Wednesday: December 1st, 2004 (Bob).

Getting bedrooms ready for guests today. Cuzzin Jerry's installation of four new bedroom overhead light fixtures in the four upstairs bedrooms, really made a big difference in adding to the cheeriness of the four upstairs bedrooms.
Jerry butchered a goodsized hog for a couple of senior citizens today. Inasmuch as his cell phone was squabbly today, he drove out here with his two old buddies to see if we wanted to buy a half a hog. The half a hog filled the car's trunk, about 70 pounds of pork for $55. That was sure a nice lookin' pig. And the price made it very cheap pork. With no growth hormones added. Home grown. I tell you the truth, I wanted that half a hog bad.
But I didn't have any place to put it! Three refrigerators and their partial freezers, were all filled. So was the large freezer in the barn. In fact, when Kathyryn and I looked for freezer space to store the 76 pounds of venison that Cuzzin Jerry butchered for us on our kitchen table, we had to do a lot of repacking and even take items out of the freezer. Which has added to our girth, as well as a colony of outside cats, that periodically present their royal presences to receive gifts from us peasants.
When they sit on the patio, watching me dancing inside, I feel like I am an animal in a zoo cage, being watched by the people outside. Especially when more and more cats keep showing up to see what I am doing. It's almost as if the first one there said, "Hey guys, you are not going to believe what this monkey over here is doing! Come on over here and take a look at this, it is really hilarious!"
Notwithstanding such catty talk, I always continue dancing, wondering how many cats will eventually show up.
Anyway, pork is not cheap, but that was a very inexpensive pig. I sure did hate to see that half a hog going back down the driveway. Before they left, one of the older fellers said, " I hope that we wasn't interrupting anything."
And I answered, "Nothing that we couldn't go back to." They got quite a chuckle out of that.
QUITE A CHUCKLE. :)
Then I said to them three fellers, I said, " I do have to told you that I am a very fortunate man. I have everything that I need." The oldest feller in the front seat looked at Kathy and then looked at me and said, "My eyes is bad, but I kin see good enough, to see that that is true."
i sure did hate so see that cheap half a hog, agoin' back down the driveway.
..............................................
Wednesday, December 1, 2004 (Kathryn)
I keep telling Bob that I love you Grande! Muchisimo, muchisimo! It is sooooo beautiful, that there is such a powerful connection between us, that we feel it clearly always. Thank you God! I made some phone calls to "A Course in Miracles" groups in WI. Two of them are interested in possibly coming to the gatherings that we're having here. It will be great to see or talk with them. We got things ready for those who'll be coming for workshops here for six days. Reminders of miracles are always everywhere. Thank you God!
Love and joy,
Kathryn
----------------------------------------------

STARS IN OUR UNIVERSE
(Thursday, 12-2=04)
(Kathryn)
It is great to embrace the amazing, wondrous miracles, that happen every moment. Thank you God. Every chance that it happens, I am amazed, then have to look at it, and say, of course, this is the thing that is to be.
I awakened, to the blessing of "pillow talk" with Bob. This is the opportunity to truly be open to whatever comes to mind. Bob and I have a chance to truly talk about anything, and it shows what is clearly happening right NOW. Now is all that is, and that is a MIRACLE.
Bob and I cleaned out the bedrooms, to make room in the inn, for the many angels "comin' round the bend." We moved the furniture around in our room, to make it "just right, " as our meditation and bedroom. We measured one wall, to get two pieces of furniture on one side of the room. Then, we were able to put the bed against the other wall. This makes us able to look out to the meadow of trees, deer, birds and the many blessed wonders of love that are right here, every moment. All one needs to do is open the eyes. Then in that same miracle, open, to see that this joy in within the mind. Anything can change, any moment, when the mind is open and willing.
It is always a great feeling of clarity for me, when I clear out a room or rooms, which is symbolic of clearing my mind, to embrace "BEing NOW."
Bob and I are giving each other reminders to rest, every once in a while. I stopped to take a break with him.
David sent an e-mail, that our friend Robert from Florida, might be coming to the area. I had just told Bob about it, and said, Robert will call if he's guided to come. Then, the phone rang. A voice said, "is Kathy there?" I said "yes, is this Robert?" He said:"yes it is." I said: "hi sweetie."
He told me that he is guided to come to the area to visit Endeavor Academy, and called the Peace House, to see about stopping there, on his way to Wisconsin Dells. David answered, saying that he is presently in WI. for a little while. Robert asked where I am, and David told him that I had gotten married, and am here in Wisconsin, at Bumpity Rd.
Bob and I invited him to come to Bumpity Rd., to be in the miracle of the moment, share in the gatherings here at Bumpity, and go to Endeavor, or whatever he's guided to do.
Bob wrote a new song, brought on by Barb's arrival and he wrote more words, during the meals of the day.
We decided to go to town at 4 pm, to pick up more food, before the gatherings, and pick Barb up at the Amtrack station. When we went out, to get in the car, fresh snow had just fallen. We got in, and started driving. It was a crisp and beautiful white.
When we got into town, Bob said, we can go to the stores, you pull up, and I'll go and get the things quickly, and you can wait for me outside of the door. First, we went to Save-A-Lot, and he went into get the things. He was pretty fast, then came out with 2-3 boxes of food. He got back in the car, and said, "I moved fast in there." I thanked him for that. Then, we went to Walmart, he went in, and I waited in the car again. He checked out the budget bakery items, and was out fast, with more goodies.
Then, he said to head on to the train station. As we were getting there, Gary called, and thanked us for having them for Thanksgiving. We talked about when we'll be going there next weekend, so the grandchildren can take care of us, while Gary and Edna are out, for the weekend. Then, Bob was talking with him, as we pulled into the station to pick Barb up. I got on the phone to talk to him, and Bob got out of the car to welcome Barb home. She got into the car, Gary asked to talk with her. I passed the phone to her, and she chatted with Gary. Thank you God, I am surrounded by angels. It is fabulously AWEsome!
Then, Bob said to stop by the Popcorn stand, and we did. We got one family size bag of popcorn with butter to take home, and Barb said, "get one to eat on the way home." We did, it was great to eat the popcorn, while driving, and try not to touch the steering wheel, with buttery fingers. Thank you God.
On the way home, we came upon three deer at one point in the road, and I was driving slow. It was easy to drive on past them, and be happy.
When we got home to Bumpity, I showed Barb around, to see the Wolves Den and anything that had been done in the house. She likes it. She, Bob, and I sat and talked for a while. It is great to have her back home. Then, Bob came into write the last journal, and Barb and I had a moment to talk about all of the blessings.
As Robert was driving to Bumpity, he called us, every hour to tell us where he was. Bob gave him directions. He got here, at around 10:30 pm. We embraced and welcomed him home. I showed him around, to his room, and he loved it. We visited with Robert for a moment. Then, I started getting tired, then said I was going to bed. Everyone said that they were going to bed too. I walked into the kitchen, and remembered that I wanted to add to the journal. I sat down, to do that. Then, Bob and I looked over it together, and sent it off. Wow, a day of ongoing miracles and welcoming.
Thank you God!!!!!!
Love and peace,
Kathryn
---------------------------------------------------------
Thursday: December 2nd, 2004. (Bob)
A day of burning trash, "recycling", carrying wood, and keeping the two hungry wood stoves well fed.
It was a joyful reunion at the Portage Amtrak Station with Barbara Weaver, who had just returned from a week of Thanksgiving with her family and friends in Indiana.
Lots of bantering, playful, laughing conversation throughout the evening.
I prepared a candlelight meal for Barb and Kathy as we humorously interacted while awaiting the periodic phone calls from Robert Acosta on his drive here from Florida.
Robert Acosta called after he had passed Atlanta, Georgia, and we spoke on our cell phones every so often to guide him to our doorstep.
Barb, Robert, Kathryn, and Bob shared funny, momentous, and adventurous stories while Robert ate home-made Turkey Pasta Soup.
Robert had seen several deer a few minutes from here and was very happy to arrive safely with warm food and a bed in the Crow's Nest (a bed built above the stairwell here), awaiting him.
Marvelous teachers all!
What a delight to be in their presence and hear their joy!
gratefully,
and with awe,
bob Thompson

.......

THIS LITTLE ISLAND (Friday, 12-3-04)

(Kathryn)
We live on a little island at the end of a bumpity road. But, our little island is connected to everyone. And so, a steady trickle of tourists, consistently pours into the open doors of home.
Your bed is made.
We have left the light on.
And the food and beverages are in the fridge (all three of them).
But.........please don't let the yellow cat in.
Thank-you.
.............................................................
Wow, what a day of joyous blessings!
We said good morning and gave blessings to Barb and Robert. Barb invited everyone to go to breakfast with her. Then, Robert said that he felt guided to go to breakfast with her. They went onto do that.
I was guided to write the journal. While I was writing , Lisa called to say that she had just gotten her rental car at the airport in Madison. She
said that she'd call us when she got to Portage. I was just finishing the journal, when she called. I said , "come on home, we're here."
I went to take a bath and get dressed. I had just gotten dressed, when I heard a car horn blowing. I went out, and Lisa was pulling up to the house.
We welcomed her in. This is the first time that she has been here to Bumpity Rd. Lisa and I are sisters in Christ, and have a powerful joining. It is so natural and easy for us to be together. We joined in purpose with her. It is a true celebration whenever I join with Lisa. We kept talking about being grateful, for all of the miracles. It is so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lisa celebrated with Bob and myself, in our joining in Holy Relationship!
Lisa went to take a nap and I called Randi, to tell her that Cuzzin' Jerry said that he'd pick her up.
Then, I went to clean the bedrooms for people who'd be staying here during the gatherings. I started, by clearing out a few of the bags. Then, finding closets to put the remaining boxes and bags into. I got them all put away, and Bob came down to put the few things away that were his. Lisa woke up, and helped us get the beds ready downstairs. It came together very easily.
We got dinner ready. Bob made a venison roast, with a pot of cooked vegetables. Lisa helped us clean up, and do things to get ready for dinner. Then, Bob, Lisa, and myself ate this beautiful feast. Pretty soon, Randi and Jerry got back very soon after that. We asked them if they had eaten. We gave them food, and Bob started heating the rooms. We all joined in holy relationship about the miracles of NOW. It is soooooooo awesome.
While we were preparing the meals. the phone rang. It was Duncan, Alice Ann, and her husband.
Duncan had a great trip, and they were laughing about everything. Thank you God! Such an awesome miracle.
Every moment, I am continuously reminded of the miracles in everything. Thank you God. I am celebrating in joy!
..............................................................................
Friday, December 3rd, 2004 (Bob).
When I looked out the Sunrise Room this morning, Barbara was finishing a walkabout with Robert, showing him the lay of the land around Bumpity Road.
It is a joy for me to see such flexible, quick, and profoundly funny minds, come together and share so spontaneously.
Lisa arrived from Pennsylvania, rented a car at the Madison Airport and arrived here about midday. It was like watching the joy of two long lost sisters coming together again.
Jerry stopped by to take my car to Madison to give Randi a ride home here.
Some of us ate a considerable quantity of popcorn. Which happened AFTER the roast venison, onions (whole, big yellows), potatoes, carrots and home grown rutabagas.
The flavor of the tender and delicious venison was quite enhanced by the jellied cranberry juices.
My potato prep work resulted in a lot of extra russet potatoes, washed and halved, that did not fit in the large roasting pan. So, I baked them in a pan in a coating of olive oil, and.........they are all gone!
Jerry had to get home and get his woodstove going. As he was leaving, he met Robert, who was returning from a happy and adventurous day with Endeavor Academy residents in Lake Delton.
My prep work for the three meals here tomorrow is fairly well all planned out. About 20 pounds of chicken are defrosting, as are three venison roasts.
The number of guests will help determine some of the major items for each meal.
The prep work has been accomplished, so, we are ready. :)
my very best to you all,
Bob Thompson

......

December 4, 2004
Saturday, (Bob).
By 8:00 a.m., Lisa,on her own, had set up the morning pre-workshop food and beverage area in a very attractive, organized, and well-stocked display.
