OCTOBER 2005: GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, INDIAN SUMMER, ALL MONTH LONG!

Saturday, October 1, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Happy Anniversary, Bob and Kathy!
Exactly one year since we met!
It is now time for our annual progress report which is a sort of a State(ment) of the Union
message.
"We are living in a dream, grateful every moment, and awed by the awesome unfolding of NOW.
Words do not exist to describe The Peacefulness."
And now, on to Julie and Jason's wedding.
Because of Jason's closeness to his Grandpa Skiera, who had just passed in July, a memorial silence preceded the ceremony, with Jason and Julie standing in front of the 90 or so witnesses.
The Wedding Ceremony was written by the young couple and included a Rose Ceremony, where the mother of the bride and groom, gave Jason and Julie a rose, to initiate the lovely reading of the Rose Ceremony.
It was a beautiful day, in a gorgeous natural farm setting, with a lovely and large, heavily timbered arbor, specially made by family members.
Jason was not available to escort his Grandma Pat to the receiving line, so Rev Bob spontaneously pinchhitted for the groom.
Champagne toasts and photos followed.
Then, off to the Country Springs Hotel in Stevens Point for the Wedding Dinner, which proved to be ample and scrumptious.
We were seated with family members, and next to Grandma Pat, and with her permission, we created an unusual wedding dinner prayer.
We began by mentioning that over 50 years ago, Bob Skiera, a young life guard on a South Milwaukee Beach, went to the concession stand, where Pat, his future wife, was working.
The purchase of the family farm and retreat center (before Jason was born), Jason's years with his grandparents, and all the family generations and relationships that had unfolded during those many decades, were now symbolized by the newlyweds, who for years had been a part of this large family and its rural retreat, and were truly, torchbearers, of Grandpa Bob and Grandma Pat's family values.
Lots of good fun, good food, and happy people.
A highlight of the evening was Kathy's (the grooms mom) slide show of pictures of both Julie and Jason from birth to the present, that really highlighted so much of the two family histories, that had now been united.
A quiet ride back to our own country backroads and the pleasure of being "home."
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Sunday, October 2, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Barb and Gary returned home and Roofer Rick also visited.
This has been a quiet Sunday, catching up on e-mails, phone calls, finances, meals, household chores, and resting.
Barb, Kathy and Bob did the 10 a.m. "Quaker Type" meditation, where Barb shared alot of her thoughts and feelings about working with, and for, her brother, Gary Lee, as a total caretaker during the past 12 days.
The caretaking began with her 56 hour pilgrimage to Kentucky to help him "escape" from the facility there and its apparent non-care.
It was a great sharing.
Barb prepared our last supper together, and we all mentioned our gratefulness, as Gary Lee is moving into a physical therapy and home care center in Wisconsin Dells, tomorrow morning.
It has been challenging.
Especially for Barb.
And Gary Lee.
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Monday, October 3, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Gary Lee was placed today!
Barb spent the morning with him, meeting staff, doing paperwork, and getting Gary Lee into his room.
When she returned she brought a banquet with her for supper.
This has been a miracle story.
Barb's miracle story.
Recently discharged from the hospital herself, she borrowed a van from a friend and her trip to Kentucky, was the beginning of a 14 day herculean effort to provide physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual assistance to her brother.
Truly........An Incredible Journey!
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Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Bob and Kathy
A quiet restful day.
Catching up on a few more household chores.
A slow pace.
Yippee!
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Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Kathy off to Mastering with the Columbia County Gardeners' Class with Bob lollygagging at Helen's O.K. Corral Card Playing Shootout.
Victor was The Top Card-Slinger tonight. Flossie and Eva served mom's home made chili, and, Mother Superior's (Eva's) freshly baked pan of Apple Crisp.
Kathy joined us after a 3 hour stint of Mastering the Gardeners and we were also joined at the end of the card-playing jambooree by Travel Club guests, Rudy and Susan from Rockford, Ohio, who were on their way home after visiting Susan's birthplace in Canada.
They followed us home from mom's on a rainy night to Bumpity Road where we spent an enjoyable evening telling tales and listening to Rudy's hilarious jokes.
