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::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: . Saturday, September 1, 2007 . Wooohooo, good morning Angels! . Bob and Kathy got up early, to gather the fisher kings to go to Date's Millpond, to cast their fishing polls. This included Bob, Dan, Gary, Zach, Blake, and Stephan. They were up, and ready quickly. Everyone gladly ate a nice breakfast, and went to the pond. . Before they got into the boats, Bob cast his artificial DareDevil Lure into a waterfall pool below the pond, and had a tussel with a Northern Pike, that proved to be quite lively! . The net brigade showed up with a very large and long net to bring the big fish onto shore! . Jeepers! . That fish has been waiting for us, just one mile from our mailbox! . Therese, Andi, and Grace visited with Kathy, as the men were a fishin', and dropping their lines. . They came home a few hours later, to take a break. . Then left, to go to a lake and dam, in Montello. This is a very beautiful lake, with waterfalls. . Four additional white bass were caught and also smaller fish. . Bob called Kathy, to say that they were catching some fish there. . Therese, Kathy, and the two loving lights went to meet them. . When we got there, Andi joined in with everyone, to fish. She caught two small ones, then we threw them back into the water. . We rounded everyONE up, and came home, to get the food ready for a dinner of harvest. . Bob's hunting buddy, Dragan, cleaned the fish and Chef Gary prepared several pan fulls of corn meal breaded, fish fillets. . It was a lot of fun to do this. . Everyone helped to gather the food together, and prepare it. Thank you for your willingness. , Mmmmmmm, mmmmm, the meal included fish, tossed salad, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, breads, cookies, and Kathy's fresh apple pie. The pie recipe is one that Kathy made with all natural ingredients (including the apples, from the trees in the Bumpity orchard). . We got everyone on the hay wagon, to tour the gardens, and pick, from the harvest. The picking included many watermelons, totaling 668 pounds. . We also found some pumpkins. . Le Roi, and then Duncan, arrived, to be part of the Bumpity fun. Thank you Le Roi and Duncan for coming to BE with us. . Duncan, Therese, Bob and Kathy were up, until midnight talking and sharing some of the deep experiences of our lives. It was profound and moving, to do this. . ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: . Sunday, September 2, 2007 . We heard the pitty patter of little feet moving along, on the floor. This is because we are reminded that there are shining angel lights, everywhere. . We got up to prepare egg omelets, and have the breakfast feast ready, for everyONE to share and eat. . The food was eaten enthusiastically, by everyONE. . Then, we sat around the kitchen table, sharing our table talk for several hours, which seemed like the blink of an eye. . It was an OPEN opportunity to experience the treats of many angel's lives. Thank you everyONE. . Duncan started the guidance to go back to Madison. This began the long line, of journeys home. They all loaded up watermelons and goodies, to take home. . Leroy was the last one to leave Bumpity after helping to load close to a jillion pounds. of watermelon into everyone's cars. Thank you Leroy, for being willing to share your gratitude. . Then, Leroy loaded up his wagon, to get many tasty goodies lined up, to take home with him. . It is always great to embrace everyONE, in the festivities. Thank you God for many friends and family, coming to share in the harvest of fun, love, food, and garden goodies! . We are so grateful for the bounty, that we are graced with, and given to share with so many. . :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: September 3rd to 9th (Monday to Sunday) . We went into town, to run some errands, which included going to Canal's Grocery and finding all kinds of goodies, from all over the world. Plus talking with the owner, about the types of customers, who come from everywhere, to receive the delicaces, that he has available there. . We also went a few more places, then went over to Mom (Helen) Thompson's house, to visit. Aunt Eva and Mom, invited Bob to play cards, which he said yes to. . During the week, we went out to play in our sandbox and garden, several times. . Bob made the tractor rides around the gardens, to plow, and weed the clear paths, in which to walk, and see the way through the green meadows of grass and fresh delights. . Kathy weeded the basil, and picked tomatoes, green beans, basil, and bless the bounty, that we are given so much of, to harvest and feed us, and so many. . Bob picked squash, tomatoes, kale, maaaaaaany more watermelons, and zucchini. . We decided to call many people, who we hadn't talked with for a while. . So, we were all over the U.S., from California, Illinois, Florida, Kentucky, Indiana and New Mexico, to New Jersey, which included calls and messages to all of our Thompson