Kathryn and I kicked off the workshop at 11:00 a.m. talking abut Holy Relationships from the viewpoints of: Gratefulness, Awe, and Peace, and then invited the 12 other participants to address these concepts if they were moved to do so, and, everyone did. This initiated the precedent of anyone speaking about anything, anytime that they were moved to do so.
We then spoke about Holy Relationships from the standpoints of: One's Holy Self, Another's Holy Self, and All Other Holy Selves, emphasizing that unconditional love was all-inclusive for self, another, and all others.
As co-facilitators of this kick-off of the first day, I was very pleased that the entire group participated with how experiences draw from the steps they took on their own paths to peace and holy relationships.
In addition, we introduced the concepts of Guest, Host and Steward.
We asked each guest present to assume the role of host and be helpful, in whatever way possible, to all the other guests.
Further, I asked that each of the attendees consider being a steward of everything here.
To be responsible for, and take care of, whatever they were moved to help out with.
And so they did. Sweeping floors, carrying out and burning trash, straightening pictures on walls, making salads, cleaning dishes, setting tables, baking chicken, casseroles, slicing cakes for every meal, hot and cold beverages, finger food continually, etc.
Lisa was outstanding in her table presentation for lunch. Salads, home-made vegetarian vegetable soup, many sandwich choices, baked vegetables, dessert, etc. A beautifully set table. Again.
David's session in the afternoon also involved a lot of audience participation of their own pathways travelled to peace and holy relationships, including unconditional love.
After David's session, Chef Barbara nourished us with honey baked chicken, baked breaded tomatoes with cheese, salads, desserts, etc.
Good food, great companions, Onderful insights, meaningful personal sharings, lots of laughter and thought-provoking insights.
One of them for me came from Dan who said that coming here was like coming to a campfire to get warm after he had been away from the fire and gotten cold.
The example for me was that the campfire was a symbol of my unconditional love and peace, which I took with me to share with everyone I met, and, when by myself, used that same campfire to warm myself.
Thank-you: Kathryn and Bob, Deb and Paul, David, Dana, Robert, Steve, Randi, Lisa, Barbara, Dan, Monty and Jim.
What great presences!
Each, and all!
luv and peace,
bob
..................................................................Saturday, December 4, 2004
(Kathryn)
This morning, it was such a blessing , to come into the kitchen, and Lisa had already set the breakfast bar up. She likes to extend love to everyone, in this way. I have been honored to be at her house, and been embraced in the same way. The same thing happened with lunch, because Bob and I were opening the meeting at 11 am, so she set the lunch up, also. Thank you, angel Lisa.
It is such an honor, to be asked to host and open the 11 am gathering with Bob. I truly feel like I am home, I feel so comfortable here, and thank you God soooooooo much, for this sense of peace. During the gathering, we sang the "Hey J.C. song," which brings great joy to me, and Dana requested that I sing a song that I sang to him, while we were at the Peace House.
I sang "Love is something, if you give it away."
Thank you Bob, and everyONE. You are so loving and appreciative for what is shared. I truly feel like this is clearly a HOLY RELATIONSHIP, with everyONE, as the Christ!!!!!!!!! Thank you God! I really am soooo happy to welcome everyONE HOME!!!!!!!!!!! This is God's house, and we are very blessed to be the hosts here.
I am very grateful to be here, coming in a sense of awe, to all of the moments of peace. It brings me great joy, which cannot be described with words. When I shared with those who were here about my feelings, it brought tears of joy, and speechlessness. Being speechless makes me see that Holy Spirit is guiding what is happening. Thank you God.
In the afternoon, I shared in the session a little while. Then, told Barbara that I'd help her with dinner. I came out, and helped her get the meal ready. It was fun to have this opportunity to share with Barb, and have a moment with Robert and Dana also, while we did that. We went into the gathering, and some strong experiences, were being shared. Then, we told everyone that dinner was served, and everyone ate, with great joy.
Following dinner, we shared again. It is great, to be in an experience which is very relaxed, to embrace the moment.
Thank you forever, eternally,
Kathryn
.......

HOLY RELATIONSHIPS
DISCUSSSSSSHIONS (Sunday, 12-5-04)
(Bob).
By 8:00 a.m., Lisa,on her own, had set up the morning pre-workshop food and beverage area in a very attractive, organized, and well-stocked display.
Kathryn and I kicked off the workshop at 11:00 a.m. talking abut Holy Relationships from the viewpoints of: Gratefulness, Awe, and Peace, and then invited the 12 other participants to address these concepts if they were moved to do so, and, everyone did. This initiated the precedent of anyone speaking about anything, anytime that they were moved to do so.
We then spoke about Holy Relationships from the standpoints of: One's Holy Self, Another's Holy Self, and All Other Holy Selves, emphasizing that unconditional love was all-inclusive for self, another, and all others.
As co-facilitators of this kick-off of the first day, I was very pleased that the entire group participated with how experiences draw from the steps they took on their own paths to peace and holy relationships.
In addition, we introduced the concepts of Guest, Host and Steward.
We asked each guest present to assume the role of host and be helpful, in whatever way possible, to all the other guests.
Further, I asked that each of the attendees consider being a steward of everything here.
To be responsible for, and take care of, whatever they were moved to help out with.
And so they did. Sweeping floors, carrying out and burning trash, straightening pictures on walls, making salads, cleaning dishes, setting tables, baking chicken, casseroles, slicing cakes for every meal, hot and cold beverages, finger food continually, etc.
Lisa was outstanding in her table presentation for lunch. Salads, home-made vegetarian vegetable soup, many sandwich choices, baked vegetables, dessert, etc. A beautifully set table. Again.
David's session in the afternoon also involved a lot of audience participation of their own pathways travelled to peace and holy relationships, including unconditional love.
After David's session, Chef Barbara nourished us with honey baked chicken, baked breaded tomatoes with cheese, salads, desserts, etc.
Good food, great companions, Onderful insights, meaningful personal sharings, lots of laughter and thought-provoking insights.
One of them for me came from Dan who said that coming here was like coming to a campfire to get warm after he had been away from the fire and gotten cold.
The example for me was that the campfire was a symbol of my unconditional love and peace, which I took with me to share with everyone I met, and, when by myself, used that same campfire to warm myself.
Thank-you: Kathryn and Bob, Deb and Paul, David, Dana, Robert, Steve, Randi, Lisa, Barbara, Dan, Monty and Jim.
What great presences!
Each, and all!
luv and peace,bob
................................................................., December 5, 2004 (Kathryn)

This morning, it was such a blessing , to come into the kitchen, and Lisa had already set the breakfast bar up. She likes to extend love to everyone, in this way. I have been honored to be at her house, and been embraced in the same way. The same thing happened with lunch, because Bob and I were opening the meeting at 11 am, so she set the lunch up, also. Thank you, angel Lisa.
It is such an honor, to be asked to host and open the 11 am gathering with Bob. I truly feel like I am home, I feel so comfortable here, and thank you God soooooooo much, for this sense of peace. During the gathering, we sang the "Hey J.C. song," which brings great joy to me, and Dana requested that I sing a song that I sang to him, while we were at the Peace House.
I sang "Love is something, if you give it away."
Thank you Bob, and everyONE. You are so loving and appreciative for what is shared. I truly feel like this is clearly a HOLY RELATIONSHIP, with everyONE, as the Christ!!!!!!!!! Thank you God! I really am soooo happy to welcome everyONE HOME!!!!!!!!!!! This is God's house, and we are very blessed to be the hosts here.
I am very grateful to be here, coming in a sense of awe, to all of the moments of peace. It brings me great joy, which cannot be described with words. When I shared with those who were here about my feelings, it brought tears of joy, and speechlessness. Being speechless makes me see that Holy Spirit is guiding what is happening. Thank you God.
In the afternoon, I shared in the session a little while. Then, told Barbara that I'd help her with dinner. I came out, and helped her get the meal ready. It was fun to have this opportunity to share with Barb, and have a moment with Robert and Dana also, while we did that. We went into the gathering, and some strong experiences, were being shared. Then, we told everyone that dinner was served, and everyone ate, with great joy.
Following dinner, we shared again. It is great, to be in an experience which is very relaxed, to embrace the moment.
Thank you forever, eternally,
Kathryn
____________________________________
DISCUSSIONS, STORIES, LAUGHTER, AND MEDITATIONS Monday, 12-6-04
(Bob)
To wake up to the murmur of voices and the sound of laughter...my, my, my.
Everyone worked on their own breakfast and several people kept both coffee pots going with fresh coffee all day long.
Steve's special dish with ground chuck, russet and red potatoes, and onions turned out great! I disciplined myself to eat only six bowls during the afternoon and evening. More creamed onions and breaded tomatoes. Baked chicken. And a Louisiana Crunch Cake.
David facilitated the morning session, which was marked by several outbursts of profound hilarity (or hilarious profoundness?).
Dana did an afternoon presentation in which he did a meditation, during which I repeatedly, unconsciously, stopped breathing. Then after a breath, I would find myself not breathing again. It was an unusually peaceful experience. Not only did I forget the world, but I seemingly also forgot that I had a body.
Madonna and Peter, both from Europe were here for the first time, as were Bill, and Yvonne from Ireland. Dan was also here to make his great contributions again.
There were four early risers before Kathy and I came downstairs. They had the coffee going and were talking and laughing in the Sunrise Room.
I love these wide ranging spiritual discussions in which we can raise questions about anything or tell any story we are moved to share.
It gives me an opportunity to share parts of my own life experiences, listen to a variety of other person's stories, and raise serious questions, usually in a thoughtful and/lor playful way.
Meals prep, kitchen clean-up, dishes put away,
laughter, trash burned, cats fed, birds watched, and desserts appropriately disposed of.
Ten of the fourteen people here today were men. Usually, it is mostly women, by far. Thus, today's mix was a little different.
Last night, the last people to leave, after a lot of reading, were Peggy and Jerry (about 2 a.m.).
We are now halfway through the Inner Peace and Holy Relationships Workshops, with three days to go.
With the facilitators we have lined up, those three days promise to be quite interesting.
love to all
bob
.....................................................................
December 6, 2004 (Kathryn)
It was great to awaken to the sound of voices sharing miracles. Then, come down, to see people ready for the miracle of the moment.
The beginning gathering flowed very beautifully, with David facilitating it. It is always ONEderful,
to hear the laughter and JOYning when ONE shares their miracle experiences. The
exhiliration of this is totally powerful. The beauty of this comes from the sharings of what seems to be on the hearts of who is here, to freely share.
Dana facilitated the afternoon gathering, and it was great to see his innocence in doing this. He guided us into a meditation which found me welcoming this peace to be NOW. I am soooooo grateful to Holy Spirit to guide you to do this, Dana. This is where you feel at home, and I really appreciate doing this with you.
It is sooooo great, to welcome so many people to be here, at home. Thank you God!
I shared with Lisa for a while, and she told me her hearts desire is to share Holy Spirit's word, through gatherings like this. Thank you God. I celebrate this with her, because it is her natural blessing!
Phil came to the gathering today, and it was great to meet and thank him for the original invitation to the area, this past Summer. Holy Spirit is so beautiful, how it brings everyONE together, when it is to be, perfectly.
Love and joy,
Kathryn
 
....... 
WORKSHOPS, HOUSEWORK, & VENISON STEW (Tuesday, 12-7-04)
KathyRyn
Bob and I awakened to Pillow Talk, which is always a blessing. We shared, for a while in doing this, which is always so great and
inspiring. We talked about things that are happening, and questions that people have
asked, about having gatherings here, at some other times in the year. We agreed, again that
the purpose of this home is to come together in sharing the light and love of God.
When I came downstairs, I talked with Lisa
about the journey that she's making. She is
inspired, and ready to join in the purpose, to live in the joy and light of God. She and David have decided to live and rest in an experience, to embrace purpose. She and I talked about our holy relationship with each other, and that we are always committed to this light and joy together. I invited her to come to Bumpity Rd. whenever she's guided to, and that she and David are welcome to come here to share gatherings and rest also.
Phil got here before the gatherings with his keyboard. We set it up, and I played a song that
is very inspiring to me.
