Marshmallow Ranch

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 02:45:38 -0600

Taking the day off! I worked all weekend and by last night, I was whupped. Today I’m going to knitting group then hopefully we can have a nice day together.

Here is one of Mr. Fixit’s roses. I love the color of this one!

See you tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

#rest #refresh #relaxing #recharge

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Sun, 25 Oct 2026 20:58:34 -0600

Sunday Evening Prayer Circle

Please pray for:

Pray for AH and family as he continues to recover after a heart attack.

Pray for RO and JO and family as they struggle with health issues.

Pray for the people working in the polling places. Early voting is still going on in some places.

Pray for those in the path of violence, shootings, arson, etc. Is the world getting more violent or has it always been this way and the spotlight has focused on evil?

Everyone in the path of severe weather. And those who are hungry and need shelter.

The people of Ukraine as they prepare to enter a bitter winter. Hopefully it is not without helpers.

Pray for all the helpers who run to these tragedies and help wherever they can.

Also, please pray for:

Debbie in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

P.B.S. for her recent eye surgery and glaucoma.

GB’s continued recovery from her elbow injury. (Prayers answered but still needs improvement)

BB’s cancer treatments to be effective.

Pray these wicked storms slow down.

Pray for peace, wisdom, strength and courage for us all. You all are loved!

Please feel free to add your own prayers in the comments so we can pray for you, as well.

🙏

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

#prayer #prayers #prayer #circle #prayercircle

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Sun, 25 Oct 2026 02:45:08 -0600

Never Forget How We Felt

When I went to the courthouse for papers the other day, I saw this monument where I parked my truck. It is our town’s 9/11 Memorial. We lost a young lady when the South Tower came down.

This is an actual piece of the South Tower salvaged from the wreckage during demolition. It’s mounted in an opening in a block of polished black stone.

I walked up quietly out of respect. I read the names and dates and sentiments. Then I slowly reached up and rested my hand on the cold metal of a twisted I-beam that once helped support tons and tons of concrete and metal and all the things an office would generally hold.

It also held people.

Workers on computers and telephones. Settling in for another day on the job. For so many, it was their LAST day on the job.

It’s hard to describe the feeling that rushed through my body as I rested my hand and prayed. I prayed for the victims. For their families. For the survivors. For the helpers…the firemen, police, medics, and all the helpers who bravely ran towards danger instead of away to safety.

Yes, I know it’s October. I know Patriot Day recently passed. That’s not what I want to write about today. I’m not writing about politics, per se…even though it circles the fire where it sits.

I heard President Obama’s speech in Ohio yesterday. He quoted a 25-year-old Dr. Martin Luther King.

“We haven’t learned how to be just, we haven’t learned how to be honest and kind and true and loving and that is the basis of our problem. The real problem is that through our scientific genius we have made a world of neighborhood, but through our moral and our spiritual genius we failed to make it a brotherhood."

In other words, we’ll never get back to being kind and gentle people if we keep practicing division. A house divided will fall…every time. I want to see the good in the country. I want to be one of the “Thousand Points of Light” President Bush spoke of. I want to make sure there is no child left behind. I want to Feed the Children. I want to Teach the World to Sing. Because Jesus Loves the Little Children. I want to hold hands and sing “We Are the World.”

Jesus explicitly commanded this from us.

I’m not naive enough to think we can blink or wiggle our noses and the world will sparkle again…not in a hurry, anyway. But I do have one thing that gives me the courage to keep trying.

Hope.

It has seemed to be in short supply here of late. But it’s there…simmering in the ashes of burnt coals. We just have to blow some breath back into our world. Take in a deep breath and breathe hope back into the world. For me, I find that hope in Jesus. Wherever you find even the smallest spark of goodness, put some tinder on it and blow.

Resuscitate your little light and soon, the fire will become stronger and stronger till we can see each other again.

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

#goodness #kindness #KindnessMatters #HopeAndHealing #hopeful #hope #HopeInGod

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Sat, 24 Oct 2026 02:45:07 -0600

Exploring Local History

We went to the county courthouse yesterday to take advantage of early voting. Mr. FixIt and I studied the sample ballot so we would be sure we knew exactly who we were voting for. I wish I could say we voted early so we could avoid the crowds on Election Day but that’s a farce. We live in the country. The county seat, sure. But there are never more than three or four people in line to vote at any given time around here.

As we came out, I asked Mr. FixIt to wait for a minute. I wanted to take time to photograph the cannons on the front lawn. They’ve intrigued me for years but I finally felt compelled to dig a little deeper.

We have a friend here who is knee deep in the history of this area. He lives in a beautiful red brick home across from the courthouse. It used to belong to the town doctor in the late 1800’s, I believe. I was sure if there was anyone who would know about the cannons, it would be Richard.

I sent him the first picture. I had no idea what the GAR was or why they would have the cannons on cement pedestals. Turns out, GAR stands for Grand Army of the Republic. The GAR was a Fraternal Brotherhood who provided a social network and support system to veterans of the Civil War who had survived the trauma and injuries. Its purpose was to help these soldiers bond and heal from the ravages of war.

The GAR successfully campaigned for expanded pensions for disabled veterans, widows, and orphans helping to establish the framework for modern American Veteran entitlements.

