes, but I was in the throes of grief when I did that. I wonder if that might have clouded my judgement a little. It didn’t seem so at the time but hindsight says it was a very brave thing to do.

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I’m certainly not sorry I went on such a quest. I learned a lot about myself during that trip, and the subsequent two years spent largely in this travel trailer going everywhere from South Dakota to South Carolina and all points in between. It was healing and liberating. I met so many wonderful people. I saw so many beautiful places. It was quite the adventure and gave me a lot of space to heal on this grief path.

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I was thinking of pulling the camper with me to Colorado this summer, but with the price of gas so high and my MPG so low when I’m towing, it isn’t cost effective. Besides, it takes me three days each way when I tow the camper there and that’s six days I don’t have this time. I’ll just get a cheap flight and rent a car when I get there this year. It seems to be working out that I take the camper every other year to Colorado. That might work out for the best.

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In the meantime, I will get out here as often as I can to spend some time “faux camping” at the Ponderosa. I hope we can get out a few times this summer and enjoy the great outdoors. There are a lot of wonderful state parks in West Virginia. You can rest assured, where I go…you “go”. Virtual travel can still be fun!

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❤️

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“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭16:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2018-06-05T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/06/05/visiting-towwanda.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","goRVing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/24/home-again.html", "title": "Home Again", "content_html": "

\"Beaver “Beaver Creek State Park, East Liverpool, Ohio”

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I’ve always promised my family and friends that I wouldn’t reveal where I am while I am actually there, especially if I am traveling alone. Even though Mr. FixIt joined me for part of this trip, I still adhere to that basic rule of safety. Beaver Creek State Park is one of my all time favorite camping destinations. Part of that is the surroundings. Part is the relatively close proximity to my home. I love the drive up Ohio Route 7 as it meanders along the beautiful Ohio River. And…if you’re on the Ohio side, you are looking at the rolling hills and dense woodlands of West Virginia beyond the smooth water.

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The best part of a Girl Camping trip is, of course, the friends you know and meet when you get there. These are friends for life and there’s a lot of love and laughter and encouragement that grows from those interactions. As I drove home yesterday, my heart was full.

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Mavis, my GPS, tells me it takes two hours and fifty-seven minutes to drive to Beaver Creek State Park. I left there at 11:00 and got home at 5:00. Granted, there was one rest area stop. But there were several places where the road was down to one lane due to land slides and we had to take turns. Then there was my LEAST favorite part of camping…dumping the black and grey water tanks. There is a really good dump station at the West Virginia Welcome Center in Williamstown that I always stop at. It takes me a good forty-five minutes to clean my tanks, but it’s necessary to do a good job.

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I had a few things going on with the camper this trip. One is, a leak has developed. Mr. FixIt got the ladder out for me and I think I found where the problem is. A seal on the top front edge of the camper is aging and cracked. The seals are only good for a few years and they need to be replaced so I guess it’s that time. When I was pumping up my tires before I left yesterday morning, I noticed the outside edge of one of them is shredding slightly. I need to check into that. Also, when I got home, I placed my hand on each hub and one was too hot to comfortably rest my hand on it. I need to tear into that and probably repack the bearings. There is a kind of hub you can get that has a valve on it and you can top off the grease before you travel just to make sure it is well lubricated. The downside of trailer ownership…constant maintenance.

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So, I’m home. The baby birds in the cypress tree out front are feathering out and they had their little beaks aimed high waiting for mama. The rabbits have eaten all but four bean plants in the garden, but the tomatoes are looking great. My pink dogwood is thriving. The irises and peonies are in full bloom. There is standing water around the yard from all the heavy rains in the last week. And, as I write this, I can hear the whip-poor-will in the hedgerow along the creek on the far side of the field. I’m sore all over from lugging and toting and hooking up and driving the camper so I’m calling it a night. When you read this, we’ll be mowing out at the farm and doing laundry. What a wonderful trip it has been. ❤️

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“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭90:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2018-05-24T01:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/24/home-again.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/23/winding-down.html", "title": "Winding Down", "content_html": "

\"Hand “Knitting projects”

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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

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Mr. 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.

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Today, I head home. Another Girl Camper trip is in the books. I wonder where I’ll head next on this Grand Adventure? ❤️

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“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

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\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/2018/05/22/feeling-totally-relaxed.html", "title": "Feeling Totally Relaxed", "content_html": "

\"Bullfrog\" “A big bullfrog serenaded me from a pond.”

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Three more of our Girl Campers left yesterday morning. It’s always sad to see the week end. So much fun and wonderful memories are made during this gathering. I’m blessed this year with two extra days spent with Gail, my fellow Girl Camper and camphost extraordinaire. Plus, there is the added bonus of Mr. FixIt being here!

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\"Alpaca “Alpaca roving for spinning.”

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After coffee yesterday, we sat around for an hour or so and chatted before the gals said goodbye and headed on their way. One was headed straight home but two were going to Lehman’s, a wonderful hardware store in Kidron, Ohio that specializes in non-electric appliances and tools. I really want to make a trip up there. I’ve received their catalog for years.

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\"Spinning “Gail spins the alpaca roving into a fine yarn…her fingers skillfully knowing how hard to hold and draw the fibers onto the spindle.”

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After everyone was gone, Gail and I headed to check out a new shop that advertises fibers, wool, and rugs. It’s a darling little “she shed” shop on this gal’s farm that had belonged to her grandparents. She raises sheep for her wool. She has two looms set up in her shop. She had several handmade items for sale. But I was disappointed there was no yarn and Gail was disappointed there was no wool available for sale as yet. I did get to look around a bit and caught this big bullfrog that was in the pond by the shop. And the little lambs were darling frolicking in the pasture. There were lovely flower and herb gardens all around. I just don’t think the gal was quite ready to be open for business yet. Maybe in the fall she’ll have more items available.

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\"Camp “The camp kitty snoozes in the chair beside me as I knit. I wasn’t patient enough for the spinning.”

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When we got back to the campground, Gail got out the spinning wheel she learned on. She picked up a basket of alpaca roving and set to teaching me to spin. I found it incredibly frustrating because I am an instant gratification kind of a gal. Gail says if I just keep trying, I’ll get the hang of it. I might try again, but for now, I’ll just buy beautiful yarns that I can work with right away. I started a new pair of socks with a beautiful fingering yarn. It’s 100% wool though so I’ll have to take extra special care of them. They are for me. Gail also gave me a beautiful skein of German wool/polyester blend to knit Mr. FixIt a pair of socks. It is a grey, heathery blend.

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Today is our last day of just sitting around and enjoying Gail’s company, knitting and talking and laughing. This is such good therapy. The camp kitty is content to lay in the chair beside me and snooze. This is about as peaceful as it gets…the smell of pine and rain, woodsmoke and spring flowers…the sound of crows and pileated woodpeckers and songbirds and owls…and the laughter of friends. sigh Tomorrow it’s back to the real world till our next adventure. ❤

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“Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen.”\n‭‭Exodus‬ ‭35:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2018-05-22T01:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/22/feeling-totally-relaxed.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/21/campfire-and-conversation.html", "title": "Campfire and Conversation", "content_html": "

\"Woodpecker “A pileated woodpecker has decimated this tall pine tree at the edge of the campground.”

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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.

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\"Alpaca “The hat I knitted from the yarn Gail spun from Alpaca and wool.”

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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.

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\"Girl “Mr. FixIt enjoys his morning coffee in one of the Girl Camper mugs.”

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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.

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\"Three “Campfire and Corgis”

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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.

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Yes, this trip is just what the doctor ordered. Food, fun, and frolic…Girl Camper style! ❤️

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“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

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\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/2018/05/20/just-like-summer-camp.html", "title": "Just Like Summer Camp", "content_html": "

\"Hand “I finished knitting socks for Daughter #1’s birthday! Shhhhh….don’t tell. It’s a surprise!”

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I only went to summer camp once. It was a church camp that I attended with my good friend, Sharon. There were about eight to ten girls per cabin. Sharon and I were instigators and we often got in trouble. “We are the the Night Owls. The mighty, mighty Night Owls. Everywhere we go, people wanna know…who we are, so we tell ‘em….” It was tons of fun. I’m not sure we were welcome back the next year because I never went again.

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\"Knitting “Starting a hat with the yarn Gail spun from alpaca and wool.”

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Camping with the Girl Campers is the grownup version. We are welcomed back every time because the most trouble we get into is laughing too loud. I was thrilled that I finished my socks yesterday. My good friend, Gail, spun some yarn for me from alpaca and wool for a hat. I got a good start on that. Mr. FixIt arrived in the afternoon and he helped the Park Naturalist with a birdhouse clinic. So now we have a new birdhouse to take home.

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\"Girl “Laura, one of the Girl Campers shows off the birdhouse she made.

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I haven’t even started the truck since I got here Tuesday. I’ve laughed and talked and knitted and cooked and ate and slept. Oh, it’s just like Summer Camp, only better…we can’t get in trouble! ❤️

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\"Ohio “Mike, one of the Ohio State Parks Naturalists, teaches the Girl Campers how to build a birdhouse.

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“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”\n‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:40‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2018-05-20T01:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/20/just-like-summer-camp.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/19/sssssnake.html", "title": "S-s-s-s-snake!", "content_html": "

\"Baby “Baby Water Snake”

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The first time I remember holding a snake was back-to-school night in seventh grade. Mom walked into the science lab and I went straight for the aquarium that held a tiny blue racer. Much to my mother’s horror, I picked up the wiggly little critter and let it slither around my fingers and hands. I laughed at my mom’s squeals of horror as I held the snake closer so she could see. Poor mom. I deviled the heck out of her at every opportunity, I’m afraid.

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Snakes have never bothered me, really. I don’t particularly like being startled by them, but if I know they’re there, and I’m assured they are not poisonous, I have no real problem with them. I remember going to my cousin’s girls’ band concert once. As I drove into the parking lot there were several women standing around, bouncing from leg to leg and screaming. I parked and came over to see what was going on. There was a huge black snake between them and the school. I reached down, picked it up by the tail and carried it over to the edge of the woods. The screamers looked at me sideways as though I were some sort of witch to be steered clear of.

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Grandma always taught me to carry a hoe with me to kill snakes in the garden or when wandering around the farm. When Hubby #2 and I went on a twenty mile backpack trip up Spruce Knob back in the late ‘70s, she loaned us two hoes to carry with us as we hiked so we would not only have something to kill any errant timber rattler, but also have a hiking stick. I’d love to know what the other hikers on the trail thought of these two greenhorns with the hoes and the WAY overpacked backpacks. I think Grandma laughed for a month at our expense.

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It’s always fun when the naturalist shows up at the campground to give a little nature lesson to the Girl Campers. Yesterday, Mike showed up with a baby water snake he had found during the stream stomp earlier in the day. He also was helpful in identifying a particular beetle that is detrimental to the trees in the area. It needs to be reported so the woods can be monitored. A tree fell across the road during the night and had to be removed early yesterday morning. Later in the day, the maintenance crew came in and cleared the ditches along the road and removed another dead tree that was in danger of falling across the road.

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Mr. FixIt arrives today…can’t wait to see him! The girls are all looking forward to his arrival, as well. He’s a favorite around here. ❤

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“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2018-05-19T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/19/sssssnake.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","Growth","goRVing","Courage","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/18/knitting-at-the-old-campground.html", "title": "Knitting at the Old Campground", "content_html": "

\"Knitting\" “Knitting at the campground.”

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What a wonderful day. Several of us got out a “work in progress” and did some hand work yesterday. One gal was working on a woodcarving. One was crocheting. Two of us were knitting. It was peaceful. These are women of faith so as we worked, we shared stories of our faith walk. We spoke of the many ways God has blessed us, the lessons we have learned along the way. It reminded me of the early farm communities when the women would gather at someone’s home, or the local Grange, and spend the day quilting, cooking, sharing. We don’t get much of that this day and age and I feel the younger generations are sorely missing something. Their lives are so busy…athletic teams, music lessons, social events…young mothers today spend all their free time in cars shuttling the kids to event after event. I wish they had the peace just spending a few hours knitting and chatting with like-minded women could afford them. I hope they don’t wait too long to figure out how important these relationships are. And, these skills.

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I was talking with a friend the other day. If the internet crashed tomorrow, if there was a sudden catastrophe and there was no power grid, the highest prized people would be the ones who know how to hunt, grow, prepare, and preserve food…ie farmers. Simple country folk. We’ve become so dependent on electronics for everything, it’s scary. I’m the first to admit, I am a tech head, but I know how to do the things that need to be done to survive. I worry for our future generations. I want to make sure my girls know how to do the things they need to do to survive beyond the grocery store.

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I don’t live a stressful life, by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ve got to tell you…I’m feeling pretty mellow after three nights in TOW-Wanda and hanging with the Girl Campers. ❤️

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“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”\n‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2018-05-18T01:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/18/knitting-at-the-old-campground.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","goRVing","God","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/17/campfirenatures-therapist.html", "title": "Campfire...Nature’s Therapist", "content_html": "

\"Campfire “A campfire is cheaper than therapy.”

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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.

\n

Camping 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.

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I 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.

\n

Miss 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.

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I 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. ❤

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“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 “Sitting in the morning sun, coffee in hand, Country Living Magazine…birds and roosters entertaining me. It’s a beautiful life!”

\n

One of summer’s delights in the east…a warm morning spent outside reading and sipping my morning coffee. We’ve hit the summer thunderboomer circuit early this year here in West Virginia. The skies are brilliantly clear in the morning. The humidity is high from the rain the afternoon before. The temperature soars by noon and the thunderclouds begin to build till they boil over. Thunder, lightning, hail, high winds all can play havoc with your plans.

\n

Mowing seems to be the big thing around here in the summer. I have to say, I did not miss lawn care and home maintenance in the years I traveled and lived in TOW-Wanda. It was a welcome break. But now that I have the chance to dive into the great outdoors and get dirty and sweaty, I have to admit, it beats going to a gym any day of the week.

\n

I mowed with the self-propelled push mower at the farm yesterday. What a workout! The yard is well over an acre, the temperature in the high eighties, the humidity sticky and thick. With my propensity towards heat exhaustion, I only mowed 15-20 minutes at a time, then took a break to rehydrate and lay in front of the fan. At that rate, it took me five hours to complete. It’s so beautiful when it’s finished. I took a few moments to just wander around and enjoy the surroundings. The rhododendron is just about to burst into bloom, as are the irises and peonies. The farm cats lazed around beneath the Rose of Sharon and the huge hydrangea bush along the creek. While the flowering quince is fading, the spice bush is in full bloom. I love this time of year.

\n

We are getting things geared up here at the Ponderosa to prepare for a summer of entertaining. Mr. FixIt has been working in the pool to get it open. We still need to pressure wash the deck but will wait for a dry spell. I’m heading out today for another road trip. This time I’ll be camping with the Girl Campers at a State Park in Ohio for a week. It’s a Mister Sister event so my mister will be joining me this weekend. I love camping with the girls! This year, our hostess…my dear friend Gail…is going to teach me to spin wool for sock yarn. I’ll have time to sit and knit on my socks and finally read my friend Michelle Cummins’ new book, The Reel Sisters. Peace and quiet in the beautiful woods surrounding one of my favorite campgrounds.

\n

As I sit here on the deck in the warm sunshine, a nice breeze blowing, listening to the rooster down the road, reading Country Living Magazine…my heart is overflowing with the blessings of my life. I’m such a far cry from the early days of my grief. The contrast is startling. The heart can mend itself…scarred, certainly. But infinitely full of hope. ❤️

\n

“So I rejoice, and I am glad. Even my body has hope.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭INternational Children’s Bible

\n", "date_published": "2018-05-16T06:39:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/16/im-walkin-on-sunshine.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/15/the-royal-wedding.html", "title": "The Royal Wedding", "content_html": "

\"St. “St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle”

\n

I was a relatively new military bride, expecting my first child, when Hubby #1 and I lived in England. Britain was all abuzz with the news of a Royal Wedding coming that fall. Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, married Mark Phillips on November 14, 1973. The country was bonkers for this event that drew an audience of over 500 million worldwide.

\n

\"St. “The Choir Area, St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle”

\n

The wedding was on a Wednesday…a workday for my husband…so my friend Gloria watched the wedding with me on television in my little flat. Gloria was a Brit married to an American soldier. I had such a good time with her and she taught me a lot about the differences in cultural norms. Everyone loved the Royals. Most everyone had a portrait of the Queen and the Queen Mum in their homes.

\n

\"St. “Stunning architecture of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle”

\n

Princess Anne was married in Westminster Abbey. Meghan Markle, a divorced American actress will marry Prince Harry in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. I’ve visited both places. While hardly “intimate”, St. George’s Chapel does have a different feel than Westminster Abbey. I love the choir area and Princess Charlotte’s Memorial is stunning. (Princess Charlotte was in line to be the queen but died after giving birth to a stillborn son at the age of 21. The memorial is carved marble and depicts angels taking the baby to heaven as those left behind are separated by a veil.

\n

\"Princess “Princess Charlotte’s Memorial, St. George’s Chapel”

\n

When Princes Diana and Prince Charles married, the world fell in love with Lady Di. When their son Prince William married his Kate, the world fell in love with her. We are particularly intrigued by Meghan Markle because she is an American. An American Princess.

\n

I’ll be camping during the wedding, so I’ll not be watching. But I’ll follow along online as I can. It brings back such lovely memories of my time living abroad. We even gave our firstborn the middle name “Anne” in honor of the princess. A Royal Wedding is a welcome little break in all the badness that is followed by news coverage. I’m looking forward to something other than politics and bad stuff for a change. The focus will turn back soon enough. ❤️

\n

“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.”\n‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:2-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-05-15T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/15/the-royal-wedding.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Love"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/29/eating-my-way-through-the.html", "title": "Eating my Way Through the South", "content_html": "

\"Southern “A Big Southern Breakfast”

\n

Ok, I literally ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted it on this trip and I think I made the right choice. Life is too short. I don’t eat like this all the time…it was vacation!

\n

The last hurrah was in Williamsburg, VA at the Capitol Pancake House. That name alone drew me in. But when I saw the parking lot was full, I knew we had stumbled on something good. I didn’t have to even taste this to know it was going to be over the top delicious. (This photo didn’t catch the short stack of pancakes on the side! Wow!)

\n

I am telling you what…I learned how they spell “love” in the south. B-A-C-O-N! Or, it is G-R-I-T-S? Either way, this was the icing on the cake, so to speak. It was the best way to close out a stellar vacation. I didn’t have to do anything or be anywhere at a certain time for a whole week. I’m feel relaxed, refreshed, renewed. A huge thank you to Mr. FixIt for sharing so much with me…I had a blast! Thank you God for safe travels! And…truly, is there anything better than crawling back in your own bed??? ❤

\n

“You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.”\n‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:6‬ ‭NIV‬

\n", "date_published": "2018-04-29T01:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/29/eating-my-way-through-the.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Comfort","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/28/saying-goodbye-to-the-obx.html", "title": "Saying Goodbye to the OBX", "content_html": "

\"Sunset\" “Sunset over the Sound, OBX”

\n

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.

\n

Last 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!

\n

Get 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/2018/04/27/waking-up.html", "title": "Waking Up", "content_html": "

\"Knitting “Knitting Socks with Four Double Point Needles:

\n

My second marriage fell apart in January 2000. In June of 2001, I opened a small needlework shop in Glenwood Springs called Needles & Pins. I lost my shirt with that business. Twice, actually. But, like buying TOW-Wanda and camping helped me heal after losing Mr. Virgo…that little shop helped me heal and find my long lost self-confidence after my 21 year marriage ended. I mostly sold cross-stitch supplies, a little needlepoint, some gift items, and eventually branched out and sold some yarn.

\n

I’m not an accomplished knitter, but I did knit a cute little dress for my first grandchild. I have knit socks and hats and scarves. But once my shop closed and I got rid of most of the inventory, I was pretty burned out on needlework. Since Mr. Virgo died, I haven’t really been able to concentrate on anything like this. I don’t have the attention span to watch a movie, let alone knit something to completion.

\n

We were exploring Kitty Hawk the other day. We were looking for some really good cheese to eat while sitting on the beach and found a little wine and cheese bar called Trio. And, a couple of doors down is a yarn shop. Knitting Addiction is two stories of brightly lit space filled with a cornucopia of yummy yarns. I have always enjoyed knitting socks because it’s a relatively small project that you can work on in the summer without feeling like you’re wearing a winter coat. They go pretty fast, and they make lovely handmade gifts for the special people in your life.

\n

I talked with the shop owner, Jeanne. I told her it had been years since I could concentrate enough to knit. She got it. She has this pattern for socks, she told me. She wrote it herself for people who don’t like terribly complicated stuff but still want to create cool things. Sign me up! We went through the cool yarns and I picked out a couple. Her pattern is knit using four double point needles…three holding stitches and one for working the rows. Now, it’s been twenty years since I knit socks that way. I’ve always used the book “Socks That Soar” which uses two circular needles. I was afraid it would be too much, but I really, really wanted to try.

\n

I sat down that night and looked at the pattern and I could feel that familiar glaze forming over my mind and I thought, “Uh-oh…I’ve just wasted my money.” Then I ran my fingers over the soft yarn. I thought of how my daughter asked me to knit her another pair of socks years ago. She never asks for anything, but I just couldn’t do it. I was determined not to give up. When we were out and about yesterday, I asked Mr. FixIt to drop me off at the yarn shop for a little while. I wanted to sit down with Jeanne for a little refresher course.

\n

Jeanne was wonderful and showed me how to cast on and join in the round. It was like riding a bicycle…I picked it right up. I do have to work on my tension. I take tension VERY seriously…and it shows in my very tight knitting stitches. Jeanne carefully took out my cast on stitches and knit them with the proper tension that I can duplicate.

\n

Here’s something interesting. When I meet people like Jeanne, I am often asked “What do you do?” Then the story comes out about being a writer and a speaker and a gypsy. I tell about TOW-Wanda and The Grand Adventure and the reason behind it. But this time, Spirit said…”Less is more.” So I talked about my needlework shop. Nothing about the blog or loss or Mr. Virgo. Last night, when I was writing this post, I couldn’t remember the shop owner’s name so I went to her website. On it, I found her blog. Her latest post disclosed she had lost “sweet guy” in October. And while she was doing ok, she was still struggling. She asked people to come in with a smile or pictures of the grandbaby with the new woobie you knitted for her. She asked you to make her laugh. Ohhhh, I can SO relate to that.

\n

What made me thank God last night was this…He told me to “go see this lady. Don’t tell her of your pain. Have her help you relearn something you used to love doing. Make her laugh, even when she tells you she is struggling today. And I will renew for you this love affair with yarn.” I love the shoulder taps.

\n

And…I made her laugh. ❤

\n

“For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”\n‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2018-04-27T01:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/27/waking-up.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Growth","Grace","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/26/exploring.html", "title": "Exploring", "content_html": "

\"Wild “Wild Horse of Corolla Beach”

\n

Oh, my gosh…what a gorgeous day it was yesterday on the Outer Banks! Sunny and 73, it was filled with sun, sand, and surf. We headed to the north end of the island where you can drive out on the beach for miles. There are wild horses up there and although we seemed to drive forever, we only saw two. It was stunning (and a little nerve-wracking) driving so close to the thunderous waves. Mr. FixIt has told me stories about people getting stuck in the sand and I was sure we would, but he is an excellent driver, has done it many times, and I trust him completely. The nice weather drew crowds to the beach and no one had a bit of trouble.

\n

\"Terns\" “Terns on Corolla Beach”

\n

\"Corolla “Corolla Beach Lighthouse”

\n

\"Taxidermied “Taxidermy at Wildlife Education Center, Corolla Beach Lighthouse”

\n

As we headed south back to the condo, we stopped at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Wildlife Education Center. We returned by early afternoon, packed a picnic supper, and headed for the beach. We sat and nibbled on various cheese we had purchased the day before and watched the waves as the tide came in. Finally, a thunderstorm blew in and we made it back to the condo just before the skies opened. Thunder crashed for a good half hour. I took advantage and had a nap. When I awoke, the sun was just a half hour away from setting so we drove over to the sound. The storm left enough clouds for a semi decent show of color. After the sun went down, we drove around for a while and got an ice cream. It was another perfect day in North Carolina.

\n

\"Sunset, “Sunset over the Sound, Duck, NC”

\n

I believe I could live down south…maybe even a little further south, like South Carolina. It would be nice to be within an easy drive to the beach and have less snow and cold to contend with. I don’t think I could do Florida full time. It’s entirely too hot in the summer. Two more beautiful days here! ❤️

\n

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.””\n‭‭John‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2018-04-26T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/26/exploring.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/25/rough-waters.html", "title": "Rough Waters", "content_html": "

\"Stormy “Stormy Seas”

\n

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.

\n

The 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.

\n

Our 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/2018/04/24/revisiting.html", "title": "Revisiting", "content_html": "
\n\"Hands\n
    “Time spent in nature is never lost.”
\n
\nThere is no way to avoid bumping into grief. It’s around the corner. On any given day, something...anything...can trigger a grief response. Sometimes it’s a whisper. Sometimes it’s a roar. It’s such a relief when things are going smoothly and the interruption is just a riffle in the stream. That’s what happened yesterday when I opened Facebook and there was one of those “memories” right in my face. There was a time that would have knocked me flat. Instead, I felt the sting then let it go. It will always be there in one form or another. I just try not to focus on it so much anymore. That doesn’t always work, but it did this time.\n

\"Turtles\" “Turtles at the aquarium.”

\n

I am having such a wonderful time at the beach with Mr. FixIt. We started out yesterday with the fabulous pancakes at Stack ‘Em High 4.5. Look up Kristine…the owner’s wife. What a hoot! Then we went to the Elizabethan Gardens, the aquarium, and the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. We learned about Sir Walter Raleigh and the Lost Colony. We drove all over Roanoke Island and saw the shipyards where they make those huge yachts. We had crab for supper, tried to see a sunset (no go…yet), and drove up the island toward Corolla. We ended the evening with a few hands of Rummy. It was a very good day.

\n

\"Dungeness “Dungeness crab!”

\n

I hope you enjoy the photos. The flowers are stunning down here! ❤

\n

\"Stuffed “Stuffed Flounder”

\n

\"Shark “Shark!”

\n

\"Jellyfish\" “Jellyfish at the aquarium.”

\n

\"Elizabethan “Elizabethan Gardens”

\n

\"Cherub “Cherub in the Hostas”

\n

\"Ornate “Ornate Marble Birdbath - Elizabethan Gardens”

\n

\"Sculpture “Sculpture Garden”

\n

\"Interesting “Interesting trees make for a pleasant stroll through the gardens on the sound.”

\n

\"Virginia “Virginia Dare sculpture - Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island, NC”

\n

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2018-04-24T01:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/24/revisiting.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Fun","Growth","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/23/press-pause.html", "title": "Press “Pause”", "content_html": "

\"No “Love: No Crowds! Hate: Down Coat on the Beach!”

\n

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.

\n

What do I hate about the beach this time of year? Having to wear a down coat to walk on it!

\n

It’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!

\n

Sometimes 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/2018/04/22/hes-a-texan.html", "title": "“He’s a Texan!”", "content_html": "

\"Highway\" “He’s a Texan!”

\n

Mr. FixIt is a great travel companion. I have absolutely no sense of direction so between him and Mavis the GPS, I always know just what turn is coming up and what lane to be in. And, unlike Mavis, Mr. FixIt has a million stories that keep me laughing the whole way.

\n

He was telling me about his grandmother yesterday as we drove. Get this…his grandma brought four little boys under the age of ten all the way down here in the mid ‘50s and camped in a tent in a state park for two months at a time…by herself! No electric. No water hookup. No showers. She cooked on a campfire and let these little boys run like the wind. I am in awe of her…I would have LOVED to have met her.

\n

I am forever ribbing Mr. FixIt for his accent and his colloquial turn of a phrase. Appalachian English actually has it’s roots deep in the ancestry of the people here. English, Irish, and Scottish folk have a different way of speaking and it has come down through the generations and resulted in words like “rench” for rinse, “crick” for creek, “boosh” for bush. Things like “we was” instead of we were. “Them” instead of they. They put the letter “a” in front of things like, “I’m a’fixin to go.” They drop the “g” off of everything…”goin’”, “fixin’”, “bein’”. It’s not a matter of education either. Mr. FixIt has three degrees and he still says some things that make me scratch my head and wonder. Being a word nerd, I vacillate between wanting to correct everything to being highly entertained.

\n

When we were driving on Friday, we were behind someone and Mr. FixIt said, “Look at that guy. He’s driving like he’s a Texan!” I thought to myself, “How can he tell that? Are Texans bad drivers?” I brushed it off and drove on. An hour or so later he said, “Look at that…he’s a Texan!” I looked at Mr. FixIt with a puzzled look. He just shrugged and said, “Well, he was!” Again, I didn’t question.

\n

Yesterday, we were on the interstate again and he said, “Oh my gosh…I think that guy is a Texan!” I saw the license plate and said firmly. “He is not! He’s from New York!” This time Mr. FixIt looked at ME weird. He turned back around and looked at the guy as we passed him and he said, “Yep, he was a Texan!” I couldn’t stand it any longer. I had to say something.

\n

“Honey, how on EARTH do you know he’s a Texan just by looking at him???”

\n

Mr. FixIt gave me a funny look then started laughing. “He was a’TEXTIN’! TEXTIN’!”

\n

Seriously…I almost peed my pants laughing.

\n

I love this guy…he’s a never ending source of pure fun! ❤️

\n

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them."”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-04-22T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/22/hes-a-texan.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Gratitude","Love"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/21/bittersweet.html", "title": "Bittersweet", "content_html": "

\"Dogwood\" “Dogwood”

\n

We had an amazing visit with my cousin and his wife this weekend. Instead of running around and doing things like we usually do while we were there, I was content to stay put and visit with this most beloved man. Our visits are numbered and I am always pleasantly surprised at his resilience and positive determination. He assured me he will be around a while so I told him I’m counting on that.

\n

\"Pink “I’m not sure what kind of flowering tree this is. Anyone?”

\n

We stopped at Pilot Mountain this afternoon and took in the views from the top. We stopped at a lovely rest area outside Greensboro and had a picnic under the spreading arms of flowering dogwood trees. There was a wonderful sweetness drifting on the warm breeze as we nibbled on cheese and crackers. We browsed the area on my cell phone and found an affordable hotel nearby and called it a day. We’ll drive the rest of the way to the beach today.

\n

\"“Pilot “Pilot Mountain, North Carolina”

\n

Thank you God for travel mercies. My many blessings are not lost on me. ❤

\n

 

\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…”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55:6-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2018-04-21T01:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/21/bittersweet.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Warning"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/16/back-to-square-one.html", "title": "Back to Square One", "content_html": "

\"Breakfast “Back to Square One”

\n

I need to exercise more! After sitting on my hiney all winter long writing and working on my website, I went out Friday and Saturday and worked in the yard. As I began my two hour excursion on the riding mower, the word “sunscreen” flitted through my mind like a feather on the wind and was gone just as quickly. After all, I had a broad brimmed hat on…what could go wrong? Ohhhh…I paid for that Saturday night. I couldn’t find anything in the house to put on my sunburned arms and shoulders and felt too miserable to even think about looking up home remedies on the internet. Then yesterday morning I tried to get out of bed and discovered muscles I’d forgotten I had. The word grumpy comes to mind. I turned over and went back to sleep and ended up missing morning services.

\n

I looked in the mirror the other day and realized all that hard work I did climbing all those stairs a couple years ago is long gone. Hard muscles have been replaced with something between cottage cheese and pizza dough. My stamina is decreased, I get sick easier, and I’m turning sixty-five in two months. This simply will not do! I told Mr. FixIt we have to get back in gear this spring. Fortunately, he’s a good eater and loves to exercise so I have a partner to motivate me.

\n

We will be heading to the Outer Banks this week. The bikes are coming with us this time. I anticipate lots of long walks on the beach and bike rides in the evenings. The weather will be cool but hopefully the rain will stay away for the most part. If not, there is an exercise room at the condo complex. We have a full kitchen in our place so we can eat well and stay out of expensive, fattening restaurants. It will be nice to get away and sit by the ocean for a while. We have visits with family coming up as well on this trip so we’re really looking forward to the break. ❤

\n

“This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name:”\n‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2018-04-16T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/16/back-to-square-one.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/01/morning-walkabout.html", "title": "Morning Walkabout", "content_html": "

\"“Rhododendron “Rhododendron and the gas light”

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What an absolute treat it was to wake up out at the farm yesterday morning. Grandma’s bedroom is right along the creek’s edge and with all the rain we have been having, the sound of the water riffling along was like a lullaby. I slept so well and awoke refreshed and ready to face a busy day.

\n

Mr. FixIt and I did a morning walkabout on the property to check things out. He moved some fallen limbs from the ditch along the road and placed them on the burn pile. The daffodils are up about 8” high already and the grass is greening up nicely. I’ll need to mow before too long to mulch up the leaves that fell over the fall and winter. The rhododendron gets huge buds on them in the fall. They winter over and won’t bloom till late May or early June. They are still beautiful as they awaken from winter with a freshened shine to their leaves. They don’t drop their leaves like so many other plants. They just droop down all winter then stand up with their arms stretched wide in the spring.

\n

I am leaving today for a long camping weekend with the Girl Campers. We’ll be staying in cabins this trip. We try to get together in the late winter when the roads aren’t too bad. We work on whatever craft projects we have going. We make soups to share. These are some of the nicest women I have ever known and I look forward to these trips with great anticipation. I’ll share projects and recipes with you along the way but my writing may be a bit sparse this weekend as I take the time to kick back with my friends and relax.

\n

I do have some prayer requests for some wonderful people who are touched by illness. Please pray for healing, comfort, and God’s will. He knows who the prayers are for. Thank you all for your wonderful prayer support. There are many stars in your crowns. ❤️

\n

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”\n‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2018-03-01T02:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/01/morning-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Camping","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Wisdom","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/28/west-virginia-wanderings.html", "title": "West Virginia Wanderings", "content_html": "

\"Woman At the WVU Basketball Game

\n

After having breakfast with a granddaughter who is a student at WVU, we headed off to explore the area further south where my ancestors were from. I have this thing for cemeteries. I am always curious as to who these people were. Do they still have visitors? Do they have people who remember them and tell their stories? Or has it been so long that all of their loved ones are dead and gone and no one knows to even look for them. Or…worse yet…no one cares.

\n

We drove through three counties before we finally found the cemetery I was originally looking for. But we found surprises along the way. First, when I was looking for my step-great grandmother…the only one I knew…I found she was buried beside her first husband, under his name. No mention of her last husband, my great grandfather. I am not surprised. He was a bit of a scoundrel and that is probably one bit of family history her kids would like to forget.

\n

The next place we stumbled upon was the West Virginia National Cemetery. I did not realize there are 135 national cemeteries under the auspices of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration in 40 states (and Puerto Rico) as well as 33 soldier’s lots and monument sites. The West Virginia cemetery is vastly smaller than the most famous…Arlington National Cemetery. And still…the identical small white headstones stretched in meticulous formation across the rolling hills of green in a sobering reminder of those who have served our country, many giving their lives for the privilege. I was humbled by that.

\n

\"WV WV National Cemetery

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The last stop was Harmony Grove Cemetery near Grafton, West Virginia. I was looking for one set of great grandparents and had read the death certificate incorrectly. They weren’t buried there after all. As we were driving through on our way out, a name jumped out at me and I called out…”Stop the truck!” I jumped out and ran down a lane of old headstones. Somewhere I had caught a glimpse of the name Mauller, but it got lost in the rows and blended in. I retraced my steps from the original vantage point and there they were! I was so excited to find the graves of two of my 3rd great grandparents along with a couple of their many children. I talked to them and told them who I was and how I came to be. I even have a picture of “Tillie” in my family tree. I was really excited to get this surprise piece of the puzzle.

\n

\"Mauller My 3rd Great Grandparents

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I often use Find-a-Grave to research where my ancestors are buried. Most of the time, someone has snapped a picture of the headstone and I can add it to my tree. I’ve had a picture of these headstones for years but never saw them. But here’s the bummer part of the story. When I got home, I looked Harmony Grove up on Find-a-Grave and…would you believe…there’s about twenty more of my family buried there and I didn’t see them!!! It was getting late and Mr. FixIt and I were both getting pretty hungry and tired and I just didn’t do my due diligence. It’s ok, though. This allows for another nice drive in the country. AND…we had dinner at one of our favorite restaurants…Olivierio’s in Clarksburg. The BEST Italian food!

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To top the day off, we stopped at the farm to feed the kitties and decided to stay the night so I am snuggled in grandma’s bed as I write this, listening to the water in the creek, and feeling so rich and complete. We remarked at dinner that we feel like we’ve been on vacation for a week and it cost just a little over $100! What a wonderful break. And…this weekend is a Girl Camper trip so stay tuned for some camping (ok, cabin-ing) fun!!! ❤️

\n

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”\n‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2018-02-28T02:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/28/west-virginia-wanderings.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Love","Humbled","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/25/a-very-good-memory.html", "title": "A Very Good Memory", "content_html": "

\"Little “Little Girl in Blue”

\n

I have excellent long term memory. Short term is getting shorter as I age, sped along by grief and a multitude of head injuries along the way, I am sure. But, long term…you can make bank on the accuracy of my memories. My earliest memory takes me back to sitting in the front yard, in the dirt, just inside the fence. I was still in diapers. I remember the way the sun shone on the plastic pants I wore over them as I rolled the material between my chubby baby fingers. Two large neighborhood dogs came up on the other side of the fence and started barking at me. My mother ran and picked me up, comforting my terrified screams. I had nightmares often and can remember sitting in my crib, seeing those dogs coming at me and screaming for my mother to come save me.

\n

My next clear memory is my Aunt’s wedding in Chicago. My grandma woke me before dawn and tried to feed me breakfast but I told her I would eat it in the morning. She laughed and rocked me. I was piled up in the car and we headed north. When we reached Parkersburg, I cried because I didn’t want to go to “Sparkysburg”…I wanted to go to “Shiscago”. We arrived in the Windy City after dark and I remember “lights that moved in the sky”. I later learned they were the neon signs popular in the mid-fifties advertising restaurants and hotels along the busy boulevards.

\n

The first picture is of me and my brother. I remember this like it was yesterday, although I just scanned this slide into my computer this week. I had never seen this picture before. I remember that blue dress. I was supposed to be the flower girl but I think I wasn’t terribly cooperative and ended up having to sit with my grandma. When I saw my mom walking up the aisle, I screamed for her to come get me. I’m sure it was a lovely wedding. Sorry Aunt Rosie…sigh Anyway, my brother and another boy were down in the basement of the church. What you see in my hand there is a used flash bulb from the photographer’s camera. I was gathering them up, peeling the blue plastic coating off, and stepping on them…crushing the glass under my “shiny party shoes with buckles”. Then, I scooped up the crushed glass into a shoe box and filled the ash trays that were sitting all around. I was a pistol!

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\"Chicago “Chicago Wedding Reception”

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The second picture is a group shot of my brother and me with my Uncle Ernie’s family. Now, my Aunt Rosie grew up here on the farm in West Virginia. But she spent her entire childhood in the nurse’s office at school from getting carsick on the bus and she swore when she was graduated from nursing school, she would move far away from those twisty roads with the kiss-me-Kate turns and never look back. She and a girlfriend moved to Chicago and worked together at Cook County Hospital.

\n

One night, the two young women found their way into a local drinking establishment where she met a handsome sailor on furlough. They fell in love and were married soon after. My Uncle Ernie grew up in an immigrant German family on the South Side of Chicago. He was rough and tough and took no guff. His family was large and loud and the antithesis of our quiet little farm family. I love this picture. Look at all the booze. I can just picture my Grandma and Pop-Pop at this wedding reception…teetotalers that they were. Grandma with her sensible shoes and her pretty little hat perched on her head just so, her purse clutched in her lap for fear these hooligans might try to take it from her. Pop-Pop in the only suit he ever owned, his fedora neatly brushed, his shoes worn. It must have been a sight. The story is, Grandma caught me going from table to table and drinking down the bits of champagne left in the glasses. Lawrdy…I can just imagine.

\n

My other memory of this trip was walking into a kitchen. Uncle Ernie’s mother was a caterer so I imagine she and her helpers were cooking and baking for the reception. There was a very large bag of flour and, as was common in those days, there was a prize in the bag. She found the prize…a little 14k gold ring. Someone put it on my ring finger and tied it on with a blue ribbon that matched this dress. I remember wearing it, but I don’t see it in these pictures.

\n

I was thrilled when my Aunt sent me these two slides. I had never gotten around to putting them in my scanner till this week and was so excited to see this image confirming such a clear memory for me. I cherish every good memory of my childhood. Even though there were some dark times, it’s memories like this that banish them to the far corners of my mind and bring a warm flush of love through me. ❤️

\n

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””\n‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:14 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2018-01-25T02:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/25/a-very-good-memory.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Love"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/20/savor-the-sweet.html", "title": "Savor the Sweet", "content_html": "\"Woman\n

The 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

That 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

Mr. 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!

\n

Before 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\"\"\n

I 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.

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The 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. ❤️

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“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

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\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/2018/01/14/sweet-sweet-memories.html", "title": "Sweet, Sweet Memories", "content_html": "\"Orchard\n

I was fiddling around yesterday hooking up my new printer and computer when I received a text from an old friend. Cindy lived in the flat below me when Hubby #1 and I lived in England in the early ’70s. We’ve stayed in touch all these years and although we don’t get to see each other very often, we will always be close. We were young and so very far away from home and we became “family”.

\n\"The\n

To my surprise and utter delight, Cindy sent me several photos. Her ex was in England and had visited our little village. He sent her several pictures of the apartment building and the surrounding area. I have always wanted to go back and this was the next best thing. I’m not terribly surprised to see things look exactly as they did in 1973 when I arrived to begin my life as a newly married military bride. My husband was stationed at RAF Greenham Common in Newbury and we lived in a small village on the outskirts called Thatcham.

\n\"Thatched\n

I have so many wonderful memories of life on foreign soil. I remember arriving at Heathrow International Airport. I had never flown before and everything was so big and loud. I was raised in a very quiet town in West Virginia. There were very few “foreigners” in our neck of the woods. Mom had a friend who was from Lebanon. I had a distant relative who married a man whose parents immigrated from another country. When I arrived in London, I wasn’t sure there hadn’t been some sort of mistake and I had landed in Pakistan!