Lisa facilitated the early gathering, with inspiration from everyone. She shared very openly about her
journey in awakening. This included us talking about when Lisa and I originally met, and dancing the "Joy dance." It was ONEderful, to hear her share. Thank you Lisa, a sister in Christ.
We set up and shared the lunch of venison stew and blessings.
When David arrived, he and I called to take care of one of the final things in my transition from the Peace House. When we finished with this, David came out to leave with Lisa. I embraced both of them, Bob, then invited everyONE, to join us in this experience. This moment touched me very deeply, because I am very close to Lisa and David. Initially, I felt some emotion come about this, then went to take a moment of silence, and embraced the total blessing of joining in holy relationship here at Bumpity Rd. with Bob and everyONE. I am eternally grateful for BEing
here, and all of the miraculous moments that
are in mind eternally!
Then, we had the afternoon gathering with
Robert. It was great to hear him share his
miracle story. He was open and honest
about his journey. I have been with him at the Peace House, and he was clearly honest about what has happened for him. Thank you, sweet brother in Christ. Barbara came in before his gathering, and it was great to join with her.
Then, we shared another feast of venison stew, which was great.
Barbara, Bob and I did some cleaning and laughing in the kitchen, which was helpful also.
Conrad Hansen called, from the Community Miracles Center, and Bob and I talked with him.
We invited him to come and visit Bumpity Road.
It was great to talk with him.
Robert came in and he, Barbara, Bob, and I had a meeting to talk about doing things around the house and on the property. It was great to join in this community purpose and spirit.
Thank you so much for this grand blessing!
Love and joy,
KathyRyn
--------------------------------------------------------- (Bob)
Great presentations and discussions today with Lisa in the a.m. and Robert in the p.m.
Joyous dance by Lisa and Kathy that was very enthusiastically received!
Very impressive first performance for Robert Acosta.
An extensive documentation of crunch cakes found that Double Chocolate Crunch was the favorite, followed by Louisiana Crunch, Lemon Crunch, etc.
Venison stew today was superb! Thank-you, Chef R. T. Very tender and tasty.
Lots of housework done this evening, with Barbara cracking the whip (while she was rolling around the floor on a movable office chair while she was mopping).
Robert, Barb, Kathy and I then had a planning session of daily chores, outside work, etc., to work out a living, work, and financial arrangement that would be so attractive to Robert, that he would decide to live with us, which he did.
Robert is a very bright, sensitive, honest and open person, who is also a self-starter and has been of great help to us in his short time here.
We look forward to his being here with us.
Love to all,
Bob
 .......
KATHY'S JOY, JIM'S INSPIRATION & THE HALLELUIAH CHORUS (12-8-04)
(Bob)
Kathy shared her life story this morning, beginning with her birth in Africa's Congo. A gentle narration of a joyous soul whose grand parents and grandparents, both had An Open Door Policy to the public.
Kathyryn may well be the most joyous person I have ever met. I first noticed this in the e-mails for the June and October Inner Peace Workshops here with David Hoffmeister from The Peace House in Cincinnati, and sponsored by The Foundation of the Awakening Mind.
This joy also came through in workshop phone calls and in her arrival here at Bumpity Road.
The day after her arrival, Jonathon, Daybree, Kathy and I, were singing at the Buffalo Bookstore in Montello, two of our favorite songs:
Hey J.C., I hear you knockin' at my door....
and
I like Your Style!
We have sang those songs numerous times since.
She is a joy!
Constantly.
....................
Jim's sharing of his changing mind and mindful thinking were inspirational for me as well as thought provoking. His sharings prompted me to look at my life, its changes, where I am now, and potentially impending changes, as well as the certain unfolding of more mysteries to be grateful for, and stand in blubbering, speechless awe of.
...................
And The Halleluiah Chorus?
Halleluiah means "Praise ye the Lord."
And the chorus?
That was Dan, Barb, and Robert.
And Bob, Steve, and Phil.
And Jim and Kathy.
And the persistently visible presence of the yellow cat.
All, Praising The Lord.
And grateful for each other.
Teachers and learners all.
And the five venison roasts I prepared a few night ago?
The last few roasts were transformed into a rather considerable portion of venison stew, which at supper tonight, vanished into "the disappearing universe".
Tomorrow is the final day of our six days of speakers and workshops.
I did find a peach pie and another lemon crunch cake to tempt our guests tomorrow.
And there is a gallon of chocolate-mint ice cream in the barn freezer, "ice screaming" to join the party tomorrow.
love to all,
Bob
..................................................................
Kathyryn
What an awesome and blessed experience, to embrace the miracle of the moment.
I am grateful, to share my life experience. It is such a marvelous opportunity, to embrace the joy of BEing NOW. I openly told my "walk" of life in the gathering. It is one of many avenues and turns, to say "YES" to life's opportunities. It is a welcome to God and all, eternally! During the gathering, I sang the song: "Flying Lessons," and played the "Little Me Remember" cd. Both are representative of BEing FREE to embrace the miracle of the moment. Thank you Holy Spirit, for giving me the blessing to do this, and introducing me to Bob and everyONE, to BE in the experience of NOW.
We ate a bountiful lunch of sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. Thank you God! Then we sat around the table, and talked about our life's joys.
Jim shared the afternoon gathering, with thoughts about his perception of what is happening in his mind. I appreciate his willingness to be open and honest, and
ask what is helpful for his life.
We had a beautiful dinner, which again,
gave LIGHT to BEing embraced in the holy encounters of NOW!
Bob and I shared about some things that we're looking at, and embraced the miracle of BEing joined in LOVE and HOLY UNION. It was a treat to take a walk for a little while, down the Bumpity and Monthey Rds.
We started the daily diary, and Barb came and invited us to join with her and Robert,
to meditate. Barb asked me to sing the songs on the "Let me Remember" cd to them. This really touched her, that tears came to her eyes. It was a profound experience for me also, because music calls me to BEing in the divine union very clearly and easily!
Love and joy,
Kathryn
 .......
A HOUSE CLEANING WORKSHOP & PERSONAL BALLOONS Thursday, 12-9-04
(KathryRyn)
Wow, what a beautiful day of joining. Bob and I awakened to curious voices, speaking, and echoing downstairs. We came down to get ready, amidst the questions of the morning. This is always a delightful way to open the day, to hear what is shared.
Bob and I talked with Steve for a bit, before the morning gathering, which was fun and helpful.
It was great, to do our morning exercise, that Barb introduced to everyONE. She invited us to do an exercise of gratitude, for anyONE who wanted to help clean Bumpity Road. She gave us all areas to clean, then asked us to do it, while thinking with a sense of gratitude for Bumpity Rd., and all that is in our lives. We were to do this in silence. We started, and I was asked to clean the upstairs and west wing bathrooms. I started doing this, in the bathroom on the west wing. I cleaned the bathtub, sink, toilet,and floor, and mopped it. Then, went upstairs, to clean up there. I cleaned the toilet and floor first, then cleaned the sink, counters, and mirror. While I was doing this, I thought about the ideas in my head, and experienced gratitude for all that is. Whenever any other thought came to mind, I said thank you for .................................
It was a very helpful opportunity to embrace how grateful that I am for everything. Thank you God.
Then, we came back together, and shared about this experience. It was helpul to do this, and embrace the moment. It let me see how grateful that I am for everything. Every blessing and miracle is so helpful and precious. I don't always know how they are to be helpful, until the experience is completely over. That is the beauty of it.
This included the lunch that Jim was to prepare. While he was doing his exercise, he went out away from the house, to prepare lunch. Spirit guided him to go out to lunch at a restaurant. When he came back, we lovingly said that he was preparing it. Then, he did (while gratefully accepting the helping hands that came his way to assist him in this task, haha) and it was delicious. We ate another feast of awesome sandwiches, salads, leftovers, and desserts.
For the afternoon gathering, Bob and I guided it.
We opened it, asking everyONE to share with the idea of gratitude, and we'd inflate balloons, with each person's name on it. Then, write words to describe how we feel about each one of them.
We started with mine, and went around the room. The person, whose name is on the balloon wasn't able to give words, until the last one. I felt very blessed about every word that was given to describe me. The last word that I gave was
LOVE. We went around and did this with each person who was here, and included one for the cats. Then Cuzzin' Jerry arrived, and we did one for him.
Again, we shared dinner with all of the same goodies from lunch, and Bob made scalloped potatoes. Another feast, thank you God!
After dinner, we did a Chinese Horoscope with Phil. That was fun and insightful.
Love and peace,
Kathryn :-)
------------------------------------------------------------------
(Bob)
In the morning workshop, Barbara Weaver asked each of us to gratefully do specifically assigned housework chores and cleaning for ninety minutes. I was assigned two bedrooms in the West Wing: doing windows, bureaus, tables, windows, making beds, vacuuming, emptying waste baskets, towels, soap, candles, etc.
I tried to make every room a preparation for Jesus.
In fact, each of the three bathroom doors have a sign that says JESUS, with a smiley face.
The idea is to knock on the door. If anyone answers, it is Jesus. If no one answers, walk inside and meet Jesus. And if you can't find him, look in the mirror.
The discussion afterwards turned out to be unusually animated and joyful. Some felt that it was the best part of the six day workshop, because it was the only part that was doing, rather than talking.
It was a great idea and Barb executed it with great energy and joy. She was really beaming.
Kathy and I did an afternoon exercise in which we blew up large colored kick balloons, and wrote each participant's name on both sides. Then the group brainstormed words to write on each balloon about each person present. It was a wonderful exercise, with the ideas usually coming faster than they could be written. All of those large brightly colored balloons are now hanging over the windows in the Sunrise Room.
What an experience it was to hear all those words pouring out of our loved ones and painting us in such loving colors.
Salads, breads and scalloped potatoes for supper with Chef R .T. slicing washed but unpeeled potatoes, lots of yellow onions, whole kernel corn, and mozarella cheese.
Thanks Jerry, for the gallon of mint- chocolate chip ice cream!
Lots of help with washing dishes and puttng food and dishes away.
Kathy and I are packing tonight for at least a three day visit to Illinois, which will include two nights of five grandchildren {babysitting us), and then the funeral service of my niece Judy's husband, Mike Moneysmith, on Sunday.
My cousin's son, Cuzzin' Jerry, repaired Barb's car and brought it back and is catching up on all the news in the newspapers on the sofa. Jerry is a living saint.
Jim Hondel has been a blessing to have here also, with his constant honesty, wit, willingness, and helpfulness to all.
What a great time to be alive!
Especially with friends such as these!
Until Sunday night or Monday next,
light to you all,
"little" Bobby Thompson
 .......
ON THE ROAD, AGAIN..... (Friday, 12-10-04)
(Bob)
A morning trip to the Veteran Administration Hospital in Madison, labwork, and a most congenial visit with my doctor, Kathryn, and myself.
Followed by lunch at th infamous Ella's Deli on East Wash. where, after soup and a sandwich, we had to pass on the turtle sundae.
The multitude of moving toys on Ella's ceiling really brought out the wondrous tinker toy child in me. (See the song Tinker Toy Boy at: http://community.webtv.net/thesinginggrandpa/).
Then to Libertyville, Illinois and a marvellous and warm greeting from the eight angels living there!
Good food, fond friends, loving laughs, a pumpkin orange cat, (staring longingly into the aquarium) an ancient tortoise, newborn fish, and a blue parakeet.
Peacefully,
wandering,
in my wondering.
Bob
............................
(Kathryn)
It always marvels me, as I see the eyes of innocence and joy staring, to know what is real and true. It is in that innocence, where the true answer is NOW!
The angelic presence of angels is so fantastic!
Thank you for the blessing with which you embraced us once again!
Love and peace,
Kathryn
.......
HORSING AROUND LIBERTYVILLE SQUARE (Saturday, 12-11-04)
(KathyRyn)
The giggles and sounds of angels echo everywhere... Bob and I were awakened to the laughter of miraculous voices of joy. Thank you God!
We shared a breakfast with everyone, that they cooked so beautifully.
Then, started getting ready, for the day of joy and sharing.
While I was getting dressed, Bob came to me, and said: "I know that we joined in holy union in our Orchard Celebration, on October 9. How do you feel about becoming legally married?"
