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ECHO SINGING & A YOUNG ANGEL, CUZZIN' BILLY, DANA, AND DUNCAN. Friday, April 1, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Six months, six months, yay, yay , yay!
October first, was our first day!
I ask for nothing, I need no more,
since Kathy walked up to my door!
I came to the door, and the angel of Bumpity Road appeared. Tall, white, shining fully with love and cheer. It is such a miracle, that we've come together. Thank you God. We did more Pathways of Light lessons. We are doing echo singing of the quotations from "A Course in Miracles" that we are writing down, for the lessons. It is a great experience of celebration, and helps us to look at and embrace the purpose of why we're doing this, so much more. When we write them, Bob sings a line, and Kathy echos him. It takes us singing these verses about six times, before we get them written down. It is a great way to experience the message.
We got an e-mail from our friend, Brett. He is a high school student, who lives in Nebraska. We have really connected with him, and it is a very powerful experience for us.
We met through a glitch on the computers a few months ago. Bob was trying to find his niece, Barbara Thompson online. He was looking under B Thompson, and found an e-mail address under that. It turned out to be Brett's address. Then, he and Bob started communicating quite a bit. Now, Brett writes when he can. That has happened often recently. It is great to see the miracles that happen in his life. We started cleaning, for our friends to come here for the gatherings, that are happening soon.
It is a joy, to be here in the daily blessings at Bumpity Rd. Love and peace,
Kathy and Bob
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Saturday, April 2, 2005
KAThy and Bob
We had a very sun shiny day of relaxing peace and quiet. We welcomed the opportunity to talk about the blessings of holy relationship, and what that means to us. We had the wonder of watching the birds, while doing this. Cuzzin' Billy stopped by, and we talked with him about everything from A to Z.
Late afternoon, Dana came by, and we sang the ACIM messages that we've been writing, with accapella echo singing, creating our own intuitive melodies, as we went along.
We talked with Dana about four hours, and were very moved by the sharing and interaction, which was very profound, moving, and inspirational. We are truly blessed with abundance. Among our treasures, are these friendships.
Love and peace,
Kathy and Bob
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Sunday, April 3, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Santa Claus drove up to the door around noon, in the form of Duncan, with a sleigh full of goodies. He brought bagels, bread, tea, fruits, and many things to share.
At his presentation this afternoon, we were very touched by his openness and candidness. He talked about what he did in his 13 years of social work at the Laguna Honda Hospital, in the heart of San Francisco. Duncan is very articulate in a gentle, intelligent way, drawn from a great variety of experiences, with examples that were easy to understand. Dana showed up later, and after continuing our discussion for a while, we watched the first movie, "A Book of Stars." It is very inspiring, about a young woman who has
cystic fibrosis, and the miracles that she experienced in life. We also watched "Brother Sun, Sister Moon." This movie tells about the life of Saint Francis and Sister Clare, and what happened in living life as guided by Spirit.
Both movies are very profound and moving. We're extremely touched by the blessings of these dear friends, sharing their life's experiences, and their thoughts and feelings with us. Thank you Holy Spirit, for being able to share so openly with everyone. Love and joy, KAThy and Bob Delivered-To: anopendoor@webtv.net From: ANOPENDOOR@webtv.net (Rev. Robert Joseph Thompson) Date: Wed, Nov 1, 2006, 9:30pm To: anopendoor@webtv.net Subject: Fwd: 4-4-05 to 4-30-05
*****DELIGHTFUL DAYS WITH THE DOYLES***** Monday, April 4, 2005
KAThy and Bob
This was a day of joy, as Christine, Phil and Monty arrived in the early afternoon.
We visited, while cutting and preparing potatoes for soup, and sang songs of love.
The Doyles called before the time they were to arrive at the airport, and said that their flight was delayed.
When they were in Chicago, they called back, and Bob went to get them at the airport, in Madison, WI.
It was a moment to embrace the blessings, as we welcomed DavidPaul, Candace and Hannah Doyle here for the workshops that they are sharing. They are going to talk about the experience that they've had in writing their book:
which they have been guided to call:
"the Journey that never was."
Among the people here to join in The welcoming Dinner for the Doyle's were Bob and Kathy Thompson, Christine Anderson, Jim Hondel, Candace, DavidPaul, and Hannah Doyle, Dana Cole, Duncan Tam, and Mary DeMay. They are all such a joy to share with. We embraced a festive and warm welcome with the Doyles'. Their spirit is strong, of letting Holy Spirit speak through them, that they openly talked about their experience in doing this.
Hannah is a strong expression of love. We called her The Angel, as she exuberantly embraced everyONE in LOVE.
