DECEMBER 2005: MISTER PEW SKUNK GROWS UP, CHRISTMAS JOY & LOVE
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Thank you for all the blessings that we are surrounded with in every miraculous moment!
Our dear friend Betty wrote asking where we are, and thanking us for sharing this diary of what happens in this life of coutinuous joy.
Thank you for the question, and getting us back to share the holy joining.
You are a light of radiance for us, and a sacred angel!
Barb Weaver stopped by, and we asked her to check with the Amish about our new windows. She returned, saying that they won't be ready for two weeks.
We had lunch with Barb, to eat some Thanksgiving leftovers, which we all appreciated very much!
Barb is always a vessel of fun and laughter, thank you for being you!
.....
Yup, yup, yup!
Our trouble shooter, magician mechanic, repairman extraordinaire, and master problem solver, (Cuzzin Jerry), stopped by to chat and relax with us.
Jerry has a practical, no-nonsense, way of looking at life, and at what people do, that it always, eventually, has us laughing.
Jerry's experiences with his roommate, (Pew Skunk), are a continual source of information and hilarity.
In view of the great respect and deference we show to Pew Skunk (who is fully loaded with all his original detonating odorizing equipment), we have a tendency to refer to him as MISTER PEW!
Jerry is a throwback to how people lived in the country, 50 years ago, when neighbors could be visited at any time, with no advance notice.
Inasmuch as Jerry is also our Master Butcher (venison), we phone him to highlight which fridge has 14 pint bowls (26 pints already frozen), of homemade venison chili, awaiting his inspection.
The chili is evaporating rather quickly.
So.....we're defrosting another 10 pints....to be served in one pint soup cups.
Yup, yup, yup!
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Friday, December 2, 2005
Kathy and Bob
We got up early and went to the Amish store to shop.
It was so much fun, and while there, we kept counting pennies, to get as much as we were able to, while there. Going there is like being a kid in a candy store.
Then, we came back to the blessing of the cookstoves, to enjoy their warmth, and the peaceful experience of BEing here at Bumpity!
We talked with Herb, and he said that he'd make an mp3 recording of our songs, while we are on PalTalk for the ACIM Gather chat tonight. Then, anyone will be able to hear our songs, by playing them on their computers.
It is such fun to share these blessings with everyONE!
Before the chat, our friend Betty came on to say hi, and then we were online to share openly.
The online ACIM chat was fantastic. We talked with people from all over the world, during the chat.
Thank you God!
While the chat was happening, Bob and Kathy sang many of their songs live, and shared the joy.
This included Christmas Everyday! Because everyday is Christmas for us!
After the chat, we continued to chat with a woman who had been involved with the ACIM Gather chat.
She asked why our e-mail is called: The Two Wolves. Then, we told her that Bob wrote a story with that title, which shares about the beauty of wolves, and their love for one another.
Then, Bob read the story to her, and they finished the talk in tears.
We are so blessed! Thank you, Holy Spirit.
.......
Yup, yup, yup!
It was really surprising how fast the two hours went, what with all the hilarity, profundity, sharings, songs, and tears.
While we were talking and singing, live, to people who had logged on from all over the country (and even New Zealand), we could also watch the computer screen, AND SEE THE COMMENTS THAT LISTENERS WERE MAKING, AS SOON AS THEY TYPED THEM ON THEIR KEYBOARDS!
Talk about instant feedback, this was incredible!
It was like having communication with many people at once, but, you were able to read every comment that everybody shared!
And everybody on Pal Talk was, simultaneously, able to do the same!
What an experience!
We are very grateful to Betty V. for her nudge to bring this journal up to date.
With much appreciation, thank you, Betty!
Yup, yup, yup!
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Saturday, December 3, 2005
Kathy and Bob
It's a bright snowy day in Wisconsin, where we are very grateful for the warmth that all of you share with us.
The wood stoves contribute strongly to this warmth too, and we appreciate them very much!
We continued chopping and hauling wood, to bring in for warming the house.
Kathy worked on her Master Gardener's class test for a while.
Bob organized the house a lot. All that he is doing is sooooooooooo helpful.
Thank you God!
Kathy took a break, to help Bob with the organizing, and it was fun, because we work so well together.
......
Yup, yup, yup!
This living in a Winter Wonderland is awesome.
Deer, pheasant, rabbits, turkeys, and squirrels, all come near the house.
We have seen all of them, on, or near, the patios.
Enough wood is now stacked in the kitchen and in the Sunrise Room, to keep both wood stoves burning for at least two weeks.
And much more is stacked alongside, or near, the house.
So.............
Let it snow!
Let it snow!
Let it snow!
Yup, yup, yup!
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Sunday, December 4, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Phil and Mary arrived for the 10 am Quaker-like service.
We shared the meditation, and our experiences, as guided by Holy Spirit. Thank you so much, this time is such a blessing to all of us.
We also talked about some of the ideas from Mindful Loving that are very helpful to our joining in holy relationship with each other, and as a group.
