Uncategorized on Marshmallow Ranch

Upping My List-Making Game

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:01:37 -0600

Have you ever texted a grocery list to your spouse? If yours is like mine, you can’t send multiple texts…say, if you forgot something in the original and have to send another. Because, you will only get what was in the last text. Previous texts are non-existent. There is only the “most recent text.” Therefore, there have been many times 4/5ths of my list wasn’t seen. Then, I came up with the answer.

Text him pictures of exactly what you want. Then, you won’t end up getting a package of beef-pork blend instead of the breakfast sausage you asked for. Voila! I’ve also learned, in follow up texts of things I remember after the initial text with photos, to start out with, “Can you also get…” then leave picture(s) of whatever else it is you need “in addition to.” This also makes it easier on my sweetheart because all he wants to do is please me, so he’s happy to see exactly what I need…brand and size. I also ask him to call me before he decides to pick up anything else. That’s so we don’t end up with five jars of salsa. (That’s what we’ve got…so far!)

At one point, Mr. FixIt was buying instant decaf Folgers in the little single serving sleeves. While that can be convenient while traveling, those little packets cost three times as much as the jar. Once I pointed out the price difference, he was happy to get the jarred variety.

For a long, long time I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to figure out what my spouse-du-jour wanted. They all seemed so mysterious and complex. It wasn’t till I hit my late 60’s that I figured it out…men are so easy! In their 20’s and 30’s, all they wanted was beer and to see something nekkid. In their 40’s and 50’s, they want peace and quiet and someone to scratch their back when it itches. And In their 70’s? Well, so far it’s pretty much…“You just cook whatever you want, honey. I’ve never turned down your cooking.” I gave myself ulcers all those years. This is by far my easiest and most peaceful marriage and I love me some Mr. FixIt!

Mr. FixIt was gone all of yesterday doing this and that. I worked up the sourdough for bread and put it in the fridge for a cold ferment overnight. This morning I’ll pop the two loaves in the oven. I might try to get a batch of Brown Butter Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins baked. I caught a video on YouTube about them and I have some extra blueberries in the fridge.

I have to say, making Sourdough Bread is SO much easier than those Sourdough English Muffins! Then again, I’ve made the bread recipe a lot more than the muffins so I have that down pat. I did find an intriguing English Muffin recipe with regular yeast that I might try. I’m not ready to give up on them…I just don’t want it to take two full days for eight muffins!

Thank you for sharing what you’re fixing in the kitchen these days. I’m always interested in learning new recipes and getting more ideas for variety. January through March can be SO boring. Any time I can stay stimulated and make the time pass more quickly, I’m a happier camper.

Speaking of camping, I’ve made reservations for my first solo camping trip in May. A bunch of us camping gals are going to gather for fun and fellowship and I can’t wait. We’ll just be home a couple of weeks from our trip to the beach. As soon as April hits, that camper and the woods start calling my name…and I must go! I haven’t heard an update on the camper’s progress in the last couple of weeks. I should call them soon to see how they’re doing. Last I heard, the materials were on the way and Grace was parked inside in a service bay, stripped down and waiting for her new “clothes.”

They’re still predicting snow at the end of the week. I hope it isn’t as bad as the last storm!

❄️🩵❄️

“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭46‬-‭47‬ ‭ESV‬‬

bread, #sourdough, #faith, #husbands

The Storm of The Decade

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 02:30:00 -0600

I was hoping we wouldn’t have to go to town till next week, but we both had a prescription to pick up and some last-minute essentials. I had a hankering to cook beef stew and buttermilk biscuits today, so off we went. It was snowing really hard when I got up, but we waited till afternoon to leave. By that time, the sun was shining but man…it was bitter cold! I had a turtleneck and a sweater on under my Canadian parka. I wore a hat I knitted last winter and the fingerless gloves my dear friend Gail spun and knit for me. I was toasty warm but when I went in CVS it was so hot in there, I had to take off the coat. After all…it was up to 25° outside and that coat stayed off the rest of the day.

We stopped at the new iHOP out by the interstate and grabbed breakfast for supper…one of my favorite things. Once we got home and got things put away, I read the recipe for the English muffins more carefully and I think I got a couple of steps out of order. I will check the dough in the morning and if it isn’t right, I’ll try again. It’s time to bake bread again, too. This is such a wonderful starter. It’s strong and bubbly and smells wonderful and the bread is coming out great.

Mr. FixIt has decided not to go into town for bowling tonight. The roads would probably be okay going, but coming home will be a different story. We’re going to miss out on our third great-grands birthday party too. We just aren’t as willing to go out in bad weather as we once were. I’ll make it up to him later.

This will be a much nicer day knowing we don’t have to go out for a few days. I hope you all will be careful during this dangerous storm. Let us know what kind of weather you’re having and we can track the storm.