Love and peace,
Kathy and Bob :-)
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Tuesday, April 5, 2005
KAThy and Bob
The workshop with the Doyle's started today. Twenty one people were here, during the afternoon and evening sessions. We shared very openly and enthusiastically. The people who came for the workshops shared freely, asking questions, and requesting to be in the experience of letting Holy Spirit speak through to them. We went on a wagon ride around the grounds of Bumpity Road. It was a great experience to be in the natural spirit of country living. Everyone enjoyed this a lot. Hannah was on the back of the wagon with Kathy, saying, we're bumping along on Bumpity Road. It was a great joy for Kathy to share this with her.
The evening meeting was powerful, and people came and shared freely once again.
We are so grateful that everyone comes here, and feels so welcome. Love and joy,
KAThy and Bob
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Wednesday, April 6, 2005
Kathy and Bob
This morning was great, as we woke up to a country breakfast, made by Chef Roberto. Everyone shared omelettes. Bob is very smooth with these. He gets them perfectly shaped, and flips them, while cooking. It is quite a deLIGHT to see. They are as delicious as his cooking of them too. Wow, he is such an angel.
Hannah discovered the punch balloons, so we made one for her. We wrote words on it that describe her happy nature. The first one that was written on her balloon was: HEAVENLY. She is such a blessing. Wow, an awesome mirror.
We had the workshop that day too, with 18 people here again. We went on a second wagon ride, around the fields of Bumpity today. We were just about to leave when Dana and Quia arrived, so they jumped on, and the tractor took off, pulling all of us off into the sunset. The Doyles' requested that the evening session meet around the campfire. We invited many members of The Marshmallow Family. Many people toasted, tasted and blessed the marshmallows.
The closest neighbors, George and Betsy stopped by the campfire with two of their little white dogs. They chatted with us for quite a while. Bob read one of the short stories that he cherishes, "When Hannah Var Eight Yars Old."
It is a story of a little girl in Sweden, who took care of her smaller siblings all winter long, after her mother died, until help came for them in the spring.
The whole experience of having the Doyle's here is very uplifting. They feel very comfortable, and at home. This is great to see, and embrace. Love and laughter,
Kathy and Bob
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Thursday, April 7, 2005
Kathy and Bob
This was the last day of the workshops with the Doyles. Fifteen people came, and joined in, once again. Most of them stayed for a farewell supper for the Doyle's on Thursday evening, followed by another campfire.
The three days was an excellent experience of encouraging people to seek inner wisdom for themselves. The subtitle of their book is: "A guide to hearing God's Voice regardless of one's faith, religion, or personal beliefs"
They truly do this, and let Holy Spirit be the guide of inner wisdom, which is so helpful.
Two transformational movies have been
watched, during the time of the meetings: "Brother Sun, Sister Moon." This shows the life of Saint Francis, and Sister Claire, who gave their lives to serving God.
The other movie is: "Where the River Runs Black." This shows the life of how an orphan boy, in the rain forest, becomes friends with the family of fresh water dolphins. His boyhood experiences, while "living in civilization," are narrated and pictured in a very heartfelt and compelling way.
We were up late Thursday night talking with the Doyles, between their packing.
Duncan offered to take the Doyles to the airport in Madison, WI, early on Friday morning.
Love and peace,
Kathy and Bob
Delivered-To: anopendoor@webtv.net From:
ANOPENDOOR@webtv.net (Rev. Robert Joseph Thompson) Date: Wed, Nov 1, 2006, 9:27pm To: anopendoor@webtv.net Subject: Fwd: 4-8-05 to 4-30-05
Friday, April 8, 2005
KAThy and Bob
The alarm clock yelled: Thank you God, it's 4:00 AM. (which are not exactly Bob's words!)
Bob, Kathy, and Christine got up and started making breakfast, while Duncan and the Doyles got ready to leave for the airport. Chef Roberto made the Amish country egg omelletes once again. They were liberally sprinkled with freshly picked chives. Bob includes the chives very generously, after Christine has joyfully picked them from alongside the house.
While cooking, Bob, Kathy and Christine went to the Doyles room and sang: "I Like Your Style" to the Doyles, to say good morning. The delectable omelettes were sauteed by Bob, and everyone enjoyed them very much. He included refried potatoes, toast, venison garlic sausage, coffee, orange and apple juice, etc.
By 5:00 AM, the Doyles were on their way to the Madison airport. We spent the afternoon with Jim Hondel, sharing his insights about the experiences that he has been embracing.
We made a big punch balloon each for Jim, Christine, and Kathy (to put on the blades of the other fan). This included every word that we could think of, to describe each of the three of them. Kathy, Bob, and Christine talked at length about how blessed they feel, when sharing with one another.