The two cannons once stood on their field carriages however, the inclement West Virginia weather soon rotted the wood away. Those ugly cement bases replaced the original field carriages somewhere along the way.

Here’s a little known fact. If these are indeed authentic Revere Copper Company bronze Napoleons, the barrels alone could fetch between $40,000 and $75,000…each…if sold at a high end historic arms auction. If the barrel was paired with a fully restored, period accurate wooden field carriage and limber chest, the value could easily soar past $100,000 to $150,000+ per unit. And there they sit.

The GAR formally dissolved in 1956 following the death of its last member, Albert Woolson.

I love learning more about our little hole-in-the-wall town. It is rich in history…some of it quite colorful.

Picture 1: The GAR has permanently loaned these two cannons to the citizens of our county.

Picture 2: A photo of the courthouse during an event, likely taken in 1915. You can see the same cannon on the left is still mounted on its field carriage. The original of this photo hangs in my friend’s living room.

Pictures 3, 4, and 5: These were all taken inside the bell tower by our friend, Richard. I love being in town when the bells chime the hour.

Picture 6: This was taken at the courthouse during the Centennial celebrations.

We talked about the long history of oil and gas exploration and development in our area the other day. I have really come to love and appreciate this little burg!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

#grandarmyoftherevolution #civil #war #civilwar #history

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Fri, 23 Oct 2026 02:45:52 -0600

Time for a Break

I told Mr. FixIt last night that it doesn’t matter HOW long I clean the kitchen…

IT. IS. NEVER. DONE!

Granted, it looked a lot better by the end of the day. But during all that cleaning, I cut up a huge boneless pork shoulder, rubbed it with yummy herbs and spices, seared it in the Dutch Oven, and put it in to bake slowly for about five hours. When that got cleaned up, I made a batch of Corn Meal Mush. I packaged some to take to Mrs. FixIt 1.0 today, cleaned the kitchen for a third time.

By that time, the pork was ready and we had BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Once the leftovers were put away, I said “Time Out!” I was done for the day!

In between all this cooking, I went out for a little walkabout. I keep checking that web where Mr. Fixit saw a spider just like “Backdoor Charlotte.” I got close enough to see the zigzag pattern on the web and I knew it was a Black and Yellow Garden Spider. I looked around for any other sign and there it was. A spider nest tucked under the eaves of the attic above the family room window. I was SO excited! I can’t get up that high to move the nest so we’ll just have to watch for the babies in the spring. (I still haven’t moved Charlotte’s nest!)

While I was cleaning in the living room, I looked up at one of the bird feeders stuck on the outside of the picture window. There was a “cup and saucer” web like the ones I saw in the pollinator fields a couple of weeks ago. The only difference was, The little spider was there that created this amazing little architectural edifice. What a perfect spot! Protected from the elements AND gives us a “bird’s eye view,” so to speak.
Mand finally, there is the REAL Wooly Bear Caterpillar. He has a pretty wide brown band so, according folklore, we’re going to have a mild winter. Let’s wait and see!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

#garden #spider #gardenspider #cookingathome #cooking #DutchOven #pulled #pork

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Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:46:02 -0600

Frosty Fall

We’re having frost every morning right now. The highs during the days are in the 60’s and it’s SWEATER WEATHER!

Mr. FixIt had to go to town yesterday to work on his buddy’s bathroom. Again…I had big plans at home but something came up and I had to run to town. As I’m sure you know by now, we live about twenty miles out of town. So you don’t just go for one little thing. I make a day of it and nothing much gets checked off my list.

I received a certified package over the weekend and it turned out to be a proposal to lease some mineral rights I had no idea I, along with about a hundred or more distant relatives, inherited from a great uncle. He and his wife had no children. His wife’s family owned some mineral rights she had inherited that went to him when she passed away. He didn’t have a will, and with no children, the mineral rights just hung around in a record book at the County Clerk’s Office all these years. Then, a large oil and gas production company hired a land man to search for all the heirs to these rights because they want to drill. And I am one of them, apparently.

Some may not approve of drilling but here in WV, minerals and timber are our richest inheritance. Oil was originally discovered in this area in the late 1700’s. Many people dug saltwater wells in the early 1800’s to produce salt. When they hit oil instead, they switched to oil production. The first intentional commercial oil well was drilled just about five miles from me. I remember when I was a little girl, the well tender would travel the hills around Grandma’s house and kick on the hit-and-miss engines for the wells about once a week. It’s a very distinctive sound. CRACK CRACK CRACK!

It was fun when the land man and I spoke on the phone. I was looking at my Ancestry tree and helping the guy connect the dots that led to me. Fascinating!

Consequently, I had to run to town to get a certified copy of a paper I needed. There went my plans out the window. Since I was in town anyway, I went to the grocery store for a big stock up.

As I perused the meat cases, I ran different meal plans through my head. There was a nice boneless pork shoulder. You rarely see them boneless so I grabbed that. There was a pot roast with some veggies to put in the crockpot. Upon inspection, the best by date was October 20th. I asked customer service if they could knock something off for me, but instead, they took it away and said they couldn’t sell it at all since it was beyond the date.

I asked the lady what they were going to do with it and she dropped her gaze.

“You’re going to throw it away, aren’t you?”

She nodded yes. “We can’t sell it for legal reasons.”

