JULY 2005: MANY ANGELS, A PARADE, CAPITAL CAPERS, & FOUR SANTAS

Friday, July 1, 2005
Bob and Kathy
A day of room and food preparation inside, with A.J. helping Bob out in the far gardens, watering and carrying water.
Lots of chatting in the gardens, preparing meals, and around the dining table.
After dark, a cadillac van, with seven angels inside, came gliding gracefully down the tree shrouded lane of Bumpity Road.
Gary and Edna Thompson had arrived with all their happy little angels.
Later, when four of the angels were sleeping in the Sunset Room, Grandpa looked in on them and then left all the Christmas Lights on, encircling the room soft glows of color.
A CHRISTmas Room, with the best presents ever, peacefully sleeping in their comfy pajamas.
.....................................
Saturday, July 2, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Nine of us left for the noon gathering of the Thompson Family Reunion at Warden-Collip Park in Portage, where we had reserved one of the shelters.
A.J. did the house-sitting, while Barb V. explored the Fort Winnebago Surgeon's Quarters, the Indian Agent's Home, and The Museum of the Portage, where she was introduced into Portage's diverse and fascinating history.
The reunion park had a very large playground with lots of equipment that the children were still talking about afterwards.
Lots of chatting, card playing, EATING, birthday partying for sister Ruth Thompson (with lots of gag birthday cards,etc.).
That evening Gary and Edna imported four large pizza's from Papa Murphy's and we pre-heated both ovens, while munching on a half dozen bags of buttered popcorn from the Portage Drive-In Popcorn Stand.
Gary and family went to Madison to see the spectacular fireworks at Werner Park with the Madison Symphony playing live, to the orchestrated fireworks display.
The other four remained at home, watching and taping the show on public television.
The 7 angels returned before midnight with lots of sleepy little angels.
That bed is going to feel oooooooooooh so good!
lovingly,
Bob and Kathy
.......................
Sunday, July 3 2005
Bob and KAThy
Bob was up at 5:30, woke up Blake (11) in the Christmas Room so that he could take some digital photos of the deer outside his bedroom window.
After breakfast with A.J., I drove him to the Endeavor Academy's Miracles Healing Center in the country near Wisconsin Dells, for their Sunday service.
Chef Blake (11), volunteered to make pancakes for everybody, and lots of pancakes were stored for future meals.
Barb V. and the Thompson angels spent the afternoon at the 200 acre Ron & Deb Thompson home, in the country near Wyocena.
Bob and Kathy stayed home to peel ten pounds of potatoes to make smashed potatoes, corn on the cob, etc.
Barb V. had visited the Amish Bakery so lots of peach-apricot pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, pecan rolls, donuts, bread, etc. and an Edna and Kierstin (7) freshly made coconut cake.
The dinner was a Memorial Dinner for twin grand-daughter, Kayla Marie, who passed 8 years ago, when she was one year old (fellow preemie, and brother, Lucas, now 9, was also present).
That night we had a large bonfire that simmered down to a quiet campfire for toasting marshmallows while we watched the fireworks exploding miles away in distant towns.
A refreshing evening breeze enables us to sit outside.
The fireflies put on their own show of flashing green little lightnings.
peacefully,
Bob and KAThy
........................
Monday, July 4, 2005
Bob and KAThy
KAThy made early morning banana bread, and Edna and Gary did the scrambled eggs/omelets. Leftovers, honey, and other additions made it another smorgasboard.
Bob did the house sitting and napped while everybody went to the Fourth of July Parade in Pardeeville, which always does such an outstanding parade for such a small (1,500) town.
After the parade, The Seven Thompsons returned to Libertyville, Illinois, and Barb V. returned to her home in the capital, on Madison's southwest side.
KAThy returned to nap and nibble the day away with Bob.
About 4 pm Bob did a walkabout through all the gardens and then spent a few hours hoeing and weeding in garden 1, near the pole barn, while KAThy was working inside, cleaning and organizing the kitchen.
We have lots of leftovers, including Amish Pastries.
We invite you to breakfast, brunch, or supper.
Give us a call, and we will have your meal on the table.
lovingly,
Bob and Kathy
........................
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
Bob and KAThy
Woke up at 6 am.
Sure is quiet here.
Our life has changed again.
Temporarily.
..........
Spent a few hours weeding turnips, tomatoes, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and rutababas in garden 1.