We had a dinner prepared to eat, with the people who attended the workshop that night. Prem guided us into an exercise to have partners, with each person having numerous opportunities to speak aloud, the voice of the Holy Spirit, to each listener (and speaker). During our final group activity, we shared some of our very moving experiences about what we heard, during our incredible interactions. Love and peace, Kathy and Bob
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Saturday, April 9, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Christine and Kathy watched Bob and Kathy's wedding video. Christine really enjoyed seeing how Holy Spirit synchronistically talked through everyONE there, to speak from the heart.
Kathy and Christine played and sang a song that Kathy wants to sing at her ordination, with Christine. The song is "Let Me Remember," which Oman and Shant wrote the music for. The words are from "A Course in Miracles." It is very beautiful, and makes ACIM come alive for Kathy. We prepared dinner for everyONE once again. Dana came with two friends, Hoop and Connie, Phil and Mary arrived early, for dinner, and Kathy and Bob were here too. Dana Cole guided us, to hear the ideas from: "Love is the Power That is Shaping Your Life." These ideas have come to him from Holy Spirit, about letting love be the power that shapes your life. It is beautiful, how he has put this together, and shared it with everyONE here. Cuzzin' Jerry blessed us with a visit, after dark, just as the workshop ended. Jerry was thoroughly exhausted after a day of fire training exercises at MATC in Madison.
What a delight it is to see Jerry again. He helps so many people in so many different ways, that we consider Jerry Wilson a walking saint. Love and joy,
KAThy and Bob
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Sunday, April 10, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Today is the last day of the workshops.
As a result of yesterday's workshop, Bob was guided to start a water only fast, which he began today, and is now finishing one day without food.
Mother Superior, also known as Aunt Eva stopped by with Victor today, to visit and share memories of country life, and characters. Dana arrived, and we shared with him about our impressions of how the workshops came together, for everyone.
We also had a very delightful time, brainstorming ideas with Dana, for the future, of ways to bring activities together, at Bumpity Road. All these guests, with their feathery wings, have all fluttered off, down Bumpity Rd.
But their angelic presences, remain with us. Always. Love and joy, KAThy and Bob
Delivered-To: anopendoor@webtv.net From:
ANOPENDOOR@webtv.net (Rev. Robert Joseph Thompson) Date: Wed, Nov 1, 2006, 9:25pm To: anopendoor@webtv.net Subject: Fwd: 4-11-05 to 4-30-05
GUESTS, GARDENING, STUDYING, AND MAKING BABY FRUIT TREES Monday, April 11, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Bob spent the second day of his water only fast, consuming 16 glasses of water, or eight pints, or one gallon (same as yesterday). Kathy joined me in this by eating very sparingly of apple sauce, jello, juice, tea, and water.
Phil stopped by with eggs for us, and a magazine for Cuzzin' Jerry. A good part of the day was just spent resting, catching up on e-mails and phone calls, plus some work on our websites. Lots of birdwatching, today.
No cooking.
No dishes to wash.
A moment, a day, to rest in stillness.
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Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Our buddy John Larsen called to invite us over for an 11:30 lunch, so I broke my fast with diluted (half water) orange juice, to get my body used to a little nourishment. This was my break-fast. We went to the Amish "bent and dent" store and purchased six boxes of food for $25.25, mostly canned goods and packaged food in boxes. Then we went to Miller's Amish Greenhouse, and it is a whopper of a greenhouse, to purchase 5 varieties of radishes, one of spinach, and 3 of different onion bulbs. This is the first of what will probably be about ten trips to different places to buy seeds, plants, fertilizer, etc. during the course of our spring planting.
Eventually, by late May, we will have planted all seven gardens, a total of about 2 acres, about 80,000 square feet, total. Then off to John and Charlotte's for a magnificent meal, which included meatballs that were so delicious, that we borrowed her cook book and brought it home to copy the recipe on the scanner. A baked potato dish, fruit bowl, home made blueberry and corn muffins, cookies, coffee with butter-pecan ice-cream, great dinner rolls, etc. John gave Kathy a tour of his property, various projects, and buildings, while I chatted with Charlotte. Later, the four of us listened to a radio trivia quiz show that only asks one question a day.
Toda's question was, "What is it that historians do not agree about in the old west, that has to do with the maintenance of the trail herds on their way to markets."
My intuition jumped out first with "singing around the cattle at night." Then we kicked around all kinds of ideas about the calves being born, herd leaders, water, feed, etc.
But the truth is that historians are not in agrement about whether the cowboys rode their horses round the trail herds at night, singing to placate them.
I think that they probably did so that the cattle would know who it was and not get spooked and panic when some dark shape appeared in the night.