\n\"Fish\n

As I went through customs, I looked out a long wall of windows and saw nothing but a sea of faces staring back in. I was horrified! I turned to the Customs Agent and asked her how on earth I was going to find my husband in all this mess. She smiled and assured me HE would find ME…not to worry. He did, of course. As we left the parking garage, we entered The Twilight Zone! Every thing was different. We drove on the wrong side of the street. Huge crosswalks called “zebras” made it clear they took pedestrian safety very seriously in this country. As in any major city in the world, the cacophany of car horns were only outdone by the odd “wee woop” of emergency sirens. Big, black taxis looking all the world like they came straight out of a ’50s movie jockeyed for position to pick up the bazillion people frantically waving their arms for attention. I know for a fact I didn’t blink for the first hour I was there.

\n\"Bakery,\n

I remember long drives through rolling fields of green. We lived in horse country. The only thing worse than hitting a pedestrian in England would be hitting a horse! Quite often, horse and rider would be spotted on the little country lanes we traveled and you had to always be on your toes to watch out for them. Hubby #1 worked the night shift so on his nights off, we would drive in the dark, foggy countryside. It was peaceful and quiet then…the yellow streetlights cutting through the dense fog to allow us to see our way.

\n

I had my first baby when I lived in England. We traveled often to Reading for my doctor’s visits. We stopped at tea houses or bakeries or the local fish ’n chips shop. The only fast food in the country that we were familiar with was a Kentucky Fried Chicken there in Reading. We went to a park with our food. There was a large circular pond and people floated big motorized model boats on the water with remote controls. It was all so serene and peaceful. It really was like stepping back in time. The only thing that didn’t feel like a throwback were the young people. They were way ahead of the times sporting mohawks and studded leather jackets. It was an interesting dichotomy.

\n

Shopping was done frequently as the refrigerators were nothing larger than a dorm fridge. You carried a basket to market twice a week to buy food and whatever else you were looking for at the time. Cindy and I often shopped together. I was once mistaken by a shopkeeper as her mother yet I was only two years older than she! Granted, she looked very young for her age and I was very pregnant. Cindy threw a surprise baby shower for me. She is my sweet, forever sister/friend.

\n

I know I’ve talked about this part of my life before, but I wanted to share these photos with you. It was so great to send them to my daughter and say…“Here’s the place we brought you to when we came home from the hospital!” I do SO want to return someday. I want to take Daughter #1 and her family. I’d also like to have Cindy and her husband join us. Dreams. Something to work towards. Always put something joyful in front of you! ❤️

\n

“People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.”\n‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2018-01-14T02:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/14/sweet-sweet-memories.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Love","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/09/intermissiona-brief-thaw.html", "title": "Intermission...a Brief Thaw", "content_html": "\"winter\n

I am so grateful for the little breaks we get in the winter. After what seems like weeks, the thermometer crept up above freezing yesterday! It was amazing. There was an ice/snow storm that swept through before dawn so schools were closed here…again. I have been talking with friends my age lately and we remember the “good old days” when girls were NOT allowed to wear pants to school. I rode the school bus. We couldn’t afford snow boots. We were lucky to have a semi-decent coat and a scarf and mittens. I remember walking to the bus stop in penny loafers and knee socks, my feet wet and freezing, the skin on my knees white and hard. My face hurt. I couldn’t talk. My nostrils would freeze shut. And that was just getting TO the bus stop. Once we got there, we would huddle together in a circle facing inward, trying to ward off the icy wind blowing in off the Ohio River. Now? Now if there is a remote chance there will be any snow on the road, school is closed for the following day. Kids miss a ton of school and have to make it up at the end of the school year.

\n

I can see both sides of this issue. Safety first, right? However, my kids didn’t have snow days either. They grew up in Colorado. If you closed schools every time it was too cold or it snowed, you would have about three months of school a year. Daughter #1 had one snow day…it was -35 wind chill and the busses wouldn’t start. Are we raising weaker kids? I don’t know. All I know is, we were tough. And my kids’ generation is tough.

\n

I remember driving to Pagosa Springs in a white out blizzard once. The visibility was SO bad, I could barely see tracks in the snow in front of me. We were going over a mountain pass and had no idea where the edge was or if there was a 600 foot drop off and no guard rail. So, Mr. Virgo held the GPS in his hands and told me when a turn was coming up and in which direction to turn. If the vehicle in front of me had gone over the hill, we were going over right after them!

\n

When we arrived in Pagosa, we went to the service station to get gas…and we couldn’t open the doors! There was about an inch of ice encasing the entire car. No matter how hard we threw our shoulders into the doors, they would not budge. We noticed a man bundled up against the wind heading across the parking lot and honked the horn till we got his attention. We beckoned him over and managed to make him understand what was wrong. We asked him if he would follow us next door to the car wash and spray our doors to melt the ice. It wasn’t nearly as cold in town as it had been up on the mountain so the car wash wasn’t frozen. We finally made it out of the car but that was a trip I will never forget.

\n

Mr. FixIt and I went for a drive the other day and the roads were white. It looked like snow…but it was salt residue. They have laid down salt so heavily and there’s been no thawing and melting to wash the salt away. When you drive, the salt billows up in clouds and settles all over everything. Every car is coated with it and you know what salt will do if left on a vehicle too long. It finally warmed up enough we could go through a car wash and get some of this stuff rinsed off.

\n

By midweek, we are supposed to be up to 60 degrees! I am thrilled for the respite. I know it will be short-lived so I’ll enjoy it while I can. I hope you are also enjoying a small break in the bitter cold where you are as well. ❤️

\n

“The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.”\n‭‭Job‬ ‭37:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2018-01-09T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/09/intermissiona-brief-thaw.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","West Virginia","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/24/and-soit-begins.html", "title": "And So...It Begins", "content_html": "\"Christmas\n

The 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

Mom 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.”

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Elaine 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.

\n

Christmas 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.

\n

I 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

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\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\n

It’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.

\n

The 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.

\n

We 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.

\n

My 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!

\n

I 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!

\n

I 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.

\n

Happy 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/2017/11/14/letting-out-your-inner-child.html", "title": "Letting Out Your Inner Child", "content_html": "\"Mickey\n

I saw something yesterday that totally melted my heart. Daughter #1 is at Disney World with her family and her brother-in-law’s family. She was standing with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. There’s a long story why this was so touching for me.

\n

I was a single mom with #1 by the time she was two years old. It was not easy. We lived in HUD housing. We got WIC and food stamps. There were roaches and the people downstairs abused their kids. I looked in the open door one day when I walked by and my neighbor yelled at me to keep moving or she’d “come up behind me and slit my $&@?ing throat!” It was NOT a healthy scenario and if I had been any brighter or bolder, I would have packed up my stuff and hightailed it back to West Virginia. But that wasn’t what I wanted for my little girl. I wanted her to have every opportunity that I didn’t have growing up and I knew if I worked hard enough, I’d get her out of there. We would have a good life.

\n

And things did get better. I got a really good job. I found a roommate, I lived frugally. I got good daycare. She was never wanting for the basics, but there wasn’t much extra. Just lots of love. Then, we met Hubby #2. He was applying to medical school. We worked really hard. He was a good daddy and a great provider…even though it was many years before we started making any money.

\n

We moved to a small town when my ex finished residency and joined a practice. We were thrilled to be in the mountains and a lovely community. Daughter #1 was going into 7th grade…a tough age to make such a big move. The kids at school only knew her as the “new doctor’s daughter”. There was a group of kids out on the lawn one day, talking about how hard it was to not have money for nice things. My daughter spoke up and said she totally understood that. The kids scoffed and she told them, her dad wasn’t BORN a doctor. There were many nights we ate a box of generic mac & cheese and a tomato out of the yard. She had a genuine appreciation for where she came from and she gained the respect of all the kids.

\n

Still, we didn’t really start making a decent living till she was nearly finished with high school. Then we had her little sister. My girls are nearly sixteen years apart. It was a different world raising the two of them. The level of affluence was drastically different and the little one definitely made out when it came to vacations. My younger one was only two or three the first time we took her to Disney World. By then, her older sister was in college. I never did get to take my oldest to see Mickey and Minnie…something she never, ever let me forget, even though she understood why.

\n

She’s been to Disneyland a couple of times with my son-in-law’s family. But never Disney World. Not till this week. I’ve been going on her Facebook page several times a day to see the pictures she posts. Yesterday…there she was. Beaming. Standing between Mickey and Minnie, grinning from ear to ear. The post simply read, “Six-year-old me is happy.” It made me smile. It warmed my heart. She is showing her children a good time. She is sharing her joy with them. She’s such a good mom and I’m so proud of her. I’m proud of both of my daughters. And…I’m happy they know how to let their inner child out to play. ❤️

\n

“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”\n‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-11-14T02:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/14/letting-out-your-inner-child.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/18/a-birds-eye-view.html", "title": "A Bird's Eye View", "content_html": "\"Satellite\n

Have you ever gone on Google Earth and looked at the places you know? I remember one winter day before Mr. Virgo died. I was missing home…the dense, green woods and dusky purple mountains of West Virginia. Google Earth was still relatively new and they had just added the “street view” feature. I plugged in the address for Grandma’s farm, clicked on the little man icon, and…viola! I was “standing” in front of the farmhouse! I was SO excited! I quickly moved the map so I could “drive” down the two-lane blacktop the three miles, taking in every turn, house, and tree. It was mesmerizing. I could “go home” anytime I wanted to! I have “traveled” to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, London to ogle Big Ben, Rome to see the ancient ruins…all from the comfort of the easy chair in my living room.

\n

The other night, Mr. FixIt was doing a little virtual traveling and he stumbled upon this. TOW-Wanda! MY camper…sitting right where I park her in the summer! I know approximately when this was. This is mostly uber cool…and, a little bit spooky in a Big-Brother-is-watching-you sort of way. It’s a good thing there was no nude sunbathing going on…for a vast number of reasons! ?

\n

This satellite photo was taken about fifteen months after Mr. Virgo died. I had been full-timing in my camper for about seven months at this point. I was interviewed yesterday for another episode of Janine Pettit’s Girl Camper podcast. This time we talked about full-timing…dream vs. reality. I’ll post a link when it goes live.

\n

Living on the farm has been such a treat that I’ve hardly thought about whether I miss all that time I spent on the road. The answer is yes…and no. Could I do that again? Yes! Would I? Maybe. I’m a lot more awake and aware now than I was back then. Grief brain may have clouded my judgement sometimes. But I’ve never regretted having that time alone out in the wilderness and backroads. I was so free and life was pared down to the bare essentials. There’s something to be said for simplicity. Janine asked me if I ever found myself lonely and I’m not sure I properly answered. I’m a people person. I’m gregarious and thrive in a place where I can have regular contact with people I know and love…friends and family that love me for who I am and I can let my hair down. I think that was the driving force behind allowing the Siren Song of the farm to lure me into planting some roots…at least for a while. And now…I have Mr. FixIt. We both love to travel and we never stay put for too long. But I’m looking forward to some nesting this winter. That’s the goodness of fall…it invites us to put another log on the fire, brew a nice cup of tea, and read a good book. The campers are put away for the season and I’m ready to be a homebody for a while. ❤️

\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", "date_published": "2017-10-18T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/18/a-birds-eye-view.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/17/getting-bolder-stories-not-stuff.html", "title": "Getting Bolder: Stories, Not Stuff", "content_html": "

\"Stories,Today’s post is a link to my most recent installment of “Getting Bolder” on the Sisters on the Fly blog. ❤️

\n

www.sistersonthefly.com/getting-b…

\n

“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,”\n‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-10-17T01:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/17/getting-bolder-stories-not-stuff.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/07/country-livin.html", "title": "Country Livin'", "content_html": "\"Porch\n

It took two days to empty TOW-Wanda, clean her up, and winterize. It took an hour to empty both pickups, twice, into my itty bitty farm house. It took forty-five minutes to make pancakes, eggs, bacon and coffee yesterday morning. It took me approximately two minutes to convince Mr. FixIt to take me on a ride in the country instead of sorting through all that stuff and putting it away. Two minutes. Not bad!

\n\"General\n

We headed back on the hill to check the back end of the farm. Someone has been up there with a brush hog clearing out paths for hunting season. There are several people who have permission to hunt back there so I wasn’t surprised by that. We saw one hunter but he was camped two farms over. Nothing looked awry up there so we headed on our way.

\n\"Schoolhouse\"\n

One of the fun things Mr. FixIt and I have in common is our love for taking off out country roads just to see where they go. We wound our way through the woods on a two lane blacktop till we started seeing a lot of houses having garage sales. We stopped at a few and I came SO close to buying an old Maytag wringer washer for $40 but declined at the last minute. I. Need. NOTHING! Sigh.

\n\"Country\n

We finally got to Grantsville and stopped at the little market for vegetables for supper. Mr. FixIt remembered hearing about a historic village and wanted to see if we could find it. We stopped at the courthouse to ask directions. There was a man on the street so Mr. FixIt asked him if he’d heard of the place. He sure had! His aunt lives right at the turnoff. I love country life! Everyone knows everybody.

\n\"Heritage\n

Heritage Village was restored by the Calhoun Historical Society. There’s a chapel, a blacksmith shop, a school, a post office, a store, a cabin and a house. They had all been salvaged from around the countryside and reassembled at a beautiful park. There’s a community building, a few picnic shelters, playgrounds, and a small campground there with electric hookups. The park is in an area with very low light pollution so a lot of people go there for star gazing.

\n\"Church\n

The woods have finally got some color in them and the day was perfect for a drive. We got home and Mr. FixIt mowed the lawn while I fixed supper. We sat on the porch listening to the wild turkeys in the woods. These are the days we live for. Peace. Quiet. Beauty. Love. There is nothing more wonderful save for being surrounded by family. That I miss terribly. If they were here, life would be perfect. ❤️

\n

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126:5-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-10-07T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/07/country-livin.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/04/my-lovehate-relationship.html", "title": "My Love-Hate Relationship", "content_html": "\"\"\n

“It’s part of the camping experience!” This is the justifying battle cry of the die hard camper when it comes to the subject of campfires. But I have a distinct love-hate relationship with them. I love the crackling of the wood and the shower of sparks you get when you throw another log on. I love the welcome blast of heat when the night air has chilled me to the bone. I love splitting wood and the satisfaction of seeing a plentiful stack ready for a long winter. I burned wood as my primary source of heat for four long, cold Colorado winters and I cut, hauled, split, and stacked wood for four long, hot summers. I love a wood fire. I love a wood burning stove with a pot of stew bubbling on top in a cast iron Dutch oven.

\n

Those things I love…AND hate. I hate wasting natural resources and polluting the atmosphere. I hate the dirt and bugs you drag into your house when you burn wood. I hate spending all that time cutting, hauling, splitting and stacking only to watch all that hard work go up in smoke. And speaking of smoke….that is the number one thing I hate about a campfire. Seriously, it doesn’t matter WHERE I sit in the Sister circle around the campfire, the smoke ALWAYS comes straight at me. I get up and move…here it comes. Move back…it’ll find me. And I can’t breathe. It chokes me, hurts my lungs, burns my eyes, and I guarantee you everything I own will smell like I’ve been fighting a forest fire for a month. The worst thing is when the campfire dies down, you go to bed, and you lie there in your camper, windows open, hoping to catch a cool breeze or hear the owls, but noooooooo….in wafts this dank smell of wet ash and smoke mixed with fog and dew…creeping over the campground, up the outside wall, through the window and fills my camper. I’m forced to either close the windows and roast or leave them open and cough.

\n

This makes me sound like a boat load of fun to go camping with, doesn’t it? I try really hard to rein it in while I’m camping with others because I truly understand the campfire is a huge part of the camping experience for most people. So I play musical chairs a lot and try not to look too ticked off when the smoke inevitably finds me. But when I’m camping alone, I pull out my propane fire ring (this is the one I use but there are others Camp Chef Compact and Portable Outdoor Camping Gas Fire Ring with Lava Rock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GSGSRFO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vAn1zbZZ9SE81 ). I set up my chair, turn that bad boy on, roast a marshmallow or two, enjoy the heat, relish in the clear air, and turn it off at the end of the evening. No smoldering ashes to worry about setting the woods on fire. No smoke laying low over the campground and sneaking into my camper. No smelly hair, clothes, bedding, etc. I swear…when Mr. FixIt kissed me goodnight…he tasted like smoke. I kissed him anyway…I’m such a martyr.

\n

I love to camp and I love the looks and sounds of the campfire and the time shared with friends sitting around it. But if I had my druthers, I’d light up the gas fire and call it good. ❤️

\n

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”\n‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:28-29‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-10-04T01:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/04/my-lovehate-relationship.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","goRVing","Love","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/03/the-hickory-tussock-caterpillar.html", "title": "The Hickory Tussock Caterpillar", "content_html": "\"Hickory\n

When my youngest was little, there were certain words she had trouble pronouncing. Me being a wordy, I had to correct her. We once were in the sewing center. She was crawling around and pulled herself up on the chair and babbled something. I asked her to slow down and enunciate so I could understand her. And she did. We never spoke baby talk to her. She would have called this a “capetiller”. There were mazagines" and “hopistol”. “Ambliance” and “swanich”. These are wonderful memories.

\n

This particular “capetiller” was rummaging around in the leaves by the campfire at Beaver Creek State Park yesterday morning. It’s one of those that can leave you with an itchy rash much like poison ivy so it’s best to leave them alone. There are several caterpillars that sting and irritate the skin so you should wear gardening gloves when picking up leaves this time of year.

\n

The drive home from camping was uneventful. It was getting dark by the time we hit Parkersburg so we took the camper over to Mr. FixIt’s house and we’ll clean it out today. I emptied the tanks and the clean water reservoir. Now we can winterize it.

\n

I’m truly looking forward to some down time. It will give me time to reflect on the wonderful people I’ve met, the beautiful sites I have seen, and the wonderful times I have shared with family and friends and especially with Mr. FixIt. I am so blessed. ❤️

\n

“and your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathers; as locusts leap, it is leapt upon.”\n‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-10-03T01:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/03/the-hickory-tussock-caterpillar.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/02/the-last-hurrah.html", "title": "The Last Hurrah", "content_html": "\"1937\n

Hanging up the camper for the season is always so sad but TOW-Wanda will stay at the farm with me for a little while longer. I’ll need to clean her out really well and winterize her. We’re still up in the air about travel plans for February and March so I need to have her ready to face freezing weather.

\n\"Making\n

Yesterday was glorious. The Girl Campers gathered midweek at Beaver Creek State Park in Lisbon, Ohio and stayed through the weekend. A lot of time was spent around the campfire talking, laughing, and bonding. Hugs were plentiful as many broke camp yesterday and headed home. We had more gals in tents this year. We had a couple of gals who had minivans set up with beds in them which I found intriguing. It got really cold the last couple of nights (down into the 30’s!) so these gals are hardy souls! As Janine Pettit says… Girl Campers…we go places and we do things!"

\n\"Wooden\n

Some of the gals painted tennis shoes. One gal made kettle corn over the fire in a cast iron Dutch oven. She used a handmade wooden paddle that I coveted. I used a sandwich iron for the first time and grilled a sandwich of cream cheese with cinnamon butter on the outside. We visited the Pioneer Village where they use an old grist mill. I purchased some freshly ground corn meal and buckwheat flour. Then last evening, a 1937 International towed a little camper into the campground and I was smitten! I love old cars and this one was pretty funky.

\n\"Painted\n\"Old\n

We didn’t hear any owls last night. They seem to move around from place to place within the park. Beaver Creek is such a gorgeous place. This is my fourth time camping here. It’s only about four hours from home so it’s pretty easy to get here and I love the camphost. She’s a dear friend of mine. We are going to an apple orchard today before we head back to the farm. There’s lots to do at home to prepare for winter and it’s coming on fast. ❤️

\n

“So heap on the wood and kindle the fire. Cook the meat well, mixing in the spices; and let the bones be charred.”

\n

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭24:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-10-02T01:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/02/the-last-hurrah.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/01/camping.html", "title": "Camping", "content_html": "\"Woman\n

I 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\n

Our 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.

\n

I 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\n

The 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\n

The 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/2017/09/29/fall-camping.html", "title": "Fall Camping", "content_html": "\"Fall\n

I don’t think there’s anything that beats camping in the fall. I do more camping in September than I do the rest of the year, total. The nights are crisp which makes for great sleeping. The days aren’t unbearably hot but still plenty warm to go out and do fun things. The mosquito population is much less intrusive by this time of the year making things more pleasant. I hate using insect repellents so this is a distinct advantage.

\n

I’m with the Girl Campers in one of my favorite state parks in Ohio. (I’ll tell you which one once I leave…I never divulge where I’m camping in real time.) Our numbers grew yesterday so there were more chairs around the campfire last night. One of the Misters of the Mister-Sisters showed up and he thoroughly enjoyed himself sitting around the campfire with all these women.

\n

I spent the day visiting with the girls and getting my camper set up. We didn’t get a chance to clean and organize after the last camping trip. The weather really cooled off yesterday and into the night. I put the electric blanket back on the bed. That comes in handy at about 4:00am.

\n

Besides seeing old friends and meeting new ones, the best part of last night’s campfire was the barred owls. They were talking all around us and it was SO cool. At one point, one was in the tree right above TOW-Wanda and was really loud. I love hearing them. I took my spot light out but couldn’t see any.

\n

This is probably the last big camping trip of my season so I’m going to enjoy every minute of it. And, since this is a Mister-Sister trip, my Mr. FixIt is joining me later on today! It’ll be the first time I get the chance to introduce him to my camping friends and I’m really looking forward to it! More gals arrive today…the more, the merrier! ❤️

\n

“That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.”\n‭‭Exodus‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-09-29T01:30:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/29/fall-camping.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/24/when-the-partys-over.html", "title": "When the Party's Over", "content_html": "\"Camper\n

Girl 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.

\n

Two 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!

\n

The 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.

\n

The 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!

\n

The 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.

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I 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! ❤️

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“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

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\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/2017/09/18/time-out.html", "title": "Time Out!", "content_html": "\"Time\n

Last 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

I 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.

\n

With 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! ❤️

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“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

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\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/2017/09/17/going-places-doing-things.html", "title": "Going Places, Doing Things", "content_html": "\"1972\n

One of the coolest things about any group of camping women…be it Girl Campers or Sisters on the Fly or any of the others…you are just about guaranteed to have a great time, make new friends, and do fun stuff. This weekend has been no exception. The Country Living Fair was full of eye candy, to be sure. But sitting around with your Sister friends, laughing, talking, eating, and sharing a slice of life is priceless.

\n\"1972\n

This particular weekend is always fun for me because I get to hang out with my good friend and mentor, Janine Pettit. And, because the girls had their campers on display at the fair, we “camped” at the Holiday Inn. My roommate was Jill Evans. Jill is nearing the empty nest era and recently purchased a 1972 Airstream Landyacht. Fortunately, all the major mechanical stuff was just about done. But when she received it, the interior was that familiar dark brown that many women have come to loathe in an RV. She set to work fine tuning the interior and the results are stunning.

\n\"1972\n

The first thing she did was remove the oven from the wall. She then covered the wall with light pine. She and her dad worked on it together, and while she says the wall isn’t perfect, it was special working with her father on the project. Jill used a liquid sander and wiped down the interior surfaces, removing a lot of accumulated “gunk” then painted three coats of Valspar paint/primer over nearly everything but the floor. She replace the old Formica countertop with a dark wood laminate that looks all the world like a solid butcher block.

\n\"1972\n

Jill’s decorating style is impeccable. Her choices are at once delightfully pleasing to the eye and governed closely. Not too much…not too little. You’re left feeling peaceful and welcomed in this great white space. Perhaps I can call on my new Sister/friend when it’s time to decorate Joy! I’m hoping to have her finished next year to display here at the 2018 Country Living Fair! ❤️

\n\"1972\n\"\"\n

“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-09-17T01:55:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/17/going-places-doing-things.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","Camping","Gratitude","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/15/ooooompapa.html", "title": "Ooooom-Pa-Pa!", "content_html": "\"Menu\n

I arrived at the Country Living Fair in the early afternoon yesterday and met my Girl Camper friends. We had to wait our turn to pull the three campers into the grounds so we sat around and nibbled on finger foods and caught up with what’s been going on in each other’s lives. Girl Camper extraordinaire, Janine Pettit, regaled us with stories of her epic month long trip to the National Parks out west this summer. Gail shared that her daughter is going to live overseas for a year. Jill was excited about her new-to-her Airstream she recently redecorated. I shared the article from the Fidelity online magazine. Sisters and Girl Campers always pick up where we left off the last time.

\n

I don’t know if you’ve ever gone to a Country Living Fair but the amount of work that goes on in the background to set something up this massive and intricate is astounding. We drove in on cue when it was our turn. The area where we set up is pretty tight and it took a great deal of maneuvering to get all three campers in just right. I’m glad I have some mad backing up skills because they came in handy yesterday!

\n

Once the three campers were set up, they had to be “staged”. You’ve all seen those cute campers in the magazines with all the vintage collectibles or great quilts or baskets of flowers? All those things were placed there with an eye much more skilled than mine. When these girls were finished, it looked just like a photo shoot! I can’t wait to take pictures today!

\n

As I walked through the fair grounds, the displays were eye candy for someone who cannot resist the colorful, glossy pages of Country Living Magazine. It’s like the magazine itself has come alive…its pages exploding on the grounds all around you! Antiques, linens, rusty farm implements, artsy clothing and jewelry…you name it, it’s here. Including the kitchen sink. It’s truly one of the most beautiful fairs of its kind in the country. I’m so looking forward to browsing when I can.

\n

I’ve read Country Living Magazine for years. Now that I’m living a country life, it would be so easy to accumulate too much stuff again and, seriously…I really don’t want to go through that kind of downsizing ever again. I carefully curate what comes in my house now. I only have what is useful and I know to be beautiful. The trouble is…there is SO much that I find beautiful. So my third measure is…Would I rather have this “thing” or go someplace with that money. Experience over stuff wins just about every time.

\n

We ended the evening at a German restaurant where the highlight of the evening was a group of dinner guests playing cowbells to the tune “Edelweiss”. You can’t make this stuff up!

\n

Stay tuned…I may not be able to resist some extra posts today when I see something pretty! ❤️

\n

“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”\n‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-09-15T01:55:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/15/ooooompapa.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/13/mountain-music.html", "title": "Mountain Music", "content_html": "\"Jake\n

I’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.

\n

I 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.

\n

I 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!

\n

Tomorrow, 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.

\n

This 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/2017/09/12/the-jersey-girls.html", "title": "The Jersey Girls", "content_html": "\"The\n

We had such a mish-mash of gals at the SOTF event this weekend. I’ve heard so much about Jean Taylor over the years that I felt I already knew her, even though we’d never met. She came with three of her umpteen cousins and they were an absolute hoot and a half. They love to “camp”. As a matter of fact, Jean owns a campground in New Jersey. I am not sure how “campy” the others get, seeing how the sum of their experience thus far seemed to be staying in the motor home at the campground. But I loved them. You know why? Because they didn’t know you could make ice cream by hand. They’d never seen the Milky Way. They hadn’t heard of clogging in any other sense than what cholesterol does to your arteries. They were delightful!

\n

One story they told was how, very early on, their great grandfather lived in WV. He was an Italian immigrant and a miner with a huge family. And, as any good Italian did, he made wine for their consumption. Apparently, the revenuers caught wind of this, raided his home and broke all the bottles of wine. Great-grandma sent one of the kids to the mine to tell papa not to come home and why. He took off for New Jersey and stayed there till grandma could get there with the children. Thus, they put down roots in NJ. If not for the revenuers, how many more West Virginians would we have?

\n

I named them “Honorary Hillbillies”…those wonderful Italian women from New Jersey!

\n

We also had a published author of historical romances. A woman who owned a farm, played guitar, and is learning to drive horses. There were a few widows. There was a woman simultaneously going to college and living in her new Airstream as she explores the country over the next eighteen months. There were three moms of autistic children who bonded over that. There were artists and nurses, retired and employed. They slept in everything from cars to tents to vintage campers to modern campers to a brand new Airstream. Yet they all have one thing in common…they are Sisters. A fact that is never taken lightly. I am so proud to be a member of this organization and look forward to more gatherings with them. ❤️

\n

“She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-09-12T01:55:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/12/the-jersey-girls.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/06/sisters-on-the-fly.html", "title": "Sisters on the Fly", "content_html": "

\"Sisters \"\" \"\"

\n

What is Sisters on the Fly?

\n

It’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.

\n

What do the Sisters do at their gatherings?

\n

We 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!

\n

How can I be a Sister?

\n

You 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.

\n

What kind of women become Sisters on the Fly?

\n

Bold 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.

\n

These 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

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(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/2017/08/26/back-on-the-farm.html", "title": "Back on the Farm", "content_html": "\"Grandma's\n

It’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!

\n

We 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.

\n

We 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!

\n

As 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.

\n

If 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.

\n

Yes…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/2017/08/25/playing-tourist.html", "title": "Playing Tourist", "content_html": "\"Alley,\n

We drove into Richmond yesterday and looked around the Depot District. We went around the block and found this really cool alley with paintings on all the windows and old doorways. I love little surprising art finds around cities and towns. We wandered through Two Sisters Used Books where I found The Prayer of Jabez a couple years ago. We browsed through a huge furniture store and stopped at a coffee shop. Then headed for Oxford, Ohio.

\n

We ate dinner at the Steinkeller Restaurant and we’re very disappointed that Dave…the lederhosen wearing, accordion playing, Uptown Funk singing  entertainer wasn’t there. Apparently he doesn’t perform in the summer when the students are gone  they were hoping he would show up again since classes start at Miami university on Monday. We asked our waitperson about him. I told her I was so glad the students didn’t make fun of him. She said the students love him and sometimes they would hang around in the restaurant till 2:00AM…long after closing time…singing along with Dave  I hope he comes back this year. The world needs more Daves.

\n\"Insomnia\n

 

\n

I love the Insomnia Cookie Shop. They’ll deliver warm cookies till three in the morning. Hey, it’s a college town…kids are up late studying. I’m sure it’s nothing else…you know, like the munchies or anything. Just late night study sessions and the need for a warm cookie at 3:00AM, right?

\n\"Tree\n

I’m trying to figure out what this tree is beside the camper. Last night whatever is growing on it was falling on the roof with a clatter. The leaves look like hickory but smaller and the pods look different than the hickory on the farm. I’ll let you know when I find out what it is. I asked Fred, my tree guy but haven’t heard back yet.

\n\"Starcraft\n

As you can see, TOW-Wanda is still looking good. When she was in the shop at Camping World, they were detailing the camper next to her and splashed suds all over her. So, she got a free bath.

\n

We head home today! ❤️

\n

“And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.”\n‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:29‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-08-25T01:55:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/25/playing-tourist.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/24/ahhhhindiana.html", "title": "Ahhhh...Indiana!", "content_html": "\"Waze\n

I’m beginning to really like this state. I have been to Bloomington in the south. I’ve been back and forth along the I-70 corridor countless times. I spent a weekend here in Richmond in December 2015 when my daughter graduated from Miami University. And now I’m on my third camping excursion here. We picked TOW-Wanda up yesterday and she’s pretty as can be. They detailed her after putting on the new axle. I checked the hub temperature with my new infrared digital thermometer after driving a few miles and it was right around 97-98°. It may give me a false sense of security since the service guy told me “if it’s too hot, it’s too late.”

\n

Just after we turned onto I-70 from I-77, we came to a standstill. As far as we could see, cars and trucks filled the highway like a parking lot in all three lanes. I was just telling Mr. FixIt I wished I had the extension app on my Garmin GPS to tell me about traffic when I remembered Waze. Some of my Sisters on the Fly friends were just discussing the merits of this free GPS app that is populated by user input. I had tried it a couple of years ago and didn’t like it so I took it off. I figured I couldn’t lose anything and I was sitting in a giant parking lot on the interstate so I downloaded the app and turned it on. Sure enough, it showed my location and several people up ahead posted what was going on…a car fire. When we finally started moving, there was not one, but two burned out shells of cars alongside the highway. I’ll have to see if I can find a news story about it because it was pretty impressive. I have unlimited data on my cell phone so I kept Waze running. Whenever there was a hazard, a policeman, or even a pothole in the roadway, the app let me know with an electronic voice. I’ll be using it whenever I drive.

\n

The other thing I wanted to tell you about was this really cool tool I bought at Costco. I’ve been wanting a windshield mount for my cell phone and found a package of two at Costco when we were in Colorado. I gave one to Mr. FixIt for his truck and I put the other in mine. Now I can run Waze AND my GPS as I drive and have an unobstructed view of the road. I can answer calls hands free. I can even ask Siri to read my text messages and answer them by dictating and never take my eyes off the road.

\n

If you find yourself in Richmond, Indiana in need of RV services…see Matt Green at Camping World. If you need a great campsite that’s easily accessible, check out Grandpa’s Farm Campground. And if you want a really great meal, go to O’Charley’s. Excellent! There are my PSA’s of the day. Helpful hints for your traveling pleasure…and, I get to sleep in TOW-Wanda again!!! ❤️

\n

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-08-24T01:55:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/24/ahhhhindiana.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","New Ideas","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/10/road-trip-day-thirtysomethinghome-kinda.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Thirty-Something...\"Home! Kinda.\"", "content_html": "\"Burned\n

Yesterday was lovely. We went out for breakfast then headed to Camping World to check on the trailer. They were still working on locating an axle. We elected to take the wheel with the nearly shredded tire to Walmart and get a new one. Easy peasy. Then, to kill some time, we went to New Paris and browsed the antique stores. By 4:00 we decided it was best to go check in on the trailer again. Bad news. The replacement axle isn’t sitting on a shelf someplace. They don’t make them until they’re ordered. And, they take ten days to make. So the camper won’t be ready for at least two weeks!

\n

Ok. Change of plans. It was already 4:30. We swung around back and emptied everything we would need out of the camper. We threw away any food that wouldn’t stay fresh in the fridge, even though they assured us they would keep the trailer plugged in. We stuffed as much as we could in the truck and headed to dinner at a dive along the highway. Then we left Richmond, Indiana and headed for Cleveland to pick up Mr. FixIt’s truck. He left it parked there when he flew to Colorado. We picked it up, filled both trucks with gas, stopped at McDonald’s for coffee and headed for home. It was 1:15 by the time we got to Parkersburg and it would have been another hour to the farm. I called Mr. FixIt behind me and said I’d had enough…so we stopped at his place and I’ll head on in the morning.

\n

We’ll go on another road trip in a couple of weeks and pick up TOW-Wanda. We’ll talk more tomorrow about how this fiasco happened and what to do to avoid it in the future. In the meantime, I’m done. Thank you, God…for protecting us and keeping us safe during our travels. ❤️

\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

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\n", "date_published": "2017-08-10T01:55:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/10/road-trip-day-thirtysomethinghome-kinda.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/09/road-trip-day-thirtytwocrap.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Thirty-Two...\"Crap!\"", "content_html": "\"Burnt\n

One of the most important things I’ve learned about camping is this…check, check, and double-check everything. When I had that blowout a couple years ago, I learned to check the air pressure every single time I tow…whether it’s to the end of the driveway or across the state. I learned this from Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi of RV Family Travel Atlas and Janine Pettit of Girl Camper Podcast. Now I check my tires religiously.

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Day before yesterday, we stopped in a rest area and when I got back in the truck, I walked around…checking to make sure everything looked good. We were fifty miles from the campground. That stretch of I-70 was particularly rough…to the point we had to slow way down. We got to the campground and did a lot of routine maintenance things. I dumped the tanks and cleaned them out. I picked up inside the camper and got set up for the evening, and cooked supper. After the dishes were done and put away, we got those showers we were so anxiously awaiting and crashed. We were both exhausted and slept like logs.

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Yesterday morning, I was unhooking things and Mr. FixIt was checking the air pressure in the tires. When he got to the driver’s side rear tire he said, “Whoa, babe…come look at this. This isn’t good.” The rubber cover was missing off the hub and you could see down into the bearing housing. I knew when I got close and looked at the grease that we did indeed have a problem. The grease was packed with flecks of shiny metal…the bearings had been disintegrated. Luckily there was a Camping World four miles back so we very slowly, very carefully took the camper over.

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After tearing it apart and checking into the other wheels, they believe the last person who repacked my bearings (which I just had done this spring) had tightened the nut down too hard which doesn’t allow for the expansion of the bearings when they get hot. The end cap made of rubber blew off with the resulting pressure and shot all the hot grease out, leaving nothing to lubricate the bearings. Consequently, the casing got so hot it literally melted the bearing housing. The only thing that kept the wheel from flying off was a $2.00 cotter pin. Thank God it wasn’t worse…no one was injured. But the bad news is, it didn’t make any noise and we didn’t detect anything in the operation of the trailer in any way, so we drove on it at 60mph for 50 miles or so. That was hot enough to etch the spindle and the whole axle needs replaced. They are working hard to find me one…even if they have to send someone up to the Starcraft factory up in Elkhart.

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But, here’s the thing…when I had the blowout two years ago, the repairman forgot to put the dust cover back over the hub. When I had the hubs repacked last time, the shop didn’t have one. I’ve thought of it off and on but never got around to it. And, since I wasn’t actually checking the temperature of the hubs, if that dust cover WOULD have been in place, I never would have seen there was a problem. This was, quite literally, a disaster waiting to happen and it’s a miracle no one was injured.

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So, we have an unexpected adventure…exploring Richmond, Indiana and the Old National Road…home of some pretty great antique stores. We found a room for $60 and had dinner at Cracker Barrel. Yes, this is inconvenient. Yes, the repair is going to be expensive. But, we are safe…we are together…and God has us in the palms of his hands. Life is good! ❤️

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“You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.”\n‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:19-20‬ ‭MSG‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-08-09T01:55:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/09/road-trip-day-thirtytwocrap.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Grace","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/08/road-trip-day-thirtyonecamping-in.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Thirty-One...\"Camping in Comfort!\"", "content_html": "\"Paulaner\n

OMGosh! After camping two nights in parking lots, Grandpa’s Farm Campground is just what the doctor ordered. Mr. FixIt and I were up at the crack of dawn and dragged our sorry butts into the IHOP for breakfast. Coffee, coffee, coffee. I slept maybe three pharmaceutically induced hours to the refrains of a hundred diesel engines idling all night. Ok, there were…like, twenty-five, ok? All I’m sayin’ is…it sounded like the 10th Armored Division were on maneuvers in my living room. Have I ever mentioned I’m grumpy in the mornings if I don’t sleep well and coffee is delayed by the briefest of moments? I thought not…I hate to tarnish my pristine reputation. Oy.

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After breakfast, we sat down with the Atlas and the RV Campground Directory and figured out how long we wanted to drive today. It put us right in the vicinity of Richmond, IN…a very cute little burg. I was in Richmond when Daughter #1 graduated from college a few miles away in Oxford, Ohio at the Miami University. I stopped at this campground on my way out to Colorado this summer. It’s the one I found on a Saturday night when I was contemplating how sorry I was that I’d miss church the next morning, only to find out they have Campground Church every Sunday. It’s run by a lovely family. There is some road noise in the early evening, but it soon dies down after folks get home from work. There’s also a rushing stream along the edge of the campground that you can hear at night. AAA got me a discount and a full hookup site was $32.50. As soon as I got everything hooked up, I turned on the hot water heater so we could enjoy hot showers for the first time in three days! Heavenly!

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But, here’s the very coolest thing….Mr. FixIt DROVE for me all but the first hour. We were tooling along and I just hadn’t had enough sleep or enough coffee. We pulled into a service station, got my pillows and blankets out of the trailer, and I crawled into the passenger side and slept for two hours. When I woke up, I marveled at the decadence of having someone drive me around…pulling my camper with confidence, being just as careful of her as I am. It felt amazing…this giving over some control after having to do everything by myself for so long. The thing is, I kept hanging onto that control…long after I had a capable partner to help me. It was liberating in the totally opposite way of women’s liberation. It felt inclusive, a communal effort. And I was in hog heaven!

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We got to the campground by 3:00 which allows for so much more of an evening than midnight does. Mr. FixIt went for a walk while I wrote this post so we could just enjoy the evening without interruptions. We cooked a nice dinner and sat outside listening to the many sounds of the campground. What a precious treat this man is. Thank you God for safe travels. And thank You for bringing me such a wonderful man to enjoy! ❤️

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“Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”\n‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16:23-24‬ ‭NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2017-08-08T01:55:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/08/road-trip-day-thirtyonecamping-in.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/06/road-trip-day-thirtycamping-at.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Thirty...\"Camping at Walmart\"", "content_html": "\"Front\n

Mr. FixIt was in an automotive store picking up a part for my truck when I was preparing to leave on this trip. He was telling the sales guy about all the trouble I was having getting out of town with the camper. They guy handed him the part and said, “Well, it’ll be smooth sailing from here on out.” Mr. FixIt laughed and said, “I don’t know…everything is an adventure with Ginny McKinney!” He gets me! Yesterday was no exception.

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It took us thirteen hours to get from Denver t this Walmart. The drive on the two-lane was amazingly beautiful. The terrain is sand hills giving way to intermittent flat and rolling fields of corn, soybeans, and what not. There is supposed to be a bad storm this morning in western Kansas and Nebraska so we wanted to put plenty of distance between us and the weather so we kept driving. We stopped in McCook, NE so I could stretch out and take a nap. That gave me my second wind.

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We stopped to eat at a historical marker for the Texas-Ogallala Trail where cattle drives crossed the plains. It was so much more fun having a traveling companion. He could Google in real time things I asked about.

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While the views were wonderful and the roads so much easier to travel without all the truckers, finding a campsite was nearly impossible. There just isn’t the traffic on these back roads to warrant a campground and the couple we saw signs for were impossible to find in the dark. Hence the decision to find a Walmart. I searched in my Garmin and found one about thirty miles away. After eleven miles into it, we made a turn and there was a small sign that said “Bridge Out, 21 miles”. I looked at the GPS and it said to turn in 21 miles. I called the Walmart and they said the bridge was out right where you turn to come into town so we had to take a detour. It added 27 miles to our trip but we were committed at that point. We pressed on and arrived at the store 2 minutes before they closed. We immediately went inside and spoke to the person in charge, asked where we should park, and thanked them profusely. We fell into bed with great relief.

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Yes…everything is an adventure with Ginny McKinney! ❤️

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“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”\n‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-08-06T01:55:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/06/road-trip-day-thirtycamping-at.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/05/road-trip-day-twentynineon-the.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-Nine...\"On the Road Again!\"", "content_html": "\"Sometimes\n

This is the hard part…saying goodbye. I don’t like goodbyes. I miss my kids and my grands when I’m in West Virginia. I wish we lived closer. At one point I was ready to move back to Colorado. But man…the cost of living is nearing the breaking posing for most people and it has gotten so incredibly crowded. As much as I will miss my girls, I am longing for home…for the peacefulness of the country…for smaller towns and fewer crowds.