Then off to cultivate with the big Allis Chalmers (40 horse) Tractor in gardens 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7.
Any poor germination (and there was a lot), I tilled the ground over completely, getting ready for next year, and, allowing squash and melon vines to be found, with plenty of room to vine out and run as far as they can.
Karen D stopped by and made a fantastic pasta italiano, una ensalada italiana, y pan fantastico!
Cuzzins Billy and Jerry stopped by, and Jerry fixed Kathy's Saturn trunk lock, in seconds.
We dined a la candle-light, the five of us, talking about a jillion things, before the three fellows waded into some very deep, root beer floats.
Ahhh, it is such a delicacy to have Karen D. here, as Chef Italiano. Thank you soooo much, Karen.
Karen and Bob are now proportioning the coffee in the pot, so that whoever is the early riser, can plug it in to perk early in the morning.
Love and joy,
Bob and KAThy
--------------------------
Wednesday, July 6, 2005
KAThy and Bob
It was great to awaken, and share with Karen D. once again, over Amish egg omelettes. They were made by Chef Roberto and Katarina.
Chef Roberto carefully loved the eggs into their perfect place to be, while Chef Katarina diced up freshly picked chives, to include in them.
Karen was delighted to enjoy the omelettes, with Bob and Kathy, and so were we.
We talked at length, about ideas that were coming to mind. It was very inspirational, to each one of us, and for each other.
Ahhhh, then Karen prepared hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries. Mmmm, what a delicious treat. Thank you Karen!
Chef Karen is quite a cook, who embraces everyONE, in the joy of sharing, that comes together with joining, around embracing the miracle of having fun, while eating. The food is simply a way to come together, to share LOVE.
Thank you for coming over, Karen.
Karen went home, and we rested.
Kathy and Bob got up, to take a walk. We went all around the gardens, and lawn, and it was nice to thank God for the joy which is brought, by Bumpity Rd.
We heard a deer in the bushes, and birds in the trees, while walking.
We came inside, to the joys of a cool summer evening in Wisconsin.
Thank you God, for all the blessings, that we embrace.
Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
------------------------
Thursday, July 7, 2005
A lazy day of relaxation, shopping errands (including another 10 quarts of Independent Brewers Company Root Beer for Root Beer Ice Bereg Floats. An Ice Berg Float has tons of ICE Cream flosting in an ocean of root beer).
Steve from Kiel, Wisconsin, and Denise from Nova Scotia, Canada, arrived in the evening for a few days.
Steve shared his thoughts from readings in ACIM (ACourse In Miracles), and Denise shared how she was trying to live those principles in her life and facilitate them in her inner healing workshops.
joyfully hosting,
Bob and KAThy Thompson
.............................................
Friday, July 8, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Steve and Denise spent time with friends at the Miracles Healing Center and The Endeavor Academy in the Wisconsin Dells Area, and also had time to glimpse the main street business of Wisconsin Dell's flood of tourism.
The four of us then boarded our old '86 Fleetwood Caddy and hightailed it to the capital, Madison, to see the movie, Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxies.
We were met at the Market Square Theater on Odana Road by three friends, each of whom drove over to join us for the movie: Barb V, Don S, and Catherine B.
After the movie, Don and Barb joined us for lots of conversation and food at Perkins Restaurant on University Avenue
and then the four of us parked the Caddy and walked to the Mendota Lake front at the Student Memorial Union, and mingled with a large crowd on the lake who were listening to a group of about eight rappers and musicians. Many dancing and moving to the rappers.
We walked that great Madison street, State Street from Lake Mendota to the capital building, where all streets surrounding the capital square had been set up with hundreds of booths for Art on the Square, tomorrow, which brings in exhibitors, nationwide.
We also gyrated around a plate of gyros (and to die for, scrummmmmmmptious french fries) at the Parthenon Restaurant on State Street with Greek Music and Dancing on the DVD Screens.
Then back to the Interstate 90-94-39, north and west, for a quick trip to Kwik Trip to stock up on additional icebergs of vanilla ice cream to go with ocean of the 20+ quarts of IBC Rootbeer already at home.
And shortly after arriving home, we waded into our ocean-sized cups of Floating Root Beer.
And now, to bed, "burp."
Bob "burping," and Kathy
...............................
Saturday, July 9, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Denise and Kathy working together this a.m. in the process of Accessing Inner Wisdom, within oneself.