It would also let the other riders, riding herd, know where each other was, while circling the herd on their horses in the dark. We arrived home to find Aunt Eva and Uncle Bob here with some home made beets for Kathy (who loves them), so we had an interesting afternoon, reminiscing about their childhood and other experiences. A lot of it had to do with cutting trees for firewood with hand tools only, (no chain saws), preparing meals, buggy rides with a horse, barn dances, school daze, and the "shenanigans" of various family members. We continued our coursework for Kathy's Ordination Studies and continue to do reading, written, meditation, and discussion about the materials that we have been jointly exposed to.
This is the seventh of her 22 classes that Kathy and Bob (as facilitator), have studied together and it has given us a very special appreciation for each other's mind and personal beliefs. Kathy has finished most of the remaining classes with two of the staff P.O.L. ministers, Deb and Paul, via phone or e-mail, or their weekend here. During the past four days, we have had at least one unannounced visitor stop by each of the past four days.
We really enjoy accepting anyone who comes to the door as Jesus in disguise (and some of those disguises are verrrrrrrrrrrrrrry clever). But also, we feel grateful, that our efforts to have an open door to all, has been accepted by so many, and especially those who just happen to drop in when they are in the neighborhood. Among the friends who telephoned us today, were Candace, DavidPaul, and 4 year old Hannah Doyle, calling from Ashland, Oregon, aftr completing their series of workshops in Kentucky, here with us in Wisconsin, and in Ohio, after they left us.
It was heartwarming to share the sense of family that we all experienced and which they helped promote with everybody, throughout their five days with us.
We love them dearly, and look forward to having them here whenever they are in the midwest.
It was very touching to talk to the three of them and hear their impressions, and feelings, about Bumpity Road.
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Wednesday, April 13, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Bob started the two woodstoves, so we can watch the birds, and listen to our meditations, in the Sunrise Room.
Today we saw six varieties of birds, at the feeder, including gold finch, house finch, chickadee, junco, cardinal, and downy woodpecker. It is a colorful and beautiful site to see, as they surround the feeder, trees, and ground outside. A rainbow of miracles, flowing so easily and naturally.
Bob continues his fast, by drinking only water. Kathy is eating very lightly, with water, juice, and tea, all liquids. We did meditations, reading, and writing Lesson 901. It is always so ONEderful to do these, because it makes the simple miracles so obvious. It gives the opportunity to be still, and let the mind be still, to embrace the love of Holy Spirit!
We rested a lot today, and are able to
see the joy of BEing now. It is great. Thank you God! We sorted out the onion bulbs that we got to plant, into the red, white, and yellow onions. There will continue to be a lot of onions here, at Bumpity Road. We also got radishes and spinach, ready to plant, starting very soon.
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April14, 2005
Bob and KAThy
Today we spent three hours doing outside work before planting. Much time was spent with, and under, a 40 horse Allis Chamers Tractor, attaching our very effective earth turning over equipment (six feet of enthusiasticlly digging, cultivator blades). We worked up Kathy's herb garden area, adjacent to the South Patio again, and then did the opposite side of the patio for tomato plants, even more than last year! The lower garden, about 80 feet by 100 feet was also turned over and is now ready for planting.
We used alot of different leftovers today to make "tacos" out of pita bread, "add libbing" different ingredients at will. It was so much fun, and so tasty, for lunch, that we did an encore for supper. We also went to a two hour workshop at my buddy Billy Link's Greenhouse, just two miles down the road.
The instructors were great, Billy was funny and enthusiastic, we toured part of his farm, and then had the opportunity to graft our choices from many varieties of apples to root stocks.
Fruit trees a few years old cost upwards of $24, of which I have purchased some 25 or so from Billy over the years. He replaces deer-damaged trees free and is very enthusiastic about mentioning my success with 60" chicken wire over the years to protect fruit trees, resulting in not a single loss of a fruit tree to rabbits or deer eating the bark and killing the fruit tree. We learned several ways to do fruit tree grafting, which the Romans also did a few thousand years ago. So we did some grafting and came home with three little triplet trees, one golden honey, and two fujis. Small fellers, but so was the price, $10 total.
We are pooped. And so, to beddy bye soon. love to you all, Bob and Kathy Delivered-To: anopendoor@webtv.net From: ANOPENDOOR@webtv.net (Rev. Robert Joseph Thompson) Date: Wed, Nov 1, 2006, 9:20pm To: anopendoor@webtv.net Subject: Fwd: 4-15-05 to 4-30-05
DREAMIN' , RECUPERATING, BIRDWATCHING, AND LOTS OF FRENCH FRIES. Friday, April 15, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Bob planted long rows of spinach, radishes, and red, yellow, and white onions. He did this prayerfully, on his knees, as he crawled down one row after another.