Ahhhhh, and the angels made quite a spread of goodies for us to share. We had turkey rice soup and a broccoli bread which is very good, plus other delectible treats.
Then, we watched some of the Spiritual Cinema movies, including Delivering Milo. They are always powerful films that give one an opportunity to embrace the blessings of every experience.
We sang Family, by Resta, and shared together by living as family with each other, as the song sings. It was a great joy, while watching the snow fall outside the Sunrise Room.
We watched Don Juan DeMarco, which is a beautiful love story about a man who believes himself to be Don Juan DeMarco.
...............
Yup, yup, yup!
Johnny Depp gave a tremendous performance as Don Juan, the world's greatest lover.
Don Juan, was a treasure trove of thoughts and feelings about love, and, living a life full of love.
Marlon Brando's performance of the psychiatrist, was impeccable. And Marlon's transition, as he became a believer of Don Juan was a great performance. Especially, as Marlon began incorporating these beliefs into his relationshiop with his wife.
Talk about great performances!
Wow!
Yup, yup, yup!
.........
Don Juan experiences some questioning of this feeling by society.
Then, has a holy joining with a psychiatrist, who shares with him that it is wondrous to be free to be Don Juan (his fantastic dream). It is a beautiful expression of love.
It brought all of us to laughter, tears, and joy.
There is a lot of music and dancing in the film, which moved us to do totally that.
Bob and I started dancing to the music from the movie, as Phil and Mary drove away.
It brought many thoughts of love and joy for our joining in LOVE!
Thank you Holy Spirit!!
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Monday, December 5, 2005
Kathy and Bob
This was a day welcomed by Jerry stopping by to do a few things.
He is always such a blessing, and a true symbol of one being willing to be helpful.
Thank you Cuzzin' Jerry, you are an angel.
We are keeping the home fires burning fully.
Bob continues to organize the shelves, while Kathy studies.
Thank you Holy Spirit, for all the blessings.
..............
Yup, yup, yup!
Kathy continues making progress in the time consuming research of all her Master
Gardener's materials, to find the answers for her Master Gardeners', take home, final examination.
Each question has four possible answers, requiring much time to find THE ONE!
The test is designed to enhance research skills in finding answers to any gardening question.
The final exam is a very effective way of each student achieving this experientailly.
Bob took a different version of this same test, years ago, and so Bob knows, and he praises Kathy's diligence and persistence, and prepares meals for her "breaks."
Yup, yup, yup!
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Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Lisa called, and she and Kathy talked about their gratitude for joining in seeing the Holy Spirit everywhere.
Lisa is training to be a Pathways of Light minister while Kathy facilitates that training with her. They always come out of each phone call understanding the love and why Holy Spirit brings every experience.
Thank you Lisa, for being willing to do this.
Bob and Kathy are welcoming this joy of snow as
a time to see the eternally miraculous mirror brightly, and say yes to it's blessings.
We ate several bowls of a fantastically delicious chili that Bob made, and savor every bite.
Thank you Bob!
............
Yup, yup, yup!
Bob has gone through all the fixed financial expenses (electricity, phones, mortgage, insurances, etc.) for the years 2004, and 2005 (our first calendar year together).
Electricity, and electrical baseboard heating, for the entire year of 2005, was 25 dollars lower than that of the previous year, suggesting that Kathy is.....a very helpful partner!
Jeepers, it's true.
Two can live as inexpensively, as one!
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Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Kathy went to town for an appointment.
Bob stayed home, and keep brewing the chili, while dividing it into separate containers, to eat for days.
Thank you sweet light.
We watched birds, and embraced the marvel of their gestures of living in the blessing of being a free spirit!
Kathy and Bob went to town around 4 to pick Eva up, and go to Helen's (Bob's mom) house for the card joy slinging corral.
Kathy went to the Master Gardener's class. It is a great time to join with new friends who are interested in gardening also. Kathy has made some fun friends to share with, in this experience. Thank you God!
When Kathy returned to the card rounds, Bob was out playing the joyful ladies. They were all having fun embracing the cards as a tool for being playful.
..........
Yup, yup, yup!
Them octogenarian ladies was fit to be tied!
Bob won 7, and tied one (of ten games), and them ladies was a whoopin' and a hollerin,' while gunnin' for that young upstart Bob.
A young upstart is anybody under the age of 84, who wins most of the games, against the oldtimers.
Bob's mom laughingly said, "Is this how you show respect to your mother?,"
And Bob said......
Yup, yup yup!
--------------------------------
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Bob went out to round up a few more pieces of wood.
He enjoyed being inside most of the day, and doing things around the house.
Kathy continued to work on her Master Gardener's exam.
She kept saying thank you God a lot, and asking Holy Spirit for guidance about that.
It is challenging for Kathy to do a test like this, which is based on seeming facts, rather than the life experience (as the Pathways of Life materials do).
She kept on doing this, and being patient with herself, to finish the test late tonight.
