JANUARY, 2006: HAPPY JOYFILLED MIRACLE

Sunday, January 1, 2006
KAThy and Bob
Ringin' in the New Year. Yahoo, thank you God!
The bell tolled, and Barb W. and Gary Lee arrived, wheel-chairing back and forth from the Sunrise Room to kitchen, Barbara Claus bringing lots and lots of treats, to share with the many angels, who are coming over today!
Mary and Phil got here very soon after that, as Barb was unloading the goodies.
Wow, she had many things to JOIN in gratitude, for a full and happy year of LOVE!
Barb came in and Mary and Kathy helped her get the turkey into the oven. Then, it was ready, for the grand roast.
Then, Barb continued to prepare all the food, while we joined, for the Quaker style service.
Phil, Mary, Kathy, and Gary Lee embraced the beloved meditation, and shared what came to our hearts spontaneously, as guided by Holy Spirit.
It was a great honor for Gary Lee to join us, and see how much stronger he has grown in his healing! Thank you Jesus!
Bob went to town and then bounced around several counties to pick Mom, Victor, Flossie, and Aunt Eva up to be with us for the day.
They came in full of joy.
It was so great for Victor to be able to come after his knee replacement surgery, and we were very grateful, to have him here.
Bob and the card sharks, Mom, Eva, Victor, and Gary Lee all played cards, and laughed and had fun throwing their curves here and there.
The dinner bell was ringing, and Chefs Barbara and Kathy had put together another feast of a lot of yummy food.
Mmmmmmm, mmmmm, thank you, thank you, for providing this place for us, to share these blessings with so many.
Along with the turkey, we had tossed salad, with alllll kinds of lettuce and veggies. We also had a delicious broccoli salad, potato salad, fruit salads,
bread roll, chocolate and jello cake, and the yummies go on and on!
Wow, pazoooooh, Barb out did herself, again.
Twelve disciples, sitting at the table of abundance.
Thank you Barb!
The card angels went back to the board, and the rest of us visited or cleaned up. It was a relaxing day.
Kathy and Mary figured out how to make some more of our Bumpity Songs cds, on our computer. Thank you so much, for joining into this Mary!
Then, all of a sudden the wheels came down the Bumpity Rd. once again.
A clatter of hooves on the roof signalled the arrival of still other Santas, bringing the gifts of themselves1
Barb V., Sue, and LIsa arrived, from Madison and Middleton.
They had been over to Sauk City to look at the eagles. wintering over on the Wisconsin River, near the dam.
And so we got all the food out again, and shared with them.
The birdwatchers had now shifted their attention from eagles to turkey.
It was such a blessing, to talk and meet with them.
Barb W. met Barb V. and they united in laughter and love! That was natural!
Barb V. toured LIsa and Sue around the house. Then, they went home and Barb V. decided to stay overnight.
The card corral finished up, and Bob took them all home. Thank you sooooooooo much, for their presence.
It was great to visit with Barb V., and talk about what is happening all around. She is a dear angel, indeed.
Bob picked up toilet tank parts at Walmart on the way home, and then did repairs on two toilet water tanks before going to bed.
And so, once again, with a mere flick of the wrist, we are really able to "let things go."
-----------------------------------
Monday, January 2, 2006
KAThy and Bob
A great day to welcome the New Year in, and rest.
Bob joined Barb V. to watch the birds, in the Sunrise Room.
Kathy heard the laughter, and decided that it was time to rise.
They talked about the grace of the birds, and what fun it is to say thank you to God!
Bob and Kathy made Phil's eggs (from his four red hens), which were quite tasty in an onion and parmesan cheese omelet, and we came to the table to say thanks. It was a great opportunity to welcome the light in, and talk.
Barb W. called and left a message, saying that she could take Barb V. home. We returned her call and said that would be great.
Then, continued to embrace everything with happiness.
Since we hadn't heard back from Barb W., we decided to round up the old workhorse Caddy wagon, and head to Madison with Barb V.
As we were about to get there, the phone rang again, and it was Barb W. saying that she was on the way to get Barb V., to take her to Madison.
We told her that we were just getting to Madison then.
Sooooooo, Barb V. and Barb W. talked on the cell phones about joining while we're in Mexico, at Bumpity Rd.
We headed back to Portage, and saw the stars guiding us to Bumpity Rd.
When we saw the WELCOME HOME sign, we knew we were home again!