What a great way to get grounded, crawling around on the earth? Or, did Bob just regress to, his first means of transportation? Kathy cleaned house, to clear the way for the Dream Interpretation Group, and anyone who might come, and accept our Open Door blessing! Kathy told Bob that she'd help him in the garden, when she finished the house. The house cleaning went on, until Mel arrived, for dinner. The planting was done, about one hour before Mel got here. Ahhhhhhhh, Mel arrived with a delicious stir fry, and homemade chocolate cake. Chef Roberto made homemade french fries, using Red Norland Potatoes. Two batches of french fries.
No leftovers.
Not one single french fry, left over.
Mmmmmm, it was delcious.
Then, Don and Mary arrived with a box of fresh strawberries. Nummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then, Kurt, Sheila, and Donna arrived.
The Dream Interpretation Group began. Spirit guided Bob to share one of the meditations that came to him recently. It was a great joy for everyone to experience.
Bob asked anyone to share insights or questions about it. It brought some powerful discussions forward.
The group was inspirational.
And very helpful.
Four people shared dreams.
And all eight of us interpreted each dream, as if it were our own. The most common comment tonight was:
"if it were my dream, it might mean..."
Would you believe that interpreting somebody else's dream, as if it were your own, results in insights that are helpful to you? All you have to do, is be willing to try.
We do, also, a great deal of word association. By doing the word association for each other, we are able to avoid the extremely high costs, that some psychiatrists charge, for doing exactly the same thing. We do this in a gentle, friendly, and sometimes humorous way. We also honor intuition, totally.
Thus, we encourage what may appear to be, an irrelevant thought. We have learned that an irrelevant thought is always relevant for at least one person in the group.
Intuitive comments sometimes seem irreverent, sometimes very irreverent. Irreverent they may seem, but they are always sacred. They are always sacredly shared.
As we are sharing with you.
Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
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Saturday, April 16, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Bob's symptons of a cold/flu guided us to stay home, and miss granddaughter, Sophia Marie's second birthday party, in Libertyville, IL.
And, eat lots of homemade french fries.
It was great to nestle in, and enjoy the comforts of home sweet home, at Bumpity Rd.
This gave great moments of birdwatching. Because they tasted so good, we were forced to make more homemade french fries. No outside work, for Bob, except bug spraying, on the south side of the building. Kathy did some checking of e-mails, and sending blessings in cyber space.
We sent several lessons to Pathways of Light, in our current course 901. We shared the thoughts that came to us, when doing meditations, and then writing about them.
We rested, and rested, and rested.
We sent a testimonial to DavidPaul and Candace Doyle about their work , and, a highlighted accolade, to be included in their next book printing. Bob liked the testimonial so much, that he sent it out to 300 people. Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
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Sunday, April 17, 2005
KAThy and Bob
We started the day, with a session of birdwatching. What a sight to see, wow, we're surrounded by so many bird families. Then, we had morrrrrre homemade french fries. Yes, they are good! Come and share some with us. But, do hurry, we only have 53 pounds of potatoes left. Last November, we had 300 pounds of potatoes, so we have made progress. Hahahaha! We made many phone calls, including Sheila, Jim H., Duncan, Barbara K., Heidi T., Newell H., Eva F., etc.
Bob also sent an e-mail about "grief" to about 300 people, family, friends, ACIM friends, ministers, and people of that ilk. Those red Norland potatoes were so good that we had to cook another batch of those homemade frenchy-fries potatoes. We saw ten different kinds of birds, in our afternoon birdwatching. What a panorama to see. Among the birds that we saw today, for the first time this year was the Rufus Sided Towhee, a black-headed and rust (Rufus) and white bird, the size of a Robin. We also watched the Bluebirds, who made repeated trips to one of the birdhouses, in the driveway.
Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob :-)
Delivered-To: anopendoor@webtv.net From:
ANOPENDOOR@webtv.net (Rev. Robert Joseph Thompson) Date: Wed, Nov 1, 2006, 2:34am To: anopendoor@webtv.net Subject: 4-18-05 to 4-30-05
PLANTING, A TRIBUTE to ACIM, & A BABY BUFFALO
Monday, April 18, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Bob's inner companion, "Charlie" had Bob's undivided attention this morning, when I came downstairs. Such is the nature of love with one's own INNER VOICE.
Kathy went to run errands, to get groceries, sign-up for a series of 13 Master Gardener's classes, on 13 different gardening subjects, at the county extension office.
I also got seeds, to plant into the gardens, from Canal Seeds, in Portage, where all the children are home schooled, and also work in the store.
It was helpful and fun to talk with the girl about the seeds, that I bought. They included seeds for lettuces, carrots, spinach, yellow and green summer squash, etc.
Then, back at Bumpity Rd., we planted two long rows of Red Norland Potatoes, about ninety feel long each.