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We had a great day yesterday. We fussed around getting the camper cleaned and ready for travel. We did laundry and visited with my son-in-law’s parents, then went to Little’s Art Camp program. She displayed several art pieces and played the violin. Afterwards, we had 14 for a family dinner and that will have to do till next time. We’ve decided to drive the back roads and see what a cross road trip was like in the days of the two-lane blacktop. We’ll follow a river into the sand hills of the western prairie. Our progress will be slow, but I’ll check in and share with you. This is an entirely new experience for me and I’m looking forward to it! ❤️

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“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’ ”

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For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;”\n‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:4, 10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-08-05T01:55:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/05/road-trip-day-twentynineon-the.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/04/road-trip-day-twentyeightdancing.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-Eight...\"Dancing\"", "content_html": "\"Feet\n

I love listening to live music. We met Daughter #1 and the grands for dinner then attended the outdoor concert at Flatirons Crossing…a large mall in Louisville, CO. They left at intermission so when the band started up again, I led Mr. FixIt out on the dance floor for the second half. I love to dance, but my 64-year-old knees were screaming in protest before long. I’ll pay for it today, I’m afraid.

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Yesterday was spent running errands like getting the oil changed on the truck for the trip back. Today is cleaning, doing laundry, packing. We all get to attend Little’s presentation at the end of art camp this afternoon then one last family gathering before we head out in the morning. It’s been a fast month and I’ll miss my babies. I’m already planning our return trip around Christmas! I know this isn’t much of a post…just touching base as we tie up loose ends before we leave. ❤️

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“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭127:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-08-04T01:55:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/04/road-trip-day-twentyeightdancing.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Love","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\"\n

There 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?

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I 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.

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Time 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.

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I’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.

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Yesterday was a day shared with loved ones. My heart is full. ❤️

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“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/2017/08/01/road-trip-day-twentyfivelife-is.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-Five...\"Life is Better at the Ranch\"", "content_html": "\"Life\n

The trip out west is winding down. The kids are busy with camps and getting ready for school so there isn’t as much time for visiting. I could spend another month showing Mr. FixIt around Colorado, but there are things that need tending to back home. I was going to stay till the end of August so I could attend a Sisters on the Fly event. However, I am hosting a Sisters event in WV the first week of September and there are still so many details to take care of and I want it to be memorable for the gals. So, I’m heading back east this weekend. I’m not going to put Mr. FixIt on the plane…he’s going to drive back with me. We have found an alternate route that will take us along the America River on a two lane and off the wicked roar of the interstate. I’m looking forward to an easier ride home with good company.

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Our last days here will consist of family time and perhaps a drive to Colorado Springs to the Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak. Yesterday was laundry day (I ironed a shirt! gasp!), lunch out with my son-in-law’s parents, a little nap in the afternoon, dinner with the family, and a trip to my favorite antique store. The Brass Armadillo is huge and would take a full day to browse. We only had a couple of hours but we did our best to see as much as possible. It floors me to go into an “antique” store and see the things we grew up using and playing with. I mean, really…antiques? How is that possible when we keep getting younger?

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I loved the Ranch sign. And the angel wings were awesome. The trailer with wings was adorable. I didn’t buy a thing, although there were so many things I could see owning. I can’t shop anymore without envisioning the work involved with downsizing when I sold my house and got rid of 95% of my personal belongings. It was so incredibly difficult and I don’t ever want to do that again. I already own too much stuff! I want to keep my life light and not be burdened by the weight of possessions. I love stuff. I love that my friends dig their stuff and want to keep it around them. I totally get that. It’s going to be interesting to see how things unfold as my relationship with Mr. FixIt moves forward. Ohhhh, he’s as big a pack rat as I am!

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Today’s a day of helping my daughter while Mr. FixIt entertains himself. He can find his way around Denver with the GPS. I hope you all have an incredible day! ❤️

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“He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ””\n‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-08-01T01:55:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/01/road-trip-day-twentyfivelife-is.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Love"] }, { "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\n

I 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.

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We 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.

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When 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.

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There 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.

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Regardless 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! ❤️

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“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”\n‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\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/2017/07/29/road-trip-day-twentytwoa-night.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-Two...\"A Night on the Town\"", "content_html": "\"A\n

After a busy day sightseeing, we visited with my “surrogate parents” and my sweet brother. We walked around town and looked at the darling shops of downtown Glenwood Springs and chose one of my favorite restaurants for dinner…The Riviera Supper Club. So, I’m out on the town with my man as I jot this note to you…and this is “all she wrote” for today. We will head back to the campground (NO cell service or WiFi…yay!!!) We’ll head back to Denver tomorrow! ❤️

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“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”\n‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-29T01:55:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/29/road-trip-day-twentytwoa-night.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/28/road-trip-day-twentyoneexploring.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-One...\"Exploring!\"", "content_html": "\"Maroon\n

Seriously…have you seen anything more beautiful than this??? Maroon Bells…the most photographed scene in Colorado. Mr. FixIt has never been to Colorado and I’m trying to jam in as many amazing sights I can in the short time we are up here in the mountains. We got our exercise yesterday! We started with The Ritz Carlton Club in Aspen Highlands to see Mr. Virgo’s Memorial. They planted a tree and laid a plaque in his honor off the patio of his restaurant in the hotel. It has grown about three feet since they planted it. I felt him all around me there. He loved that restaurant and the view. After paying our respects and talking to some of the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Ritz Carlton, we took the shuttle up to Maroon Bells Wilderness Area and hiked around the lake and through meadows of mountain wildflowers in their prime. The Colorado sky did not disappoint, and even though we didn’t see the bear Mr. FixIt wanted to see, he had a grand time. By the time we finished our hike we were famished. We took the shuttle\nbus back into Aspen Highlands and drove into Aspen for a late lunch. We walked the streets, people watching and browsing through the shops till it was time to head back to the camper. There was live music in the park last night and we didn’t want to miss that. We have no cell or phone service in the campground so I have to post when I have service somewhere. If I miss a day, don’t worry…it just means I didn’t come to town.

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It was another beautiful day in the Rockies. The night sky is so incredibly black you can’t see your hand in front of your face but the stars??? OMGosh! You can see the entire Milky Way! They’re so close it feels like you can touch them. Amazing! ❤️

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““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”\n‭‭Job‬ ‭12:7-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-28T01:55:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/28/road-trip-day-twentyoneexploring.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/27/road-trip-day-twentyoneold-home.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-one...\"Old Home Week\"", "content_html": "\"Woman\n

There are moments in life that you would like to freeze and keep forever, aren’t there? Yesterday was just such a day. The part came in for the camper and Mr. FixIt went to pick it up while I packed up and got the camper ready to haul it to our next site. It was a really easy, short trip without any hills to speak of and we were there in no time. There was only one little glitch. The campsite I had reserved was a group site and there was someone coming to stay right beside us…which kind of defeated the point. Fortunately, there was another site nearby that was even better and we got set up quickly and headed to Marble for lunch at Slow Groovin’ BBQ. It was there I met Kevin from Grand Rapids, MI. Kevin is doing what many young college grads do…he’s finding his groove and he couldn’t have picked a better place than here! As many of these stories, it all started with a blown engine and this person knew that person and off he is on an adventure. (Note to Kevin’s mom…you raised a fine young man. He’s polite and friendly and has great dreams. I know you must be very proud of him. He says you worry. I understand but…he’ll be careful. He misses you and all his nieces and nephews.) Anyway, Kevin was a bright spot in our day and it was a delight to meet him.

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After lunch, we headed to Glenwood Springs to listen to live music in the park. The Black Lillies from Nashville were the highlight of the night and they were awesome! This is my old stomping grounds. I moved here as a young doctor’s wife in 1986. I ran into people who have known me, supported me, and cheered me on through every incarnation I went through since then. It was such a treat to introduce Mr. FixIt to so many of my longtime friends. He had a blast!

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Today we are off to explore Aspen! Stay tuned!!! ❤️

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“I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭104:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-27T01:55:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/27/road-trip-day-twentyoneold-home.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/26/road-trip-day-twentyanother-day.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty...\"Another Day in Paradise\"", "content_html": "\"Rifle\n

Last week I reported to you that Mr. Virgo was in my dreams two nights running saying he was leaving me. He appeared again Sunday night. In this dream I found out that he had some sort of neurological problem and that’s why he decided to go on and not try to come back. He was brought to me in a black limousine. They told me he was coming and that I could see him the way he would have looked had he survived the heart attack. When the car pulled up, he rolled down the window and he had obvious neurological damage, yet in the dream, he could still stand. He got out of the limo and looked at me so sad. I wrapped my arms around his neck and cried, “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” He said it was HE who was sorry he had to leave me like that. I pulled away from him and said, “You know how much I love you, right?” He said of course he did. I said, “Well, I’ve met someone wonderful and I love him, too. I can’t leave him now.” His eyes softened and he wrapped me in his arms and whispered into my hair, “It’s ok. It’s ok. It’s ok.” And…I woke up. Three times in a week he’s been in my dreams and he hasn’t been here that much in the last four and a half years. I think it’s because I’ve brought Mr. FixIt here to Colorado…turf that, up until now, belonged to Mr. Virgo and me.

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It was still dark…the first hint of daylight tinting the eastern sky. I lay there quietly, listening to the soft breathing of this wonderful man I have come to love. “It’s ok. It’s ok. It’s ok.” I smiled in the darkness, snuggled closer, and went back to sleep.

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We were up bright and early yesterday. Lots to do…doctor’s appointment and pick up the replacement thermostat (it’s still not in after two more stops in the RV dealer). We went out for breakfast then stopped to visit Mr. Virgo’s grave. I left one of the painted rocks that I’ve found recently that said “I love your smile!” It made ME smile. Then I took Mr. FixIt up to Rifle Falls State Park. In all the years I lived here, I had never been there. We hiked up to the top, took lots of pictures, and headed back to town to take my brother out to dinner again. Afterwards, we stopped at the grocery store and ran into Rob and Jordan, two young men from Virginia who had built this funky trailer from scratch and are on a five month trek across the country. They have a YouTube channel called Fantasy Jive ( www.youtube.com/channel/U… ) What an adventure!

\n\"#CruisinCabana\"\n

A trip to Lowe’s rounded out the day. We needed some wire connectors and wire stripper for the thermostat project. With the groceries put away, we finally had time to sit in our new chairs and listen to the river rushing through the canyon as the sun set. We stayed the last two nights at Glenwood Canyon Resort…one of the most beautiful places to camp in Colorado, in my opinion. While the sites are rather close together, there’s nothing like sitting and staring up at the steep canyon walls directly across the river from your campsite. Trains run through the canyon at all hours, but if you’re like me, they make you smile.

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Today we break camp and head on to our next stop on this adventure. Stay tuned to see what we are up to next!❤️

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“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”\n‭‭John‬ ‭14:16-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-26T01:55:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/26/road-trip-day-twentyanother-day.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/25/road-trip-day-nineteenthe-long.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Nineteen...\"The Long Slog\"", "content_html": "\"Wiring\n

“Eula Faye” is my F-150…a beauty for sure, but she lacks guts. As I figured, climbing these mountains pulling TOW-Wanda was brutal and pushed her to her limits. I watched fearfully as the transmission temperature steadily climbed, maxing out at 232 degree. I immediately moved off the side of the highway and let her cool back down to her baseline of 194 before starting again. Consequently, it was a very long drive to our campsite on the Western Slope. It was 94 degrees when we unhooked at 3:00. I went in to start the air conditioner to start cooling off the camper when It wouldn’t work…again. It just so happens, we are camping 27 miles from the RV dealer where I bought this camper so I immediately called to see if they were open. We drove straight over and arrived 15 minutes before closing time. We took the old thermostat with us and they ordered us the replacement part. It will arrive by noon today.

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I don’t like to say bad things about a business because they could just be having an off day or maybe here was a miscommunication. As we left town yesterday, we stopped at Camper World to get a replacement thermostat as they are a Starcraft Dealer. There were three men behind the parts counter and I got three different answers. The general consensus was the part is obsolete. I couldn’t imagine that to be true as this is a 2015 camper. The young guy went back in the back and brought a thermostat us and said, “This will work.” I looked at the thermostat and back at him. My thermostat has a six wire harness. The one he brought up was nine. When I pointed this out he said, “Just don’t hook up three of them.” Right. I ignored him and turned to the one closest to me who was at least tying to help me by looking up the actual part number. Then he told me it wasn’t in his computer so it must be obsolete. I asked him if the company who manufactured the thermostat had a replacement part number. He had no idea how to contact them. Finally, I excused myself, spent fifteen minutes researching on Google and found the approved replacement thermostat from RVUpgrades.com. I did buy two padded club chairs that are much more comfortable than the ones I bought last winter. Then I left.

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Hopefully the new part from the dealer on the Western Slope will work and we’ll have the AC back. Fortunately, the temperature cooled off enough to made sleeping more comfortable, and it is supposed to cool off later in the week.

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We took my brother to dinner last night. It was so, so good to see him! We’ll visit again today. I know this isn’t a profound and insightful post. My trip posts are just there to let you know what I’m up to, places I think you might be interested in, and the wonderful people I meet along the way. Like Rick…the helpful hardware man at Ace. Rick has been following Marshmallow Ranch for at least two years. When I pulled into the neighborhood Ace store yesterday to top off my propane tanks, Rick came out to help me and greet me with a great big hug! He was so excited to meet Mr. FixIt. We stood and visited for quite some time. When I came back out from paying for the propane, he asked if he could pray with us for safety for our trip and blessings for our relationship. I went to the truck and got Mr. Fixit and we stood right there in the parking lot of the Ace Hardware and prayed together. It was very touching. So, even though the truck struggled, even though the AC wouldn’t work, even though it was hot and sticky trying to sleep…I let it all roll off me like water off a duck’s back. Blessings abound! ❤️

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“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.””\n‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-25T01:55:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/25/road-trip-day-nineteenthe-long.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/24/road-trip-day-eighteenfort-collins.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Eighteen...\"Fort Collins\"", "content_html": "\"EPIC\n

Located sixty-five miles north of Denver, Fort Collins is a bustling college town with plenty to see and do. Shopping, restaurants and abundant recreational opportunities will keep you occupied for days. We gathered as a family to cheer on our oldest grandchild as she competed in the State Swim Meet. She did very well, carving time off her personal bests. Her greatest competition is herself. She is humble and hard working. It was a joy and honor to attend and watch the young woman she is becoming.

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We all stayed in the Historic Timnath Hotel located just across I-25 in the little village of Timnath. Now a private residence, this lovely building has been lovingly restored and was quite comfortable to stay in and cook our meals. You can rent it on Air B&B. I am so grateful to have such a loving extended family. We especially enjoyed sitting out on the balcony talking till late as we enjoyed the cool of the evening.

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Last night, the rest of the family came over and fifteen of us celebrated the 88th birthday of the matriarch of the family. It was such a delight! Today we head to the mountains for a week of camping. I’m a little nervous about pulling the camper up real mountains with this truck. I’ll feel much better when I get this first day behind me. We need to stop at Camping World and buy a new thermostat for the air conditioner. It has become unreliable. I did manage to get it to work by using a can of compressed air to clean out any dust and dirt that has accumulated on the switch contacts. But there is nothing worse than arriving at a campground in the heat of July or August only to discover the AC isn’t working. Better to just fix it.

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I hope you have a Happy Monday! ❤️

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“You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because GOD will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:23-26‬ ‭MSG‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-24T01:55:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/24/road-trip-day-eighteenfort-collins.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/23/road-trip-day-seventeenfamily-first.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Seventeen...\"Family First\"", "content_html": "



I’ve known Mr. FixIt for nearly fifty years. He’s gregarious and fun and funny. He’s everyone’s best friend and, just like me, he has never known a stranger. He fits into every crowd, can talk on a number of subjects, and always has something to contribute to conversations. When I found myself with the opportunity to be in a relationship with my long time friend, of course I jumped at the chance. I had no doubt that he would fit right into my family. It’s like he’s always been a part of us and I couldn’t be happier. You know, Mr. Virgo wasn’t my first marriage. There were two before him. My daughter laughs and calls me Elizabeth…as in Taylor. It wasn’t my plan to have this many men in my life. It was my destiny.

Yesterday was the best day! Family time, time spent exploring Fort Collins, and then the other grandparents joined us in the afternoon. My daughter and son-in-law went to a wedding and the grandparents and grandchildren stayed home and cooked a nice dinner. Afterwards we all sat on the deck and visited as the sun set. We watched the bats come out and pick off the mosquitoes. We watched the neighborhood rabbits forage in the overgrown yard of an abandoned house across the street. Just after dusk, we heard the calls of a pack of coyotes beyond the river. The oppressive heat of the day gave way to the first cool breeze of the night and we all breathed a collective sigh of relief. I try to spend every moment I can sitting outdoors when the weather permits it. Winters seem so dreadfully long when I can’t go out after dark and enjoy the front porch.

Today is an action packed day of fun with the grandchildren then we head back to Denver to prepare for our camping adventure that begins on Monday. I can’t wait to tell you about the campgrounds and all the sites we will be visiting in the coming week. I get to see my brother and my friends and make more introductions. I am so blessed! ❤️

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV

\n", "date_published": "2017-07-23T03:55:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/23/road-trip-day-seventeenfamily-first.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Love","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/22/road-trip-day-sixteentour-director.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Sixteen...\"Tour Director\"", "content_html": "\"Rocky\n

I get the biggest kick out of showing people places they’ve never seen…especially when it’s a place I love so much. Colorado was my home for forty years and it’s truly spectacular. Mr. FixIt has never been here so I’m having a blast watching him explore. Yesterday we went up to Rocky Mountain National Park. We no sooner got there till the skies opened up and a major thunderstorm blew in. I pulled into the parking area at Sheep Lake and turned off the engine. Mr. FixIt asked what we were looking at. I pointed up high in the mountains and said, “See that lightning? That’s where we’re going. I’m going to wait till it breaks up a bit.” He looked up at the high peaks and I could read a lot on his face. “Cool!” “Man, that’s high!” “I’ve got the coolest girlfriend on the planet!” Well, ok…I could be projecting that last part. lol

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Once the storm let up a little, we proceeded on through the park and turned right to go up Old Fall River Road. To me, that’s the only way to approach Trail Ridge Road from the east. We drove past the site where the flash flood several years ago brought down an alluvial fan for the record books. Shortly after the falls at the fan, you jog to the right and start up the mountain on a narrow, single lane dirt road with no guard rails. Majesty comes into view at every turn, be it waterfalls or sheer drop offs, abundant wildlife or above-treeline vistas. Mr. FixIt said his neck hurt from flipping his head back and forth trying to take it all in. The road is seven-and-a-half miles long and with all the stops and pulling over to let the faster cars by, it took five hours. But, that included a stop for coffee at the restaurant at the top of Trail Ridge Road. It was 49 degrees and really windy at the top. You seriously feel like you’re on top of the world up there. Mr. FixIt was beside himself!

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We are staying with my kids, grandkids, and son-in-law’s parents in a historic hotel and have the whole place to ourselves. We got back in time last night to grill burgers and have salad and corn on the cob. Summer is such a wonderful time of year. Mr. FixIt kept thanking me all day for showing him such a good time. It is so incredibly sweet when you’re on the happy side of life, isn’t it? To be appreciated…and told so??? What a gift that we get to give away to each other! Life is so good! ❤️

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“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭95:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-07-22T01:55:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/22/road-trip-day-sixteentour-director.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Love"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/17/road-trip-day-elevenyou-are.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Eleven...\"You Are Worthy\"", "content_html": "\"1\n

Ok, we’re going to church here in a little bit…fair warning. But first, I want to share something cool that happened. As I settled in TOW-Wanda last night after a fun-filled day with the family, I heard the soft hoot of an owl. A Great Horned Owl, to be precise. I jumped up and quietly opened the camper door only to see a pair of huge owls sitting in the tree about 50-60 feet away from where I stood…in awe, I might add. This is not something one sees ordinarily. Not in the daylight and not in a large urban area. I wish Little could have been here…she is really into Harry Potter right now. She would have loved to see the owls.

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Little went to church with me and really had a wonderful time. She enjoyed the worship team. She brought up points from the sermon during the day and told me I need to take her whenever I go there. We went to a friend’s house in the afternoon to help her paint her kitchen then, after a little quiet time in the afternoon, we attended a graduation party. It was a beautiful day.

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Yesterday’s sermon was about the Samaritan woman at the well. The story goes, Jesus is waiting by a well while his disciples went for food. It was noon when a Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water. Jesus asked her to draw a drink for him and she objected. Jews and Samaritans did not mix company. The pastor has, of course, read this passage countless times, but recent events altered his interpretation. Last week, he and his family went on a trip to Africa to check on Missionaries they are working with. One morning, they went to the well at the base of a mountain and it was crowded with women and children from the villages above…filling their water containers to haul back up the mountain to their homes. Just to survive. And the next day and the next would find them doing the same thing. One would think the drudgery of hauling heavy loads of water back up the mountainside would create a dismal mood at the well. But, that wasn’t the case. There was much laughter, hugging, the sharing of news and stories among this community of women. This was their only social outlet…their only time to get the love and support we all so desperately need in our lives. Then they headed home, their containers full, till they descended the next morning.

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As the pastor watched this activity, he thought of the Samaritan woman and a line from the scripture struck him in a way it never had before. It said the woman came to the well at about noon. Now, noon is the hottest time of the day. No one would come to the well at such a time and try to haul heavy containers of water. Why would she have chosen to come when the others were not there? What was going on in her life that would cause her to forego a sense of community. His answer lay in the rest of the scripture. The Samaritan woman had been married and divorced five times. She was living with a man who was not her husband. She was well aware of what the others thought of her and she just couldn’t face the scrutiny, the judgement, the name-calling and whispers. She was ashamed. She felt unworthy. Till she had a chance encounter with Jesus and He taught her that her worth comes from God…not from the opinions of others. That she was just as worthy in His eyes as any other.

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How many times have you felt unworthy? How many times have you avoided interactions with others out of fear of condemnation? How many times have you shut down simply because it was easier than facing what others throw at you? I know I spent far too many years feeling unworthy of love, of respect, of kindness. The child of an alcoholic, the victim of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of two different men…these things set me up for low self-esteem and all the resultant destructive behaviors one does to cope. It wasn’t until I felt the unconditional love of a Father I had never known that I began to recognize my worth. I believe God sent Mr. Virgo to talk some sense into me and love some of that pain away.

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You are worthy. You are loved. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are “less than” or “unloveable”. It simply is not true. God doesn’t want you to wait till you have your act together to come talk with Him. He loves you exactly where you are, exactly how you are, in spite of what is going on in your life. That is the message from the sermon yesterday and I just felt I needed to share that with you today. It’s Motivation Monday…time to straighten up your crown and own your worth today, dear ones. ❤️

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“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”\n‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-17T01:55:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/17/road-trip-day-elevenyou-are.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Love","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/16/road-trip-day-tenshe-is.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Ten...\"She Is My Crown\"", "content_html": "\"Girl\n

Dear God in Heaven…thank you for bringing this small human into my life! She and her sister are the delights of my life. Yesterday was our semi-annual “Nana and Little’s Day of Fun!” Each grandchild gets to pick and choose what they want to do with Nana, where and what they want to eat, and how the day and night will play out. Big is thirteen now so we pretty much go shopping and have lunch although last summer she did want to go to the Denver Aquarium with me. Little is only ten and she is still all about the fun we can have. Her day is always centered around shopping, doing a craft or baking, and a sleepover in TOW-Wanda. She told everyone at the mall what the significance of the day was and what we’ve done and what we’re going to do. She’s like me…gregarious, funny, creative. Her sister is the thinker, brilliant, caring…strong and tender.

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Little always comes up with the funniest things. She is deep and profound and hilariously, seriously funny. Our first stop was 2nd & Charles…a bookstore where you can sell or trade your old books, movies, CD’s…even vinyl. There are three bins out front filled with free stuff. Yesterday, I picked up a book by Michael Moore, a cookbook with gluten free recipes, a Dr. Who Christmas Ornament still in the box, and Audubon’s Field Guide on Insects and Spiders of North America. Not a bad haul. As little and I rummaged through what was left in the bins, she came across a coloring activity sheet from either a Sunday School or Vacation Bible School. Jesus was standing with several children and someone had placed a sticker over his mouth. Little turned to me and said…“Nana…I can’t tell if this is Jesus or a Jedi.” For some reason that just totally cracked us both up and the more we laughed, the funnier it got. Joy…sheer joy. This is my reward for being puked on at 3:00am…for putting up with a sassy pants teenaged girl…for the pain of letting her grow and get married and move to the opposite end of the country. This. This sweet child and her sister.

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Last night was dinner out with the other grandparents and a viewing of the first Harry Potter movie with popcorn. We “camped” in the driveway in TOW-Wanda. This morning is church with my girl. My heart is so full. ❤️

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“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-16T01:55:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/16/road-trip-day-tenshe-is.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/14/road-trip-day-eightwhat-a.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Eight...\"What a Feeling!\"", "content_html": "\"Altitude\n

There’s nothing like feeling really good after feeling really bad. I was so miserable Wednesday…too tired, too much junk food, too much altitude, not enough water and I was laid low. Nancy, one of my Colorado readers, sent me a message yesterday first thing and suggested I try to find some “Altitude Adjustment”…a nutritional supplement that helps your body adjust to the changes our bodies go through at elevation. I don’t know the science behind it, but if they told me twirling a chicken over my head would have made me feel better, I’d have been heading to the nearest barnyard. I was willing to try anything because I didn’t want to spend another day miserable. Nancy even offered to meet me halfway to deliver some if I needed her to. I called the number on the back of the package from the picture she sent and got the name of the nearest store that carried Altitude Adjustment and took it right away. I drank three bottles of water. My son-in-law’s mom insisted I eat something and made me an egg sandwich. And within an hour, I felt great. I spent the day out with my daughter and grandchildren and last night we all got together to celebrate birthdays and an anniversary. It was a great day!

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Also, my latest post on the Sisters on the Fly Blog series “Getting Bolder” went live yesterday. It is always so exciting to see that! You can catch it here…

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www.sistersonthefly.com/getting-b…

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Thank you for your kind words of support yesterday. I never feel entirely alone with God..and all of you out there! ❤️

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“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.””\n‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭15:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-14T01:55:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/14/road-trip-day-eightwhat-a.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/12/road-trip-day-sixi-made.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Six...\"I Made It!\"", "content_html": "\"GPS\"\n

OMGosh! I thought it was going to take forever to get here. With the long drive day on Monday, I was sure hoping today would go better. My good friend Diane called me Monday night and said, “I’m waiting to read about the fun part in this. Why on earth are you doing this if it’s so miserable?” And, my answer depends on when you ask. If you would have asked me Monday evening, I’d be hard pressed to come up with a good reason. But, if you asked me Thursday and Friday when I was camping with my gal pals, I’d tell you that’s the best. And if you ask me right this minute while TOW-Wanda is tucked in the shade at Ben and Sue’s house and my grandkids are here, I’d tell you this is the best. And, on the 24th, when Mr. FixIt and I head to the high country to camp for a week, I’ll tell you that’s the best. I will tell you this…the very worst day pulling a camper cross-country through Kansas in July at 103 degrees with no air conditioning STILL beats the very best day at work…hands down!

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Yesterday wasn’t as windy so the trailer wasn’t getting buffeted around so it was a much easier drive. It wasn’t quite so hot. It was a relatively short drive day. And, I slept eleven hours Monday night so I was rearing to go! I love a road trip…even when things don’t always go smoothly. It presents me with opportunities to work out problems on my own. And, even though I have this wonderful man in my life now, I’ll still be traveling on my own sometimes. It’s what I do. I’m not giving that part of my new life away. I’m accommodating Mr. FixIt INTO my new life, just as he is accommodating me into his.

\n

As I was driving along yesterday morning, I finally came across a Starbucks that was easily accessible. Yay! But what I found in the truck stop store was a bigger WOW! I love those big truck stop stores. They always have hard-to-find accessories. When I was in the wreck in February, everything made it out of my truck except the piece that attaches my Garmin GPS to the windshield. I had jury rigged something that sort of worked until the afternoon sun melted the adhesive. I found the replacement piece in that truck stop store yesterday and I was ecstatic! Problem solved. And, this mount is even better than the original! Score!

\n

I’m really looking forward to some lay-low days with family this week. I want to thank God first and foremost for travel mercies and thank all of you for your prayers and love and light sent out for my protection. I didn’t even see a single fender bender. God is the best and you all are, too! ❤️

\n

“Here’s what will happen. While you’re out among the nations where GOD has dispersed you and the blessings and curses come in just the way I have set them before you, and you and your children take them seriously and come back to GOD, your God, and obey him with your whole heart and soul according to everything that I command you today, GOD, your God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you; he’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered. No matter how far away you end up, GOD, your God, will get you out of there and bring you back to the land your ancestors once possessed. It will be yours again. He will give you a good life and make you more numerous than your ancestors.”\n‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30:1-5‬ ‭MSG‬‬

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2017-07-12T01:55:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/12/road-trip-day-sixi-made.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/11/road-trip-day-fiveso-near.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Five...\"So Near, Yet So Far\"", "content_html": "Battery powered \"air conditioner\"\n

When I hooked up my camper Sunday night at the Kan-Do Kampground in Montgomery City, Missouri, the temp was in the 90’s and I was hot and tired. However, no matter what I tried, the air conditioning in TOW-Wanda would not come on. Therefore, the only things I had to cool me off were two fans and the exhaust fan in the bathroom. That drew the heat out somewhat, but still, I didn’t get to sleep till around midnight. I woke up at 2:30 yesterday morning and try as I might, further sleep eluded me. I laid there till the sky started to lighten around 5:00 then I got up and started putting stuff away, got dressed, closed the windows, and unhooked the camper from the water and electric. I pulled out at 6:15 and headed east in the cool of the day…73 degrees. It was rather windy on the plains so my top speed was 55 most of the day. Gas/pit stops were brief and I finally pulled into a rest area around 12:30 to stretch out for a 30 minute power nap. Only problem was…it was 92 degrees by then and the camper was stifling. All of a sudden, I had a brilliant idea. Gail, one of the Girl Campers had a little fan she let me borrow the second night at Beaver Creek State Park when I didn’t have electricity. The fan had a small drawer that you put ice in and the air cooled as it blew over it. I went to my freezer in my camper, took out two frozen bottles of water and a frozen cooler insert and sat them in front of my battery powered fan. It worked like a charm and offered me about 30 minutes of cool air which was delightful. Once I started losing the chill, I popped everything back in the freezer, put the fan away, and got back on the road. I drove till 4:30pm and just didn’t have it in me to go another five hours from Hays, Kansas to the Denver suburbs. I pulled into a name-brand hotel, negotiated my best deal, parked the camper, and was safely ensconced in my room by 5:00…a bubble bath drawn. The temperature was a staggering 100 degrees and I refused to take the chance of finding a campsite and not having AC. The campsites aren’t great out here anyway. I brought some food in from the kitchen in the camper and wrote this early so I could roost with the chickens. Today is another day. I’ll get there rested instead of having to sleep all day. Today is Daughter #1’s birthday!!! The truck and camper did fine yesterday, but I had forgotten how much work this big camper is to pull. I’m looking forward to having the little vintage camper refurbished and I can take it instead of this big one. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow! Thank you, Lord…for the travel mercies thus far. ❤️

\n

“in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:6‬ ‭NIV‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-07-11T01:55:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/11/road-trip-day-fiveso-near.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/10/road-trip-day.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day 4", "content_html": "\"Trim\n

This is the part of the trip where I’m always ready to be there yet I have a long way to go. It would be one thing if I were just meandering along without an agenda, but I’ve got grandbabies to see and I’m ready to be there NOW! Between not being able to drive over 60 (you shouldn’t drive over 65 while towing anyway!) and all the construction zones at 45-55mph, this trip feels like it takes forever. I always stop every four hours, stretch, get a bite to eat, use the facilities, and stretch out on the bed for a power nap of 30 minutes or so. When I stopped at 5:30 yesterday, I walked around to the passenger side of the camper and about a third of the trim over the wheel well was flapping in the breeze. I took it off then went to Walmart for a package of nuts and bolts to screw it back on securely. By the time I was done with all that, it was after 8:00. I started watching for signs for campgrounds and before long I had a site secured in Kan-Do Kampground. I really enjoyed speaking with the owner at checkin…she was a hoot!

\n

It was pretty hot and stuffy when I pulled in so as soon as I got the electric hooked up, I flipped on the AC and…nothing. The switch “hesitated” a couple of times last year so I imagine it needs fixed. It seems like an awful lot of “bugs” are showing up this year. I don’t know if that’s normal or not, but I don’t like it.

\n

Church yesterday morning was very nice. A lot of people attended. I’m going to try to get an early start this morning but don’t know if I’ll make it all the way to Denver today. Safety first! ❤️

\n

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.””\n‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭15:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-10T01:55:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/10/road-trip-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Love","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/09/road-trip-day-three.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Three", "content_html": "\"Campfire\"\n

I had to say goodbye for now to my Girl Camper friends yesterday morning. I hit the road about 8:30 after enjoying coffee and breakfast burritos with the early birds. Hookup was easy and after doing my safety check and checking the air in my tires (thank you Jeremy and Stephany of RV Family Travel Atlas!) I was on the road in no time. I did find this new truck can’t tow nearly as fast or stable as the ole one. It must have something to do with that rear axle ration. It was still a little windy yesterday so that might have been a contributing factor. I can’t drive much over 60mph with this truck but then again, you shouldn’t tow over 65 anyway so it’s probably just as well. Maybe I’ll look at trucks in Colorado. The 373 rear axle ratio is much more available out there.

\n

I really took it easy yesterday. At lunch time, I pulled into a rest area and had lunch and a little power nap. I stopped at Camping World and bought extension mirrors so I can see around the back of my camper. I also bought some covers for the bedroom windows. The first thing I did when I bought this camper is take out the valances and shades. I hated them. But, when I travel alone and nap in the rest areas by the truckers, I’d just as soon not be so visible from the outside. I bought some Command Hooks and two cat litter mats that were the perfect size. I stuck the hooks on the outside of the camper and hung the mats over the windows on the outside. That way I still get air circulation when I open the windows. Brilliant!

\n

I pulled into another rest area at supper time and ate and stretched out again. I guess I needed to catch up with a little sleep. One thing I do when I drive is think about stuff. And I talk things over with God. It’s our special alone time. I was telling him how much I hated missing church this weekend. Especially since our pastor is coming back from vacation today. My plan for driving this trip was drive, stop, eat, nap, repeat. I really had no intention of camping in RV parks. When I was in Camping World, I saw the new RV Campground directory…their three inch thick book listing all the campgrounds that give a Good Sam discount as well as many other. I’ve always found it very helpful. When I woke up from my nap, Spirit told me to look in the book for the closest RV park. I know better than to question so I did and there was one three or four exits away called…get this…Grandpa’s Farm Campground. There were others, but that’s the one that jumped out at me. I called. They had one site left. I took it and was there in ten minutes. There was a group of about thirty people out on the front lawn playing bingo as I pulled in. Located right on the bank of a rushing stream, the sites were nicely spaced down at the end where I was parked. Full hookup with Wifi was $34.50 with the Good Sam discount, tax included. As I was signing in, I noticed on the map “This campground is run by a Christian family.” Camp Church is at 8:30 in the morning…free coffee and donuts at 8:15! Isn’t God good to provide a safe, clean place with church in the great outdoors?

\n

I took advantage of the full hookups to do some housekeeping last night. The tanks needed emptying and I hooked up to city water, turned on the hot water heater, and took probably the best shower of my life. And that did me in for the night. I always write my posts at night before I go to bed. I have to get into the Word when I write and search for the perfect scripture to go with it so this becomes my evening meditation. Another day safe, and closer to my babies. Mr. FixIt arrived safely in Florida last evening so I am very grateful for that as well. Have a happy Sunday! ❤️

\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

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-09T01:55:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/09/road-trip-day-three.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","God","Wisdom","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/08/fun-around-a-campfire.html", "title": "Fun Around a Campfire", "content_html": "\"Hitch\n

Traveling on a cross-country road trip, you must be flexible whenever possible. Yesterday’s forecast had severe thunderstorm warnings off and on all day with winds predicted to top 50mph. I don’t know if you have ever driven in winds like that or not, but it is ill-advised to do so while towing a camper. I figured if I was going to be overtaken by severe storms, I would just as soon be in a campground with a bunch of girls I know so I stayed put another night. Today is another day. As it turns out, I would have driven right through those bad storms as they were right along the way I would have been traveling so it’s a good thing I stayed where I was.

\n\"Morning\n

Yesterday was a lovely, lazy day filled with naps and reading, conversation and laughter, and plenty of good food. Too much good food. I did have to move my camper…twice. I had only reserved a site for one night and it was booked for last night. I moved and set up at another site but didn’t think to go online and reserve it. I just filled out the reservation form. After I got everything set up, I took a nap then got a call from the park employees telling me the site I was in had just gotten booked. So, off I went again. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t long enough to stay hooked up so I had to disconnect. That’s ok…I’m a pro at hooking up and unhooking this trailer now. It’s no big deal.

\n\"Beaver\n

The purpose of stopping here to camp just a few hours from the farm was to surprise the head Girl Camper, Janine Pettit, and her good friend, Mary Brennan Morey, as they begin a four week tour of several national parks, including Yellowstone and Glacier. If you haven’t checked out the Girl Camper Facebook page or the Girl Camper podcast series, you really should. Not only are they informative, but they are just plain fun! I filmed Janine yesterday doing her F-150 Fitness Routine that she learned from MizzFitness herself, Bianca Jade. Janine is going to stay fit on the road by doing this routine every day as she explores the highways and byways of America.

\n\"View\n

There’s nothing like spending time with other women who are camping enthusiasts. Sharing knowledge, stories, and camaraderie is such a bonding experience and we forge life-long friendships over the campfire. I never would have dreamed how important my girlfriends would turn out to be at this stage of my life. ❤️

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“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

\n

‭‭John‬ ‭15:12-14‬ ‭NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-08T01:55:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/08/fun-around-a-campfire.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Wisdom","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/07/on-the-road-again.html", "title": "On the Road Again!", "content_html": "\"www.marshmallowranch.com\"\n

Oh, I love a good surprise! Some of the local Girl Campers gathered to surprise our fearless leader, Head Girl Camper Janine Pettit yesterday. She and fellow Girl Camper Mari pulled into the campground to find half our crew sitting around the picnic table. The other half arrive tomorrow. Janine was so excited…she jumped out of her truck and squealed and did the happy dance right there. She called me to catch up Wednesday and I never let on I’d be waiting for her yesterday when she pulled in. I told her I was leaving for Colorado instead. What a fun surprise!

\n\"Girl\n

Camping in the rain. It’s sloppy and chilly and such a respite from the intense heat and humidity we’ve had this past week. I really don’t mind it. I didn’t unhook the camper as I am more than likely heading west this morning…depending on the weather. If it looks like severe storms in the Midwest, I may stay here one more day. I love sleeping to the sound of rain on a camper roof! I hardly slept Wednesday night in anticipation of leaving.

\n\"Queen\n

Mr. FixIt is heading to Florida today. While we miss each other when we’re apart, I love how supportive he is of my writing and travel. I explained when we first started dating that he would have to share me with the world. I told him about my travels and speaking engagements. He did two things. First, he told me if I ever need someone to carry my bags, he’s my man. And second…he went out and got an iPhone so we can FaceTime while we’re apart. I like seeing him every day. Ahhh…new love. It is a beautiful thing!

\n\"Hollow\n

I’ll keep you apprised of my travels as I move along. Oh, I love a road trip! ❤️

\n\"Two\n

“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”\n‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-07T01:55:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/07/on-the-road-again.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/02/towwanda-is-home.html", "title": "TOW-Wanda is Home!", "content_html": "\"Starcraft\n

First of all…OMGosh! Your response to my post yesterday was more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you all so much for the lovely comments, likes, and shares. You warmed my heart! I was so worried that introducing a new party to this adventure would change the dynamic and people would drop away. It turns out, more people tuned in so we’re off to a good start in this new chapter of Mr. FixIt and me! Of course, grief is a lifelong process so I will still touch base on how that affects me as we go along. Ever the teacher.

\n

There’s an interesting timbre to this new man. None of the men I have been with in my sixty-four years were mechanically inclined. Mr. FixIt, however, is a mechanical engineer and a lifelong camper. Imagine how difficult it was for him to sit back and watch as I hooked up and unhooked my camper. Oh…this is entirely new territory for this guy! He wanted to do the heavy stuff for me, and while I certainly could have sandbagged and let him, I still will be traveling alone some of the time so I need to keep up my skills and know for certain how things have been hooked up. I know, I know…control issues. I asked him sweetly to wait till I got what I needed to do done, then I would share some of the other duties. I also told him when we camp in his campers (he has two!) I will sit in a chair and watch him till he has a job for me to do. I made it up to him by doing all the cooking and fixed some pretty fabulous meals! He did a wonderful job changing out the gas lines for me and helped me troubleshoot the electrical bug we had. He doesn’t get the name Mr. FixIt for nothing!

\n

When we arrived home I told him I needed to back the camper into the driveway rather than pull it in like I usually do. With the vintage camper up at the end of the drive, there was no room to get the truck out and around the camper. Our road is a narrow country lane and the driveway is tight. I have to say, I totally impressed Mr. FixIt with my mad backing skills! He was bragging about me at dinner Friday night when we met 20 of our classmates at a local Italian restaurant. I don’t think this guy has ever run across a woman like me. He just looks at me in amazement. It makes me smile.

\n

I washed the exterior of the camper yesterday. It hadn’t been cleaned since I was in Myrtle Beach in September of 2015. It looks so much nicer now. I need to do a deep cleaning inside in the next few days, reorganize, and pack her up for the trip cross country. I leave Thursday. I am traveling alone so I won’t be divulging my exact location when I’m there, but I’ll be checking in daily to give you progress reports and tips for traveling solo in a camper. Mr. FixIt gets to come join me in a couple of weeks and meet the family. That’s exciting!!! In the meantime, he’ll be holding down the fort for me and keep the farm going.