---------------------------------------
Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Bob and Kathy
Bob got up and turned off all the electric heaters before 8 a.m. (when the peak rate quadruples, x 4),and added wood to the embers in the Sunrise Room.
Kathy in the kitchen and Bob at the web tv and the wood stoves, also numerous feedings of leftovers to the birds and cats.
......
A day of reorganizing filing systems, and discarding great quantities of dated and non-relevant materials.
Experience has taught me that if I do it again, after three months, I will be able to eliminate another 1/3 of what remains, suggesting perhaps, that with the passing of a little time, I am able to let things go, that I previously held onto.
That would mean that I would start this process all over again around April 1st?
Fools Day?
Sounds appropriate. :-)
But, I DO FEEL a sense of accomplishment, in knowing that much has been eliminated, and, that I now know where things are, including somethings that I did not know existed!
I really feel that eliminating half my files is a really good start.
More to come.
Lots of trips to the burn barrel today.
......
The kitchen wood stove is cackling away, heating up two teapots, that will begin singing shortly. One leads off as a soloist, and then the other comes in, minutes later, to form a duet.
When they stop singing, it is a quiet signal for us to put more wood in the cook stove (Miss Monarch), they only sing when they are well fed.
......
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
KAThy and Bob
A beautiful winter dream, with fire burning in the wood cookstove, and simply taking care of whatever comes to mind to do.
Bob brought some wood in, and Kathy helped him unload the trusty wheel winged wagon.
As we we were enoying BEing helpful, we saw double angel silhouettes at Bumpity Road's door.
Then, heard a knock, knock, knock.
Kathy saw them, and said, ahhhh, there's Chikur, and...
We welcomed them in and got re-introduced to Darrell, who used to play music with Chikur at parties.
The last time that they played together, was here at Bumpity Rd.
This was when David and Kathy came for the gatherings, in October, 2004.
The concert that they shared then was very beautiful and powerful.
Kathy also remembers dancing to their music with the angel Skip, from Florida.
Bob and Kathy both remember sitting around the campfire with Chikur later in the night, and sharing the messages of Holy Spirit.
Ahhhhhhh, such a blessing!
We talked and sang with them, and it was a blessed joining, of sharing in the de LIGHT of fun with the happy ONE!
------------------------------------
Thursday, January 5, 2006
KAThy and Bob
Bob was up loading the stove and popping the wood early.
Kathy joined him to see that he was happily writing in his minister's journal.
Thank you God!
We continued doing things to clear the way at Bumpity Rd.
We talked with Sharon Z. at Pathways of Light about ordering Gary R.'s newest book.
It was nice to talk with her, and then, put an e-mail together to friends about the book.
While doing other writings, Barb V. called and asked what we're doing on Sunday. She invited us to Madison to meet with friends. We said yes.
Now, we're settled in, for a warm quiet evening.
...
Kathy in bed reading, and Bob, at an adjacent table, working on an assignment he accepted on writing a song for ACIM Gather.
----
I sang the new song to Kathy in bed, and, when I looked at her (twice), the expression on her face, was so indescribably moving, "choked me up,"literally overwhelmed me, stopped my words, so much so, that I was unable to sing.
.
Her expression, her countenance, was so....something....that I had to
not look at her to continue the song.
I, Overwhelmed, by the Presence of an Angel, reflecting me, to myself.
.
............................................
title:
I KNOW JUST WHAT TO DO
1.
When I'm... looking for the Peace of God, I know just what to do.
I bless the babbling in my mind,
and this world fades from view.
I enter My Inner Holy Place,
which is where I long to stay.
But I return with The Holy Thought,
that I have found Another Way.
2.
Gathering from New York to California,
and all around the world,
we've all read A Course In Miracles,
and thought about its words.
And after years of pondering,
we'd like to share with you,
how easy it is to lose your fears
and find The Peace That's Truly You.
3.
Holiness resides inside of you,
so everything has been arranged.
Just slightly shift your point of view,
and you'll find your life has changed.
This Course is mandatory, you can take it when you will.
But, if you thirst, for The Peace of God, here's a chance to Drink Your Fill!
4.
I know this all sounds marvellous, and I'll agree 'tis true.
Any thought you change is a miracle,
and that is all you have to do.
Whenever you're not peaceful, all you have to do is say,
"I'm really tired of the way things are, There Must Be Another Way!"
5.
Give God a Little Willingness,
and you are on your way.
Be kind with your perceptions,
and let them wander where they may.
Once aware of your projections,
you'll release them in a while.
Your forgiveness and atonement,
will create a peaceful smile.