Which is really an extension of the last few days with Denise and Steve, which is really a continuation of our life's journey into fellowship, community, and holy relationships.
Daughter Sabra Elizabeth called from California to let us know that Mike and Sabra would be having their first child in the spring (our twentieth grandchild).
Sabra works full time as a nanny, and also does about 20 massages per month, while Mike works at a BMW dealership. We look forward to seeing them here in a few months.
Bob went to his mom's for a cardplaying "shootout" at The O.K. Card Corral.
Mom dominated the game and then "top gun" niece, Barbie Thompson took the lead.
Bob brought slices of homemade pineapple cake and thick brownies for Kathy.
Steve napped and Denise and Kathy watered tomato and herb plants, then relaxed, until Steve, the chauffeur, readied the Steve Mobile, to take Denise back to Pathways of Light near Kiel, Wisconsin.
Bob and Kathy weeded, fertilized and watered the patio plants again.
Then we blended orange juice, bananas, and vanilla ice cream for our nightcap.
Life is yummy.
All one has to do is put the right thoughts into each day and thus blend each day into a "smoothie."
love, love, love,
Bob and Kathy
.......................
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Today's highlight was a meeting (suggested by Duncan, now in D.C.) of the Conscious Community Group
in Madison.
We met at Carol's home and found her to be a warm, caring and entertaining host.
Other members come for the once a month pass-a-dish Sunday Dinner and open conversations.
The question posed was, "If you could change anything about your job, what would you change?"
Four of the participant were state or city employees which contributed to some very interesting commentaries.
Kathy shared that there is nothing that she would change. Everything is beautiful. She shared that she might do more with the ministry. My life is being open to minister, so I am always doing that! Thank you God!
Bob's big change in the recent eight months has been encouraging, aiding, and abetting, and embracing, Kathy Thompson in her various endeavors.
Kathy's Accessing Inner Wisdom Counseling Training has resulted in her assisting four friends recently through guided meditations.
The Sunday Dinner was fabulous!
We contributed steamed red potatoes and turnips, with zucchini and yellow crook neck summer squashes, sliced thickly with choices of dressings.
The taters 'n turnips were a big hit.
We chatted with our host, Carol, after all the other guests had left, and when we finally drove back home, felt that we had made a friend for life.
peace and joy,
Bob and Kathy
........................
Monday, July 11, 2005
Bob and Kathy
New friends arrived today for the first time from illinois, Christine and Mary.
While we were chatting, Karen and her daughter Karrie arrived.
They brought and fixed lunch, including strawberry-rhubarb pie a la mode.
We all toured the gardens, picking the first cucumbers of the year, which went home with Mary.
Later, some of us waded into some hearty root beer floats.
They were a fun quartet to be with, and we look forward to seeing all of them again.
About 7 pm Kathy watered the patio garden and Bob fertilized gardens 2, 3, and 4.
Then we watered the plants in gardens 2, 3, and 4, also.
All the watering was done with sprinkling cans that we dipped into three different 55 gallon drums of water, that were strategically positioned in three different gardens.
Two additional 55 gallon drums are awaiting us tomorrow in the far gardens.
More damage from woodchucks.
This time they hit a different watermelon patch.
Having live-trapped 12 woodchucks last year, I am at a surprising zero so far this year.
Interestingly enough, the woodchucks seem to be hitting the edges of the gardens from three different directions, East, West, and South.
Maybe there are a lot of very wise woodchucks?
love to all,
Bob and Kathy
.......................
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Kathy worked on updating e-mail lists for mailings of Denise's workshops this weekend and Bob put in a total of ten h ours working in all eight vegetable gardens gardens.
Six of the gardens have been affected by woodchuck and deer damage.
Currently, deer are doing the most damage.
Bob's work yesterday was cultivating with tractor and by hand tools, hoeing, watering, weeding, mowing, and pruning and retieing growth on the 21 patio tomato plants.
Kathy helped with watering, meals, and phone and e-mail comunications.
Many gifts were shared with us by the four Santa Clauses who visited here yesterday: Karen, Karrie, Christine, and Mary.
And they left many edible gifts and many nourishing memories.
What a delight it was to be with them!
joyfully,
Bob and Kathy
........................
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
KAThy and Bob
Cuzzin' Jerry stopped by, and we asked him if he wanted something to eat. He said that he didn't want anything, but a big glass of water.