Bob enjoyed the miracles of the day, and being patiently helpful.
He is such an angel, to cook and do many of the things around the house, while Kathy is doing things that have to be done.
Thank you God for Bob!
........
Yup, yup, yup!
(Mortimer Snerd was the counry bumpkln on the Edgar Bergen-Charlie McCarthy Show, a half century, or so, ago. Mortimer was famous for the three words, "yup, yup, yup."
This was THE ONLY ANSWER, that Mortimer ever gave to any question, IF HE ANSWERED IT AT ALL.
Many question to Mortimer were never answered. And Mortimer became famous for his stock response to any question that required even a smidgeon of thinking. And that was, after a very long and seemingly, thoughtful pause, "Uhhhhhhhhh, what was the question, agin?")
Bob likes to emulate his personal heroes, and apparently, Mortimer is one of them.
Yup, yup, yup!
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Friday, December 9, 2005
Kathy and Bob
We welcomed the day in, by starting Miss Monarch (cookstove in the kitchen).
That is great!
We ate some treats, and were doing things around the house.
Kirby called to say that the '86 caddy car was ready, so we went to pick it up.
Now, we're back at Bumpity Rd., and a blessed friend, Bob M has just called. He was the only man who was ordained with Kathy, with seven women.
He is a blessed deLIGHT!
This is the day that our friend, Betty actually wrote, asking if we're going to continue sharing this journal.
Thank you Holy Spirit, for sending this loving messenger to remind us to share the blessings of joy!
.......
Yup, yup, yup!
Reminds Bob of a line from a song Bob is writing about his mom, "This has been a wondrous journey......and....it ain't over yet!"
Yup, yup, yup!
------------------------------
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Yes, now Saturday does exist, so here we are!
Blessings of joy, to you all!
We woke up to see that more snow has fallen outside, at Bumpity Road.
It is quite a beautiful sight to see, with white snow everywhere.
Patty, Roger, and Kumi arrived to go to the Amish stores.
Kathy bundled up, and went on with them, out in the rolling white hills, to join in laughter and fun.
Bob stayed home, and enjoyed the quiet at home, and peacefulness of resting by the wood stoves.
He also brewed up some of the chlii for us to share, at lunchtime.
It was great to go to the bakery that the Amish have. Mmmmmm, mmmmm, they start cooking at 5 am, to make as many goodies as possible.
Thank you, for the treats!
Then, onto the Amish general store. There, you find many spices and unique things, that can't always be found at a lot of other places.
We also stopped at the other store run by the Amish, which has goods at a very low price.
Our friends enjoyed it all.
When we got back to Bumpity Rd., Bob welcomed us warmly with big bowls of hot venison chili.
Roger, who was visiting, gave us the venison that the chili was made with, so he found it very tasty. He had 1-2 additional bowls of it too.
As they were leaving, Kathy gave some fresh herbs from the (16)
plants growing in the Sunrise Room to Kumi to take home with her. She was very grateful.
Bob and Kathy have been making contacts to invite people to their HOLY UNION wedding anniversary celebration, on December 18, 2005, at the Grand Central Station Restaurant in Kiel, Wisconsin.
Presently, there are seventeen people coming, and some others who aren't sure if they can come.
Everyone is welcome, so if you are reading this, and would like to come, please let us know. You are invited and welcome to be a part of this celebration.
....
Of the nine different kinds of birds we saw from our windows today, the White Marsh Hawk was a spectacular sight as it floated past our south window.
And, a rooster pheasant was back to our bird feeder on the east patio for the second time!
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Sunday, December 11, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Phil and Mary arrived for our Quaker-like service.
It is always a ONEderful experience of welcoming the JOYning of love with friends, when called together to let spirit express love.
We started the service with a prayer,
meditation and invitation to share whatever Spirit brings forth to embrace, in love.
Thank you Holy Spirit, it is always so beautiful, as the thoughts come to mind!
We had a tasty lunch of the delicious green bean casserole, and a potato dish made with mashed potatoes and mashed turnips, and spices that are tasty.
Then, Kathy made the jello cake, which is always good, and a treat.
We watched Intomesee, which is a Spiritual Cinemas movies.
It is very inspiring, and tells the story of of a woman and man, and the experience that they had in a relationship.
It shows them coming back together, after 6 years, and talking about the perceptions that they had about their relationship.
It ends, with a movie being made about this experience. It helped the man, and girlfriend from earlier, in addition to his present wife, understand how being in a relationship where those involved are asked to share openly about their feelings, is so helpful.
After the movie, we all talked about our perceptions of relationships, and how that has effected us. It was a beautiful time, to open up even more, about everything.
Thank you Holy Spirit, for all these mirrors, to let us see who we truly are.
--------------------------------
It was a very interesting movie to see, if the viewer tried to look at everyone and every circumstance, and even every comment in the movie, as a mirroring of oneself.
Bob's triple layered, triple fruited jello, was well received. Pineapple slices in orange jello on the bottom, fruit cocktail in lime jello in the middle, and cranberries in raspberry jello on the top.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmy!