Barb was already asleep, so she and the Ohioans will meet manana (on the morrow).
(Unless they cross bathroom paths in the night, which will be interesting because Barb does not know that they are here)!
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Thursday, October 6, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Barb was up early to cart Amish family members to and fro, to see Sara the Amish Baby, born last night.
We prepared a feast for breakfast, with homemade french fries to go with the Amish Egg Cheddar Omelettes, rye toast, watermelon, grapes, bananas, juice, teas, etc.
We chatted and laughed half the morning away, then Susan and Rudy left for the Baraboo Circus World Museum (for the second day in a row) and we went to Madison for A Veterans' Administration eye exam (Bob has the beginnngs of cataracts in both eyes) and a lens prescription change.
{Before leaving, we chatted with Barb and her friend Susan. The two of them had volunteered to clean and organize the six rooms in the West Wing}.
We also visited Catherine B. at her home in Madison to return a book and chat, then met our travel club hosts for the night. Dean and Edith, who kindly loaned us an extra house key, as we knew that we would be arriving late.
Don and Mary joined us at the Market Square Theater for the very moving Mad Hot Ballroom, a documentary of New York City ten year olds, learning ballroom dancing, and, the interschool championship dance competitions.
Students, teachers, and family members, captured live.
The facial expressions, comments, and spontaneity, were indescibable, priceless, and moving (to tears on occasions, and laughter).
Then off to visit Sally and Ken at their beautifully remodeled home for late watermelon snacks (from the trunk of our car), and then back to Edith and Dean's to use our passkey for a good night's sleep.
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Friday, October 7, 2005
Bob and Kathy
A great early morning healthy breakfast awaited us on rising, and we were invite to sing for our breakfast. Which we did! :-)
A very extensive 3 hour echo-cardiogram at the VA Hospital, measuring the blood flow velocity and pressure in Bob's leaky aeorta valve.
A very friendly and warm interaction, all morning long, with the Ukranian technician and his warm and affirming supervisor.
Edith invited us to lunch, and then we followed she and Dean to visit the orchards, vineyards and gardens of their son-in-law, Denny.
A very impressive tour, with extensive samplings of many varieties of grapes, apples, and mini-pears.
Then a leisurely daylight ride home to rest and relax with Cuzzin Jerry, and thank Barb for the transformations that she and Susan had accomplished in the West Wing rooms.
We took family sized Portage Popcorn, and minipears, to the Dream Interpretation Group at Sheila's in Baraboo. It was an unusually large group of 13, that were quite interactive. Among them were Baraboo friends: Sheila, Linda, Donna, Joanne, Lizabeth (about to visit Poland, her birthplace) and fellow travelers: Mary, Kurt, Carmella, Janet, and others.
We stayed late, chatting with old friends after the session, and arrived home to a warm woodfire burning in the Sunrise Room, which Barbara had stoked up.
Gentle chattings and laughter, with our dear friend Barb W, then off to briefly curl up with a book, before "embracing dreamland."
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Saturday, October 8, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Today is another wedding day (the third weekend wedding in a row), niece Tammy and fiancee Todd.
This is a relaxing affair for us, as we are guests and not officiating. It will be nice to just "spectate' and see how other people planned their ceremony.
Also a great opportunity to interact with many family members and friends.
So off we went to an outside ceremony in a park near Madison.
From the minister's first words, until the bride and groom kissed, took 4 minutes and 22 seconds.
It took much, much longer, to congratulate the bride and groom in the reception line!
Then off to the Windsor Country Club for the wedding dinner.
A beautiful facility, in a gorgeous setting!
Beautifully landscaped around the 27 hole golf course.
Children were drawn to play outside in the gazebo.
As were the wedding party and guests, after dinner.
The brides's brother, Tim, and his family, joined us at our table, and a steady stream of family and friends came by to visit.
Bob's mom, three sisters, youngest brother. and their families, all chatted and laughed with each other at different times and places in various constellations.
It was a family reunion that was very pleasant to be a part of.
We left at dusk and took the Interstate to Portage, and were able to avoid two car deer accidents on the back roads near home.
