|
1-31 AND 2-1
KAThy worked on her current Ordination Course, #801: RECEIVING INNER WISDOM---TOOL FOR SELF-TRANSFORMATION.
Bob wheelbarrowed in wood for both stoves, kept both home fires burning, and tempted Kathyryn from time to time with venison burgers, homemade french fries from scratch, cheesecake, salads, jello, and other leftovers.
We took some time outs to do some bird watching (six varieties, today) and later, after dark, some fire watching with Miss Atlanta in the Sunrise Room (during which, we both fell asleep in the recliners). It is very nice to relax in a VERY WARM house on a cold winter day, while watching the birds, gray squirrels, and cats on the East Patio. Peanuts in the shell, field corn on the cob, lots of catfood, hickory nuts, and lots and lots of black sun flower seeds, have resulted in five fat cats and five fat squirrels.
And a jillion well-fed birds.
Moonlight on the snow outside.
Firelight on our faces in the inside.
And always, candlelight meals.
love to you all,
joyously peaceful
(except for some exuberant dancing, now and then), Bob and KAThryn.
....................
Wednesday, 2-2-05
Completion of Ordination Coursework for Kathy continues at a brisk pace. Burning of firewood in both stoves, also continues at a brisk pace. Cooking on the wood cook stove continues at a brisk pace. Eating all the things being cooked by Chef Roberto, also continues at a brisk pace. Weight gain, by both Kathy and Bob also continues at a brisk pace. Planning and packing for three days in the capital (Madison) also continues at a brisk pace.
When we walk over to the neighbors, we also do that at a brisk pace. Phone calls and e-mails also continue at a brisk pace, (but we are able to handle that by being social secretaries for each other). Like most of you, we have more to do than is possible, but we are agreeing on a few basic high priority items. Among them so far, are:
1. Creating work places and times, for Kathy to continue her ordination studies.
2. Allowing Chef Roberto to continue with his delicious creations in the kitchen.
3. Work related to the firewood.
4. Getting seeds for early plantings.
5. Household choresssssssssssssssssssss....
6. Daily and weekly websites.
7. Card playing with my mom and other outlaws.
8. Bird watching (includes family "birds" and asssorted friends, perching for a while).
9. Singing (and song writing).
10. Dancing.
Ten for now.
Our tentative ten.
love to you all,
Bob and Kathy
----------------------------------------------
(Bob and Kathy)
Thursday, 2-3-05
Fifteen stops before we got on the interstate. You think I'm kidding? mechanic, taxes, master gardeners, post office, auto parts, library, Walmart, U.S. Cellular, mom, etc.
And then in Madison?
Our 19th stop was at the home of fellow travel club members who were hosting Kathy and I for two nights, and two breakfasts. Dean and Edith were an absolute delight!
They took their five young children to Nigeria, Africa for two years which is just one example of the interesting life they have lived. A most gracious, warm, helpful, and sharing couple. We love them dearly. We saw the movie Shall We Dance?, and loved, loved, loved it! It is inspiring us to have dances here in our Sunrise Room. Afterwards we went to Clownin' Around on University Avenue, to check out the clown materials for my grandson, Lucas, who intends to be a professional clown to put smiles on childrens' faces. Then over to Mi Cocina (Spanish for "my kitchen") where we grazed through the menu. Then back to our hosts for a good night's sleep.
----------------------------------------
(Bob and Kathy)
Friday, 2-4-05
Great breakfast with Dean and Edith.
They blend their own natural foods for a tasty breakfast, highlighted by home grown grape juice.
It was a joy to visit with them, over a verrrrrrrrrry long breakfast! Then we spent a lot of time on State Street, traversing its entire length, from the capital building to the U.S. Memorial Union on Lake Mendota.
We received a lot of information from the Capital, the Red Gym, and the Memorial Union.
Four students at the Red Gym researched for us, simultaneously, one in a book, and three on different computers.
I told them that I felt like I had a staff. And they answered, "You do!" We also went to the Parthenon Restaurant to partake of their fabulous "gyros and fries."
Kathy and Bob also did some impromtu acapella singing for a three generation latino family, who also happened to be dining there. Lots of laughs, by all!
Then we picked Randi up and went to the Market Square Theatre to see The Motorcycle Diaries which was a beautifully photographed film of young Che Guevara's 7,000 mile trip through much of South America, before he finished his last semester at medical school. What the young man saw, persuaded him to become a revolutionary. The filming was priceless. And the casting, flawless.
And afterwards, an interlude at Pizza Hut with Randi, continuing the great sharing of being with her, before calling it a night. And then, back to our wonderful hosts for a second night in their guest room.
--------------------------------------------
(Bob and Kathy)
Saturday, 2-5-05
Another great and delicious breakfast, flavored by the wonderful company of this unique couple.