.............................................
Monday, December 12, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Hello joyous lights!
Wow, this comes to thank you for all the love that you shine into our eyes!
When we started the wood cookstove, it started smoking, so Kathy went and got Bob to let it cool down. The air current settled, and we were very joyful about that.
A cold downdraft into the stove was reversed with an electric fan.
Kathy ran some errands, and Bob stayed home, while she did that.
it is no small job keeping the home fires burning.
You would not believe how much wood we have in the Sunrise Room and kitchen in case we get snowbound.
Lots and lots.
The rest of the day, we relaxed to embrace the home fires, which are so welcoming.
It was a quiet day of light and joy.
-----------------------
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Kathy and Bob
This morning, we went to Madison for Bob to talk with the people at the VA hospital about possibilities, in treating his knee.
It was a great blessing, to talk with them.
We are very impressed, again, with the Veterans' Administation Hospital Staff.
MRIs and Exrays suggest an initial course of physical therapy.
Which Bob is looking forward to, inasmuch, as he regained total use of his right arm after a serious rotator cuff injury.
We then went to meet some friends that we hadn't seen for a while, and it was great to talk with them.
They, Don and Mary, will be our hosts for one of our weeks in Puerta Vallarta, Mejico.
They are such an enjoyable couple to talk with about anything!
We talked about our life experiences, and what they involve, and all the blessings, that go with that.
These friends, are Don and Mary, who are gifting us the week of staying in their condominium in Mexico in February.
We talked with them about this blessed gift, and what to do to be ready for the trip.
It was great to take a moment to be with them, and share the miracle that is NOW!
When we got home, there was a message in our e-mails suggesting for us to share recipes. Here is a delicious one, that she asked about:
Jello Cake:
- Make one white box cake mix, according to the box directions.
- Take the cake out of the oven for 10 minutes, and poke holes in it.
- Dissolve 2 packages of jello into liquid, and pour it over the cake.
- Put the cake into the refrigerator or freezer, for around four hours.
- Cover the top with lowfat Cool Whip
This cake is deliciously moist, and easy to prepare!!!!!!!!!
Mmmmmmmm, enjoy it totally!
Now, we're back home, and enjoying BEing here, fully.
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Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
And it did.
All day!
We got about 5 or 6 inches.
We parked both cars up near the barn and town road.
So now we are snowed in.
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
With enough food for several lifetimes.
Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
We wheelbarrowed more wood in, and kept Miss Atlanta and Miss Monarch well fed all day long.
It is a joy to watch the swirling falling snow through the many windows and feel the wood heat permeate our bones.
The birds disappeared completely all morning, but when they came back in the afternoon, they came in multitudes.
We mixed our home brewed chili with pasta sauce for our fettuchini pasta. Very tasty.
A day interspersed with bird watching, and snow watching.
Turning on outside lights and watching the snow swirl is such an awesome experience when one is snuggled in "multi-layers" of warmth.
Kathy's Master Gardener Class was cancelled for this evening, so we are enjoying the extra night off.
Time to do a little more snow watching.
Which we also look forward to doing tomorrow morning, when we give the birds some special, additional treats.
.............................................................
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Kathy and Bob
A beautiful day to awaken to the blanket of snow falling, all around.
We were to go to Madison, and decided to stay home, in the warm embrace of the light of the angels.
We watched the birds, and heard a blue
jay calling. Bob kept saying that it was the blue jay, and we didn't see it, until it came flying to the feeder. Then, poof, there it was!
Such a freeing sight to see the array of colors in the feathers of the many birds that we see, as messengers of flight.
We ate the chili and macaroni with salad, which was very tasty.
Bob made a triple layer jello salad.
Kathy cleaned around the house, and enjoyed the blessing of BEing home.
There is so much to be grateful for, in truly feeling at HOME.
This experience is one that feels very comfortable, and cuddly and soft, to be a part of.
Wow, thank you for this blessing.
The snow continued to fall lightly, most of the day.
-------------------------.......
The triple layer of jello became four layers of jello: cherry, orange, lime, and strawberry, each packed with bananas. It took two bunches of bananas, so, we have one humongous jello!
All the plowing and snow shoveling is put off until the snow stops, so as the snow plles up, we do feel, delightfully, snuggily, snowed in.
With so much snow on the ground, the birds are very active at the feeder.
And so it is with the two birds inside the house, flapping around, feeding themselves, feeding the two wood stoves, etceterrrrrrrrrrrrrrra.
............................................................
Friday, December 16, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Ahhhhhh, it is so pristine outside, with blankets and blankets of white reaching out! Thank you God, for this beautiful sight!
We got up, and started up the woodstove, Miss Monarch, in the kitchen.
It is now warming everything so fully.
The sun is also shining, which is great, as guests for the weekend will be starting to arrive today.
The Dream Interpretation Group meets tonight, so whoever feels like coming to that is welcome to do so.