children and grandchildren. Plus, friends in many states, near and far. . Plus, plus, plus, lots and lots of Wisconsinites. . We talked with Alice Ann, in New Jersey, as she was getting ready to walk out the door, on a trip to California, and on to S. Africa. . We also talked with Skip, in St. Petersburg, FL. . We talked with, and sang to Kathy's brothers, Kevin and Clay. It was great to express love with them. . Lisa called, to talk with us, from PA., and we laughed and shared about the blessings of the holy relationships, that we've been given with everyONE, in which we appreciate all that God has given us to be grateful for. . There is soooooooooooo much to say thank you for, always, eternally. . Bob has been reading the books of Loren Eiseley, whose writings, he finds enlightening, and finds great guidance and peace, to embrace the meaning of what is calling to his heart. . Bob talked with Kathy about sharing ideas, that come to mind for her, and giving those to him, to put together with ideas that come to Bob, for inspirational writings to share with one another, and anyone who'd like to read them. . On Sunday, Kathy and Bob JOY'ned into meditation, with the birds of the morning, and this was very symbolic and beautiful. . Bob went into town, to play cards with Mom and Aunt Eva. . While Bob was out, Kathy's mom, Newell called, and she , and she expressed her gratitude of being able to live in her home, in Kentucky. . Therese called from Milwaukee, and Mel, from Oklahoma, to share about their lives. It is always great to talk with them, as they openly express who they are, from their hearts. . Bob and Kathy continuously look at each other, to say thank you, and appreciate the beauty of what is NOW. . It is fantastic, to see this, and realize that all is so simple, when we have gratitude to appreciate it. . It is a continuous miracle, in which we are open to the wonder of what is, and express that, openly with each other, and also, with all others. . --------------------------- Monday, 9/10/07 Sheila K. and Linda M. came over to visit with us, from Baraboo, WI. . It was great to have this opportunity welcome these dear friends in to talk about all of the many wonders that have graced, all of our lives. . It was warm, wonderful, and inspirational, to spend the afternoon with them. . Sheila was one of the original members of the beginning Dream Interpretation Group that began about 10 years ago, as a follow-up to the MATC classes, A History Of Dreams, and, Dreams, Awareness, and Wellness, 10 weekly sessions each, researched and facilitated, by Bob. . Linda has also been a longstanding member of our groups. . Both have been substantial, and meaningful contributors, to all sessions that they have attended. . They are members of our extended family, that we have had many blessed and miraculous experiences with, and it was nice to laugh and welcome them home. . We picked 5 butternut squashes for Sheila before she left. ------------------------- Tuesday, 9/11/2007 We went over to Joel and Bettina's, to hear the thoughts from the shaman, Cloudwalker. . Cloudwalker is very inspirational. . We were touched by his gentle and open spirit, and the insights that he shared with everyone. . It was also great to spend the evening with Bettina and Joel. Our friends from Madison, Aurora, and Carol, made the long trip up to hear Cloudwalker, after we sent the invitation to all our Madison area friends, for them to attend. . Our focus for the evening was honoring the earth, and all living things, and how to better take care of the earth, especially the soil, and trees. ................................. Wednesday, 9/12/2007 Don and Mary came over, from Middleton, to shop at Mishler's General Store, and visit with us. . They came over, to get Kathy, and she went with them to the store. . Then, we returned to Bumpity Road, to finish a feast, which included pesto and pasta, tossed salad, and Mediterranean Bean Soup, made by Chef Katrina delicious buttercup squash, roasted by Chef Roberto. Dessert was peanut butter cookies and part of a 38 pound home-grown watermelon. . Mary helped prepare the salad, set the table, and get things on and off of the table, and clean the dishes. Thank you Angel Mary. . It was all delicioso. . Don and Bob went out, and picked vegetables, while the ladies were getting things ready for dinner. . It was fantastic to visit and chat with these blessed friends. It is always great to JOY'n with them. . Both Mary and Don are involved in the Oblate Community Program at the former St. Benedict Center, which has now been changed to an, euchumenical, Holy Wisdom Monastery. . We admire, and enjoy hearing about, their commitment, to this active, diverse, community, spiritual group, just north of Madison, in rural Middleton. ................................. Thursday, 9/13/2007 We had a great chat with Sylvia, who called from Massachusetts to share wonderful stories about her life with Sean and his family there. . They have both been gifted with round-trip