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Wednesday, June 1, 2005 (Bob) By late morning the car was again packed and we were "on the road again." We stopped off in Middleton to chat and have lunch with Mary Albert and Don Spencer and meet their friend Lindsey, who has been teaching tai chi in the Oakland, California area for the past 25 years. Lindsey also gave an impromptu guitar performance and singing that was quite moving. His plane for California left about the same time as Kathy's departed for Pennsylvania. Our friend Duncan Tam joined us for lunch and we all had a very cheery conversation and very tasty spaghetti and salad lunch. After Kathy cleared security at the airport (which took a bit of time), I Ieisurely drove home, enjoying the setting sun from the Interstate. Kathy called me from the airport before I arrived home, to let me know that she was about to board the plane and again phoned at 11 pm to let me know that Lisa Stern had picked her up at the airport in Manheim, PA, and that she was at Lisa's home. ..................................................................... Thursday, June 2, 2005 (Bob) Today was a 10 1/2 hour day of slightly late planting, fertilizing, cultivating, watering, and pounding in 7 foot steel tomato poles. The last plantings of melons, winter and summer squash, turnips, carrots, rutabagas, and birdhouse gourds, is now finished. Kathy called late tonight to share the news of all the wedding guests that were stopping by at Lisa's home throughout the day, finalizing wedding arrangements for Lisa's daughter and fiancee. .................................................................... Friday, June 3, 2005 (Bob) Today I continued pounding in steel poles for the tomatoes. All 48 tomato plants are now in the ground, 22 of them around the entrance way patio. Ater all, where else does one plant patio tomatoes. Six varieties of bell peppers (24 plants), 18 broccoli, 9 green or yellow summer squash, 9 purple cauliflower, and 9 brussel sprouts, 117 plants total. And carrying rain water to water them as I am able to collect 400 gallons of water from a portion of my roofs, every time it rains one inch. I have carried over 100 gallons of rainwater during the past two days to bless all these plants. It was getting dark as I was watering the last of the pole beans, three kinds of cucumbers, and edible pea pods, all reaching up for the fencing that will make for "easy pickens." Cuzzin' Jerry stopped by and explored the internet, getting information about an antique tractor that he had purchased. I went to bed, knowing that Kathy was with the wedding party for the rehearsal, and afterwards the rehearsal dinner. Later when I heard Cuzzin Jerry's antique railroad truck leave, I came downstairs to be sure that I had unplugged the coffee pot. Jerry's truck still has metal wheels that fold down and lock onto the rails, so it is still capable of running down the railroad tracks, doing repairs. Jerry uses it to pick up domestic and wild animals for the humane society. Jerry live-trapped 12 skunks last year in residential areas, and released them on his grandps's farm, because Jerry likes skunks. Part of the floorboard in the truck is missing, and unrepaired, because Jerry's dog is very attached to the truck, and is thus able to enter and leave the truck without waiting for Jerry to open a door. Anyway, the coffee pot was unplugged, so I sat down at 11:30 p.m. to write a bit. At least that was my intent at 11:30 p.m. ................................................................... Saturday, June 4, 2005 (Bob) An unusual day, in that I worked at this keyboard till 6:30 a.m. updating entries in this, our personal daily journal. as well as sending copies of our May 20 to 28 period at Pathways of Light, to all our mailing lists, totalling nearly 300 people. Then I tried to sleep, and receivd several phone calls and finally visitors, that made sleep out of the question. My mom was feeling alot of discomfort and so, her sister Eva and I, drove over to Portage and played cards with her all afternoon. I did not plan on stayng very long because of lack of sleep, but I fell into a mindful, playful mindset, tht made the hours fly. My mom mentioned that whenever she stops thinking about all her pain and discomfort, and does something to occupy her mind, she always feels better (like playing cards ). :-) She added that she thinks that alot of what she is experiencing, in terms of her discomfort, is all in her head. I compimented her on her valuable insight, and encouraged her to remember her own wisdom every day, when the same old aches and pains resurfaced. She was a happy and grateful camper when we left. Mom and Aunt Eva (aka Mother Superior), are the last of 8 siblings. . I knew that Kathy would be officiating at the wedding in Pennsylvania at 4 p.m. (cst), so we chatted about that during our card game. .................. Sunday, June 5, 2005 (Bob) Mom called to thank me for yesterday, and as