I said, "well you know how I feel about it." He and I talked about this extensively before I came back from Cincinnati, OH. I shared with him then that being legally married shows the total commitment to joining in holy union. I said that it's a symbol of commitment to what Holy Spirit has called us to be at ONE in. I accepted the invitation to marry legally, and we started making calls, to set it all up.
We called Robert and Mary Stoetling, who are the head ministers at Pathways of Light, to see about having the wedding celebration on December 19, 2004. We had already decided to go to their Sunday morning service then. They said that they would love to marry us at 11:30 a.m., after the church service. We agreed that we wanted to have a lunch at a restaurant in Kiel, that they and Bob had been to, which is very nice. They agreed to check with the restaurant for us about the details. The whole thing was set up very quickly. Wow, it is great to be surrounded by God's messengers, when all one has to say is:
"Yes, I'm willing to follow what you're showing me to do." It works out, perfectly!
Then, we shared with Gary, Edna, and the children about this, and they were thrilled to hear
this.
The miracle of the moment continued, when we loaded into the vehicles. Edna and the five ONEders in the SUV, and Bob and I with Gary, in the car. We went to have lunch at a Deli. There were also angels there. Chip, the manager is a joyful deLIGHT. He went around to take our orders, and knew what Kirsten wanted, before she said it. He said, I know, you want... He was exactly right. It is great, to see one so willing to be helpful, that he embraces these things so easily. He went around, taking all orders very quickly. Then, the food came. Bob and I ordered two sandwiches. We finished one, and they hadn't brought the other one. When it came, we didn't know if we could eat it. Ahhh, then, took the first bite, and it was delicious. We were like kids in a candy store. We said, we'll eat half, and see about taking the rest home with us. It was soooooo good that we decided to eat the whole thing.
Then, we walked down the street. It is very beautiful there, like a small town. We went to take a carriage ride on the horse drawn buggy. We rode with the Blake and Lucas, and their willingness to join with us was very beautiful. While we were in the carriage, Bob and I sang: "I like your style!" They smiled and laughed the whole way. When we were going to end the ride, Gary wanted to take our picture in the carriage. We did that, and it was great. Then, when we got out, Bob took Sophia over in front of one of the horses, and they petted him. She loves the horsies, and calls them "Neighs."
Then, we went in for the Christmas celebration at the civic center. Kiersten was an elf there. She is Little Miss Libertyville, so is invited to be an elf, because of this. While being an elf, she takes any children in to shop for Christmas. We all went in, and she was taking children shopping, and the boys went into shop too. While they were in there, Gary, Edna, Bob, Sophia, and I sat out in the lobby. It was fun, to see everyone going by, JOYFULLY!
Then, we loaded up the buggies, and went back to their cottage in the woods.
When we got back there, we called several people to tell them about our decision to legally marry, and invite them to the wedding. We did this for a few hours, while Gary and Edna got ready to go out for their Christmas party. We were able to reach a lot of people, and left messages too.
Then, when Gary and Edna left, we were talking with people, while waiting for a pizza, that we ordered. When it arrived, we called the children, and ate the feast of joy. It was fantastic.
We stareted watching a movie with everyone. The night flowed along while watching movies, embracing the wonders of the mystery of LOVE with the angels, plus the joy of happiness. When bedtime arrived, everyone decided to have a slumber party in Kaitlin's room. They had bed mats and comforters all over the floor. The love that joins them is so beautiful. Kiersten, Lucas, Blake, and Kaitlin were nestling in, and the angel Sophia was still embraced in the wonder of what IS NOW. She was wandering in the house looking, then came up to our bed, where she spread games and puzzles out. She played for a while, then we took her into the pajama party. Bob and I went downstairs. In a little while, we were welcomed in the T.V. room, where Sophia and Kaitlin joined us. We played many videos, during this time, and Sophia's wonder at the miracle of what is didn't cease. She and I looked at each other many times, and I said, "I see an angel..." She looked at me and laughed. It was a lot of joy. Edna and Gary returned. It was beautiful how it flowed so easily.
Thank you for this blessing to join in LOVE!
.......................................................................
(Bob)
Chef Blake (10) made breakfast (his life's goal for years now has been to be a professional chef).
The ladies at the carriage rides thanked us for our songs, and even the horses neighed their appreciation.
The five little angels did a great job of eldersitting.
My son Gary, and his lovely wife Edna, returned in the wee hours, after their very rare, night out.
After having their six children, they still look so young, so vibrant, so excited about being together.
It is a joy to just be with them!
peacefully joyous,
Bob
......
SAYING GOODBYE, SAYING HELLO (Sunday, 12-12-04)
(Bob)
The memorial for Mike (39, my nephew-in-law) was held this afternoon in Libertyville, Illinois.
My niece, Judy, was quite composed and left the memorial service for my son Gary, his wife Edna, and myself to share a few thoughts in.
Gary and Edna were outstanding in their warmth and helpfulness.
And my words made my mother cry.
Edna talked to the five children before the service about the cremation and why Mike's body would not be present.
Gary and Edna had a twin daughter, Kayla Marie, pass about seven years ago, so the older children are familiar with the concept of illness and dying.
Lots of interaction at the funeral home, and later, at Gary and Edna's home with my sister Rita, and her two sons, Matthew and Marshall. Rita, my baby sister, is a joy to be with and we had a fun time interacting with her.
After supper, Kathryn and I drove back to Wisconsin, arriving at Bumpity Road about 9:30 p.m.
Robert and Barbara had both of the wood stoves burning so we walked into a very warm house.
A very warm house..... in more ways than one.
peace,
Bob
..................................................................Kathryn
This morning, we joined with everyone to eat a hearty breakfast. This was so warm, and feels very welcoming.
Going to the memorial service was a beautiful experience for me to meet many of the members of the family. Actually, it was an opportunity to re-unite with them (spiritually), in a very blessed way. The thoughts that Bob, Edna, and Gary shared with everyone were very loving. They talked about the light that Mike embraced everyONE with. Edna had helped, with making photo posters, which showed the many moments of laughter, fun, and joy that Mike shared. The photos showed how Christ is always twinkling. I am very grateful for that. Another symbol of the true joining.
On our way home, we made phone calls to people about our union ceremony. It was great to unite with those, and share the laughter.
Returning to the wood burning stoves is always
so welcoming. It feels like a Hallmark Christmas. Thank you God.
Love and blessings,
KathyRyn
.......
BACK WITH THE CATS (Monday, 12-13-04)
(KAThyRyn)
We woke up to the winds a blowin' from the trees, and were home again. It is a such a warm and beautiful feeling. I'd like to say that BEing here at Bumpity Road truly feels like a warm place in my heart to BE HOME. Thank you God!
The morning saw us looking for documents to show that Bob and myself are who we are, to register for a marriage certificate. We went to the courthouse to fill out the paperwork. The clerk at the county office, Jeanne, was very nice and efficient. She told us what we needed to show, and we gave her everything. She stepped us through what lines to sign and complete. Then, in a matter of minutes, it was done. We walked out of the courthouse with the marriage certificate. While we were there, we had to say how many times we'd been married, etc. After Bob said this number, he said: "I think that I've got it right this time. " Jeanne smiled, with this comment.
Then, we went to the library and picked up some books for Helen, Bob's mother. We called her, and took them by for her. She had been resting, because she was pretty tired, after traveling for the service on Sunday. She told Bob that she was very touched by the thoughts that he shared at the service on Sunday.
It was great to visit with Helen for a while.
We invited her to come to the wedding, and she said that it will be too early for her to go. We invited her to come out and meet my parents, while they're here. She said that she'll come out on Saturday.
We came back home and rested.
Robert was doing many things around the house all day. He and Bob moved the onions and potatoes before we went to town, and he was also cutting wood. He is a joy.
Mama called to say that she couldn't change her plane ticket to arrive on Friday, unless she pays a pretty big fee. So, she'll be arriving on Saturday night, into Madison. We'll see who is the ONE to meet her at the airport.
The joy of joining is always very heart warming. Thank you God.
Love and peace,
KAThyRyn
-----------------------------------------------------
(Bob)
KAThyRyn could not locate her birth certificate so she could not prove who she was, {but the county clerk accepted her passport instead).
At this point, ten persons will be staying overnight this weekend, with at least 12 of us leaving from here, leaving early Sunday morning (about 6:30 a.m.) and having breakfast on the way. The Sunday Service starts at 10, is over at 11, our wedding ceremony is at 11:30 at Pathways of Light and then we have The Grand Central House Restaurant in Kiel, reserved for an early opening for dinner for our wedding party at 12:30.
Nearly everybody has to drive several hours so we are pleased with our tentative turnout of 30 or so, on such a very short notice.
Dearest of friends, every one of them.
Love to you all,
Bob
 
.......
HAPPY CATS (Tuesday, 12-14-04)
(KAThyRyn)
Today, we are welcomed by a hearty embrace of the moment to each other, with pillow talk and gratitude. Thank you soooooooo much, for bringing me to Bumpity Road, and this holy purpose.
I got up, and enjoyed the blessing of a cleansing and hair washing. This is always representative of cleansing the mind, to be at PEACE always!
When I came downstairs, Bob was catching up on the diary. I added thoughts to it.
I made some oatmeal, which we invited Robert to share with us. Robert was bringing wood in, that he had just cut. He commented to me that it was so hard to cut the wood. I suggested that he ask Bob about it, because there must be an easy way to do it, since he's still smiling after all of these years. He asked him soon, and Bob showed another way which is much easier.
Bob finished the section of the diary that he was doing.
He and Robert joined me to eat.
While we were eating, and sharing gratitude, Robert said he was homesick. We asked him how that felt for him. He shared his thoughts about that. We told him that we suggest that he do whatever feels the most helpful for him. He thanked us.
Bob asked me if I wanted to take a rest, and we did. When we were getting up, the phone rang.
Bob got the phone, and it was David on the phone, to speak with me about some things. We talked a few minutes.
While I was talking with David, I saw Robert packing his car. I told Bob that I saw him packing, to which Bob nodded. Robert came in from his car and talked with us. He apologized for leaving so quickly, we said that he has to follow his guidance. He said that, among other things, it is getting cold here. He is used to the warm weather of the south, so is a Florida bound boy. We sent him off to a joyous Holy Spirit trip.
Bob started writing in the diary again.
When we finished, I fixed dinner, and we ate more scalloped potatoes and sandwich. It was delicious. Thank you God for always providing so much for all.
Love and peace,
KAThyRyn
-------------------------------------------------------
(Bob)
Robert has had a lot of phone contact with family members the past few days and they are encouraging him to come back to Florida because his grandmother is dying. He is a support person for family members so they are looking to him for help during this trying time of his grandmother's passing.
Robert split and brought a lot of wood into the house for both wood stoves, and he also helped with landscaping, dishes, and other housework while he was here.
It was a pleasure and a joy to have such a thoughtful, helpful, self-starting, and caring person living here with us. He felt peacefully at home with us and we know that Robert will always be welcome here.
KAThyRyn and I are getting ready for the influx of guests on Friday, beginning with a pass-a-dish supper at 5, and then the dream interpretation group at 7 (we have been meeting for nearly ten years now?).
If you are interested, please remember that the publicly advertised dream interpretation group meets here at 7pm the third Friday of each month, and that the following Saturday and Sunday is a scheduled Open House every month.
I just finished scrubbing about 15 pounds of potatoes and about 10 pounds of onions for soups for guests (and ourselves) during the next few days. The LADY KAT is finishing them up now,
while the TOMpson CAT is bringing this diary up to date.
The outside feral cats were unusually lavish in their attention today. The yellow cat, LA GATA, usually walks up the road to the mailbox with me, returning to the house before me.
Because they are all such excellent hunters, KAThryn and I are looking forward to back-tracking their hunting activities when the snows arrive, to see how far they roam on their hunting trips.
my very best to you all,
Bob Thompson
 
 .......
A QUIET DAY (MOSTLY)
(Wednesday, 12-15-04)
(Bob)
The wheelbarrow and I, dancing back and forth from the woodshed, stacking wood by both stoves.
The wood cook stove cooking (very large) pots of russet potatoes, yellow onions, and raw soaked soy beans.
Substantial portions of each went into the master pot of long simmering soup, tellingly flavored with lots of garlic and coarse black pepper.