airplane tickets to do spiritual work in Colombia, S.A., and perhaps later, even to Argentina! . This afternoon we spent several hours listening to a presentation about Legal Living Trusts at the Best Western in Portage, which was very interesting and well presented, and the discusson period proved equally as interesting, as our presenter, Bill, an attorney from Baraboo was very well informed to handle all questions, as this estate planning has become his specialty in recent years. . We, two, did a walk-about around all the (10) gardens just before sunset, picking a few fruits and veggies along the way, as we discussed changes in the gardening plans for next year. . Evergreen Bed and Breakfasts guests, Dave and Diane, drove down from Minoqua (in northern Wisconsin) to spend the evening with us, and stay overnight. . We visited with Diane and Dave over bowls of the Mediterranean Bean Soup, and talked about our life here at Bumpity, and their lives as artists and travelers. We all marveled at how peaceful it is to live a happy and simple life, and stay with new friends, who seem like ones that we've known eternally. :-) .......................... Friday, 9/14/07 Bob made the fresh omelets for Dave and Diane. We also served them fresh wheat and nut bread, made by our friend, David, the Angel Baker. . It was refreshing to visit with them, and enJOY their relaxed way of looking at life. . We took a tour of the gardens. Then, they were off to Madison, to be with fellow watercolor artists, and paint creative masterpieces. . Kathy and Bob went to the MATC Dental Clinic, to have their teeth cleaned, by students there. It is always a great experience to go there, and share with a student, who cleans our teeth. . The 20 or so students, each with a client, and a half dozen supervisors and a dentist, continually moving from client to client to check the students' dental hygiene work. . When we got back home, Catherine, Pat, and Dolly welcomed us in the door, and we sang a welcome song. . We visited, and took a garden tour with them, which they greatly enJOYed. . Then, went to Ledlow's Kountry Korners Restaurant, for their perch fish fry meal. Mmmmm, mmmm, it was very good. . We saw Debbie, Amanda, Hayden, and Andrew there, already feasting over their dinners. There were also many people there that Bob knows, and he said hello to them, and chatted a bit, to each one. It felt like being in a c(K)ountry eatin' place, which it is. . It was good, that they had a full house, at the restaurant, and ran out of perch. . So, when Peggy drove in from Madison, and met us there, she got cod, with her meal. . We went to Bumpity, made beds, and sat by the wood burning stove. Again, mmm, we ate fresh, juicy watermelon, plus peanut butter and oatmeal raisin cookies. . It was ONEderful. . We shared the Dream Interpretation Group, and talked about our dreaming reflections. . It was very inspirational and inspiring. . Then, one by one, we each sauntered off, to a shower, a bath, and to bed. .......................... Saturday, 9/15/07 Bob was up early, to look at the vast thoughts that were going through his mind. . Then, he made another round of fresh omelets, one with basil, a second with cheese, and the third, with green peppers. Thank you Chef Robertino! . Bob used 16 eggs for the 3 omelets and a french toast batter for dipping 2 of David's wonderrul wheat breads in. . Beverages were white or red grapefruit juice, Bob's homemade capuchinos, and Bumpity WELLness water. :-) . EveryONE really enJOYed them, and appreciated BEing pampered. . Watermelon for dessert, under a glass cover, no less! . Kathy toured our friends around the gardens, and we also picked a lot of tomatoes and cucumbers. Bob harvested basil, and watermelons, for them to take home to Madison, to take home, and share with Duncan, and other friends. . When they loaded up the wagons, there were many fresh veggies and fruit, on top of their bags. Bob and Kathy are so glad, to share this bounty with so many people. . Each went home with an entire basil plant with the roots cut off and tied in a large 30 gallon plastic bag, a large just-picked in a wheelbarrow Charleston Gray Watermelon, lots of tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, eggplant, and green beans. . It was a joy to see, and BE with, the 6 "gleaners" in the various gardens. . We harvested in five gardens, ending with the 4 varieties of winter squash, Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut, and Moregold, which are growing adjacent to, the deer protected (hopefully), south side of the house. . Bob went to rest, and as Kathy was finishing cleaning downstairs, Barb W. called. Then, she and Kathy talked for a while. . Kathy went up to JOY'n Bob, for an afternoon siesta. . Wes called to say that he'd picked all of the grapes that he wanted and we are welcome to pick as many as we want. . So, Bob and Kathy went over and picked two big pails full of them. Boy, they are delicious! . Thank you for all of the blessings of family, neighbors, and