things unfolded, three 80 something year olds (80, 84, & 86), my mom Eva and Victor, our farmer friend, invited me to a showdown shootout at the O.K. Card Playing Corral. I picked up pink roses with baby breath for mom and Eva and a four cake desert: Dutch Chocolate, Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Cream. After ten games of laughter and cards, dodging each other,s trump cards of bullets, we four settled in to give that four cake desert some very serious attention. I packaged several slices of cake to take home for Eva and Victor, and put the rest in the freezer in the steel barn here. Just wanted you to know where all those cakes are, so that if you stop by and nobody's home, you may wish to give those yummy cakes, some of your undivided attention. Kathy called to let me know that the Wedding turned out beautiful. Lisa Stern, mother of the bride, Gabrielle, said that Kathy did a great job of officiating. One of the bridesmaids told Kathy that she wanted Kathy to officiate at her wedding..... I filled several gas cans in Portage to feed my 60 horses (the baby colt is an Allis Chalmers 20 horse tractor, and its mom, the big mare, is a 40 horsepower tractor). So, I'm saddling up to finish some miscellaneous plantings, and replantings (4th planting of onions, etc.), then fertilizing, cultivating and watering for five days, starting tomorrow. At least that's my plan (already, I can hear God laughng). Who knows? Sometime during the week I may get a phone call. An invitation to show up for a showdown High Noon gunfight at the O.K. (Card) Corral. Ever' time my mom pick up those cards, an' looks 'cross the card table and winks at me, I see 80 years slide off her shoulders. Seeing her transformation is always a welcome miracle. How could I, her eldest son, not saddle up, and take my guns to town? ................................................. Monday, June 6, 2005 (Bob) My mother turned out to be the top gunslinger at the OK CardFight Corral yesterday. It is always a joy for me to see the transformation that she undergoes during the hours that we are together. She is a living miracle. Extended dry weather prompted me to hook up my garden hoses to reach 55 gallon steel drums in three of the gardens. This takes alot of connecting hoses together, and to keep them off the ground (and thus avoid the lawnmower and other voracious animals), I have developed a monkey-like ability to string garden hoses through trees and across branches, as high as10 to 12 feet off the ground. Testing the water pressure, hose connections, and their gaskets, resulted in three baths before bathtime. I continue working in the gardens while the 55 GALLON DRUMS ARE BEING FILLED, and place a 5 gallon white pail inside the 55 gallon drum and as the water rises, so does the white pail, sort of like a white cork, which I can see for quite aways, thus advising me when the 55 gallon drum is full to the top. George, one of my neighbors invited me to his house to see a large tree on my property that had fallen into his backyard. He politely indicated that at my convenience he would like to get his back yard back. :-) Kathy called from BotanyBay, Delaware, where she is enjoying the Atlantic Ocean with Lisa Stern and family. Kathy's sun screen washed off her feet when she was wading in the ocean, resulting in sunburned feet. Our local forecast for tomorrow says 90. Definitely, not the best weather for cutting wood. I sent SOS Distress smoke signals, (and a cell phone call) to Cuzzin' Jerry. ....................... Tuesday June 7, 2005 Bob I pulled an old flatbed haywagon up to my neighbor's fence and began cutting three inch tree branches and smaller, off the large tree on the ground, and loading them on to the haywoagon. I did this with a handsaw. Cuzzin' Jerry rescued me, by showing up about 5:30 p.m. By dark, we had emptied two heaping hay wagons of branches, and had all of the cut wood off my neighbors lawn and on my side of the fence. Cuzzin' Jerry's chain saw got so hot, that when he added gas to the metal gas tank on his chainsaw, the gas bubbled and sizzled. Some of the blockwood pieces are up to 18 inches long, but being green wood, are VERY, VERY,heavy. After dark, Cuzzin' Jerry and I filled our own gas tanks right up to the top with Chef Roberto's homemade potato-onions cream soup. And hamburgers, with extra slices of cheddar cheese, on the side. And then we made a substantial dent in a gorgeous Louisiana Crunch Cake. I showered and went to bed and Jerry was reading in the Sunrise Room where he fell asleep. in a recliner. I came back to the kitchen after midnight to hit that Louisiana Crunch Cake another lick, and by golly, there was Cuzzin Jerry, lickin' Louisiana crunch off his fingers. ......................................... Wednesday, June 8, 2005 Bob By this time we were both addicted, so for breakfast we finished off the Louisiana Crunch. (This is not the first time that the two of us have finished an entire cake in less than twelve