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” ‭‭Nahum‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

#snow #winter #baking #sourdough #English #muffins #englishmuffins #homebody #hyggehome

Good Morning, World!

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:34:42 -0600

They called me late Thursday and the truck was ready!!! I spent the rest of the day packing it up and stowing things away in the camper. I’m about to finish my Ryze then I’m hooking up and heading home to my sweetheart!!!! The only downside is, this is usually a really busy camping weekend and I’m hoping to find a spot for the night somewhere around Winston-Salem. Send up some prayers for safe travels and a place to sleep.

Fishing on the Bridge

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 01:30:00 -0600

I still had one more day on my fishing license. It was such a beautiful day. There are so many things I could do while I’m on this little unexpected vacation…much of which I could at home like read, knit, nap. I can’t fish in the ocean back home so I made good use of that $14 purchase. I woke up about 6:00 and the sky was beginning to get that pink glow of dawn. I got up and made my RYZE mushroom coffee and checked my emails. I remembered to go on the recreation.gov website to reserve next spring’s campsite. The electric sites sell out super fast so I didn’t want to miss out on our spot. I fixed a nice breakfast then went out to watch the sun come up while I sipped my coffee.

I got all my stuff together and drove over to the old Bonner Bridge. I was thrilled to see over half the parking spaces were empty. I loaded up my wagon and hauled my fishing gear, chair, tackle box, bucket, bait box, and Mr. FixIt’s fishing rod out to the spot I love…right at the top of the bridge. The water is deeper there. I got everything organized and threw out my first cast of the day. Bam! I hooked a big one and started reeling it in…but it slipped off the hook and was gone before I could haul it up out of the water. I could see (and feel) it was a good sized fish and put up a fight but I never got a good look to see what it was.

Mr. FixIt always uses squid, but the gal at the fishing center told me they had fresh bait shrimp so I bought some. Man, those fish were wild for that shrimp! I got hit after hit but shrimp is soft and easy to pull off the hook so I lost a lot of bait. But I also hooked six fish (including the one that got away.) I got a puffer fish, two flounders, and two skates. All catch and release. But man, was it ever fun. The sun was hot, the sky was blue, the water like glass. I fished for over five hours then called it quits. I gave my leftover bait to this nice grandpa who was there with his family.

The vast majority of the people fishing the bridge yesterday were men. They sat on either side of me, cheering me one with every catch. I was having trouble getting the skate in and the grandpa guy came over and pulled it in by hand for me. I didn’t know how to get the hook out of that one…they’ve got a weird mouth on their underside. Then I didn’t know how to pick it up to throw it back in. He showed me how to use the pliers to remove the hook then grasp the tail to pick it up. Grandpa Fisherman was running from person to person in his group to help haul something in or bait a hook or measure a fish to see if it was legal size. It was fun to watch him using his love language which was obviously acts of service. And his family obviously adored him.

As of yesterday, the part for the truck is not in so I’m still waiting. There are so many things I could do, but I don’t want to run around all day and get overly tired because I still need to drive this camper home when the truck is ready. I have these socks that need knitting and I have some things saved that I want to read. That might be the extent of it for me today.

Hope you all are doing well!

🎣

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. Matthew 13:47

#fishing #obx #vacation #fun

Knit, Nosh, Nap

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0600

OMGosh! Y’all…I just had the BEST three days camping with my bestie, Gail. She’s the camphost for September and October and I always come up to spend a few days with her. We sit around and knit. We take naps in the afternoon. And we nosh on all kinds of yummy foods. It’s totally decadent. I honestly slept 12-14 hours Wednesday and Thursday nights! I’ve been burning the candle at both ends and, as Gail says…I must have needed the rest.

My contributions were breakfasts and my newfound crave…Nature’s Snickers bars. I took huge, moist and chewy fresh dates, stuffed a great big pecan half in the middle, and dipped them in melting chocolate. Oh SO yummy! Gail made wonderful beef barley soup. I made homemade fettuccine and topped it with Gail’s meat sauce. Then last night we had homemade orange chicken with veggies over brown rice. We ended our campout with a fire and s’mores. Women NEED their girlfriends…even more when we’re older. It was just a delightful visit. I’ll miss her but at the same time, I can’t wait to get home to see Mr. Fixit!

We went for a long walk yesterday and I got a lot of pictures I’ll share with you today. The leaves have turned a lot here in Northern Ohio. Gail is a good three hours north of us. The only icky thing at the campground was the darned stinkbugs. They were out in force, but I discovered the Thermocell Mosquito Repellent did a decent job of keeping the stinkbugs at bay. At the end of the evening, I noticed I was getting eaten up by mosquitoes then I checked and the fuel cell had run out on that handy gizmo. I’ll know better next time to check it periodically.