Leroy greeted us on our arrival, sharing his future travel plans, including bicycling in South America, and then helped us with creating, quite comprehensive, spread sheets, on Kathy's Dell computer.
Barb is with her Amish friends that have the new born, Sara, and she (Barb), expects to be home about midnight.
Leroy and Kathy both put in an order with Barb for Amish sticky butter, which is basically a mixture of honey and peanut butter.
They (Leroy and Kathy) are working on spread sheets now.
They might still be up at midnight.
Not because they are working till then.
But ......because....sticky butter is.....worth waiting for.
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Sunday, October 9, 2005
Bob and Kathy
We had our Sunday 10 a.m. quaker type service with Deb and Paul, Kathy and Bob, Leroy and Phil, and with Mary M. leading the initial meditation. Prominent themes expressed were gratefulness and awe.
At 11 a.m. we continued our Sunday readings and discussions on "Mindful Loving." So much discussion is prompted by the readings that I suspect that it will take us at least a year of Sundays to finish the book.
Barb W. fixed an outstanding lunch of many, many tasty things, and, the presenttion of all the food was droolingly gorgeous.
About 1 p.m. members of the Madison area Conscius Community arrived for our monthly second Sunday pass-a-dish dinner.
Mary and Catherine came together, and JIm also drove up from Madison.
After dinner, Bob suggested a question for the discussion group. My question was, "If you only had another five minutes to be alive in this world and say anything to anybody, whether they were dead or alive, who would you speak to, and what would you say?
Fascinating flow of discussion followed.
Oh, yes!
Chef Barb W. fixed a jillion pound roast with all the trimmings and Kathy went to Portage to pick up Great-great Grandma Thompson.Victor came with Flossie, and Jerry drove in separately, and Peggy brought Mother Superior (Eva).
Cuzzin' Jerry did not bring a very grown up Pew Skunk.
Barb W. had planned a surprise birthday party for Kathy and balloons, etc. were all decorating the rooms while Kathy was in Portage.
We surprised her with all the gang singing Happy Birthday, when she came in the door, and then followed it up by surprising Barb W., and singing Happy Birthday to Barb, because Barb and Kathy both have their birthdays on October 10th!
Leroy, Barb, Peggy and Jerry had an evening series of hilarious Euchre games, and Vic, Mommy Dearest, Mother Superior and Bob had a series of 10 card slinging games of Sheepshead.
We drove mom home very late, and successfully avoided all the deer on the way home.
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Monday, October 10, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Leroy picked veggies and then loaded his car with lots of produce and, especially, watermelons.
We spent a quiet day, catching up on phone calls and e-mails.
And giving lots and lots of attention to lots and lots of leftovers.
And I do mean LOTS OF LEFTOVERS!
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Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Kathy worked in the house and Bob mowed the remaining rows of six feet high weeds in most of the gardens.
Then we met Ken and Sally, and Randi, at the Market Square Theater in Madison.
A surprising coincidence was meeting Barbara Voltz at the theater, because she had not checked her phone messages, and just showed up "by coincidence."
We enjoyed very much the unique love story of Ladies in Lavender.
Afterwards we six reunited at Perkins Restaurant on University Avenue, where we dined, dallied, and then deserted on an entire, and very, very, tasty, Perkins Pumpkin Pie (with whipped cream).
Great chatterings among the group, and then a peaceful ride home on the Interstate.
Again, successfully navigating the backroads at 25 mph and avoiding any "deer-kisses."
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Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Left Happy Birhday songs for two of my daughters, both born on October 12th, Columbus Day.
Joe Dalton stoped by for a chat and picked a Black Diamond Watermelon off the hay wagon. He has lost 50 pounds during hs recent illness, but is now strong enough to operate his back hoe and front end loader, so he will be coming out here to remove stumps and move boulders, perhaps in early November.
Kathy went to her Columbia County Master Gardeners' Class and I went to the card game at mom's, where mom, Vic, Flossie, and Eva, were already waiting.
The mating season always results in a lot more deer movement, so it is not uncommon to slow down several times, or suddenly brake, for deer crossing the backroads.