We shared a couple of our songs with them, which resulted in Dean getting his tape recorder out to have them sung again, and recorded. We met one of their twin daughters, who was just as cheerful and warm as her parents.
Then we returned to visit a friend and pick up a copy of her recently published book, Dear Mom.
The book was based on over 20 years of written correspondence between mother and daughter.
The mother wrote every Sunday, and the daughter, every Wednesday. Then we went to pick up Randi, parked by the Capital, and walked a crowded State Street all the way down to Lake Mendota to see the spectacular, KITES ON ICE!
It was very beautiful!
Impossible to describe the many sizes, shapes, colors, synchronized kites, competitions, demonstrations, and different sports using kites as a source of wind power to propel them across the ice on skates or snowboards, etc.
They were expecting nearly 40,000 people and had people from many countries and states, participating.
It was a truly gorgeous spectacle, with over fifty kites in the air at one time, stretching from horizon to horizon. Kathy and Randi took two long hikes out on the lake to view events close up. It was a fantastic experience to be a part of. Our final stop on State Street (and there were many) was at the Espresso Royale Cappuchino, to sample coffees at their very best. It was a great place to sit and, people watch, with a steady stream of customers coming and going. I have never seen so many people on State Street. Ever. It really is a very interesting and great street. (Last year I began writing a song about it). After dropping Randi off, we drove back to the Wisconsin countryside, arriving home after dark. We had enjoyed a great get-a-way for three days. The comment most frequently heard during the three days was Bob's, "Jeepers, Kathy, you know, this vacationing is really hard work!" It was great to be back home and nestle into our very own nest. Ah.......the joy of soulfully nestling.....with another.... birds of a feather, we have flocked together,
eternally,
Bob and KAThy
p.s. We invite you to "fly by" and "perch" for a spell. p.s.s. We have over 150 pounds of black sunflower seeds to feed you.
:-)
.............
Sunday: 2-6-05
We spent most of the day at my Mom's in Portage playing cards with Barb Weaver (our best lady at our wedding) and my niece, Barb Thompson, an R.N. at UW Hospital.
Lots of laughs.
And I found out that my niece is an exceptionally competitive player, who has above average math skills, memory, and determination. It was great to see my mom sit down at the card table and shed 80 years, just by picking up her cards.
Later, we had a long chat about family history, including that of my two younger, now deceased brothers, one of them Barb T's dad. It was a real treat for me to gain insights into my niece's exceptional mind and thinking.
Kathy really appreciated going with Barb T. to pick up the chicken dinner, with all the trimmings. This was a great opportunity for Kathy to get to know Barb Thompson better.
It is very clear that my mom treasures her relationship with her grandaughter, Barb.
And loves to play cards with her!
Two Sundays from now, we are all loading our guns and meeting at the O.K. Corral for another shootout, using cards for bullets. Once one has a rep as a top gun, there are always those trying to gun down the top gun.
Inasmuch as I am perceived as the top gun, it is understandable that my peaceful little body is filled with "bullet" holes. We helped load all the bodies in the discard wagon and then rode our horses home. Very slowly, so as to avoid hitting deer. (Quite a few people in our area get "gunned down" by a deer, rather often. About two thousand deer accidents, annually, in our county alone).
So, drive slowly when you come our way.
We will leave the light on.
joyous,
Bob and KAThy
---------------------------------
Monday: 2-7-05
Bob and KAThy
Today, KAThy finished work on her Ordination Course #210: Star Child, Seeing the Innocence Within. Lots of readings, writings, guided meditations, and appointments with facilitators. She does have an additional incentive to complete all the requirements by her May 28th Ordination Date, in that she will be in Pennsylvania the following week to officiate at a wedding.
We had a great four-way phone call with Deb and Paul last night about all the information connected with the May Ordination as well as all activities during KAThy's final, intensive week of training at Kiel (which her husband, Bob, will be participating in as a refresher course), with the seven candidates for ordination and the various ministers acting as facilitators.
Chef Roberto continues to turn out food in quantities. The past few days has seen lots of roasted venison ribs coming out of the wood cookstove oven, covered with norland red roasted potatoes and large, and I do mean large, whole yellow onions.
To say nothing of a considerable quantity of rice pilaf-onion soup. And the beginnings of chili simmering now? Four cups of dry soy beans. Simmering for two days now.