I brought along a sweet little wooden Welcome Fall sign for each of us to paint and that was fun. I’ve known Gail for nine years now. We met in the fall of 2015 at Girl Camper’s first official gathering and became fast friends. We have SO many things in common but our glaring difference is politics. We very rarely speak of such things. We respect each other very much and I only mention this because I have seen so many people lose family and friends over politics and we won’t have it. We pray for each other regularly. We love each other deeply. And we both serve a loving God and do our best to emulate Jesus. What more could you ask in a dear friend, right?

I hope you have a beautiful Sunday. The weather is fabulous but it’s getting darker so fast!

A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

#fall #camping #knitting #besties #smores

A Walkabout and Other Stuff

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Some days it doesn’t pay to get out of bed. That’s how yesterday felt. I woke up with a start. Everything was quiet. The blush of dawn had just begun to lighten the world. I felt unsettled and terribly sad. It took me a few minutes to discern what was wrong. Then I remembered the dream I was having just before I opened my eyes.

I hadn’t seen Mr. Virgo in several years. I didn’t know where he went or why I couldn’t find him. Then I heard that someone had seen him in Aspen recently. I couldn’t figure out why he was there and not with me. So I drove up to find him and when I did, he didn’t want to have anything to do with me. My heart was broken but he made it clear we were through and to never come looking for him again. The next scene I was standing in a barn. The sunbeams from the slats in the wood held swirling dust motes in their grasp like the water in an eddy. There were two large shapes hanging from the rafters. They were covered in a thin veil that connected them. I stood in the gloom, silently cutting the membrane between the two as my tears dripped to the dirt floor.

This isn’t the first time I’ve had this dream and it always leaves me bereft. It just goes to show you, it’s been nearly twelve years since Mr. Virgo died and grief still smacks me right between the eyes sometimes.

I shook it off and headed into my day. I went on a walkabout and found a bunch of turkey feathers. The long tail feather is the largest one I’ve ever found. There were smaller feathers down by the creek. I’m hoping nothing got into my mama and babies I’ve been watching since spring.

Lots of wildflowers are still growing down in the pollinator gardens. Pumpkin went on the walk with me. She’s like a dog in that way. Mr. FixIt took my truck in to get the oil changed and the tires rotated while I went to knitting group. In the afternoon, he started a load of laundry and soon came back up to tell me the washer had bit the berry and wasn’t spinning. About that time, he headed to to put the cat up. He came back in and something was wrong with pumpkin. It looks like she may have a UTI so now I need to take her to the vet today. Poor thing. We’ll get her feeling better. In the meantime, I gathered up all the wet laundry and took it out to the farm (at 11:00 last night) to spin it and stick it in the dryer. Having access to this farm is such a blessing. Since it was so late, I just stayed overnight.

That was my reward for such a trying day.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

#farm #thefarm #farmlife #resourceful #grief

Rise and Shine!

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 01:30:00 -0600

My favorite breakfast…Grits and Eggs!

I woke before the sun came up and sighed. My fun week with the girls had come to an end. But the upside of course is…I was heading home to my sweetheart! I stripped the bed and cleaned the little cottage so Gail wouldn’t have to do it. I fixed breakfast and enjoyed my cup of RYZE while Gail quietly spun her beautiful yarn. She’ll be knitting a sweater with it as a gift. She is such a prolific knitter and is always making something for her extensive network of family and friends.

I worked a little more on the socks I’m knitting for Sue and when I came to a logical stopping point, I packed up and headed for home. It’s a good four hour drive. I stopped at the store for a couple of things and filled up with gas before I headed out into the countryside for the last leg of the trip home.

Gail’s beautiful homespun yarn. Isn’t it yummy?!

Mr. FixIt contacted me Thursday night to say a boulder the size of a passenger van had come down, blocked one lane of the two-lane blacktop out to our house. I was so grateful it didn’t hurt someone. It took hours to break it apart and haul it away and you could see where it hit the roadway.

I stopped for Chinese food on the way home and my sweetie and I watched a little TV. I was really too tired to write a long post, but wanted to let you know I got home safe and sound. It’s still so cold here. I’m happy I don’t have to go anywhere for a while…we can just enjoy each other’s company and our warm and comfy home.

🩵

”“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.“
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

Getting Things Done

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:30:00 -0600

This is the little trophy I won. But more interesting is the salesman’s sample chair I’ve carted around with me for at least thirty years. Isn’t it lovely?

If you’ve been around here for any time at all, you know that every year when tax time rolls around, I end up at the last moment trying to get all the computer updates done. Invariably I end up pulling my hair out. I bought a new laptop last summer when we were in Colorado. My old laptop was so incredibly slow and it was taking me hours to do things. Microsoft has a feature now called “S Mode.” Allegedly it’s to keep you secure online, but I think it’s a gimmick to make you only use Microsoft programs and apps.