Last night was very foggy and much of the drive home was at 10 mph, and even with the heavy fog, we did see deer!
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Thursday, October 13, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Picking cherry and large tomatoes, many herbs, yellow delicious apples, a dozen watermelon (enough for a "few' days), a pail each of peppers, broccoli, potatoes, and turnips.
All this food, and more, packed up with our suitcases and clothes for Kathy's 10 day pilgrimage for additional facilitator's training at Pathways of Light, in Keil, Wisconsin.
We arrived At Pathways of Light and we met with Kathy's co-facilitators, Linda L. and Betty, and their trainer Loretta. It was a joyous reunion with lots of chatting, good food, and laughter.
Bob began slicing on the first of 13 watrmelons that he had packed in the back seat (before putting in the clothing, etc., and there were lots and lots of etceteras!)
Very inspiring sharings finished up our evening together.
And rich chocolate, ice cream cones!
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Friday, October 14, 2005
Bob and Kathy
We were joined today by Vicki, one of the candidates for ordination, from Toronto, Canada.
Vicki proved to be lots of fun and really had us laughing as she humorously told us about her life in Trinidad, before she left her Carribean birthplace to live in Canada.
The six of us shared meals, lots of laughter, a great variety of food prepared by many hands, and many spontaneous, inspirational, and/or hilarious events, in our lives.
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Saturday, October l5, 2005
Bob and Kathy
We were all sitting in chairs, enjoying the sun, when Jay, another candidate for ordination, drove up from Illinois this morning.
Jay's sharings were very moving, and sometimes very funny.
Shortly thereafter, Barbara K. arrived with the third, and final candidate for ordination, Ana, from the Canary Islands of Spain.
Joy, laughter, and very moving stories were shared by all.
Each of the three candidates had been assigned A Guiding Light to show them around the facilities and grounds. Kathy volunteered to orientate Ana, because she had been communicating with Ana for several years via e-mail and phone, in planning for David Hoffmeister's trips to The Canary Islands.
He had a fantastic trip there, and then, Ana's daughter, served as David's translator. She also volunteered to go to Columbia with David, as his translator.
After our evening banquet, prepared by many helping hands, we had an evening orientation, presenting much information about use of facilities and an outline of the coming week's work, led by Loretta, and her three co-facilitators in training, Betty, Kathy, and Linda L.
This was followed by Robert S. and Mary S. speaking about Pathways of Light as a support system, to assist all the ministers, wherever possible, in their ministerial efforts. Personal materials had already been developed for each candidate and was already in the candidates' hands for editing and final approval, before printing in quantities.
Afterwards,Robert S. showed us how to fire up the automatic popcorn machine, then we washed down the popcorn with watermelon, from our unlimitted, watermelon reserve.
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Sunday, October 16, 2005
Bob and Kathy
We attended our 10 a.m. Quaker type service, where each was asked to go to Holy Spirit and share with the group if they were so guided from within themselves.
A simultanous service was occuring at Bumpity Road at the same time.
This was followed by photo sessions for the candidates and a private accessing inner wisdom, guidance session for each candidate.
David W., arrived and gifted us with many home made herbal breads and then treated Kathy, Bob, and Barb to brunch at the Riverside Restaurant in Kiel.
Later, Bob napped, while several carloads of laughing angels drove to a park on Lake Michigan, to enjoy the beautiful fall day near the water.
Later, Bob wended his way homeward to Bumpity Road, to chat and have supper with Barb W., who had been housesitting for us.
Bob's early morning appointments tomorrow necessitate an early to bed, early to rise, theme, for the next few hours.
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Monday, October 17, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Bob had Veterans' Administration Hospital appointments in Madison this morning for Cat Scans and Ultra Sound. It was a great experience because of the warmth of the technicians (both with over 30 years experience at the VA Hospital), and, because they got me in early, and very early, for my two testing appointments!
( My 7:30 a.m. Cat Scan appointment, found me already under the Cat Scan Machine by 7:05 a.m., and then, my 10 a.m. ultra sound appointment, was finished by 8:40 a.m.
Talk about miracles!
Our mechanic Kirby, finished new brake lines on our old '86 Caddy, so our big wheeler is on the road again!