Bob started the wood stove in the Sunrise Room.
It makes the herbs smile, bringing them a blanket of warmth.
We are so grateful for this green that is all around, inside of Bumpity Road, in the herbs and plants.
It is helpful, in clearing the air, to a fragrant aroma.
Barb V arrived this morning from Madison, bringing a big smile of sunshine into the house.
Bob had just finished plowing out the driveway and parking places near the house, sooooooooooooooo, we were ready for "angels with wheels."
Barb brought a cornucopia of edibles, a Santa Claus with yummies.
Barb, and Mel from near Wyocena, joined us for supper, and Linda, Dekora and Ara, joined us before dessert. The ladies were all tempted to try Bob's layered, four flavored jello, textured throughout with eleven sliced bananas. Delicious!
A good session, of interpreting each other's dreams as our own, a chance for each of us to look at our own lives in terms of our perceptions of another's dream.
A freezing cold night with the seven of us gathered around the flames of Miss Atlanta in the Sunrise Room. The wood stove's cheeriness and warmth permeated all our bones (and souls).
Lots of informal chatting afterwards, in a sense, seemed to continue our inner work of "dream" interpretation.
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Saturday, December 17, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Lots of chatting, munching, reading from Bob's writings, and lots of home made venison chili with elbow pasta.
Randy Martin, Kathy's dad, arrived from Indiana on the Amtrak. The train was about ninety minutes late, so we had the chance to chat with other passengers, bound for the Dakotas and Montana.
Barb visited with Bob's mom, Helen Thompson, and by the time we returned to pick up Barb, the two ladies were exuberant with laughter and joy from all their sharings.
When we arrived home, Leroy was waiting for us, recently arrived from South America.
The five of us had dinner on arriving home, and chatted until very late around the golden oak stained, Amish made kitchen table.
In a pinch, it can seat up to 12, so the five of us had lots of elbow room!
Lots of stories and humor shared through the sharing of our travels, work, and relationship experiences.
Randy was recovering from 45 recent radiology treatments for pacreatic cancer, so it was a real honor and happy occasion to hear him sharing his humor and insights.
What a joyful group of angels.
............................................................
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Bob and Kathy were up at 5:50 a.m., and the five of us ate lightly, joined about 6:30 a.m. by Don G. from Windsor, a friend of Duncan's, whom all five of us were meeting for the first time this morning!
Shortly after 7 a.m., the six of us were in Ye Olde Caddie (an '86 Fleetwood), and heading for rural Kiel, Wisconsin, about an hour northeast of Fon Du Lac.
The two hour and ten minute trip was shortened immensely by all the sharings during our travels.
The outside temperature was -6 degrees, but the inside of the car was quite warm with the six of us all snuggled in. In fact, we had to turn down the heat!
We arrived about 9:20 a.m. at Robert and Mary's home for the 10 a.m. Pathways of Light, Quaker type Sunday service.
Deb and Paul brought Bob E. and Carol S. from Madison, Phil and Mary came from rural Markesan, Marilyn and Jerry from Chilton, Jim and Dianna from Fon Du Lac, other locals included Steve U., David W., etc.
After the service, all 21 of us headed for the Grand Central Station Restaurant in downtown Kiel, where we had our wedding dinner, a year ago.
A long table was set for the 21 guests, which was a beautiful anniversary dinner as guests shared their comments, and Bob and Kathy gave an informal, and sometimes humorous, State Of The Union Address.
A tasty dinner and chatting lasted about three hours in the beautifully decorated restaurant (which used to be a hotel and stagecoach stop)!
We gayly chatted our way home, having a light supper and visiting around the table, which lasted until the wee hours.
.....................................................
Monday, December 19, 2005
Bob and Kathy
The five of us were all up early to see Barb off to Mad City, and then continued chatting and visiting throughout the day.
Leroy, ate the rest of, the next to the last, homegrown watermelon.
We kept the kitchen and Sunrise Room wood stoves going all day, which really warmed us up during the below freezing temperatures outside.
During the evening we watched the psychiatrist, Marlon Brando, receive a series of life changing therapeutic interactions, from his patient Don Juan de Marcos (Johnny Depp), who claimed that he, Don Juan, was the greatest lover in the world.
It was quite well done, with a beautiful, and heart warming, surprise ending.
This was followed by Hotel Rwanda, based on a true story, which was closely followed by Randy and Leroy (Randy had been teaching in the former Belgian Congo in Africa for years (where Kathryn Thompson, his daughter was born, so he was very interested in the movie).
.........................................
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Bob and Kathy
We were all at the breakfast table (where Leroy was eating the rest of the last homegrown watermelon of the year), when Barb W. arrived in a tornado of humor, stories, and laughter.
A bringer of joy, strewing our hearts with hilarity.
Kathy picked fresh herbs for Leroy, while Bob packed home made vegerarian soup (part of 20 quarts that Leroy, Kathy and Bob had cheffed together to create), and aloe vera plants for Leroy, also.