6.
So......I enter.....My Inner Holy Place, which is where I long to stay.
But....I return with The Holy Thought
that I have found Another Way.
When I"m looking for The Peace of God,
I know just what to do,
I bless the babbling in my mind,
and this world fades from view.
7.
When I'm.... looking for The Peace of God, I know just what to do. I bless the babbling in my mind,
and this world fades from view.
8.
...when... I'm.... looking for The Peace of God... I know just what to
do.....
9.
....when I'm looking for......The Peace of God....
I know just what to do!
..........................................
Friday, January 6, 2006
Bob and Kathy
This morning we sang, I Know just What To Do, over the land line to the co-founders of ACIM Gather, David in N.Y., and Linda, in Cal.
Their responses were very enthusiastic and they taped the song and then, afterwards, asked us to sing it live on the internet. Which we did. And then did again at their request, at 7:30 p.m.
They have now adopted it as their theme song.
And we will be hosts, next Friday, at 7:30 p.m. on ACIM Gather.
...
Same scenario, again tonight.
Kathy in bed reading and Bob at the table working on a song requested by Kirsten, our "kiwi girl" in New Zealand.
Kirsten asked for a love song that included ice cream. Bob's working on it.
...........................
Saturday, January 7, 2006
Bob and Kathy
Bob finished the song for Kirsten in the wee hours.
Here is a rough draft:
...................................
ICE CREAM ANGEL
.
When I was just a little child,
I lived across from an ice cream store.
Now that's livin' right close to heaven, could any child want more?
.
Mama and the neighbor lady,
both had a child of three,
an' one of them was Jenny,
an' one of them was me.
.
The next door mama and Jenny,
and my mama and me made four,
an' ever' so often of a summer,
we went thru that ice cream door.
.
Jus' a lil' walk, up a lil' hill,
to Mr. Brauer's Ice cream Shop.
And many a time that summer,
it became our favorite stop.
.
I loved those ice cream summers,
but I loved my mama more,
and I even loved Jenny's mama,
for bringing Jenny to the ice cream store. .
Walkin an' talkin' with Jenny,
I came to love that little hike.
'Course, once you got to know Jenny,
there was an awful lot to like.
.
Jenny often peeked at me,
before she'd take a taste,
a creamy, dreamy angel,
with ice cream on her face.
.
By the time we got to grade school,
I walked Jenny home from class,
and when we walked alone to the ice cream store,
how I wished those days would last.
.
Then we got to high school,
an' our paths took different ways.
but we were always ice cream friends,
thru all our high school days.
.
I asked Jenny... to the prom,
an' that... was takin' a chance.
'Cause Jenny was so popular,
an' I couldn't even dance.
.
At seventeen, I finished school
and I answered the Army's call.
Jenny wrote right reg'lar,
but I didn't write much atall.
.
I was overseas for four years,
my how those years did fly.
I heard Jenny done got married,
my little Jenny, who was shy.
.
Another thirty, slipped away,
 then one day I took a ride,
an' met Jenny at a neighbor's house,
where Jenny's mom had died.
.
We chatted in the driveway,
about our ice cream past.
Jenny said "You're the first boy I ever kissed,
but you know, you weren't the last."
.
Another twenty years went by
I volunteered in a nursing home,
an' I often thought of Jenny
an' us a eatin' them ice cream cones.
.
One day, heard my name, an' turned to see
Jenny a wheelin' in a chair
She had Jenny's smile, an' Jenny's eyes, an' silver was Jenny's hair.
.
So... we saw each other right reg'lar
and talked about our ice cream days.
I told all the kitchen help "bout our childhood,
so we had ice cream all the way.
.
Well, we had a year of ice cream
and then, Jenny, was no more.
But I still honor Jenny
by a goin' to the ice cream store.
.
I always order two,
tho I can't eat one.
An' I'm always asked, "Is somebody?,
a waitin' for that other cone?"
.
I nod... an' smile... an' walk on out
ice cream in both my hands.
O' course, they right away start a meltin'
but I don't care where it lands.
.
I think about my ice cream angel
an' 'bout the passin' of all that time.
Then I take a lick of Jenny's cone.
And then I take a lick of mine.
...............
Three verses, sung slowly, as an ending:
.
I loved... those ice cream summers
But I loved my mama more.
And I even love Jenny's mama,
for bringing Jenny to the ice cream store.
.
Well...we had a year of ice cream,
and then, Jenny, was no more.
But....I still honor Jenny
by a goin' to the ice cream store.