“I’m not worried about the legal reasons. I’m worried about the MORALITY of throwing away perfectly good food when there are folks who are starving…right here in our own community. I know there are programs that work with stores to put these groceries into the hands of those who need them. I’m going to have to check into that because this is ridiculous.

On my way home, I stopped at our favorite ice cream parlor for a big scoop in a waffle cone. This is their second season and they’ve decided to stay open all winter!

Yay for ice cream!!!

I’ll try again today to knock some more stuff off my to do list. Who knows what will get in my way this time!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

#frost #todo #list #todolist #icecream

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Wed, 21 Oct 2026 02:45:53 -0600

Y’all…I had my whole day planned out. I really did. Then this and that took over and before I knew it, it was 9:00! I had very little to show for it, save for a quick trip to the grocery store. Then I had to clean out the fridge to make room for the stuff. Then I had to empty the science experiments so I could put the containers in with dishes that needed doing. I ran hot water over them.

Then the phone call that took me away from all that. Something about Mineral Rights. I’m following up on that…maybe I had a long lost rich uncle somewhere!

No sooner done till my old friend, The Cowboy called to catch up. Forever larger than life, an opinionated man with a quick wit and a sharp mind, but he had a pretty profound stroke a couple of years ago and he works so hard to talk and do his daily routine. If he calls, I get a cup of coffee and patiently listen to stories of his days as a Marine and how proud he is of his children and grandchildren. He says the “Old Man” hasn’t ushered him to the door yet so he’s doing ok for the shape he’s in.

I had hardly hung up till my cousin called to catch me up with a health scare they’re dealing with. Please keep AH & TH in your prayers.

By the time that was all done, it was nearly 6:00 and the groceries still weren’t put away! Mr FixIt came home and I apologized profusely that I didn’t get more done. Then I thought to myself…the dishes will be there tomorrow. The Cowboy and my cousin needed me right then.

Priorities.

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

#groceries #shopping #family #friends #priorities #prioritize #people #prioritizepeople

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Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:45:51 -0600

Foggy Bottom, Sunny Sky

I awoke early enough to catch the frost. The sun creeping up the far hill spread liquid gold on every changing leaf. The sky, a cerulean blue. A crisp 36° had me reaching for a sweater and long fleece-lined leggings.

Scooter, the new truck, has an incredible defrost function. Within a minute or so, the windshield began to clear enough that the wipers cleared away the frost. And that heated seat was most welcome! It works a lot better than Freda the 2013 Ford did.

I climbed the hill into the sun. As I crested the top, I could see the river basin filled with low lying clouds. AKA fog. What an incredible vista. I looked in the rearview mirror and there was no one behind me so I pulled over and turned on the emergency flashers. I HAD to catch a photo of this incredible view. To think these things happen all the time, but only a lucky few get to capture it!

Knitting was fun. All four of us were there for the first time in what feels like ages. Loretta showed us her bow tie quilt top she’s nearly finished piecing. It’s so pretty! Colleen was doing needle punch and Sandy was crocheting a basket. I worked on the pretty pastel green sweater I’m making for my sister in Florida. I’m about halfway through the first sleeve. Then I’ll only have the other sleeve and the collar/placket up the front, around the neck, and down the other side. This is why I don’t knit something big with little needles and yarn.

It. Takes. For-ev-er!

I can’t wait to get back to socks or something else quick.

Mr. FixIt goes to town today to do some finishing touches on his buddy’s shower that he tiled. That gives me the day to get some serious work done around here. We’re out of bread so that’s a must!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

#knitting #sweater #cleaning #baking #freshmilledflour

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Mon, 19 Oct 2026 02:45:51 -0600

Nothing’s Too Small

Mr. Virgo bought me diamond earrings for our first married Christmas. I’ve worn them just about every day since. One of the studs has a tendency to unwind and hang precipitously and I’ve caught it just in time. As a matter of fact, Ive actually lost it twice and prayed for Jesus to come help me find it. He always has.

I’ve made it a habit to check every morning. I tightened it yesterday morning and never thought a thing about it. Last night, I took my evening pills and went to lay down when I heard something drop on the sheet. I thought maybe I’d dropped a pill, but…

It was the earring that works loose!

I decided to just take both of them out and see about getting new backs on them rather than risk really losing one.

It got down to 33° Saturday with more of the same for the coming days. I took a nap in the camper yesterday afternoon, then decided enough was enough. I’ll sleep in the house now unless there is a fluke in the temperature.

This is always a bit of a sad day for me. I love that little camper and we really didn’t get to use it much this year. I’ll get her all cleaned up and winterized and put her to bed till spring.

Mr. Fixit wanted sausage gravy and biscuits yesterday. I don’t know why, but it seemed like it took forever! I’ve never been good at keeping the dishes washed as I cook and the kitchen looked like a bomb went off! It feels like cooking and washing dishes is all I get done.

This morning is knitting group. We haven’t met regularly this fall so I’m hoping this is the beginning of some good “girl time!”

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

#diamond #DiamondEarrings #frost #fallvibes

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Sun, 18 Oct 2026 16:56:15 -0600

Sunday Evening Prayer Circle

Please pray for:

Those in the path of violence, shootings, arson, etc. Is world getting more violent or has it always been this way and the spotlight has focused on evil?

Everyone in the path of severe weather. And those who are hungry and need shelter.