\n

Back off girls…I saw him first! ❤️

\n

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”\n‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:4-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-07-02T01:55:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/02/towwanda-is-home.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","goRVing","Love","God","Wisdom","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/30/rest-relaxation.html", "title": "Rest \u0026 Relaxation", "content_html": "\"Beaver\n

We all need a little R&R from time to time, don’t we? My little two days away were peaceful, yet productive. I really wanted to see how the new truck performed pulling TOW-Wanda. My other truck had a rear axle ratio of 373. That thing would pull TOW-Wanda up Vail Pass at 65MPH in cruise control…piece of cake. Trucks with that rear axle ratio are scarce as hen’s teeth in these parts but a dime a dozen in Colorado. That’s because Coloradans have some pretty steep passes to go over and a large proportion are towing big stuff like campers and horse trailers. Around here, that ratio is overkill. Let me tell you, there is a huge difference between a 373 and a 331 like my new truck. I was so worried it wouldn’t be able to tow the big camper but she worked like a charm. Very smooth. I watched my transmission temperature on the hills and she did fine. A little hot on the very steepest hill, but I took it slow. I’m sure the Rockies will give her a run for her money but I think she can handle it. I feel much more secure now than I did before I went.

\n

I knew there would be some maintenance issues to address before the trip. When I went to pick her up, the first thing I noticed at the storage lot was the nose of the camper tilted down. She wasn’t like that the last time I went. Turned out, the ground under the front jack softened after the last really big rain and the wood block it sat on shifted. The jack dug down into the ground and held solid but it could just as easily have bent the jack. Thankfully, it did not. I pressed the buttons to raise the jack. Nothing. I called over to the workman and he came out with the tractor. He lifted the nose and sat the jack back down on solid wood. I told him the electric jack wasn’t working. He said the battery was dead. I said the only time this had happened before was when there was a problem with the fuse that is on the pigtail line running from the battery. No, he said…your batteries are dead…even though I assured him I had just gotten them last spring. I wish I would have opened the little fuse covering but didn’t. I took his word. I went to Walmart and bought a battery charger then went back to the lot. With the electric line hooked to the back of my truck, I was able to raise and lower the jack and finally got hitched up and left. What should have taken four hours took seven.

\n

I arrived at the Beaver Creek State Park (Lisbon, OH) campground and discovered the refrigerator was warm. This was a mystery but I decided to worry about that later. I finally got unhooked at the campground and hooked up to electric, I opened that fuse cover and there was my answer. The fuse was badly corroded. Some battery post cleaner and a new fuse fixed the problem. Next to address was why the refrigerator didn’t run on gas. I took the cover off the gas tanks, moved one slightly, and it started to hiss. The hose had sprung a leak, but only just then…not on the drive up. I puzzled over the problem and figured the igniter didn’t go off because of the fuse thing. But now I had to address the gas hose. If one goes out, you should replace both. It doesn’t cost that much and better to be safe than sorry.

\n

The nearest RV dealer was twenty miles away and fortunately they had the hoses. I asked if these were what I needed and the guy said yes so off I went back to the campground only to discover the fittings on the hose was too small! Back to the RV dealer for two adapters, which he just so happened to have, and back to the campground. Lesson learned…always double check your fittings when you buy replacement hoses. Everything fit back together perfectly. I checked for leaks with dish soap…nothing. Good. Turned on the gas, switched the refrigerator to gas, and voila…it turned right on!

\n

I took my hose out from the underbelly of the camper only to come to the sad realization that my site was electric only and I had neglected to fill the water tank before I left! No hot showers or doing dishes for me because I was NOT hooking that camper back up for anything! I ran into town and bought water and heated it in my electric teakettle for dishes. I kept some water bottles in the bathroom for rinsing the toilet and used the camp bathroom for solid waste.

\n

BLT with fresh leaf lettuce and Tennessee tomatoes, fresh corn on the cob, Amish potato salad and fried green tomatoes…a perfect camp dinner. I was so excited to have friends at the campground. We sat around the campfire and caught up. Other than the maintenance items, which I fully expected to deal with, it was a wonderfully relaxing couple of days away. I hope you all have been enjoying your last few days of June. It’s hard to believe that the 4th of July is upon us! I’m in the final countdown before I head out on my next big road trip! I need to deep clean TOW-Wanda and get her packed. I backed her up into the driveway at the farm so she’s here where I can work on her. Stay tuned! ❤️

\n

“let the priests take, each from his donor, and let them repair the house wherever any need of repairs is discovered."”\n‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭12:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-06-30T01:55:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/30/rest-relaxation.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","goRVing","Holiday","Peaceful Moments","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/16/she-followed-me-home.html", "title": "She Followed Me Home!", "content_html": "\"1967\n

Those of you who have been here from the beginning know I really, really wanted a vintage camper when I started this adventure. I listened to Mr. Virgo’s advice…posthumously…and bought a new camper. It was probably the right decision at the time because I lacked the necessary skills and stamina to deal with a camper that needed fixing up. Now though…now I’m good and really excited to start a new adventure. And this time I’m going vintage!!!

\n

It’s about a 40 minute drive into town from the farm along a twisty, turny two lane blacktop. I’ve driven it 1,000 times but about a week ago, a darling little two seater Mercedes convertible was sitting out in the field in front of a house. I spun around to get a second look. That was exactly the car Mr. Virgo dreamed of! Soon though, it wasn’t the Mercedes that caught my eye. It was this baby…tucked in beside the house with a tarp over her head. My heart raced. I drove down the road and turned around and came back. I passed some folks leaving as I pulled in the drive. They backed up and asked if I was there to see the Mercedes. I said, “No…I just wanted to come see this little camper here. Is she for sale?” The lady said, “How much will you give me for her?” The gentleman was kind enough to get the key and show me inside. They had bought the camper to glamp it up for their daughter. All but the back end has been gutted. They ran into time constraints and they were about to get back to it when the mom broke her ankle. The next day is when I showed up. She was exactly my price. I can fix her up the way I want her, and I was an answer to their problem as well. It was definitely a God thing. I need this little girl right now. We are both spreading our wings.

\n

I want to get her water tight and road worthy quickly. I’d love to take her with me to Colorado. Then I could work on her while I visit my family and have her ready when I go to the big Sisters on the Fly gathering called Rocky Mountain Hi in August! Then Girl Campers in September. Man, I’d have to really push to get that done but I might be able to! We’ll see. I’ve wanted her for a long, long time. I just needed to find her.

\n

Isn’t it interesting that Mr. Virgo’s favorite car would be out in front of a house with a tiny camper that needed a new home? There are no coincidences…I was guided there…without a doubt. She’s a 1967 Franklin, a rather rare travel trailer. I’m going to decorate her inside in shabby chic white with pale green and pink. She’s going to be a girly-girl camper. I’m so in love! ❤️

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“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”\n‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-06-16T01:55:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/16/she-followed-me-home.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","goRVing","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/31/the-best-laid-plans.html", "title": "The Best Laid Plans...", "content_html": "\"Young\n

What was it John Lennon said? “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Or some such thing. The plan was to stay in Florida another week but my traveling companion got called back home so within two hours, we were packed up and on the road. You have to fly by the seat of your pants when you are with me!

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Saying goodbye to the beach, for now…and hello to new adventures! And what is better than another foray into the wonderful world of Georgia Barbecue? This time, it was The Copper Pig in Brunswick, GA. After feeding the alligators in the pond out front, you walk through the indoor Farmer’s Market to the restaurant. The decor sports such notable signs as “Turkey Eggs…when available” and “Whole Goat Sold Here”. Gulp. Remember the other day after the ray incident when I said I might turn vegetarian? Well, this was…after all…barbecue. In Georgia. I ordered my favorite non-vegetarian meal of ribs with a side of collard greens and cole slaw. And threw in corn bread for good measure. Top that off with a tall glass of sweet tea and I was in…forgive the term…hog heaven! Southern slaw is a vinegary affair, unlike the creamy variety I am accustomed to. It’s not entirely to my liking, I’m afraid. And the collards…I asked for vinegar to put on them. I was presented with a small jar of pale green peppers in vinegar. The top of the jar had a small hole so I gamely sprinkled on what I thought would be a liberal amount of vinegar and promptly set off the fire alarms in my mouth! Wowza! I’m not sure the collards actually had a flavor…maybe bacon? But again, once doused in liquid lava, I was hard pressed to taste anything anyway. The cornbread was dry. Sigh. I looked at my ribs and sent up a little prayer that they would redeem this episode of “Heartburn Haven”. I was not disappointed. The ribs were utterly swoon-worthy! Fork tender, fall off the bone, juicy, smoky morsels fit for the gods. I really wasn’t terribly hungry at that point so I picked all the meat off the bones and proceeded to taste the three BBQ sauces on the table. “Carolina Sauce”, like the slaw, is vinegar based but has a heavy mustard flavor. Not my thing. I moved on to “Sweet”. Liquid brown sugar, to be precise. Still…pretty darned yummy. Last was “Sweetheat”. Ok, now we’re talking. Sweet, smoky, tangy, with just the right heat to make you barely break out in a sweat on your upper lip. The kind that would make you wince if you had a little cut on your lip but not cry like a little girl. Perfect! I asked for a plastic container with a lid…food service variety. Not that styrofoam to-go box. This had to withstand ice in the cooler. I took both the “Sweet” and “Sweetheat” sauces and applied them liberally over the rib meat I had dissected on my plate, mixed it up, and applied more of each…like hot fudge on a pork sundae. I popped the container into the ice chest in the back of the truck and headed north.

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I don’t know if you’ve ever driven through Georgia and the Carolinas, but there are LONG stretches of…trees. Both sides…nothing but trees. And dead armadillos. Lots of time to think when you’re driving through there. I was moseying along the interstate when I stopped in Rockhill at a Starbucks, grabbed a plastic fork and a latte, dropped the tailgate of the pickup and pulled the BBQ out of the cooler. My friend and I took turns dipping in and stuffing our faces with big forkfuls of the most divine mess of smoky goodness I think I have ever tasted. Oh, my…I want to go do it again just to say I did!

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Back on the road, happy tummy, latte-laden, I was fueled for the last 6 hours of the marathon drive from Florida to West Virginia…something I have never experienced. I’ll let you know tomorrow if I am likely to ever experience it again. My bum was pretty weary by the time I wrote this last night after dark.

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Sadly, I had to cancel my appearance at a church in Crescent City scheduled for tomorrow night. We may be able to work out a way where I can appear by Skype. I hated to cancel but there was no alternative. When you travel with another person, you are each at the mercy of the other’s sudden schedule changes. I’m a really flexible person, and thankfully, so are my hosts at the church I was to appear at.

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By the time you read this, I am back at the farm. What a difference a day makes, huh? ❤️

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“For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-05-31T01:55:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/31/the-best-laid-plans.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/30/another-day-in-paradise.html", "title": "Another Day in Paradise", "content_html": "\"Palm\"\n

I don’t know what else to say…yesterday was another perfect day. It was a little hot. Well, ok…it was a LOT hot. The heat index at 10:30 this morning was 108 degrees! I did what I do every morning…I sat on the front deck with my coffee…reading and writing then came in when it got too warm. I actually started reading a novel yesterday. I haven’t read a book for entertainment for a long, long time. I couldn’t concentrate enough to read after I lost Mr. Virgo. Then I couldn’t read because I didn’t want to taint my writing. Someone gave me a copy of The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins so I stuck it in one of my bags and brought it with me…just in case. It feels good to let my mind get lost in someone else’s words for a change.

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Once the pool became shaded by the building as the sun started to the west, I went out and swam and sat by the pool and read. I went on several walks along the beach yesterday and actually baked chicken and rice for dinner with a salad. Cooking is another thing I never did for myself in those early months and years of widowhood. Life is taking on tinges of normalcy…like a painting when it gets to the point you can tell what it is. I feel whole again…as whole as I can possibly feel, I think.

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I’m different now. Different in many ways. Good ways. Healthy ways. My moods are much more predictable…much less erratic. I don’t feel a frantic urgency to move and go and change locations in order to outrun my loss. I meet it head on. I relish my memories more than I fear my pain now and that is a pretty comfortable place to be. I’m happy. I never dreamed four years ago that I would ever feel happy again. But, here it is…greeting me every morning. Seeing me off to dream every night. I am so grateful for these moments.

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I’m really looking forward to seeing my Colorado family in a few weeks. I miss them terribly! The girls are growing way too fast! These next three months will be filled with more travels. I have another week here then off to Tennessee for a couple of days then back to the farm for a couple of weeks before I head west. Thanks for traveling along with me…it’s really nice knowing you all are here! ❤️

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“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”\n‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-05-30T01:55:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/30/another-day-in-paradise.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/29/rose-colored-glasses-or-keeping.html", "title": "Rose Colored Glasses or Keeping the Faith?", "content_html": "\"Quote\n

It’s difficult to keep faith in humanity when the world looks like it does today. There are bad…evil bad people in the world but they are the drops in the ocean. We are tricked into thinking all of humanity has gone to hell in a hand basket when indeed they have not. There are plenty of wonderful, loving people in the world. I’m not going to go on a political rant here. I just want you to keep in mind there is a reason politicians and media keep the pot stirred up. It’s easier to keep control of a fearful crowd. Keep your eyes open. Look for the love. Look for the good. Send out positive, uplifting energy. Raise the vibration of the world. If you are the praying sort, pray with all your might that we are saved from he who would do us harm. We know how this ends. The light banishes the darkness. It is written. It is physics and metaphysics. It is biblical. When I get discouraged I read my bible first. That’s where I find the most comfort and encouragement. Then  I look for quotes of famous peace brokers like Gandhi, Rumi and the like. They help me reboot and keep moving towards a peaceful planet. That and calling my congressmen with my concerns. That’s about all I can do.

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Today is Memorial Day. Let us look past the angry rhetoric today and honor those who have fought for our freedom. Let us be fully awake and remember. Thank you to all those who have given their all to this country.

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In memory of my uncle…George Melvin (Sonny) Chadock, who died in a plane crash 5/5/55 ❤️

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“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”\n‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-05-29T01:55:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/29/rose-colored-glasses-or-keeping.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/28/shooting-stars.html", "title": "Shooting Stars", "content_html": "\"Sun-kissed\n

I didn’t go anywhere yesterday. I sat out on the front deck with my coffee for a couple of hours then took a short walk on the beach. It was already getting hot and oh so crowded, so I came back to the condo and sat on the front deck for another two hours reading and writing. True decadence. I cooked a nice supper and went down with a chair to sit on the beach for sunset. I had a lovely conversation with several people and was gifted this photo of myself. I have to tell you this…and I’m not being vain or self-aggrandizing. But, it’s been a long, long time since I felt this beautiful. It was such a peaceful day. The sun was setting. The mist began to settle in on the beach and my skin felt dewy and fresh. I even had a glass of my “merlot”…a dealcoholized wine made by Fré that I really enjoy…as I watched the people strolling up and down the shoreline. Some 40-year-olds tossed a football back and forth. A little 12-year-old girl practiced on her surf board. I sat out till long after dark, watching the stars come out and the moon slowly set. I saw two huge shooting stars overhead and counted my many, many blessings. I had heard there were fireworks scheduled after the concert down at the pavilion by the pier. I saw two or three small ones but it didn’t amount to much. Then I walked up the beach with a flashlight looking for crabs and jellyfish. I saw a few, and also the first seagulls I’ve seen during this trip…only three or four of them. Lots and lots of pelicans, though.

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So that was my day…peaceful, joyful, happy, and oh so grateful!

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“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ ❤️

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I spent the entire day on the beach and almost all of it was under the cover of a canopy. Still, I got overheated. I think the sea breeze is deceiving…the breeze blows and gives you the impression that you are cooling off but if you don’t drink enough fluids, and I know I don’t normally, you will pay for it later. But still, it was a gorgeous, perfect beach day. I parked down on the beach so I wouldn’t have to carry stuff down and back up to the condo and that was so handy…I can now see why people park there. It was really busy on the beach yesterday so I can imagine it will only get worse over the weekend. I love the constant parade of cars driving up and down the beach. Muscle cars, sports cars, jacked-up pickup trucks slowly cruise by, the music of the driver’s generation blaring through the open windows. My favorite was this guy in the yellow hot rod, flames painted down the sides, surf board sticking out of the rumble seat. So very cool! I had to smile at the 60-something guy, rocking his sensible sedan, grooving to some ‘60-something music from his stock stereo. Uber cool!

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There was some bit of excitement on the pier along about noon. One of the fishermen hooked something that was obviously big and it started really putting up a fight. It took the guy (plus two or three other guys taking shifts helping him) at least three to four hours to get this thing into shore. As time passed and the fight was apparent, more and more people showed up on the beach to watch this guy work…hard. I moseyed over to get a closer look and perhaps capture a photo of what appeared for all intents and purposes to be a trophy catch. There must have been a hundred people there when all of a sudden the word started trickling through the crowd that the guy had hooked a ray. What started out as something exciting soon turned into something fairly horrifying.

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When he got the ray within a few yards of the shore, he went out with a grappling hook to bring it in and the crowd went ballistic. There were shouts of “Let it go!” and “No! Don’t kill it…you don’t need to gaff it!” But, this angler was determined he was keeping this catch and it made me very sad, and sickened, to see this beautiful, old, HUGE ray waving its wings in a frantic attempt to escape. It must have weighed 200 pounds, easy. The grappling hook tore at the flesh of this stunning creature and I had to turn away. The crowd became bold and started moving in on the anglers, three of them now trying to land this ray. Apparently, the crowd thought the ray was a manta, which is protected. But, still…it was pretty big and really impressive and the crowd didn’t want to see it killed. Things got heated. First a lifeguard, then two beach security guards, then several policemen arrived. People started getting arrested. I sat at a safe distance watching through binoculars as the scene played out before me. Finally, the fishermen managed to hoist the ray up to the pier, the crowd dispersed, and it was business as usual. But I couldn’t get the image of that magnificent ray with a wingspan as big as a car, going up, up, up and out of sight. And for what? Was he going to eat it? I can’t imagine a three-hundred pound ray being very tasty. I’ve never seen one mounted and hung on a wall. So, that leaves getting his picture taken so he could have bragging rights and that just didn’t sit well with me. I felt sick for hours afterwards. He could have easily cut the line and let this dinosaur of the deep live to fight another day. The hook would have soon rusted away.

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That definitely put a damper on the day for me. I don’t understand how someone could kill that ray for sport. At first I was on the side of the angler…it was his catch. But when I saw the ray, and what he had to do to land it, I think I became a vegetarian. It was senseless to me and just made me sad. If I go out on the beach again today, it won’t be for as long, and it will definitely be further from the fishing pier. ❤️

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““Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you. Let the fish in the sea speak to you. For they all know that my disaster has come from the hand of the Lord. For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.”\n‭‭Job‬ ‭12:7-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-05-27T01:55:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/27/dinosaurs-of-the-deep.html", "tags": ["Travel","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/26/the-lighthouse.html", "title": "The Lighthouse", "content_html": "\"Hibiscus\n

After four days of stormy, grey skies, yesterday was stunning in Daytona Beach. I had a slow start to my day, enjoying coffee on the deck, before I headed out for a day of fun in the sun. First stop was the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Billed as one of the tallest lighthouses on the east coast, they didn’t mention it was narrower and the stairs are steeper. OMGosh…what a workout! They didn’t have the windows open so it was stuffy and close. But I just took my time and plugged right along. The view from the top was well worth the climb. You could see the ocean, the Halifax River, the Indian River, the Ponce Inlet, and various salt marshes. On a really clear day, you can see Cape Canaveral. It was stellar!

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After the lighthouse, I drove north to Tomoka State Park. I have reservations there for a couple of weeks next winter and since I was so close, I thought I would check it out. What a gorgeous place! Lots of live oak canopy dripping with Spanish moss. A large variety of palm trees and dense underbrush gives each space a feeling of privacy. I imagine it’s going to be pretty “buggy” and, of course, there are snakes and alligators. But hey…it’s Florida and it’s warm and there’s no snow, right? There are 97 campsites and all have electric and water hookup. You can only stay for two weeks at a time in Florida State Parks and this will be the last one on my two month trip. Seeing it in person was really exciting and makes next winter’s trip more real.

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It was time for a late lunch after traipsing around the state park so I headed to the Boardwalk and Pier at Daytona Beach. Lunch on the patio of Bubba Gump Shrimp Company was relaxing and delicious. Jambalaya! By this time it was 5:00 and the sun was really baking. I walked down the way and out onto the pier and watched the fishermen for a while. I finally gave in and made my way back to the condo for the evening. It was a fun and delightfully tiring day. The crowds will start coming in today for the Memorial Day weekend. Can you believe that? Time really flies when you’re having fun. I’m sticking close to the condo the next few days. The beach will be crowded but not as bad here in the southern region as it will be closer to downtown and the race track. Thanks for traveling with me! ❤️

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“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”\n‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-05-26T01:55:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/26/the-lighthouse.html", "tags": ["Travel","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/25/were-not-in-kansas.html", "title": "We're Not in Kansas", "content_html": "\"1956\n

What a crazy weather day in the south yesterday. After a relatively calm morning walk on the beach, the weather continued to amp up till the Weather Channel reported multiple tornadoes. Daytona Beach was under a tornado watch most of the afternoon. Wave after wave of severe thunderstorms drove through the area, blowing the deck furniture all over. I’m glad I got a chance to get out Monday evening and explore a little.

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As I was heading south to check out New Smyrna Beach, I saw an antique car restorer and decided to stop on my way back. There were some absolutely gorgeous cars there. This particular beauty is a 1956 Chevy BelAir. Restored in a two tone with black and a striking chartreuse green, it looked so much more impressive than the black and white I remember. There was a woman who lived down the road from the farm who had one of these when I was a kid. I have always loved the ‘56 and ‘57 Chevys. Couldn’t you just imagine a tiny canned ham camper being towed behind one of these babies?

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I went out and about again last night. I was driving through a beautiful neighborhood when I saw a sign advertising a small fiberglass camper…a Trillium. It was so sweet and small and would be perfect if it wasn’t $16.5K! Not possible. The lady selling it was lovely and we had a nice chat as she told me of her travels in the little camper. I think she was disappointed that I didn’t take it. I went grocery shopping and stopped at Starbucks on the way home. I love a decaf Americano late in the evening.

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As I am writing this, the storms have passed on out to sea. I’m sitting on the deck, a lovely sea breeze rolling in over the waves. It is a sensible 73 degrees and a light sweater is plenty to keep me comfortable as I count my many blessings. I had a wonderful conversation with the powers that be at Sisters on the Fly today and I am signed up to write a monthly post on their website under the branded column they created for me…“Getting Bolder”. I took a little hiatus after the accident in February and it seems they missed me. I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle, so to speak, and share some stories and showcase some amazing Sisters who are also Getting Bolder. It was another beautiful day! ❤️

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“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭127:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-05-25T01:55:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/25/were-not-in-kansas.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/24/paradise-found.html", "title": "Paradise Found", "content_html": "\"Pelican\"\n

I love these guys. Sort of mini pterodactyls. They fly in and land on the piers and posts and give you the stink eye looking for handouts. They’re rough and battle-worn soldiers of the sea. You can sit on the beach and see big splashes far from shore where they dive down, down, down…tucking their wings in tight, stretching their beak and neck straight out and cut right into the water. They come up with their catch and swiggle and wiggle their heads around till they swallow their prey. It’s awesome to watch.

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Yesterday was day two on this segment of The Grand Adventure. I had a big breakfast and headed out to the beach. There seems to be a constant breeze coming in off the ocean which makes the 86° and 100% humidity bearable. I did not know you can drive on Daytona Beach. The beach here is very wide at low tide and it is smooth and hard. It costs $10 a day to drive your car out but then you have all your stuff handy and it’s a quick and easy set up and break down. The sand is tan, soft and fine between your fingers and has gold glittery bits that shine in the sun. It’s a very clean beach, very few shells, and no trash. I am quite impressed. I walked at least two miles on the beach. I came back and soaked in the jacuzzi tub (because they have one) and took a nap (because I could!).

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I can sit on the front patio of this condo and see the Halifax River across the road and from the side patio I see the ocean. This is a long, skinny island much like the barrier island of the Outer Banks. The water is a bluish-grey and is very clean. I am further down than the typical touristy areas so it’s pretty quiet.

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I wandered around a bit yesterday afternoon and walked through New Smyrna Beach. I stopped for an excellent meal at Blackbeard’s Inn. OMGosh! They bring a bucket of hot rolls and fresh cinnamon buns to the table first. Fresh, HOT cinnamon buns that are to die for and totally NOT gluten free! Swoon. I had salad bar (I could have made a meal of the pickled beets!), a generous serving of coconut shrimp, baked potato, and steamed broccoli. Oh, just roll me home! The server asked if I saved room for dessert, and while that homemade key lime pie sounded divine, I demurred. I’ll have to walk a lot more than two miles today to make up for last night’s meal!!!

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I’m looking forward to the coming days when the rains are gone and I can lay out on the beach at night and count the stars. I know it’s only been two days but I’m already a relaxed noodle. Thank you God for your gift of the sea! ❤️

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“He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-05-24T01:55:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/24/paradise-found.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/23/hallelujah-anyway.html", "title": "Hallelujah Anyway!", "content_html": "

h\"Penny

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Anne Lamott wrote a poignant book about blessing whatever comes into your life…good, bad, indifferent. Because it has all come for a purpose, even if that purpose is merely to thank God it isn’t worse. Being grateful in spite of the messiness of life is truly a gift you can give yourself…and others. When you shout “Hallelujah Anyway”, you demonstrate gratitude, forbearance, and joy to those who may look to you for guidance. I love that! I’m going to remember to say “Hallelujah Anyway” when things don’t always go smoothly. I certainly didn’t need to shout it yesterday because I could not have possibly experienced a more beautiful day than I did my first day in Daytona Beach!

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I had a lovely sleep-in then fixed my coffee and sat outside watching the waves not 100 steps away. As I counted my blessings, I added a huge thank you to the friend who made this trip happen and the friend that loaned this stunning condo. I changed and went to the beach for a couple of hours. Even though the temperature was up in the eighties, the breeze coming in off the ocean was divine. I went for a long walk down the beach and back. As I was walking under the pier, I was thinking about Ms. Lamott’s book and all the times I’ve been challenged in the last four years and I still managed to say “Hallelujah Anyway!” Just then, I looked down and this penny was right in front of me. Delight surged through me as I picked it up. Well, Hallelujah Anyway!

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I came in to clean up and head out for lunch. I ate in a seafood place called Down Under and I’m afraid I was “underwhelmed”. The first couple of hush puppies were wonderful, but the refill was doughy. The cole slaw was marginal. The fries were good, but who needs fries, right? The crab cakes were terribly disappointing. Doughy, undercooked, beige disks that were truly sad. But, lesson learned. Don’t eat at a place under a bridge, right? Oy!

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After lunch, I headed to Target to pick up a few groceries. I love Target…much better than Walmart. Clean, well stocked, friendly staff, and a Starbucks…what’s not to love? Afterward, I stopped at the Daytona Speedway and poked around. That place is HUGE. There were the remnants of an RV show in the parking lot so that was fun.

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Once the groceries were put away back at the condo, I curled up for a nap to catch up from the long drive. When I got up, I fixed a tray of carrots with French Onion dip, grapes, raspberries, hummus with pretzel chips, hard boiled eggs and dealcoholized Merlot and carried it out to the deck. Just as I finished, the sky opened up and I was presented with a lovely chorus of lightning and thunder! Oh my….this was just the perfect ending to a perfect day. As I write this, I’m curled up in bed in the master suite with the door flung wide, catching the cool sea breeze and listening to the rush of water…both from the rain and the ocean. The sound of tires on wet pavement marks the adventurous souls out in spite of the weather. I can just hear them as they creep along, the rain making it difficult to see the road, their vacation plans only slightly ruffled by a late spring thunderstorm as they mutter, “Hallelujah Anyway! Look where I am!!!” ❤️

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“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”\n‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-05-23T01:55:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/23/hallelujah-anyway.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/22/the-smokin-pig.html", "title": "The Smokin' Pig", "content_html": "\"The\n

I arrived in Statesville, NC at 2:00 yesterday morning. I had stopped at the NC Welcome Center and picked up a hotel coupon magazine and found one for the Ramada. I stayed here in February when I was on my way back from Florida. I managed to get one of the last rooms available for $65, including a really good hot breakfast. I love this hotel because it is clean, convenient, and the staff are always friendly. I worked in the hotel business for a few years and I learned that you pay more for a reservation. You can get your best prices as a walk-in, especially with a coupon and a big, friendly smile. I asked for a late check out and got on the road by 11:00.

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If you want to know the best places to eat when you’re traveling, you need to ask where the locals go. When I’m in the south, I’m hunting for Southern delicacies like really good soul food and the very best barbecue. My great find this time was a little hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint located at the end of the BP Station next to the Raceway station off exit 87 of I-95. Oh…em…geeeee! Delicious!

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It rained quite a bit through Georgia and cleared up by the time I got into Florida. It was still twilight when I pulled into the condo here at Daytona Beach so I could still see the waves. And of course, I could smell the salty sea breeze and hear the waves on the beach. I can see the ocean from the patio doors off the master suite so I can’t wait for coffee this morning! I’m literally a hundred steps from the ocean!!! I am so blessed that a dear friend is sharing this condo with me. I couldn’t do this without that kindness. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And…Thank you Jesus for travel mercies!!! ❤️

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“The LORD said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’ ””\n‭‭Exodus‬ ‭16:11-12‬ ‭NIV

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\n", "date_published": "2017-05-22T01:55:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/22/the-smokin-pig.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/21/road-tripthe-grand-adventure-continues.html", "title": "Road Trip...The Grand Adventure Continues!", "content_html": "\"Little\n

OMGosh! I miss the open road! Traveling along the highways and byways of this beautiful country is one of my favorite things in the whole wide world to do. I’ve been stationary the majority of the last nine months and I miss TOW-Wanda. By the time you read this, I will be several hours into my drive to Florida. I didn’t want to miss church last night so I went then headed out on the road. Cooler of snacks and ample tunes makes for a good time. I love driving at night. There isn’t as much traffic and it’s cooler. I drive till I’m ready to call it a night, then pull in to an area with a bunch of hotels and search my hotels.com app for the best deal in the area.

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This picture is little TOW-Wanda at Steamboat Lake State Park. I look at this picture and remember that trip into the wilderness and back roads of Colorado. It’s hard to imagine I did all that so soon after losing Mr. Virgo. The memories of that trip are fuzzy. I was still in shock, trying to navigate the world alone for the first time in my life, really. It’s like a slide show in my mind now. I have pictures and my early posts to remind me where I was…physically and emotionally. I was so lost emotionally. I have continued writing the stories of my life because I want those who have just boarded this ship to know that life gets better. Calmer seas are coming, even if you cannot envision them. I promise…you will be different, but you CAN find joy again. Just keep looking. As I headed out from the farm yesterday, cats and lawn care covered, my heart sang in the sunshine and all was right in the world!!!

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Destination…Daytona Beach! You get to come along vicariously!!! I’ll post pictures! ❤️

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“Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive. You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because GOD will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:21-26‬ ‭MSG‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-05-21T01:55:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/21/road-tripthe-grand-adventure-continues.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/30/home-sweet-home.html", "title": "Home Sweet Home", "content_html": "\"Painted\n

The trip home was far less eventful than the trip last weekend. Thank God, there were no accidents along the way. I stopped for one last incredible latte at Sweet T’s in Duck and left behind the painted rock that I had found in Wytheville on the way down. I hope someone finds it and hides it somewhere else. I loved the sentiment on many levels…“Believe”.

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Even though the trip was uneventful, it was long and exhausting. Eleven hours with three or four stops along the way to stretch my legs. I saw things I’d never seen before. I drove through the tunnel under the Chesapeake Bay. That was pretty neat. A tad disconcerting to think of all that water above me, I have to admit. I saw the big aircraft carriers in Newport News. I loved all the bridges going across the expanses of water in the south. It’s so open and free. This week is “Bike Week” on the Outer Banks. I’ll bet I passed, at the very least, a thousand motorcycles on their way down to the beach and I counted my lucky stars they weren’t there during my quiet getaway.

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As I drove home yesterday, I was particularly struck by the beauty of Western Virginia and Eastern West Virginia. The hills are solid and green, green, green. That brilliant spring green that hurts the eyes. The redbud and dogwood were all but gone save for the highest hills. There’s still some in my little holler. And, I was greeted by blooms on the rhododendron!!! I can’t wait to see it in the light of day. There was a lot of rain while I was gone and the lawn needs to be mowed soon.

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Th truck was emptied and the items in the cooler were stowed away by 10:00 last night. Kitties had been fed and came to say hello. And, another adventure is in the books! I am grateful for the opportunity to go to the beach. I am equally grateful to be safely ensconced in my humble surroundings here on the farm. I find peace and joy wherever I go. ❤️

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“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-04-30T01:55:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/30/home-sweet-home.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","West Virginia","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/29/life-is-a-beautiful-thing.html", "title": "Life is a Beautiful Thing", "content_html": "\"Woman\n

Life is about choices. Every day we are faced with the choice to rise up and grab life by the tail and wring every ounce of, what…joy, love, happiness, laughter, beauty, energy, excitement, sweetness? All that and more await us every day. Even if you struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, sadness, fear, loss….there is room for choices in your life.

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Two weeks after Mr. Virgo died, I had a choice to make. I could die, metaphorically. Or I could live…really live. With joy and abundance. It was not easy. Especially early on. But I made every day count. I looked for joyful things to put in front of me to make life bearable. I surprised myself with joy. And, the more times I chose joy, the lighter my load became. It wasn’t overnight by any stretch of the imagination. But bit by bit, every positive choice helped bring me up from the abyss into the light.

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Travel has been one of the joys that has helped me the most in my grief. Whether alone or with a friend or group of friends, seeing new places, challenging myself in different situations, and finding new parts of myself has been an amazing journey of growth and self-discovery. This trip has been no exception. I am very grateful I got to tag along with a friend in a gifted week at a timeshare. It was a lot of fun as well as relaxing.

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Choices. Choose life. Choose joy. Choose laughter. Choose gratitude. I know. It’s not easy. Even in my darkest days of grief, I could surprise myself with joy…if even for just a moment. Moments build and time changes things. Whoever said time heals all wounds lied. It doesn’t. But you can build strong scars that show how hard you loved..how hard you fought. Just keep making positive choices. ❤️

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“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭16:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-04-29T01:55:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/29/life-is-a-beautiful-thing.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/27/god-moments.html", "title": "God Moments", "content_html": "\"Sunset\n

Yesterday dawned dark and grey again. Every day I’ve been here has been cloudy for the biggest portion of the day with tons of rain. Have I let it get in the way of enjoying myself? Heck no! It’s actually put me in just the right places at just the right times. After breakfast, I headed to the north end of the island to visit the Currituck Lighthouse. I was amazed when I got there and saw a man dangling from the tippy top. He was bolting down cables wrapped around the top of the lighthouse to secure it for another hundred years. I thought maybe they were not allowing visitors in but that wasn’t the case. While the other two lighthouses were $4 and $5, the Currituck is $10. I did not see National Parks people there so I assume it is not a government facility.

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When I got to the top, there was a couple there. I struck up a conversation with the woman. She is an artist camping in the area. She showed me some pictures of her plein air work and she is really quite good! (Her card is in the truck so I’ll have to share her work later.) I shared my blog. We are both faith based and we offered each other loving encouragement standing right there at the top of 222 stairs under cloudy skies. We marveled at our God’s goodness and how He moves in our lives…and the sun broke through the clouds. What a wonderful confirmation!

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We could see a large yellow house from the top of the lighthouse. My next stop was a tour of this home…Whalehead. A gentleman’s wife was was not allowed to participate in any of the hunt clubs in New England because she was a woman. Her forward thinking husband bought a large track of land and built his wife her own hunting lodge so she could do whatever she wanted. It was a lovely home and offered alotofinsight into the history of duck hunting in the area.

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After the tour, hunger got the better of me and I went in search of great seafood. Fresh blue point oysters on the half shell were divine. Fish tacos were good. Not quite the same at the day before. After browsing through a few shops and remembering I need nothing, I drove back to the condo, changed, and hit the beach. The tide was coming in and I kept pulling further and further back. As I prepared to leave, there were a few people standing at the top of the stairs chatting. I detected a subtle hint of a British accent in the woman. When I asked where she was from, she said Newbury/Thatcham area in England. I about fell over! That’s where I lived in 1973 and 1974! We chatted for a long time and compared notes. It was so exciting. I’ve run into people from England, sure. But never from the small village in which I lived. What a treat!

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Finally, I noticed the tinge of gold on the clouds and realized I was about to see my first sunset of the week. I went across the main road to the restaurant and walked out on their back deck in time to catch…this. It almost made me cry, it was so beautiful. It was a day full of God winks and angel kisses. There are no coincidences. I felt so blessed and loved and full of light when I finally strolled back to the condo at day’s end. These are the days that bring me good sleep…the sound sleep of a day well lived. ❤️

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“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", "date_published": "2017-04-27T01:55:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/27/god-moments.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","God","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/26/the-tempest.html", "title": "The Tempest", "content_html": "\"Stormy\n

Yesterday was one of those days that was so jam packed with fun activities and sights seen that I really should have written them all down. The sun was out this morning so I made a bee-line for the local coffee shop then hit the beach. I soaked up every sight, sound and smell as I sipped my latte. Then I grabbed a quick breakfast in the condo before I headed south. My goal was to travel clear down to the tip of the island, which I did, but that beautiful sunny sky turned dark and threatening so fast. I can see how sailors get in trouble so fast with the changing face of the sea.

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I stopped at Bodie Island to climb the lighthouse and as soon as I purchased my ticket and got to the door, the first clap of thunder could be heard in the distance. That automatically closed the lighthouse for tours. It was raining hard by the time I got back to my truck.

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I decided to press on and head south. Even though I drove through the worst rain, by the time I got to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the sky had cleared considerably. It turned into a beautiful afternoon. I visited the beach in several areas, wandered through shops, and had the best fish tacos of all time at Sandbar & Grill in Buxton.

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The weather has not offered a good sunset or sunrise yet. It got really misty and foggy by the time I got back to the condo. The weather is supposed to be wonderful the rest of the week. I’m hoping I get some good beach time before I have to leave on Saturday. ❤️

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“Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.”\n‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-04-26T01:55:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/26/the-tempest.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/25/life-is-sweet-on-the.html", "title": "Life is Sweet on the OBX", "content_html": "\"The\n

Oh, my…I have discovered the subtle intricacies of North Carolina BBQ. A totally different experience from the bold, smoky heat of the BBQ I’m used to out west, Carolina BBQ sauce is vinegar based. Slightly sweet, slightly tart with a mild heat that just wakes up your tongue. And the meat? Heavenly! I had a sampler platter from High Cotton BBQ in Kitty Hawk yesterday afternoon that was to die for. While I was a little disappointed in the ribs (the meat was fairly chewy even though it did fall from the bone), the pork was succulent and melt-in-your mouth perfection and the brisket was only slightly less so. All this was accompanied by collard greens that were perfect and a wonderful crisp coleslaw. I opted for fries because I like the crisp, salty contrast to the tender meat, even though I didn’t even eat half of them. Trust me, there was no room for dessert and a long walk was definitely in order afterwards.

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It was another cool day yesterday…cloudy with occasional glimpses of the sun. I started out the day with a fabulous latte from Sweet T’s Coffee House. Subtle hints of chocolate made this nectar of the gods my go-to brew for my entire (and any future) stay. Afterwards, I had a plate of farm-fresh scrambled eggs and a steaming bowl of the perfect mix of coarse ground yellow and white grits at Stack ’em High Pancakes and So Forth. I left off the bacon in exchange for butter on the grits. No bread either. Fabulous!

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No trip to Kitty Hawk is complete without a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial? (My $10 Senior Pass from the National Parks Service pays again! You can get yours at age 62!) It was fascinating to see the actual flights marked in distance down the makeshift airstrip. Four flights in all…each going further and further. I stood there with goose bumps thinking of the young brothers taking turns trying out their new contraption, the onlookers cheering and throwing their hats in the air. To think, in all of recorded history, more has been accomplished in the last 114 years than in all the rest combined as far as technology. These bicycle mechanics created a flying machine and now, spacecraft are recording the outer regions of our current capabilities at the edges of our galaxy. It is a marvel.

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We are forecasted gale-force winds and rain today. It will be another lay-low day, listening to the rain and wind, curled up with a good book and cup of tea. The rest of the week is supposed to be hot and sunny…solid beach time. Life is sweet on the OBX! I am so blessed to be able to travel. I live a pretty frugal life in order to do this. My mantra now is experiences over stuff. ❤️

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“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.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.”\n‭‭Mark‬ ‭6:30-32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-04-25T01:55:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/25/life-is-sweet-on-the.html", "tags": ["Travel","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/23/the-outer-banks.html", "title": "The Outer Banks", "content_html": "\"Outer\n

Think “Wright Brothers”. Think “Cape Hatteras” and “lighthouses” and “sand” and “surf”. It was 86° and sunshine when I got here at 3:00. Four hours later there had been a heavy rain and it dropped down to 60°. Welcome to springtime on the Outer Banks. The complex I have the good fortune of staying in is half empty right now with only the occasional sound of children playing on the beach or in the nearby pool. In six weeks, it will be an entirely different place. This is my favorite time to travel…off season.

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Unfortunately the next few days will be rainy and cool but by Wednesday it will be warm and sunny again. The rainy days are best spent doing the touristy thing and looking at monuments and shopping. Not to mention relaxing, taking naps, reading and writing.

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\"\" Frankie Faison at arrivals for Marvel’’s LUKE CAGE Premiere on NETFLIX, AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater, New York, NY September 28, 2016. Photo By: Patrick Cashin/Everett Collection

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I saw a man at breakfast this morning. He looked so familiar but I couldn’t place him. Turned out he was Frankie Faison. He’s an actor who has been in lots of television shows and movies. What a gentle and funny man he was. So gracious. He kept stopping by and adding a funny line to the last interaction. By the time he left, I was laughing hysterically at him. It’s a fun start already. I love the kind of vacation that remains largely unplanned and you never know what’s around the corner.

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Oh, I saw my first alligator in the wild today! ❤️

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“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119:133‬ ‭NIV‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-04-23T01:55:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/23/the-outer-banks.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/17/rain-on-a-camper-roofaaaaah.html", "title": "Rain on a Camper Roof...aaaaah!!!", "content_html": "\"Blue\n

I had company for supper yesterday which was lovely! A simple Easter meal of roasted chicken, fresh green beans cooked with bacon, mashed potatoes and gravy. It was delightful. After my company left, I looked up at the darkening sky threatening rain. My dishes were done, my leftovers put away, and nothing left to do but write. Now, I could write like I have for the last six months…OR, I could go camp out in TOW-Wanda! Guess which one I chose?