The bluebirds were still working on their nesting box, in the driveway. We fertilized and weeded our chives, and are getting ready to harvest them, for the second time.
We especially like chives, in our omelettes. Mmmmmm! We got responses back from several phone calls, and e-mails, sharing joy, love, and gratitude with friends in Ohio, Florida, Oregon, New Jersey, Ottawa, Canada, New Mexico, and Wisconsin, etc. Love and joy, KAThy and Bob
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Tuesday, April 19, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Today has been a day of rest and recovery, from Bob's six days of cold and flu symptoms.
We have eaten lightly and done very little work today. We have done a few things inside, for a while, then taken rest breaks. We have done no outside work today.
It has been a moment, to rest and be grateful for the blessings. Bob says his cough sounds so great, because he's been practicing on it for six days. Yes, it does sound like it's about to let him be well. That is how we see it. His light is glowing strongly, and he's looking forward to being able to do the outside work, and whatever needs to be done in seven vegetable gardens, as well as lawn care. That takes energy, so we trust that it is coming.
Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
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Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Bob and KAThy
A day of lots of resting, lots of communications, and lots of french fries.
Fortunately, we planted most of the Red Norland Potatoes that we had left over from November's 300 pounds.
That means that we have only a few handfuls of red potatoes left. But we made up with it by having about 80 or so pounds of red and yellow onions left from the 307 pounds that we "gathered" last November. The thing about potatoes is that one can get as high as a twentyfold result from the potatoes one plants.
Now, if we get 20 times 20, that will be 400 pounds, this fall, which is more than we started with last fall!
Anyway.
Heard from Son Gary in Illinois, and son Todd in California. Cell phones all 'round make it very easy to keep in touch and up to date with each other.
Phone calls, e-mails, and letters filled up our day, with over 300 items going out to nudge friends, family, ACIMers, & ministers, towards a greater appreciation of our dear friends Candace and DavidPaul Doyle, authors of The JourneyThat Never Was.
We cancelled today, a movie engagement, and a dinner invitation afterwards, because I was quite weak after coughing most of the night. But, tomorrow, I will see ye olde miracale doctore Schneider, who will certainly inspire me to take better care of myself, with his good humor, good advice and common sense.
And that was today in a nutshell.
And speaking of nuts......
"always watch out for the other nuts on the highway......." coughing
along,
Bob and Kathy Thompson
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Thursday, April 21, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Today has continued, to be a day of rest. Bob got up early, and started Lady Monarch, to warm things up, in the house. We got ready to go to Madison, for Bob to see the doctor, at the V.A. Hospital.
Bob directed Kathy to Madison, and the trip flowed along. It was good to see Dr. Schneider, as he is always such a nice person, to talk with. The doctor decided to change Bob's medication, in order to get his blood pressure and rapid pulse, to a reasonable
rate.
We decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Perkins Restaurant. We drove home, in the sunset. Ahhhh, it is beautiful! We did some shopping, and purchased ten gallons of gas, for the two tractors, so that Bob can continue working on the lawn, and in the gardens. We are ready to plant more seeds soon.
After we arrived home, we opened a large bag of family sized popcorn, that fell into our car, when we passed the Popcorn Stand, in Portage. When we drove up, we didn't have to say anything, because the owner saw Bob's face, and said:
"One family sized popcorn, with butter. We said, yes please!!!!!!!! It smelled soooooooo good, it was hard to wait until we got home to eat it. But we did. :-)
Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
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Friday, April 22, 2005
KAThy and Bob
We got up early, and went to the Amish
bent and dent store.
We loaded up with fruit drinks, plus rice and bean dishes. They are mmm, mmm,
good!
This included small bags of snacks, and cookies. Then, a quick visit, down the road, to
Mishler's Amish General Store.
Then, home, to unpack all of our goodies. Our angel, Barbara Weaver called, to say that she was on the way home, from down south.
Kathy met her at the Amtrack station, and rode off, into the sunset, to take her home, to Poynette. It was nice to see her, and extend a big hug, to her. She had a great trip to see friends and family, and is grateful to be home again.
When we got to her house, we visited for a little while, then I headed back to Bumpity Rd.
Bob was visiting with Cuzzin' Jerry, and had made dinner for him. Jerry has been working at a metal shop all week, and was cold when he got here.
He had just helped, giving birth to a baby buffalo. He was called, to sedate the mother, because the baby was stuck. Jerry and the vet worked together, and Jerry pulled the buffalo out, by it's back feet first, which is the opposite way, of how it's supposed to be done. Then, there was a matter of getting the
little 50 pound tike, to breath.
They did everything short of CPR, and got it breathing. The buffalo was walking around, before
Jerry left.
All the visitors at the buffalo farm, were reallllllly excited about the baby buffalo being born.