The people of Ukraine as they prepare to enter a bitter winter. Hopefully it is not without helpers.

Pray for all the helpers who run to these tragedies and help wherever they can.

Also, please pray for:

Debbie in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

P.B.S. for her recent eye surgery and glaucoma.

GB’s continued recovery from her elbow injury. (Prayers answered but still needs improvement)

DM and BM for his broken ankle and her broken leg. (Prayers answered)

BB’s cancer treatments to be effective.

Pray these wicked storms slow down.

Pray for peace, wisdom, strength and courage for us all. You all are loved!

Please feel free to add your own prayers in the comments so we can pray for you, as well.

🙏

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

#prayer #prayers #prayer #circle #prayercircle

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Sun, 18 Oct 2026 02:45:35 -0600

It’s Time

Frost. There, I said it…the F-word! Freeze. TWO F-words!

sigh

Mr. FixIt and I put the mums under the deck. He says that will protect them from frost. Hmmm…I’m skeptical but I trust him. We also scrounged up some old sheets to cover the roses with because they’re still blooming.

I just read an article about “30 Things to Get Rid of Before the Holidays.” Old sheets that don’t match any of your beds? If we did that, what would we cover the flowers with when there are late spring frosts and early fall ones? Nope, I’ll keep those sheets. And the pillow cases that are mismatched. Who am I…a gazillionaire?

“Get rid of kitchen gadget you don’t use.”

clutches heart

You take that back right now! You’ll have to pry my milk frother and French press out of my cold, dead fingers!

Pens that don’t work.

Yeah, ok…might as well take them all. I think I have a crayon around here somewhere.

Seriously, who thinks these things up? Gen-X Barbie? I have news for her, I have a set of plastic storage containers that once held fake butter that I use for leftovers. They’re older than she is. That’s WV Tupperware, sweetheart!

Ok, I will confess we have WAY too much junk in this house and it’s getting out of hand. I thought I’d tackle one room yesterday, but…..football! C’mon…WV beat Cincinnati 45-42 yesterday! Go ‘eers!

I made homemade pizza for the game and when it was done, I was thinking about going out to the camper. I have an electric blanket out there, too. I’d be fine. Then Mr. FixIt reminded me the power will be out from 1am to 5am for system upgrades. Yeah, I’m tough, but… I just brought my things in here. Which brings me to what I accomplished yesterday.

I put the blankets on my bed.

There!

dusts off hands

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

#frost #freezing #winterize

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Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:45:54 -0600

Storing Grains

I’m almost finished putting the grains to bed for goodness knows how long.

It was a long day so I’ll just share the photos since I’ve talked about this I. Other posts.

Picture 1:
Lining a clean five gallon food safe bucket with a 14ml Mylar bag.

Picture 2:
You can see how it has a flat bottom to use all the space.

Picture 3:
Brown rice. I poured it in a clean bucket first to visually check for contaminates.

Picture 4:
Here you see the rice in the bag.

Picture 5:
Deoxygenator packets kill bugs or eggs of any little critters that hitched a ride from the farm.

Picture 6:
Zip the Mylar bag closed.

Picture 7:
Seal the opening with shot hair straightener. Fold a piece of parchment paper over the edge to keep the plastics from sticking to your straightener.

Picture 8:
Fold sealed bag over to tuck into bucket completely.

Picture 9:
Spin the gamma lid into the ring on the bucket rim and tighten

Be sure to label the buckets with the contents, the origin, and the date you packaged them. Then store in a cool, dark, and dry place. They should last up to 20 years or so.

This has been a bit of a chore but I’ve only worked on it sporadically over the last month. Restocking will be much easier to handle because I won’t run out of everything at once.

I’m hoping to bake today!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

#whole #grains #wholegrains #bulk #storage #BulkStorage

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Fri, 16 Oct 2026 02:45:49 -0600

Night Reading

I’m making a concerted effort to cut my screen time and information overload. I’m going to have to stop watching the news again. The elementary school shooting and the errant driver who accidentally drove through a day care yesterday just broke me. I get hundreds of political texts and emails. I get notifications about weather and accidents in my area not to mention social media. I need to do a better job of policing this inflow of info. It’s too much.

I’ve decided to replace all this doom and gloom with love and light. I know, I know…I’ve said that before. But addictions are hard to let go of and the compulsive need to know and the fear of missing out are monkeys on my back. I’ve quit other addictions. I can do this, too.

When we were on our camping trip last week, I stepped into a thrift shop. As I checked out, I found this book on the counter.

“Hmmmm, what’s this?”

“Oh, someone was going to buy this and decided not to.”

Max Lucado. I haven’t read much of his writing, but I would like to read more. And for 50¢? This book came home with me!

We went to appointments yesterday and I wore my new sweatshirt.

“Can’t throw stones while washing feet.”

True words, indeed.

Several women stopped me and smiled and told me they liked my sweatshirt.

Sometimes the quiet testaments deliver the message better than pounding on a pulpit with a megaphone.

If you’ve read this, or any really compelling books lately…drop the info in the comments. We need to get our winter reading lined up!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.””
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

MaxLucado #MaxLucado #ChristianEncouragement #FilterTheNoise #faith

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Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:45:24 -0600

The Camping Queen

I’ve been staying out in the camper as much as I can on these cool nights. Before I know it, the temps will plunge and it will be too cold to sleep out there. I emptied all the water out after our camping trip last week but I haven’t winterized Gracie yet. Soon…soon.