We gave him a few glasses, while he rested here at Bumpity Rd., and cooled off.
Then, we cooked up some food for him, to enjoy. It was great to visit with him.
We went out to the gardens, and watered everything. They were ready for that, because it has been dry and hot.
We carried water to the watermelons, winter squash, zucchini, yellow crookneck, purple cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli, bell peppers, peas, cucumbers, pole beans, and tomatoes.
Kathy watered the herb garden, and tomatoes, by the door.
All the plants were smiling, from all of this tender loving care, and nurturing.
Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
--------------------------
Thursday, July 14, 2005
KAThy and Bob
We went to town, and ran 17 errands, including going to Farmer's Market,
going to the courthouse to get a form, to tranfer Kathy's passport over, getting seeds and plants at Canal Seeds, and Link's Greenhouse, going to the library.
We also stopped at many other stores, for goodies to keep it warm and cozy at Bumpity Rd., when sharing with our visitors, this coming weekend.
While we were traveling around today, the Grand Central House, the restaurant where we had our wedding dinner, on 12/19/04 called us back. We had left them a message to see about having another dinner on 12/18/05, to celebrate our joy in joining.
We'll be going to Pathways of LIght, for their Sunday service before that, on that day.
We invite everyONE to come and be a part of it. Please write or call us to hold a place for you.
It felt very helpful to get these things done.
When we arrived home, we were tired.
Bob decided to go on out to work in the gardens.
I had to rest a little bit, before going out.
A few phone calls came through, while I was still inside.
One of them was from my mother, Newell, who is driving here from Kentucky. She is staying overnight in Rockford tonight, and will be here tomorrow. We are so grateful that she and Clay, my brother, are coming.
I went on and watered the herb and tomato gardens, outside the door.
Then, went to ask Bob what help he needed. He was done in the other gardens.
We came in and ate, plus, called someone back, to give them directions to get here tomorrow from Madison.
It is now definitely time to go in and rest, before many friends arrive here
tomorrow.
Love and joyful peace,
KAThy and Bob
---------------------------
Friday, July 15, 2005
KAThy and Bob
KAThy continued to ready the inn for the many blessed angels, coming to share their light.
Bob went out to work in the gardens, and embrace the harvest a plenty, all around.
Mama or Newell (Kathy's mom) and Clay, my brother, arrived, from Kentucky.
I toured them around Bumpity Rd., and they were touched, that there is plenty of room, at home.
Robert and Brenda arrived from Iowa, and really appreciated their drive, from the blowing corn fields of Iowa to those in Wisconsin.
We welcomed them, and they made themselves at home.
Mel arrived, and we went to Kountry Korners, for dinner. They offered
a perch dish, of as many pieces as you'd like. Bob, Kathy, and Robert got the perch dish, and ate many pieces, along with all the other trimmings.
Then, Newell, Clay, Brenda, and Mel ate plate meals, which looked very good too.
There were some old friends at the restaurant, that Bob talked with a lot.
There is always the constant reminder of joining NOW, to share God's love, everywhere that we go.
The Dream Interpretation group started, and many people came to share, about their life's miracles.
It is always such a joy, to see our friends from many experiences coming together, as ONE.
Following the group, many stayed and shared root beer floats. That was the night cap, to go off, and sleep Wholly.
Love and joy,
KAThy and Bob
-----------------------
Saturday, July 16, 2005
KAThryn and Bob
The morning was hot and clear, when we arose.
Robert was up early, to read ACIM, and be in meditation.
Kathy and Brenda made scrambled eggs and toast, and Bob helped, with the coffee, and other things.
Many delicious breads were brought, that we cut up on a plate, to share.
We invited people to eat the breakfast, and it was appreciated fully.
EveryONE enjoyed visiting, in the miracle of NOW.
Bob made a dlsh of potatoes and onions, with mushroom soup, and many other things, which made a delicous meal.
He offered that for lunch, along with a fresh garden salad, that Brenda and Kathy made.
Barbara Voltz came, in her chariot, to beam the LOVE of peace.
Denise and Mary Ellen arrived, and we conitnued holding the miracle, to BE the light of LOVE!
Denise talked about how healing is available to everyONE, and invited those here to say why they were guided to come to the workshop.
We embraced a powerful joining, to see the mirror, all around.
The day was filled with constant reminders of joy, to accept the miracle of what is everywhere!