Nine quarts of frozen quartered tomatoes. (Frozen in 4 and 5 quart ice cream pails, which means that I had some humungous tomato ice cubes to dump into the soy beans. Can you picture 8 and 10 pound tomato ice cubes being added to boiling beans. The big tomato ice cubes sort of stacked up on each other, but my handy dandy ice pick took care of that. I also use that ice pick to punch holes in things. Like my belt. Six pounds of ground venison are defrosting as we speak, which will be sauteed tomorrow, and then added to the 16 quart pot. If there is room. joyously, chill i ng out,
Bob and KAThy
------------------------------
Tuesday: 2-8-05
Bob and KAThy
KAThy and Bob had a long session with Christ Consciousness this morning, that resulted in a breakfast after the noon hour. Kathy continued studying while Bob stacked wood outside between two oak trees, and also wheel-barrowed dry wood into the house from the woodshed. Then we joined for a second session in front of the wood fire in the open door of Miss Atlanta of Vermont Casting fame. We love to watch those flickering flames.
We took our breaks to do some birdwatching and then brought our roast dinner out of Miss Monarch's oven and enjoyed some really tasty food. Spent some time corresponding, snail mail and e-mail, phones and websites.
Updated info on our monthly financial budget, balanced the books, and put them to bed for a while.
It is great to be back home and settling in! And, we are now, up-to-date, on our daily diary that we began way back in mid-November! still scribbling away,
with gratefulness,
and awe,
Bob and Kathy.
......................
CHILI, CARD SHARKS, SINGING....... Wednesday, 2-9-05
Bob and Kathy
Question:
What do you get when you blend 4 cups of dry soy beans, 9 quarts of frozen homegrown tomatoes, 6 pounds of ground venison, and 6 pounds of large yellow onions?
Answer:
A lot of left over chili.
---------------------------
We froze 12 quarts of chili today in the hopes that you will arrive soon and sample them!
----------------------------------------------
Inasmuch as Cuzzin' Jerry harvested the soy beans two years ago, and butchered a venison on our kitchen table, this past November, we did feel obliged to invite him over to sample the fruits of his labors. Which Jerry did, along with his girlfriend Peggy. So we had another of those rollicking afternoons with Jerry telling us tales about his work in "bringing 'em back alive" for the Humane Society. With both wood stoves putting out heat, it was a real pleasure to look outside at all that snow and still feel so warm inside the house. The soy bean-venison chili helped alot also. I calculate that we ate about 5 quarts of chili today between the four of us. And I calculate that I had a bowl in my hand most of the day as I played with the seasonings and sampling, and then seasoning and sampling, etc. And, truth be known I consumed about half of those 5 quarts of chili myself.
Eating 5 quarts of chili seems like a lot. But it isn't. Especially, when you remember that there are still 15 quarts left!
.......................................
Our friend Kirby checked over Kathryn's Saturn, changing oil and filter and examining the engine undersides for oil leaks. Little Miss Saturn now has Wisconsin License Plates and her owner, Lady Kathryn, now has a Wisconsin Drivers' License. peacefully playing in the woodpile, Bob and "Kathyryn."
----------------------------------------------
Bob and Kathy
Thursday, 2-10-05
Peggy and Jerry stopped in on their way back from an auction out here in the country.
It turned out that even the junk went for a very high price, probably due to the warm weather, lots of people avoiding cabin fever, thus a heavy turnout of people with money and checkbooks burning a hole in their pockets.
We sampled an onion rice pilaf soup, a new concoction by Chef Roberto. It was deeeeeelishhhhhus!
The three of us did some birdwatching while Cuzzin' Jerry napped on the couch.
It is a very comfortable couch.
That sofa (from Uncle Billie) sort of sneaks up on you, enfolds you, cuddles you into it, and sends you off into slumberland. Then Chef Roberto made homemade french fries, using Norland Red Potatoes, which turned out quite scrumptious. Cold cuts and cheese were grilled into sandwiches on the wood cookstove, and by the time the second mountain of french fries were on the table, all four of us were "stuffed." Kathy and I had a three day session with her ordination course, Christ Consciousness, a total of four sessions in those three days. This was a Onederful opportunity to look at our lives and purpose. It is also heart-warming to have visitors pop in when they are in the area. peacefully grateful,
Bob and Kathy
----------------------------------------------
Friday, 2-11-05
Bob and Kathy
While birdwatching, during an eight bird morning (junco, chickadee, cardinal, crow, ladderback woodpecker, downy, nuthatch, and goldfinch) the phone rang.
It was The Mother Superior (alias Auntie Eva), calling from the garden of pleasures, trying to tempt us into a card game. She sweetened the ante by casually mentioning that she had just made a homemade meat loaf, that she was willing to bring over. Like the original Eve, she sure knows how to make an offer that can't be refused. :) Kathy picked up my mom in Portage, and Peggy picked up Eva and we ate, kidded, and carded the afternoon away.
Mom had not been feeling well, but left in real good spirits when Kathy and I drove her home.
When that 86 year old card shark sits down at the cardtable and shuffles those cards, a big smile comes over her face, and 80 years slip off her shoulders.