hours). Today, I fertilized everything that has sprouted so far, but like alot of others, some of my gardens are experiencing and unusually poor germination. A number of things did not germinate at all. By this weekend, the germination results will all be in. Also did lots of watering with watering cans with nozzles. And, lots and lots of hoeing. Lots of bird song today. Even the crows are getting use to me being outside and are not alarmed by my presence. I finished the day by making birdhouses out of bird house gourds that had dried over the winter After driling a door for the birds, I shook out the seeds for planting. Plus, taking off some low limbs that were hanging over the driveway, while I kept an eye on a 5 gallon white cork, rising from the 55 gallon depths. Kathy, and Lisa (the mother of the bride), are waiting for the newly weds to join them at Botany Bay, while they continue vacationing on the ocean. ......................................... Thursday, June 9, 2005 Bob Took the Saturn over to my country neighbor (about 4 miles) for an oil change and checking a brake drum (everythings o.k., so far. Kirby then took the white, 86 Caddy, to check that over during the next few days. I notice something nibbling on a few plants, so I set two live traps, baited with cob corn (for raccoon), and raw carrot (for woodchucks). Tuxedo, (a feral black cat with white gloves and a white scarf), returned here recently after an absence of six months. Watered everything in garden #1 (the lower garden, closest to the steel barn). Ninety-three handplants (tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, purple cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and crook neck and zucchini summer squash. Plus peapods, cukes, and pole beans growing onto fencing (for easy picking) and five other rows (70 feet each) with radishes, green onions, red potatoes, parsnips, turnips, and rutababas. Everything was watered by dipping my two gallon sprinkling can into the 55 gallon drum. Lots of bird talk, and, bird song, today. Kathy spent a quiet day with Lisa and the newly weds, in Botany Bay, Delaware. ................................... Friday, June 10, 2005 Bob E-mailed a copy of "TICKLED," with a cover letter, to over 300 people today, and got some great commentaries already, from friends in New York, Colorado, and California. Gave everybody in garden 1, a bath again, and then moved over to garden 2, which had a very spotty and poor germination), and hand-watered 53 melon and winter squash plants, and then to garden 3, watering 193 winter squash and mostly, water melon plants. If the woodchucks and deer, only take 2/3, we will still be up to our ears in food. Watered 21, mostly cherry tomatoes, and 24 herbal plants, around the entryway patio. Trimmed off some broken and/or overhanging limbs, and added them to the campfire pit. Spoke with Kathy via cell phones. They are going to a seafood buffet (again), for supper, and then leaving Botany Bay, Delaware, to drive back to Mannheim, Pennsylvania. The newlyweds have already left. Tomorrow morning, Lisa drives Kathy to Harrisbrg, Pa, to catch a flight to Detroit, and then a plane change to Madison, where I, and Duncan, intend to be waiting for her. ...................................... Saturday, June 11, 2005 Bob Coming out of the closet about Pathways of Light, and, A Course In Miracles. Nine years ago, when I completed my on-campus studies and was ordained at Pathways of Light, I knew that I was not the same person returning to the world and relationships I once knew. During those nine years I acquired a new fear. The fear of how people would respond to A Course In Miracles. To wit: "Jesus wrote another Bible after 2,000 years? Get serious!" "A channeled dictation from Jesus? What institution arre these people in?" "My internet sources say that ACIM is a cult." "A Missouri Synod Lutheran, then a Roman Catholic, now A Course in Miracles, what's next Bob?" Both my mother and my wife told me that I was being brainwashed by a cult. And both divorced me. .................................. This spring, May 2005, I accepted the opportunity to take the final weeks of studies for ordination with a new group of 8 candidates at the Kiel, Wisconsin POL Campus. Part of my motivation for being there was to do inner work with a group, and individuals, that included my wife Kathryn Thompson (married at POL 12-19-04). During that week of inner work, I mentioned my experience, and awareness, nine years ago, of being a changed being moving back into a world that would not be accepting of the changed me. I did get enough "feedback" from people over those nine years to prove that every thought that I created was very, very, true. I confess, that I found myself becoming not quite so blatant about my POL experiences. I was not your most enthusiastic ACIM evangelist. Was I, IN THE CLOSET, with ACIM and POL? In the words of Mortimer Snerd, "Yup, Yup, Yup!" :-) ............... So, what's happened in nine years? Has there been a change? "Yup, Yup, Yup." ........................ This morning, I am aware of the unique opportunities that yesterday presented. Duncan Tam invited me to a men's breakast and meeting at Unity Church on Tomkins Street in Madison, the capital. I arrived early and began sharing my wife Kathryn's Pathway Story with the three men cooking in the kitchen, I also gently, laughingly, spoke to other arrivals about my "bubblyness" in looking forward to seeing my wife in just a few hours, after an absence of 12 days. Predictably, they asked where she had been, and that was my lead in to talking about her officiating at her first wedding in Pennsylvania, exactly one week earlier, last Saturday (June 4, 2005), which led into my adding about her being ordained the Saturday before (May 28, 2005), which led into where, Pathways of LIght, at Kiel, Wisconsin, which led into A Course In Miracles. This was all done with peacefulness, but with joy. Sharing the sacred with a sense of humor. It was also interesting to note that during our group discussion, Duncan prefaced that he was not an ACIM student, and then introduced ACIM comments. Later, Duncan and I picked Kathryn up at the Dane County Airport at 1 pm, and then went to a 2:00 pm ION meeting, with Kathy eating her lunch from Ella's Deli on the way (creamy cheesed broccoli on a baked potato with spinach soup). ION means Institute of Noetics (Science). "We create opportunities for groups to engage in transformation, and to make a conscious choice to shift our world from a basis of fear, to one of love. Full group, and small group work, during the next two hours, led to another series of gentle unfoldings, when appropriate, about POL and ACIM. Continuing on our way home, we visited friends at their homestead in the rural Poynette area, which proved to be another delightful unlolding of four persons sharing what was significant in their lives: The digging up, and gifting, of many edible herbs to plant at Bumpity Road, a POL Minister's wedding in Pennsylvania, shutting down a saw mill to talk, etc. Then, on to my niece Tanya's (TANYA: There's A New You, Always), high school graduation party at my youngest brother's home. And more unfoldings WITH RELATIVES. BLOOD RELATIVES! This is BLATANTLY, "out of the closet!" (If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence in what you did yesterday, to get you convicted?) Gently, I have stepped "out of the closet," and am sharing my unfolding. A major (p)art of my unfolding is listening. (sometimes) :-) THE LESS I SPEAK, THE MORE I HEAR, JESUS WHISPERING, IN MY EAR. PeACEfully, Bob Thompson ............................................................. KAThy: I got up early in the warm Pennsylvania air, to go to the airport, to return to Bumpity Rd. Lisa and I shared the blessings of my trip, while driving to get the plane. We mirrored jubilations of gratitude!!!!!!! She is a helpful reflection of my mind! When I checked into the airport, the clerks were sooooo nice, such helpful angel mirrors. They welcomed me, to make my way to the plane. After going through the check-in, I got to the gate, to wait for the boarding call. I called Bob from there, to tell him that I was ready to board the plane. It was great, to hear his voice, and share, in the joy with him. Then, it was fantastic, to arrive in Madison, WI, to be welcomed by him and Duncan, at the airport. It is always sooooooo ONEderful to be met by angels mirrors, in the JOY! Wow, it is perfect, to look into the eyes of my reflection of JOY! Such strong joy, that you have to take an opportunity to embrace, in the miracle of NOW. The day flowed along, with all the miracles, by going to the IONS meeting, stopping at the herb farm, and going to the party for Tanya. One continuous miracle. Thank you God, for it all. When we pulled into Bumpity Rd., it felt sooooo good to be here. Back to this home, again. I am eternally blessed, to share this miraculous loving experience, here, in this beautiful, heavenly home, of ONE LOVE!!!!!!!! Love and joy, KAThy .................... Sunday, June 12, 2005 KAThy and Bob It was great to wake up, to the country sounds, of Bumpity Rd. I heard the birds talking, singing their songs of free joy! It is such a clear sound, to hear this. Then, to look into the peaceful eyes of the angel, mirror reflection, next to me. Thank you God, for this blessed reminder of open willingness, that is seen as a window of LOVE! -------------- Bob called Helen, his mother, to tell her that he would come into town, to play cards with her, and the joyful card blessings. When we got to Helen's house, Kathy dropped Bob off there. I went to run errands. It is nice to do this, and have plenty of time, to do it easily. I went to several stores, to get things that we might find helpful. When I returned to Helen's house, they were just starting the last game. Bob played a good hand on the first round, so that game ended quickly. For the day, Barb led the fun, with