It is great to hear about this miracle, from Jerry, who was there first hand, and did the hands on delivery of the 50 pound baby buffalo. Ahhhhhh, isn't it great to hear about the blessings, of living in the country, and getting the first hand scoop from Jerry, too? Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob :-)
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Saturday, April 23, 2005
KAThy and Bob
We are still recovering from the cold and flu symptoms, so we have left our third round of planting, for another day. Our early plantings of radish, spinach, and onions, should be popping out of the ground, any day now.
We cleaned and reorganized the kitchen and dining room area. Then, we cooked up a pot of fresh green beans, with chicken and mashed potatoes, to have for dinner.
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If you ever happen to be here when Cuzzin' Jerry's here, ask him the difference between
helping a baby buffalo be born and a baby calf, being born. There is a difference.
It has to do with the tempermant, of the mothers. They do have a different nature, and disposition.
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We both began to exercise, using the massage table today. It is very effective, for various stretching exercises. Love and peace, KAThy and Bob
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Sunday, April 24, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Today has been another day of rest, and gratitude, for the many joys, all around.
Bob said that he was going to go out and garden, so Kathy decided to help him.
We planted two long rows of lettuce and pink radishes. Mmmmm! Kathy came inside, and Bob said that he'd be in soon. Bob plowed all seven of the veggie
gardens, totaling about two acres, or
86,000 square feet.
Yes, that's a lot of gardens.
As soon as Bob turned the ground over,
the crows were landing boldly, on the fresh earth, looking for crow treats.
So far, we've planted about 2,000 square feet. When Bob came in, he had found some fresh, tender asparagus, for salad. He also found rhubarb, which is about
ready to be picked.
Kathy made dinner, of warm tortillas, which were a nice treat. We took a walk, for Bob to show Kathy what he did, while he was plowing. Kathy got to see the rhubarb, which is full, green, and very nice. It is always sooooooooo beautiful, to walk the grounds. Thank you God, for this ONEderful open land!
Love and joy,
KAThy and Bob :-)
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Monday, April 25, 2005
KAThy and Bob
After sending information about three weekend retreats in June, July, and August, today we worked on the cover letter, to send to anyone who might inquire about these retreats. In addition to providing food and lodging for all guests, we also encourage them to stay an extra week or two, and enjoy country living. We allow the guests to select the discussion and workshop themes, as well as inviting them to facilitate any of the groups. Each may participate in as little or as much as they want. A major component is an ongoing sense of family and community. W.O.W.!
Warmth! Openness! Wonder!
We continued our studies of Course 901, which is the last course that we'll be working on, here at home together, before Kathy's final week of ordination courses, with other candidates for ordination. This will be in the final week of May at Pathways of Light, in Kiel, WI. Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
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Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Bob and KAThy
We had a good long chat with Val up in Canada today that was very stimulating and inspirational and Bob has volunteered to play devil's advocate with Val in some of their e-mail sharings. Hermano Felipe (Phil Manke) arrived while Val was still on the phone with eggs from his chickies and freshly made, home-made bread. So, we made turkey sandwiches with basil bread and washed them down with copious cups of venison soy-bean chili, a culinary feat performed ONLY by "Chef Roberto."
Cuzzin' Jerry and Aunt Eva (aka Mother Superior) dropped in, so more sandwiches and more chili, which we washed down with Eva's homemade nut-cranberry cookies.
The five of us chatted about a jillion different things, and then, one by one, each of us faded off into the sunset. Son Gary called to check in on family events and updates for June and July. We also had great phone calls with Robert Stoelting, Karen Bentley, and Chikur, each of them an inspiring human being and ACIM mentor for us. Our cup of friendship runneth over.
And the cup, ever groweth, and becometh ever more cup. And the ever larger cup, never ceaseth in its ever overflowing. peacefully joyous, Bob and KAThy Thompson
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Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Bob and KAThy
(The entry tonight is one of the answers we got back today from one of our minister friends. The question we posed to them follows below, and below our question (or invitation) there is an answer from our dear friend).
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Hey OMCers!
If you were one of the OMCs that spent last weekend in Utah.....
.....could you share with us some of your thoughts, feelings,
experiences, and inspirations, about being "in the miracle" ......at A
Celebration and Tribute to ACIM (A Course in Miracles) in Salt Lake
City, last weekend?
Thanks, all.
Anything you share, is appreciated.
Please?
Bob Thompson
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Wednesday, April 27, 2005 (continued)
Dear Bob,
I only wish all of you could have been there. It was beautifully done with everything going smoothly, great classes, good food, wonderful contacts with people from all over. We were able to hear a little from all presenters and then we chose 4 classes to attend. I actually got five because some of the presenters repeated their class after hours. I have been thinking about what stands out to me from the classes I attended.