.
I think...about my ice cream angel
an' 'bout the passin' of all that time,
then I take a lick of Jenny's cone,
and then I take a lick of mine.
...................................
And then some house cleaning in the kitchen, toilets, and Sunrise Room.
.
Lots of e-mail and phone sharings today.
.
Barb W stopped by to let Kathy taste a box of "cracklins."
.
So blessed, with the riches of friendship!
.
Pork "cracklins?"
.
In Wisconsin?
.
Yep.
.....................................
Sunday, January 8, 2006
Bob and KAThy
Mary, Phil, and KAThy had the 10 a.m. service, while Bob rested with a headache.
Around 2 p.m. we met Barb V. and seven of Barb's friends at Ella's Deli, On East Washington in Madison, for a sharing of many, many gifts, from Barb, great food, and very cheerful conversation. This celebration was to recognize the story of:
"The Three Kings."
Carol S. joined us at Jill and Chucks's, for pass-a-dish, where about 15-20 people experienced the "merkaba" pyramid effect with Chuck. Carol, KAThy, and I, did a lot of interaction with a lot of very interesting guests.
They came from Minnesota, Illinois, and all over Wisconsin. We had previously met only one of the over 20 people who were there.
We did some acappella singing, and had really good interactions with a lot of those present. I suspect that we will be seeing some of them at Bumpity Road in the future.
Then off to a 6 p.m. supper with Catherine B. in Shorewood, and members of the Conscious Community discussion group. Catherine's house and dinner are an indescribable treat, as is Catherine. The house decor, the set table, were pricelessly and beautifully done. To say nothing of the meal which began with squash soup, roast turkey, and a variety of exquisite foods and desserts.
The discussion focused on significant events in our lives in 2005, and what we were particularly looking forward to in 2006.
Stimulating (9) conversationalists all.
Then off to Don and Mary's in Middleton, to chat, and then spend the night in their luxurious "guest suite."
An unusual day, with five different mixes of people, all very enjoyable.
We wished we could have stayed longer with all of them.
We found out during the evening, via several cell phone calls from friends, that our friend and neighbor, Joe Dalton, was being buried on Monday. Joe, and his son Tommy, had been working with us just a few weeks ago with his heavy duty, back hoe and front end loader at Bumpity Road.
.........................
Monday, January 9, 2006
Bob and Kathy
We went to Bob's 8 & 9 a.m appointments at the Veterans' Hospital in Madison, where Bob met with the therapist who had helped him several years ago with a severely torn rotator cuff. Now she thoroughly evaluated Bob's torn knee cartilage, prescribing very specific exercises, thrice daily, which she demonstrated, and then had Bob do.
We went to Joe's funeral service in Pardeeville, and then chatted with Joe's family, friends, and neighbors afterwards.
Among them were students from Bob's teaching days in Pardeeeville, 67-69, as well as a good sprinkling of our neighbors.
Joe had been looking forward to another card game with my mother and aunt Eva, but that was not to be.
He was very well liked, and Joe had a very large turnout of long lines for his wake, and for his funeral at the packed church.
This 28 hour blitz of activity was highly unusual, and contrasted markedly with the previous 5 days of not leaving home at all!
Our friend Deb has created a new website for us, that already has most of our links (including this one), on it. It is marvelously beautiful.
You can reach the website at: www.bumpityroad.org
Please let us know if you are able to access it?
thanks,
Bob and KAThy
..............................
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Bob and Kathy
We spent alot of time today with activities leading up to finalizing the brand new website
and notifying our very extended family.
Angel Deb took all our seven websites of data and put them all under: www.BumpityRoad.org
Browse as you wish, Deb did a great job of sorting and organizing the materials!
.............
On a separate note, we would like to include one of our guiding prayers:
The following few sentences,
explain much of Kathy and Bob's thinking, which in turn, are the underpinnings for our roles as facilitators, and, our Open Door Policy.
.
love to you all,
Bob and Kathy Thompson
..........................................
THE PATHWAYS OF LIGHT FACILITATOR CREDO:
This is one pathway among many.
.
In all humility, I recognize your greatness, the Divine Wisdom within you. .
And by helping you
access that part within you,
I am fulfilling my role
and helping all parts of myself awaken.
.
I know each person's true Self
knows the perfect way home for them.
.
I am at peace as I participate in the process.
.
Love is always the answer.
..............................................
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Bob and Kathy
Answering phones and e-mails.