Helen, Eva, and Bob, following closely. Helen made her fantastic jello cake. Wow, it is so delicious! Then, Bob and I came home, and have enjoyed resting. It is nice to have a slow weekend day, to rest, peacefully. Love and laughter, KAThryn and Bob ------------------------- Monday, June 13, 2005 KAThryn and Bob There are so many things to do, and embrace. Bob and I talked, and decided to call David Hoffmeister, because he called, while we were at the beach. He said that he'd be able to come to Bumpity Rd., to share gatherings, the first weekend in September. Bob and I called him to confirm this. We also talked with Jeffrey, and invited him to come, and hold a retreat, the last weekend in August. While at the beach, I got blessed by having sun blisters, on the tops of my feet. Because of this, I can't wear my garden boots or tennis shoes, until these friends are gone. I am now staying inside, to clean house, while Bob gardens, outside. Today, I cleaned the kitchen and downstairs bathroom. It feels good to do that, and clean the house, to be able to have it ready, for anyone who comes here. Bob came in for breaks. Then, in the late afternoon, came into shower. I got ready, and we went to town, to Pizza Hut, and had a large pepperoni pizza. We went to the library, for the book discussion group, and shared insights. Then, headed home, and went to bed early. Love and joy, KAThy and Bob ----------------------------- Tuesday, June 14, 2005 KAThryn and Bob When we woke up, we both got up, and then, I returned to bed for a little while. I heard Bob was out in the kitchen. Then, I heard no noises, so felt that he'd gone out to the gardens. When I got up, I came into the kitchen, and turned something electronic on, and the power went off. I tried to turn it back on, and it didn't work. I went outside, to get Bob. When we came back to the house, the power was back on. The light was lite. I started cleaning the kitchen floor again. Bob came into take a break, and have a big garden salad. Then, I cleaned the kitchen floor again. It felt much better, after this cleaning. This represents clearing the mind, whenever I do any cleaning. It is very helpful. I e-mailed with Deb, and was told that she and Paul will marry, in November. That is exciting news. Bob came in for another break, and to share some rice. This has been, another day of doing what is the most helpful, in joy. Thank you God! Love and peace, KAThy and Bob --------------------------- Wednesday, June 15, 2005 KAThy and Bob Greetings to everyONE! Bob and I have enjoyed a day of rest today. Bob did many things yesterday, including mowing and spreading a lot of tender loving care, to all of the gardens. He woke up today and decided that it might rain, and he felt ready to rest. I said yes to this. I am very grateful for this, because it has given us the blessing to spend ONEderful moments embracing the LOVE, that we've been brought together to share. I checked many of the e-mails that were sent to me, while being away. I have read most of them. Thank you, for all your inspirations of love and joy. Bob and I talked today about our gratitude, for having so many dear friends. You are all united with us, in a celebration, to say thank you for the ONE love, in which God has brought us together. Love and joy, KAThy and Bob :-) --------------------------- Thursday, June 16, 2005 Bob and Kathy An afternoon of seven stop shopping, mostly for fruits, vegetables, Amish eggs, and a USC cellphone camera. The contract renewal person took our picture and e-mailed it to our computer, and so, when we got home and turned the computer on, THERE WE WERE! already home and waiting for ourselves. Then it was housecleaning and organizing bedrooms, kitchen, and workshop areas for Friday's Dream Interpretation Groups. We took several breaks in the evening to eat split pea soup, and later on, buttered corn on the cob (we still have 18 ears of corn for our guests). love to you all, Bob and Kathy ......................... Friday, June 17, 2005 Bob and Kathy Kathy was up early finishing up bedrooms for guests and all bathrooms. Bob finished up the Sunrise Room and made several wheelbarrow trips to the barn to store miscellaneous items. Kathy did lots of washing and Bob did lots of vacuuming. First time guests to the dream group were Dekora's mother, visiting from Australia, and Barbara and Catherine from the Institute of Noetic Sciences Group in Madison, which we attended last Tuesday in the capital, as guests of Duncan. Four of the guests stayed overnight, two nights, or four nights. It was a joy to watch the many interactions that continued after the 7-9 pm session ended. peace and joy, Bob and Kathy. .......................... Saturday, June 18, 2005 I went to Portage with Barbara, picked up my mom, Helen Thompson, and then came home and made Amish Egg Omelets for everybody. Mom, Bob, Duncan, Catherine, and Kathryn drove off to explore the Amish Bakery, visit Grace and Tom (who are very close to many