Phone calls to the three 80 something year old card slingers resulted in an earlier appointment for a card-playing shootout tomorrow.
Had some good chats with Barb W., who has been house sitting for us, and keeping the home fires burning.
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Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Bob met, Mom Helen, Aunt Eva, Victor, (and his friend Flossie), for our cardslinging session. Victor was the day's top card slinger, followed closely by Bob.
Mom's beef stew and Eva's homemade apple pie with ice cream, nourished us in mid-afternoon.
Then, as Bob had the Saturn all packed up, he drove to Pathways in Kiel.
At Pathways, Kathy was involved in the "Accessing Inner Wisdom" counseling ministerial training, with everyone.
She had a break in the afternoon. During this time, she called Bob. He said he was playing cards with the gang, and said that he couldn't talk right now. It wasn't like him.
When Bob arrived at Pathways, everyone was out to dinner. When he arrived, everyone was at The Seven Angels Restaurant, in Chilton so Bob worked on his and Kathy's portion of the presentation for Saturday's ordination ceremony for the three ministerial candidates, Ana (Canary Islands, Spain), Vicki (Toronto, Canada), and Jay (United States of Illinois).
Bob called Kathy when he arrived, and she told him that we were about to eat, at the Seven Angels. He was bubbling with joy!
He said that he'd call back later, (I still didn't know that he was at Pathways), and to go on and enjoy dinner.
We went to Wal-Mart after dinner, and Bob hadn't called back when we were ready to leave the store, so I called him. I told him that I was calling him, because I hadn't heard back from him, and that we were leaving Wal-Mart.
Bob said, call me when you get back to Pathways.
This all felt funny, as he usually talks very freely.
As we were driving into Pathways, I was talking and looking at someone. Then, another person in the car said: Whose white car is that?
I then thought, maybe Bob came on back earlier, tonight.
I didn't see the car as we passed it, and couldn't spot it, when we got out of the car.
We came in, and were cleaning the lodge, when someone pointed me toward the dining room, and wouldn't say why. Upon entry, there was the beloved Angel Bob.
Thank you Holy Spirit!
We chatted and laughed away the rest of the evening.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Another day of wonderful interaction!
My, oh my, there was certainly a lot of sharing!
Four ministers (Betty, Barbara, Linda L., and Kathryn), led by The Big Poobah, Loretta, continued working with the three candidates, giving and sharing with them all, various hands on experiences, with Accessing Inner Wisdom Counselling.
Bob contributed to supper with 4 baked acorn (with brown sugar), squashes, and about 15 baked russet potatoes (oops, this was on Thursday).
The 7 p.m. "Quaker Type Meeting" (speak if Holy Spirit moves you to say something), was also attended by friends Jerry and Marilyn, Steve, and Margie.
Afterwards, we had a long chat with Jerry about his organic gardening and heavy, heavy, heavy duty, mulching program. It was the equivalent of a seminar on producing an unusually productive garden with a variety of foods, with no watering or irrigation. The local severe drought, had no effect on Jerry's well mulched plants.
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Thursday, October 20, 2005
Bob and Kathy
This was quite a day, of clearing the mind, for both Kathy and Bob.
Kathy, while welcoming thoughts to come to mind, during the training. Bob, while meditating, in the silence.
Wow, thank you God, for this blessing!
Facilitators and candidates continued working, and then, our PREPLANNED pilgrimage to the 25 cent ice cream cones at the Chilton Cheese Outlet.
Most of us tried at least two flavors (Bob had six cones).
(This was the supper that included lots of squash and baked potatoes).
We then watched the video movie, WHERE THE RIVER RUNS BLACK, a moving tale about a boy born in the jungle and befriended by fresh water dolphins. Also, a very moving tale about friendships in a variety of situations. (Bob's favorite movie!)
A nightcap of chocolate pudding and vanilla ice cream, and then off to bed.
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Friday, October 21, 2005
Bob and Kathy
The last day of training!
Bob took lots of leftovers and made four pie plate "casseroles" of sliced baked potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, etc. Very tasty. Mmmmm, thank you Bob!