There is certainly more than one thing, but something that really made an impression on me came from two different speakers- no, make that three speakers. I have spent over a year now consistently and frequently bringing my dark thoughts to the Holy Spirit for correction. It has really helped me and made a huge difference in my life. What has happened though, is that I had begun to make a "big deal" out of wrong minded thinking. During the conference I realized I was doing this and have altered my practice somewhat.
Now I am reminding myself that this is only I thought. It is as easy to release as it was to think it. We all had an angel with a word on our name tags. My word was release. How prophetic that turned out to be! I developed two processes to help me do this. The first is that when I become aware of a thought that needs correction, I invision that thought incased in a very delicate, shimmering bubble rising from my mind, and the finger of Jesus gently touching it and causing it to burst. In this way I am reminded that healing comes, not from myself, but from outside the illusion, and that it is not hard, but simple and gentle. The second process came from the interpreters that were there for a deaf student. Someone showed me how they sign release and remarked that it is the same sign for forgive. So I am using that sign when I notice a thought/belief that I want to release.
It is really good because I am adding a sense(touch) to my learning process and the more senses we using in learning the more quickly and permanently we learn.
For instance, on returning to my hotel, I was feeling overwhelmed by all the work I must do to catch up after taking off for the conference. I immediately signed release, and said to myself, "I release this to you Holy Spirit." He reminded me that He is in charge of time and that I can relax.
Another way I use this more relaxed way of dealing with errors in thinking is that when I become upset with myself because I can't seem to overcome some ego based behavior or belief, I remind myself it is caused by a thought.
It is just a thought.
No matter how big or persistent or frightening the behavior, it came from a thought, and I can release that thought to the Holy Spirit and have it corrected for me.
The main thing that I emphasize is that it is "just a thought." That is just one of the gems I picked up from the conference. There were so many more.
I just got back and already I am planning for the next conference which will be in San Francisco in two years. I am already planning to set aside a little money each week so that I will have my plane fare and conference fee ready! See you there!
Love, M
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Thursday, April 28, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Today, we planted mulit-colored magic beans, in very large containers. Also, zucchini and yellow crookneck.
Our radishes and onions, in garden one, have popped out of the ground, already.
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KAThy came in and went through e-mails.
It was great to have the opportunity, to go through some in my other e-mail, that I hadn't opened yet.
I received a lovely Valentine, from my Love, Bob, that he sent as a copy to my Yahoo
e-mail. That was a treat to receive, again! I embraced the warmth of Bumpity Rd., and truly BEing at HOME, eternally! Love and peace,
KAThy
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Bob made some good inroads on the outside work today: getting protective chicken wire fencing off the fruit trees (protecting them from the deer over the winter),
digging out dirt that during last year's floods had began plugging up underneath the bridge that goes under the road by our steel barn, looked for wild Asparagus with KAThy (found none, a little too early), mowed pathways around gardens and parking area by mailbox spread lots of woodchips around entrance to steel barn plowed KAThy's herbal garden and patio tomato areas by the South Patio Entryway and raked out all the weeds,
and then plowed and raked a fifty foot area for long rows of sunflowers up by the mailbox.
Caught up with lots of e-mails with friends in Wisconsin, California, Louisiana, New Jersey, Illinois, etc.
We are rich in loving friends.
And not only have we blended our two very extended families into one, each of also keeps extending the family to include even more extended family members.
We truly feel blessed with all these loving relationships that reflect the Lovingness That We Really Are.
loads of love,
Bob
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Friday, April 29, 2005
KAThy and Bob
We planted one of the fuji apple trees, that we grafted, and fenced it in, so the deer won't eat it. Bob cut lawn, and Kathy and Bob raked eight wheelbarrows full of grass, and added them to the compost pile. We've had a variety of foods today, including amish eggs with homemade basil bread, venison soybean chili, salad, salmon on crackers, and popcorn.
We corresponded with friends in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
We did two sessions of outside work today, and it all went well. We are feeling better now, so are able to do more each day, and stretch our muscles.
Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
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Saturday, April 30, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Bob mowed and digged outside, manicuring the lawn. Kathy and Bob both went back out, and planted two more apple trees, and then, fenced them in, to protect them from the deer and rabbits. We planted more lettuce and spinach.
We hauled many wheelbarrows of cut grass, from the front lawn, and unloaded them on the compost pile.
In between the outside work, we had an easy day, keeping up with some phone calls and e-mails.
We also played with some recipes, in the kitchen, one of them was a very tasty basil bread (that was given to us) with a sauteed Amish egg. Another recipe was, rice baked in a sweet potato sauce. Looking forward to a relaxing Sunday, tomorrow. Love and peace, KAThy and Bob
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