Barb left to pick up three of her Amish lady friends for a trip to town, and Leroy headed for home in Wisconsin Dells.
Randy, Bob, and Kathy drove up into Marquette County, north of Portage, to pick up one of our dear, octogenarian friends, Victor H. After visiting with Victor and Flossie, we drove Kathy and her dad to the Amtrak station, and Victor accompanied Bob to an onion farm where Bob bought 100 pounds of yellow onions for 15 cents a pound, and 50 pounds of red onions for 14 cents a pound.
This is less than half our onion load, as compared to last year.
Then I took Victor to the hospital for bloodwork and the removal of 24 stitches from knee surgery, two weeks ago.
Randy loves onions, so Bob arrived at the Amtrak station in time to pack 2 large yellow and 2 large red onions into his handbag.
The train was over an hour late but the extra time with Kathy's dad, was a blessing.
Then we drove Victor home, and returned home ourselves.
It is always a delight to drive down that long driveway and return home.
Especially when it is so well plowed out!
.................................................
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
We were up at 5:50 a.m. to leave for Bob's cardiology consultation after all the testing during recent months. Bob had a followup EKG at 8 a.m. this morning and was advised by the cardiologist that he would probably be on medication (currently, Atenolol), for rapid heart beat and high blood pressure, for the rest of his life.
Returning home in the morning, Kathy packed all her materials for her final (the 12th), Columbia County Master Gardeners' Class.
On the way into Portage, we picked up Mother Superior (Aunt Eva) and joined Bob's mom, Helen, to play cards, while Kathy was in her gardening class.
Bob joined her for the goodies at her "end of class class party." They were a lively group of about 30 dedicated gardening students, having just finished 36 hours (12 weeks), of intensive gardening classes.
Middle son, Todd Anthony Thompson, driving here from Laguna Niguel, California, called (from Lincoln, Nebraska) to invite us to lunch tomorrow in Portage.
They had left Denver, Colorado, this morning and would be in Chicago, late tonight.
One thousand miles in one day!
..........................................................
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Todd, wife Kelly, and children Justin and Lauren, picked up Todd's older sister, Linette (Bob's eldest daughter), and her baby daughter Gabriela, in Chicago, and the six of them met us for lunch at The Hitching Post in Portage about 1:45 p.m.
We picked up Bob's mom, Helen, and Bob's youngest brother, Ronald, took time off from his accounting business to laugh with us at The Hitching Post.
Uncle Ron is about the same age as his nephew and niece, all born within a few years of each other.
A lot of laughing permeated the restaurant, while we enjoyed very, very tasty, Mexican foods, incredibly delicious sandwiches, and yummy salad specials.
After driving mom home, we fed our two hungry wood stoves, and awaited the arrival of the California and Illinois offspring at Bumpity.
The grandchildren had looked forward to making snowballs, so a lot of snow was thrown around for the first hour.
Sister Ruth, and partner Terry, arrived and contributed to the group hilarity.
Bob hooked up the 16 foot haywagon (used to haul wood, etc.), to the 40 horse Allis Chalmers Tractor to take th more daring for a ride.
Tire chains on the massive tractor rear tires, gives the powerful tractor great traction on ice and thru snow.
Across the fields we went, through the high grass, through snow drifts, oblivious to all the difficuilties that would normally get us very stuck.
In places where the snow was piled 4 feet high, the tractor pulled through without spinning a tire, pulling the 16 foot wagon easily through all the snow dirifts.
It was a memorable "fourty horse (power) open sleigh" ride.
We then started a bon fire about 6 feet in diameter, and, after the fire had lost its initial enthusiasm (and the fire was very enthusiastic), we broke out the marshmallows and the deluxe two-pronged, professional quality, marshmallow "sticks."
We were all then supplied with a steady stream of toasted marshmallows.
Some were toasty brown, some were darker, and some were much, much darker.
The grandchildren were toasting them four at a time.
Lots of chatting and laughing around the warmly dancing flames of the Atlanta Wood Stove in the Sunrise Room, with 8 month old Gabriela, actively exploring her new environment.
Both children had "promises to keep" and "miles to go before they sleep" in both Chicago and Evanston, Illinois.
There will be another reunion tomorrow at Grandson Blake's birthday party in Libertyville, Illinois, but grandpa is moved to stay home, relax, and just take it easy, during this cold spell.
What a glorious time of sharings and laughter!
And now the house is quiet.
Except for the two tea kettles.
One on each of the wood burning stoves.
Singing to each other from adjoining rooms.
Inviting us to pour a hot cup.
And so we will.........
.........................................
Friday, December 23, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Bob was up at 7:30 a.m. to feed both wood stoves.
We are enjoying the warmest weather we have had in weeks, with the temperature in the lower 30s.
Roof snow is melting and dripping, like a little drummer, gently playing.
Bob split a lot of wood and stacked it in the house, in preparation for Barb W. and her two weeks of house sitting for us, beginning February 18th, thru March 4th.