Lots of paper work and phone calls to eliminate, consolidate, and transfer accounts, all in an attempt to simplify our lives.
Cuzzin Jerry stopped by to repair our dryer with the parts he picked up in town. He did get a little jolt before we turned the electricity to the clothes dryer off. I have never heard him use that kind of language before, in fact, I didn't know that Jerry even knew that kind of language. Nor did I know that he was capable of such volume.
About two dozen of our friends will be present at our Pathways Wedding this coming Sunday at 11:30 a.m. followed by dinner at THE GRAND CENTRAL HOUSE RESTAURANT in Kiel, Wi., one hour later. They are opening the restaurant 2 1/2 hours early for us!
We are delighted with the number of friends who are willing to travel two or three hours on such short notice. To say nothing of getting up early. About a dozen of us will be leaving Bumpity Road about 6:45 a.m.!
This will allow time for breakfast on the road and time to arrive for the 10 a.m. Pathways of Light Church Service.
All in all, an unusually quiet day, except for the washing machine and the dryer. And the cats. And of course, Cuzzin Jerry.
Especially, Cuzzin Jerry.
p.s. Jerry is a saint. I refer to him as a living saint. He is such a giving blessing.
my best to you all,
Bob
..................................................................
(KathyRyn)
We received and made additional contacts, to check with those that we've invited to the wedding celebration. Then, see if they're guided to come. Right now, we have around twenty-two coming to celebrate this blessing of joy. Thank you so, God. I am very grateful for all those who are coming in person and Spirit, and those who don't know about it yet. Thank you, for embracing this experience of LOVE!
When Cuzzin' Jerry stopped by, we got to visit with him, after he fixed our dryer.
He took a moment to rest, which was a good opportunity to be grateful. I am so very glad when he comes by, because he knows how to do so much, mainly by figuring it out in his mind. He is an angel, the Christ.
I was also able to complete something for the Peace House, that we'd been looking at resolving for a few days. It feels helpful to have that done.
Now, I'm back in the West Wing, going through more boxes and bags. It will be very helpful for me to finish as many as possible, before our visitors get here.
Thank you so much for joining in this union of LOVE! I am eternally grateful to all, as we share together in the ONE mind of joy and peace.
Love and peace,
KathyRyn
.......
GETTIN' OUR "DUCKS" IN A ROW (Thursday, 12-16-04)
(KathyRyn)
Today, we were awakened to the jingle of all three telephones, from those calling to be helpful in various ways. I am grateful for this, as it shows and gives a moment to embrace the moment fully.
One came from Barb, offering to take me to do things for the wedding. I drove in and met her in Portage. We went to get my hair cut. Then, to a few dress shops downtown. Barb wanted to get something to eat, so we did. While we were driving around, I invited her to be the witness for me at our wedding celebration. She was like a kid who had opened her Christmas delight, and was thrilled. It was the joy of BEing with Barb in this experience, that made this for me. It was as if we were shopping for her wedding. She was like a little girl, giggling and everything. It was so cute.
We went to another part of town, to look at dresses, before deciding which one to buy, and found a sale of buy one get one free. I liked the dress the most, and the price was great. This way, Barb could get something to wear, and my dress was free. It was great. We also found a beautiful purple coat at St. Vinny's for $5. I was delighted. This way, there didn't have to be a lot of money spent for this, and I was very grateful! Thank you Holy Spirit!
Then, we came home to Bumpity Rd., to have dinner with Bob. We got here, and ate. Then, shared with Bob, and it was a great opportunity of joining. Barb stayed a little while to visit with us, and left.
Bob and I took a break, by the wood burning stove. We have decided that it is essential for us to take time to share with each other and rest together. The stove is such a cozy and warm place to do this.
Love and peace,
KathyRyn
_____________________________________
(Bob)
Lots of conversation with bank personnel, account changes, automatic monthly expense deductions, etc.
Electric for house, for pole barn, cell phones, land line, internet server, mortgage payments (for the balance due on the Sunrise and Sunset Rooms), etc.
Some will take a debit card and some won't.
Some of them require written applications to change mode of payments, or to start a new joint account.
Well, all the data has been collected from all the different sources, all the toll free numbers on a list, so the only thing to do now is to decide what to do, and how to do it.
I am sort of enjoying this because it's kind of like eating a pizza pie. I only eat one slice at a time, but I will eat the whole pizza! So, just one slice at a time, till the "pie" of changes is all eaten up.
Kept both wood stoves going all day so the house is nice and warm.
Lots of home made soup sampled today, plus a rice dish.
Hope to make two dishes for the pre-Dream Interpretation Group eaters tomorrow night at 5 pm. Scalloped russet potatoes and creamed yellow onions.
Finishing up laundry tonight, so all the bedrooms have fresh linens, towels, etc.
Various wedding guests will arrive here Friday, Saturday, and early Sunday.
All our ducks are in a row as they merrily quack away in the eternal now.
luv,
Bob Thompson
.....
DREAMING A DREAM TOGETHER (Friday, 12-17-04)
(KathyRyn)
Upon awakening, we rested in for a little while. Then, welcomed the moment to take care of more things around Bumpity Road.
I went to unpacking boxes, and looking through things that I brought here.
We took a break to eat breakfast and share.
It is always helpful to do this, and look at what is happening, and embrace gratitude for what is getting done.
I went on to take care of things. It was helpful to do this. I found the figurine of the JOY GIRLS, which was given to me by Lisa. Thank you God. It symbolizes the joy that is always in my mind.
I helped clean the Sunrise Room and kitchen, to be ready for our dream group meeting.
The Dream Group arrived, with dishes of food. Karen brought a cheese lasagna, which was fantastic, plus salad and bread. Mel brought a spectacular chocolate cheesecake. We ate, and enjoyed visiting, to have the opportunity to get to know each other more. It was great to really get to talk with both of them.
The rest of the group arrived. Then, we started talking about dreams that had come through. It is an open opportunity to share what anyone is thinking. Thank you for the willingness that everyone seems to have to do this. We also asked everyone to put their name on a balloon, and write words, to describe each one. We did that, for each one here.
Love and peace,
KathyRyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
(Bob)
The phrase "keeping the home fires burning" takes on a whole new meaning when there are two wood stoves that are hungry. If they are not fed regularly they pout and go out.
Paper, kindling, matches, wood, draft, patience, feed me, feed me. feed me, patience....all day long.
Venison ribs roasted for dinner in barbecue sauce turned out tender and tasty, along with mashed red potatoes and early peas. Eight packages of venison eaten in four weeks. Guess we'll have to send Kathryn out for another dozen eggs and see if she comes back with another deer?
Two casseroles for the dream group supper. Scalloped, scrubbed, red Norland potatoes with whole kernel corn in mushroom soup sauce with (cheese) and creamed yellow halved onions in june peas with mushroom soup (and cheese).
Browned butttered bread sticks and the gourmet salad by Karen were the meal for me. They were superb. Dessert was the lasagna, potatoes, onions, and chocolate cheese cake.
The eight members of the Dream Interpretation Group were very profound, open, entertaining, cheerful, and funny.
Our three hours of profundity was frequently punctured with hilarity.
Each name was written on both sides of a big colorful punch balloon and then passed around for us to write words that we thought described the person.
This has been a very, very interesting activity.
If you don't come soon. we will fill out the words on our balloon in absentia.
peace, says it all,
Bob Thompson
......
THE BEST PRESENTS EVER (Saturday, 12-18-04)
(Bob)
The best presents ever?
Loved ones.
One's greatest treasures.
Several arrived today that I have been looking forward to meeting.
Duncan arrive this morning, bringing along our dear friend, Randi, from Madison. Duncan will be my best man and ringbearer at Kathryn and my legal wedding at Pathways of Light tomorrow.
Both Randi and Duncan are very bright, warm, friendly, and funny. We love them dearly, and had a GRRRRRRRRREAT time interacting with them intermittently throughout the day and night.
Randel Martin (Randy). Kathryn's father arrived about 8 pm tonight with a dear friend, Louise, both driving in together from Indiana for the Pathways ceremony.
In an attempt to better understand my wife, I dutifully grilled my father-in-law for the next three hours, learning much about Kathryn's life, dating back to her birth in the Belgian Congo in Africa.
Kathryn arrived from the Madison airport about 11 pm with her mother Newell Hobgood-Martin, who flew in from Kentucky.
Conversations with these three evening arrivals resulted in a great deal of additional information, all of it very loving, about Kathryn.
All three cherish her deeply, respect her a lot, and her father added that his daughter "has guts".
Randy, Louise, and Newell were all very warm, caring, and responsive to all of my questions (and I did a lot of spontaneous questioning, about anything that popped into my mind).
Now that I look back, maybe I didn"t really give them much of a chance to question me!
When I asked Kathryn's dad, Randy, about any concerns he might have had about his daughter coming to Wisconsin to live with me, he replied, "The more that my daughter Kathy talked to me about you, Bob, the more you sounded like someone like me." :)
Conversations were so animated and stimulating (and hilarious) that I didn't get to bed till after 1 am.
But, I do have this appointment with Rev. Robert Stoelting in the very, very, near future.
So, I set my two alarm clocks (when I finally found them) for 5 am.
My, my, my.
Tomorrow is already here!
Only four hours to go!
(And, would you believe it....I can't sleep!)
peacefully joyful,
Bob
..................................................................
(KathyRyn)
Ahhhhh, such blessings!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The angels appear... Thank you, God!
This day was filled with many miracles.
Upon waking up, I finished getting the bedrooms ready for all of our blessed visitors.
It was great, to welcome Randi and Duncan here.
I talked with Barbara several times. Then,
she picked the flowers up, and came on out here.
We visited with Randi and Duncan, embracing the joy of that.
At 7:00 pm, Barb and I left to pick Mama up in Madison. We stopped to get gas, and when I went in to the market, I asked what kind of hot drinks that they had. I got Cappucino, and the man gave us two cups of it free. He was very nice.
When we arrived at the airport, I checked to see if the flight was on schedule. It was running about a half hour later than it was scheduled. We sat where the people coming in from the flights would walk into the airport from the planes. My seat was right at the end of the hallway to meet the passengers. When they announced that a flight was arriving, I stood up at the end of the walkway. A lot of the passengers came out, and no Mama. Then, another flight from Chicago got there. I continued to stand at the end of the walkway. I saw her, after a few minutes. When she came into the airport, I gave her a big hug. We got her
luggage, and went out to the van.
It was great to visit and talk with Mama on the way back to Bumpity Rd. I told her about things that have happend here, since leaving Cincinnati, OH.
We talked with Bob several times, on the way to Bumpity, to let him know where we were.
Then, when we got to Bumpity Rd., we were embraced in the Christ light.
Dad arrived, while we were gone. It was great to see him and Louise, when we arrived.
A little after we got home, I went to bed.
It is funny that I wasn't able to sleep very much that night either.
Love and joy,
KathyRyn
-----------------------------------------------------
THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF OUR LIVES (Sunday, 12-19-04)
(Bob)
I woke up at 4:35 a. m., got two pots of coffee going, set the juices and pastries on the table, and began working on a series of omelets.
Barbara Weaver had been working on, and selecting our wedding outfits, which would be unavailable to us until just before the ceremony.
(Barbara even polished my black half-boots.)
I omeleted, toasted, juiced, and coffeed, everybody to death then and we had a three car caravan driving down the Bumpity Road about 7 a.m.
We picked up Phil Manke at his home and Phil rode shotgun with me with Janet Best and Newell, Kathryn's mother) in the back seat.
The second car had Randy (Kathryn's father) driving, accompanied by Kathryn and their dear friend Louise. Randy and Louise would be leaving after the wedding dinner and Kathryn wanted to spend some more time with her father.
Duncan drove the third car with Randi and Barbara as passengers. Kathryn, Barbara, and I all had cell phones, so we were able to remain in phone contact intermittently as thoughts occurred to us.
(It was easy for me to keep track of the caravan because Duncan, in the third car, had a burned out front headlight.
We all gassed up at a Kwik Trip in Fon Du Lac, stretched our legs, etc., and were at Pathways of Light in Kiel about 9:35 a.m.