I’ve run into a couple of programs that I couldn’t install and decided I didn’t need them bad enough to “jeopardize my security.” But, when I couldn’t download Quicken, I changed my mind. I have other protection online, and I really NEED Quicken to keep track of my money and do our taxes. Otto in tech services was great and helped me get S-mode turned off and Quicken installed. Once we got that done, it was really easy to get everything up to date so I can do the taxes. I’m thinking of going to The Farm for a few days next week. It’s going to be warm and we have nothing scheduled. I can work on the taxes out there with the super fast internet.

Mr. FixIt, Jr. came out yesterday to do some things that we couldn’t do ourselves. After going up the ladder and removing the Christmas wreath off the end of the house, he found a bunch of nails still up on the roof from when the workers were up there. He and his dad went out to the creek to check the storm drain.

Here’s the most important thing…he brought me my trophy for the family NCAA Tournament pool we had. He would have brought it to me earlier, but our grandson-in-law snuck it out of the house and put it in his game room for fun. So, now this little guy is on our TV stand till next season and I can send him on to the next winner. In the meantime, I think I’ll take him with me on all our trips this year and document his journey. Won’t that be fun?

I received an update on my friend’s nephew. He did indeed have a stroke and has been in ICU. They were doing more tests but he’s still with us so keep those prayers coming. He was lucky he got to the hospital so fast and got the medication that can stop the progression or even reverse the symptoms of the stroke. God has created angels in white coats that create miracles in the form of services, treatments, and medications. You’re prayers have been most appreciated by the family.

We have an appointment in town this afternoon then we’re home for the weekend. The weather is supposed to get really warm in the next week. We’re almost out of winter!

Happy March!!!

☘️

”See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.“
Song of Songs 2:11 NIV

#Spring, #Family, #Prayers

Pink Hummingbirds, Quilts, and Otto

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 01:30:00 -0600

I started my day yesterday by finishing the ad on Marketplace for the Big Birdhouse. The work I did on the laptop payed off and, while it wasn’t what I would call fast…it did go more smoothly. Please pray God brings us the perfect buyer! This ad looks much nicer than the the first one and I included a video tour.

As soon as the ad was posted, I went out to help Mr. FixIt put the cover on the pergola so he could get started pressure washing the deck. I headed downstairs to get back to work on the quilt. Everything has been going smoothly but the last row tripped me up. I didn’t pay close enough attention and I ended up getting the blocks sew together wrong. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch the error till after I had the whole row together AND sewn onto the body of the quilt. Now I have to take that row off..and some of the blocks apart to make it right. I was getting tired and hungry. I should have listened to my body and taken the break, but nooooo. Live and learn, right?

Mr. FixIt rented a couple of movies Wednesday night and he wanted me to see one in particular with Tom Hanks. A Man Called Otto. When I lost Mr. Virgo, I didn’t think I would EVER stop crying. Eventually, I started seeing colors and hearing music again. It’s been a long time now since I’ve cried. Till yesterday, that is. Mr. FixIt didn’t think it would affect me like that. And if I’d done my due diligence, I would have explored the subject matter better. I had no idea whatsoever that it was a movie about grief and loss. I kept looking and hoping for a happy ending but it just kept hurting more. Why didn’t I stop watching, you ask? Because my sweetheart wanted me to see it with him. Maybe after I’ve had time to process it more I won’t feel so sad. But that movie gutted me like I haven’t been gutted in many years. Maybe it was just time to break that wound open and let it bleed for a little while. Another layer of grief to tend to. It will never go away entirely.

On a happier note, when I was mowing on Tuesday, I noticed out redbud trees have finally bloomed! I took a closeup photo of the blossoms and they look all the world like little pink hummingbirds! They just made me so happy. It was a busy and beautiful day…86° and not a cloud in the sky! It was a lesson in life…you CAN hold grief and joy at the same time.

“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
Jeremiah 17:14 NIV

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Respite at The Farm

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 01:30:00 -0600

I’ll never forget the day my son-in-law and I built my website. It was during a Christmas trip to Colorado…2016, to be precise. At the end of the day, I was gathering up my things to go back over to his mom’s house when I told him I still needed to write my post for the day. Somehow, my method of typing and entering my post came up and he could not believe I wrote every post on my phone.

On. My. Phone.

Typing with two thumbs on a screen keyboard is tedious and time consuming. He told me about Bluetooth keyboards that connect to iPads and my world opened up!

I came out to the farm for a little R&R yesterday and realized I left my iPad at home. So, here I am, typing with two thumbs again. Oy!

It was 82° when I got to the farm! OMGosh! It was beautiful. I sat on the front porch and knitted. I listened to the birds. I fixed a little something to eat and wandered around, checking out Grandma’s posies. The grass isn’t ready to mow just yet but it won’t be long.