Phil and Mary stopped by to join us for baked stew, baked Alaskan Gold taters (from Duncan's work at an organic farm), yams, and Kathy's homemade banana-hickory nut bread.
Hickory nut meats?
Do you have an idea how hard it is to acquire one teaspoonfull of hickory nut meats?
Thank you Dr. John for that ziplock bag with its priceless contents.
Even if you want to buy them (ten pounds of gold for one pound of nuts), they are difficult to find.
What a gift!
We have about 20 or so shagbark hickory nut bearing trees here, near the house, so maybe next year..........
We watched the movie BEING THERE with Peter Sellers and Shirley McClain, and enjoyed it immensely!
A simple minded, polite gardener, who liked to watch T.V., was catapulted into national fame, because of how his simple words were interpreted by businessmen, politicians, newsmedia, etc.
The movie showed the beauty of how the gardener kept his innocence through it all.
Funny movie, but also thought-provoking, and a rather interesting look at how many of us choose to think and the ensuing mis...perceptions.
A Friday night at the movies.
It is really nice to have the movie end, and find ourselves, already........at home.
.............................................
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Today we took a break from the wood stoves and used the electric baseboard heat all day, revelling in the weekend off-peak electrical rates.
Outside temperature 34, inside 76.
Bob was chef for the meals today and emptied the ashes from both wood stoves, etc.
Kathy baked hickory nut banana breads, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, and strawberry jello cake.
In the early evening we visited Helen Thompson in Portage where all of Bob's remaining siblings (three sisters and a brother), were with their mom on Christmas Eve.
Bob sang AN OLD ROCKING CHAIR for them and we gave them CDs of 12 songs written by Bob that we (Kathy and Bob) sang accapella, either as a duet or solo.
......................................
Here is the link of 12 of our songs which are available here for you to download:
 
http://www.starlightmusic.net/music/bumpity/
 
Please feel free to share them with anyone.
...............................................................
When we arrived home, our dear friend Dana was awaiting us, and the three of us mirrored each other's awe, peace, joy, and inspiration for a wondrous 90 minutes.
Then Santa Claus (alias Dana), continued his nightly sojurn of delivering gifts, and, the major and most precious gift of all, was beaming Santa Dana, himself.
Househod chores and prep work for our 10 a.m. service tomorrow, kept us up till past midnight.
But we are on a high, still beaming from Dana's light...........
..................................................
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Christmas Day!
Christmas Day!
Christmas Every Day!
What fun it is to laugh and sing,
With Christmas Every Day!
:-)
Our 10 a.m. "speak if you are moved to do so" service was attended by Mary and Phil, Paul and Deb, and Deb's daughter Allie.
Lots of gifts of food made up a dinner of lasagna, salad, garlic bread, green bean casseole, stawberry jello cake, hickory-nut banana bread, and a smorgasboard of home made cookies.
Many hands helped keep the wood stove in the Sunrise Room from being hungry, so we were very warmed all day long.
Guitar tuning and picking by Paul and Allie were very relaxing.
A steady stream of birds came to the feeder all day long.
It continues to thaw so it is a little mucky in places in the driveway.
Phil made a 3 foot by 5 foot sign (for you!), with special very low energy, little lights, that spells out the message:
WELCOME
HOME!
Phil and Bob attached it to two steel posts in the front lawn and ran a long extension chord from an outlet in the steel barn.
We watched three movies from Spiritual Cinema, including the life story of Alaskan wildlife biologists and conservationalists, Olaf and Marty Murie.
It was an inspiring documentary about this unusual couple who spent their honeymoon on a 550 mile dog sled trek in the Alaskan winter.
The documentary ended with John Denver singing a love song to Marty, that John had written about Olaf and Marty, that included touching imagery from nature.
Afer the movies we snacked back and forth, and then made a pilgrimage to the town road (Monthey Road), that goes past our mailbox.
Standing in the road, we admired Phil's sign, which is about 60 feet off the town road, glowing brightly on our front lawn.
I just checked it from the Sunrise Room (it's 6:22 a.m. here), and I can see that it is happily glowing away with an invitation to you:
WELCOME
HOME!
....................................
Monday, December 26, 2005
A day of telephone and many e-mail communications and returning calls.
The thawing will contiue for days, so all the snow will probably be gone by January 1st.
This makes it easier to get the wheelbarrow up to the woodshed and inside, to heap it with sticks and blocks of wood to satiate the appetites of Miss Monarch and Miss Atlanta, and the two cast iron ladies, in return,
"warm our hearts
and all other parts,"
hour after hour
all day long.
We are pleased that others take the time to feed both stoves. We always feel a sense of community when others are looking after all of us, including themselves. Most of these sharings take place in the kitchen and in the Sunrise Room, where the two stoves grace us with their permeating heat.
Bob was "wackin' and stackin," splitting wood in the woodshed, and wheelbarrowing it to the house, where Kathy helped stack it near the two stoves.
Lots of holiday leftovers.