I sure like that little playful girl, that is sitting in her chair. It is always a miracle that I never tire of seeing. That's my mommy........ love to all,
Bob and KAThryn
----------------------------------------------
Saturday, 2-12-05
Bob and Kathy
Kathy finished all her final work with Rev. Deb today for her ministerial course: Star Child.
It was a great opportunity to talk about the innocence within oneself and embrace the miracle of the moment with a dear and loving colleague. A lot of laughter was shared as we both came to see that our experiences are what Holy Spirit brings together to make everything so clearly understandable.
--------------------
We went to Buffalo Books and Coffee Shop in Montello, about 15 miles from here, to participate in their Open Mic Nite of local entertainers. When we walked in at 7 pm, Suzanne, the owner said, "Oh, here are some more performers!"
The local entertainers were great.
A very little boy on violin.
A father and young daughter singing together, songs that the dad had written.
A great bongo drummer.
A couple in their 70's.
And Kathy and Bob doing a few solos each, and some duets. Our friend Phil sang the last solo: Family. This was very appropriate, because, the evening really felt like family coming together. The older couple had several children and grandchildren present, so we stayed together an extra hour and a half, with all our table joined together and singing one song after another together. Mostly in English, but also some numbers in Spanish (Bob) and German (Matias and Bob). Matias (79), used to sing 2 songs each, to each of his seven children every night, 14 songs a night.
He and his wife would choose a song for each child, and then each child would choose a song that each child wanted to hear. Small wonder that all of his children and grandchildren present, were all singing with their parents or grandparents. A joyful group. People warming each other on a chilly wintry night. warmly, Bob and Kathy
----------------------------------------------
Sunday, 2-13-05
Kathy and Bob
Today, Bumpity has been warmed up, by the continuous LOVE that is here. We got up, and decided what to have for breakfast. Chef Roberto, had a potato chip blessing that he wanted to cook, so he did that. When he finished preparing the delicious dish, we ate. Then, made telephone calls to many.
We decided to call the six children.
It was great to talk with Gary, in Libertyville, IL. We told him that we'd be there at the end of the month, to embrace the miracles there. He was there, with five children staying overnight, that he was being the chef for. Blake and his friends are always very helpful with this, so I'm sure he was having fun.
Then, we talked with Linette, to see about meeting her, while we're there visiting the grandchildren in IL.
She said that she is ready to have a c-section on 2/13/05. She is very excited, as this is her first child. They decided to have a c-section, for health reasons.
Bob and Kathy will be going to see them on 2/27/05, and see the newborn miracle. It was also great to talk with her, and hear her high spirits. Then, we left messages for Todd, Christian, Sabra, and did reach Billy (Kraianne's husband, to ask him to have her call back). It was great to talk with him, and hear his happy spirits. This was a great opportunity, to leave little joyous blessings all around. We also called many others in Indiana, Alaska, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida and reached an uncle and aunt traveling in a bus to Key West, Fl. To everyone, we always invite them to Bumpity Rd., and say that the DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN.
In the late afternoon, Bob and Kathy were in another part of the house, and heard a voice asking if anyone was home. We came to the kitchen, to see Cuzzin' Jerry and Aunt Eva.
They had been to a church close by, to play cards. We visited with them a little while. It was great to see them again. They knew that the door is always OPEN, and came right in. This is a great feeling. Then, we went out to watch birds, a while longer. Now, we're enjoying another bowl of chili in the warm kitchen. What a life, country living is sooooooooo blessed. Come on out and join us. The door is open, and the light is always on. And, we have three gallons of chili, frozen in the freezer. It is waiting for you to come to the door. Love and peace, Kathy and Bob
.........................
Valentines' Day, Bookish F(r)iends, Angels, and Floors... Monday, 2-14-05
Bob and Kathryn
Kathy continued her studies today in Course #805: Attracting Nurturing Personal Relationships.
The wood cookstove put out so much heat that it was the only stove we used to heat both the downstairs and second story, as well as the Sunrise Room. The electric base board heat was off all day . Melting temperatures the past few days have made being outside comfortable also. We had a good chat with my mom before going to the Portage Public Library for a presentation and discussion on The Founding Fathers, the theme during this month's meeting being Benjamin Franklin. Our presenter, and facilitator, my dear friend and country neighbor, Dr. John Larsen (M.D.) reminded me very much of Benjamin Franklin. During the course of the discussion, I gave several reasons why I felt this was true.
The only person there who reminded me more of Benjamin Franklin, (othr than my buddy John), is good old Bobby Thompson himself. Now this is no small thing inasmuch as Ben was extremely diversified in his interests, did a lot of different kinds of work, interacted with a great variety of people, was very well travelled, and had great confidence in the common people, and was very curious about just about everything. Of course, neither John nor I, signed four of the major documents that all had to do with our becoming a nation. Ben Franklin is the only person who signed all four.