Amish families), The Lilac Amish Wood Products Shop, Mishler's Amish General Store, and somewheres along the way, they found home made ice cream. Jim Hondel and I prepared a venison roast with large yellow onions, rice, and a mushroom cream soup sauce, a 7 packet jello dessert with seven pounds of sliced bananas, a cranberry in cherry jello, venison bologna sliced in baked beans, and creamed large yellow onions (from last November) in a mushroom soup sauce with melted cheddar cheese. So we had dinner with Amish Peach-Apricot Pie for dessert. A friend of Catherine's, from Baraboo stopped by, and had dinner with us. Then, after dinner, Catherine and her friend both left, to go home. And that evening we watched the Ordination DVD of Kathy's May 28th ordintion ceremony with her seven ministerial candidate friends. The DVD presentations by the eight candidates, about their lives, and why they became a minister, repeatedly brought tears to my eyes. peace and joy, Bob and Kathy ....................... Sunday, June 19, 2005 Bob and Kathy Jim left for the Miracle Center Service near Lake Delton. Duncan was with us during the morning, then went back to Madison. Bob spent a lot of the day and evening, cultivating, hoeing, fetilizing, and watering in gardens 1, 2, 3 and 8. Kathy and Barbara shared a lot, inside, talking about the reflections of life. Bob came in rather pooped out at dark, showered, ate, and went to bed. Kathy and Barb watched the movie, Brother Sun, Sister Moon. It is a beautiful experience, to embrace, showing the life of St. Francis. It also shows how one's life can lighten up, when they simplify it. peacefuly joyous, and sleeping soundly, Bob and Kathy ........................ Monday, June 20, 2005 Bob and Kathy Bob continued working in the gardens, while Kathy and Barb went off for a country drive, visiting a delightful craft shop, and a tasty restaurant in Pardeeville. Later in the day, Kathy and Barb worked together on an Accessing Inner Wisdom Meditation and scribing, that always benefits both participants. peaceful, and sleeping very soundly, Bob and Kathy .......................... Tuesday, June 21, 2005 Bob and Kathy Soft boiled Amish eggs, cheddar cheese rye bread, and kiwi-strawberry juice for breakfast. Very tasty! We were invited to attend a Talk, Love and Chocolate discussion group in Madison with Duncan and Barb at Catherine's house. Everybody brought chocolate of some kind, including Dove Ice Cream Bars, (sacred foods get capitalized). We listened to a tape and then discussed the Toltec Wisdom that had been orally handed down through the centuries. The focus of the discussion was on Awareness, Transformation, Intention, and Maintaining these three through a commitment of repeated daily activities, such as meditations, prayer, looking at ones eyes in a mirror, etc. We drove Barb, and then ourselves home. We had to be especially watchful of deer on the backroads and drove 20-30 miles per hour, thus avoiding hitting deer that were near or crossing the road. It feels so good to be back home! love and peace, Bob and Kathy ......................... Wednesday, June 22, 2005 Kathy and Bob The first thing we did was to catch up on all our An Open Door diary entries for the past four days. Bob went out to bless the gardens, with love and peace. He harvested many blessings upon everything. Kathy did some catching up on e-mail, and things around the house. Bob came in to have a break, and eat rice. Then, Kathy joined him later, to bless and water the growth of 140 watermelon plants, 17 broccoli, and 24 peppers. Kathy also watered the three apple trees that she and Bob grafted, recently. At dark, we walked out on the paths that were mowed, in the high grass, behind the house, to watch the twinkling emerald jewels of fire flies, sprinkled throughout the air, and on the grass. As we walked through nature's gem-studded treasure chest, we met a rabbit, on our path, and twice, skunks. One of them a baby, with it's mother. The mother stopped, turned her rear towards us, and raised her tail. We immediately stopped. The hair trigger of an atomic scent bomb had been set. We accepted her invitation, to not get any closer. Thus, we are grateful, for mama skunk's generosity, in not sharing her perfume. ----------------- Then, we came in for the night, and ate some venison and rice, before going to bed. Love and joy, Kathy and Bob ------------------------------- Thursday, June 23, 2005 Kathy and Bob We arose at an early hour, (Bob at 5 am), (Kathy at 6 am). Bob spent the whole day, until early everning, working in gardens 1,2,3 & The Patio Garden, cultivating, fertilizing, hoeing and watering, many watermelon, squash and 47 tomato plants, etc. The southeast patio has a smorgasbord of 21 tomato plants. some of them within easy reach of the picnic table. Kathy continued working in the house, getting ready for weekend guests, and Bob took a break every two hours, all day long, for water or a meal. High tempertures warmed up the