Just when my muscles have grown used to working, it is almost time to go back and sit at a desk as the school year approaches. The entire month of June, my body thinks it enlisted in the Army and no one told it. By July, the severe muscle cramps...

Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, it’s amazing what one can find out about plants, all sorts of plants named from A to Z, found in books, computers or even from friends! How about Alpine Currants, [Yum!], beautiful Baby’s Breath,...

I arrived back in town on a hot July afternoon some days ago, A passed brother-in-law to remember - and a town with new construction - with obvious determination - grit and goals, And Mother Nature seems to be giving another of her serious tests,...

Often it is true that the dead become greater in death than they were in life. Such was not the case when our adopted dog, Marvin, died, and he became an international rock star on Facebook when within hours he received tributes from ranch vacation...

Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, some recipes are worth sharing! Here’s one for any time – even if this one doesn’t have salt! Author unknown, it’s called: HAPPY HOMEMAKER CAKE: “Mix two heaping measures of love with common...

My Grandparents, Fred and Lena Coons, homesteaded near Belltower in 1911. Grandpa came out and homesteaded and after some time Grandpa and my Mother joined them. My Mother was born in Malvern, Iowa on January 10, 1910. She was just a little one when...

It is a tough year in Montana with drought, grasshoppers, and now wildfires. As I write this, our Musselshell Ranch is under evacuation order from the Peterson Fire. We are praying that our place will be spared while knowing that our neighbors to...

Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, life isn’t all sunshine and laughter – our seas are not always calm but You know all about it, Lord, for You created us. We’re clay vessels. We tend to wear out and get ill, both mentally and...

I absolutely love kitchen tips, and I try to pass them along without too much commentary, but sometimes I just can't resist sharing comments about the actual practicality of those tips. For example, Martha Stewart claims that if you have a headache,...

Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, several friends went walking one morning, through the nearby park, along some hills, loving and appreciating the view, enjoying their time together. Gal #1: “I’m out of water, I’ll soon need a drink....

Those of you who follow Facebook probably know that I made a trip to Ekalaka last week. Actually it wasn’t so much a trip to Ekalaka as a trip to Camp Needmore for a family reunion. I did get to Ekalaka and will tell you of my impressions. First...

To many of us, Independence Day is celebrated with rodeo. I hope that as you are celebrating this year with big beef burgers and a rodeo and hopefully no fireworks due to the extreme fire danger in this drought, you take some time to reflect on this...

Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, You have given to us some days that are special and worth a celebration and there’s one very special one this Sunday, that would be THE 4th of JULY! May we pause to consider what it means to be an America...

Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, a friend mentioned that she and several friends had a difficult time trying to go to sleep. Taking pills didn’t help, neither did going to bed early or working late. ‘J.J.’ smiled and said, “You...

Fourth of July at Belltower Hall - back - when growing up, I recall that it was fifty dollars worth - and it may have increased after the initial startup, But it was such a great time for a kid - firecrackers and sparklers - and booms and spark...

Summer is the time when I decide to roll up my sleeves and clean out some junk. However, my parents were children of the Great Depression, so I can still hear their voices ringing in my ears when I think about pitching stuff that could potentially...

Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, a 3-generation family occupies a row in church. The young family has three little children; Mamma holds the baby, 2-year-old hugs Daddy, the 4-year-old climbs onto the seats, walks over to Grandpa; the audi...

"Have you lost your mind?" Millie Woolley asked. "Yes, I thought you were smarter than that!" added Shelly Carroccia, as we stood outside the papered over storefront windows of the boutique my daughter Brooke and I are starting on McLeod Street in...

Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, a friend mentioned some interesting dates throughout the WHOLE calendar, but she really liked those in June; the one that gave her a chuckle was the 9th, Donald Duck Day, his first appearance was in 1934....

I receive many submissions from readers, and I love to share them. However, in my 26 years of writing this column, I believe this is the funniest piece any reader has ever sent me. Thanks, Tom Ogle of Paris, Illinois for making me laugh out loud...

Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, when one thinks about Dairy Products, we might wonder which are the most important for the well-being of the human body. Just ask anybody, and they’ll perhaps say that Ice Cream is probably the most...

Have you considered selling your harvest or homemade jams at a farmers market? Do you know what it takes to become a farmers market group with other farmers like you? Would you like to join a farmers market group? Farmers markets are a great way to...