-----------------------------------
We had fun, and Kathy had the opportunty to meet a few of her new acquaintances again, Dr. John Larsen and Hans Jensen, the library boss, were both part of the discussion group. Kathy also had the chance to interact after the meeting with two couples in the goup whom I have known for some time, David Spearing (a former Lutheran Minister) and his wife Nancy, and Dr. Robert Curtis (a retired veterinarian) and his wife Kathryn (a retired English Teacher), same first names as Kathy and myself.
We did some shopping before leaving town and then slowly drove home, which enabled us to avoid hitting several deer crossing the road in front of us.
peacefully joyous,
Bobby and Kathy Thompson
.............................
Tuesday, 2-15-05
Bob and Kathy
Kathryn launched off into another major study project with Course #220: Spiritual Ceremonies. This has been a long study day for her since she began this morning, worked into the afternoon, and now, at 10:30 P.M., is still hitting the books.
I spent the day stacking wood, keeping the woodstove burning, cooking and setting the table for meals (and lighting the candles), bringing Kathy a box of chocolates, and, her cappuchino. Today's meals included baked red norland potatoes and large yellow onions in venison drippings, and, vegetable rice pilaf with yellow onions, both baked in the wood cookstove.
Since mid-November, we have gone through 210# of potatoes, 190# of onions, and, nearly a whole deer. My Dear and I, ate deer in roasts, burgers, chili, and barbecued ribs.
I hear her taking a break from her studies. The pitter-patter of her little feet are approaching......
time to give someone a hug,
bye,
Bob
-------------------------------------
Kathy
Hello everyONE!!!!!!!!
Yes, the pitter patter of little feet just approached, and I'm here to share with you!
I am soooooooo joyfully happy to be joined in this celebration with you! Thank you all for BEing a part of this miracle, every moment. The joy I feel is bursting out!!!!!!!!
Please come to visit with us. The joy is contagious, you will embrace it, because that is what naturally happens!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a friend with whom I join as a JOY GIRL. Please come and share in this, too. You simply can't help it!!!!!
Love and peace,
KAThy :-)
----------------------------------------------
WEDnesday, 2-16-05
Bob and KAThryn
We had the wood cookstove going by the time our first visitor of the day arrived, Barbara Weaver.
Barb had been to a local Amish "store" to buy foods at a fraction of their cost, which she refers to as the "bent and dent." Yesterday, Barb drove three of our Amish neighbors to the capital, Madison, where they go bargain shopping.
The Amish men ate a late supper that night because Barb and the three ladies stayed out late.
It was great to visit and laugh with Barb and catch up on all the changes in our lives. She does live a very fun-filled life, and the three Amish ladies are all very close to her. Her life is one of an open heart because she is always willing to help people in so many different ways.
Later that day, my cousin Billy Wilson stopped by with his son, Jerry. They had been to a farm auction near here and stopped by on their way home.
They also had been to the Amish "bent and dent" and Jerry had spent about seventeen dollars which means he had a lot more bags of food than he could carry. I spent twenty-four dollars there a few months back, and left with five boxes of food.
Billy, Jerry, Kathy and I, had a long chat about gardening, family updates, work, and Kathy's family background and life, as this was the first time that she met Cousin Billy.
Candle light supper tonight with a garden vegetable casserole with rice, baked in the oven of the wood cookstove.
And a few chocolates from My Valentine's chocolate box. So, we've blown out the candles, done the dishes, finished our diary update, and now we're going to nestle in for the night, with Kathy curling up with another of her ministerial study requirements: Spiritual Ceremonies. And Bob?
He's just going to curl up.
And meeeeeoooooooow! :)
joyously at peace,
Bobbity and Kathy
----------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 17, 2005
(KAThy and Bob)
Bob stacked the last load of hardwood for the wood stoves. This last delivery was the final payment for Bob's tutoring a friend's (and neighbor) child, last winter.
Kathy finished the written lessons for Spiritual Ceremonies. It was a lot of fun, to put together ceremonies that I will be having with people in scheduled wedding ceremonies, that we will be officiating at in both June and October.
Bob did his angelic blessing of showering this blessed abode with LOVE everywhere. He does soooooooo much, that it is hard for me to remember all of it. This comes to say, THANK YOU ANGEL BOB. I am forever grateful
to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kathy decided that it was time for Bob to rest, so she asked him if he wanted to rest. Then, he did that.
Kathy cleaned the kitchen, bathroom, and Sunrise Room, to prepare a clean inn, for the visitors who are coming this weekend. It's a nice feeling to walk across clean floors. It's a nice feeling to look out the Sunrise Window and see all that firewood, stacked between an oak tree and a hickory. Just a waiting to warm us up. Next year. There's more than enough, left in the woodshed, for this year. We are so rich. And soooooooooooo warm.