Here is a post I wrote in 2014. I had been on a bit of a sabbatical here at the farm. I had made the decision to move here, and at the time, I was planning to buy the place. I would have, too. But things went south with my aunt between October and Christmas. It wouldn’t have worked well if I owned the farm while she was living here. Too much of a power struggle, and God made sure things worked out just as He wanted them.

You can read the post here

[www.marshmallowranch.com/a-simple-...](https://www.marshmallowranch.com/a-simple-life/)

FarmLife #Knitting #Memories

Pretty Much Perfect

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 01:30:53 -0600

“A perfect sunset on a perfect day.”

Birthdays come and birthdays go. Some are decidedly unremarkable. Some you even dread, like the first one after your loved one dies. I thought after Mr. Virgo died, that was the end of Happy Birthdays forever. I never dreamed I’d find love again. Get married again. Have Happy Birthdays again.

Yesterday was such a lovely day. Mr. FixIt made me pancakes, bacon, and eggs for breakfast. I had a deadline to meet so I spent the day writing. He brought me lunch as I worked. We had a lovely evening that was topped off with a magnificent sunset from all the storm clouds.

The weather has been rainy with a cold front slicing right through the middle of Florida. This has been sparking some pretty severe thunderstorms, but they seemed to skirt around us today. I was worried that it would be so hot I couldn’t stand it down here, but I’ve been surprised. I supposed living in West Virginia’s humidity and summer heat has been helpful in acclimating.

Not that West Virginia is hot, mind you. Not right now, at least. I checked the Weather Channel and the low tonight at the Ponderosa is supposed to be 48. In the middle of June. Very strange weather.

Maybe today we’ll get out and about. It was awfully nice to just stay in and relax yesterday, but now I’m ready to explore. Thank you all for your wonderful birthday greetings. You really helped make my day extra special!

❤️

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Atonement

Wed, 22 May 2019 01:30:15 -0600

“A box turtle and a fieldmouse. Their lives are as important as my own.”

A couple of weeks ago, I hit a turtle when I was mowing. I knew I hit something, but I wasn’t sure what it was till I came around the next time. I thought it was part of a tree branch that I missed picking up. But alas…it was a box turtle. I hated that. I told my long time bestie from high school. She is a devout animal lover and she said I needed to make some sort of atonement for the turtle.

I wasn’t at all sure what I could do to make amends for taking the life of the turtle…albeit innocently. Yesterday, I had my chance. First, I had to trim branches along the front edge of the far field. Then I had to move and toss several bales of hay that wintered over but got moldy when the tarp blew off.

As I was walking back to the tractor after throwing away the tarp, I looked down and there was a field mouse, frozen in his spot. I think he thought if he didn’t move, I wouldn’t see him. I took out my phone and he stood very still and let me take his picture. Good mouse!

When I had finished mowing the first four or five rows, I saw a turtle scurrying as fast as a turtle can go…from the tall grass to the creek. His neck was stretched as far as he could get it and his head was held high. His shell had a chip in one side. I stopped the tractor and watching him till he scooted into the underbrush. I smiled when I thought of my friend and whispered…”This one’s for you, girlfriend!” She’ll be so proud!

I mowed all of the Ponderosa yesterday, save for the bit around the pool. It wore me out. We were going to sleep in the camper again, but it was cold when I went out there to write and I had already taken off the electric blanket. So, we’re back inside like “normal” people. sigh

❤️

“And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal...” Genesis 9:5 NIV

For Unto Us a Child is Given

Tue, 25 Dec 2018 03:30:21 -0600

“A nearly full moon peeks in the window over my head.”

The other night, as I lay sleepless, tossing and turning thinking of all that needed to be done, something caught my eye. Mr. FixIt breathed the slow, even breath of deep slumber as I had a moment of regret spending all that time knitting and not enough baking, shopping, wrapping. But just for a moment, because this is what captured my attention.

There was a light above me. I didn’t have my glasses on, of course, but I reached for them and rolled over on my back. Looking up, I caught a clear view of the nearly full moon…thin clouds scudding in front of it, creating a circular prism of light refracting through billions of ice crystals in the atmosphere. I was mesmerized…and humbled.

In that moment, the verse from Isaiah came to my mind. “For unto us a Child is born.” I suddenly felt such awe. My busyness was insignificant. My concerns…nothing. My focus had momentarily been on worldly things…material things…unnecessary things. They had absolutely nothing to do with the Reason for the Season.

We had our last scheduled family gathering for the holidays yesterday at our granddaughter’s house. She is a young wife and mother. This was the first time she had ever cooked a family dinner. This was the first time some of her family members had ever been to her home. She called the day before to ask if she could borrow the electric knife to cut the ham. I could hear the breathless excitement in her voice. The undercurrent of nervous anticipation…hoping everything would go as planned. Would the ham be dry? Would there be enough food? I asked if there was anything else we could bring. Eggnog! Could we bring a half gallon of eggnog? “Of course!” I told her. “We can’t wait to come. And don’t worry…everything will be perfect!”