Ahhhhhh, it is so beautiful, how the expression of LOVE is so welcoming.
Robert Mills talked about his AWAKENING TO LIFE expression, and how it opened him to joy. This has given him the freedom, to see things clearly, in many ways.
Thank you Holy Spirit, for making this OPEN DOOR, widen and widen totally!
Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
-----------------
Sunday July 17, 2005
KAThy and Bob
This was another day of joining in the light of LOVE.
Kathy cleaned things up, while Bob visited with many.
Denise and Kathy got breakfast ready, once again.
Bob and Barb Voltz went into town, to pick Bob's mother, Helen up for breakfast.
Many joined, for breakfast. Some ate
scrambled eggs, toast, and bread, in the kitchen.
Others enjoyed the Amish cinnamon rolls in the Sunrise Room. It is delicious, how many are AT HOME here.
EveryONE came together, to talk and share their walk of forgiveness, with Denise.
When we took a break, everyone was blessed to eat some of the delicious pineapple cake, that Helen brought.
Bob went to take Helen back home, while we started uniting in the experience of forgiveness with Holy Spirit, that Denise offers.
Spirit gave many the willingness to embrace this opportunity of clearing,
and BEing at peace.
We had a delicious dinner, then invited Holy Spirit to give the blessing of an Accessing Inner Wisdom group counseling session. Kathy guided the group, into this, and it was very helpful.
The angels said YES, as the Wisconsin dust cleared to be open now, and everyONE opened to join in the light
of God.
We were honored that Clay, Newell, and Kathy sang openly, with all, the songs of Christ. It is so beautiful, to hear Clay's strong voice soar through.
Bob sang a few of the songs that he has written during this, and they were really appreciated, by ALL.
Love and joy,
KAThy and Bob
-------------------
Monday, July 18, 2005
KAThy and Bob
We got up and talked with all of the friends who are guided to be here.
It was great to join in this experience of joy.
Then, they got ready to go to their homes, in various places.
We thanked all for having the wilingness to let Holy Spirit guide them.
We rested, and welcomed others to come and share their light.
When Bob came in from watering the gardens, Mama Newell asked, "How can you see in the dark?"
And Bob answered her, "The moonlight helps."
Love and light,
KAThy and Bob
-----------------------
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
KAThy and Bob
As everyONE got up, to welcome the day, Chef Roberto offered us delicious bell pepper omelettes! They are delicioso!!!! Mmmmmmmmm!
It is great to watch the birds, from the
big sliding glass door. They are so beautiful! Bob can tell you a lot about each one, it is great to see!
We have spent a lot of time catching up on e-mails, and things around Bumpity Rd. today.
A pleasant day, in the Wisconsin
country. Thank you God, for this blessing.
Barb Voltz may come back out, from
Madison today. Whenever she comes, it will be great!
The birds are making the calling of joy, to say YES, it is great to be alive!
Thank you for all that is happening! We are so grateful!
Love and peace,
KAThy and Bob
--------------
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Bob was out in all the gardens, beginning at 5:50 a.m, hand carrying water to hundreds of plants.
Nova Scotia Denise helped water the patio garden.
Dana came over from Lazke Delton with Joe, and two friends from Ontario, Canada, Karen and Joseph, who had been touring Endeavor Academy with Dana.
Dana did an afternoon workshop based on his booklet, LOVE IS THE POWER THAT IS SHAPING MY LIFE (Total Acceptance Training).
Afterwards, five of us (Denise, Kathy's mom, Newell, and brother, Clay, Kathy and Bob), drove to Perkins restaurant on University Avenue in Madison to accept a dinner invitation with Barbara V.
After lots of conversation we all six went to the Market Square Theater ($2.75) to see Morgan Freean in Unleashed, in which Morgan, as a piana tuner, was an island of calma and love and giving, in an ocean of physical and emotional violence.
After chatting in the parking lot, Chaffeur Roberto got on Interstate 90-94-39 and headed home, driving the last miles very slowly to avoid deer.
...................................
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Bob and Kathy
When we woke up this morning, Barb V. had driven up from Madison and was sitting at the patio picnic table with Denise, coffeeing back and forth.
Later a car full of us went to the Greyhound Bus departure site in Lake Delton to see Denise off for Seattle, Washington, on the next leg of her journey home to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
A relaxing day for all of us, with Kathy
showing her mom the gardens, and lots of chatting and sharing.