Keeping the wood cook stove crackling and the two teapots, whistling.
Homemade vegetable soup defrosted.
With organic beets supplied by Duncan from his labors on an organic farm, and lots of different dried beans picked off the shelves by Leroy, and added to the soup. A key ingredient was home grown rutabaga and five frozen quarts of our own tomatoes.
We finshed a few quarts of soup today, but when you make 16 to 20 quarts of homemade soup at a time, we do freeze a lot for later meals.
This has been an easy winter for us.
Plow the driveway when it snows.
Wheelbarrow lots of extra wood into the house, in case the snow gets really deep.
And, we do have an abundance of food, 150 pounds of potatoes, 120 pounds of onions, etc.
And umpteen shelves, stocked with a gazillion edibles.
Cuzzin' Jerry and his dad Cuzzin' Bill stopped by with a neighbor's expired horse, winched up on his flatbed.
Cuzzin' Jerry was jokin' 'bout bringing along a little something for a barbecue, so I just told him to leave it in the outside fire pit, and I would start the fire shortly.
We did some hoorahin' back and forth about the barbecue, but delicacy suggests that I omit those words.
Like Kathy says, "It's a guy thing."
Gotta close now.
And start the barbecue fire.
:-)
..........................................
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Bob and Kathy
A quiet domestic day of feeding the woodburning cook stove, home made soup, phone calls and e-mails.
Our friend Camille wrote saying that she'd like to meet us at the airport, when we go to Mejico.
She lives in Atlanta, and can meet us there, during our transfer of flights.
Soooo, we called by phone to talk about it, and got to laugh, talk and sing with this blessed friend.
Also, we got the word out about our 7:30 p.m. (C.S.T.), hosting on PalTalk, tomorrow night on the internet.
A quiet sleepy evening with soup and smashed potatoes.
-----------------------------
Friday, January 13, 2006
KAThy and Bob
A warm day at Bumpity Rd.
While the wood cookstove was going, it is 82 degrees in the kitchen, and 74 on the cool side of the room.
A nice cozy and relaxing day, with homemade vegetable rice soup. Mmmmmmmmm good!
We did a lot of things around the house.
Then, shared on the international ACIM Gather online tonight.
David and Linda invited us to be on there again.
We sang: "I Know Just What to Do," and Ice Cream Angel."
While telling about Bumpity Rd., and welcoming people at the door with a song, there was a request to sing the welcoming song. We welcomed everyONE with: "I Like your Style."
Then, when we sang a few other songs, David Fishman told us that his favorite song is: Top of The World.
This is one that Bob wrote when walking to a place close to here, with the children and friends. When doing this, it's like going to the Top of the World.
In doing this, you see that you are always walking to the Top of the World, whether together or apart from those that you've sung this with before, because you're always together in mind and heart.
Thank you so much Holy Spirit!
..............................
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Bob and Kathy
Out of the house by 7:45 a.m. to get to Jung's Seed and Garden Center in Randolph.
We joined there with 30 other Columbia County Master Gardeners for a tour of the facilities with the president Jung's.
He represented the third generation of owners and gave a good introduction to their century+, in the gardening business.
The tour was very interesting and thorough.
They receive an average of 3,000 orders a day, so their computers and order takers are really humming.
Lots of interesting little chats with our gardening friends during lulls in the tour, while we were walking from one facility to another.
We were gifted with 6 tulip bulbs each, Kathy with the Jackpot and Bob the Oranje Nassau varieties.
At 11 a.m., a few miles away, we toured the Alsum Produce Company. led along by its very knowledgeable president.
Over 80% of their sales are potatoes (all the way to the east coast), 10% onions, and the rest a great variety of assorted fruits, vegetables, nuts, packaged foods, etc.
Everything is sold in large boxes or bags.
It is open to the public for sales every Wednesday, if you wish to purchase a box of 48 grapefruit, or 4 seedless watermelon, 50 or 100 yellow delicious apples, 3, 5, 10, 50, or a 100 pound bag of potatoes, either the red, yellow, blue, or white varieties.
They are able to process a 22 ton semi load of potatoes in 45 minutes.
We saw potatoes warehoused in bins 14 feet high, in well insulated buildings, that are unheated.
Instead, because the potatoes generate heat, they have to have outside air brought in to cool down the inside potatoes.
Again, we had opportunities to chat with gardening friends during our walks from site to site.
We arrived home about 12:30, finished the last of a 4 quart ice cream pail, of homemade vegetable and bean soup, and then greeted (with a short song) Don G., his wife Kay, and their 6 year old, Kristin.