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I haven’t slept in the camper since October. It has the BEST bed…a six inch memory foam mattress I bought when I decided to get serious and camp full time. I really miss this bed! I grabbed my NA beer, a small bag of chocolate covered peanuts (hey, it was Easter!) and my phone, iPad, and a flashlight. TOW-Wanda had just had a good cleaning last week for company so she was all set! Fresh sheets, warm blankets, windows flung open for the breeze…just waiting for the rain.

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I’m heading into travel season and can’t wait! I leave next weekend for the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I’ve never been there so I’m really looking forward to it. I really lucked out and got a time share from a friend that wasn’t using it. I’ll let you know about the place after I check out. My favorite thing I’ve read about it so far is it has a Jaccuzi tub AND is just steps from the beach! Works for me!

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I’ll spend the last half of May and early June in Daytona Beach. I no sooner get home till I head to Colorado for the summer. I’ll be back in West Virginia in early September. I’m hostessing a Sisters on the Fly trip the weekend after Labor Day. I can hardly wait to show off my home state to the Sisters!!! It’s going to feel good to have some quiet down time this week as I prepare for the upcoming travel. I hope you all had a blessed Easter! ❤️

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”\n‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-04-17T01:55:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/17/rain-on-a-camper-roofaaaaah.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/19/a-good-nights-sleep.html", "title": "A Good Night's Sleep", "content_html": "\"Banana\n

I’ve slept in a number of hotels in the last month. I only had one less-than-perfect stay and that was in St. Augustine, Florida. I can’t even tell you the name of that hotel. Mr. Virgo spoiled me with hotels and restaurants since that was his career. He taught me what to look for, how you give feedback in a way that ensures a problem is fixed, when and how to send food back, and how to ask for a better rate. Consequently, I can be pretty critical of hotels and restaurants so when one goes above and beyond, I like to give kudos.

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I rarely make reservations ahead of time when I travel, which would have made Mr. Virgo crazy. He had to know where we were going, when we would get there, and what restaurants were in the immediate vicinity. I find the walk in rate is generally lower than what you find on the internet. Sometimes you can get better rates on the discount travel sites like Travelocity or Hotels.com.

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My friend Deneene and I drove to Cincinnati on Wednesday. I was riding shotgun so we navigated to the funeral home first so we would know where it was then backtracked to find a hotel. I will not stay in a motel with the door opening to the outdoors. I’ve stayed at too many where street people pound on your door at 3:00am. It’s safer to be in a hotel with indoor hallways and resulting security cameras when you’re traveling alone or don’t have a man with you. At least, that’s my feeling so that’s what I do.

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When we got to an area with multiple chain hotels, I did a search and found a number of affordable rooms, but I was drawn to this particular one…Hampton Inn Cincinnati - King’s Island. The price was $109. I told you before when I was traveling in Florida that I ask the front desk if they can meet the discount price on my app. Well, again, I felt this nudge when I went in and didn’t say anything. Just “Do you have a room for two with two Queen beds?” The desk clerk quoted me $89.99…already much lower than the Internet price. Then I asked if they had an AARP rate and they went down to $80.29! And, let me tell you…it was well worth every penny. The bed was comfortable and the linens divine. And I have to say, breakfast was great but I was especially taken by the personal messages written on every banana in the fruit basket. It’s little touches like that which gives a hotel stay that something extra and makes you feel pampered and special.

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Staying in hotels with nice, new mattresses and box springs really brought home how abysmal the mattress was that I’ve been sleeping on at the farm. I swear it’s at least 30-40 years old…maybe more. I noticed when I got home that one of the area K-Marts was closing and they had Serta mattresses and box springs 40% off so I bought a set. It seems the box springs is about 3/4" smaller than the old one so when I sat down on it, it went right down through the frame and hit the floor with a thud. Today I measured and went to Lowe’s for boards to use as slats in the bed frame. In case you don’t know this, you can give your measurements to the staff in the lumber department at Lowe’s and they will cut it for you. Pretty handy if you don’t have power tools! Now I have my comfy new bed at home and I feel like the vacation is ongoing and with the temp in the high 60’s yesterday, and a long walkabout, it still is! ❤️

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“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-19T02:55:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/19/a-good-nights-sleep.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/12/a-country-mile.html", "title": "A Country Mile", "content_html": "\"hat\n

I had one of the best days ever yesterday. It was absolutely the perfect culmination of my vacation. I’ve been in Bristol visiting my cousin and his wife. I love them so much. I was in 1st grade when Tommy went in the Navy. He came back on leave once in his Navy whites and I fell in love. I was ten. I’ve always been close to Tommy and Suzy so visiting them is a treat I treasure.

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Yesterday we took the buggy and rode all around the dam and the river road. We went to the market and bought local apples and sourwood honey. We came back for lunch then drove into town. We went to Bristol Motor Speedway and actually walked inside. That was pretty cool. While I’ve never understood the allure of NASCAR, I’m open to the experience. We came back home and I took a nap before dinner. Then, our dinner guests arrived.

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I met Mark and Barb here a year and a half ago. I had attended church with my cousins and a large contingent got together for lunch after. There must have been thirty of us spread out over three tables. I remember marvelling over these beautifully poised southern women mothering their children. Teaching them to be social…gently correcting and guiding them through the interactions that are required of polite young people. It was charming and refreshing.

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Mark sat at my left that day and we instantly bonded over stories of fly fishing on the Frying Pan River. Both Mark and his wife are doctors so we had lots in common. Last night the discussion varied from education to book recommendations…food and wine to colleges…football to travel. Genealogy to neuroplasticity. There was much love and laughter and very stimulating conversation. It was icing on the vacation cake.

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Today is a travel day. I’m heading home to the farm. As much as I would love to go back to Florida this very minute, the party has to be over sometime. So, I’m on the road again.\n❤️?❤️

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“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", "date_published": "2017-02-12T02:55:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/12/a-country-mile.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/09/historic-downtown-savannah.html", "title": "Historic Downtown Savannah", "content_html": "\"The\n

I’m not even going to bother telling you about the place I stayed at St. Augustine Beach. It was a tired, run-down beachfront hotel that was pretty heavily damaged on the oceanfront side during the last hurricane. It WAS fairly inexpensive for beachfront. And I COULD see the ocean from the balcony. It was quiet and clean. They did have to come put a new AC/Heater unit in because mine didn’t work. It had a mini fridge and microwave, which was nice. It was $77/night. Not bad, but I wouldn’t stay there again.

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Savannah, however, is an entirely different story. Thirteen years ago, when my mother died, I brought my older brother to Florida for the vacation our mom had promised him. We drove through Savannah and I was charmed. I can’t remember where we stayed back then, but when we drove to the River Walk, we came through an enchanting neighborhood with square parks every other intersection, gorgeous trees with their crooked arms draped gracefully with Spanish Moss, and delightful Victorian homes. I swore if I ever came back, I would stay in the Historic District.

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As I prepared to leave St. Augustine yesterday morning, I talked myself out of a B&B or one of the trendy historic hotels in the old district because I spent my bigger budget on beach accommodations. But I thought I’d just take a peek on the Hotel.com app to see if there was something affordable. Lo and behold, I found a room at $77 and snatched it up. When I received the confirmation, it was via text on the cell phone. And…it was a room in a Victorian house right in that beautiful neighborhood I was looking at! Not only that, my hosts said I had my pick of rooms and I had the whole house to myself!

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Oh. Em. Geeeee! This place is amazing. It’s a four story home but the top floor is locked for storage. There are two bedrooms on each floor and a three bedroom apartment at the garden level. Tall ceilings, soft grey walls, crisp white trim, fireplaces everywhere, gorgeous wide plank hardwood floors. Breakfast was in the fridge when I got here. Off street parking was free. All for the unbelievably low price of $77 per night! Score!!! It’s called The DuLinn on York.

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What a great way to wrap up my road trip, pretty much. I will probably have one more night in a hotel before I get to my cousin’s in Bristol, Tennessee on Friday. Unless I drive all the way in tomorrow. I’m by no means ready to go back to the snowy/rainy cold of late winter in West Virginia, but this trip broke the season up and the sunshine was just what the doctor ordered. And, spring comes early on the farm. I’m looking forward to the dogwood and redbud blooming late next month. Spring is my favorite season…it holds such promise. ❤️

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-09T02:55:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/09/historic-downtown-savannah.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/08/st-augustine.html", "title": "St. Augustine", "content_html": "\"St.\n

This is probably my favorite town on this trip. St. Augustine is our nations oldest city. Home of Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Castillo de San Marcos, Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and the Colonial Quarter. The Cathedral was magnificent. I lit a candle for Mr. Virgo since he was a Catholic. The Castillo, or Fort Matanzas National Monument (which I entered free with my Senior National Parks Card), was very interesting. I was intrigued by the coquina, a kind of limestone formed from shells and sand, from which the structure is made. I climbed the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse. The views were magnificent from up there. I even got brave enough to look over the edge! I spent the majority of the day wandering through the little shops in the Colonial Quarter. I ate lunch in a Cuban restaurant. The temperature got up to 78 and it rained briefly at around 6:00 as I was walking back to my car. It was an absolutely gorgeous day.

\n

I’m heading to Savannah, GA today. Another historical city. And, I’ll get to visit with one of my nieces.

\n

On the road again… ❤️

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“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-08T02:55:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/08/st-augustine.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/07/flagler-beach.html", "title": "Flagler Beach", "content_html": "\"Flagler\n

I last stood on this beach in January 2001. It’s funny how sights, sounds, and smells can take you right back to a pivotal moment in your life, isn’t it? That January marked one year since I overdosed on two bottles of pills that very easily could have killed me. We’ve visited this before here in my blog. It was a very dark time for me. The new millennium dawned with the implosion of a twenty-year marriage and was the zenith of a seven-year bout of severe clinical depression. Now it doesn’t even feel like it was my life, really.

\n

I stepped onto this beach yesterday and instantly remembered the morning I came here sixteen years ago. It was cold and a dense pea-soup fog had settled over Flagler Beach with no real promise of sun to burn it off. Foghorns called from the surf I could not see. I remember sitting down in the damp sand, absentmindedly sifting the uniquely colored red grains through my fingers. I sat there for the longest time, thinking over how far I had come in that past year. I had no idea how far I had yet to go before I could safely say it was over.

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Grief comes in different packages. That particular year, I was still grieving the loss of my maternal grandmother the year before. Add to that the loss of my marriage, the tearing apart of my family unit, the overdose itself, and the resulting year of gruelling therapy and I was pretty battle-weary. I sat on the sand and cried, breathing in big gulps of salty sea air. I hadn’t grown to the point back then where I was sure I’d be ok or that, God forbid, I was better off without him. No…that realization came much later.

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Yesterday, the sun was shining in a nearly cloudless sky. It was warm and inviting. I could see far out to the horizon where I spotted a white boat bobbing in the surf. I walked a long way up the beach, feeling the soft sand give way under my feet. I came upon a state park (Gamble Rogers) and picked up a brochure for camping next year when I bring TOW-Wanda down. I smiled as I folded the brochure and tucked it in my pocket. If you would have told me sixteen years ago what I’d be doing in 2017, I would never in a million years have believed it. This beach is like the doorway of your kitchen where you mark how much your children have grown…only for me it marks my emotional growth. I’ve lived a hundred lifetimes since the first time I stepped into the fog on Flagler Beach. I’ve lost and found love and lost again…several times since then. Walking through my current grief journey puts the pain I felt on that cold January day into perspective. There are all kinds of grief, but grief is grief and it all needs to be worked through in its own time. It’s just nice to have a measuring stick to see how you’re doing once in a while. ❤️

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“…I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you…”\n‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭20:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-07T02:55:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/07/flagler-beach.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/06/sigh.html", "title": "Sigh", "content_html": "\"Sunset\n

I hate leaving. What a beautiful week it’s been. Beauty and fun at every turn. I was hoping for a gorgeous sunset for the last night and, while it wasn’t colorful, Florida did not disappoint. If money was no object and I could have anything I wished, I would live on the farm in West Virginia in the spring and fall, Colorado in summer and at Christmas, and Florida the rest of the time. But, until I WIN the Powerball, I’ll settle for getting here for even a little bit of a break in January or February. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

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I had the opportunity to see my dear friend, Lionel, yesterday. I haven’t seen him since my mother died thirteen years ago. My mom had promised my brother a trip to Florida that spring but she died before they could go. I stepped in and brought my brother down to Disney World. Gary has cerebral palsy and had never done anything like that. Lionel drove over from Tampa to spend the day with Gary and I. It was so wonderful to see him and his beautiful family (I got to see all three of his kids!) and spend a few hours catching up over some pretty decent Mexican food yesterday.

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I got back to Clearwater in time for this one last sunset. I noticed a large group of people down the beach and walked into the middle of a big Super Bowl party…just in time to catch the National Anthem. My heart swelled with hope and pride when I turned to the woman beside me and the man on the other side…standing, hats off, hands on their hearts…singing, some crying with the emotion of the moment. I cheered along with the crowd when they panned to show the soldiers watching from overseas. It was beautiful to share this moment with complete strangers and feel that human relationship. There is hope for a better tomorrow. There is always hope.

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I leave today for St. Augustine. I’ll stay there a couple of nights and I’ll have to get up early to catch the sunrise. Keep following along…we’ve still got a week of fun ahead of us! Let’s go! ❤️

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“Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.”\n‭‭Psalms‬ ‭65:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-06T02:55:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/06/sigh.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/05/another-day-in-paradise.html", "title": "Another Day in Paradise", "content_html": "\"Pool\n

The wind was pretty cool yesterday so I only stayed at the beach 30 minutes before I chucked that idea and headed back to the hotel pool. This is a little slice of heaven right here. The buildings blocked the wind and it was really nice.

\n

No meals out yesterday except for an iced coffee at McDonald’s. Didn’t drive the car anywhere either. I needed a lay low day since today I’m heading to Tampa to see a friend I’ve known for 40 years. I love the place I’m staying and it’s three weeks till the season starts here so it’s pretty reasonable, comparatively. It’s the size of a one bedroom apartment and really quite livable. I cooked dinner last night…pork chop, baked potato, and steamed broccoli.

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After dinner, I walked down to the pier where I caught that great violinist that I posted last night. He was the nicest young man…Cal Morris. You can catch him on YouTube and on his website at www.calmorrismusic.com. I went out on the pier to catch the sunset and look at the wares of the street vendors. It was a beautiful evening.

\n

So, one more day on the Gulf side and I head to the Atlantic. It has been so wonderful here. I’ve never really gone someplace warm during January-February and I swear, I will do this every year if I have to eat beans and rice to do it. This trip has helped with the winter blues…tremendously. I might bring TOW-Wanda down next winter and stay a while! ❤️

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“Sunshine is sweet; it is good to see the light of day. People ought to enjoy every day of their lives, no matter how long they live. But they should also remember this: You will be dead a long time. Everything that happens then is useless. Young people, enjoy yourselves while you are young; be happy while you are young. Do whatever your heart desires, whatever you want to do. But remember that God will judge you for everything you do.”\n‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11:7-9‬ ‭NCV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-05T02:55:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/05/another-day-in-paradise.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/04/time-is-short.html", "title": "Time is Short", "content_html": "\"Words\n

I was walking on the beach the other evening and stumbled upon these words in the sand. “Time is Short”. Tears instantly stung the backs of my eyes when I thought of who wrote such wisdom where surely the tide would soon erase all evidence of their presence here. I found a chair nearby and watched as the sun slowly settled into the sea and thought of Mr. Virgo and how short our time together was. In the grand scheme of things, he was gone in a heart beat at 62.

\n

Time really IS short in retrospect. When you are busy doing life stuff, it seems to stretch out forever in front of you…much like when we were kids at the start of summer vacation. Here I am, two more nights on the beach and I have to start wending my way home. Time IS short.

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So, is it possible to slow down time? If we savor each moment, and really LIVE in it, it may not actually slow the passage of time, but we can expand our lives and experiences. That’s easy to do when you’re sitting on the beach in Florida. It’s more difficult when you’re working your butt off and your good friend dies and you hit a deer with the car that only had five payments left like a friend of mine. That kind of stuff brings time to a brutal, grueling grind. She’s got a great attitude, though. It’s just another thing to go through and there will be better days ahead.

\n

Time is short. Anyone who has experienced loss is well aware of this. I am grateful to have some time and distance between losing Mr. Virgo and sitting on this beach watching another gorgeous Florida sunset. Yet, these words made me feel. ❤️

\n

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”\n‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-04T02:55:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/04/time-is-short.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/03/old-friends-and-friday-fitness.html", "title": "Old Friends and Friday Fitness", "content_html": "\"Artist\n

I remember Color Day like it was yesterday. Our senior class had a designated day a few weeks before graduation where we had activities, built floats for a parade, and got to skip school to celebrate. Gail was literally the cutest kid in our class. Tiny, little petite spitfire comes to mind when I think of her. We knew each other pretty well although we didn’t hang out at each other’s house. But, as is often the case, Facebook has allowed us to rewrite history and develop close friendships with classmates we hardly knew. At least, that’s the way it’s been for me.

\n

I saw Gail at the high school reunion in August and we all danced together. I knew she bought a place in Florida in the fall but didn’t realize she was this close to me until I saw a picture on her page of a place I was literally standing in. I texted her and we met for dinner last night. The Original Crabby Bill’s at 401 Gulf Avenue in Indian Rocks Beach was a happening place when we got there. It was packed and rightfully so. Yummy seafood, live music, and beach party atmosphere made for a loud but fun evening.

\n

Since today is Fitness Friday, I’m recommitting to going out to play more. It’s just so difficult to keep up a good exercise program in the winter. I’ve walked at least four miles a day since I got to Florida so I’m going to keep going. I have kept off the weight I lost last year, but my muscle tone is definitely not as good as it was going into hibernation. I remember going to WV for a visit back in the late ’70s to introduce the future Hubby #2 to the family. We went for a run and my Uncle Bob laughed out loud at us running on purpose. They were farmers. Work was how they got their exercise. I may have to be resourceful out on the farm, but there are ways to work out without driving into town to a gym. There’s a perfectly good road to walk and hills to climb and they’re free.

\n

As for nutrition, lots of fresh seafood, salads and fruit, combined with increased physical activity and this just might turn into a weight loss vacation instead of the customary five pounds of self-indulgence that normally comes after two weeks of eating in restaurants. Win-win!

\n

Important PSA…wear sunscreen!!! I had a melanoma in situ in 2005 so it’s important for me to protect my skin. You, too! ❤️

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-03T02:55:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/03/old-friends-and-friday-fitness.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fitness Friday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/02/the-perfect-day.html", "title": "The Perfect Day", "content_html": "\"Palm\n

What an incredible day yesterday was! The temperature got up to 72. I walked nearly four miles on the beach, went back to my hotel and played in the pool and played in the sun. Then went for a long drive all the way down the peninsula to Pass-A-Grille Beach. Turned around and stopped at the shops at John’s Pass near Madeira Beach. Watched yet another beautiful Florida sunset and ended the night by taking myself out for dinner at The Conch Republic. Yummy seafood there and a fun ambiance! Got back to my hotel and was whupped so I’m sharing a post I wrote a couple years ago that someone else shared yesterday. It’s fairly timely.

\n

Florida sunshine is being good to me! ❤️

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”\n‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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www.facebook.com/Marshmall…

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-02T02:55:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/02/the-perfect-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/01/bounty.html", "title": "Bounty", "content_html": "\"Pirate\n

I love Greek food. Spanakopita, dolmas, gyros, baklava…oooooh, I love it all! There’s a baked ziti that has a thick savory custard-like layer over it that’s SO good. I’m sure none of it is good for me, but if I get the opportunity to have Greek food, I don’t miss out. So, yesterday I headed for Tarpon Springs…the “sponge capital of the world”. And home to tons of Greek restaurants. Sixteen years ago, I ate at Pappas Restaurant but it closed a few years ago. I opted for Hellas Restaurant and Bakery. OMGosh! While the food was really quite good, the bakery was amazing! I stood in there and looked at every single item offered. I didn’t buy a single sweet…but they looked marvelous! Instead, I walked my three miles along the piers and walkways of town.

\n

I ended the day watching the sunset over the Gulf and caught this Pirate Ship going out for a sunset cruise. There were fishermen catching drum and feeding them to the egrets and pelicans. Here and there musicians set up their open cases to busk for cash. The weather was warmer and hit near 70. It is supposed to be even warmer today. It was an absolutely pristine day. As I sat in the late afternoon sun, I could feel the life force flowing back into me. I have a friend living in Alaska…like, NORTHERN Alaska, just shy of the arctic circle. She goes months without seeing the sun at all. I can’t imagine that. I am so happy to be soaking up some sunshine this week. ❤️

\n

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”\n‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-02-01T02:55:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/01/bounty.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/31/the-grand-adventure-brown-pelican.html", "title": "THE GRAND ADVENTURE 2017: \"BROWN PELICAN ON THE PIER\"", "content_html": "\"Brown\n

Day 3: Splitting the drive into three days made the day of arrival an easy three hours or so. My total drive time was exactly 17 hours and just over 1,000 miles. I didn’t break any speed records and stopped as I needed to stretch my legs and have a snack. And…I spent a whopping $61 in gas to get down here! Hotels were $137 including tax. Food was around $20 because I brought most of it from home. Since I love to drive, I don’t count my time because the drive is half the fun and all the entertainment. My room is budget but certainly not cut rate. It has a pool and kitchen and is very close to the beach. There is a grocery about a mile and half away so I bought what I will need for the week for $85. I’m thrilled to have pulled this off without spending a mint! I don’t think I will ever go a whole winter without seeing the sun again.

\n

I could hardly wait to get to the beach. It is unseasonably cool here right now. The high yesterday was 62 but, since it snowed in West Virginia, I will take 62 and sunshine on a beach any day of the week! I have been in Florida in January when it was so cold, we had to wear our ski parkas, hats and gloves to Disney World. By midweek it will be in the mid-70’s so I’m good with that.

\n

One of the first times I ever traveled alone was a year after Hubby #2 and I split up. I came to Florida to visit my sister/friend from high school. I drove all over the state. From Jacksonville to Tarpon Springs…Sanibel to Captiva to Naples…Ft. Lauderdale to Flagler Beach to Kissimmee and back to Jacksonville. It was a wonderful trip. Traveling alone takes courage and planning but it’s doable in one way or another, regardless of your budget.

\n

So, I’m here safe and sound. I’m in a safe area and a secure hotel. I’m getting the lay of the land and looking for fun things to do. I’ll keep sending youthese little “picture postcards”!

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““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”\n‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-01-31T03:00:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/31/the-grand-adventure-brown-pelican.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/30/the-grand-adventure.html", "title": "THE GRAND ADVENTURE: 2017", "content_html": "

\"Historical

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Day 1: The Farm to Columbia, SC\nDay 2: Columbia, SC to St. Augustine

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Both days were sunny and breezy yet cool. Even as I crossed into Florida and stopped at the Welcome Center for some brochures and a taste of fresh-squeezed orange juice, the temp had just barely crossed 60. Still 60 and sunny beats 29 and snowing any day of the week.

\n

The highlight on Saturday was the Shot Tower located on the banks of the New River. On first glance, I assumed this structure had something to do with the Civil War…watching for troops or guarding a fort, perhaps. Closer inspection shows an entirely different purpose for this tower, and an ingenious one at that.

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According to the historical marker, by 1770, captain William Herbert has established a ferry at this point that crossed the New River. This ferry became know as Jackson’s Ferry. In the early 1800’s, Thomas Jackson erected this tower to manufacture lead shot for weapons. There was a deep well-like structure dug down into the ground with a tunnel crossing out to the river. Molten lead was dropped through a sieve at the top of the structure and it dripped down through the tower, cooling and forming round pellets. It splashed into the water below and was transported down the tunnel to waiting barges to be shipped to munitions makers. Interesting!

\n

I stayed the first night at a Day’s Inn just off the interstate. I asked for a quiet, safe room and, while the room was decidedly tired and could have used a serious updating, it was clean and bug free and inexpensive at $55 plus taxes and fees. The continental breast was, as you can imagine, nothing to write home about so I had a yoghurt and headed for Starbucks and Panerra. Being gluten free isn’t a problem in a bakery like Panerra. I just ask for my favorite breakfast sandwich to be served in a bowl, sans bread, and add lots of fresh spinach. Yummmm. Starbuck’s new Cascarra Latte was definitely the splurge of the morning and it was worth every penny. With hints of chocolate and cherry…I was a happy girl as I headed South for Sunny Florida.

\n

Sunny was the key word yesterday. A little breezy, the 61 degrees didn’t allow for the picnic in the rest area I was hoping for, but it sure made driving fun. I chose to head down the Atlantic Coast first and try to catch a friend before going to my final destination. Unfortunately, my friend had a dental emergency and I couldn’t see her this trip. I’ll give you a great travel tip. Stop at the welcome centers when you come into a new state. I picked up one of those brochures with all the hotel discount coupons and headed to my next stop. (I’ll share that story tomorrow!)

\n

A bubble bath, a bag of popcorn, and the SAG Awards made for a quiet, peaceful evening. Today, I cross the state to the Gulf Coast…one of my favorite places in the whole world! ❤️

\n

“You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.”\n‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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\n", "date_published": "2017-01-30T02:55:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/30/the-grand-adventure.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/29/gettin-out-of-dodge.html", "title": "GETTIN' OUT OF DODGE", "content_html": "\"Road\n

Ok, kids…it’s that time of year when mama’s got itchy feet. The grey clouds of January in the Mid-Ohio Valley has turned me into a pale and grumpy girl and I have to head for some sun, sand, and surf! Yesss….you guessed it…it’s time for a ROAD TRIP! And you’re coming with me so turn on the sunlamp, play some Beach Boys, and slather on some coconut scented lotion, put on your sunglasses, get out the road map, and lets have some fun!

\n

I’m not traveling with TOW-Wanda this time. I always get a little squirrelly when I think about pulling a 30’ camper in the snow over the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the big girl is holding down the fort at the farm. This is the econo-version of the Great American Road Trip! First, I rented a car. Now, before you freak out about the cost of that, figure that I get TRIPLE the miles per gallon in a small car than I get in my big, mama-honkin’ truck. And, I had an e-mail from Enterprise for a free upgrade. I tried making the reservation through the website but “free” upgrade actually increased the price and free is supposed to be free, right? So, I ordered an “intermediate” sized car. When I got to the desk, I showed the clerk the e-mail and actually GOT the free upgrade. A standard car turned out to by a Chrysler 200 with pretty much all the bells and whistles I could have needed. I brought my own GPS so I didn’t rent one. (For those of you who know me, I literally cannot find my butt with both hands and a flashlight so a GPS is non-negotiable!). This fine little American made automobile is imported from Detroit and I got a very respectable 34.6MPG on the highway coming down and that was over some fairly respectable mountains. As always, I do not divulge my exact location real time so I’ll tell you more about that tomorrow when I move on.

\n

Another really great money saver when I travel is the hotel.com app on my phone. Hotels put rooms out on sites like this when they have a lot of empty rooms and they don’t expect to sell out. You can get some really great deals last minute. I drove till I was tired, found an exit with a lot of chain hotels, opened my hotel.com app and found a reasonably priced, name-brand hotel. Then, with the app still open, I went to the front desk and introduced myself. I said, very politely, “I just found this really great deal for a room here and I’m wondering…can you match this or do I need to go through the purchase here online?” I’ve never had anyone turn me down. They always give me the price I found online. This time, I got a bonus. The clerk said she could do me one better if I had AAA. So, I got a perfectly respectable room just off the interstate in a large southern city for $55 plus tax. And I get a free continental breakfast. Not bad!

\n

I carry a cooler on road trips with sandwich makings and healthy snacks. I allow myself one diet soda when I drive and save it for late in the day. The little caffeine boost keeps me alert during rush hour traffic and I feel like I’ve really had a treat since I rarely drink soda anymore. I buy one meal a day on the road…in this case, breakfast at Denny’s. That is always an affordable meal packed with protein.

\n

I have some basic rules of safety when I travel. I carry a smart phone with internet access. I try not to drive too long after dark. I stop for gas at the big places like Pilot or Travel America because they are well lit, their gas is restocked frequently, and they are busy. And, if you have a Good Sams Club card, you get $.03 off per gallon when you prepay at Pilot…another savings that adds up over a long road trip. That’s the end of day one. Today I head further south and I’ll tell you more tomorrow about the sites I’ve seen so far. ❤️?❤️

\n

“For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ””\n‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:10-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-01-29T02:55:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/29/gettin-out-of-dodge.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/25/outside-is-free.html", "title": "OUTSIDE IS FREE", "content_html": "\"Meme.\n

As I plug along and copy the content from my blog here on Facebook and move it to my new website, I try to work from both ends of the spectrum. I work on new stuff for a while, then I work on the older, early writings. I have to do it this way as the early stuff is so painful…most of the time. Right now, I’m in the midst of the first spring/summer after losing Mr. Virgo. I have purchased Little TOW-Wanda and I’ve been out on The Grand Adventure for quite some time. I am enjoying looking back at the pictures of all the beautiful places I visited. So much of that year is a blur to me. The brain fog of grief had me pretty firmly in its grip for the first year and seeing these photos, and reading the meager writing I was able to produce fills in some blanks and makes me long for getting out on the open road again…wind in my hair, tiara twinkling in the sunlight.

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As most of the nation struggles with snow and cold, we are still deluged with this incessant rain. Grey skies are gonna clear up…put on a happy face! Meh. I’m not feeling it. I have been plunked down in front of this computer for days and it is slow going. But every day is progress and I will reward myself with an outing to town today or tomorrow.

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Yesterday was the Angelversary of my mother’s death. I posted it on my personal page and received an outpouring of love from friends and family. I love that people remember her and tell stories about her. I love that they speak her name. One of the things I hear the most from my readers who are grieving is they wish people would say his name. Talk about him, tell stories, remember. It normalizes grief. It acknowledges the fact that this wonderful person lived and we got to live with them. It keeps their memory alive. I appreciate that. I love it when someone tells me a funny mom story or Mr. Virgo story. My mom…I loved to make her laugh. And I had a talent for it. She lived a hard life and I took it upon myself to entertain her, boost her spirits, and make her laugh till she cried. Oh, I aggravated the heck out of her sometimes, too. That’s the nature of the mother-daughter relationship, is it not? But, her laughter was like sunshine to me and I would do whatever I could to bask in that glow.

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I called her every Sunday night. Without fail. And I tried to visit her in West Virginia at least once a year. She came to Colorado a few times. I once lived in a very tiny house. Hubby #2 was in medical school and was on a rotation of work one night, sleep one night, study one night…on and on and on for nearly three years. For some reason…I didn’t see my mom during that time. There wasn’t room for visitors at my house and no money for a hotel or for a plane ticket home. So, I just didn’t see her. I made excuses. I put her off. I hate that I did that. I’ll never forget when I did finally make it home for a visit, her hair had gone completely white! I was convinced it was all my fault. Silly, that…but still. I can’t imagine not seeing my girls for nearly three years. It had to have been difficult for her. I tried to make up for it in her last years. I think I probably did. She was a very forgiving soul when it came to me. Not that I deserved it. But a mother’s love, you know.

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I’m going on an adventure in a few days. Are you ready to travel with me? Get your sunscreen and your flip-flops out…there’s sand, sun, and surf coming your way soon! Wahoo!!! ❤️

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“"‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”\n‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭ESV‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-01-25T02:55:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/25/outside-is-free.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/11/ncaa-basketball.html", "title": "NCAA BASKETBALL", "content_html": "\"NCAA\n

I have never been to a college ball game and I’ve always loved the Final Four. When I learned that WVU was playing Baylor who are undefeated, I knew I had to make the trek up to Morgantown…a place I’ve never been, believe it or not. Wow, what a game! WVU defeated Baylor, 89-68. There is so much excitement at a game when you attend. Lots of audience participation and of course, it’s always fun to watch college students supporting their team.

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Baylor was ranked #1, not only in the Big 12, but also in the NCAA. The Mountaineers played with finesse and took them down. It was great fun to watch! I think the greatest highlight for me beyond the actual win was watching the students storm the court and the entire coliseum singing “Almost Heaven, West Virginia” with John Denver. It brought a tear of pride to my eyes to see our boys in Blue and Gold upset such a great team.

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West Virginia has devout fans. I ran into friends at the game and that always makes me feel the closeness of our friendly state. We may be small, but we are fierce! Today, I’ll have a look around the campus and explore the town before I head back to the farm. It’s always nice to do something fun and adventurous…something I have never done. And…since this is my year to “REACH”…I’ll be doing more of that. Come on along…it’s gonna be a fun year! ❤️

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“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.”\n‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2017-01-11T03:00:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/11/ncaa-basketball.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/29/fly-the-friendly-skies.html", "title": "FLY THE FRIENDLY SKIES", "content_html": "\"Widow\n

When I was a very little girl, my mother flew to Chicago to do two things…visit her sister, and try to win a washer/dryer on “Queen for a Day”. The TV show was less impressive to me than the fact my mother was swallowed by this big, silver contraption that swept her away from me into the blue skies of summer. I had my first experience being airborne when I was about nine years old and my neighbor took me up in his Piper Cub. I loved the sensation…and the glamour…of flying.

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Long gone are the days of airlines actually catering to their passengers in an opulent…and roomy…way. Seats are so tight, a woman of my size is hard pressed to cross her legs. I pity a person who is taller and/or wider than the average traveler. My flight experiences usually include at least a two hour nap these days. I always take Dramamine…usually the non-drowsy formula. I think I took the regular version yesterday as it was all I could do to stay awake during my layover in Chicago.

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I tried something different this time. My flight left Denver at 5:05 which meant, with the extra holiday traffic and dropping off the rental car…I was up at 2:00am! I slept the entire flight to Chicago, had a three hour layover at Midway, another hour flight, plus a five hour drive home to the farm. Holy cats! Ok, I saved a boatload of money doing that, but it makes for a really long day. I’ll put up with a lot for a $198 round trip Dayton to Denver.

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I love to fly…even though it isn’t what it once was. I love the sights and sounds and smells of an airport. I long to travel to far distant lands, gliding high above the clouds, and deplaning where I don’t understand the language. I’ll never forget standing in Heathrow Airport…a 19-year-old military bride joining my husband at his Air Force duty station. I stood at customs looking out at the sea of faces on the other side of the glass. I turned to the customs agent and asked how on earth I was going to find my husband with all these bodies here. There was worry in my voice. She laughed and said in her lilting brogue, “Don’t worry, dearie! He’ll find YOU!” And that, he did.

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I had a four hour drive from Dayton to the farm after traveling all day. Thank you for your prayers for travel mercies. I am home. ❤️

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“For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ””\n‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:10-11‬ NIV

\n", "date_published": "2016-12-29T03:00:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/29/fly-the-friendly-skies.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/15/merry-bright.html", "title": "MERRY \u0026 BRIGHT", "content_html": "\"Bottle\n

I came to the mountains Sunday to spend time with my sweet brother and to visit friends. I’ve soaked in the hot springs, eaten at my great restaurants, and browsed in the beautiful shops. I’ve driven around and gazed at the Christmas lights. This is a resort town in Colorado, full of rustic, twinkly good cheer and it has done my heart good to revel in it.

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Yesterday, I took my coffee up to the cemetery and sat with Mr. Virgo for awhile. I surprised myself by how quickly I was reduced to a puddle of tears. I haven’t cried in a long time, but this outpouring of grief was deep…from the depths of my heart. While it was sadness pouring out, it was wrapped in love and gratitude. I sat for a long time…whispering my love message into the ether and felt comforted in the end.

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I decided to stop at my favorite shop on my way out of town. The other day I shared that I hadn’t purchased a special ornament this year. I haven’t seen any of the Ne’Qua ornaments that we loved, but there…nestled on a shelf…was the sweetest bottle-brush tree ornament and it made my heart smile. I felt Mr. Virgo whisper, “For your farmhouse Christmas!” I asked them to wrap it well and put it in a box and I’ll hand carry it home.

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There is a reason the rear view mirror is smaller than the windshield. I look forward more and more. It is what it is, yet all is as it should be. My world is still Merry and Bright…I just hold his memory in my heart now…this fourth Christmas without him. And my heart is filled with love. ❤️

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“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.”\n‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2016-12-15T03:00:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/15/merry-bright.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/12/synchronicity.html", "title": "SYNCHRONICITY", "content_html": "\"Two\n

Yesterday was one of those days when things happened that were beyond mere coincidence. There were God moments going on that just couldn’t be denied. First, one of our fellow Ranchers contacted me when she heard I was driving through her town in the mountains. Lin and I have a connection that goes back a lot further than the three years she’s been reading my blog. I knew she was from my home town, but I didn’t know she graduated from my high school the year before me! It was “old home week” as we visited for three hours in the local Starbucks. What a treat that was…thank you Lin for an afternoon of conversation!

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I was coming through Glenwood Springs a couple hours later when I felt compelled to stop at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. I ran into a former co-worker as I entered the lobby. Small town…small world. After changing, I made a mad dash through the cold night air and hopped in the first pool I came to. A young couple was sitting there. We struck up a fascinating conversation and found so many commonalities it was downright eerie. We exchanged info afterwards. When you meet someone that clicks deep, you stay to see how it plays out. Thank you Hailey and Joe for hanging out with me and sharing a couple of hours under the stars.

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My conversations today reminded me why it’s important to listen when the Holy Spirit talks to you. It was a gentle whisper today but the impact was unmistakably His. And I feel I gained three new friends in the process. I don’t believe anything is random. Things don’t happen by chance for me. People meet for the specific purpose of exchanging information. Connections are much deeper when you listen with your heart. ❤️

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“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,”\n‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2016-12-12T03:00:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/12/synchronicity.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/08/bffs.html", "title": "BFF's", "content_html": "\"Two\n

We weren’t much more than children when we met. Both new brides of young airmen stationed overseas, we were thrilled to find our hometowns were in adjacent states. We became fast friends. You do that when you’re a military wife. Your friends become family. Cindy looked extremely young for her age. Seriously, she looked twelve when she and her new husband moved into the flat below ours. She was eighteen. I was all of twenty. We hung out together while our husbands worked. We did crafts. We shopped. I think we tried our hand at knitting. We shared our families when they came to visit. Her “Nana” became my “Nana”…my mom, her mom. We shopped a lot. We didn’t buy much, but we shopped. It wasn’t long after Cindy arrived that I became pregnant with my first child. One afternoon, Cindy and I were at the hardware store buying batteries for a flashlight when the jolly clerk asked her, “Are you having fun shopping with your mummy?” I whipped around and asked, “Excuse me…what did you say?” He repeated that he was asking “my daughter” if she was having fun shopping with her mum. I nearly died! I mean, really…you feel so awful about yourself when you’re big and fat and hot and sweaty…then someone mistakes your best friend as your daughter. And you aren’t two years apart! It was a turning point in my life. My youthful innocence was left on that hardware store floor.

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Cindy and I have gone great lengths of time without seeing each other. Yet, each visit picks up where we left off in the conversation as if one had just left the room for a moment. We have a shared experience that bonded us forever. We were so far from home, we needed each other. She threw a surprise baby shower for me. There were a few people but far more gifts than attendees. She proudly handed me the first gift and asked me to read the tag. It was from my mom who was stateside. I burst into tears. Not that I just missed my mom or was just hormonal. No…this friend had gotten my mom’s address from my husband, wrote and introduced herself, then told my mom about the shower and could she let all my friends and family know. When the boxes arrived, she carefully hid the gifts which was no small feat in our tiny British flats. She kept the secret knowing how much it would mean to me to have gifts from the family I was missing terribly. I look back now and realize my mom never got to see me pregnant with either of my babies. I wish she could have.

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Cindy has always been there for me…not always in person, but she’s always been a phone call away. She cried with me when I shared the news of Mr. Virgo’s death. I fly in and out of Dayton so that I can get the chance to visit with her the night before I travel. It always makes a joyful experience even more wonderful. Thank you for always being there, my friend. You are one of life’s true gems! ❤️

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“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”\n‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2016-12-08T03:00:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/08/bffs.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/07/touchdown.html", "title": "TOUCHDOWN!", "content_html": "
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I have arrived safely in Colorado. Let's face it...it takes forever to get anywhere from West Virginia. Five hour drive Monday, ten hours in airports and planes yesterday! It's snowing as I write this at 11:00 last night. I'm not going to be able to keep my eyes open to write tonight...forgive me. I'll be back tomorrow! ❤️
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-07T03:00:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/07/touchdown.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/01/namaste-from-the-palace-of.html", "title": "NAMASTE FROM THE \"PALACE OF GOLD' - MOUNDSVILLE, WV", "content_html": "\"Hindu\n

Mr. Virgo loved the ghost hunting shows. We would sit and watch them every week…week in, week out. I kinda liked Ghost Hunters because I liked the stars. But I could not stand Ghost Adventures because Zach made me crazy. We took the Ghost tour at the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV. My late uncle actually was the administrator there back in the ’60s. Mr. Virgo really enjoyed that tour. He wanted to tour the prison at Moundsville, but we never got a chance to come back here before he died.

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When I was heading south home from Wheeling, I drove right through Moundsville. The Penitentiary sits in an old, tired neighborhood and presents an imposing edifice with its dark, weathered stones and bar-covered windows. It is directly across the street from a huge Native American burial mound. I decided to pull in and check it out. It was a cool afternoon with low-scudding grey rainclouds blowing over as the tour began at 3:00…the last of the day and, as it turned out, the last of the year.

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As you enter and buy your ticket, you see the usual gift shop fodder…snacks, sodas, t-shirts. To the left is “Old Sparky”, the electric chair that executed nine men in the lifetime of the pen. Eighty-five men were hung. The prison closed in 1995. The tour guide had worked at the prison as a guard for twenty-some years and she had so many stories to tell. She showed me a scar on her arm from her elbow to her wrist where an inmate cut her when she slipped his meal through the passageway in the door. It was gruesome and the whole place gave me the creeps.

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The guard-turned-tour-guide is Maggie. She’s in her early seventies. She was retired for nine years but was called back by another prison not too far away who said they needed her. She spoke of her husband and I got the feeling he had died. When I asked her how long he’d been gone, she looked me square in the eye and said “A year ago tomorrow.” Here is a woman who faced physical attacks by murderers and went back for more…yet her voice cracked when she explained that even though he had been desperately ill, it was still just awful losing him. She’d been with him since she was sixteen. I marveled yet again how God creates my journey and sends me people to talk to at just the right moment. I hugged her and asked her to join us here at The Ranch. I hope she does. Keep a kind thought for Maggie today as she goes through the first angelversary of her Rick….a talented photographer.