friends. We are verrrrrrrrrrry grateful! .................................. Sunday, 9/16/07 Breakfast of left-over french toast, double-toasted in the toaster, Bob's with sliced bananas and sorghum, Kathy's with red raspberries (thank-you, Mary A.) and freshly-picked mint. . We had our Sunday morning 10 a.m. meditation and service with just the two of us. . We spoke on the phone to Gary (eldest son) and Edna in Illinois, our bridesmaid Barb Weaver, Sheila (one of our dream interpretation group founders), Le Roi, (our melon enthusiast), Bob's hunting buddy, Dragan, and several e-mails, in and out. . A quiet day, with little bits of birdwatching, cat activities, and the neighbors' horses meanderings. . An unusual seven day sequence of visiting here or away, with a lovely series of very dear souls. . Talk about abundance! . We are rich in friendships! . ::::::::::::::::::::::::: Monday, 9-17-07 Bob went in to Portage to have another card playing shootout with his Mom, Helen, Aunt Eva, and Victor, the three of them representing over two centuries total, of card playing experience! . Victor was the top card-slinger today, but a good time was had by all. . Kathy picked veggies today, and tonight we blanched umpteen, and I do mean umpteen, green pole beans. also red Patio and orange Garden Queen tomatoes. . All in many, many, many-sized containers labeled and cooling, waiting to go in one of the barn freezers tomorrow morning. . We also baked 6 Buttercup Winter Squashes, for us that means, a week of desserts, starting tomorrow. . It is now 1 a.m. in the morning, so hopefully, we'll be in bed before 2 a.m., after our hot (very early morning) baths. . :::::::::::::::::::::::::: Tuesday, 9-18-07 LeRoi stopped by twice, to get water, once after 30 miles of biking from Wisconsin Dells, and then again, after another 20 miles of bicycling northeast of us. . By the time he gets back to the Dells, he will have biked about 80 miles, in about a total of six hours or so. . Bob gleaned all the remaining produce from garden 5 today, which included about 60 Buttercup Winter Squashes (55 pounds), 5 Hubbard Squashes (49.5 pounds), and about 260 pounds of watermelon (one of these is a 35 pounder!). . After 8 p.m., a big heaping tray of squashes was put in each of our two electric ovens. . If we do two heaping trays a night, it will takes us 4 more nights to bake what we picked today. . Afterwards, with difficulty, Bob got all the 5 foot high weeds mowed down in garden 5 (about half an acre, or 20,000 square feet), and then tilled it, both north to south, and east to west, to work the weeds into the soil as compost and nutrient. . This is prep work for next year, which Bob can do, as soon as all the produces has been harvested. .. Meals today included lots of purple grapes, home-made wheat breads, cheese, peanut butter, Chef Katrina's Mediteranean Bean Soup and salad, buttercup squashes, and lots of watermelon. . KAThy is readying to do the basil chopping for muy pesto, to quench our delights, through the winter. Thank you for the abunDANCE of basil that we have, even after the frost. :-) ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 9-19-07, Wednesday: Bob picked about 1250 red, patio tomatoes in gardens 2 and 4, plus additional orange colored Garden Queen Tomatoes. . After washing squash with a scrub brush in a 300 gallon tank outside, about 15 buttercup squash were brought in and re-washed again, in the kitchen sink, before they were all popped into our two ovens. . The double rinsed tomatoes were packed into 4 or 5 quart, plastic ice cream pails, totaling 54 quarts to be taken to one of the freezers in the barn tomorrow. . The squash are cooling off in the two ovens and will be packed in plastic containers for freezer storage, tomorrow morning. . Today, we discovered the delight of, would you believe it, FROZEN WATERMELON? . We just cube it and pop it in a freezer! . It tastes like "watermelon popsicle." :-) . And the seeds, though frozen, are still alive for re-planting next year! . We have picked 1990 pounds of watermelon so far this year, but there is still some "gleaning" to do in three of the "watermelon patches," probably about 50 watermelons or so to still be picked. . Nine of the gardens still have food, waiting to be harvested. . About 35 butternut squashes will probably be put out on the picnic table for guests to pick up and take home, as they wish. . Among the foods we ate from our gardens today were watermelon, kale, tomatoes, basil (in Kathy's pesto, served on whole wheat pasta from Italy), butternut squash, and a second marathon of watermelon.. . In addition we are eating several pounds of purple grapes each morning, thanks to a neighbor who invited us to harvest his leftovers, which we did, (about 30 pounds). . Two other friends invited us to pick apples, and even more grapes! . But we declined, because we have much to do here to harvest before the first killing frost. . On 9-10, we had a small frost that killed the lower leaves of all our 