main part of the house so we have fans going and moved to the West Wing for sleeping as it is very well insulated and always about 15 degrrees cooler in the summer. Kathy filled several bags of herbs from the new herb garden and that included lots of things for salads, and lots and lots of dark green basil leaves that are scrumptuous. With home grown green onions and radishes, salads have never tasted better! busily, but peacefully, Bob and Kathy ....................... Friday, June 24, 2005 Bob and Kathy Lots of mowing today, and cleaning up the orchard area. The pole beans are four feet high and climbing and the first little zucchinis wil be ready in a few days. In addition to housework and miscellaneous outside work (pulling weeds, picking up stones, etc.), our final and major accomplishment of the day was to decide which plants we would fertilize, weed, and hill up in gardens 4, 5, 6, & 7. We probably did this to about 200 squash and melon plants, and then came a slow soothing rain for hours to tuck in all our little green plant babies with a blanket of gentle moisture. Later, after dark, we raised the head of an antique hospital bed in the Sunset Room and watched the fireflies dancing around like green twinkling emeralds. The horizon was illuminated completely with thunder far off in the background, but the lightning bugs, really did out-lightning the lightning with their many bright green lights, every one of them a symbol of love (after all it does help them find each other in the dark). As deer approach a "licking area," on the west side of the house, they trigger a motion sensor light, that remains on for 60 seconds. They are so used to that spotlight coming on from all of their nocturnal visits, that they ignore it. Thus, we had the additional, periodic one minute spotlightings of a deer just outside our window also. The gentle fall of the rain, drumming rhythmically on the roof was so comforting, that we moved into the Sunset Room for the night. peace and joy, Bob and Kathy ...................... Saturday, June 25, 2005 Bob and Kathy We were in the kitchen talking and checking e-mail, when the sound of a car horn blowing, surprised us. We found two angels, knocking at the door. Shirley and Don, from Sun City, AZ., were here. They are members of the Evergreen Travel Club, and were in the area, for a wedding, and two of our weekend guests. We welcomed them in and visited for a little while. Then, gave them the tour of the rooms, that they could choose from, to stay in. They were delighted with all of the space, and chose the one close to the bathroom. They left, to go to a wedding, in the area. Bob went into town, to play cards, with Helen and Eva. Another telephone call came, from Donna Marie and Bryan, saying that they were on their way here. Kathy kept getting the house ready, for everyONE. She called Bob, to tell him the that Donna and Bryan were getting close, to arriving here, too. Bob was headed back home, from the card game. I asked him who won the game, and he wouldn't tell me. He said that I'd have to call Helen, to find out. I called to ask her, and she said that she did, and was happy. Before Bob got home, Donna called, and said they were going to stop, and let their car cool off. They said for us to go ahead and eat without them, because they'd eat on the way. We did that, and they arrived soon after that. We shared with them, filled with loads of love and joy. Then, Don and Shirley came back, and we all joined in, sharing LOVE and miracles, in the moment. What a great blessing it is, to open our door, to everyONE. Thank you God! Hilarity, extended laughter, and many diverse stories weaved their way into our joyful group of six, till past midnight. Joyful, and profound sharings, that touched each of us deeply. Love and peace, Kathy and Bob ------------------------------ Sunday, June 26, 2005 Kathy and Bob We joyfully arose, to prepare omelettes for Shirley, Don, Bryan, and Donna Marie. They were very hearty and full, tasty omelettes. Bob filled them, with many delights. We visited with everyone, sharing our blessings, of travel, joy, and fun, quite heartily. It is so fantastic, to embrace this experience, every moment, that we can. When Don and Shirley, were getting ready to leave, they asked Donna to sing a song for them. They went to pack, and Donna go the guitar out. She sang "Forever in Love," and "No Limit," which are both songs, about embracing the exuberance of the miracle of BEing present, NOW. Bob sang "An Old Rocking Chair," acappela just before our new-found Arizona friends left. We thanked Don and Shirley, and they left, to share with other friends. We talked and laughed, with Donna and Bryan, about our lives, and many of the journeys, that we've all become involved in. We went out, and gave them a tour around, in our gardens. They were surprised, that we had so much garden space. Bryan and Donna gave us the gift of going to dinner, in town. We all got ready, and went to Portage. We