In more ways than one!
Love and joy,
Kathy and Bob
__________________________________
DREAMIN' GROUPIES, BIRDS, BUDDIES, AND A SHOOTOUT Friday, February 18, 2005
Bob and Kathy
KAThryn finished all her readings and written exercises for Spiritual Ceremonies.
Six members of the Dream Interpretation Group joined us by 7 p.m. We had a great session thinking of each other's dream as our own, and relating it to our own life.
We also do substanital paraphrasing and word association with the dreamer's dream, for the dreamer, and for ourselves, interpreting each dream also, in terms of our own lives.
In addition, we encouraged the sharing of any intuitive thoughts that pop up that do not seem relevant.
Experience has taught us that such "seemingly irrelevant thought" are frequently valuable to one or more members of the group. Any of the thoughts that we share, or any of our experiences, can be seen as dreams also, and, interpreted, or played around with, as such. Our closing activity was each member giving an affirmation for being in the group. These spontaneous sharings were very eloquent and very moving. Their comments made me very aware of the transitions that some of these very dear friends have made, not only in the lives that they are now leading, but also in how their thinking and feelings have changed about so many things in their lives.
Kathy feels a great joy in coming together with this group. When Kathy arrived here in Wisconsin in mid-November to permanently reside at Bumpity Road, she arrived two hours before the dream group began here. The dream interpretation group members welcomed Kathy enthusiastically and warmly. They are always so friendly to everyone and happy to be here. It is always a joy and an inspiration to be with them. We dallied quite a while before everybody left. Each member of the group feels that the group enriches each life. And so it is. We are rich, rich, rich! We meet here the third Friday of each month. Bring a car load of friends! thank you,
with great appreciation,
Bob and Kathy
-------------------------------
February 19, 2005
Bob and Kathy
We sang Deb and Paul into the house when they arrived this morning. After they had settled in for just a bit, we went to the Amish "bent and dent' food sales store where we made substantial purchases, very inexpensively.
And then to the Amish Bakery where Bob became "a child in a candy store," purchasing raisin cinnamon, apple, and rye breads, freshly baked glazed and sugar donuts, and several pans of pecan rolls and a pecan pie.
We slowly came home through the Wisconsin countryside and began sampling around the kitchen table.
Kathy spent the day doing ordination course work with Revs. Deb and Paul.
The evening meal was home-made venison soy-bean chili, Kathy's salad, a rice and pea baked dish, and barbecued venison roast with red potatoes, yellow onions, and (orange) carrots.
Lots of tasty food.
Kathy says that Chef Roberto prepared quite a feast. We were all stuffed!
Then we watched the last two hours of Tom Hanks in The Green Mile. A very moving film.
Especially, bringing a lot of memories back for Bob, and his working at one of the Wisconsin State Prisons for 13 years. We visited for a bit, sharing our appreciation of each other, and then Deb and Paul disappeared into the Christmas Lights of the Sunset Room. While Kathy and Bob finish up here at the keyboard, and then, these two horses are heading for their stalls in this stable. (Now, I'm hungry for OATSmeal)! sacredly silly,
Bob and Kathy :-)
------------------------------
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Bob and Kathy
An extended session of birdwatching.
And Amish Pecan Rolls.
With a steady fly-in of eight varieties of birds, a squirrel, and several outdoor cats.
The quartet of us, coffeeing and chatting about the unfolding panorama in front of us.
The new-fallen snow made a gorgeous snowscape in every direction.
--------------
Chef Roberto sauteed onions and cheese in the omelets and served them with Amish Raisin Bread, orange juice and fresh coffee. All very delicious, thank you Chef Roberto! Kathy spent several hours finishing her work in the ministerial course: Spiritual Ceremonies, demonstrating a wedding and other ceremonies that Kathy had recently written as part of her coursework. It was a great opportunity for Kathryn to embrace the experience of performing these ceremonies.
---------------
Bob left by HIGH NOON, to go to his mom's in Portage for another card-playing shootout at MOM'S O.K. CORRAL. We stopped firing cards for a half-time lunch break, and then, with renewed vigor, entered the card playing arena of "taking no prisoners." It had been snowing all afternoon, but we had a great time with Aunt Eva, mom, niece Barbie T., and Jerry W.
After buring all the bodies we all saddled up and headed for the quiet of home.
With one little stop for several cans of cappucino for a certain little lady who had been keeping the home-fires burning. A weekend filled with blessings, insights, and laughter. The country roads were not in good condition because of the wet, heavy snow.
Knowing that it will freeze tonight, sure does make a warm house very appreciated.
warmth to all of you,
Bob and Kathryn
.........................