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After the tour, I noticed some brochures in the lobby. I saw one about the huge “Palace of Gold”…a Hare Krishna compound I have read about for years. It was only fourteen miles away and I figured I could use some peace after touring such a dark and dismal place as an abandoned state penitentiary. I was disappointed that the Palace itself was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but I was told I could go into the temple if I wanted. I walked into a large foyer and was met by a sign directing me to a room where I could leave my shoes. I pulled the huge door open and was awed by the room I entered. There were vignettes around the room where different deities sat in various settings. Their costumes were bright and colorful. Two men were chanting. One was inside a fenced in area burning incense, ringing bells, and blowing a conch shell. The other was chanting “Hare Krishna” and wandering around the room greeting people. He brought me a sweet smelling flower and invited me to an adjacent room for cookies, fruit, and milk from their own dairy. They revere their cattle and the residents let them live out their years being lovingly tended to. I went in after exploring the temple and was warmly greeted and handed a small plate with a few bits of banana and cantaloup and a small, round, unbaked “cookie”. It was yellow, sweet, a little grainy, and contained raisins. This was topped off with a thin bread much like a tortilla and a cup of rich, warm milk softly scented with cardamom. I sat in quiet reverie…slowly tasting the different flavors and savoring the textures and aromas of this simple meal, lovingly shared with me by a total stranger whose English I could barely understand. But love is the universal language and we both bowed to each other afterwards…quiet smiles…hands clasped in front of us in “Namaste” position. “The Divine in me honors the Divine in you.”

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There may be division in our country right now. But…in a quiet space in the backwoods of West Virginia…two strangers from two different worlds, with different faiths and different cultures and different languages…shared a moment of peace and I was humbled in that sacred space between us. We were merely humans, sharing food and joy. How beautiful is that? ❤️

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“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”\n‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2016-12-01T03:00:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/01/namaste-from-the-palace-of.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/11/30/doing-new-activities-keeps-your.html", "title": "DOING NEW ACTIVITIES KEEPS YOUR MIND FRESH AND BOOSTS YOUR MOOD", "content_html": "\"Glass\n

I’ve done more new things in the last three and a half years than I have in my entire life combined, I do believe. I’ve always heard of Oglebay Park in Wheeling and they put on a huge Festival of Lights at the holidays. Over 600 acres you drive through with animated light displays and trees galore. I’ve always wanted to go and since I’m leaving soon for Colorado, I decided to run up to see the spectacle and get my holiday month off to a great start!

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While last night was fun, something awesome is happening this morning. My second father-in-law is having his cochlear implant turned on today and we’re all joining a live Facebook session to watch. Please say a prayer that all goes well and it gives him the gift of hearing again. It is so important for his quality of life since he is nearly blind from macular degeneration. He’s a good man and has worked hard all his life. He raised three kids on a meat packer’s pay and I love him dearly. Thank you in advance for sending some kind thoughts for Bernie.

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Family…no matter who they are or how they come into your life, they are a part of who we are. I was blessed with three husbands and enjoy an extended family through them, even through divorce. I love every one of them. ❤️

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“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 ‭13:4-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

\n", "date_published": "2016-11-30T03:00:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/11/30/doing-new-activities-keeps-your.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","West Virginia","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/27/in-the-swim.html", "title": "In the Swim", "content_html": "\n
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My older granddaughter has her eyes on a prize. She wants to be in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo on the US Swim Team. She is a strong, devoted, driven young woman who works as hard academically as she does athletically. She does much better in any situation when she can see it ahead of time. Then she can visualize as she works it out.

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We arrived in Omaha safely at 5:30 and were in the pool by 6:00. An hour in the water, a hot bath, a warm, full tummy and bed. I wrote this last night so I'm hoping that little whirling dervish assigned to my bed actually sleeps!

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❤️

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“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

\nPsalm 4:8 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-27T01:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/27/in-the-swim.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/12/road-tripagain.html", "title": "Road Trip...Again!!!", "content_html": "\n
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I am 1264 miles from CO...the GPS is set and I'm heading west!!!

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-12T01:30:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/12/road-tripagain.html", "tags": ["Travel","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/09/coffee-and-geraniums.html", "title": "Coffee and Geraniums", "content_html": "\n
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It's a pristine day in Tennessee!

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-09T01:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/09/coffee-and-geraniums.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/06/08/road-trip.html", "title": "Road Trip!!!!", "content_html": "\n
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I can't believe it's finally here...the first day of another adventure!!! Do you all realize you've been riding along with me for nearly 60,000 miles??? We've been on so many trips together...CO, WY, NB, SD, NM, UT, KS, IL, IN, OH, WV, TN, KY, VA, NC, SC, MD. Today, I'm heading back down to Bristol, TN to visit family for a few days. TOW-Wanda is staying here. I have places to stay when I travel this time and I'll only be gone about six weeks so it just didn't make sense to drag her around. I have all my camping gear packed up so I'll be doing some tent camping.

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I'll have much more flexibility without the camper so I'm looking forward to doing a little more exploring this trip. I'll post pictures of interest and update you as to my progress.

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I look back at my early travels. Honestly, I'm not sure how I did what I did the first year. I was pretty lost.

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The Brandi Carlile concert last night was absolutely amazing! One of the very best I've seen...truly. If you ever get the chance to see her live...you really should! Talk to you soon!

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❤️

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“You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.”

\nDeuteronomy 28:6 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-06-08T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/06/08/road-trip.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/13/humbled.html", "title": "Humbled", "content_html": "\n
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I'm camping this weekend with about fifty wonderful, brave, funny, interesting, beautiful women. We are with Janine Pettit who does the Girl Camper podcast series. I'm the Girl Camper Correspondent so these women have heard me interviewed before. Do you know how humbling it is to be greeted with \"Oh, my gosh! YOU'RE Ginny McKinney!!!\"? These are brave women, many of whom have lost their loved ones, too. Many have never towed a camper. Never have been camping. And they did it! They drove through the mountains and the twisty turny roads. They backed in and unhooked. There were lots of high fives and hugs around here yesterday. More are arriving today.

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I love having the opportunity to mentor, and to share my story and experiences. I love having opportunities to minister to others and to share my love...of God, of camping, of life. I want to embrace all of these terrific women and thank them for the opportunity to experience and feel what I feel when I see them succeed.

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The smell of the pine was redolent in my camper yesterday afternoon. I covered up with my throw and read, soft music in the background, the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance. Then we gathered together and shared a meal and visited and laughed and told stories. What a beautiful day!

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❤️

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“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

\nEphesians 4:2 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-13T01:30:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/13/humbled.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","goRVing","Humbled","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/12/girl-camping.html", "title": "Girl Camping", "content_html": "\n
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When I was 17, my boyfriend's parents invited me to go on a family camping trip. We went to the local state park not 50 miles away, but I felt like I was on a grand adventure. We camped in a huge canvas wall tent...the kind you see at hunter's camps. It was damp and musty. My boyfriend's mother and I slept on cots and the boys slept on the ground. She carefully positioned her cot between me and her son for the sake of propriety. His dad had a huge folding cabinet that held a cooking kitchen. It was really cool. I think we only camped three or four nights and I didn't go camping again for at least 10 years.

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Girl camping, or glamping, is a far cry from that canvas wall tent and army cots. There are certain amenities most girl campers like to have depending on personal tastes. There are tent campers in the girl camping movement, too. But most have little campers. Some stay in cabins. There were 7 of us who arrived early so we gathered last night for dinner in the lodge. We are all Sisters on the Fly but this isn't a Sisters trip. We range in Sister numbers from somewhere in the 500's to nearly 7000. I'm right in the middle at 3537. When I visited with Sisters #1 & #2 at the Denver Fly Fishing Show in January, we remarked that the 3000's are beginning to feel like old timers.

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Janine Pettit does a lot of public speaking and camper colleges for different RV manufacturers and dealers as well as goRVing.com. Her goal is to bring women into the camping world and showing them how to do everything from hooking and unhooking to backing into tight spots and everything in between. Janine also does a podcast every week covering all manner of issues surrounding camping as well as featuring really cool people who embrace the camping experience. I am the Girl Camper Correspondent and will be recording a segment this weekend on Camping in Colorado.

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One thing most of us agreed on last night. You know you've seen pictures of those cute campers staged with all the little cute doodads arranged so artistically. We agreed that was great fun the first year or two. And then it just became such a huge deal we gave it up. My biggest obstacle is not having a garage or basement to store that stuff. Since I live in my camper full time, I want it decorated according to my own personal tastes and that is pretty minimalistic. I don't like a lot of clutter around because it makes an already small space seems claustrophobic. Don't get me wrong...I love the look of the cute little campers when they're all decorated and if I had a hobby camper, that's more than likely what I would do. As you can see in this photo, I've strung little tiny white lights and decorated simply in canvas and white with a little gold for glitter. When I get done with the inside, it won't even look like an RV because the brown is going away!

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❤️

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“Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.”

\nProverbs 3:17 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-12T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/12/girl-camping.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","goRVing","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/11/road-trip.html", "title": "Road Trip!", "content_html": "\n
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Annnnnnd....I'm off! Leaving a day early. Let the games begin, girls!!!!

\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-11T01:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/11/road-trip.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/04/17/a-step-back-in-time.html", "title": "A Step Back in Time", "content_html": "\n
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The ubiquitous produce market. The south is dripping with them. My cousins and I took a \"buggy\" ride down the hill last week to pick up some produce at Scotty's Market in Bluff City, TN. One step across the threshold and time seems to slow down. From rutabagas to fresh North Carolina strawberries, the options are plentiful. There is a row of chippy painted chairs in a line in the back. A respectable collection of cast iron cookware graces a wall. The clerk offers me a strawberry as I wander around. The floors were gravel and gave the space a quiet atmosphere. Large flat plank tables held the produce. Workers hovered over bins and picked over the fruits and veggies, pinching away the bad bits. I love stopping to really experience the flavor of the small towns when I travel.

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This is such a beautiful time to travel. Where have your travels led you to a pleasant surprise?

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❤️

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“Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.”

\nGenesis 1:11-12 NLT\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-04-17T01:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/04/17/a-step-back-in-time.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/04/05/on-being-alone.html", "title": "On Being Alone", "content_html": "\n
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I love road trips. I love to drive because I do my best thinking behind the wheel of my truck. I work through all kinds of issues as the miles fly by. I have whole conversations with people and they always end up going my way. I make plans, solve problems, write stories. I do this best alone. Don't get me wrong...traveling with Mr. Virgo was a hoot and a half! He always had a good story or a funny joke. He always spotted the best places to stop and enjoy a good view. Travel with Mr. Virgo was a joy! I know some don't, but I travel well alone.

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I drove to Louisville yesterday. I'm spending the next two days solid with a media consultant creating my new website. I'm really excited about it! The drive down was lovely. Rain coming out of WV and across most of Ohio gave way to sunny skies in Kentucky. It gave me six hours of fairly uninterrupted drive time. Eating was fine. Exercise was not but I did walk the steps to the third floor several times so that counts as something!

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Stay tuned for more fun adventures! There's SO much going on in the background that I can't talk about yet but it's gonna be awesome!

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❤️

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“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

\nJames 1:22-24 NIV\n
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\n\n", "date_published": "2016-04-05T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/04/05/on-being-alone.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/03/21/honey-im-home.html", "title": "Honey, I'm Home!", "content_html": "\n
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Wow...what a week! Every single one of you should take a break from FB for a few days. I admit, I peeked a couple of times. My granddaughter was out of state at a swim meet. I got a smarmy message from some guy I had to take care of. And even a sabbatical can't stop Fitness Friday. It was great to be away from any negative influence but I sure missed all your positive energy. You're my daily dose of Vitamin LOVE!

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Where to start? I drove to Blackwater Falls State Park on Tuesday to meet with Janine Pettit, Girl Camper extraordinaire. She brought her best friend, Carol from New Jersey. We had adjoining rooms and it was like summer camp sleepovers! The park is gorgeous and we were there with the Tucker County Tourism representative. Girl Camper is hosting a Go Girl Go camping weekend in May at Blackwater Falls. We still have a very limited number of spots left so if you would like to join us, let me know.

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Wednesday morning found me working in my room while Janine and Linda toured the area. I was recently invited to submit a proposal to speak at an international conference in DC in August so I had to focus and get that done. The process was complicated by the need to update some social media and do a little online housekeeping first so it was time consuming. Wednesday afternoon we hiked. Carol is also into fitness so we ran down and back up 242 steps to the lower observation deck overlooking the falls and took the lodge steps two at a time with deep lunging steps down the halls. I'm sure the security footage was entertaining. We ended the night with a working dinner.

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Thursday after breakfast, Carol headed back to New Jersey and Janine and I sat down to record a Podcast on \"Solo Women Travelers\". I'll let you know when it goes live. We also discussed my upcoming Podcasts as the Travel Correspondent for Girl Camper: Going Places, Doing Things. My first will be on Camping in Colorado. Janine is darling and extremely knowledgeable on technology, media, and marketing and I always learn so much from her. And besides that, she's great fun!

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After recording Thursday, I took off for my cousin's house. And what road trip of mine would be complete without a diversion? I saw the sign for Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia at 4863 feet, and turned off the beaten path. It was 44° and really windy at the top of the observation tower but the views were breathtaking. I backpacked up the other side of this mountain back in 1979 and it was amazingly beautiful with the rhododendron in full bloom in June! I saw an unusual bird this trip, slowly crossing the road...a Woodcock. It has a strange dance. Google it!

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I went to Harrisonburg, Virginia with my cousin and her husband on Friday. We took over the front end of a 1920's Cadillac that he is having rebuilt. The hot rod guy had recently finished rebuilding a 1934 bus and took us for a ride to a local barbecue restaurant for dinner. Such fun!

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Saturday dawned with snow on the ground, much to my dismay. I wanted to crawl into bed and pull my covers over my head! However, that's not what we do when we are focused on fitness. My friends back home started texting back-and-forth about the Blues Festival being held in Marietta Saturday night. How could I resist four hours of dancing for exercise? So, I took off and came home. The music was fabulous and the dancing was great fun. Four of us pooled our money to buy 20 tickets for the raffle, and we won! We will split a year's worth of tickets to live music in the mid Ohio Valley. How cool is that?

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That was my week. My time away reinforced my decision to focus on fitness and my observations on life and not talk about grief all the time now. I will be restructuring my blog next month so that my earlier writings will be more readily accessible when you are needing more support during early grief. I want my readers to see there is life after loss. What message do I send if, after three years, my loss is all I can talk about? You never \"get over\" grief. But you DO get through it. There will certainly be times we revisit darker topics as that is the nature of grief. However, what we do with the rest of the life that we are gifted with depends a great deal on us. That's my focus now...living a life that is genuine, full of joy and purpose, and in as good health as I can achieve. My focus is on \"Positive Aging\" and all that entails. I'm so glad to be back home on the Ranch! Thanks for keeping the fire going while I was gone!

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❤️

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“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,”

\nPsalm 92:14 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-03-21T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/03/21/honey-im-home.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Road Trip","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/03/10/camping-season-is-almost-here.html", "title": "Camping Season is Almost Here!", "content_html": "\n
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Sitting in the living room last night, I could hear the peepers calling from the ponds across the tracks. It is, without a doubt...SPRING! And with the warm days come thoughts of the great outdoors. And what do I love best about being outdoors? Camping!

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We are rapidly approaching camping season and my atlas is already getting a workout. I am heading out next month on my first road trip of the year. I'll be heading to Louisville for three nights. I'm sitting down with a mentor in media presence. So the first three days will be working then I am heading to Bristol, TN. I'll take my tent camping gear as well as the trailer and play it by ear. Hopefully the weather will be lovely.

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It would be fun to gather with any \"Ranchers\" who may live in the areas I'll be visiting! Also, if anyone is interested in having me speak, please message me. If I can throw some speaking engagements in the trip, that would be extra fun! I'm really ready for a road trip!

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❤️

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“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;”

\nPsalm 91:11 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-03-10T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/03/10/camping-season-is-almost-here.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/16/saying-goodbye.html", "title": "Saying Goodbye...", "content_html": "\n
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At least for a little while. It's so hard to leave them! But they understand I have some important work to do in the next few months so it's all good.
God watched out for me yesterday especially well. I got to the airport too early to check my bags in so I sat at a little restaurant and let time flow over me as I watch the travelers going to and fro. To say I \"enjoyed lunch\" would be a nod to the experience it provided, not the food itself. Afterward, I went to the Post Office in the airport and shipped a box of clothes. It was half what the charge is for a heavy bag and I had the time.

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I wandered to C Concourse where I found Xpres Spa. I got my hair cut and took advantage of the massage chairs for an hour. That was delightful. I grabbed a snack and headed to the gate. We boarded, got comfortable, and the captain came on and apologized saying there was a mechanical difficulty and we needed to change planes. I didn't get to my hotel room till nearly 2:00am. I only slept 2.5 hours Thursday night so I was asleep before we were airborne and didn't wake up till the plane was nearly empty!

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I parked my truck at a place near the Dayton Airport call Westwind Airport Valet. They were super nice, delivered me to the airport in a stretch limo, washed my truck for me, picked me back up in the limo and delivered me back to my nice clean truck. They answered a ton of questions and took exceptional care of me. I was parked there from December 13th to January 15th for $253. I felt that was quite reasonable for long term parking with exceptional service.

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I'm speaking today to a private group...many of whom are Marshmallow Ranch readers like yourselves. I really enjoy doing these. It gives me a chance to meet you, and it helps to give you a face when I'm \"talking to you\" via my blog posts. It's a beautiful life!

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❤️

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“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

\nIsaiah 41:10 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-16T02:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/16/saying-goodbye.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/08/snow.html", "title": "Snow!", "content_html": "\n
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Last winter in WV was dismal. Cold, windy, snow...snow...and MORE snow. Denver was downright balmy till late. This year, Colorado is getting socked with snow upon snow and people were mowing their lawns New Year's Eve in WV! Annnnnd....where am I? In the cold and snow...both times. It's not so bad though. Look at this beautiful picture. I went up to the cemetery yesterday to say goodbye to Mr. Virgo on my way out of town. We had about 5 or 6 inches of new snow overnight. There was a low ceiling of clouds so as I climbed the hill I was enveloped in their gauzy swirling mists. I snapped this shot as the sun was just starting to burn through. This is the view from his grave. Isn't it beautiful? It's so peaceful and quiet up there. I love going up to visit him. I imagine him in the wind.

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The drive back was fine. There were cars and trucks in the ditches and median but by the time I went through it was just slushy. It was icy and snow packed over the passes but I just dropped the Jeep in 4WD and exercised caution.

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My friend Marion Corbin Mayer and I are hosting a Salon on January 17th from 2-4. If you live in the Cincinnati area, please come. I'd love to see you! Marion will be showing her beautiful paintings and I will be speaking about \"Left Turns & Lemonade\".

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Creative Catalyst Studio is located in the Essex Studios Complex, 2515 Essex Place #231, Cincinnati, OH 45206. Please RSVP to Marion, 513-368-1994 Free, but space is limited. There are over 100 studios at Essex so you need to call to get into the building.

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❤️

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“From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens when the waters become hard as stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen?”

\nJob 38:29-30 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-08T02:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/08/snow.html", "tags": ["Travel","Be Joyful!","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/07/on-the-road-again.html", "title": "On the Road Again", "content_html": "\n
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Heading back to Denver today. I had a great week in the mountains. I visited my brother and friends. I rested and soaked in the hot springs pool several times. The interview with Kerry Hannon for the New York Times went very, very well. She was absolutely delightful and I would love to hear one of her presentations. She has written 10 books on women and jobs/finance. She's a best selling author and I can't wait to read one of her books as well. She interviewed me for an article she's writing about widowhood and retirement...what I did right, what mistakes I made, and what advice I would give to a new widow. I'll provide a link to the article when it comes out.

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I had another treat yesterday. I came out of my dermatology appointment yesterday and ran right smack dab into my ex-husband. What a treat! We greeted each other with a hug and stood there and talked for an hour. He is such a good guy and it was a pleasure to catch up with him.

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I'm really looking forward to getting together with the Sisters on the Fly this weekend at the Denver Fly Fishing Show. Sisters #1 & #2, Maurrie and Becky will be there and I can't wait to see them and many of my other Sister friends. It was spitting snow last evening when I wrote this so I'm hoping the weather remains clear for driving. My trip is flying by too fast!

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❤️

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““I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

\nJeremiah 32:27 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-07T02:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/07/on-the-road-again.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/15/the-most-wonderful-time-of.html", "title": "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year", "content_html": "\n
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I woke up yesterday morning to the sounds of my grandchildren. Is there anything better than that? I've missed them terribly and they've grown so much! As a matter of fact, they're past the age of squealing my name and running into my arms and that broke my heart a little bit. It's my own fault. It's the down side of being away on this adventure of healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. They'll come around once we spend more time together. We have cookies to bake. We have places to go, things to do. There are snowmen to be built and hills to sled down. And, of course, shopping for shoes! We'll be making memories, that's for sure.

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I am missing too much by being away. I'm missing milestones I can't get back. So, when this window of opportunity to write has passed, and when it's time to come back to Colorado in late spring/early summer, I'm going to make my base camp here till the girls are bigger and maybe don't need me as much. I'll still have plenty of adventures to write about. I plan to still be living full time in TOW-Wanda. I'm just going to stick a little closer to where my heart is for a while.

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❤️

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“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”

\nProverbs 17:6 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-15T02:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/15/the-most-wonderful-time-of.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/14/flying.html", "title": "Flying", "content_html": "\n
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I used to be filled with fear. Heights, crowds, closed in spaces...all of which made flying problematic. As with most fears, gradual desensitization can help you conquer them. A lot of my fears fell away after a serious illness 16 years ago. I faced my own mortality head-on and realized these petty things didn't mean that much in the grand scheme of things.

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Now I absolutely love to fly. I love to get to the airport early and people watch. I get a magazine and have a nice meal. I could easily be one of those people who travel for work....living out of suitcases, sleeping in a different hotel every week, trying to find something healthy on the menu. That would suit my wandering spirit. Except, I'm sure the reality isn't nearly as exciting as what I picture in my mind.

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I wonder about the other travelers. What's their story? Where are they headed? Where have they been? I always wonder if someone has lost a loved one when they're sitting looking downcast. But I don't pry.

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In these times of terrorist activities, you would think that security would be a concern. I haven't seen any more caution taken this trip than I've ever seen except when I flew shortly after 9/11. Now THAT was a different story. That was worrisome. It is human nature to become complacent over time, I suppose. I was supposed to fly this morning, but decided to see if I could get an earlier flight out yesterday. It was a long day with a plane change and layover in Baltimore. But I would rather have done that than hang out all day in a hotel near the Dayton airport.

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Let the vacation begin!

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❤️

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“The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.”

\nProverbs 16:17 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-14T02:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/14/flying.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/13/coffee-houses.html", "title": "Coffee Houses", "content_html": "\n
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One of my favorite things to do when I travel is hunt down independent coffee houses. Havens of peace and caffeine, these little out of the way mom and pop shops build our communities by offering a quiet place to converse or reflect.

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After several busy weeks since arriving in West Virginia, I am enjoying a little down time. My daughter was hanging out with her fellow classmates yesterday, so I spent the day exploring the Historic Depot District of Richmond, Indiana. Sweet little antique shops, a great used book shop (2 Sisters Bookstore), Roscoe's Coffee Bar & Tap House, and a late lunch in Little Sheba's Restaurant provided a lovely junket on an unseasonably warm December day.

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Taking time for yourself and simple pleasures is incredibly important for your self care. And it doesn't have to break the bank. For under $15 I had one of the best Italian subs I've ever had and bought the small volume...The Prayer of Jabez. And, I had the pleasure of meeting some really nice people. Priceless!

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❤️

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“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.”

\nZechariah 8:16-17 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-13T02:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/13/coffee-houses.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/13/garden-manor-bb.html", "title": "Garden Manor B\u0026B", "content_html": "\n
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Edit: Garden Manor is no longer an active B&B.

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Richmond, Indiana is conveniently located at the crossroads of America. If you find yourself traveling cross country and need to spend the night, I would highly recommend Garden Manor B&B. Run by a lovely Quaker couple, the house is easily accessible to the interstate. There is one room available for rent. It is furnished with Janine's grandmother's chestnut bed, hence the name \"Chestnut Room\". Bright, comfortable, clean and quiet. I found this on Airbnb. $45/night, room, breakfast (homemade delights), WIFI and lovely hosts. Very safe if traveling alone.

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“So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.””

\nGenesis 18:6 NIV\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-13T02:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/13/garden-manor-bb.html", "tags": ["Travel"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/11/surprises.html", "title": "Surprises", "content_html": "\n
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Just when you think...perhaps...you've seen it all. I have to tell you...it's been a while since I've had this much fun with my ex and his family and our daughter. We had made plans to have dinner last night. When they were naming off restaurants, I jumped at the chance for German cuisine. I hadn't been to a good German restaurant since Frankfort, IL two years ago.
The atmosphere at The Steinkeller in Oxford, OH was great and the food was special. And then, in walks this round little fellow in his lederhosen and perky little hat with an accordion. He did the typical polkas and oom-pa-pa music. Then, he whipped out....Uptown Funk as well as a number of heavy metal cuts and country ballads. On the accordion. In lederhosen.
I can die now. I've seen everything.

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?

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-11T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/11/surprises.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/17/amazing-autumn.html", "title": "Amazing Autumn", "content_html": "\n
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What a glorious drive yesterday. We stayed in a KOA north of Charlotte. You can sure tell we have come up north...it's cold!!! But the colors became more vivid the farther we drove. There were a couple of things I would have liked to see but we didn't have the time. I've always wanted to go to Mt. Airy which is the town Mayberry was designed from. Also, I've always wanted to drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway. But, we needed to get checked into the state park campground in case it filled up for Bridge Day. I don't think we needed to worry because there are still plenty of spots open, probably because we are far enough away from the festivities.

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It's so beautiful here but c-o-l-d! It's supposed to go down to 27 tonight! These leaves won't last long after that. So today will be perfect!

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❤️

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“This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes.”

\nGenesis 31:40\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-17T01:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/17/amazing-autumn.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/15/goodbye-myrtle.html", "title": "Goodbye Myrtle", "content_html": "\n
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It's so hard to say goodbye after such an amazing trip! We squeezed every bit of fun out of the last two weeks that we possibly could. But the very best was time spent on the beach, contemplating the beauty of our surroundings and eating our way through the South. Y'all sure know how to show a girl a good time down here! Seafood is one of my all time favorites and it was absolutely wonderful.

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We stayed at Ocean Lakes Family Campground near Surfside Beach. It is literally a city unto itself. They keep the place immaculate and it runs like a well oiled machine. Security is ever present without being intrusive. You don't get into this place without a pass. Unless you walk up the beach. The beach sustained some damage from the storms the first week and maintenance was quick to repair it. I can't say enough good things about this place.

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Today we are off to...I don't know, someplace fun. We need to wean down on the fun thing or we'll crash when we get home. Of course, we DID spend our last evening doing laundry at the Soapy Suds Laundromat! That ought to help.

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❤️

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“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”

\nHebrews 11:8\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-15T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/15/goodbye-myrtle.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/12/flip-flops.html", "title": "Flip Flops", "content_html": "\n
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Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day. My travel buddy and I hunted down the Fractured Prune...a franchise donut shop that makes your donuts hot and fresh to order. I was disappointed because all they had were white cake donuts. Lots of toppings and glazes to choose from, but cake donuts are not my favorite. And really, once you've had SWEET COLORADOUGH or VooDoo Doughnuts, nothing else compares. It was still fun to explore.

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We went to a flea market and wandered around for a couple hours. There was a guy standing out front with a karaoke machine singing Gospel music and, OMGosh! He gave me chills. He moved a whole lot of people right there in the parking lot. It was awesome to see. I bought all three of his CD's because he was incredibly easy to sing harmony with. I love Gospel music and I love to sing in my car.

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Once we got back, it was beach time. Our friends joined us. There was shelling, and walks, and laughter. My friend and I took one last drive around the campground in the golf cart. We had called a few places in Tennessee to make reservations (at the suggestion of one of my readers) and it turns out campsites are scarce as hen's teeth this time of year. October is a really big tourist month in the Smokey Mountains.
When we were riding around, we decided to just stay here for another three days. They have the room for us, the price is right, the weather is going to be perfect, AND we'll save all that time and gas. We do have to change sites but it's actually three sites closer to the beach. I think we deserve it since we were stuck in the trailer for five days in the rain! That's how I'm rationalizing it, anyway. (Penny and Terri...I'll come to Tennessee another time to see you...promise!)

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We topped the day off with dinner out at a great Italian Restaurant. So, maybe 15 days is the perfect vacation time!

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❤️

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“so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.”

\nRomans 15:32\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-12T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/12/flip-flops.html", "tags": ["Travel","Gratitude","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/11/winding-down.html", "title": "Winding Down", "content_html": "\n
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All good things must come to an end, so they say. Today is the last day at the beach. I have to say, this is the perfect length of time to be on vacation. Twelve days is just about right. There's been plenty of down time to rest as well as days packed with fun activities.

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My sweet niece came from Savannah yesterday to visit me. She's 35 and still calls me Aunt Ginny.

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Today will be filled with errands and preparations for leaving tomorrow. It has been a wonderful vacation so far. My friend and I are considering going over to TN and up through the Smokies. Does anyone have any recommendations as to campgrounds, routes for the best colors where I can safely tow TOW-Wanda? Thanks in advance!

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❤️

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“Should you not fear me?” declares the Lord. “Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.”

\nJeremiah 5:22\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-11T01:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/11/winding-down.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/01/ocean.html", "title": "Ocean", "content_html": "\n
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We arrived in Myrtle Beach around noon yesterday. The rain was threatening to hit and any of you who have a travel trailer understand all that is involved in setting up. First off is getting into your site and situating the trailer in the perfect spot. You need to check the level of your trailer and drive one side or the other up on a levelling block under one of the wheels. You put blocks called chocks in front of and behind the tires to keep the trailer stationary then it is safe to unhook the hitch. You unhook your safety chains, emergency brake release cord, and the power cord from the vehicle. (This was used for brakes and brake lights on the trailer as you travel.) You also have to remove the weight stabilization bars and the sway bar. Once that is all done, you finish levelling the trailer with the tongue jack. Then there are the utility hookups...water, electric, cable, sewer. Because I live in my camper, my tanks need emptied more frequently so that's always the first thing I do when I get set up. Rugs, chairs, table, grill, gas fireplace, propane, coolers, the dog run, canopy...all things that need to get set up when you arrive. All needing to be done pretty quickly before the rain settled in. My travel companion needed to walk her little dog because he spent much of the last two days in his crate as we traveled. She walked down to the beach and snapped this picture for me. I'll get down there soon. We are camped about nine trailers back from the water!

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I only slept two hours Tuesday night in the truck stop so with the long drive and messing with the camper, I was exhausted last night. Today will be a lay low, kick back day. Unfortunately we are having to keep a weather eye out on the skies. Hurricane Juaquin is going to affect us rain wise in the coming days. We'll know more by Sunday about when, where, and IF he makes landfall. This could be interesting....another adventure. One I don't care to experience if I can help it, thank you.

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❤️

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“Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy;”

\nPsalm 98:7-8\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-01T01:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/01/ocean.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/08/24/time.html", "title": "Time", "content_html": "\n
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The other day I described time as \"slippery\". Here it is, my last full day in Colorado. This has been a wonderful summer full of grand adventures. And for the first time since I was a kid, summer stretched out in front of me in an endless stream of sun filled days. This feels like the longest summer of my life. I think that is because I was looking forward to exploring a new relationship and the time couldn't pass fast enough to get back to West Virginia. Now that the possibility of a pending relationship has been removed, it has caused me to pause and think about how our thoughts can change the perception of time.

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Sometimes years pass in a heartbeat. Other times three months is an eternity. Time doesn't always pass more quickly the older you get. I know elderly people who sit staring down the abyss just waiting to die and they think death will never get there soon enough. I don't want to be that woman. Time has become an extremely valuable commodity. I want to grasp time in both hands and squeeze. I want to bathe in it and get drunk by it's richness. I want every adventure I've ever dreamed of, and some that surprise me...taking my breath away with their beauty. I used to think I had all the time in the world. I don't. So, tomorrow I hit the road again for another Grand Adventure...this time to Deadwood, SD with a bunch of wild women in tutus and cowboy boots! How fun is that? THAT is a good way to spend some time!

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❤️

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\"You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.\"

\nPsalm 39:5\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-08-24T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/08/24/time.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Grief"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/08/02/badlands.html", "title": "Badlands", "content_html": "\n
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Yesterday was a LONG day. It took longer to get going in the morning because we were hooked up to sewer and water. Then we went to Wall Drug and dinked around in there for awhile. Had breakfast then headed for the Badlands. It was beautiful but looked very much like the western slope of Colorado where I've lived since 1986. My traveling companion was mesmerized, however. This is her first trip out west and she is really getting to see some beautiful country!

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After the quickie tour of the Badlands, we hit the road, stopping in Mitchell, SD to see the Corn Palace. I had no idea what to expect except that the exterior changes from year to year. We were very disappointed because we thought we'd get some corn-on-the-cob or something! lol I had no idea it was a venue for concerts and basketball games.

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We drove through rain in eastern South Dakota and finally stopped for the night in Sioux Falls at a convenient, clean campground (Tower Campground) but it backed right onto the interstate so there was quite a lot of traffic noise. We are 15.5 driving hours from home. It's going to be a long couple of days.

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❤️

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\"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.\"

\nProverbs 3:24\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-08-02T06:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/08/02/badlands.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/15/sweet-coloradough.html", "title": "Sweet ColoraDOUGH!", "content_html": "\n
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Lisa sparkles. She is my mentor in the happy wanderer department. Young enough to be my daughter, she is actually one of my Sisters…Sisters on the Fly, that is. When I first met her, she was who I knew I wanted to be when I grew up. She can make the BEST Cream of Mushroom Soup in a Dutch oven. She can dance till the sun comes up. She can walk into a roomful of strangers and have them eating out of her hand in five minutes. She has a smile that melts your heart and you want to be her best friend forever. She never treated me any different just because I was new at camping, new at being a Sister, new at being alone. She is brighter than the sun!

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Lisa has a passion for many things in life, but the independent coffee shop owner is who she chooses to champion. In these days of posh, shiny, impersonal coffee shops that spring up overnight on every street corner, Lisa holds the \"little guys\" close to her heart and wants you to know where you can find them so you too can support them…keeping their doors open in a tough economy. She wants you to know their stories. What made them decide to open a coffee shop? Was there someone in their lives that encouraged them to go for that dream? Where do they get their coffee? Do they offer anything other than the \"Elixir of the Gods\"? What do they want their customers to come away with when they leave their establishment? How do they give back to the world? There are as many stories out there as there are coffee shops, and I'm one of her minions heading out there to sacrifice myself to the caffeine and sugar rush just to find out the skinny and report it on her blog. I'll be posting a coffeehouse review once a month and I'll leave you a link here so you can read it and find these treasured places.

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The Local Coffee House Finder is online and you can search on your phone to find these these locally owned gems as you travel the highways and byways of America. Heck, there might be some in your own backyard you weren't aware of. So get out there and drink up. And if you don't drink coffee….well, even though I don't understand you, I'll love you anyway and offer you a nice cup of tea!

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❤

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Read all about Sweet ColoraDOUGH here...a locally owned coffee and donut shop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

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\"A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.\"

\nProverbs 11:16\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-15T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/15/sweet-coloradough.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Fun","Road Trip","Uncategorized"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/09/seriously.html", "title": "Seriously?", "content_html": "\n
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This is the weirdest weather year just about everywhere. I wish I had my electric blanket on my bed…and I'm not in the mountains. I'm sure glad it wasn't this cold last week when I was camping in the tent at 9,000 feet!

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I'm always reminded of the difference in perspective. In the spring…after a long, cold winter…when the temperature hits 58, we're out in shirtsleeves and shorts playing frisbee in the park. But you give us 58 in the middle of July and it feels like October! We're pulling out the sweatshirts and wool socks. I used to always complain about how cold I was and Mr. Virgo said it was all in my head and if I just imagined myself warm, I would be. Then he bought me a fur coat so go figure! lol

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I'm heading into a stretch where I'll have my grandkids a lot while my daughter does some work towards her Masters Degree. They just got back from their vacation so the kids were full of stories at dinner tonight. New York City was a bit intimidating for them, I think…but they'll have wonderful memories and pictures to share with their friends when they go back to school. I firmly believe the more experiences you can give kids, the easier they can get along with a variety of people with common experiences when they get older. I'm very proud of my daughter for taking the girls on a cross country road trip by herself. She's got moxie!

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❤

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\"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,\".

\nPsalm 91:5\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/09/seriously.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Comfort","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/08/oy-mein-gott-in-himmel.html", "title": "Oy! Mein Gott in Himmel!", "content_html": "\n
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That's Yiddish/German for \"OMG!\" I went to Zaidy's yesterday…a Jewish deli. (Zaidy is Yiddish for Grandpa.) I lived 27 years of my life as a Jewish mother. When Hubby #2 joined a practice in a small town in the mountains in Colorado, we started organizing dinners, parties, and holidays for the Jews (and lapsed Jews and latent Jews) in our little community. I love the holidays and traditions and most of all…the food! My picture was often in the newspaper cooking some delicacy or other…or lighting the Menorah with my younger daughter to celebrate Chanukah. My favorite meal to prepare was the Passover Seder. Matzoh ball soup, gefilte fish, chopped liver, brisket, potato kugel. Oh…enough to make you swoon! We started out with about 10 guests the first year. I finally had to move the Seder to a bigger venue after serving a sit down dinner for 45 people in our basement. After that, it was held in the basement of the Presbyterian Church and the last one I organized and cooked for sat 75. That's one thing a Jewish mother does best….feed a ton of people! I got great satisfaction from it.

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I was down in Cherry Creek yesterday and decided to pop into Zaidy's for a late lunch. I ordered the lox and bagel with everything and a couple of pletzels (yes, that is spelled correctly)…an oniony flat bread. Oy! SO good! And such warm memories.

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❤

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\"Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.\"

\nGenesis 18:5\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-08T01:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/08/oy-mein-gott-in-himmel.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Be Joyful!","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/29/serenity.html", "title": "Serenity", "content_html": "\n
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This was my view last night as I sat on the patio visiting with my friends. This is such a magical place. I've posted from here many times and its beauty never ceases to amaze me. The mountain you see in the distance is Mesa Verde, home of the Ancient Ones…the Cliff Dwellers. There's good energy here. But alas…it was just a short stay this time as I head out on the road again today. Not at all sure where I'm heading. Footloose and fancy free…that's me!

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Sue and I had some good discussions about my book this weekend which will involve some revisions but will make it even better. I'm looking forward to getting this done.

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I'll send pics of the sights today.

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❤

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\"He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.\"

\nPsalm 104:19\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/29/serenity.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Peaceful Moments","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/28/tent-camping.html", "title": "Tent Camping", "content_html": "\n
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Ok, it's probably been 35 years since I slept in a tent. It was quite the adventure. In all actuality, I slept fairly well. I made sure the food was locked up in the car and I slept with my gun within reach, especially since the camp host said there are bears there regularly. I woke up once during the night to use the facilities and it was a bright enough moon to see so I wasn't worried. The lady in the campsite next to me just marveled that I camp alone. Gosh, it wasn't like I was alone. The campground I stayed at had eight loops so there were plenty of people there.

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It was a really long day though. I was up early and made it to Montrose in time to meet one of our fellow Ranchers for lunch. I was thinking of stopping at Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgeway but by the time I got there it was 93 degrees. I just could not make myself go in. I did stop in Ouray at Mouse's Chocolates…my all time favorite candy store. Then I hightailed it to Durango to take the yoga class my friend teaches. Afterwards we had dinner then came to her house. I saw some incredible scenery driving through the mountains today. God's country!

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❤

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\"He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight.\"

\nJob 26:8\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/28/tent-camping.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/27/visiting-mr-virgos-turf.html", "title": "Visiting Mr. Virgo's Turf", "content_html": "\n
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Mr. Virgo managed the restaurant at the Ritz Carlton in Aspen when he died. He was a beloved employee and when the ground thawed, they planted a Colorado Blue Spruce just off the restaurant patio in his memory. They had a barbecue for all the employees and had his favorite guitarist come and play \"Annie's Song\". People told stories. I got up to speak. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. As a matter of fact, when I visited today, one of Mr. Virgo's coworkers was there and she cried when we talked about him. It warms my heart to see how well thought of he was. I felt closer to him today as I walked the halls of his restaurant. What a beautiful day!

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-27T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/27/visiting-mr-virgos-turf.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Widow","Memories"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/19/strawberry-days.html", "title": "Strawberry Days", "content_html": "\n
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The Roaring Fork Valley on the Western Slope of Colorado used to be a huge strawberry producer. Over a century ago, the luscious fruit was celebrated with the first annual Strawberry Days Festival…the longest running festival in Colorado. Actually, in those days, people were so spread out, they would celebrate anything just to have an excuse to get together. Hence, there is the Dandelion Festival, Potato Days, Burning Mountain Days, etc. Strawberry Days runs the third full weekend of June. There will be food and arts & crafts booths, live music, children's programs, a parade, free strawberries and ice cream, a Miss Strawberry Days Scholarship Pageant….you know, the quintessential small town summer festival. And, I'm going! It will be an excellent opportunity to see tons of my friends without running around all over to visit here and there. I get to visit with my brother so I'm really super excited about that. And I'll be leaving TOW-Wanda at home and staying with my \"parents by choice\". They stood up for me at our wedding after my mother had passed away and my father was in a nursing home. I'll take my bike with me and tool around town. It's going to be so much fun!

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I had a lunch meeting yesterday with my good friend, Lisa. She has developed an app that helps you find a local coffee shop. There are no chains listed as this is only for small mom & pop shops. Great app! You can download it in the Apple Store. Just look for The Local Coffee House Guide. I will be blogging for her at least once a month, reviewing and introducing you to a new coffee shop. I'm excited to do this for many reasons. I love the idea of supporting local business owners, I love coffee, I can do this as I travel, and…I adore Lisa! She has a true gypsy spirit. She's also a Sister on the Fly and we help our Sisters whenever we can! My first interview/blog will be with SWEET COLORADOUGH​…a local bakery/coffee shop with really GREAT COFFEE and the BEST. DONUTS. EVER!!! I can't wait!