went to The Hitching Post and another restaurant, and they weren't open. Kathy even got to see some back streets of Portage, that she hadn't seen yet, on this ride. We went into town, and found a nice restaurant open. They told us the specials that we ordered from, to include, prime rib, fried chicken, and sausage pizza, with a lot of huge pieces of sausage on it. It was delicious, and our waitress was excellent. We invited the waitress, to Bumpity Rd., and she said that she will come to share with us here. She talked about her feelings of life, and that she had taken on a clearer way of looking at what she is doing, and it has opened her heart. We drove to the Wisconsin River, and took a short walk, then sat on a bench. People were coming and going there, by walking, riding bikes, and with dogs, to take walk them. We had many holy encounters, by seeing and saying hello, to these mirrors. On our way home, we got ice cream, to make root beer floats, when we got home. When we arrived back home, the ice cream was sccoped and root beer poured, for delicious floats. They were delicious, and full. Bob sang some songs, and Donna and I (Kathy) sang a few. We all joined in, and embraced the joy of God's gift, of peace and joy NOW! Love and peace, Kathy and Bob ---------------------------------- Monday, June 27, 2005 Kathy and Bob Another sunny day welcomed us, as we awakened. We came out, to find Donna and Bryan sharing the ACIM lesson for today. We all talked together. Bryan got up, to make more omelettes, to include the leftover sausage from the pizza, that we had at dinner, last night. Again, we were blessed with huge, tasty omelettes, for another feast al grande. We were served, very perfectly and beautifully. Thank you God! Then, Bob and I sang a few more songs to them. Then Donna wanted to tape record some of our songs, so Kathy and Bob, individually, or as a duet, sang ten songs, (eight of which Bob had written in recent years). It was a great blessing, to share our gift of songs, with her. We came out, and talked more together, once again. Then, the soda bar came out, with more root beer floats. Bryan and Donna Marie packed up, and left, to go onto Wisconsin Dells, WI. Thank you God, for giving us this gift of joining in the union, of sharing with them so very much! We enjoy the grace of country living, and are very grateful for it. It is a profound joy, and extreme sense of abundance to be aware of how awesomely we are blessed with our friendships, family, fun, food, and freedom. Love and joy, Kathy and Bob ------------------------------ Tuesday, June 28, 2005 Bob and Kathy Bob spent several hours watering and fertilizing in gardens 1, 2, 3, and 8. Barbara V. arrived from Madison, and what a delight it was to hear of her humorous adventures, "playing" with our written directions, creating her own "map," and, wandering over the Wisconsin countryside. Bob had just finished gardening and was at the mailbox when Barb drove around the corner onto Monthry Road, beeping cheerfully at Bob. Hermano Phil and Mary arrived about 4:30 and all five angels, lovingly embraced, each other, and then wrapped themselves around pint-sized+ rootbeer floats. The five of us then boarded Ye Olde Happy Bent 'n Dented '86 Cadillac, picked up Mother Superior (aka Aunt Eva), and off we went to ice cream our way with friends at the Miracles Healing Center near Wisconsin Dells. This was followed by a jazz band doing some beautiful renditions of old favorites like "Bye, Bye, Blackbird," that got us to singing along. Darla and others sang, then Donna invited both Kathy and I to sing before she began her concert. Kathy sang "My Beloved," I joined her for excerpts of "Hey, J.C., I Hear You Knocking at My Door," followed by my "An Old Rocking Chair," and then a later love song in mid-concert "Today, at Denver Airport." All songs I participated in, were songs that I have written during the past few years. It was a great and gala affair, and Donna Marie Cary, really had the audience a rockin' and a rollin' with her words, and her guitar work. We arrived at the concert with six, and left with seven. peacefully, Bob and Kathy ...................... Wednesday, June 29, 2005 Bob and Kathy The seventh passenger going home with us was A.J., a fellow Bob had met at a Dream Interpretation Group Meeting about 4 years ago. Lots of sharing throughout the day with the four of us: A.J., Barb V., KAThy, and Bob. Good food, conversation, and a sense of family and community. peacefully, Bob and Kathy ...................... Thursday, June 30, 2005 Bob and KAThy A.J. and Bob worked in four of the gardens, weeding and watering, including 47 tomato and 160 watermelon plants. Lots of sharing of meals, love, and laughter. KAThy worked in the house, readying bedrooms for weekend guests and sweeping and mopping floors. Peacefully mopping and weeding and watering and feasting and listening, Bob and KAThy ........................ |
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