CHICKIES, KITTIES, OUTLAW STORIES & HANGUPS ON HOOKUPS Monday, February 21, 2005
Bob and Kathy:
Our highlight today was our visit over to Phil Manke's, to check out his cats and chickens, and find out where the food and water were, so that we could take care of them while Phil was gone. Phil has a very contented herd of cats. They are very wellfed. And those "kitties" are all loved by Phil. And so are his "chickies." Phil gave us a tour to see some of his antique vehicles and also a glance at some of his creative wind power inventions, made from easily obtainable materials. His truck and trailer were already pointed down the road for his 3 a.m. departure for South Dakota. Mary DeMay is leaving the Mount Rushmore Area to return to Wisconsin.
We enjoy Phil for his wide-ranging, engineering and architectural mind, his creative inventings with solar and wind, and his love for his "chickies" and "kitties."
We enjoy his willingness to join with us in a variety of activities: ranging from The Dream Interpretation Group, acappella singing at Buffalo Book and Coffee Shop, impromptu get togethers, and meals. We also enjoy the nice brown eggs from Phil's "chickies." We do look forward to hearing about Bandido Phil's adventures out to the "badlands," when he returns.
warmly,
Bob and Kathy
-------------------
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Roberto y Katrina
Cuzzin' Mary Koebler Hanson stopped by with her husband Jim, for an afternoon and evening visit, that gave my beloved, Kathryn, a great, great deal of insight into certain family histories. It was a hodge-podge of history that spanned generations, and I would not be surprised if we raked over 30 family people "over the coals" during our wide open sharing of our insights into various family escapades, mis-adventures, relationships, and many, many, humorous gems of legendary personal "slips."
This was a seminar of the unusual.
By dark we had branched off into friends, unique characters, hobos, jailbirds, and others of our less fortunate tribe that we spent time with at one time or another (when we ourselves were in less fortunate situations).
It was great for Kathy to get to visit and know these chroniclers of dubious family (hysteria) history.
We did a lot of laughing.
For hours and hours.
To keep our strength up, we all imbibed on venison chili, made with lots of homegrown tomatoes and Cuzzin Jerry's soybeans. And lots of yellow onions.
And I do mean lots.
217 pounds of onions since mid-November. They invited us to visit them on their farm in Stoughton. If we promise to not bring any onions.
------------------
Then we spoke via speaker-phone with Gabriel, Kyle, and baby Kole about their June wedding in Pennsylvania, which will be officiated by Kathryn.
---------------------------
After which Kathy continued her ordination studies and then we worked together to unpack the two large boxes of Dell Computer equipment and put it all together. Which we did. And that took care of Tuesday. love to all,
Bob and Kathy
-------------------
WEDnesday, February 23, 2005
Bob and Kathy
It took most of the day, and early evening, to get everything online with the computer.
There were a lot of challenges in taking information over the cell phone about the new computer, and then following instructions from the tech experts to remove all the glitches, one by one. Kathy is very patient, and compassionate, with all the technical angels, and she is very grateful for them and considers each of them a true blessing. And lets them know that.
--------------------------------
We did escape briefly from the computer high jinks, to get over to Phil's and have some more reasonable conversation with the "chickies." They just clucked away in contentment around Kathy's boots. The cats were so glad to see us that they remained invisible, all the while that we were there.
The "chickies" missed Phil so much that they went on strike and refused to lay even one egg!
Although one of them layed a stone. Which was in the perfect shape of an egg. I left it there in the nest in the hopes that they might lay another stone.
joy and peace,
Bob and Kathy
-------------------------
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Kathy spent most of the day light hours finishing up all the reading, writing and meditation work for P.O.L.Ordination Course #1001, Course Facilitator Training, Part I.
During the day we had the chance to talk to our extended family and relatives in California, Illinois, Oregon, and Louisiana. We will be hosting a three day workshop for authors DavidPaul and Candace Doyle, who wrote THE JOURNEY THAT NEVER WAS, on April 5, 6, & 7 here. What we like about the book is that it encourages everyone to have his own relationship with The Divine, and offers a number of practical ways to achieve this. If you are willing.
That is the "W" word.
Willingness.
We have learned that all you need is just a little bit of genuine Willingness, and everything will just unfold beautifully. And then, there is the "F" word.
Faith.
If you believe that you will be "spoken to," that you will be helped, by golly, it does happen.
As Someone said, 2,000 years ago, "If you believe it is so, so shall it come to pass."
wondrously wedded,
Robert and Kathryn
................................
PRECIOUS PEOPLE, PLAYFULNESS, AND A PROFOUND MIRACLE Friday, February 25, 2005
(KAThryn and Bob)
The angels guided us to pack up the Angel Saturn 'mobile, run errands in town, and go to see the
five grandchildren in Libertyville, IL.