..................................................
Friday, July 22, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Kathy picked herbs from her herb garden and pole beans from the lower garden, and Bob picked green and yellow summer squash and turnips.
Don and Mary arrived from Middleton for supper with the five of us. Kathy and Mary worked on the salad (and later the dishes), while Bob steamed turnips carrots, and pole beans.
A pork tenderloin roast with lots of baked potatoes and onions, was followed by a large venison roast.
All was quite tasty.
We later watched HOTEL RWANDA (thank-you, Linda Medders), and then ate Mary's gift of raspberries with Amish home made ice cream (thank-you, Newell).
Some of us waded into (and drowned ourselves), in very addictive rootbeer floats.
It was a great and peaceful joy to feel a warm sense of family with such a generous and helpful clustering of souls.
...................................
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Kathy went to Portage with her mom
to pick up a new alternator for Newell's car.
Bob went to his mom's in Portage, for the Card Playing Shootout at the Helen's O.K. Corral. :)
Three sharp shooting eighty something year olds made Bob the baby of the group, but the baby turned out to be the top gun, followed very closely by his mom.
Dana and a friend from Poland, stopped by to visit with Mama Newell during the afternoon.
A severe rainstorm knocked out our electricity from 4 till 11 p.m., so we prepared and ate dinner by candle and lamp lights.
We also flushed out toilets with water hand carried from the 300 gallon tank outside which had overflowed with rainwater from the roofs.
Then we sat in the Sunrise Room with soft candle and lamp lights, to chat and be serenaded by a tiny, pale green tree frog that was perched on the edge of a 100 gallon cow tank, also filled with rain water.
The frog had a very loud voice and it repeated its love song, looking for a mate, about every four seconds, until the lights came on, the water pump kicked on, and we showered and went to bed.
.......................
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Hottest day of the year so far! 99!
Jerry came over to put the new alternator in Mama Newell's car so Newell and son Clay, are prepared for their drive back to Kentucky.
We visited and fed Jerry, venison roast and baked vegetables, that were really yummy.
Jerry had butchered the deer while I was wrapping roasts for the freezer.
This may have been our last roast, because we have been eating alot of venison.
Nearly all of the two roasts from Friday night's dinner (pork tenderoin and venison) are now consumed.
Kathy, Newell and Clay, made a 2nd trip to Portage to return with the old alternator, and, pick up a family sized bag of yummy buttered popcorn.
And, another 5 quart pail of vanilla ice cream to make root beer floats or banana splits.
We have three reservations for travel club guests over the next ten days from Michigan, Florida, and Illinois.
So this month is ending, and August beginning, with an already planned, little flurry, of new faces at Bumpity Road.
............................
Monday, July 25, 2005
Ten degrees cooler today!
Down to a high of 89!
Wow!
What a cold wave!
(Bob asked Kathy to break out the winter coats so we wouldn't freeze.)
Kathy took her mom, Newell, to The Amish General Store, The Amish Cheese Factory, etc., returning with all kinds of cheese goodies.
Kathy made lots of venison burgers, and a salad, while Bob washed and sliced three batches of french fries.
Jerry and his dad, Billy, joined us for supper, and then Kathy, her mom, Newell, brother, Clay, and Billy and Jerry watched the movie: WHAT THE BLEEP DO I KNOW?
They are watching that movie while I am typing this.
During the quiet moments, I can hear that little green tree frog with the white belly, singing out a love song, croak after croak.
Well, the movie, WHAT THE BLEEP... is over and we waded into an ocean of root beer floats.
Kathy is loading the dish washer, I am finishing today's journal entries, and that little green tree frog is singing away with the volume of a bull mooose.
It is sitting on the rim of a 100 gallon catle tank, filled to the top with water.
The little suction cups on its toes, enable it to climb up the plastic smooth sides of the filled tank and perch on the rim.
Last summer, I watched one crawl up the glass windows, eating insects as it went along going up.
This one croaks about every 4 seconds.
Minute after minute.
Hour after hour.
Night after night.
Every 4 seconds.
That......is dedication!
...................................
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Chef Roberto sauteed yellow onions for omelettes, sauteed sliced baked potatoes (sliced the long way), Amish Cinammon Bread, juice, coffee, etc.
Then Mama Newell, Clay, Kathy and I had our final meal together, before they began the long drive back to Louiville, Kentucky.