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❤

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\"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. 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. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.\"

\nGenesis 1:11-13\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/19/strawberry-days.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/17/wanderlust.html", "title": "Wanderlust", "content_html": "\n
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I've got it again. There's a festival in the mountains this weekend. I think I might run up there and catch some live music and a funnel cake! I'm making plans for my next big trip. I'm leaving 6/26 for a circuit of Colorado. I'm visiting family and friends, hitting a music festival in Snowmass, then heading to my friend's place overlooking Mesa Verde. We're going to discuss my book and push to get it published this year. I need to be back in Denver by the 3rd for a concert I bought tickets for two months ago. I'll be free till the kids return on the 8th from their vacation then I will have my babies for a week. The next month will fly by!

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I bought a pickleball paddle today! I'm looking for a place where I can learn this fun game. People everywhere are playing it. It's a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong played with a paddle and a wiffleball. It's played on a court half the size of a regular tennis court. Boomers are doing it because it's easier on the knees. It's something I can learn to play and take anywhere. Low investment. High yield of fun!

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I love living in this camper. It's as close to living outside as I can get and still have walls and a roof around me. I am living on two acres, parked between the shed and the garden. I can lay in bed at night and hear the trains passing through. You would hardly know I'm really only about a half mile from a very busy intersection in a major suburb of Denver. I'm very comfortable here. I am most appreciative of my son-in law's parents for allowing me to stay here for the summer.

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❤

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\"Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home.\"

\nProverbs 27:8\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/17/wanderlust.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/06/being.html", "title": "BE-ing", "content_html": "\n
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Now that I'm here and got some rest, I'm ready to go out and ride my bike and kayak but I'd like to find some folks to join me. It will take some looking around, but I'll find some like-minded individuals. I went to the movies with the kids yesterday and saw Pitch Perfect 2. I've watched the first one so many times. This one was just as good, I think.

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I'm home tonight by myself after spending the day with the kids. I've become accustomed to being alone. My daughter and I have been filling my calendar with this and that so the summer is shaping up to be a busy one. The kids will be going to a family wedding in a couple of weeks so I'm going on a trip to the mountains while they're away. There will be cookouts, swim meets, sleepovers and camping trips with the littles. I get to spend the evening with my younger daughter tonight so I'm really looking forward to that. She has a crazy work schedule so it's not as easy spending time with her.

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Life in Colorado is vastly different than life in West Virginia. I realize the reason I had so much fun in West Virginia was because I had a huge social network there. It seems like a lot more work in the city to find people to do things with. A little down time can't hurt anyone but I need to keep active and socialize. It's good for me in many ways.

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❤

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\"Remember how fleeting is my life. For what futility you have created all humanity!\"

\nPsalm 89:47\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-06T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/06/being.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/04/stormy-weather.html", "title": "Stormy Weather", "content_html": "\n
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Wouldn't you know it? I drove through the worst rain of my life when I moved to West Virginia in October. Up till yesterday, the roads were dry. I left Columbia around 10:00am and I didn't go five miles before the skies opened up and it was shades of October all over again. It rained hard till I got to the west of Kansas City. Then I started getting notices on my cell phone of severe storms hitting Denver and heading east. When I got to Hays, Kansas they were under a tornado watch till 2:00 this morning. There were no campsites till Goodland, KS (which is closer to the storms) so I decided to stay last night in a motel. Better to be safe than sorry. As it turned out, the storms turned north.

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I should be cruising into Denver by mid afternoon. I can't wait to see my kids and grandkids!!! And, at the same time, I'm missing my West Virginia friends and family already. I'm missing the river. My heart is in two places.

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❤

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\"Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.”

\nGenesis 48:11\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-04T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/04/stormy-weather.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/03/moonrise.html", "title": "Moonrise", "content_html": "\n
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Too bad this photo doesn't do last night's moonrise justice but I had to take it with my cell phone. My good camera is under the couch in the back of the camper and just wasn't accessible. It was a beauty!

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I stayed the night near Columbia, Missouri last night. I'll probably shoot for western Kansas tomorrow night to avoid severe storms predicted for tomorrow evening then slide on into Denver Thursday. I've been amazed how light the truck traffic has been but wait till tomorrow. It's always bad in Kansas. Things are going smoothly. I took a break midway to see the Lincoln family cabin. Tourist services told me how to get there. It was about 20 miles off the highway. When I got there it was closed which was disappointing. I got back on the highway and just kept on going.

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Feeling good, the truck and trailer are operating well, gas is a full dollar cheaper than when I came out in October and I'm getting one whole mile per gallon more than the last trip across country. My iTunes is keeping me occupied and the occasional phone call. Life is sweet!

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❤

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\"Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.\"

\nProverbs 22:17-18\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/03/moonrise.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/02/good-morning-from-indiana.html", "title": "Good Morning from Indiana!", "content_html": "\n
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I didn't sleep well Sunday night. Most people left the campground right after the music was over, but several stayed and some people took advantage of the empty field and drove ATVs around all night. So, needless to say, I slept sporadically.

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I was going to stay overnight last night with my friend in Troy, Ohio but she has been blessed with a ton of real estate business so I'll visit with her on my way back. I drove till 2:00 in the afternoon then pulled into a rest area for a 2 hour nap. I drove for another couple of hours before stopping for the night. As I have done in the past, I won't be revealing exactly where I am each day. This is to appease my safety conscious family and friends. But it's a very nice, clean, quiet, safe RV Resort just off the interstate. My adventure of the day was a yucky one. My black water tank was full and unfortunately was clogged so emptying it was a yucky chore. But I got it done. Thank God for the shower in this camper!

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I love to drive. I do some of my best thinking while I'm driving. One of my dearest friends asked me last night how it feels to be traveling alone again. I had so much company in the last few months that I was seldom really off by myself. And it's interesting. It's different this time. Not boring. Not really lonely. But I feel room in my life and in my heart. Not an emptiness like I felt before. Not an urgency to replace something I've lost to fill up that void either. No, this is different. I feel a space opening up in me. A place of peace…of ease…of calm. Like the soothing flow of a river after making it through rough water. I'm not sure what this is yet or what it means, but it feels good.

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❤

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\"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.\"

\nEzekiel 36:26\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/02/good-morning-from-indiana.html", "tags": ["Travel","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Comfort","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/30/tent-city.html", "title": "Tent City", "content_html": "\n
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This is amazing. Every day more people come and squeeze into any available space in the campground. I've never seen anything like it! I hope to get a panoramic view of the field tomorrow. Thank GOD it hasn't rained. This field isn't referred to as \"Mudville\" for nothing! We were brilliant…we selected the family camping area so it is really quiet. At least it is right now because the late show is still going on.

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I'm sitting outside my \"home\" as I write this. I'm trying to imagine. What if this was how we all HAD to live? Crammed together in a field. People living in makeshift tents, screen rooms, old buses and vans. Large, energy guzzling RVs and travel trailers like mine. What if this was our real home? Water and food would soon become an issue. As would sanitation. Rains would turn this lovely new-mown hay field into a boggy quagmire. Tempers would soon flair. The sense of peace and love and community created by the joint intention of the gathering would soon be lost…given away to fear and greed and envy. Fight or flight. You see it in third world countries every day. I experienced it in the jungles of Mexico many years ago.

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As I'm sitting here, I look at my \"home\" and I'm filled with humble gratitude. I am positively affluent! I have a clean, safe place to live. I am free to live wherever I choose. I am so very grateful for everything God has blessed me with. Truly.

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❤

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\"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.\"

\nPsalm 47:1\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/30/tent-city.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Courage","Peaceful Moments","Downsizing","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/28/live-the-life.html", "title": "Live the Life", "content_html": "\n
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Well, the sun has set on this chapter of my Grand Adventure. For those of you who are relatively new, here's a recap. Husband died, sold the house, bought a trailer, gave everything away, moved to West Virginia to take care of Aunt, didn't work out, house sat for six weeks, lived in my camper on the banks of the Ohio River during the worst winter WV has seen in many years (without running water!), listened to tons of live music, renewed friendships and made lots of new ones, bought a bike and a kayak, downsized even more, and now I'm heading for the Nelsonville Music Festival then back to Colorado for the summer. Whew…I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

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This was an expensive lesson I learned here. I paid to move things here. If I would have known the time with my aunt was going to be so short, I would have done things differently. I think the biggest take away is to never make assumptions. Always communicate your needs and desires clearly and listen to the spoken and unspoken words of others. Don't put all your eggs in one basket…have a contingency plan. Forgive. Nurture relationships. Appreciate your surroundings. Pray…a lot! And remember Who guides you through this wilderness.

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I ran errands all day yesterday, but the most satisfying thing happened at dusk. I fit the last thing into the back of the pickup truck like the last piece of a puzzle. There's no more room…but I own nothing else so it really doesn't matter. To stand back and look at my handiwork was gratifying. To stand back and marvel that every single thing I own is resting on eight wheels was pretty humbling. Well, minus the items stored in my friend's basement but I'll be going through those in the fall and getting rid of more.

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I did it! I simplified my life. Now, the only thing left is to LIVE it. Wanna come along???

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❤

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\"My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.\"

\nPsalm 131:1-2\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/28/live-the-life.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Wisdom","Downsizing","Widow","Road Trip","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/02/views-of-my-day-rivers.html", "title": "Views of My Day: Rivers, Hills, \u0026 Candy", "content_html": "\n
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Big tugboat pushing 15 barges upriver.

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This has been a busy and really FAST couple of weeks! The trip to Tennessee and bookend stayovers in Kentucky took me to Tuesday. Thursday was a quick overnight to the other side of the state. I no sooner got back into town late yesterday afternoon when the phone started ringing. Drinks and apps with one friend, several phone calls when I got home, then a later dinner with another group of friends. I have never socialized as much in my life as I have here in WV. I have met some of the nicest people and reconnected with friends from high school that I hadn't seen in years.

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One of the most difficult things a widow often faces is loneliness. So often, our spouse is our best friend and we don't kindle new friendships or nurture old ones because our time is taken up by our relationship. I always had this deep, nearly unrecognized feeling that I wouldn't have Mr. Virgo very long so I spent every moment with him. Consequently, I found myself having to build a social network when he was gone by reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Fortunately, I have no trouble making friends. My youngest says I could talk to a tree.

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If you have trouble finding friends, think of something you enjoy doing...riding bikes, kayaking, walking, gardening, to name just a few...and join a club. Ask at church. Take a class. Don't be afraid to start a conversation. I met the gal I had dinner with last night at a vendor/craft show last November when I was visiting my cousin. We just hit it off right away and bonded. I've made great friends through Facebook. One of my friends grew up a block from me but I never met her till last year when I was driving cross country. She was following my journey through a mutual friend. Patti and Carol and Vicky were either Sisters on the Fly or Marshmallow Ranch followers. I can't stress enough the importance of finding your tribe. I don't want to grow old alone. I want lots of people in my world. It makes life interesting.

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❤

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\"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.\"

\nProverbs 14:1\n
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Stern wheeler - Valley Gem out on a party cruise.

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River traffic.

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Germany Valley, WV

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The Elusive Potato Fondant. Found in the general store at Seneca Rocks on Thursday.

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One of the many faces of the river.

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/02/views-of-my-day-rivers.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","West Virginia","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/29/nashville-country-living-fair.html", "title": "Nashville Country Living Fair", "content_html": "\n
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Co-Owners of Woodstock Antiques and Consignments

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Country décor...just my style!

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More décor...

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More décor...

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More décor...

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More décor...

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More décor...It was a wonderful experience, this trip!

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/29/nashville-country-living-fair.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/28/cedars-of-lebanon-state-park.html", "title": "Cedars of Lebanon State Park", "content_html": "\n
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TOW-Wanda Grande and Free-da!

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Ginny!

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Last night's campfire.

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Ernest Tubbs Recording Studio and Record Shop

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Great neon sign in Nashville!

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Cute little trailer converted into a food cart.

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Savannah Candy Company

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/28/cedars-of-lebanon-state-park.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Road Trip","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/27/sisters-and.html", "title": "Sisters #1 and #2", "content_html": "\n
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Well, this was a really fun week and hard to believe we're heading out on the road already. We'll stay in Kentucky tonight then on home tomorrow.

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We got to spend time with Maurrie and Becky…the original Sisters, of Sisters on the Fly. They are the greatest girls and I'm proud to be their Sister.

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I was interviewed yesterday for a story about brave girl campers. What an honor! I'll share it with you when it's been published. There may be an opportunity coming up that I'll let you in on once the details are worked out. Not to be cryptic, but I don't want to jinx anything. ;-)

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A good time was had by all! I'll post more photos of the fair when I get home!

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❤ y'all!

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\"We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.\"

\n1 Thessalonians 2:6\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-27T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/27/sisters-and.html", "tags": ["Travel","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Road Trip","Memories","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/25/my-travel-buddys-trailer.html", "title": "My Travel Buddy's Trailer", "content_html": "\n
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Wow, what a day! Slow start then headed to the Country Living Fair. I didn't find anything for decorating my camper. I did, however, find a cute little summer dress. :-)

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We've walked a hundred miles today! Ok, maybe not a hundred, but a lot! We're heading back to the park to prepare for the party tonight. BBQ and live music! Yeehaw!!!

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/25/my-travel-buddys-trailer.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Road Trip","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/22/road-trip.html", "title": "Road Trip", "content_html": "\n
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My travel friend picked this place to camp the first night. She did good…it's beautiful! A little over halfway to Nashville!!!

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\"TOW-Wanda Grande\" and \"Crackin' Rosie\"! Travel buddies!

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Mmmmm…sautéed garlic mushrooms on veggie burgers with melted Brie. Divine!

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They are preparing for the Rolex Race this weekend.

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My travel buddy this trip.

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We rode our bikes around the complex a little to stretch our legs.

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-22T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/22/road-trip.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/20/the-grand-adventure.html", "title": "The Grand Adventure", "content_html": "\n
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The summer after Mr. Virgo died, I began what I referred to as \"The Grand Adventure\". Not only was I going out in the world to do and see things I had never experienced before, I was also doing it all alone…for the first time in my life. I had taken respite weekends before, but nothing like I was about to face. It was daunting and exhilarating, melancholic and joyful. It was a time of many violent shifts in my psyche, my mood, my thinking. I wasn't at all sure I could DO it…period. Let alone, do it alone. But I knew I needed to. I needed to take the first step down the path or I would never make it through the valley of death that is grief.

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After buying Little TOW-Wanda and getting some obligations taken care of, I took off for the hills. I circled Colorado twice in three months and then took my oldest daughter and her family to see Mt. Rushmore. Those months alone on the road were exactly what I needed. I connected with my broken heart. I allowed myself the gut-wrenching sobs that come with that kind of pain. I explored places inside me that had never seen the light of day. It was cathartic and exhausting and allowed me to crawl out of the wreckage…at least the initial crash.

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Grief is a crazy thing. It transforms you in ways you never, ever considered. And, as uncomfortable and painful as it is, it's an easy place to stay. It's much easier to pull the covers over your head and to be excused by society with \"Oh, poor dear…she lost her husband, don't you know.\" Complicated grief is an actual diagnosis. Every grief is different. Each person walks his/her own path. As incredible as it may seem, you can get too comfortable in your pain when moving through it seems insurmountable. After all, who looks at a fire and says \"Oh, yeah! I can walk through that!\" Especially when you can't see the other side. The thing is, there are pockets of sweetness along the path that you'll never know are there until you stumble upon them in the flames. And these sweet spots are SO worth the journey.

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The Grand Adventure, Part 2 saw me selling my house, drastically downsizing, and reincarnating my little 16' camper into TOW-Wanda Grande, the behemoth \"Porta Party\" that I call home. My first stop has been WV, beloved home of my youth. And, if you've been following along this whole time, you'll know the initial intent was to care for an elderly aunt on the family farm but that ended at Christmas. It's very sad that the relationship has been permanently damaged, I'm afraid. But the sweet spots inside that painful scenario brought me to the river, and to further opportunities for healing and growth. I will be forever grateful to my friends for allowing me to live on their property. It's been a scene of transformation and I am peaceful.

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This week will see the beginning of Part 3 as The Grand Adventure continues. A friend and I head out Tuesday for parts south. I am thrilled to see what is around the next bend and will bring you along with pictures and commentary. I wonder what delicious, juicy, excitement life will bring me next?

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❤

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\"Thus they set out from the mount of the LORD three days' journey, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD journeying in front of them for the three days, to seek out a resting place for them. The cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp.\"

\nNumbers 10:33-34\n
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/20/the-grand-adventure.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Courage","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/01/14/the-social-media.html", "title": "The \"Social\" Media", "content_html": "\n
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I have a group of girlfriends from my high school class that have connected in a big way here on Facebook. It started by sending a private message to multiple recipients and it has taken on a life of its own. A few of us knew each other well in school, but there are several who were only names and faces in a yearbook until a year or two ago. We have bonded. We share each other's joys and sorrows. We support and encourage each other. If we haven't seen one of our number online for awhile, we send out the \"search party\" and start making phone calls. We get together once a month for coffee and we laugh and laugh. We are the \"Sisters of St. Starbucks\".

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One of our members actually tried to GIVE UP FACEBOOK as her New Year's Resolution. Yeah, right…like THAT was going to happen! I mean, I'm the first to admit it's very easy to fall down the rabbit hole and find I've burned up the day or half the night talking to those my elderly aunt mockingly referred to as my \"pretend friends\". She doesn't get it. I can't imagine how sad and lonely my life would be without the connections I keep here, both on my personal page and on Marshmallow Ranch. Many of you write that you get your coffee and look up my post first thing every morning. To a writer, there is nothing that brings more joy than the confirmation that someone appreciates your work. And, just as you look forward to my writing, I equally look forward to checking in periodically during the day to read your responses and see how you're doing. I can tell I've hit the ball out of the park when a particular post is shared and commented on numerous times. (Like Christmas week when I hit an all-time high of over 358,000 readers! Wow!!!) As a matter of fact, the page continues to grow and reach more people because of that. FB has certain algorithms that dictate how many pages a post is delivered to based on the number of \"likes\" and \"shares\" it receives. Number aren't my bottom line though. Connecting with like minded individuals, recognizing the names of \"regulars\", and forming very real friendships that carry beyond the screen is an amazing bonus in my life and has gone a long, long way toward my healing after losing Mr. Virgo.

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I'm toying with some ideas of ways to add another dynamic to my writing here, aside from the book that's in the works. In the 18th and 19th centuries, folks in Italy and France participated in \"salons\". An author, poet, artist, or some other public figure would join a smallish gathering of interested people to share readings, art, and ideas for the evening. I have a friend from high school who is a wonderful artist. She lives in Cincinnati and has a large art studio where we could meet. We've just touched on the thought of having a \"Salon\" to showcase her art and my writing and before I go too far with the planning, I'd like to gauge the interest of my readers. Is that something you would be interested in attending if I were to come to your area?

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I'm going to be house sitting till the end of February. But as soon as I can get rid of the extra stuff stored at the farm and I can safely travel with TOW-Wanda Grande without the threat of snow, I can hit the road with my gypsy self. I just think this would be a lovely adjunct to my writing here and it would be such fun! Let me know what you think. I love your input!

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2015-01-14T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/01/14/the-social-media.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","Downsizing","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/12/21/small-small-world.html", "title": "Small, Small World…", "content_html": "\n
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This is a gingerbread house. It's on display at a local historic hotel. It is fashioned after a real life Victorian in town.

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My cousins were at the hotel the other night and met the owners of the real life house. They hit it off and have been invited to go tour the house today. And I get to go. Because…

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It turns out, I know the owners. The wife was in my aunt's wedding. The wife's parents used to live in my grandparent's house before they bought it. The father was my mom's school teacher. I grew up calling them Uncle Ken and Aunt Lucy.

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Now, here's where it really gets weird. My first husband's mother was Uncle Ken's sister! So, to my first husband, they really WERE Uncle Ken and Aunt Lucy.

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Hey…it's West Virginia. We all either know each other or we're related somehow. It's spooky.

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I've been back in town since Wednesday but still haven't been home. I stayed with cousins three nights and a girlfriend last night. I've had lunch out with cousins, dinners out with friends, been to the mall three times, the dreaded DMV three times (STILL no driver's license but have my plates for the truck and camper now!), the Social Security office three times, got the truck inspected, and went to the bank twice. I had all these errands that needed doing and it doesn't make sense to run back and forth and use up all that gas when I can stay in town and get it all done. I'll go out to the farm this afternoon after the home tour. It's been a whirlwind three weeks and I'm ready for a little down time.

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❤

\n\n", "date_published": "2014-12-21T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/12/21/small-small-world.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/17/wild-wonderful-west-virginia.html", "title": "Wild, Wonderful West Virginia!!!", "content_html": "

\"west “Welcome to Wild, Wonderful West Virginia!”

\n

I crossed the Ohio River before dark singing “Almost Heaven….”!!! I went to a rest area and cleaned out the tanks. Headed straight to Outback to have a great big, juicy burger and fries, called my cousin and my aunt to let them know I’m here, texted the kids, and called a friend where I was invited to stay the night. I’ll head out to the farm today so I don’t have to drive in the dark on twisty, curvy roads!

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Now, here’s the deal…there’s no WiFi at the farm yet. Also, no cell service…so I’m going to be unplugged for awhile. There’s much to be done to settle in. My belongings will be delivered on Wednesday so I need to prepare a space to store it all. I need to figure out the best place for the trailer to be parked and get power to it. Much work to be done and I need to decompress. While I certainly didn’t push myself, the last few months have been fairly stressful. I’m going to enjoy some downtime with family and friends and I’ll catch up with you as I can!

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Thanks for traveling along with me. You all really kept me company during this amazing journey! I love you all!!! <3

\n", "date_published": "2014-10-17T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/17/wild-wonderful-west-virginia.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/16/one-state-away.html", "title": "One State Away!!!", "content_html": "

\"ohio “One State Away!!!”

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It’s hard to see on that sign, but it says OHIO. And what’s after Ohio???? Why, WV, of course!!!

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I was so proud of myself yesterday morning. I got the truck backed up and it didn’t take more than 2 or 3 tries to get it lined up with the hitch. I had the trailer hooked up in no time!!!

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I arrived at my friend’s house at noon, just north of Dayton. Cindy and I met in 1974. We were Air Force wives, young and newly married. I was pregnant with my first and Cindy organized a baby shower for me. She contacted my family back home and had them send me presents. When we sat down to open gifts, she made sure I opened my family’s gifts first and when I saw the tags, I just cried. It was so touching and indicative of the kind, caring friend she has turned out to be over the last 40 years. We were remarking last evening how military friendships are deeper than most. When you are stationed so far away from home, you make your friends your family. What a treat it is to see her. I’m amazed…neither one of us have changed a bit!

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Today I head to an RV dealer to get the trailer checked for that leak and have it winterized. Then I’ll have one more camp out night before I head to WV. I don’t want to be driving out in the country after dark in this rig. OMGosh! I’m almost there!!! <3

\n", "date_published": "2014-10-16T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/16/one-state-away.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","Courage","Downsizing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/13/were-off-to-see-the.html", "title": "We're off to see the Wizard!", "content_html": "

\"tornado “Tornado!”

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There’s not much that scares me, but a tornado in the dark is one of them. I know it’s probably overkill, but I decided rather than sit up all night peering out the windows of a rocking tin can, I would get a nice cushy hotel room and take a bubble bath. Much better plan!

\n", "date_published": "2014-10-13T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/13/were-off-to-see-the.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","goRVing","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Warning","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/13/the-other-half.html", "title": "The Other Half", "content_html": "

\"missouri\" “Map of Missouri”

\n

I stayed in Columbia, MO Saturday night at Cottonwood Landing RV Park. It was clean and the people were friendly but the trailers were pretty much crammed together like sardines in a can. I love trailer people though. They are always so nice and watch out for each other. The couple next to me that night were from New Mexico. They had been summering in the Adirondacks and were on their way home. As soon as people find out I’m traveling alone, their parental instincts come out and they always tell me to let them know if I need anything. I have never once felt threatened or uneasy when I’m parked next to one of the big rigs….motor homes that cost ten times the value of a house. You can just about bet there’s a woman and a gun in one of them.

\n

The days are running together. I certainly haven’t been pushing myself at all to get across the country but I’m well into the other half of my trip now. Lots of rain and I’ve been warned severe weather is ahead so I’m keeping an eye out. I did take on some water again last night but not as bad as the first time. I’m glad I made the appointment to get it checked at a dealer this week. Crossing the Mississippi River yesterday was pretty cool! <3

\n", "date_published": "2014-10-13T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/13/the-other-half.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Courage","Downsizing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/12/sisters-in-kansas.html", "title": "Sisters in Kansas", "content_html": "
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\"four “Sisters on the Fly in Kansas”

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\n\n
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\n
\n\nMy dear friend Carol (second from left) and me (far right) met up with two more Sisters for coffee at Panera this morning in Topeka. Anywhere you go, you can just about guarantee you're going to have a Sister, in the truest sense of the word, within a short drive of you. I cannot tell you how much this organization has been a gift to me in the last year and a half. If you have the opportunity, I really would encourage you to join. It's so empowering!\n

I settled in my next camp before the sun set. Had a nice dinner, met the “next door neighbors”, and enjoyed catching up with friends and family with the events of the day. I’m telling you, this is a special life I’m living here! \"\"

\n
\n", "date_published": "2014-10-12T01:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/12/sisters-in-kansas.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Courage","Downsizing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/09/kansas.html", "title": "Kansas!", "content_html": "

\"kansas “The Flatlands…Kansas”

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“Kansas” is the Sioux word for “flat”! Flat, flat, flat! Kansas excels at flatness. It gets an A+ in flat! But, dang….you sure can see a long ways off. It has it’s own beauty. I saw gorgeous fields of wheat and sunflowers yesterday. Large feedlots full of fat cattle. Grain silos, farmers harvesting crops. Winter wheat a new green against the brown harvest. Thank you, Kansas…for working hard to fill our bellies!

\n", "date_published": "2014-10-09T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/09/kansas.html", "tags": ["Travel","Prayer","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","goRVing","Courage","Downsizing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/09/18/tata-towwandahello.html", "title": "Tata, TOW-Wanda...Hello _____!", "content_html": "

\"\" \"\"

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\"camper\" The Big Trailer!

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A NAME THE NEW TRAILER CONTEST!!!!

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I have outgrown my baby. TOW-Wanda was perfect this last year and a half. She was my haven, my place to run and hide. Lightweight, fun, sporty…but pretty darned tiny. I’ve been essentially living in her since the middle of June and that bathroom is REALLY tiny and the only place to sit is on the bed.

\n
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I’ve been whittling down my belongings. I mean, really…I’ve been ruthless. But there are still things that must come with me. And try as I might, my stuff is still occupying half a garage. I’ve sold just about all my furniture. What hasn’t sold is going to a consignment shop. So that leaves me with a couple boxes of books, a few boxes of kitchen stuff, clothes, electronics, and misc. it’s the misc. that’s killing me! Anyway, I got down under TOW-Wanda yesterday and looked at that spindly little axle and tiny little trailer tires and shuddered at the thought of what would happen if the axle or leaf spring breaks or a tire blows with all that extra weight in there. That could be the end of me and definitely the end of my little home on wheels. Safety comes first. That means…leave a ton more stuff or get a bigger trailer with a double axle or pay to ship my stuff. The cost to ship is crazy. But for a bit more, I could have a home that is much more comfortable and carry my stuff with me.

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I have become so accustomed to living as close to the outdoors as I can get so, even at the farm, I will be much more comfortable with my own space. And when my kids and grandkids come to visit next summer, we’ll have a place big enough that we can camp together. I’m really excited and this solves a lot of problems …win-win.

\n

My friend, Patti, says I can’t call this trailer TOW-Wanda so we need to come up with a great NEW NAME! I’ve been calling her a “Porta-Party” because she’s a big gray box, but that’s WHAT she is…not WHO she is.

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SO…LET’S HAVE A CONTEST!!!!!

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I close on the house next Wednesday. I’ll take name suggestions through the weekend then make a decision, and announce the winner Wednesday morning. I will buy the winner a dozen of Patti’s AWESOME COWBOY COOKIES from Buffalo Baking Co.!!! 50% of her sales go to Suicide Prevention this month so it’s just a WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN…all the way around!!!

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Get your thinking caps on, think about who I am and what I do, and let’s name this gal! \"\"

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\n", "date_published": "2014-09-18T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/09/18/tata-towwandahello.html", "tags": ["Travel","TOW-Wanda!","goRVing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/09/14/the-unbroken-circle.html", "title": "The Unbroken Circle", "content_html": "

\"gravesite\" “Mr. Virgo’s Grave”

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Two weeks after Mr. Virgo died, I bought TOW-Wanda…my little travel trailer. For those of you who are relatively new here, you may not know, my husband, aka Mr. Virgo, and I were standing in a travel trailer picking one out when he had a heart attack and died in March 2013. I needed to put something joyful in front of me or I wasn’t going to make it. TOW-Wanda to the rescue! Once the weather warmed up, I took off for three months and traveled alone to start walking through my grief journey. Everywhere I went, I picked up a rock to bring home to place around Mr. Virgo’s grave. When I got home, I took them up to the cemetery and told him about the places I had seen and what I had done and placed each rock next to the one before.

\n

Somewhere in the summer of 2013, a thought began to formulate. I had a feeling that things would be a lot better by the time the circle was complete. Sometimes I forgot to bring back a rock so I would pick up one from a pile nearby. But, one by one, bit by bit, the rocks made their way around the grave and…on his birthday, just two days shy of 18 months…the circle was complete. It was whole. Just as I am whole. Different, yes. Still wounded? Of course. But I’m good. I’m strong. I feel joy. I live life. I miss him like crazy and I’m ok alone. Dichotomy.

\n

I have a dear friend named Vicky. Vicky is a grief counselor and a widow of seven years. She is a wise woman and very skilled at what she does. She has this amazing way about her that provokes you to look at the tough stuff without holding your feet to the fire. She can ask one question and eliminate a couple of hours of tap dancing around. I love her for that. Last night she pointed out that we categorize and organize our pain in order to make sense of the senseless. She is so on point there. It’s like running your emotions through the Dewey Decimal System and assigning a number for this and filing it there. It’s crazy but it keeps us sane. And now I’ve reached a benchmark…a milestone…a point of reference to be looked back upon as a turning point. I can move forward a little easier now. When the house is closed, the papers are signed, and I have the check in my hand…I will be free. I will owe no one a single thing. Then, I will be a true bohemian!

\n", "date_published": "2014-09-14T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/09/14/the-unbroken-circle.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Growth","Grace","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/09/08/sisters-on-the-fly-at.html", "title": "Sisters on the Fly at Thresher Days", "content_html": "\"\"\n

Being with a group of like-minded gals for a weekend of trailers and food and fun activities like iron skillet tossing does wonders for me. I always come back feeling rested and empowered…ready to face anything. These women are loving and supportive yet they challenge me to be my best. Maurrie Sussman and her sister, Becky, have done women a great service in creating Sisters on the Fly​. I have met lifelong friends and I’m looking forward to hooking up with more Sisters when I get moved and settled.

\n

I stopped in Denver on my way home for a power nap and quick visit with most of my family. On my way through the mountains, I got a call from a friend of mine who is photographing the Colorado Grand, a rally for luxury car owners. He asked if I wanted to stop in Vail to see the cars. Well, heck yeah…I love cars! And oh my gosh…there were some amazing cars in this garage. There were maybe 35 cars when I got there. I asked how much just those cars alone were worth. I was told just ONE CAR can be worth 30 million dollars!!! Holy cats! I was drunk on Lamborghini when we went to dinner and watched part of the Broncos game.

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\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"

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All in all…e-x-a-c-t-l-y what I needed, when I needed it. Self care is extremely important. The buyers had a home inspector over on Saturday and the appraiser comes today. And the beat goes on… <3

\n", "date_published": "2014-09-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/09/08/sisters-on-the-fly-at.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","goRVing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/09/06/new-stuff.html", "title": "New Stuff!", "content_html": "

\"tractor “Tractor Pull at Thresher Days”

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Ok, I’m at my first tractor pull! Who knew how fun this could be???

\n", "date_published": "2014-09-06T01:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/09/06/new-stuff.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Growth"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/09/05/missing-post.html", "title": "Missing Post", "content_html": "\"\"\n

I was awake till the wee hours writing this morning’s post. I kept drifting off then wake and read what I’d written. Ha! One should not sleep and post at the same time. I would swear I posted it to appear at 4am like always but it is nowhere to be found. I was writing about The Work by Byron Katie. If you are unfamiliar with her, Google her. She has a pragmatic system of self-discovery that I have found useful in my journey. Check her out!

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In the meantime, please send up a little prayer for my dear friend who took a nasty fall last night. Nothing broken, thank God, but she is going to be pretty sore for a few days.

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A man drove up beside me in traffic last evening and told me my right wheel on the trailer is wobbling. My son-in-law’s dad followed me around the block and didn’t see anything but I’m going to the tire shop first thing before I head out to the boonies. I’m scheduled for a fun weekend with the Sisters on the Fly​! <3

\n", "date_published": "2014-09-05T01:30:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/09/05/missing-post.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Prayer","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/08/05/joy-of-towwanda.html", "title": "Joy of TOW-Wanda #33", "content_html": "\"view\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/2014/08/01/mister-bee-potato-chips.html", "title": "Mister Bee Potato Chips", "content_html": "

\"mr. “Mr. Bee Potato Chips”

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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!

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I 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!

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Here are some more WV photos!

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\"west “West Virginia Cousins!”

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\"\" \"\" \"\"

\n", "date_published": "2014-08-01T01:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/08/01/mister-bee-potato-chips.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Downsizing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/07/28/west-virginia-sunset.html", "title": "West Virginia Sunset", "content_html": "

\"wv “West Virginia Sunset”

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I had such a wonderful day today! I went to my cousin’s and worked all day on the computer. I had printed out the book then went over it with a fine toothed comb and a red pen over the weekend. I put the corrections in today and sent the finished product to Dropbox. My friend Sue will pick it up and convert it to the software program publishers like and then put it back in Dropbox. I’m sure there will be lots of reading and re-reading in the coming weeks but it felt grand to get this far!

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I bought paint today for the upstairs room of the cellar house. I will take before and after photos to show you the project! I want to get it painted this week so when I come back, I can just put my stuff in there. This is getting pretty exciting!!!

\n", "date_published": "2014-07-28T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/07/28/west-virginia-sunset.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","West Virginia","Courage","Writing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/07/04/repurposing.html", "title": "Repurposing", "content_html": "

\"repurposed “Repurposed coal hod as hanging planter.”

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I love taking something old a perhaps discarded or broken and make it into something beautiful. Here is an old coal hod repurposed as a hanging planter. SO cute!

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I bought an old metal plunger kind of thing yesterday that is used to wash clothes in a tub and the gal checking me out asked if I was going to put rolls of toilet paper on it. Ummmm, no…when I have my tiny home all set up and have a clothes line, I’m going to use it to wash sheets and hang them outside to dry in the sun. There’s nothing like sun dried sheets for a good sound sleep. Sometimes good old things are supposed to be used as intended!

\n", "date_published": "2014-07-04T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/07/04/repurposing.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Camping","New Ideas"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/07/02/building-a-lifeone-word-at.html", "title": "Building a Life...One Word at a Time", "content_html": "

\"labrynth\" “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

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I have been on retreat for the last few days with my dear sister/friend, Sue. I have also been struggling a little lately. Nothing major, just par for the course on the long road of life. A particularly bumpy spot but not totally unexpected given the stressors I’m working with.

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The day I arrived, I walked through the midden pile and spotted a couple particularly beautiful painted potsherds on the ground. Even though I know better than to disturb them, I picked them up…marveling at the fact they were over 800 years old, hand built by the “Ancient Ones”. I slipped them in my pocket without thinking and at the end of the day, I found them resting on the counter of TOW-Wanda’s little kitchen.

\n

I didn’t sleep well that night. The next day we hiked and had a grand day, but at nightfall, I found myself ill. All day Monday I was disturbed by something. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was wrong. Tuesday morning, while feeling a bit better physically, I just didn’t feel right. Agitated, antsy, anxious…all I wanted to do was hook up TOW-Wanda and get out of town. I texted Sue and told her my plans had changed, I couldn’t settle my mind and write so I was moving on. Sue, in her Earth-Mother wisdom said, “Soon, you must lite somewhere and write this book. I will love you and support any decision you make, but I’m going to start kicking you in the butt a little bit. But first, go walk the labyrinth.”

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I packed up, hooked up TOW-Wanda, and even though it was already in the 90’s, I headed for the back pasture to walk the labyrinth. For those who are unfamiliar, a labyrinth is a walking meditation. A path is walked slowly with intention as you wend your way toward the “center of the universe”. You can present a thought, a question, a problem to the universe and walk to the center where you may be presented with an answer. By the time you wend your way out, if the answer still feels good, you can go with that. My question was “What is wrong with me? What is bothering me and making me feel so unsettled?” Then I began to walk. After 30 seconds or so, you begin to relax, your focus becomes centered on the rhythmic crunch of your shoes on the ground, and by the time you reach the center, you are really open and paying attention. As I stood still in the “center of the universe” I was given a very clear message. “You must put them back.” I knew immediately what this was about. I was NOT supposed to take the potsherds away. The spirits here want what is theirs. When I emerged from the other side of the labyrinth, the message was even clearer. I went back to the trailer and rummaged around to find the beautiful potsherds and carried them back to the midden pile. I ceremoniously deposited them beneath a sage bush and immediately felt fine. No anxiety, no agitation…only peaceful stillness. It was amazing!

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I thought back over Sue’s words. “Soon you must lite and write this book.” For the most part, it is written…it’s just making myself sit down and put it together. Over lunch yesterday, I told Sue that I knew she was right. I also knew I was putting it off because it’s not pretty diving back into the pain of the last year. I’ll be at the family farm in West Virginia soon. It’s the home of my heart. I made a commitment to Sue, and myself, to spend that time writing…pulling things together while the emotion is still fresh…while the words are richer and closer to the source.

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I can dream of a house I will build. I can walk through it in my mind and see, feel, smell each room. But, until I pick up the hammer, it’s all just a dream. The time has come to pick up my hammer and get this done. I will be out of cell range for three weeks from July 13th to August 4th. You and I will be disconnected for the first time in a year and a half. But I need to do this. Thank you in advance for your support and love while I journey a little while on my own. I love you all.

\n", "date_published": "2014-07-02T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/07/02/building-a-lifeone-word-at.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Growth","Fear","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/06/30/road-trip-into-the-wild.html", "title": "Road Trip Into the Wild", "content_html": "

I saw lots of beautiful, wild places on this last road trip! Here are a couple of photos.

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\"wild “Wild Hot Springs - Reno, Colorado

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It was nearly 100 degrees the day Sue and I stopped here. The water was almost too hot to get into. The spring has been dug out and lined with rocks and cement with a sandy bottom. It is deep enough to get down in up to your neck. It was SO hot, we couldn’t stay in long, but every time we got out, the horseflies came and bit us. It was awful! We didn’t stay there too long. I think it would be wonderful in the winter.

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\"long “Climbing into the wilds of Colorado.”

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My friend Sue and I went over Red Mountain Pass and caught this long view of the far mountain above tree line. So many vistas look like paintings out west. There is a rare and wild beauty in the wilderness of Colorado.

\n", "date_published": "2014-06-30T01:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/06/30/road-trip-into-the-wild.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Grace","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/06/27/on-the-road-again.html", "title": "On The Road Again", "content_html": "

\"ford “On the road again!”

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I found out Wednesday that I have the next two weeks off. It has been really hot and dry so I’m heading for the hills! While contemplating where to go, I made a rather rash decision thinking I might head for California. That would be epic! Alas, it was dusk before I made it 100 miles. It was still 90 degrees and I hadn’t even hit the desert yet. I filled up with gas and thought I should calculate mileage/price per gallon. When I discovered the trip would cost a month’s mortgage in gas alone, I quite quickly changed my mind and decided to stay in state. (So sorry, Patti!)

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I pulled into an RV park that is close enough to the train tracks to enjoy the sound but far enough away to not be disturbing. I awoke to a beautiful day and took my sweet time getting ready to see the sights. Heading into the high country! (picture: TOW-Wanda stops at Starbucks. She can’t help herself!)

\n", "date_published": "2014-06-27T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/06/27/on-the-road-again.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Growth","goRVing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/28/til-next-time.html", "title": "'Til Next Time", "content_html": "

\"vintage “Cowgirl Caravan”

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Ok, remember your very favorite slumber party when you were a girl. Now, picture that very same slumber party but this time there’s fifty girls, you can do whatever you want for four days, and you’re not going to get in trouble. (Well, ok….at least no one is going to TELL on you!)

\n

That’s what a Sisters on the Fly​ event is like. I feel like I got to sit at the cool kids table because we’re ALL cool kids! I remember when I was in my thirties and it occurred to me I had forgotten how to play. We get so caught up in our families and work and responsibilities that we push that playful girl into the background. SOTF makes girls out of women. It’s a safe place to let off steam and act silly and laugh till…well, you know. We can dress up in silly outfits and wear tiaras and tutus with our cowgirl boots. We can smoke a cigar or streak through the campground nekkid and earn a merit badge for it! (That actually happened on this trip. If there was a CPR badge, I might have streaked because anyone who witnessed it would be at grave risk!) Fun….just plain fun! Can’t wait for the next gathering. I have found my tribe.

\n

Happy Trails!

\n", "date_published": "2014-04-28T01:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/28/til-next-time.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth","goRVing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/25/west-virginia-here-i-come.html", "title": "West Virginia, here I come!", "content_html": "

\"saudade “West Virginia, here I come!”

\n

I’m going home. I’m taking three weeks and heading for the hills. I’m going to visit family, hang with friends, get away in the woods, feel my roots dig deep in the red clay. This is where I get refreshment for my soul. This is where I find the Fountain of Youth. This is where I find my smile. I want a small piece of it to call my very own. I will look to see what I can find while I am there. I could spend a good chunk of the year there easily enough once I retire. I could find a place to park TOW-Wanda and feel right at home. Yes….I’m feeling energized and looking forward to wonderful changes in my life!