Sigh.

The weatherman said to expect heavy rain and thunderstorms later this evening so Mr. Fixit and I went out to mow in the afternoon. I was moving right along…mulching leaves and getting the yard ready for winter. I had to stop the mower and get off every once in a while. After about the third time, I noticed the mower started acting wonky. The switch to engage the clutch and the mower deck wasn’t working right. It fizzled out till it won’t turn on at all. It almost acted like it hadn’t had oil in it and was burned up. But Mr. FixIt and I both checked the oil and it was fine.

Finally, it gave a great sigh and died. It was sad. Well, more than that actually…we both felt sick over it. I did what I always do. I quickly handed the mess over to God and I believe He will take care of the problem in due course. No need to worry.

In the meantime, we were definitely done for the day. I warmed up the sauce from Tuesday and cooked some pasta. Leftover spaghetti and leftover chili both taste so much better the second, and even third day.

We’ve been overrun with spiders this year. They. Are. Everywhere. In every nook and cranny, outside and in, from little tiny spiders to nickel sized varieties that run like the wind. Now…I love spiders. Mr. FixIt does NOT. I’m the great spider trapper (snakes, too). I turned my pollinator gardens into pollinator meadows this spring. We also had trouble keeping up with the mowing around the house this year. Consequently, we have all varieties of diminutive livestock surprising us every time we walk around a corner. So, I acquiesced to a little bit of spray around the windows and the door jams to deter them from crawling over our faces at night. I HATE it, but we went with the least amount that we could and made sure it didn’t drift. I feel so guilty…like I’m killing my friends. I mean, we live in the country. We had to treat for termites about 4-5 years ago so it has to be done from time to time.

Mr. FixIt’s precious roses are still blooming. I know it won’t be long and they’ll freeze and go dormant till next summer. We’ll enjoy them as long as we can!

One of the pictures shows a little “Hobbit hole” in the mown grass around the meadow’s edge. We have a lot of moles, voles, field mice, and chipmunks. Even snakes that can make that round entrance into what must look like a forest to little critters, so who know what was coming and going through there.

The guys will be out before long to brush hog the fields and put them to bed for winter. That’s when I’ll know the summer is really gone and it’s time to prepare for the holidays. I have so many indoor projects on my list this winter!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#mowing #autumn #spiders #spiderseverywhere #pollinatorgardens #meadow #reclamation #meadowreclamation

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Wed, 14 Oct 2026 02:45:08 -0600

Good Eyes

When I had my eyelid surgery this summer, they gave me a pair of those ugly old person sunglasses that you wear over your prescription glasses. I usually wear clip-ons but I couldn’t find them fast enough so I grabbed those. They were uncomfortable so I took my prescription glasses off and put the old lady gasses on alone.

I was shocked. I could see!

I took the sunglasses off and…

I could SEE!

What the hey?

I’ve had to wear glasses to see distances since I was in 7th grade. Now all of a sudden I could see to read street signs and landmarks from quite a distance. Of course, my arms aren’t long enough to stretch out when I try to see close up. But that is what readers are for, right?

Last night, Mr. FixIt and I celebrated our anniversary at Western Sizzlin’ Steak House. As I stood and looked at the menus behind the register, I had to smile. There was a time in my life that I’d have been insulted if we didn’t go out somewhere fancy to celebrate such an important date as an anniversary or a birthday. And now, here I am at 73…choosing steak tips (hold the peppers…they don’t agree with me) and a baked potato from the Senior Menu….happy as a little clam because I was where I wanted to be…with my sweet man.

There was nothing wrong with me back in my former lives. I’m just a different person now…and I like this Ginny much more!

So, back to the good vision. We always like to look out the window when we’re at a restaurant. (And the lighting is better because it’s still daylight out when we eat dinner!)

I looked out across the parking lot and spotted our truck. There was something hanging down from under the engine. Oh, no…we just bought this truck! Please don’t let anything be wrong with it!

We finished our meal and paid, then we headed out to the truck. I knew it was going to be me getting down on the ground in the parking lot to see what was going on under there. Turns out it was a piece of the dust cover that helps keep the engine clean. The material it’s made from feels like a heavy felt. There was no ripping it. And I had nothing to cut it with. So I tucked it up over the control arm. (That’s part of the suspension.) It was still there when we got home so it’ll do till we can get a replacement.

So, yeah…it was the best anniversary and I wouldn’t have changed a thing!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#anniversary #dinner #anniversarydinner #WesternSizzlin #steak #mechanical #aptitude #mechanicalaptitude #fordf150 #happy #ever #after #happyeverafter

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Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:45:24 -0600

Eight Years

We had a big tent erected in the near field. We decorated it with pumpkins and hay bales and old quilts. We served smoked pork butt sandwiches from my smoker along with chips and slaw. And of course, there was cake.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate with us. It was SO cold! We had propane heaters scattered around but we were so excited, we didn’t feel it.

We’ve known each other since 10th grade. Never sweethearts till fate brought us together when we were old enough for Medicare. That happens more than you might think.

We’ve had some rough patches but not between us. It’s been from extraneous circumstances. We just lean in closer when the winds blow and ride the waves when the sun shines.