Newell, Kathy, and her brother, Clay, sang five songs together, just before they drove away, Mother Newell sometimes playing accompanyment with her auto harp.
It is always very touching and moving to hear this trio singing together.
We spent the rest of the day cooking, eating, idly chatting, and resting.
Mama Newell called in the early evening to let us know that her car had stopped running in northern Illinois and that it had been taken on a flatbed to a garage for repairs while she and her son, Clay, spent the night in a local motel.
Later we went to Portage pick up a thousand sheets of printing paper and then went to see Tom Cruise in WAR OF THE WORLDS.
Tom's acting was great, as were Spielberg's aliens and other sci-fi creations, as were human fears, shock, and terror.
.........................
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Housecleaning and organizing, venison burgers and homemade french fries.
Visits fhere rom Sheila and Linda, with a very enjoyable chat about many topics.
They are a blessing in our lives.
Later we went shopping in Portage for muscle cramp medications for Bob, another 1500 sheets of printing paper (on sale at WalMart), Persian Cinammon Rolls, and then back to the Portage Public Library to select six large print books for Bob's mom.
We delivered the books, but mom was out gallavanting around somewheres.
Then a slow ride home (23 to 27 miles per hour on the back roads), enjoying the quiet, restful, Wisconsin countryside.
..........................
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Bob shared a dream with Kathy that highlighted several of his very positive and moving experiences as a bilingual teacher and bilingual education, team building, consultant.
It also connected to a recent conversation with Linda and Sheila that had many lesson or ideas (especially intuitions), in it for Bob to consider.
This, then led into our open door policy, our concept of inviting guests to be hosts to all other guests, as well as inviting them to begin familiarizing themselves with the house and property if they would also like to begin thinking of themselves as more than guests, and acting as stewards.
We concluded by agreeing that we are little interested in hearing extensively about anyones religious or spiritual beliefs, unless we see some manifestations of loving kindness and peace in their words and actions with themselves, all others, and this environment.
As far as walking the talk is concerned, (about our beliefs) , we seem to be more interested in talking less, and walking more.
A day of resting with alternate e-mails, phone calls.
...................
Friday, July 29, 2005
Bob and Kathy
A quiet day of gardening, housework, e-mails, and phone calls.
Alternately eating veggies and chatting about the intent of our lives.
We finished up the evening by kicking back and watching public library videos of THE ELECTRIC COWBOY with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford (well done) and BIRD ON A WIRE with Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn (lots of action, romance).
.................
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Barb V. arrived from Madison with lots of special pastries and then Duncan arrived with Amish Pecan Rolls from the local Amish Bakery, accompanied by three of his Madisonian friends: Mikita from Japan, and her husband Andrew, a University of Wisconsin graduate student, and Maya, born in Indonesia and moving to Tokyo, Japan, soon.
Animated, interesting, and fun conversations between the seven of us, before they left for the beautiful Devil's Lake State Park, and its gorgeous hiking trails, near Baraboo.
Barb, Kathy and Bob dined on garden veggies, including basil and mint herbs, Venison Garlic Sausage Sandwiches and corn on the cob (plus assorted pastries).
Then we finished the evening with the two videos.
Jody Foster's Academy Nomination for NELL, was very well deserved.
And Jeff Bridges was incredibly effective in his role as THE STARMAN.
Bob and Barb chatted till 2 a.m., and then........lights out.....
....................................
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Barb left early for a reunion with nuns in Milwaukee.
Bob cleaned bell peppers and cucumbers and Kathy washed mint and basil leaves to contribute to lunch at Patty Cakes Maloney's family get together in Lodi, Wisconsin, at 1 p.m.today.
Bob "balanced the books" on our monthly budget and then we looked over the tentative August calendar, which promises to be interesting and informative, with family and friends sprinkled throughout the month.
Dinner at Patty Cakes was very enjoyable and fun. We felt very much at home there.
We also visited Jason and Kymmie's home next door (whose wedding Bob officiated at last July, a year ago), and then visited Travis and Jenny's new apartment, just a few mintes away.
Then we came back to watch the fellows in a very hilarious croquet game.
We also napped for an hour after dinner around Patty Cake's in-house waterfall.
After arriving home, we watched CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, before conking out.
What an exciting, and interesting month July has been!
What a great time to be alive!
peace and joy,
Roberto y Katarina