Do you remember the first time you had family over for a gathering when you were starting out? What is now second nature was once a Herculean task. Martha did a fine job. The ham was one of the best I’ve ever tasted…seriously. I made a point to ask her how to make it. The secret was Cherry Coke and pineapple rings on top in a baking bag at 400 degrees for three hours. She, her husband, and her baby girl wore matching Christmas onesies. When she called the guests to the table, she asked for a blessing. Her eyes met mine and I smiled gently. “This is your home…your dinner. You say the blessing.” She beamed with pride.

Later, in the kitchen, I was cutting the chocolate cake I brought. Martha walked up behind me, wrapped her arms around me and gave me a big hug. “I really love you, Ginny. I’m so glad you came into my grandpa’s life.” My heart melted to a puddle of goo. Oh…I miss my Colorado family so much this year. I miss the loved ones who aren’t here to enjoy the holidays with us anymore. And I am ever so grateful to have married into this beautiful family. The first thing I did was walk straight into the living room, give Mr. FixIt a huge hug, and thank him for giving me even more beautiful family members to love on.

When Martha gave the blessing yesterday, she ended with “Thank you God, for giving us your son. And…Happy Birthday, Jesus!” After all…we are holding the world’s biggest birthday party today. Let’s not forget that. ❤️

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Christmas: A Season of Healing

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 02:30:33 -0600

“My Santa and Mrs. Claus”

Dear Santa,

This is the sixth Christmas without my Mr. Virgo. I know you remember the day I sat beside you in your great big comfy chair. It was that first awful Christmas after he died. I was crying and you saw me standing there alone. And that great big heart of yours was so soft…you moved over to make room for me and patted the seat, letting me know I should come sit for a while.

I was crying…trying so hard to regain my composure. You waited patiently for me to gather my wits about me. Finally, I leaned towards you. You leaned in to hear. “My husband died. I need a new heart.” I could almost hear your heart breaking for me. You put your arm around my shoulders and whispered back. “I’m so sorry.” Your voice was thick with emotion. You patted my back as my shoulders shook with sobs.

It wasn’t long till I got it together. I apologized for being such a mess. You said, “Nonsense. You’re perfect!” As I prepared to leave, you asked, “Won’t you have your picture taken with me?” My heart skipped a beat and for just a moment…a fleeting moment, I felt the joy of childhood as I nodded yes.

We took a photo, you and I…and we were bonded in that moment. I’ve written to you every year since that December day in 2013. I’ve related my progress as I’ve navigated this grief journey…my ups and downs. My successes and the stumbles. And here it is…2018…and have I got news for you!

I got married!!! Yes…it’s true! I came back to West Virginia two years ago. Along the way, I ran into my best guy pal from high school and, well…the rest is history! We were married in a field at his home. We were married by our lifelong friend…a pastor. And, Santa…he such a good man, my Mr. FixIt. We are two peas in a pod. He goes to church with me every Sunday. It is the first time I have been equally yoked in a marriage and it is amazing!

I just wanted to let you know I’m doing well. I still have moments where I experience grief. I always will…it is the price you pay for great love. I continue my mission of writing here and reaching others who are on the same journey. Thank you for being there for me that sad, sad day. Thank you for being my cheerleader. And thank you again…from the very bottom of my heart…for being real and asking Jesus to bring me a new heart. ❤️

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3 NIV

My Lot in Life

Sat, 16 Sep 2017 01:55:20 -0600

For those of you who’ve been following me for awhile, you remember what a struggle it was to downsize when I sold my house. Getting rid of 95% of my personal belongings just a year after losing Mr. Virgo was very stressful. I have been so careful not to accumulate “stuff” again. But, I’ve got to tell ya…this Country Living Fair is exceptional. I think this is my third in a row and it seems each one gets better. I will have to say, there were a lot more people here on opening day than the last two years. If that’s any indication of the overall attendance, we’re in for a whale of an event!

When you work a Fair such as this, you try to have enough people helping that you can take breaks and wander around. As I was walking over to the main stage for Janine’s talk yesterday, I spied some windmill vanes and stopped after to price them. The one in this photo was a half vane for $600! One with two less fins was $400. Still way out of my price range. My daughter’s sister-in-law has one she got from the family ranch and has it mounted on the wall in her dining room. I’d love to have one, but A) I’m not spending that kind of money and B) I don’t have anyplace to put it right now, and C) experiences before stuff. I could have a really great trip for $600.