Their one hour Quaker type service began at 10 a.m. with all of us seated in a circle at the main lodge chapel.
Everyone present was encouraged to speak and say anything that they were moved to share with the group, and, indicate when they were finished speaking.
We all were ministers, presiding over the service.
Then we had a half hour break to change clothes before the ceremony.
..................................................................
Our wedding ceremony was the most touching and meaningful of any that I have ever witnessed.
This was primarily due to an unstructured, informal, sacredly purposeful intent, that encouraged all to share with the group any thoughts about Kathryn, Bob, or both of them.
Twenty people did so.
Frequently moving me to tears.
Among the many moving experiences was Kathryn's father, Randy, sharing the experience of being at her birth in the Belgian Congo of Africa.
Another was the sharing of Kathryn's family history, including a missionary grandfather who translated the bible into two of the African languages.
Kathryn's mother, Newell, sang Rock of Ages, acappella, in an African language which had been translated by Newell's father.
As witnesses were moved to speak, we were truly moved by each other.
Twenty-four of us dined for 3 1/2 hours at the Grand Central House Restaurant in Kiel, Wisconsin. It was a personal joy to witness the witnesses, witnessing with witnesses that they had never witnessed with before, (much less ever seen).
Peaceful joy.
For me, that says it all.
It seems that life is like this big cup of joy overflowing.
It keeps spilling out continually to anyone present, and when I am alone it continues spilling out for me, and from me, out into the disappearing universe.
The joy that is continually spilling out is an ongoing gratefullness. and, an ever increasing sense of awe. Which are all permeated with personal peace.
The cup of peaceful joy keeps getting bigger.
And the gratefullness splashes out all over.
and the increasing sense of awe, leaves me increasingly.........speechless.......
joyously peaceful,
Bob
...............................................................
(Kathryn)
It was miraculous to get the many angels together at Bumpity Road, for the journey to Pathways of Light, in Kiel, WI. We were blessed to have them surrounding us, and all, willing to help, in their own fabulous way.
Waking up so early was nothing, because I really didn't sleep solidly the night before. I was soooooooooo excited, and it was great, to get up easily.
I got ready, and brought everything together. Barbara retrieved the clothes, to take them to the cars.
It was great to come out and see all of the joyful faces, ready for the journey of the holy union, with which we'd been blessed. All that we did was say YES to Holy Spirit's guidance, and the coming together of it is sooo simple.
Then, we started driving to Kiel, WI. I rode with Dad and Louise. It was interesting, because they shared with me that they were glad that I'm happy.
When we got to Kiel, we came out to be embraced with the angels, at Pathways of LIght. The service there was very inviting and welcoming, for everyone to share fully, of what feels the most helpful to do.
Then, we got ready for the wedding celebration, which started thirty minutes later. It was the first totally spontaneous wedding celebration that I've experienced. Everyone there, was invited to share whatever thoughts came to mind.
It was very moving for me have my parents there, sharing about our experiences in the Belgian Congo and life. I asked them to sing "Rock of Ages," in one of the African languages. My grandfather translated that. He had a beautiful singing voice, which always bellowed through any gathering where he sang. I heard him there (in Spirit), loud and clear too. He was the most clear expression of Christ that I've ever known. He did whatever he had to do to help someone. I see this expression of Christ, with people at Bumpity Rd. and everywhere too. Thank you God.
I experienced many moving moments, in what everyone said during this union celebraton at Pathways of Light.
Deb was moved to sing several songs.
Bob and I sang a few of the songs that he wrote, and invited everyone in the celebration to join in. Sharing music, in any way is always very moving for me.
I was drawn to tears very often. Tears of joy!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When we went to the restaurant, the miracles kept unfolding. Paul was so beautiful, in filming the union celebration, and the dinner. The location, food, blessings, and offerings by everyONE were so indescribable. It was such a blessing to be the guests of honor at this! Thank you sooooooooooooo very much, GOD!
Robert and Mary Stoelting both facilitated the wedding, by filming, and gave us a ONEderful and generous blessing of their LOVE. We talked about me doing the training, to become a Pathways of LIght minister, which I'd been thinking about doing. The angels said YES to that, very easily. Wow, all one needs to do, is say YES, and it is done. Deb and Paul are a part of all of the fantastic embracing and send off of this, so easily!
It was great to share with Mary and Robert after the dinner. Mary was talking about how everyone always talks to her about how everything is so phenomenal and challenging, and they can't handle it. She and I shared about how it is sooooooo easy to live this way, and it feels like not doing it is not natural. Thank you for embracing the beauty and simplicity of grace with me, Mary.
My dad, Randy and Louise, and many others left, as we started back to Bumpity Rd. It felt like we'd truly embraced the miracle of NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, thank you sooooooooooo much, dear angels.
We started the trip back to Bumpity Rd. As we got nearer and closer to home, we dropped angels off. It was perfect. It all embraced and welcomed LOVE in the same complete way!
Then, we arrived back home, and it was nice, once more, to be here at Bumpity Rd.
Love and joyfullllllllll peace,
Kathryn
-----------------------------------------------------
MOTHERS' DAY IN DECEMBER (Monday, 12-20-04)
(KathyRyn)
What a ONEderful moment to embrace! We awakened, and called Bob's mother to invite her to come over and meet my mom. Bob was ready to leave to pick her up. Hark, then Barb got up, and Bob asked her if she'd be guided to go and get Helen. She said YES, she was sooooooo excited that Mama and Helen were going to get to meet. Barbara and Mama had really shared a lot on the wedding day, so she wanted them to meet a lot too. I went to get Mama up, and told her that Helen was coming over.
We all got ready. It flowed together, perfectly.
When Helen and Barb got back, we went to get the wedding clothes to show them to her. Then,
decided to put the wedding clothes on, to let her see them. Bob, myself, and Barb got dressed, and walked into the kitchen at Bumpity Rd. together. Helen was delighted to see it. Then, I realized that we hadn't opened some wedding gifts, so brought them in, to open with everyone who was here. Wow, what a blessing. Thank you sooooooo much God!
Then, Bob and I visited with Mama and Helen, after we called Eva, Jerry, and Peggy to come over and share in the joy. We also asked them to play cards.
While we waited for them, Barb cooked a meal for everyone. They arrived, a little before it was ready, and we got our food, while everyone circled the table to share in this feast. Wow, miracles abound once more. It was beautiful.
Then, the card game started. Helen, Eva, Peggy and Barb were very happy and joyful!
When Helen was ready to go home, she, Mama, Bob and I went to take her there. I got out to give her a hug, when we got there.
It was great to share in this union.
Then, it was beautiful, as we were talking after getting home, and I saw that snow was falling outside. We went to the sliding door of the Sunrise Room, and watched, as it fell. It was very beautiful!
My dad called while we sat there, and shared his appreciation for everything that he experienced here.
Thank you sooooooooooo, Holy Spirit.
Love and peace,
KathyRyn
--------------------------------------------------------------
(Bob)
My mom was in rare form. She immediately shared everything with Kathryn's mom, including all her health issues, the loss of: her two sons, a great grand-daughter, her best friend, etc.
All in all, all day long, my mom was witty, warm, cheerful and fun to be with.
Mom also said she refused to vote for anyone who criticized someone else. so she didn't care for either Bush or Kerry.
Later, after taking my mom home, Kathryn, her mom, and I rode around Portage looking at Christmas decorations while eating a very large bag of buttered popcorn from the drive-in popcorn stand.
Later, as it was snowing, we watched the snow fall on the east patio, highlighted by the spotlights outside.
Several of the feral cats, outside, were keeping an eye on us because of their severe addiction to popcorn.
Newell shared many of her life's experiences, including her early years in the African Congo
where she ate monkey and leopard. But she refused to eat elephant or boa constrictor.
Newell also talked about her boat trip around the horn of South Africa and across the Atlantic and around the tip of South America and up the Pacific Coast with a variety of interesting stops in different countries. All this during world war II, when she was 12 years old.
All our moms really want, is for their chilluns to be happy.
Their chilluns is very happy.
and soooooooooooo.....
our moms is happy.
Yes, they is!
love and peace,
Bob
......
WOODCUTTING, TRACTOR WORK, AND TIME FOR MOMS (Tuesday, 12-21-04)
(Bob)
Steve and Jerry stayed over last night to help out today.
Jerry took Kathryn and her mom to the Madison Airport, then visited my mom in Portage and Jerry shoveled her sidewalk and driveway while mom bent Kathryn's ear considerably.
Steve used an electric chain saw to take down about a dozen trees that were leaning over the north side of the house and I cut branches and stacked them in three different brush piles.
The north side of the house has been wondrously landscaped to highlight the wondrously shady north side of the house.
My amigo, Felipe stopped by on his way to town and Steve was leaving for an errand so he passed his chain saw to Felipe, who continued cutting the downed trees into blockwood. Both Steve and Phil had a problem with their trigger finger freezing on the chain saw trigger, even though they were wearing gloves.
But, the north side of the house is being transformed, something I have been looking forward to for years!
When Jerry returned, he and Phil looked at my two Allis Chalmers tractors and heated a frozen radiator and water pump in one of them.
Jerry and I then filled both of them with anti-freeze solutions and then put chains on the big tractor and also a plow blade. These are not easy jobs, but Jerry is a knowledgeable and skillful worker.
So, we are ready for winter!
We still have lots and lots of food, even though we have gone through ten packages of venison in the past three weeks. Another three packages were pan fried in olive oil and added to our 20 quart pot of chili tonight.
Only an inch or so of snow. :(
I am personally hoping for at least ten feet of snow.
But, it doesn't have to all fall at once. :)
joyfully peaceful,
grateful and awe-stricken,
Bob
.........................................................................
(Kathryn)
It is a delight, to share with joyful blessings.
I got up and got ready, then Mama and I shared some pastry with Bob, before taking her to the airport in Madison. We had a great ride, heading out on the county roads first. Jerry shared with us, about his experiences with the Humane Society. The county roads were pretty clear, and the interstate was very open. When we arrived at the airport, Jerry dropped us off, and asked me to call him when I got done. I went in with Mama while she checked in. Then, I walked in the check-in point with her, as far as they'd let me, and said goodbye to her.
Jerry and I started back, and went to see Bob's mom in Portage. While Jerry shoveled snow from her driveway and sidewalk, I went over to Walgreens to get her some soap. She was happy about this. It was great to visit with Helen, while Jerry finished clearing the snow. Then, when he finished, we both drank some coffee with her. We shared about our appreciation about moms, and she talked about things that the children had blessed her with. It was beautiful.
Then, we went by a few stores, and came back to Bumpity Rd.
When we arrived, I checked to see if Bob was still on the north side, which he was. He had cleared out a lot of the trees there, with the help of several angels. Bob and Phil came in, and we heated food up, which they shared with me and Jerry. Then, Jerry, Bob, and Phil went up to the barn to check the two tractors. Some belated winter tractor maintenance was done on both of them. They also put chains on the wheels. It is ONEderful!
I cleaned up the house, while they were at the barn. Thank you God.
Tonight, we have been able to finish these journal entries.
Mama just called to say she got to Lexington, KY, to stay overnight with my brother, Clay. They'll leave for Pineville, KY tomorrow.
Thank you God, for all of the joy and blessings.
Love and peace,
KathyRyn
.......
WORK, WORK, PLAY, PLAY, AND EAT, EAT (Wednesday, 12-22-04)
(KathyRyn)
This day has been one where we were awakened by the sound of the power saw. Steve and Jim were working outside of our window, cutting trees down again. Thank you God, for these holy angels.
Bob and I had just embraced pillow talk, and he had just gotten up to join Jim and Steve, when a part of one of the trees hit the side of the house. I heard Steve say: "maybe that will wake them up." We were already awake. I got up and they came in soon after that, for a break. It was great to share with them. Then, they went back out.
When they went back out, Bob said to add wood to the wood burning stoves, about every thirty minutes. He also asked me to keep checking on the venison and chili. I told him, that I would.
The venison was cooking quickly, and sizzling quite fast. I kept checking it, and turned it over, to cook more on the bottom side. Then, I put it on a cooler part of the stove, until they came in.