Happy Anniversary to us…two peas in a pod!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#anniversary #memories #true #love #truelove #goals #so #happy #sohappy #sohappyandblessed

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Mon, 12 Oct 2026 02:46:01 -0600

Do Good to ALL People!

I sometimes have to remind myself that my judgement of others WILL come back and bite me in the butt one of these days. In these troubling times, the divisive rhetoric from BOTH sides isn’t helpful and just pushes us further apart.

When we were camping last week and ran into our friends Sandy and Todd, I was struck by how peaceful she was. Her and Todd both just radiated love and joy. They’re a few years older than us and purposefully seek a calm and productive life. Sandy is an avid birdwatcher and photographer. Todd loves his ham radio and visits with his buddies every morning for an hour and a half. They talk about everything but politics.

You know, there was a time when politics and religion were not socially acceptable conversation. A person’s beliefs were private and our not so distant ancestors would be appalled at the ease with which people share their opinions about your personal beliefs.

Sandy and Todd don’t watch the news. They don’t engage in politics with others. If they see something on social media that they find objectionable, they scroll right on past. It never even crosses their minds to impose their tenets on others.

They aren’t clueless. They know what they believe and who they think will deliver, but they are the same as me. They believe you are what you eat and if you ingest bitterness and hatred, there is where your heart will follow.

I’m not one to stick my head in the sand. I watch and educate myself on the matters of the day. But I find when I slip back into the old habits of watching the news and being TOO aware of all these cussed political texts that come to my phone, it is poison to my soul. I contribute where I want, I help where I can, yet I was still feeling bombarded from every direction.

I was a little under the weather this weekend and I spent hours going through my texts and emails…blocking sites, replying “STOP” or “END” to countless operatives I let weasel into my personal space. In just two days, the number of political contribution requests have trickled to just a handful. I already feel more at ease.

I try to walk the path of Jesus. I try to always lead with love. I try to not judge lest I be judged in the same way. Loving ALL people can seem like a tall order these days, but we have to ask ourselves…WWJD?

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#love #peaceandlove #peaceofmind #peace

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Sun, 11 Oct 2026 02:45:53 -0600

Critters and Kettle Corn

We had one of those lay low days that one can sometimes enjoy after a trip. Sort of the vacation from your vacation. That was us yesterday.

We didn’t eat “brunch” till 1:30! Eggs, fresh-grated hash-browns, and bacon. What a feast! I didn’t eat much of anything the rest of the day. As Grandma used to say, we were lazy bones.

It was a grey and gloomy day that anticipated rain. It finally showed up around 5:00 or so and fell steady all evening. I came out to the camper so I could listen to the raindrops on the roof. It’s a lovely way to sleep.

It was almost 11:00pm when I gathered my things to come out to the camper and write my post. I got to the steps going down into the family room when I thought we had carried a wet leaf in from the yard. I bent down to get a closer look and saw it was an uninvited houseguest in the form of an Eastern Newt. I placed a plastic container over him, slid a piece of heavy card paper under him and carried him outside. I’m sure he would much rather be out there in the rain and mud than dehydrating on our carpet.

The other critters are a Green Tree Cricket. Without it arching his wings to serenade a lady tree cricket, I couldn’t tell for sure…but it may have been a Snowy Tree Cricket. For those of you may watch Big Bang Theory, there was an episode where the boys caught a cricket in their apartment. Howard thought it was a common field cricket but Sheldon insisted it was a Snowy Tree Cricket. They took it to the Entomology Professor (who was retiring to Oxnard. And not the Oxnard at the beach! No, he was going to Oxnard in the godforsaken onion fields!) He confirmed, it was a plain old ordinary field cricket.

But, I digress.

The third critter photo is what we grew up calling a Wooly Worm or Wooly Bear Caterpillar. Appalachian folklore says that all black indicates a particularly harsh and cold winter. Now, I can’t accurately attest to that because this little lady is actually a Giant Leopard Moth caterpillar and not the standard Isabella Tiger Moth caterpillar that folklore talks about. Eh…apples and oranges. It really doesn’t matter. The National Weather Service has been warning of a long cold winter with heavy snows due to a particularly strong El Niño this year so I’ll say that the caterpillar knows what she’s talking about.

The last picture is a whole tree full of Turkey Tail fungus. They grow on dead or dying trees. There are lookalike mushrooms out there that mimic the TurkeyTail that are harmful, so unless you are a trained Mycologist, just take pictures and leave this stuff alone.

That’s it for now. I hope it gently rains all day! And I hope you are safe from any bad storms.

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

““ ‘Of the animals that move along the ground, these are unclean for you: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink and the chameleon.”
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭11‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#turkeytailmushroom #treecricket #EasternNewt #wooly #bear #woolybear #caterpillar

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Sat, 10 Oct 2026 02:45:12 -0600

The Best of Times

Y’all, this was the best three days Mr. FixIt and I have spent together in a while. The last year was pretty rough. We didn’t really have time, nor the inclination, to go off and do something just for the two of us.

The campground wasn’t busy. The weather was perfect. The crystal blue skies made the changing of the leave just pop! You know the scene…sweaters, the whiff of campfire smoke, the sounds and sights of native birds. The only thing we didn’t do was fish and we didn’t even miss it.