They had just returned from a tour of several Amish businesses (general store, cheese factory, 2 bakeries, wood products shop, etc).
They shared fresh bakery goods with us, and we sat and chatted around the golden oak stained table (seats 10 easily, 12 in a pinch), that was made by an Amish woodworker over a decade agol
Weekends, and evenings, we have a much lower electrical rate in the house, so we let the wood stoves take a break, as we enjoyed the constant warmth of the electric baseboard heaters.
(Feeding the woodstoves during the weekdays, is a continuous job, and, has given a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Keeping The Home Fires Burning").
Then a quiet and restful, late afternoon and evening.
.........................
Sunday, January 15, 2006
KAThy and Bob
We awakened the day to welcome Carl L. and Catherine B., from Madison, with a song at the door.
Then, Phil and Mary came home to Bumpity Rd. too.
We shared in describing the Quaker like service, that we hold here. Then opened to Holy Spirit's guidance.
It was a intimate experience of letting whatever Spirit brought forth, happen.
When we came out of the meditation, we all talked about our experience of embracing the Silence. Ahhhhhhhh, thank you Holy Spirit.
Carl made a recent trip to New Zealand, and talked about his opportunity to live and embrace several weeks with the Maori tribespeople, in their life there. He was presented a unique chance to live in the Maori culture, including their sacred rituals.
While on the trip, he also traveled to Australia. He had varying experiences in which to see that everything that one embraces, is a miracle. While in Australia, he was given a setting in which to be treated with the utmost love and peace.
This gave him the joy to see that both experiences were moments of enrichment, in which to open his mind and heart to these blessings.
We had lunch. Then, Mary and Phil left.
We were given the joy of spending a good part of the day with Catherine and Carl.
It was Grandma Thompson's birthday today. So, she came over to play Euchre with Bob, Jerry, Barb, and Peggy.
They all rallied, and had a lot of fun and laughter, while playing cards.
Barb brought a roast over, and we enjoyed dinner together. Then, they played a while longer. It was a lot of fun.
Thank you everyONE, for joining into the fun!
--------------------------------
Monday, January 16, 2006
KAThy and Bob
Kathy ran some errands.
Bob welcomed her home, to help carry goodies into the house.
It was a quiet afternoon, and warm too!
We went to town, and went to the library discussion group.
We started a new discussion group about Mysteries.
Tonight's author was Edgar Allan Poe.
It was an interesting sharing. It is helpful to hear the varied perceptions from those present, which helps one be seen in the light that they are.
------------------------------
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
KAThy and Bob
Today, when Kathy got up, it was very warm downstairs, so we waited to start burning the cookstove until about 2 pm.
Kathy talked with Barb W., and shared laughter and gratitude. It was great, to do that!
Kathy was trying to play the recording of our online chat from PalTalk, on 1-13-06, and got it to play (see audio recordings at: www.bumpityroad.org ).
Then, Bob and Kathy listened to it. It was fun to hear. It was totally an opportunity to join En Joy!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Bob and Kathy
The teapots on the wood cook stove are singing merrily, on a bright sun shiny day!
Bob working on potato pancake experiments on the wood stove.
---------
We talked with David H., Mia, and Kevin in New Zealand, over the internet lines, to sing the new songs with them.
We began with I Know Just What to Do, and went on to sing: Ice Cream Angel.
It was a joyfilled experience. We had asked to talk with them, to share the songs with Kirsten, because she requested for us to write a love song about ice cream. However, Kirsten wasn't able to be there, so they recorded it for her.
(The words to the new songs are on the website: www.bumpityroad.org under, Words to Bob's Songs.)
Out of that request, came the unique new song, Ice Cream Angel.
Afterwards, they were laughing and joyful.
Then, they sang a song that they had put together too.
We talked a few minutes, and sent our blessings, across the world.
--------------
MORE: (the second half) :-)
Words That Guide, Kathy and Bob:
The following few sentences, explain much of Kathy and my thinking, which in turn, are the underpinnings for our roles as facilitators, and, our Open Door Policy.
love to you all,
Bob and Kathy Thompson
..........................................
I am here only to be truly helpful.
I am here to represent Him who sent me.
I do not have to worry
about what to say
or what to do
because He Who sent me
wil direct me.
I am content to be wherever He wishes,
knowing He goes there with me.
I will be healed
as I let Him teach me to heal.
..............................................