Glad tidings of great joy, and glorious greetings from all seven angels. We went to their home. We had a great dinner, prepared by Edna, including chili, corn chowder, corn dogs, vegetable tray, and lots of fresh fruit.
It was delicious. Of course, it was prepared with love! Then, we went onto the Lake County Fairgrounds, for an International 4-H Festival. Our grandson, Blake helped put the booth for Colombia together. He made clay figurines, that represented the animals and foods in S. America. They were very detailed. He is amazing when he does anything. There were booths from many countries, with foods, clothes, exhibits, very warm people volunteering their joy in each booth, who were a part of everything.
We were very grateful to be a part of it. They had dancers, showing dances from all around the world. There were dances from Israel, Africa, etc.
Kathy was walking around looking for African exhibits, and found one of Africa, where she talked with the two women running it. They design jacketswith fabric from parts of Africa. There was another booth, showing a display from Ghana, which was very beautiful. Kathy was grateful to see this.
--------------------------
Saturday, February 26, 2005
(Katarina y Roberto)
Gary made a great breakfast, and we had a wonderful time sharing with him. He made hash browns, eggs, sausages, and lots of fruit. Kierstin and Edna returned home from going to do community service and a birthday party. We got out the paint machines, and made designs on them for everyone. They were quite detailed and fun to use. Anyone who wonders how to do this can, if you have a kitchen salad spinner machine. You can also get a paint design machine too. It was amazing to see all the designs that were shown by what these machines can do. Bob was upstairs with Lucas and Blake, on the computers. Bob was enthralled by what a third and fifth grader can accomplish on their laptops. Instant magic! Grandpa also got introduced to the fine art of ping pong. With lots of practice, Grandpa was able to keep the ping pong ball on the table (some of the time).
I think that ping pong is a very funny game. It must be, because I laughed a lot.
Later, while watching "Forrest Gump" play ping pong, Bob became acutely aware of his deficiencies in ping pong paddling. Kierstin and Sophia watched most of the movie with us, and we all enjoyed the miracle of this story.
Dad and Mom had a night out, so our babysitters joined us for supper, when the pizzas arrived.
It was quite a night, and they did an outstanding job of babysitting us.
----------------------------------
Sunday, February 27, 2005
(Kathy and Bob)
We joined the whole family for breakfast, and, by late morning, were on the road to Chicago.
It was an amazing miracle to see grandchild number 19, with signs and balloons on the front lawn, saying: 'IT'S A GIRL!" Her name is Gabriela Nicole. She is very beautiful, and her parents and grandparents just beam and beam and beam.
Kathy asked to hold her, when we got there. I wanted to keep embracing her. Then, decided to give her to Grandpa. The four day old baby slept through most of our entire visit. There was a hint of the eyes opening a few moments, and that was it. David, the proud Dad (a Chicago homicide detective), said that she had had quite a morning, while he spoiled her. Then, we went on the road, leaving Chicago and bypassing Milwaukee to meet our niece, Barbara in Madison, WI.
She asked us about going to see the movie, "Hitch," with her. After having supper at Perkins, we laughed our way through "Hitch." Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, all the home, to Barbara's house. It is great opportunity to embrace laughter.
We left Barbara at her home, to go to the late night shift, at U.W. Hospital.
We drove home, through the rain and snow, arriving before midnight. It was good to get home to Bumpity Road.
We unloaded the snail mailbox, phone messages, and e-mail messages, turned up the heat, wamed up with hot chocolate. The inn was quite cold, when we got here, because we forgot to turn the electric heat on, before we left. We corrected that little slip, rather hastily. It felt very good, to take a warm bath, turn on the heater, and go to bed. Ahhhhhhhhh, the blessing of being home, where there is plenty of room in the inn.
Love and joy,
Kathy and Bob
.......................
2-28-05:
DEER, MOM, GIBRAN, ANGELS, & ANTICS OF "LE CHEF"
Monday, February 28, 2005
(KAThy and Bob)
Miss Atlanta was burning all day long, in the Sunrise Room and Mizz Monarch, the old wood fired kitchen cookstove, got so warm that, some of us began removing some of our apparel. While eating lunch, we looked out the south window on snow falling on about 200 cedar trees. The trees ranged from one foot to twelve feet high, every single one of them, planted, or muted,
or pooped out, by a bird.
Those birds may not have it together, but everyday, we can see where they put it.
It's a beautiful view.
Hundreds of young cedars.
Many of them perfectly shaped.
Snow falling.
And three deer.
At least three deer.
Playing hide-n-seek for us, among the cedar trees. And after that? Did some shopping and went to see HELLen. HELLen, is the top of the Thompson food chain. She is very entertaining. Has a wide ranging mind. And is fun to be with.
Love you, Mom! (Kathy loves you too!)
Love and joy,
Kathy and Bob
------------------------------------------
|