\n", "date_published": "2014-04-25T01:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/25/west-virginia-here-i-come.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/06/orvis-hot-springs-ridgway-co.html", "title": "Orvis Hot Springs - Ridgway, CO", "content_html": "

\"orvis “Orvis Hot Springs - Ridgeway, Colorado”

\n

What a delightful way to end my two week sabbatical. My friend, Sue, joined me yesterday. We soaked at Orvis Hot Springs. Interestingly, it is clothing optional (gasp!) and while I have no problem going topless, I could not go the full Monty. Which was a darned good thing because I ran into a little gal that I work with. While she is young and fit, I am….ummmm, NOT and I would have hated to be responsible for her having to seek therapy over the trauma of my nakedness! lol

\n

After our soak, we headed into Ouray for a lovely Mexican food extravaganza. We hit some of the shops and what trip to Ouray would be complete without a stop at Mouse’s Chocolates? We went back to the room. I napped off my lunch while Sue read. Then we began the 100 Miles in 100 Days challenge. We walked 1.18 miles in the snow. She had me download an app by Nike called Nike+ Running which mapped out my walk, distance, and time. It even talks to you as you walk telling you when you reached a mile and what your time was. I think you can program it to cheer. I wonder if you can program it to go out for pizza or bring you some ice cream? No, wait…that would be counterproductive, yet an intriguing idea.

\n

After our walk, we headed back to Orvis for a nice soak in the lithium waters. It was actively snowing by then and it was truly divine. We closed down the pool and headed back to the motel. We stayed at Riverside Inn and Cabins which is right on the river and is perfectly fine and affordable.

\n

I am rested, refreshed, mellow and ready for my next move. I ordered a piece of equipment that will help me make my jewelry faster and it should be delivered at the first of the week. I have some orders to make and now I should be able to build up some inventory for art shows/sales.

\n

I am stopping in Grand Junction today to talk to a woman about ways to make TOW-Wanda look like a vintage trailer. That should be interesting.

\n

I am ready to go home. I am ready for spring. I am so grateful and I offer that as my prayer for today. Thanks for traveling with me…I enjoyed your company. We’ll be heading back out, you and I, on April 18th so stay tuned and be ready for more adventures!

\n", "date_published": "2014-04-06T01:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/06/orvis-hot-springs-ridgway-co.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/02/mr-virgos-photography.html", "title": "Mr. Virgo's Photography", "content_html": "

\"artistic “Mr. Virgo’s Photography”

\n

Today is my beautiful #2 daughter’s 24th birthday! Happy birthday, sweetheart…I love you so much!!!

\n

I spent a pretty mellow day yesterday sitting in TOW-Wanda listening to music, writing, gazing out at the view watching the prairie dogs chasing each other around the field. It was windy again and pretty chilly. I went in to Dolores to pick up some supplies. They have the cutest little market there with homemade pies and lots of natural foods. Farm fresh eggs!

\n

I know I waited till the last minute, but I tried late Sunday night to sign up for insurance. I have COBRA through Mr. Virgo’s employer but man…it is SO expensive. With the deadline looming, I thought I should check it out to see if I could get something more affordable. I have heard such horror stories about the system and how confusing and difficult it is to navigate. My friend Sue encouraged me to try so I went on the website and called at the same time. I figured that would cover my bases. I must admit, the website for Colorado is a bit confusing. I was on hold for an hour when they came on and took my name and number because there was currently a five hour wait. They asked for a time they could call me on Tuesday and told me that because I had made the attempt before the cutoff time, I would still be able to apply. They called exactly when they told me they would and they took my information. The whole process was extremely easy and I was covered within 20 minutes. MUCH cheaper than the COBRA coverage which will be greatly appreciated. And, I can keep my regular doctor. I am so grateful!

\n

I worked on my book for most of the day. That always leaves me feeling a bit melancholy thinking about my man. For the most part, I do really well these days. But when you are immersed in it for a period of time, you can’t help but stir up deep seated feelings. I went through my collection of photos Mr. Virgo took through the years. This one is one of my favorites. It’s like a painting. He took this when we lived in Denver. The light was perfect and made the reds in our sofa as well as his holster really glow. When I got rid of his guns, these were two that I kept. They were his favorites and remind me of him. A mountain man in a suit. A cowboy in a 5 Star hotel. He was so rich and deep. My love for him is a bottomless well…a source of great comfort in his absence. I miss him so.

\n", "date_published": "2014-04-02T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/02/mr-virgos-photography.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Grief","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/30/the-traveler.html", "title": "The Traveler", "content_html": "

\"traveler “The Traveler”

\n

I arrived in Durango Friday afternoon and took my friend Sue’s yoga class. Man, I am so out of shape but it was fun. We visited and I met one of her friends when we stopped for tea afterwards. By the time we were done, it was getting late so we stayed at a place she is house sitting for. I slept in TOW-Wanda at the curb. I’ve become accustomed to my own bed and every time I sleep in her, the price per night goes down! ;-)

\n

Sue and I had tea yesterday morning and did a yoga practice before heading out to her house. I got the trailer all set up then four of us headed to Hovenweep National Monument. We did a beautiful hike around the cliffs and Ancient Puebloan (formerly referred to as Anasazi) ruins. A little picnic out on a rock at the edge of the canyon was delightful. We came home and Sue fixed a wonderful vegetarian dinner and I excused myself early to go out to the trailer and make a few phone calls, read, and hit the hay. Exercise, sunshine, and fresh air leading to a great night’s sleep in the desert. What a fun, fun day!

\n

(Photo taken at Hovenweep.)

\n", "date_published": "2014-03-30T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/30/the-traveler.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","Growth","goRVing","God","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/28/springtime-in-the-desert.html", "title": "Springtime in the Desert!", "content_html": "

\"lawn “Waiting for Summer!”

\n

I didn’t realize how close Albuquerque is to Santa Fe. It wasn’t long at all till I was here. There is an RV park I’m going to check out before I leave and I’ll post pictures.

\n

I visited with my friend and had dinner. I met his lady friend and she’s very nice. We talked from 3-9 and I’m exhausted! I’m heading up to Durango tomorrow morning. I’m really looking forward to friend time and staying in one place for a week. I’m taking a yoga class tomorrow evening that she teaches.

\n

I had a little scare this afternoon. When I unhitched the trailer, it shifted and dragged the hitch 4" to the left. Fortunately it stopped without bending the tongue jack. I hooked it back up to the car and repositioned it and it worked fine. I’m going to the RV place tomorrow and get better chocks.

\n

Happy Friday!!!

\n", "date_published": "2014-03-28T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/28/springtime-in-the-desert.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/18/go-do-its-travel-tuesday.html", "title": "Go. Do. It's Travel Tuesday!", "content_html": "

 

\n

\"meme\" “Go do those things!”

\n

I’m planning my next trip. I have at least two weeks, maybe three, with a free schedule. I’ve been invited to participate in a couple of art shows and need to get some things made. I can just as easily pack up my portable studio and make art on the road so I’m heading south. I want to hit NM then back up through the Four Corners and visit the sights in SE Utah.

\n

I love my little trailer. It offers me a sense of security. It’s cozy. It’s the playhouse I never had as a child. My fort. My treehouse. My princess castle. If you have the means to have a trailer of your own but fear is stopping you, find someone local who can show you the ropes. Sisters on the Fly​ has chapters everywhere. With your membership, you can do a search for Sisters in your area. We are always ready to help a newbie learn to spread her wings and fly! Honestly, it isn’t that difficult to learn and you’d be surprised how easy it is to handle a small trailer.

\n

If trailering isn’t your thing, I still encourage you to find your way out for adventures. There’s a big, beautiful world out there just waiting to be explored. You can do this. I got your back, girlfriend!

\n", "date_published": "2014-03-18T01:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/18/go-do-its-travel-tuesday.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Growth","Comfort","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/04/travel-tuesday.html", "title": "Travel Tuesday", "content_html": "

\"vintage “Travel Tuesday”

\n

Hire me. I’m looking for the perfect job. Hire me, pay for my travel, and I’ll write about it! Sound good? Yeah, it does. Will it happen? Stranger things have! I’ll just send that little thought out into the Universe and let it gather some light and see what comes back to me. In the meantime, the reality is, we have to pay for our own travel.

\n

I did a search of the internet and found a neat website. Women Traveling Together. They offer tours in groups no larger than 18 women travelers. 80% of the women who purchase trips are traveling unaccompanied. Once you are signed up, you can enter a secure area on their website and get to know the others on the trip ahead of time and find common interests. They also offer a membership program for $45 a year which allows you access to other solo travelers for meet and greets and planning travel outside of WTT. There is a bulletin board for posting a trip you are planning and announce you are looking for a travel companion (or two or five!).

\n

The prices are pretty hefty. But the tours look organized, the activities look like fun, and there is safety in numbers. That security is worth a lot to women traveling alone.

\n

Check them out at www.women-traveling.com

\n", "date_published": "2014-03-04T02:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/04/travel-tuesday.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/02/24/travel-tuesday.html", "title": "Travel Tuesday", "content_html": "

\"sisters “Sisters on the Fly”

\n

If you are looking for something really, REALLY fun to do, you simply MUST join Sisters on the Fly! They are an outdoor adventure club with a goal of empowering women. Picture Girl Scouts with martinis! Do I have your attention yet?

\n

As many of you know, Mr. Virgo and I were standing in a travel trailer deciding which one to buy when he had his heart attack. We were preparing for his retirement and had plans to travel the country, one little town at a time. When I was left a widow unexpectedly, I decided to fulfil that dream. I went out two weeks after he died and bought TOW-Wanda and took off for three months alone to work my way through my grief in my own way. In 2004, my mother had died and I rented a 17’ U-Haul with a car hauler behind for my Toyota, so I knew I could handle a little ol’ 16 foot travel trailer on my own.

\n

I had seen a news item about Sisters on the Fly and it struck me as great fun. With Mr. Virgo gone, I needed to find something joyful to put in front of me. I ordered their book and read it the week after the funeral. These women are amazing! The organization was founded by two real life sisters as a way to have some fun with their friends in their vintage travel trailers. You don’t have to have a vintage trailer to join. As a matter of fact, you don’t even have to HAVE a trailer. There are now nearly 5,000 members all over the world. And once you are a Sister, you have 4,999 real life sisters of your own that have your back!

\n

You can earn badges for such wonderful skills as mixing the best martini, smoking a cigar, backing up a trailer. There are organized activities at the gatherings of the Sisters and you may find yourself fly fishing for the first time. Or hiking, horseback riding, Dutch oven cooking. Or just sitting around the fire telling stories. I would highly recommend joining this wonderful, supportive, loving group of women whose motto is “We have more fun than anyone!!!” Check them out here…

\n

www.sistersonthefly.com

\n

See you on the trail!

\n", "date_published": "2014-02-24T02:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/02/24/travel-tuesday.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/10/17/aspen-gold-vail-colorado.html", "title": "Aspen Gold - Vail, Colorado", "content_html": "

\"aspen “Aspen Gold - Vail, Colorado

\n

Heading home from Denver after three weeks on the road. What a gorgeous drive. Snow is in the forecast. I’m home for the next 9 days then meeting Mr. B in Vegas for a week. One of these days I’m going to have to work and earn some money like a real adult! I’ve given myself a year to recoup and gain my bearings. I’ve come a long way but there’s still further to go. I was just in Costco and there was a little music box playing Christmas carols and it made my heart ache. It’s the littlest things, isn’t it?

\n

Enjoy this Fall day, wherever you are!

\n", "date_published": "2013-10-17T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/10/17/aspen-gold-vail-colorado.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief"] }, { "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 “Ohio River - Point Park, Parkersburg, WV”

\n

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"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/10/10/point-park-parkersburg-wv.html", "title": "Point Park, Parkersburg, WV", "content_html": "

\"point “Point Park at Sunset”

\n

I love the Ohio River! When I was a little girl, I would lie in bed at night and listen to the tugboats and the lock masters communicate for passage. I used to dream I was on a raft like Huck Finn and head down the river on grand adventures.

\n

Mr. B and I stopped this evening at Rubin’s Deli and got my FAVORITE sandwich (Hot Italian Hoagie, sauce ON of course). We came down here to eat and talk and watch the sunset. What a beautiful evening!

\n", "date_published": "2013-10-10T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/10/10/point-park-parkersburg-wv.html", "tags": ["Travel","Fun","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/10/07/valley-hall-school-dutchman-run.html", "title": "Valley Hall School. Dutchman Run, Macfarlan, WV", "content_html": "

\"Valley “Valley Hall School”

\n

It may be difficult to read, but this is the sign over the entry to the school yard for Valley Hall School. It was a little one room school house that my mom and her siblings attended a mile or so from home. The building is standing, however it’s been converted to a weekend cabin of sorts. The swing is still at the back of the yard.

\n

I have been very busy relaxing! I have enjoyed my aunt’s company and listening to stories of times past. I’ve been walking every day down the country roads of West Virginia. I’ve been cooking country meals of fried potatoes and ham. I’m enjoying getting together with friends. I went to the little white church on the hill yesterday that I have attended since before memory. It was Communion Sunday and we had 14 in attendance…a banner day! It rained all night and I didn’t sleep because I wanted to hear every drop on the tin roof. I’m sitting in the cemetery on top of the hill as that is the only place I can get cell service! The sun is setting through the leaves of gold, the breeze moving our flag so slightly. Those who rest here have no knowledge of government shutdowns, politics, or war. The days are all the same. I find that immensely comforting.

\n

Tomorrow I head to Charleston to pick up my friend. Mr. B will be here till Monday and we are really looking forward to traipsing around the WV hills together, meeting each others’ families, seeing old friends, and revisiting a little of those glory days of our high school years. I feel so full of love, joy, and peace!

\n

I hope you all have a fabulous week!

\n", "date_published": "2013-10-07T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/10/07/valley-hall-school-dutchman-run.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/08/28/sisters-on-the-fly.html", "title": "Sisters on the Fly #3537", "content_html": "

\"Sisters “Ginny in Sisters Regalia”

\n

Oh, this is just too much fun! Sisters on the Fly makes girls out of women. What are you doing in your life that let’s your “little girl” come out to play?

\n", "date_published": "2013-08-28T01:30:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/08/28/sisters-on-the-fly.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","goRVing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/08/17/sisters-on-the-fly-do.html", "title": "Sisters on the Fly do Estes Park!", "content_html": "

\"camper “TOW-Wanda!”

\n

One of the first things I did when Mr. Virgo died was join the Sisters on the Fly. The largest women’s outdoor adventure club in America, SOTF offers women the opportunity to gather and travel together in the safety of groups.

\n

\"woman “A favorite jacket…it came from a Nashville entertainer.”

\n

Women helping women. Learning to be girls again. Offering a hand up to the newbies.

\n

\"woman “Ginny getting her cowgirl on!”

\n

You can learn to fly fish or cook in a Dutch oven…start a campfire or ride a horse. You can earn badges for lots of fun categories. It is truly the most fun ever and is helping sooth my painful heart.

\n

\"cute “Cute Camper”

\n

I took off on August 14th and stayed till the 17th in beautiful Estes Park. Camping with a hundred other like-minded women goes a long way toward making you feel empowered. Grief often makes you feel powerless.

\n

\"artist “Artist painting off Old Fall River Road”

\n", "date_published": "2013-08-17T01:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/08/17/sisters-on-the-fly-do.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Growth","New Ideas"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/08/09/life-is-an-echo.html", "title": "Life is an Echo", "content_html": "

\"meme “Life is an Echo”

\n

I have had a such a wonderful week reconnecting with family in Chicago. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

\n", "date_published": "2013-08-09T01:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/08/09/life-is-an-echo.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/08/07/bingo.html", "title": "Bingo!", "content_html": "

Ooooooh, these Midwestern women sure love their Bingo! I went with my Aunt Rose and my new friend, Ann, to the Bingo hall last night. What a hoot! I won $5, lost about $95…such is the nature of the gamble. That was $95 worth of fun watching my aunt smile and have a good time. It is uncanny how much Aunt Rose looks like my mom and my grandma. It’s like having a visit with them long after they’ve been gone. That being said, you wouldn’t catch my grandma DEAD playing Bingo! That there’s the work o’ the Devil himself!

\n

Have a great day!

\n", "date_published": "2013-08-07T01:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/08/07/bingo.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/08/04/snow.html", "title": "Snow!", "content_html": "

\"Snow Snow on Pike’s Peak

\n

I know you probably cannot see this, but there was fresh SNOW on the top of Pike’s Peak this evening on my way home from Colorado Springs! The clouds rode low in the sky, heavy storms pounded the front range. It was SO beautiful. Ever have one of those perfect moments when you see something exquisite, feel the love of an old friend, and every song on the radio speaks your name? THAT was my day!

\n", "date_published": "2013-08-04T01:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/08/04/snow.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/31/crazy-horse-memorial.html", "title": "Crazy Horse Memorial", "content_html": "\"\"\n

While this was certainly a beautiful memorial, I wonder if it will ever be completed in even my grandchildren’s lifetime. They wanted to stay for the laser light show on the rocks after dark, I got us there WAY too early (4 hours!), and by the time the show started, it was cold and drizzling. The show consisted of the story of the sculptor being asked by a Native American elder to create a memorial to show Americans they had heroes, too. It went on to talk about the lands being taken away from the tribes. And ended with Lee Greenwood’s song, God Bless the USA, which was rather an odd way to sum everything up. Anyway, I wanted to post this because it really will be a beautiful monument some day.

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-31T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/31/crazy-horse-memorial.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/31/dinosaur-park.html", "title": "Dinosaur Park", "content_html": "

\"Dinosaur “Dinosaur Park”

\n

Dinosaur Park.

\n

The girls loved this!

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-31T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/31/dinosaur-park.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/30/towwanda-at-spokane-creek-campground.html", "title": "TOW-Wanda at Spokane Creek Campground", "content_html": "

\"camper “TOW-Wanda at Spokane Creek”

\n

TOW-Wanda! Spokane Creek Campground, Iron Mountain Road, Keystone, SD.

\n

I would definitely recommend this campground to anyone visiting Mt. Rushmore. Very clean, quiet right at 10:30PM, cafe/store, pool, showers, friendly and fun!

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-30T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/30/towwanda-at-spokane-creek-campground.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/30/wild-donkey.html", "title": "Wild Donkey", "content_html": "

\"wild “Wild Donkey”

\n

Wild Donkey. Wildlife Loop, Custer State Park, SD.

\n

We arrived back in Denver at about 9:15PM, safe and sound. Everyone is tired but we still had to spend an hour or so telling the other grandparents about all our adventures! This was our last wild animal encounter as we left the park, although I wouldn’t exactly call these guys “wild”. They were perfectly happy sticking their head in car windows in search of a handout or a scratch on the head!

\n

 

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-30T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/30/wild-donkey.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/29/road-trip-south-dakota.html", "title": "Road Trip - South Dakota", "content_html": "

\"buffalo\" “Tatanka!”

\n

Wildlife Loop, Custer State Park, SD

\n

Tatanka! On our way home…what a fun trip!

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-29T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/29/road-trip-south-dakota.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/27/mount-rushmore-south-dakota.html", "title": "MOUNT RUSHMORE, SOUTH DAKOTA", "content_html": "\"Mount\n

Way cool! So much fun being with family!

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-27T02:00:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/27/mount-rushmore-south-dakota.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/27/bear-country-usa-south-dakota.html", "title": "BEAR COUNTRY USA - SOUTH DAKOTA", "content_html": "\"Bear\n

Bear in Bear Country USA Park, South Dakota.

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-27T02:00:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/27/bear-country-usa-south-dakota.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/27/apatosaurus-rapid-city-south-dakota.html", "title": "APATOSAURUS - RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA", "content_html": "\"Apatosaurus,\n

Who knew?

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-27T02:00:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/27/apatosaurus-rapid-city-south-dakota.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/26/trailer-ornament.html", "title": "TRAILER ORNAMENT", "content_html": "\"Tiny\n

After a very long day at work, I headed for Denver. In order to cut an hour off my day, I drove down last night and slept in the trailer in the parking lot behind the office. It was a pretty easy commute this morning!

\n

Arrived in Denver at 10 and we’re getting up early to head for Mt. Rushmore! I’ll post when I see something interesting.

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-26T02:00:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/26/trailer-ornament.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/26/wyoming-state-line.html", "title": "WYOMING STATE LINE", "content_html": "\"Family\n", "date_published": "2013-07-26T02:00:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/26/wyoming-state-line.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/23/mesa-verde-colorado.html", "title": "MESA VERDE, COLORADO", "content_html": "\"Mesa\n

This is one of Mr. Virgo’s pictures. I am sure you can see the difference in the quality of his photos and mine, but I keep trying.

\n

Last night I reached a turning point in my grief process. Every person’s grief is different and no two people run on the same schedule. I was beginning to feel as though I was holding a heavy weight in my lap and it was getting more difficult to stand up. I know that is probably hard for you to believe because I really haven’t sat still very long since my husband died. I felt the heavy burden of grief was keeping me from moving forward in my life so, even though it has only been a little over four months, I made a decision.

\n

In my mind, I built a beautiful shelf with hand carved animals on the trim. Dark wood with a warm finish. On that shelf was an ornately carved box. I took the box down and carefully and lovingly placed my memories of my sweet Mr. Virgo inside. I wrote a long letter and thanked him for every single thing I could remember him doing for me and placed it in the box beside him. Then, in my mind, I placed this precious box on that beautiful shelf. Now I can go by and smile and talk to my man. I can cry with him if I need to. I can take it down and hold it again when I feel it’s necessary for my wellbeing. And now I feel lighter and can stand up again. It’s a beautiful thing.

\n

I’m heading out Friday on the next phase of the Grand Adventure…Mt. Rushmore, Grand Mesa, Chicago, Estes Park, Colorado Springs… Stay tuned for updates and photos!

\n

Thank you for all the new “likes” and welcome to Marshmallow Ranch!

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-23T02:00:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/23/mesa-verde-colorado.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/21/independence-pass-above-aspen-colorado.html", "title": "INDEPENDENCE PASS ABOVE ASPEN, COLORADO", "content_html": "\"Independence\n

(yes, I stopped the car, Valerie!)

\n

Just got back from church. It was held at a private campground today with 10 Baptisms and a potluck. Doesn’t get much better than that!

\n

I am cleaning out the trailer and Expedition today in preparation for the trip to Mt. Rushmore on Friday. My daughter Julie is so worried we won’t fit everyone in because I carry a boatload of stuff around with me. Just have to prove her wrong! :-)

\n

Hope your day is as beautiful as mine is!

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-21T02:00:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/21/independence-pass-above-aspen-colorado.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/19/upper-frying-pan-river-above.html", "title": "UPPER FRYING PAN RIVER ABOVE BASALT, COLORADO", "content_html": "\"Upper\n

Here fishy, fishy, fishy!

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-19T02:00:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/19/upper-frying-pan-river-above.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/08/the-grand-adventure-continues.html", "title": "THE GRAND ADVENTURE CONTINUES", "content_html": "\"Woman\n

Sitting in Cleveland Airport. Flight is WAY delayed but brother and I will munch on these yummy oatmeal raisin cookies that my sweet aunt made for us this morning. We had a wonderful time in West Virginia. I’m looking forward to editing all my pics and sharing my adventures with you all. We drive home from Denver tomorrow, I see patients on Thursday then back to Denver afterwards. Oldest daughter’s birthday! Friday is an event with Sisters on the Fly…drive-in movie. Fun! Camping with the Grandkids on Saturday, home for a couple of days then off to meet a friend for camping the following weekend. Whew! I’ve missed you all as I have been without Internet and cell service for 12 days….GASP! Talk to you soon!

\n", "date_published": "2013-07-08T02:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/08/the-grand-adventure-continues.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Hope","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/25/piedra-river-ranch-weminuche-wilderness.html", "title": "PIEDRA RIVER RANCH - WEMINUCHE WILDERNESS, NEAR PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLORADO", "content_html": "\"Piedra\n

I think this would be one of the most beautiful places to live. Mr. Virgo and I lived not too far from here in 2008 for about a year. I was a little disturbed that the trees didn’t fully leaf out till June, but what little time we had off together was absolutely beautiful. We often drove up Pagosa Boulevard out and back down Plumtaw Road to Piedra Road. We made a day of it and hiked and had picnics. This ranch was pretty much the end of the road in this one section and it really is stunning. It was a beautiful summer, except for the part where Mr. Virgo wrecked the ATV and was in the hospital for a week, but that’s a story for another day.

\n

It was all good till the leaves started falling off in August. Then I realized just how high we were, and it wasn’t from something we were smoking! Winter came with a vengeance. It started snowing on the first of December. We probably had a foot of snow on the ground. One night when we went to bed, it was snowing but didn’t think anything of it. When I got up the next morning and went in to make coffee, I noticed I couldn’t see out of the kitchen window. But sometimes the snow blows sideways and sticks to windows so again, I didn’t think anything of it. We got ready for work and decided to drive in together. We raised the garage door and there, as far as you could see, in a very nice level plane, was 5 feet of snow! I know this because I am 5'5" and this snow came to my nose! Have I mentioned that I really HATE snow? I know, I’ve lived in Colorado since 1975 and I really HATE snow. And the older I get, the more I hate it. That year, it snowed 7 feet of snow in less than 2 weeks. It snowed so much that they ran out of places to put it. Thank goodness that job only lasted till January and we were out of there. So yes, in this picture, it is a beautiful, peaceful place to live.

\n

I have decided this winter is going to be different. I am going to go somewhere where the sun shines and the sea whispers my name. Where I can bury my toes in the sand and my nose in a book. Where I can have little drinks with exotic ingredients and paper umbrellas brought to me in my chaise lounge. Someplace warm and wonderful. I have a friend who lives in Belize who has been after me for the last 13 years to come visit her. I think I just might do that come January or February. Yep, gonna hit the cheapo airfare sites and give myself something wonderful to look forward to! But first, I am heading home to the beautiful hills of West Virginia. My home of origin. I’m heading out of here tomorrow and will visit with my daughters. Hubby #1 and his family are in town visiting so I get to see them. Then my brother and I will fly to WV on Thursday. Lots of fun things are planned there so I will take lots of pictures and post as I can. Cell and Internet are spotty in the Mountain State.

\n

Talk to you soon!

\n

Hugs,

\n

Ginny

\n", "date_published": "2013-06-25T02:00:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/25/piedra-river-ranch-weminuche-wilderness.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/24/canoe-chapman-dam-state-park.html", "title": "CANOE - CHAPMAN DAM STATE PARK, COLORADO", "content_html": "\"Canoe\n

Another photo from my tacked on, 4 extra day, camping trip last week. Isn’t this soothing? I sat here for hours and contemplated that red canoe. Oh, what I could do with a red canoe! I would take it out on beautiful, clear mountain lakes, drop a line, read a book, take a snooze, get a few good snapshots of wildlife, perhaps. These trips are just what I need right now. I’m not getting anything done at the house. I don’t like being in my house. Mr. Virgo isn’t in my house anymore. It’s like it’s not even my house. Like it’s crying. Like it has somehow misplaced a part of itself and it can’t figure out what to do next. No, wait, that’s me. I’m ok, really. It’s just that, right now, I don’t like my house. And for now, that’s ok, too.

\n

Last Saturday, I decided to clean out Mr. Virgo’s closet. My son-in-law can use some of the things and my daughter works at a poor, inner-city school and she will find someone who can use the rest. That’s good. These things should go to someone who can use them. But I forgot something very important. I forgot Sunday was Father’s Day. I woke up, grabbed my iPad to check the news, e-mail, weather, and Facebook to see what the world was up to. And there they were…well wishes to all the Dads out there. And I was sitting there, no sweetheart to wish Happy Father’s Day to, and to add insult to injury, his clothes were in bags on the floor surrounding what used to be OUR bed. I sat there and contemplated that. I decided I really didn’t need to be sitting there, looking at what was left of his snappy wardrobe, and perhaps start to feel sorry for myself. This just wouldn’t do. This is what I bought a travel trailer for. I keep it packed and at the ready for emergencies such as this. I went away, I fished, I read, I napped, I drove, I hiked, I cooked, and then I came home. And now I am ready to take another bite out of this apple!

\n", "date_published": "2013-06-24T02:00:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/24/canoe-chapman-dam-state-park.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Camping"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/15/bear-creek-falls-above-the.html", "title": "BEAR CREEK FALLS ABOVE THE BOX CANYON - OURAY, COLORADO", "content_html": "\"Box\n

As a widow, I have been finding myself still having trouble making a real meal. I mean a real, fix-a-few-things-and-sit-at-the-table-and-eat kind of meal. I had dinner with my dear, “little brother” last night and he cooked. It was a simple meal…an Indian dish served over rice. But it kick-started me into rethinking my dining habits.

\n

Mr. Virgo did his PhD thesis on the loss of real dining as a society, so meals in our home were an occasion. I know I have spoken of this before, but thought I would revisit the issue since it has been three months since he died and I’m still not really cooking the kind of meal I could sit down and savor.

\n

My food preferences have changed drastically over these last months. Mr. Virgo was an Irish, meat-and-potatoes man and rather than cook two meals, I ate the same thing. I gained weight. I never slept well. I had headaches. I was pre-diabetic last time I had my blood checked. Not good things. After I started getting my appetite back, I really was SO hungry for fresh, fresh, fresh foods. Salads, steamed veggies, and crisp, cool fruit became my mainstay. I do have fish once in awhile. I love tofu and I eat eggs a few times a week. I am sleeping better and have no headaches. I haven’t had my blood retested, but I am sure things are better there, as well.

\n

When I went to the store today, I made up my mind that today I would cook. I would have a real meal and take the time to sit down and really taste the food God has been so gracious to provide for me. I love this time of year when the market is full of yummy choices in the produce department. Tonight I nibbled on a few garlic and herb pita chips dipped in spicy, three pepper hummus while I prepared my meal. For my main course, I had wild mushroom agnolotti with Mediterranean olive, sun-dried tomato, and lemon bruschetta and some shaved, aged Parmesan topping. I also had a few lightly steamed asparagus spears and an ear of bi-color corn. I loved how the lemon in the bruschetta gave off a pleasing aroma as it sat on the warm pasta. The crisp, fresh bite of the asparagus was a lovely contrast and what isn’t to love about a gold and white ear of sweet corn?

\n

Of course, it’s different not having someone to converse with over the evening meal. I don’t have TV and I swear I’ll never eat another meal in front of one as long as I live. So, I read some of an Oprah magazine. The topic? Loving the age you are! How wonderful life is. I hope you all have a grand evening, as well.

\n

Ginny

\n

#grief, #widow, #travel, #dining

\n", "date_published": "2013-06-15T02:00:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/15/bear-creek-falls-above-the.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/15/red-mountain-pass-on-the.html", "title": "RED MOUNTAIN PASS ON THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY", "content_html": "\"Red\n

Another shot from The Grand Adventure, Part 2. My friend, Sue, and I had just watched the Iron Horse Classic where crazy people race the train from Durango to Silverton. For those of you who have driven that, you know what a major deal that would be. For those who have done it, I’m sorry I called you crazy. :-)

\n", "date_published": "2013-06-15T02:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/15/red-mountain-pass-on-the.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/12/great-horned-owl-rocky-mountain.html", "title": "GREAT HORNED OWL: ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK", "content_html": "\"Great\n

When Mr. Virgo and I traveled, we were always on the lookout for wildlife…which we seldom saw. This trip is amazing…wildlife around every corner…literally!!! Thank you, sweetheart! \"\"

\n", "date_published": "2013-06-12T02:00:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/12/great-horned-owl-rocky-mountain.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/12/sisters-on-the-fly-and.html", "title": "SISTERS ON THE FLY AND MY TOW-WANDA SAVED ME", "content_html": "\"Sisters\n

And there she is….TOW-Wanda! Dressed in all her finery at the “Home on the Grange” event for Sisters on the Fly! I knew that coat was going to come in handy some day!

\n", "date_published": "2013-06-12T02:00:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/12/sisters-on-the-fly-and.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/11/the-grand-adventure-continues.html", "title": "THE GRAND ADVENTURE CONTINUES", "content_html": "\"Desert\n

Wow, the last couple of weeks flew by. I stayed off the grid for most of it. I didn’t have electricity, cell service or Internet and I’m telling you, there’s something to be said for getting away from everything. I went first to the Front Range to stay the night then off to my first Sisters on the Fly Event, which was a complete blast! I met some great gals. We had an event at the Altona Grange and gave tours of our trailers and raised money for both the Grange and for Casting for Recovery, a charity that provides fly fishing expeditions for breast cancer patients and survivors. On Sunday, 6/2, I drove on up to Rocky Mountain National Park and stayed two nights, then back to Denver to watch the grandchildren. We “practice camped” in their other grandma’s driveway. What a hoot! Then on Thursday night, I drove up into the Poudre Canyon. I guess I really didn’t know how bad the fire was up there last year. It was pretty devastated. I stayed one night in Dutch George Campground near the west end of the canyon where the fire damage wasn’t so bad. I love sleeping next to a river…very soothing.

\n

While I’ve been on this trip, I have seen more wildlife than all of our travels combined with the exception of the trip to Yellowstone last year. Dan was the on that always saw bears when we lived in Pagosa Springs and I never saw one in Colorado, and I’ve lived here since 1975. So, I was talking to Mr. Virgo and thanked him for bringing all the animals to me to see on this trip. Then I chided him for not bringing me a bear. Last Friday morning I left early to head west toward Steamboat Springs. I was on CO 14 heading west and if you have never been over that way, you MUST put it on your bucket list. You climb and climb till to reach the top of Cameron Pass which is over 10,000 feet. There’s a reservoir at the top that was still half frozen so I parked in the lot to give the engine a chance to cool down. After awhile I took off down the other side. Just a little ways down, there is a pull off where you can get an amazing view and then the road has a sharp turn to the right. Just as I cam around that turn, there was the most beautiful, BIG bear standing alongside the road, not 15 feet from me. I reached for my camera and the disk was full! Argh! By the time I got my cell cameral open and ready, he just went right over the side of the bank and out of view. Mr. Virgo brought me my bear and I suppose it was just for him and me to have. Pretty neat!

\n

When I got to Steamboat, I decided to keep going up to Steamboat Lake State Park and camped there for two days. I left there yesterday morning and decided to squeeze one more day into the trip and stayed at Sylvan Lake State Park south of Eagle. I have driven by that sign a zillion times and never went there. WOW! If you haven’t been there, that is another thing to put on your bucket list. The most amazing thing about it was the lack of pine beetle damage. So many places are just devastated with the majority of the pine trees dead and it’s been long enough now that they are falling and being removed. The valley up by Sylvan Lake honestly looks like Colorado did before the pine beetle infestation. The only bad part was, even on a Sunday, it was pretty packed, pretty noisy, and very smoky.

\n

I got up early today and headed home. It’s so hot here compared to the alpine campgrounds I’ve been staying in. I emptied out the car and the trailer and everything is where I left it in the living room. Tomorrow I’ll start putting it away and doing laundry. Part 2 of the Grand adventure is over. I have met many wonderful people. I have made some great connections for my jewelry. But one of the best things that happened was connecting with women, telling them of my loss, and demonstrating to them that just because our spouses die, doesn’t mean we do and there is no reason why we can’t move forward, with whatever means we have available, and still have a life and create more joyful memories. I have tons of pictures and I found that I can’t put too many out at a time or it floods your page. So, while I am fussing around the house over the next couple of weeks, preparing for Part 3 of the Grand Adventure, I will post some of the better shots of Parts 1 and 2.

\n

In the meantime, the Ritz Carlton where Mr. Virgo worked, is having a memorial service for him tomorrow and will plant a tree and place a plaque in his memory. This of course brings up lots of feelings, but now I can think of the happy things we did together and when I talk to people about him, I glow and tell people how wonderful he was and how grateful I am that I had him in my life. I am looking forward to the conversations I will have with his coworkers tomorrow.

\n", "date_published": "2013-06-11T02:00:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/11/the-grand-adventure-continues.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/05/23/time-flies.html", "title": "TIME FLIES", "content_html": "

You know you are having a grand vacation when you have no idea what day it is! Well, either that or I’m getting that “Old Timer’s Disease”! I’ve taken some great pictures but have not been anywhere near wi-fi to post them. I arrived in Durango yesterday, did a little retail therapy, met up with my good friend, Sue Hakanson and went out for dinner. Stayed up late catching up. I browsed more stores today and went to the park and made some more jewelry and garden markers. I love my portable studio! Meeting Sue again tonight and taking the trailer to Dolores. The 4 day weekend is jam packed with fun events…pedicures, dining, Ouray, Orvis Hot Springs, Silverton for the Iron Horse bike race…..just fun, fun, fun! Will be heading home for a couple of days on either Monday or Tuesday then off to the Front Range for a Rockies game and my first Sisters on the Fly event! I’ll post pics later!

\n", "date_published": "2013-05-23T02:00:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/05/23/time-flies.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/05/17/collegiate-peaks.html", "title": "COLLEGIATE PEAKS", "content_html": "\"Collegiate\n

Here’s a view of the Collegiate Peaks without the trailer in the way. Isn’t this stunning? This was taken Day 6 of the Grand Adventure, Part 1.

\n", "date_published": "2013-05-17T02:00:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/05/17/collegiate-peaks.html", "tags": ["Travel","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/05/17/days-of-the-grand-adventure.html", "title": "DAYS 6 \u0026 7 OF THE GRAND ADVENTURE", "content_html": "\"Small\n

Days 6 & 7 of the Grand Adventure, Part One:

\n

I got a good early start yesterday and drove to Salida. Stopped at Mr. Virgo’s and my favorite breakfast place on that stretch of road. We used to stop there all the time when we lived in Pagosa Springs. What a gorgeous, sunny, blue-blaster day! I stopped and took this photo of TOW-Wanda parked at the scenic overlook near Buena Vista. Those are the Collegiate Peaks behind her.

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Got to the RV park and backed my trailer into her spot, slick as a whistle! I am right by the Arkansas River and fortunately it’s early in the season so there are no bugs. Unfortunately, I caught my OWN kind of bug. I stayed with family in Denver and they had been passing something around and of course, by the time I got here, I was sick. :-( I haven’t done much more than sleep and read, but you know, there is not much prettier a place to be if you aren’t feeling well. I’m loaded up on Zyrtec and Aleve and made myself a big, spicy bowl of soup and I’m feeling much better.

\n

I went into town to visit my friend, Emile. She is doing so well and her consignment shop, Free the Monkey, is going gangbusters. If you ever find yourself in Salida, look her up. (I bought a beautiful black sweater from Jones New York for 7.95!) Had a little emotional moment today. Whenever Dan and I traveled, we always bought a Christmas ornament to remind us of where we had been. There is a little Christmas store here and I went in to browse, and carry on the tradition. I looked around and went back in the back to have a tearful moment, then came back out and chose a beautiful metallic-embossed aspen leaf. Mr. Virgo loved aspen trees. As I was leaving the shop, there was a Western themed tree and there, hanging just for me to see was…an armadillo. Now, you wouldn’t think that was funny, but I burst out laughing. Mr. Virgo used to tell me a story about the armadillos in Texas. His golden retriever would chase them. Then he would mimic the sound the armadillo made as it ran and I’d lose it laughing at him…this big, mountain man going “nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn”. So, I bought that one too and will laugh every time I see it!

\n

Tomorrow, I’m up early and heading to Pagosa Springs. I am really looking forward to hanging out at the hot springs and soaking! Maybe a massage? Once I get settled there I can work on some jewelry and herb garden markers. Talk to you soon!

\n", "date_published": "2013-05-17T02:00:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/05/17/days-of-the-grand-adventure.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/04/22/towwandas-maiden-voyage.html", "title": "TOW-WANDA'S MAIDEN VOYAGE: 4/22/13", "content_html": "\"Ford\n

Here she is… “TOW-Wanda!” on her maiden voyage! I got home from church yesterday and was faced with a ton of paperwork and sunny skies. So? What’s a girl to do? Why…go camping, of course! This is at Rifle Gap Reservoir State Park, about 20 miles from home. I figured my first trip or two should be local till I get the hang of things. What a hoot! It was pretty nippy so the furnace kicked on several times during the night. I had the fridge turned down too low and woke up to frozen OJ this morning. Also, I want to add some padding to the lower bunk bed because it was a bit too firm for my taste. Other than that, a perfect first-time experience!

\n", "date_published": "2013-04-22T02:00:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/04/22/towwandas-maiden-voyage.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","TOW-Wanda!","Camping"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/04/04/a-new-trailera-new-life.html", "title": "A NEW TRAILER...A NEW LIFE", "content_html": "

So, I got home from Denver yesterday with the new trailer! Yay! Spent the afternoon putting things in it and started decorating. I’m going with a turquoise and red theme from the 40’s/50’s. I had a mailbox full of cards which was very nice. I had several packages of supplies that were delivered. And one box from a friend back home in WV. I opened it and there was a beautiful quilt she had made for me. It has the Lord’s Prayer on it. What a sweet gift! Thanks Ginny! Check out her page at Log Cabin Country Quilts in Marietta, OH

\n", "date_published": "2013-04-04T02:00:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/04/04/a-new-trailera-new-life.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/02/05/marshmallow-ranch.html", "title": "MARSHMALLOW RANCH", "content_html": "

 

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A lot of people ask where I got the name “Marshmallow Ranch”. When my older daughter got engaged, we brought her new fiancé to West Virginia to meet the family. This was in the summer of 1994. She was twenty and her little sister was four. Yes…my children are just about sixteen years apart! What was I thinking??? Anyway, one sunny afternoon, we went for a drive. In West Virginia, when they bale the hay in those big round bales, they wrap them in white plastic to protect them from the rain. The farmer leaves them in the field to cure and before long, the grass has greened up around them and they look all the world like giant marshmallows waiting to be harvested. As we came around a curve, we saw them and my then four-year-old asked breathlessly, “Mama!!! What ARE those?” Her sassy older sister proclaimed we had happened upon the native grounds where the wild marshmallow grows. Here, they are harvested, cut into small pieces, bagged, and sent off to the grocery store for our enjoyment in such delicacies as hot cocoa or s’mores. My little one was stunned…till I made her sister tell her the truth!

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Segue to 2002 and I had opened a small needlework supply shop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Needles and Pins was my sanctuary…my therapy to deal with a particularly painful divorce. I sold mostly cross-stitch supplies and even dabbled with some original designs. Cross-stitch designers all have very cute names like “Blackbird Designs”, “Cross Eyed Cricket”, and “Bird of a Feather”. If I was going to sell my own designs, I wanted a cute name people would remember. I was rummaging through a box of old pictures one day and stumbled across the one we took that summer day in West Virginia and I knew I had my name! Anything I made myself and sold under the auspices of Needles and Pins were labeled from the subsidiary…“Marshmallow Ranch”. Unfortunately, my needlework shop closed in 2005, but when I dropped to part-time work in December 2012, I decided to try to make an income from my own creativity. I cleared out a room for an art studio in my house high in the Rocky Mountains and dubbed it Marshmallow Ranch. So…here I am, creating jewelry out of antique silverware and maps and other ephemera. Stay tuned an see what creations come from this artist’s bench!

\n", "date_published": "2013-02-05T03:00:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/02/05/marshmallow-ranch.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories"] } ] }