Wandering the aisles of the fair is so tempting. I will tell you what I bought yesterday. A nice serving of Miss Parolee’s Kentucky Deep-Dish Blackberry Cobbler warmed up with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Windmill vane. Miss Parolee’s cobbler. I think I made the better choice! ❤️

“Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5:18-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The New Age of Aquarius

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 01:55:47 -0600

Ok, this eclipse thing is like, a really huge deal, apparently. I’ve been hearing for weeks that the swath of land cutting through the middle of the country where the total eclipse can be seen is going to be crazy. I mean, crazy…like, gridlock, no food or water, insufficient restroom and health facilities. Mayhem…THAT kind of crazy. When someone tells you something’s gonna get crazy, it’s hard to imagine just HOW crazy. But, this? This is really certifiably over the top. This picture is just the “early ticket holders” on private land where the Oregon Eclipse 2017, or QE17 as it is known, is getting up to speed. This is just the “early ticket holders”! Holy cats!

I’ve seen eclipses. I can’t tell you how many, but they’ve come and gone without half the country packing up the Winnebago and heading to the middle of the prairies of America with no reasonable expectation for finding any reliable services such as water, food, gas, propane, electricity, sewer, emergency healthcare. And the glasses? Yes, we were taught in science class at school not to stare at the sun. BIG safety tip because you’ll seriously go blind. But the glasses? They are really important because some people are just compelled to look AT something in order to SEE it. I’m that way.

Do you remember taking two pieces of card…like index cards…and poking a small pinhole in one. Then you position one card over the other so the sun shines through the hole and if you hold it just right, a perfect, albeit reversed, image of the sun appears on the card below. You can magnify it by pulling the card away from each other further. Simple.

I remember standing on the back deck of the house I shared with Hubby #2, cards in hand, watching a partial eclipse as I took a break from doing the laundry and cleaning house. It wasn’t an eclipse. The sky didn’t fall. I don’t know…everything seems to have taken on a circus-like atmosphere this year. I don’t get it. I mean, what happens if all these hundreds of thousands of people pay all this money and travel all this way putting themselves, and others, at risk and it…gasp…RAINS? I mean, it could happen.

I don’t mean to be a Debby Down and poop on your party. If you have big, huge, exciting plans for this solar event, and that’s your thing, then you go for it! Enjoy it. Take lots of pictures and soak up the experience. Come back and tell us all about it. Just…be careful. There’s crazy people out there hurting other people with cars and stuff. And don’t look directly at the sun. That’s definitely bad. And this is kinda crazy. oregoneclipse2017.com ❤️

“and contrary to my command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars in the sky,” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭17:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God's Armor

Mon, 01 May 2017 01:55:57 -0600

Coming home late at night means you don’t get to survey the grounds till morning. And, since the next morning was yesterday and I wanted to go to church, I didn’t get a chance to look around till afternoon. As I pulled up the driveway, I could see the top of this tree peeking around the end of the barn. There was a heavy storm here Friday night and it broke this dead tree off about four feet from the bottom and it came down right between the barn and the old pigpen. As you can see, somewhere along the line, some old furniture got dumped up behind the barn. And I put the straw bales from the kitties’ winter home up there after the thaw. Now I have a tree to cut up. It’s never a dull moment here on the farm.

The grass grew a good 6-8" while I was gone and we are due to have thunderstorms the next couple of days so I mowed late yesterday afternoon…in 94° heat! This after I walked an hour and climbed the Quincy Hill Steps three times. I packed my sports bra with ice packs, drank a liter of Powerade and went for it. I should have raised the mower a bit because now there are clumps of grass everywhere. Sigh.

The big excitement was driving home yesterday. I was coming around a curve when a guy flashed his lights at me so I slowed down. Up ahead, a state trooper was pulling people over. Everyone. I was confused and pull off the edge of the road when he drove down the line of cars yelling, “Get off on the grass! There’s a high speed pursuit coming!” I no sooner pulled into these people’s yard till an older model pickup came screaming around the curve up ahead with two state troopers in full on pursuit. The trooper who pulled us over swung around and joined in. I found out later it was a stolen truck and the guy had an outstanding warrant. He ran into a ditch and thankfully no one received serious injuries.

Like I said, never a dull moment in my life. And, God was watching over me, yet again. Giving praise where praise is due. ❤️

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Hiking the Farm

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 01:55:07 -0600

Processed with Snapseed.

Yesterday was glorious! Seventy-some degrees, intermittent clouds, gently breeze. I got my exercise by hiking up the hill to the back property line of the farm. There are seventy-four acres here to explore. It was gorgeous. I went to the old home place. The only thing left is the ruins of the old cellar house. I found a couple of old bottles and picked off some pieces of barn wood. It’s so fragile, you could almost crumble it in your hands. There were scraps of old leather boots and a chunk of glazed pottery from an old crock. The frogs were calling and the puddles were filled with tadpoles. As I came down the ridge below, I heard a racket back up at the strawberry barn and there were four or five huge buzzards coming in to roost for the night on the tin roof. On down the hill, I heard the call of the barred own I hear by the house occasionally. I made note of where the black raspberry patch is.