Lots of desserts.
Bob created a "leftover list," of holiday foods which he reads several times a day, and so, we have been very dedicated to eating our way down that list, and through the refrigerator, and into the several cookie and candy, cups, jars, and tins. Including, lots and lots of chocolate, even in many of Kathy's cookies.
Help!
:-)
And interspersed throughout the day, several sessions of allowing the birds to watch us.
While we take the time,
to see each other,
again,
for the first time.
..............................................
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Bob and Kathy
From 12-2 p.m. today, Rev. Christine Anderson (aka Happy Woman), hosted the ACIM Gather on Pal Talk, so we listened in, participated, and also sang the songs: Christmas, Every Day, and,
I Like Your Style.
Rev. Christine did a good job of singing, It's Only a Thought, and a Thought can be Changed, (requested by us).
Afterwards, Bob brought 4 wheelbarrows, heaped with firewood from the woodshed and Kathy did most of the stackin'.
We use two wheelbarrows, so it goes pretty fast.
We continued our very dedicated work with the holiday leftover list.
The thawing continues.
And the WELCOME HOME sign is happily shining its many lights to all the passersby on Monthey Road.
What fun it is to laugh and sing,
with Christmas Every Day!
............................................
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Kathy and Bob
We kept hauling more, and more wood in for warmth, during these cold months, in the wood stoves.
Barb W. will be verrrrrrrrrrry warm, when she housesits, while we go to Mexico, so that's why we keep bringin' it in.
Speaking of Barb W., she stopped by to tell us that our new windows will be delivered tomorrow. Hooray!
We talked with Robert and Mary S., at Pathways of Light, about our gratitude, for all that we share. They are a blessed deLIGHT, for which we are very grateful!
When we think of what we're grateful for, let us thank you everyONE, for shining your light abundantly, to all!
--------------------------
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Bob and Kathy
We were ready for the windows to be installed, today.
Barb and Alva arrived early, to unload and take out the old windows. Then, put the new ones in.
He decided to do his carpentry work outside, and it was great to watch, while he meticulously cleaned the window frames. This prepared them, to be ready for installation.
He finished all the angels touches, and put the first set in.
Barb and Kathy prepared a feast, which was delicious. We ate, while talking and laughing.
Then, back to the frame work. The other windows were prepared, and put in beautifully, also!
Thank you God!
Mary and Phil came over, to meet us to go to the Dream Interpretation Christmas dinner, in Baraboo tonight.
We got to the party, and it was at Quinn's Town Lounge.
We were seated at a long table with many friends, whose lives have been give more meaning, by looking at their dreams.
Everyone shared from their life experiences openly, and it was beautiful and happy.
There was lots of delicious food and
laughter.
We came back home, and nestled into the warm home fires.
-----------------------------------
Friday, December 30, 2005
Kathy and Bob
Bob was up early, and got the pot of venison chili on the stove, for Patty and Roger to come over today.
Bob called his mom, Helen to see if she wanted to play cards.
He also talked with Aunt Eva, and asked her to come over.
Then, he warmed up the Caddy, to pick up the card angels.
Bob came back home, with Mom and Eva, then started playing. Helen sat, with her back to the woodstove, which felt sooooooo good.
Roger and Patty arrived, bringing many goodies along.
We had lunch ready, and shared a festive feast of venison chili, plus holiday breads and cookies.
After lunch, Roger joined them at the card table.
Kathy and Patty went shopping at Mishler's Grocery, and a few other places, then headed back to the house.
The card games were still going on when we got back.
Then Patty and Kathy played a board game called Sequence, which was fun.
The snow started to fall, and Patty didn't want to drive in it, so the card sharks finished, to go home soon.
It was great to have Mom and Aunt Eva together, with more of our family of friends.
We took Eva and Helen home, then got back, to relax and rest.
We enjoyed doing things around the house, and liked the blessing of a warm and quiet night in the country.
----------------------------
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Felipe and Mary joined us to go to a celebration of LOVE for Diana Nicole, as she has decided to move to California.
Diana has touched our minds and hearts, as she helped facilitate gatherings here, at Bumpity Rd., and Wisconsin Dells.
In these experiences, she invited those present, to speak from their inner guidance. We find that to be very helpful.
There were many people there, who Diana and we have known, and it was an open and fun party of love and laughter.
After the party, we were invited to the home of Toad, where he lives in community with five other people.
Joe was leaving when we arrived, so we sang "I Like Your Style" to him, as he went out the door.
Chikur heard the singing and came to welcome and join in with us. He said that, when he heard the singing, he knew that Bumpity Road was at their house.
We sat around the dining room table, and talked about ideas. It was interesting to share with all who live a life embracing spirituality, and to share the insights and laughter, that roared and happened.
The beauty of it, was to join in union of the ONE LOVE NOW.
We went onto Leroy's apt., and visited for a while. Leroy wanted us come and join, at his house.
Thank you God, for all of our dear friends, who invite us to have fun with them.
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