We were sitting around our little fire ring on Wednesday afternoon and noticed the little fiberglass camper parked across from us. It suddenly dawned on me who this was!

Sandy and Todd! We first met them a few years ago at the same campground and have seen them there a few times since. They’re a little older than us but we have so much in common. She and I both worked in medicine and the guys were both mechanical engineers. She’s into birdwatching and I’m into pollinator gardening.

I don’t know if you remember several years ago when we first met them. In our conversation, it came around to what brought us here. I told her I had lost a husband in Colorado, bought a camper, and traveled around the country by myself for the better part of four years. She asked where in Colorado and I said Glenwood Springs. Sandy got a surprised look on her face.

“I met you there! We were staying in the Best Western and we talked to you at the front desk! You were on your way to WV!”

OMGosh! Of course I remembered them. Sometime later, Sandy sent me a picture of Big TOW-Wanda in the hotel parking lot and asked if that was my camper. Indeed, it was!

Small world!

As we visited, they told us they rode on the Valley Gem that day. This time I lit up and said our granddaughter had worked on that boat for a couple of years. She smiled and said, “He told us about her. She learned to do everything on the boat and he was hoping to train her to be a riverboat captain!”

Yep, that’s her. She has young kids though and she needed to be around. Riverboat captains are away a lot.

Small world, indeed!

Sandy and Todd live in a tourist town in southeast West Virginia. I asked her if she knew a nurse I knew in Colorado who was from the same town they live in. Well, of course she knew her, and her parents.

Ok, so…it’s a REALLY small world!

They left before we got up yesterday. She left me the bouquet of flowers she had at their campsite. What sweet people!

Picture 1: A gorgeous Monarch showing off her colors against a magnificent autumn sky.
Picture 2: Saddleback or Pheasant back fungus.
Picture 3: The mighty Ohio River in the autumn.
Picture 4: The same view at dawn. (My friend Sandy took this. I didn’t even know it looks so pretty this early in the day! 😉)
Picture 5: A huge multi trunked elm tree in the campground. (A tornado passed through there last month and the trees looked pretty rough.)
Picture 6: Me and Sandy. She rides her bike all around the campground every day.
Picture 7: “Gracie” at Leith Run Recreation Area.

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#campinglife #fall #camping #FallCamping #leithruncampground

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Fri, 09 Oct 2026 09:56:46 -0600

Looky-Looin’

Came to town to check out an antique store. I snapped a few pics.

The street with the train track going town the middle is a working freight train! The pumpkins, etc. are at a produce stand.

Heading home tomorrow!

Till then, dear ones…

Ginny #fallvibes🍁 #falldecor #pumpkins #gourds #stmaryswv

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Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:46:00 -0600

No Cell Service! Yippee!!!
Love this river!

Ginny

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Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:45:57 -0600

The Right Place

We didn’t gather for knitting yesterday so I headed to town for a few last minute items for the camping trip. I’ve been enjoying these cool evenings snuggled under the electric blanket, listening to the owls. Then, lo and behold, the electric blanket on my bed died sometime during the night. It’s getting down into the 40’s now. We cannot have this! Last time I bought the cheapest blanket I could find. It was three years ago, but I’ll bet I didn’t use it fifty times total. So, I went up a couple of steps in quality and it’s much better.

As I was driving in town, I had the wipers on to clear the dew from the windshield. The leaves were gently falling in a shower of red, yellow, and gold. A little leaf caught my eye and, as fate would have it, planted itself in my windshield wiper.

There it stayed, that errant little leaf…stuck someplace it didn’t belong. It reminded me of the times in my life when I’ve found myself stuck in a place I didn’t belong. How many times have I wished I knew then what I know now? Youth is wasted on the young, I’m tellin’ ya.

Right now there are a lot of us that may feel like we’re stuck where we don’t belong, but I’m reminded that there’s nothing here that is permanent. It never has been. It never will be. No house or car or politician will ever be permanent. Letting go of the idea that you’re in control heals many ills.

On the other hand…

God is permanent.

He will never change and He will never forsake us. So, the point is…if you find yourself in an intolerable position, make like a leaf in the fall. You’re feet aren’t nailed to the ground. Even if the change is minor. Just remember to hold hands with Jesus and He’ll show you the way.

Just as I had that epiphany, the little leaf broke away from my windshield wipers and swirled out of sight. As I said, I’ve been in places in my life where, for one reason or another, left me stuck. But, once I let go of the illusion of being in control of any of this earthly chaos, my whole world opened up to endless possibilities. And…just when I wasn’t looking, in walked Mr. FixIt!

Do I think of the myriad directions my life could have taken?

Less and less often as time goes by.

I’m standing right where I want to be…where I’m supposed to be. Till one day I move on to make my home with Jesus.

Mr. FixIt and I will be camping for the next three days and the cell service there is abysmal. So, if you don’t hear from me for awhile, don’t worry. I’ll be back!

Till then, dear ones…

Ginny

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#epiphany #being #stuck #beingstuck #letting #go #lettinggo

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Mon, 05 Oct 2026 02:45:35 -0600

Mistakes Were Made

I had a lovely post writing for today. Then, the Sunday evening phone calls started coming in and I had to leave the page to answer. And when I got back to the post…it had disappeared into thin air. So, this morning, I’ll leave you with this close up of the dew on a fall chrysanthemum, decorated with a tiny moth wing.