The yard was filled with dead limbs from the tree by the road so it took some time to get those hauled over to the brush pile. The peonies are up about a foot. The daffodils are in full bloom. There is a huge shrub in all the tangle by the creek that has exploded with deep coral pink blossoms. The rhododendron and boxwood by the drive are very healthy looking. Once the work and hike were done, I cooked up a huge batch of salmon cakes and steamed broccoli. After supper, I boxed up the leftovers and delivered them around to neighbors…something I’ve been wanting to do since I got here in August.

Yesterday was one of those days that makes you feel like you just got let out of jail. It was beautiful and liberating and I could finally breathe!

Ahhhh…the freedom of spring! ❤️

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#share, #blessed, #abundance

MENDING

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 03:00:02 -0600

In Japan, when a beautiful piece of pottery is broken, it is often mended with gold, thereby creating something even more beautiful. It is called kintsukuroi. The same can be done with the fractures of life. We often find ourselves broken to the point we feel we are beyond all repair. We’ve all been broken in one way or another…sometimes many times in many ways. When I was a very young children, I experienced a break when I was sexually abused. And then again when I was a teen. Later came two broken marriages and a bout of severe depression. And then…the loss of Mr. Virgo. How can you mend so many breaks and still hold fast the contents of the vessel?

The fractures from my youth and the breaks of my marriages were largely mended through therapy. I learned how to put things into perspective and picked up coping skills that served me well. I also used meditation, creative visualization, and exercise for stress management. There was quite a while in my middle age when I ascribed to every New Age idea that passed my way. I was big into crystals and smudging and having my cards read. I am not passing judgement on those things. There are many people I totally respect who follow different paths and faiths and modalities than mine. I do have to say though…from a totally personal perspective…I never achieved complete healing of my broken past until I gave up and let go of the tail of the kite and gave my life to Christ. Once I did that, the breaks and fractures and crevasses of my life and my heart were filled and my body, mind and heart were veined with the gold of God’s love. Kintsukuroi of the most Divine.

My heart still has cracks, and they are continually being filed in. But…let’s face it…the “kintsukuroi” of post grief will never make our hearts the same as they were before. There is certainly nothing beautiful in that kind of loss. We can achieve a beautiful life again. We can learn to live with a different heart. We can choose joy. We can be happy and strong. It doesn’t come fast…it doesn’t come easily…but it does come. ❤️

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭147:3‬ ‭NIV

TONIGHT'S PEACEFUL MOMENT

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 03:00:09 -0600

Tonight’s Peaceful Moment

This is Christmas!

Tonight’s Peaceful Moment Link

Be Brave

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 02:30:33 -0600

I was always a little weird. Never picked for first string on any team. Never felt totally comfortable in my skin. My nose was too big or I was too loud. I didn't come from money and I had no self esteem. Few people really "got me" but those that did were my strongest and loudest proponents.
As I walked the path of "wife", I was not always in the most nurturing environment. I questioned myself and my abilities. I measured my self worth through the opinions of others. I was so afraid. My deep seated fear of abandonment kept me in situations long after they became unhealthy. I was a withering vine. I felt weirder than ever. Why wasn't I like the other wives? It was crazy making.

As I walked the path of "mother", I hovered and directed and lived vicariously in ways that choked my children's self confidence. With #2 especially. I wasn't strong in my faith and raised children who have little to none. That saddens me. I failed them in many ways. But I love them fiercely so I pray that makes up the difference.

Mr. Virgo was, quite literally, my gift from God. That first year we were together, I related story after story reflecting beliefs about myself and time after time, he held my hand and looked in my eyes. In his most sincere voice he said "Sweetheart, that simply is not true." Over and over. He convinced me of my worth. He showed me I have value. He brought me closer to God. He explained that the world is more beautiful with me in it. He told me I changed his life and made him a better man. Through all of this, he taught me survival skills I did not have. God knew I needed Mr. Virgo. And He knew he didn't have much time, so He had to work really hard and fast to help me find myself.

When that sweet man, my best friend, cheerleader, and life coach died, my world was shaken and I slipped back a bit. I forgot some of the lessons while I was lost in the fire. But the fog has lifted and I am brave again. I embrace my quirks and differences. My nose is the perfect size for my face. My laugh is contagious. Money doesn't matter. And it's ok if people don't always "get me". I do.

Normal is overrated. It is a laundry setting. It's too far in the box. Face the world with the courage to embrace your weirdness!

❤️

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Sweet ColoraDOUGH!

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 01:30:00 -0600

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!

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.

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!

❤

Read all about Sweet ColoraDOUGH here...a locally owned coffee and donut shop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

"A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth."
Proverbs 11:16