Both of these writings are on the back page of the purple ORDAINED MINISTERIAL COUNSELOR ANOINTING handout, that is given to all present prior to the ordination ceremonies at Pathways of Light.
In the most recent ordination ceremony, last October 2005,, Kathy and I asked the candidates for ordination, to also lead the witnesses, in reading this second selection.
With best wishes.
Peace,
Bob and Kathy Thompson
.........................................
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Bob and Kathy
Bob working outside, stacking brush and wheelbarrowing in wood.
Kathy inside, e-mailing and housecleaning.
We had two classes at the Madison Area Technical College in Portage. The 6 to 7:30 p.m. class was Swing Dancing and the 7:30 to 9 p.m. class was Ballroom Dancing, beginning with the box waltz.
There were five or six couples in each class, with three couples in both classes.
Bob's torn knee cartilage got a very good three hour workout, and he was limping a bit after the classes.
The classes were held in an elementary school building (in the cafeteria), that used to be the Portage Senior High School when Bob went to school there.
Bob recalled going to a prom there, without the dance knowledge, he had just acquired tonight.
The instructors were a friendly couple who had been dancing many years.
Then home to snuggle in with e-mails, a good book, and each other.
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Friday, January 20, 2006
Bob and Kathy
Wood fires, housewarming, meals prep, moving furniture (again), and watching the snow fall.
Three phone calls advised us that we would be the only ones here for the Third Friday Dream Group.
The falling snow stopped at an inch, here at Bumpity Road.
So we relaxed, kept the wood stove going in the Sunrise Room,and had a quiet, restful time, eating, reading, e-mailing, etc.
What a joy to see the flames of the wood burning, feel the heat, and see the snow falling!
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Saturday, January 21, 2006
Bob and KAThy
The Libertyville, Illinois, Thompsons informed us that they had 12 inches of snow in their long driveway and were still waiting for a snowplow, so they would be late in arriving.
We had great gabbing and singing sessions with Donna Marie C. and Lisa S., Kathy also did P.O.L. Coursework for Ordination, with Donna Marie.
The five grandchildren arrived with their mom and dad, Edna and son Gary.
We stayed up till late, including the children, catching up on a jillion things in each others'
lives. Lots of warm sharings, lots of laughter, and lots of warm, buttered popcorn, fresh from the drive-thru popcorn place in Portage.
In the wee hours, Grandpa T. made one last check of four angels sleeping in the Christmas Room.
Usually, we call it the Sunset Room, because it is on the west side of the house.
But tonight, it was The Christmas Room, because of the colorful halo of Christmas Lights circling the room, above the windows.
It is also The Christmas Room because, the best presents ever, were all sleeping and wrapped up in their "jammies."
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Sunday, January 22, 2006
BOB and KAThy
Phil and Mary were here for the 10 a.m. service.
Gary had started scrambled eggs, so Kathy and I pitched in with a few extras: really great wheat toast, jellies, pears, apples, home made "a la grandpa," french fries etc.
After a leisurely breakfast, they went to visit my mom, Gary's grandma, and great grandma to the five Christmas Angels.
Pasta salad and vension chili for supper.
And for dessert?
Substantial slices of Edna's home made PEANUT BUTTER CAKE (with peanut butter frosting).
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Monday, January 23, 2006
BobKat
Such a winter wonderland!
One inch of white wonder, pretty, but not impassible.
Barb W. stopped by to sample our home made venison chili, and Bob's hand cut, home made french fries, lightly salted and then dusted with italian seasonings.
Some of the potatoes we are using are rather large. An unusually large potato yesterday, made enough french fries for 6 people.
Barb is on her way to pick up some of our Amish neighbors to take them to Madison for eye glasses.
Bob is plowing the driveway, wheelbarrowing in more wood, and took a spin on the big tractor, around the fields to observe the many deer tracks, and deer paths, that were made since the snow fell Friday night.
Inside temp is 76, so we are snuggled in quite warmly, enjoying the frosty winter wonderland through the 3 Amish made and newly installed, kitchen windows.
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Tuesday, January 24, 2006
KAThy and Bob
The deLIGHTful warm weather continues, for Wisconsin.
We are very blessed!
Bob talked with the card sharks about playin' some rounds on Thursday. They're all set up, and anxiously ready!
Bob went out to get another load of wood, as our wood seems to be burning faster.
It truly is warming the hearth up here, AT HOME, on Bumpity Rd.
It's a great feeling to have some quiet days, before we gratefully welcome some more friends back, this weekend.