Then a 7 pm Ordination Rehearsal Ceremony!
With lots of laughter!
Then we watched the DVD, THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY, which prompted much, more, laughter.
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Saturday, October 22, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Ordination Day!
Hooray!
Ana, Jay, and Vicki, all gave moving presentations during the ceremony.
They are a dynamite trio of OMCs (Ordained Ministerial Counselors) whose personal commitments and life styles will have an ongoing effect throughout their lives (in three different countries).
Ten ministers participated in the various parts of the ceremony.
An obvious lifelong bonding as a result of this training experience is now part of each of the facilitators, and the three new ministers.
Bob's nine day at Pathways was a time of personal reflection, readings on prayer, meditation, discipleship, and personal ethics, balanced with meal preparation, shared meals, and moving interactions with all the facilitators and candidates.
A perfect overlapping of retreat and sharings for Bob.
All the angels went out to dinner at the Grand Central House in Kiel, whole Bob and Kathy wended their way to rural Wisconsin Dells for a family reunion, sponsored by his cousin, Harlan, and wife Judy.
We arrived near the end of the get together, about 7 p.m., when most of the guests had already left, but remained until about 10 p.m. talking about our lives since birth. Harlan and I, were born in the same farm house, one month apart. I was also at his retirement party in early '93 (the winter when we both "retired').
Then a slow drive home on the backroads to avoid hitting deer (and we did see several).
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Sunday, October 23, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Barbara W. our house sitter left this morning and three arrivals came for our 10 a.m. Quaker type service.
Phil and Mary M., with Mary leading the introductory comments and prayer, and Annika, who was born in Sweden.
The chatting that followed was very interesting and inspirational as Annika responded to our questions about her living in India, Australia, etc.
Annika is a very loving, peaceful, enthusiastic, and warm angel.
Her spontaneity of expression enthralled us all. We are looking forward to spending more time with her.
Annika left to "be on the road following her Inner Guidance," and the remaining four fixed and ate lunch and then watched several movies from Spiritual Cinema.
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Monday, October 24, 2005
Bob and Kathy Thompson
Today was unique in that we had no visitors, and, did not visit anyone. This is the first time that this has happened this month. So, even though we were at home, tidying up and other work, it was an opportunity for both of us to focus on, and minister to, each other.
We feel blessed that each of us has a "working partner," in all the meanings of the phrase.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Card playing shootout in the early afternoon at Helen's Card Playing Corral in Portage.
Mom, Mother Superior, and Victor, and Bob, slinging cards at each other, and Flossie and Kathy enjoying the kibitzing and the food.
Lots of fun!
Lots of laughs!
We saw deer on the way home, but because we were driving so slow, we were able to avoid their "kissing our vehicle."
A quiet evening, relaxing and catching up on a few things at home.
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Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Bob was on his way to Madison to assist Ken Adi-Ring at the Marianne Williamson event, when he checked in to let Ken know his tentative time of arrival, and found a message that Marianne had laryngitis, cancelling the event till next month.
Kathy had a 3 hour session with the Master Gardener's Training Class in Portage, so Bob consoled himself with DVDs frm the library, bought a family sized bag of buttered popcorn, plugged in a movie, munched lots of popcorn, and waited for "you know who" to come straggling home about 10 p.m.
(Avoiding all the deer, to be with "her dear.")
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Thursday, October 27, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Bob outside, Kathy inside, both getting lots of work done.
Bob in the gardens and woodpiles.
And Kathy in the kitchen and bedrooms.
Several breaks during the day to rest together or have a light meal.
A day of accomplishments for both us, with lots of changes both inside and outside, and lots of trips to the pole barn to "squirrel things away."
Including 48 seven foot steel "tomato posts," all removed manually (no easy chore).
We finished the day tired.
But, it was a goooooooooood tired!
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Friday, October 28, 2005
Bob and Kathy
In addition to a multitude of tasks throughout the day, we also managed to dig up and pot, most of Kathy's herb garden, so now we have lots and lots of lush, rich greenery, in the Sunrise Room.
(to which Kathy says, "Thank-you, Jesus!".......but she did thank Bob also.)