105? tomato plants, followed by a 9-15 frost that killed almost all the winter squash and watermelon plants, and with a frosty hand, also touched our many basil and eggplants, etc. . Some cucumbers and bell peppers were also frosted, and some keep on growing! . It looks as though we have a "window" of at least 5 days to get a lot done. .. Normally our first killing frost comes during the first week of October. . Kathy's herb garden survived completely, as it faces walls on the north and west, thus protecting it from winds, which are sometimes a very major factor in killing frosts. . We also replaced our maibox site at the end of our driveway. . The 55 gallon steel drum is no longer there to hold our mailbox! Now, the mailbox is on a post. . For decades, that was an identifying landmark for many of our friends. . Frosts had been slowly pushing it downhill for years, making it increasingly difficult for the mail man to lean out and get our mail inside the box. . When we tried to help the mailman's reach, by moving the 400 pound rock and cement filled barrel closer to the road, (with a log chain, and the BIG tractor), the barrel began to disintegrate. :-) . Tonight, Bob is making a list of veggies to be harvested in the 9 remaining gardens. . And then, tomorrow, Bob will do a little walk-about to see what he has missed, and then, as he does every day, reshuffles the priorities, to always have a day, that is very different from the original intent. . We are very grateful for the grand harvest, and all of the blessings, that we are so touched to receive. Thank you. :-) . :::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Thursday, 9-20-07 We did a walk-about, around and in, all of the gardens, making notes on the different produce in each garden, yet to be harvested, and totaling them up, and setting priorities, about which should be harvested most immediately. . Lots of food, labeled, in ice cream pails, and taken to both barn freezers to be frozen. . Kathy did an additional exercise walk, following the mowed paths around the gardens. . Our meals today, again, were primarily fruits and vegetables. . Five big hubbard squashes (totaling 49.5 pounds), went into the two ovens, to await packing and freezing tomorrow. . We have been keeping late hours, quite a bit lately. . Usually, till after midnight. . It does make it difficult to even think about getting up at dawn! . :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Friday, September 21, 2007 . We are up early, and embracing the day, to see what is the most JOY filled thing to do today! . KAThy took a walk, around our meditation trails. It is a perfect blessing, to enJOY the welcoming of the sun, in this way. Thank you, thank you, thank you! . Bob is out to harvest more from the gardens, and it sooo fantastic, how we are very miraculously given such a bountiful harvest. . This is symbolic of the Open harvest, in our heats and minds. . We are so thankful to say YES to every experience that comes to us! . :::::::::::::::::::::: Saturday, 9-22-07 Dragan drove up from Illinois this morning to monkey around with Bob in several trees, building "deer stands." . In the afternoon, Patty Cakes stopped by with her granddaughter, Amber, and Amber's parents, Jason and Kimmie. . We took a tractor-towed wagon ride around the different gardens, picking watermelons, pumpkins, various winter squashes, bird house gourds, and, when the wagon passed under the apple trees, a few apples "fell into our laps." . Patty Cakes picked lots of hickory nuts that were on the ground, under the trees on the east side of the house. . Then we ate a watermelon outside, using the haywagon as a cutting board. . Then we all came inside to sample Chef Katarina's home-made soups, one pumpkin, and the other chicken rice. . An unusually delightful cucumber dish was made of cucumbers, mint, and chives! . And....Bragg's liquid aminos, for additional flavoring. . Dessert was more watermelon, and, peanut butter cookies. . Then, Dragan, with great skill on the chainsaw, cut trees around the barn, and sawed them into 18 inch blocks for the woodstoves. . Bob trimmed branches, then dragged and stacked the brush. . It was a great team effort to get a lot of work done on fallen trees, and trees growing into the steel pole barn. . Dragan then did some practice bow shooting, which was quite impressive, hitting the target consistently up to 60 yards! . Eventually, all 5 of our visitors left, and Bob walked up in the dark to put the big tractor to bed, and close the barn doors. . Monkeying around in trees is hard work, so I know that a couple of tree climbers, are going to sleep very soundly tonight. . But, it is a satisfied sort of tiredness, because of all that we did today. :-) . Bob is pooped, and so is looking forward to an early evening bath, followed by a delicious climb into bed. . Goodnight! :-) . ::::::::::::::::::::::::: Sunday, 9-23-07 . Bob and KAThy welcomed the morning, by JOY'ning in the meditation service, to see the light shining from