See you tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

#flowers #fallseason #fallvibes

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Sun, 04 Oct 2026 02:45:24 -0600

The Last Good Tomato

When the fellow ran his truck into our yard a dug ruts in it, he promised he’d be back the next day. We’ve heard that a lot over the years as this property has seen its fair share of errant “drive ins.” I’m happy to report that “Bub” did return with some dirt and filled in the ruts. Mr. FixIt went out to thank him and came back in with fresh tomatoes! Now, y’all saw those huge yellow tomatoes my uncle gave us a couple of weeks ago? They were really good…but these? These were over the moon good. Hokey Smokes! They were a real treat this late in the season.

I did a little walkabout yesterday and found some jewel weed growing amongst the native asters in the ditch. There has always been a big patch along the back porch at the farm so I’m tickled to find them here.

If you’ve been reading my block for by length of time, you may remember me telling you about my friend’s son and girlfriend who were murdered in Tadzhikistan a few years ago as they biked through the countryside. They were targeted along with some Canadians. I can’t imagine anything close to what my friend Jea has gone through. There are no words to soothe that kind of grief but no one can understand anything bout grief until they’ve been faced with it. And all grief is different.

I’ve kept up with Jea over the years and check in periodically…especially around the angelversary of Austin and Lauren. I know how important that is to receive.

Jea is on her first big adventure since her so. Died…driving and camping all around the northeast. She has been in Maine recently and stumbled upon a luminaria lighting in memory of loved ones lost and those who grieve them. She asked if I would like for her to put a message on one for Mr. Virgo. So, somewhere in Maine a candle was lit for a kind man whose light will never dim in the hearts of those who love him.

It was a cool night here in the Appalachias last night. The owls were really active and I heard both a Barred Owl and an Eastern Screech Owl. I always see and hear a lot more wildlife when I’m remembering him. Mr. Virgo attracted wildlife like moths to a flame! It made me smile in remembrance of him.

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“You may eat any clean bird. But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭14‬:‭11‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#luminaria #memorial #autumn #jewelweed #Aster #barredowl #easternscreechowls #owls

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Sat, 03 Oct 2026 02:45:22 -0600

The Courting Candle

Remember the other day, we had lunch with Judy and Norm. Judy is my “convoluted cousin” twice removed. They’re finally retiring from the Victorian Mansion that has owned them for decades. They’ll be moving to Florida for good and our city will lose two of its greatest treasures. The Caswell-Smith House lives and breathes today through the hard work and incredible generosity of these lovely people I’m proud to call family.

When we parted ways after lunch a couple of weeks ago, I realized we didn’t get a picture. And in my family, that’s an egregious act! We were blessed with another visit in their beautiful home to take some pictures and tell some stories.

Judy, a retired teacher, showed us more things that we hadn’t seen. One of the best period pieces in the Caswell-House is the courting chair. When a young suitor came over to court a young lady of the house, the chaperone joined them in the parlor and the three of them sat in this unusual chair. Initial visits lasted just a few minutes. The chaperone sat facing the “courting candle.” The candlestick is adjustable. The shortest adjustment allowed the candle to burn for 10 minutes and when the candle burned down, the date was over and the young man was escorted from the home. As time went on, if the young man met the father’s approval, the candle was adjusted to twenty minutes, and eventually to thirty…all with the chaperone present.

The other lesson yesterday was the newel post. When a wealthy Victorian man built a home, the bottom of the grand staircase was a centerpiece that set the tone for the rest of the house. Victorians took great pride in elaborately carved fixtures on top of the newel post. It expressed the wealth and stature of the man of the house. When the gentleman of the house had worked and paid off the mortgage or construction costs, a “mortgage button” was added to show guests that this was a house bought and paid for…major accomplishment that held the owner in great regard by their visitors. If you zoom in, you can see how elaborate the newel post is in this mansion.

The last photo are the Cottrills… “Uncle” Ken and “Aunt” Lucy. They were my grandparents’ best friends, Hubby #1’s maternal Uncle and Aunt…and Judy’s parents. You can’t throw a stick around here without hitting someone you’re either related to or has been a friend of the family for generations!

We ended yesterday’s visit sitting in the conservatory, admiring the glass bells and eggs, kaleidoscopes, bonsai, and the delicate tea set with the shadow of a geisha in the bottom of a paper thin porcelain teacups.

Every place you look there is delightful eye candy…from the glass-fronted, ceiling-high cabinets housing several sets of dishes for all occasions to the case on the hallway containing Mrs. Caswell’s treasured silver coffee server with their surname engraved that she received for winning a tennis tournament to the exquisite genuine Tiffany glass windows over the front door and along the grand staircase.

I will miss this lovely couple, but as Judy says, we treasure the memories of our family’s intertwined history that brought us together in the first place…and the times we have spent together. They will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll be able to tour the home again as the new buyers will continue including the house on the Victorian Christmas and Summer Garden tours…hopefully as a Docent.

The weather has turned cool and drizzly again…good sleeping weather. Fall is definitely here.

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“We love because he first loved us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#victorian #victorianhouse #victorianhome #victoriana #victorianarchitecture #caswellsmith #julianasquare #JULIANASQUARE #courtingchair #courtingcandle #courtingcandles #courtingcandleholder #courtingcandlestick

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