I decided to make a fresh salad, because I got some fresh vegetables, to make one. I got the mashed potatoes out, to warm them up. Then, we had quite a feast for lunch.
After lunch, Jim stayed inside, and I talked with him. Bob followed him, soon after that. We all sat in the kitchen, and talked about life, perceptions, and looking at how life seems for us now. There was a lot of laughter, to embrace that we know nothing.
Then, we made some corn on the cob, and ate it for dinner, with the chili. Jim likes soups, and the corn was still very good. It was a real treat. I suggested that we eat by candlelight, because I really enjoy this blessing. We shared the miracle of the moment in JOY! Thank you soooooooooo!
When dinnner was over, I cleaned up. Then, I suggested that we watch a movie. We chose to watch: "The Man who Knew Too Little."
It is a great comedy, that puts a man who seems to know very little, being carried along easily, by this blessing. We laughed a lot, and it was fun, to laugh at nothing.
Thank you for being in the miracle of the moment.
Love and joy,
KathyRyn
----------------------------------------------------------------
(Bob)
One of my many long time dreams was further realized today when we cleared away more trees that were leaning over the house and created an open area about 25 feet wide completely along the north side of the house. (The north side of the house is 126 feet long).
Steve did the sawing with an electric saw, Jim did the trimming with a heavy duty clipper and then stacked brush, and I stacked the cut pieces along the north wall and split some dead and dry wood for immediate use and brought three wheel barrows full to be stacked near the Sunrise Room Vermont Casting Stove.
One of the trees was very, very, tall so we attached a 100 foot nylon rope high up on the tree and tied that to a 40 horse Allis Chalmers farm tractor to put a lot of tension on the rope and guide the direction the tree was going to fall.
We got the rope up high by Steve tying it to a piece of wood and throwing it through a high crotch and then tying it.
Lunch was venison (very tasty and tender), mashed potatoes (mine with venison drippings) and a great salad. And raspberry chocolate wedding cake!
In the afternoon I cleaned up our outside work area and put the tools away and plowed the driveway.
Supper was sweet corn on the cob and venison chili, made with soy beans, and home grown frozen tomatoes (lots of them).
I was so full (four bowls of great venison soybean chili) that I barely had room for chocolate-raspberry wedding cake.
Quietly joyous,
(well, at least USUALLY quiet)
Bob
......
CHILI, MORE CHILI, AND CHILLLLLLLLLLY!!!! (Thursday, 12-23-04)
(Bob)
Weather today was close to zero.
I think that is just great!
Why?
No mosquitos!
........................
Jim, Kathryn, and I, inhaled 15 cups of venison chili today, and today is not over yet.
We also gave a great deal of affection to the two wood stoves and they returned our attention with a great deal of warmth of their own.
They consumed alot of wood, just ate, ate, ate, all day long. Both of them.
They ate almost as much wood as we did chili.
And birdwatching.
The birds were quite active around the feeders and we were quite active watching them.
The cats were also watching us quite a bit through the east patio window, so we pulled up some comfy chairs and watched them back. The cats seem to enjoy watching the antics of the animals on the other side of the glass.
There is something about putting wood in a couple of stoves, eating bowl after bowl of chili, and watching the snowscape outside, that is very relaxing, scenic, and enjoyable.
I put a teapot of water on each of the woodstoves so they both whistle rather noticeably when the stoves are very hot.
When the stoves are very warm, they still steam, but both teapots just whisper.
When they are only warm, they zip their lips completely.
Their silence is calling me.
It's off to the woodpile for me.
Got two hungry ladies to feed.
Bye,
Bob
.............................................................................
(KathyRyn)
Bob and I nestled in this morning for a while. It was warm and cozy. Then we awakened to BE NOW! Thank you!
I enjoyed the blessing of a warm bath. I really appreciate this eternal embrace of the warmth of LOVE.
We still have many munchies from the wedding, Christmas, and our joyous and continuous visitors! Those added to the venison chili feasts today, so we are very warm in ALL ways! Warm hearts of gratitude, tummies, and minds of appreciation! Thank you soooooooooooo to one and all!
During the venison feasts, it has been great to share the spontaneous thoughts that come to mind. When the inspiration and love happens, without having to think about it, that is when I know I am home forever. Thank you God.
It was great to talk with Jim after the last feast, and talk freely about perceptions about what came to mind, in the moment. Thank you for BEing here, Jim. You are a peaceful and mellow reminder of letting Spirit guide you easily.
Bob came in to say that he was watching the moon rise through the tree branches. I went out to see, and it was very beautiful!
Thank you for all the blessed miracles, NOW! I am continuously amazed at the miracle that Bob, myself and everyONE are at ONE with here. Thank you God! Wow! I am very honored to be here sharing everyday!
Love and joy,
Kathryn
.......
CHRISTMAS EVE (Friday, 12-24-04)
Freezing weather and two hungry stoves! All they did all day long was eat, eat, eat!
And so did we.
Lots of cardinals around the house and in the feeders today.
Jim left for Christmas in Milwaukee with family, after we omeleted back and forth.
Tonight we went to my mom's for Christmas Eve with my mom, my three sisters, my little brother, and their families. A lot of reminiscing and a lot of laughing.
It was a very relaxing time, catching up with the lives of different family members.
Kathryn was very well accepted by my family and they asked her about her life during the family gathering.
Getting the potatoes and onions ready for three baked dishes for the Christmas Day Brunch in Wisconsin Dells tomorrow.
A peaceful get together, with lots of sharing.
Christmasy and peaceful,
Bob
............................................................
(KathyRyn)
What another beautiful day! Thank you God!
I feel soooooooooo blessed, beyond words, once again.
We shared thoughts, about perceptions of what is with Jim. It was a great way to awaken! We talked about the idea that all of our ideas are dreams, and it is helpful to BE with what is, right now. It was an open and heart felt discussion.
Then, we enjoyed a ONEderful breakfast with Jim, before he left on his journey to Milwaukee. It is always great to visit with him, because he is mellow and quiet, such
a gentle and fun natured one to be with.
We rested, and got ready to go to town
for the gathering at Bob's mothers' house.
I was about to dress in some warm clothes, when Bob suggested that we wear our wedding outfits. We agreed to do that. We got ready, and went to town. Everyone was very nice at the gathering. I did my best to move around, and talk with as many people as possible there. It was nice. They were welcoming and friendly.
When we were on our way home, I checked to find my cellphone, and it wasn't in my coat pocket. When we got home, I called to Helen's (Bob's mom's) house, and the phone wasn't there. We checked around the house and car, and couldn't find it. Then, decided to go back to town to see if we found it. It was in the parking lot, across the street from Helen's house. Thank you God, and it still works.
Now, we're back home again, and I'm very grateful for that.
We are about to go to bed, and will get up early, to prepare food, to take to the Christmas gathering in Wisconsin Dells, tomorrow.
Love and peace,
Kathryn
.............................
CHIRISTMAS DAY! CHRISTMAS DAY! CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY! 12-25-04
(Bob)
9:30 a.m.
Scalloped red norland potatotes in a big roasting pan, scalloped yellow onions in a small one, and marinated red onions in still another!
Now, to load those three hot dishes in the car and head for fellowship with dear friends at Wisconsin Dells.
(7:00p.m.)
Great time with about 18 of us! Lots of great food, friends, gift sharing, songs and music.
One of the interesting song activities was taking a quote from A Course in Miracles and creating a melody for it that could be sung by the group.
This proved to be quite a creative, entertaining and enthusiastic series of singings.
I picked the ACIM phrase, "It's only a thought, and a thought can be changed."
I changed it to, "It's only my thought and my thought can be changed."
We introduced examples of thought change that were mostly humorous and were even called back for an encore twice. (By the same person!)
A very enjoyable day of listening, observing, interacting, discussing, singing, and eating lots of ineresting, tasty, (and some even healthy), goooooooodies.
It's off to bed early for me. I am pooped.
My best to you all,
tu amigo,
Bob Thompson
.................................................................
(Kathryn)
Many blessings are coming fully to ONE and all! Wow, it is such a beloved joy to embrace the love of Holy Spirit, every moment.
Thank you God!
We got up very early, to prepare the dishes to take to Wisconsin Dells. Then, got on our way, to be welcomed by a house full of happy and JOYful people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The food was great, and all of the people were so very happy, every moment!
I feel really blessed to have sung with several there, in a spontaneous embrace of phrases from "A Course in Miracles." It was soooooooo beautiful! Thank you God!
We invited them to come out to Bumpity Road soon, and join in spontaneous joy and singing! What a joyous honor!
Thank you Lee, Annika, Dan, and Cece for putting this gathering together!
Merry CHRISTmas NOW, eternally!
Then, we returned to Bumpity Road, to share with Jim, and be in the moment!
Now, Jim is helping, with cleaning the kitchen.
I am sooooooooo grateful to you all, in embracing the ONE joy of God!
Love and peace,
Kathryn
...........................
A QUIET SUNNY SUNDAY (12-26-04)
(Bob)
Jim left early this morning to visit with friends in Wisconsin Dells and Kathryn and I had a lazy, leisurely day, with multiple sessions of eating and multiple sessions of birdwatching.
Today we saw three different varieties of woodpeckers at the feeders; Nuthatch, Downy, and Ladderback. Also lots of Slate Colored Juncoes on the ground and lots of Black Capped Chickadees in the trees.
Also a steady stream of Cardinals.
And a shy and beautiful Mourning Dove.
The birds we could hear from inside the house, cawing on and off all day long, were the crows. Apparently a flock of them had found an Owl, or a Red Tailed Hawk, and were harassing their enemy.
But one of the most rarely seen birds put in an appearance today in a little oak tree next to the east patio. It is a little brown striped bird that flies to the bottom of tree and then creeps around it in circles, always creeping up. It is a tiny little thing with a very long and very curved beak and in the bird book is listed after the Nuthatches. It is called the Brown Creeper.
Woodstoves, dishes, and other basic house chores are part of every day. Even our "day off."
I'm looking forward to wallowing around in a bubble bath.
Blessings to all,
Bob
............................
(KAThyRYN)
It has been a great day to watch the birds, and be with Bob.
It has been a great day of rest for us, which is very welcome.
In addition to the sessions of bird watching and eating, we also KATnapped too! At one point, after napping, and coming back to the Sunrise Room to watch the birds, I felt sooo cozy, that I was napping there too.
It has been a great day to snuggle in and relax. Thank you Holy Spirit!
Love and joy,
Kathryn
......................
A WARM DAY AT BUMPITY ROAD Monday, 12-27-04
(Kathryn)
Today was a great opportunity to awaken to the warm home blessing of love and joy.
When we woke up, I was reminded that Jim might be going to Wisconsin Dells today. Because of this, I came out to the kitchen to share good mornings. It was great to talk with him, and come in to see that he had plugged a pot of coffee in where Bob had prepared and written a note last night, which said: PLUG ME IN :-)
Bob, Jim, and I visited for around three hours this morning about whatever felt the most helpful
to share. It was a warm and fun experience to be a part of, and also a chance to be in the miracle of embracing what is happening NOW!
Then, Jim left to go to Wisconsin Dells. We thanked him for being here, and told him that he's always welcome to COME HOME, where the door is always open!
We watched the birds and cats once again. We fed the cats some food, which they feasted on. Then, they snuggled into a little house that Bob made for them, which he set up with cement blocks, made up into a square. It is set up to face the sliding glass door. Then, we can watch them join in love and peace. It is symbolic to me of answering a call for love, which they were seeming to give, when nestled by the sliding door.
Bob and I napped and rested in the Sunrise Room. Then, Cousin Jerry stopped by. We hadn't seen him for a few days, so it was good to visit with him. I offered him a cup of hot chocolate, that he accepted. We visited with him for a while. He read the paper.
We got dinner ready, and invited Jerry to stay for that, which he did. Then, ate while enjoying the warmth of the wood stoves. There is nothing like it!
Thank you God!
I am so very grateful for everything that is!
Love and joy,
Kathryn
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(Bob)
Jim is one of my favorite people to spend time with because he is so helpful, and besides , is a thoughtful, interesting, wide-ranging, and entertaining conversationalist.