All the 48 tomato vines are in the compost pile which is about 30 or so feet long, and about six feet wide.
Tomatoes are ripening in the kitchen window and lots of green cherry and large tomatoes are stored in our "onion room," to keep the watermelons from getting lonely.
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Saturday, October 29, 2005
Bob and Kathy
We spent the entire morning and part of the early afternoon, in the Sunrise Room, rearranging furniture, etc., cleaning, discarding and storing items.
Barb W. arrived with her Aunt Sylvia (from Indiana) and we had a very humorous chat as they shared recent adventures with us.
Personal friends, and fellow Affordable Travel Club Members, Don and Mary, and Betty and Tom arrived in midafternoon, followed by ATC members Joanne and Tom, visiting here for the first time. Carol arrived from Madison and then Duncan from Middleton.
Lots of camaraderie, conversation, and lots and lots of laughter.
Then the ten of us caravanned four vehicles to the Blankenhaus Restaurant in Portage to keep our 5 p.m. appointment with the Blankenhaus menu.
Which we gave lots of attention to.
Ten knights sitting at the Blankenhaus Round Table, honoring their appetites.
A fun time with lots of chatting, eating, and lauuuuuuuuuughing!
Carol went with the four pinochle players to Middleton, to shuffle a few cards, Duncan to a Halloween Party in Poynette, and Tom and Joanne drove Bob and Kathy home, where we chatted in the Sunrise Room until late in the evening.
Lots and lots of interesting and funny stories and sharings.
One, that we will never forget is their story of their first meeting at a house party.
When Joanne asked Tom what he did for work, Tom replied that , he "was a groundskeeper."
They chatted for several hours and Joanne never learned, till later, that Tom was really a nuclear physicist, working at the world famous Argonne National Laboratory.
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Sunday, October 30, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Amish egg, and pepper and onion omelets shared with Joanne and Tom. Two, 5 egg omelets to feed four of us!
Home made french fries, with Italian seasoning, were a hit.
Lots of chatting and laughing with these warm and sharing travelers, over coffee, watermelon, and apple cider doughnuts (thank-you, Carol).
After they left, Phil and Mary, and then Deb and Paul arrived for our 10 a.m. "quaker meeting."
From 11 to 1:30 we enjoyed a very moving sharing of our readings, thoughts, and experiences, as we responded to the contents of the book: Mindful Loving.
After Deb and Paul left, Phil and Bob went out to two of the gardens to harvest turnips, rutabagas, brussel sprouts, and purple cauliflower.
All of us helped get the food in and prepared, and it was a real treat to eat food, that we had just picked from outside.
We are too tired to attend a halloween party in Madison at Sally and Ken's, so we are just resting and recuperating at home.
And now for a little fire watching in the Sunrise Room.
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Monday, October 31, 2005
Bob and Kathy
Today is unusual in that it is the third time in October that we have neither, had visitors at Bumpity Road, or visited someone away from home.
We don't have any special effort that we put into our social calendar but the steady trickle of visits seems to go both ways, in and out.
Contributing factors are phone calls, e-mails, and "spontaneous combustion" visits.
Prepping the area, south of our 400 foot driveway, for removal of stones, large and small, requires trimming all the bush off of the felled trees and limbs, and removing them from our future mini-lawn and parking area.
Our neighbor, Joe, is going to remove stones of up to 2,000 pounds from this future lawn and "overflow" parking area with his backhoe and frontend loader.
The stones will all be used to construct a mini-dam, or solid stone barrier to try to prevent future washouts of our driveway during exceptionally heavy rains.
Trimming trees, cutting firewood (for the following year), and stacking said firewoood, will occupy a portion of our outside work for the rest of the fall and winter.
We have also contacted Alva Miller at his Amish Custom Vinyl Windows, across from Kountry Korners Restaurant (Our local Friday night fish fry hangout), about replacing our three kitchen windows downstairs, and maybe even the six tiny windows in the bedrooms upstairs?
And maybe even some of the screens that the grasshoppers have chewed holes in?
(Not as bad as when the neighbors cows came down and chewed out the vinyl screens!)