Come on HOME, whenever you're ready!
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Wednesday, January 25, 2006
BOB and KAThy
O.K.Corral Helen and Mother Superior called and requested a card-playing shoot-out, soi I put a couple of decks of playing cards in my ammo belt and "took my guns to town."
The fourth horseman of the card playing quartet, Victor, arrived with his friend Flossie, and then the card slinging started, and war began from four different directions.
Mother Superior and HELLen carried the day, machine gunning Victor and Bob, again and again, with superior cards.
The losers limped home, believing that they were only attacking from a different direction.
KAThy spent about 4 hours running errands and shopping in Portage, a tire and rim, flowers (for the three elder ladies), bananas, library, health food store, etc.
On the way home we counted about 23 deer in different places, one large deer standing next to the edge of the road as we drove by.
From a distance it is interesting how many mailboxes look like deer. Especially when it's foggy.
The slow drive home avoided car-deer accidents.
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Thursday, January 26, 2006
BOBKAThy
Outside plowing (widening driveway and parking), kindling, blockwood, and stacking brush in the campfire pit.
Inside cleaning, organizing, and tinkering with all the potted herb plants in the Sunrise Room and kitchen.
Then off to the 6 pm Swing Dance Class, and the 7:30 pm Ballroom Dance Class, sponsored by the Madison Area Technical College.
By 9 pm tonight we felt that we had really made alot of progress in both our classes.
We stopped for pizza on the way home, enjoying the interaction with Pizza Hut staff, and after a restful and tasty meal, took an extra pizza home.
Did not see even one deer on the way home!
Wow!
There must be a "stag party" somewhere?
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Friday, January 27, 2006
BOBKAThy
Bob stacked 8 wheel barrows of firewood near the house, and brought two well dried loads, to the patio in wheelbarrows, and continued working on both sides of the driveway.
KAThy cleaned and organized for our next guests.
Snowfall in the afternoon resulted in 3 phone calls from Dream Group Attendees, not attending tonight, so we had a free Friday night to relax, eat, watch movies, and enjoy the winter wonderland, falling outside our windows
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Saturday, January 28, 2006
BobKats
Kathy worked on Ordination Classes with Donna Marie and Bob worked on housing options for an additional, second week in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.
AAA sent us a brand new Mexico Travel Book with lots of info about our vacation area. Lots of interesting information, historically, culturally, entertainment, food and lodging.
It is very understandable why so many people winter, or relocate, to Puerta Vallarta.
We will be leaving here on Friday the 17th of February and returning on Sunday, March 5th.
Barbara W. (and others?), will be housesitting here.
A quiet day, with no wheelbarrowing of wood from the woodshed.
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Sunday, January 29, 2006
BobKats
Mary and Phil joined us for our 10 pm "mostly quiet' service.
Afterwards, the discussion following the meditation, is always enthusiastic and interesting.
Chef Roberto made Mushroom Creamsauce Turkey a la Pasta, Phil on the French Fries, and Kathy on the salad.
After dinner we watched a Spiritual Circle Movie, that was filmed in Siam.
We finalized our final three days' lodging in Mexico with friends Betty and Tom, so we have 10 of our 14 days of lodging, already reserved (the first 7 are with Mary and Don).
A quiet evening of dabbling in housekeeping, meals, e-mails and phone calls.
Our friend Linda had a kidney transplant on Monday at the UW Hospital in Madison, and returned to her home today. We invited her to "recuperate" with us, during her recovery, and thereafter.
Linda has been an inspiration in her peacefully dealing with several illnesses.
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Monday, January 30, 2006
Bob and Kat
Kathy went off on errands to Portage (after Bob helped her get unstuck).
The melting snow, in a barely noticeable low spot, concealed a melted quagmire.
But with a little push from Bob, she has sailed off into the afternoon.
Afer Kathy returned from her "go to town errands," we took a few minutes drive to see Alva, the Amish Window Maker. We placed an order to replace all six of the small upstairs windows, hopefuly in March.
We are pleased with the three new windows he already made and installed in the kitchen/dining area.
Always a delight to be home before dark, put some wood in the stove, and select from the many options to fill our tummies.
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Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Bob and Kathy
A quiet day at home, cooking, e-mailing, and finishing up the month's budget.
Kat had a nice long phone chat with Linda W., who was in Kathy's ordination class, last May 28th.
Then, a comfy chair, a good book, and occasionally, setting the book down to listen to the canine concert of coyotes, singing and yipping in the nearby woods and fields.
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