Lots of treats for the birds, squirrels, cats, and for the deer, apple flavored salt blocks about 60 feet from The Christmas Room.
Cuzzin Jerry repaired one of our floor lamps, then he read today's newspaper, and later, we dined on: Bob's home made potato soup, turkey cold cuts, corn on the cob, croissants, salad, and chocolate cookies. And a mango, peach, banana "smoothie!"
We have made a big space in the woodshed from all the wood we have already wheelbarrowed to the house and fed into our two ever-hungry wood stoves.
January and February are the two coldest months, so by March 1st our woodshed will look even emptier. And then of course, wood will still be burned in April and May. And even on rainy days in June! (I live for rainy June days!)
I am also playfully working on a song that we playfully created, and sang in group, at a recent Christmas Day Party in the woods near Wisconsin Dells. (A most beautiful setting with snow falling on the pine trees outside the big, big vista windows!)
The words for the chorus go:
IT'S ONLY MY THOUGHT
AND MY THOUGHT CAN BE CHANGED
CAN BE CHANGED. (twice)
IT'S ONLY MY THOUGHT
AND MY THOUGHT CAN BE CHANGED (twice)
(repeat first three lines to conclude)
(it is an easy word group to make up a melody for and we did have several choruses singing this and additional improvised versions!)
Back to the kitchen,
Bob
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FEEDING KATHY AND BOB Tuesday, 12-28-04
(Kathryn)
It is such a grand blessing BEing in Holy Relationship with ONE who is united in the purpose of joining in LOVE every moment.
We were awakened with pillow talk, and a lingering of BEing in the joy. Thank you God!
Bob got up, and said that he'd start the wood stoves, and suggested that I rest for a while.
I did, and it was very ONEderful!
When I came downstairs, he was writing a new entry for the Pathways of Light journal. He was
entranced in this. It is great to see him joined in this purpose.
Then, I got a telephone call from our dear sister in Christ, Lisa Stern. For anyone who knows Lisa, the last name doesn't apply to her main way of BEing, because she is usually bubbling over with JOY! She and I always join in embracing the JOY. She called to share with me about her guidance to join in the purpose of letting the light shine. It was great to hear from her. She and I are joined eternally.
I went to get dressed. It is so nice to go and take a bath, and be surrounded in the light of peace and love!
We got lunch ready, and shared it, partly by the sliding door, and then, ate the soup in the kitchen.
After sharing for a while, we decided to take a KATnap! That was joyful!
Then, we got up to bird and KATwatch! They are such a joy.
Then, we ate salad by the sliding door, and soup by the wood burning stove. It is soooooooo perfect! What an experience.
I went back to clean and unpack some things. I came out after a while to take a break. I made some hot tea, and rested for a while.
Thank you for the joy of BEing in the experience of LOVE! It is a blessing to BE here!!!!!!!
Love and peace,
KAThyRyn
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(Bob)
Feeding these two stoves.
Feeding these two souls.
Feeding is a full time job!
I brought six wheelbarrows of wood into the house for the two stoves.
The usual household chores keep begging for attention, some daily, some more often than once a day.
Feed and water the cats and birds, feed Kathryn and Bob, carry out the wood ashes, feed KAThryn and Bob, carrry out the compost, feed KathYryn and Bob, get the mail, feed Kathy and Bob, washing, drying, and folding dried clothes, and feeding Kathy and Bob.
Lots of time spent watching our animal friends.
Eating salad and watching the birds at the east feeder.
Home made soup in front of the Vermont Casting Woodstove with the door wide open, to create our own instant mini-fireplace, complete with light and heat! Nice and toasty and such a soft, lovely, flickering flame of light.
And after I finish writing this?
Feeding Kathy and Bob........
Peacefully,
Bob
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STACKING & WHEELBARROWING WOOD AND A CHRISTMAS DINNER! 12-29-04
(Bob)
Both our wheelbarrows got a good workout today.
So did KAThryn and I!
We finished stacking all the wood that Steve had cut, and that Jim and Felipe had helped us with. It is a good feeling to know that that wood will be warming us next year.
We also wheelbarrowed about six loads of wood from the woodshed into the house, sorting and stacking it by diameter and length by each of the two stoves: Miss Atlanta from Vermont Casting in the Sunrise Room, and Miss Monarch, of culinary fame, in the kitchen.
Then we went to Quindt's Town Lounge in Baraboo for a Christmas Dinner with nine members of the Dream Interpretation Group.
Three of whom KAThryn met for the first time: Joanne, Arah, and Elizabeth, interesting persons all!
We returned to Portage about 8:20 p.m., selected four books from the Portage Library for mom, and then delivered them to mommy dearest. Then we had a long visit with my mom, Helen, that was sparked by frequent laughter as she told us stories about what the past week had been like for her.
She is a very interesting and fun person to be with.
Full of a jillion stories about just about everything.
She is our famiily's Oldest Historical Landmark.
Mom had told me months ago that she was wondering if KAThy could cook. The two turkeys on Turkey Day took care of that concern.
Mom still has a bathroom inspection still on her list next time she comes out here. She has an obsessive fascination with other people's toilet bowls. Some sort of genetic commode connection to overnight potties?
She is fun to be with.
Like Marlon Brando, in The Godfather, once she has made you a suggestion, you learn that it is really an offer that can not be refused (especially if you want to survive childhood).
But be warned that if she likes you, she will bend your ear with personal data until your ear is very badly bent, indeed!
(As a result of this severe bending of ears, both of mine fell off decades ago).
You gotta love her.
After all, what's the alternative?
peace to all,
Bob
................................................................
(Kathryn)
This day was filled with the new adventure of hauling wood from the woodshed inside. Then, moving it from the wood piles that Bob, Phil, Steve, and Jim cut and stored against the house.
I really appreciate doing this. It is helpful to do some more exercise than usual. I also get to see what happens with the resources that are here, going from cutting the trees, to chopping the wood, taking it to the woodshed or piles, and bringing it into the house. A lot happens to warm the hearth. Thank you God! I am soooo very grateful to be here. We are a great team, once again in another experience.
Then, I took my warm bath, to loosen and warm things up.
After some bird watching and relaxing, we got ready to go to Baraboo to meet some friends for dinner. It was fun to meet some more new friends. I sat at the end of table with Elizabeth, Joanne and Mel. That was interesting, to share the many perspectives of life that people seemed to have there.
When we came back into Portage, I had suggested that we stop by and get some more library for Bob's mother at the library. We got to the library with about three minutes left, before they closed for the night, to get books. We did that, and were out quickly.
It is always great to go by Helen's house. She is warm and nice to me. I feel that she sees that Bob and I are flowing together easily, and appreciates that. She is grateful that I can cook, and wants to look at the toilets when she comes again. It is cute to hear what thoughts and questions that people have about things. She used to clean houses, so that is where that feeling comes from. I used to do some of the same work (with extra jobs), and like a clean bathroom, so I understand completely where she's coming from. We visited for a while, and left to go on. It was great to see her.
Then, we stopped by Wal-Mart to get a few things.
I really appreciate it, whenever we go there, because the workers are always friendly. Thank you for the customer service, it means a lot to me.
We came back to the warm fires of Bumpity Rd. Then, checked e-mail.
Bob and I had some interesting conversations, about the way we are guided about things, and went to bed with those thoughts.
Love and joy,
KathyRyn
......................................
ANOTHER NEW START! Thursday, 12-30-04
(Kathryn)
Yes, another new beginning. Holy Spirit is so divine to bring together another miracle.
Robert, Mary, Deb and Paul from Pathways of Light are giving us such a blessing of facilitating my taking the courses to become a POL minister. I feel soooooooooooooo blessed to be doing this with their guidance.
Along with this, Bob and I will be doing at least one and maybe more lessons together, with him doing the facilitating for me to complete one and any other classes. Bob will also join in with all of us when he's guided to do so, to share in my training. This is such a precious blessing, to be DOing this hand in hand with these beloved five, as ONE in union with Christ. I feel very honored, to do this. Thank you God!
We had a powerful experience of joining with Phil Manke, as he stopped to share his pictures of our wedding. This is great, to have them to show anyone that we see while traveling this weekend.
Thank you once again, brother Phil.
Bob and I had a ONEderful experience to talk about perceptions about what is happening in our relationship. It is always great to come together, in this way.
We just talked with Deb and Paul, to have my first Pathways of Light training. I am touched by their generosity in sharing their hearts so fully and beautifully, in LOVE. It is a great joining. Thank you God!
We will be going to Libertyville, IL, to be with our oldest son, and youngest and oldest daughters and their families, until Tuesday. We'll start journaling again, when we return.
Love and joy,
KathyRyn
----------------------------------------------------------------
(Bob)
About 1:30 a.m. this morning, I was moved to read the study materials for KatKat's (KATthryn"s) first Pathway's of Light course towards eventually becoming an ordained POL minister with the legal authorization to conduct marriages and other services.
The course is titled #132: Self-Image Transformations and is really a great course to initiate one's dive into spiritual studies.
I took the same class about ten years ago when I began my own ministerial studies. After finishing all the course readings, I checked the mini-library here for my own coursework, so many centuries ago.
And by golly, would you believe it, I found all the written worksheets that I completed so many years ago!
So, after KatKat completes her written work, we will also have a chance to share and compare our answers and learn from each other!
Hermano Felipe arrived as I was taking a venison roast out of the oven, so I sliced it up and Kathy, Phil, and I ate most of the roast with nothing else (except a dash of salt here and there).
Later I cleaned the roast bone into the potato soup, added the venison drippings, and my oh my, was that a tasty venison-potato-onion soup!
This is the fourteenth package of venison that we have eaten in the past five weeks.
Still have house cleaning and packing to do before leaving on our four or five day journey to spend time with three of my children, Linette, Gary, and Sabra, and their families, over the New Year.
I'm hoping to get in bed by 1:00 a.m.
That is, if I can get the other half of this T'nT Team to slow down a little. :)
joyously peaceful,
Bob
...............................
(Bob)
New Year's Eve Day.
December 31, 2004
Stopped at Ye Olde Banke to initiate changes that will enable my spouse to assume all my debts.
Which she did with a smile.
Then on to Illinois, while KAThryn read to me from her lessons on SELF IMAGE TRANSFORMATIONS, and then she listened to DVDs through the headphones to do the meditation exercises, followed by written work (to be shared later, with her facilitators).
KAThy listened with headphones so that the meditations would not meditate me off the interstate.
...............
New Year's Eve was spent in Libertyville, Illinois with five grandchildren, their friends, relatives from Panama, and many family friends from around Illinois, including some that we met for the first time.
It was also Kierstin's 7th birthday, and KAThryn and I were asked to sing "I Like Your Style" to Kierstin, which we did with great enthusiasm because we really do like little angel Kierstin"s style.
The children have six guests staying overnight. We have a king sized bed to swim in, in the basement. Some of the children will be sleeping in the basement also.
It is a very, very large basement.
Even so, this is going to be interesting....
luv and peace,
Bob
.............................................................................
(Kathryn)
This was a full day of enthusiasm and JOYning with many.
We got started on the trip to Illinois.
It was a great opportunity, to take care of a few things, and embrace the experience fully.
It was fun, to get to Libertyville, IL., to share with the children in the New Year's Eve preparations and festivities.
I helped Edna and several other dear family members and friends to get the tables and food ready.
There were several games that were played with the children. One was by finding little gifts in bags. I carried the angel Sophia around to find some for her. We found one together, then looked around, and many had been found. I then saw Grandma Vilma, and asked her to look for gifts to put in Sophia's bag too. She found one that had the name "Angela" in it (Kiersten's middle name). Anyone who found the packages with her name's in it, won a prize. When Vilma gave us this package, we took it to angel Edna, and she let Sophia decide which prize she wanted. She won a green bear. This was great. This helped Sophia a bit, because she didn't seem to be feeling well that night. Thank you God!
It was an experience to meet Christ in everyONE, showing gratitude and joy to all.
During the celebration, Bob and I sang:
"Hey J.C., I hear you knockin' at the door..."
There were many smiles who embraced this blessing that we love to share. It was great!
As the night went on, there were fewer and fewer people.
At midnight, you'll hear more about that soon.....
Love and joy,
KAThyRYN