withIN them and all. We do this, in our divine Union with Holy Spirit, and see One another as mirrors, in this expression. . Bob went out to the gardens, to pick squashes, rhutabagas, apples, and watermelons. Wow, there are so many, and it is a blessing, to find and see these treasures everywhere. . Kathy was inside doing inside tasks like laundry, and making a Sesame Rhutabaga delight, to share. . Kathy's mother, Newell, called and they talked, while Kathy wore the chefs hat. . Bob went to town, to play with the card sharks, Mom Helen, Aunt Eva, and Victor, and he just came back in the door, with goodies in hand. . We are ready to share a Melon delight, and eat the goodies, that he brought home, plus, some sweet Sesame Rhutabaga Salad. . Good night, sweet Angels. . Bob is now checking in after one of his best memory efforts, ever, in playing against the three 80+ year olds. . It was a nice relaxing thing to do after harvesting 20 Black Acorn Squash, 34 Striped Acorn Squash, 66 Butternut Squash, 27 Charleston Grey Watermelons, and 91 Bird House Gourds, the latter have been the most recent favorites of the deer. . A good day's blend of our Sunday Service, great and healthy food, a great harvesting time, and time for play with my 3 favorite Octogenarians! . Loretta stopped by mom's and gifted us with deep fried fritters, so we had a late snack of fritters, followed by our daily favorite, Ye Olde Watermelon! :::::::::::::::::::::::: Monday 9-24-07 Several errands in Portage, tempted us to lunch over at Bud's Pizza Hut, where Bob's mom had worked, centuries ago. . The little restaurant has been there for over 55 years, for sure. . Salad, chicken, mashee potatoes and gravy, a variety of pizzas, hot from the oven, and ice cream desssert, with ingredients for sundaes. . We indulged in unlimited snacking. . Then, one of our septic drains got plugged up, which resulted in us bypassing using any water in the kitchen for the duration. . However, Jerry B. our sepitic doctor, may be able to get here tomorrow, with his massive diesel truck, with a septic capacity of sucking out several thousand gallons of septic waste. . The path Jerry's truck uses, to get near our septic holding tanks, is now planted with pole beans, tomatoes, eggplant, and basil, much of it on over 100 feet of fencing, attached to 15, seven foot steel posts. . Thus, we were obliged to pick tomatoes, beans, etc., and then begin cleaning off, untying, and rolling up the three sections of fencing, and pulling up the 15, deep set steel poles. . Although it was dark, we had adequate lighting with our outside lights, and supplementary halogen lamps. . Loretta called us, on her way home, and volunteered to come out and help us, so in just a few mintes, she came down the driveway and began picking pole beans. . Later we ate a considerable quantity of watermelon. . And then ate another considerable quantity. . It was a very homey feeling to just sit and chat, one melon after another. :-) . ::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Tuesday, 9-25-07 What a blessing to see Jerry B. drive his big diesel septic waste tanker truck down our driveway! . Most of his 3,500 gallon capacity was utilized to empty all of our holding tanks and pump tanks. . Jerry was very helpful in considering many possibilities for our current usage and tank maintenance, which is much appreciated in view of our many guests, and thus toilet and water usage. . So far, this year, we have had 51 overnight guests, staying a total of 181 nights. . Today was slower paced with little chores here and there, like carrying storage to the barn, picking patio tomatoes, trimming branches in the deer stands, cooking stir fries, and several close encounters with watermelon. . Our haywagon load of produce needs to be emptied, so that we can continue to harvest before freezing. . Three gardens are now empty (one of them already mowed and tilled for next year), with seven gardens still waiting for the cornucopia wagon. . It was also a day of frequent little chats about a variey of things for us to do, friends to contact, information to get, e-mails, and phone calls. . We have fallen into a pattern of getting to bed late, usually around midnight, or later, which frequently makes us mid-morning risers. . We hope to eventually begin occasionally modifying these sleeping hours, especially during the times that we are home alone, which occurs about half of our days. . Thus, overall, we are blessed with a great balance of interaction with many over-nighters here, and us occasionally away overnight with travel club hosts or friends, a steady trickle of drop-ins here and away, time for us to be home alone, just the two of us, and time alone for each of us when working, or one rising earlier (like right now), or going to bed earlier, than the other. . To date, 51 different over-nighters, many repeat visits, for a total of 181 nights. . It is not uncommon for us to spend several hours apart, especially during the weekd days, or when Bob plays cards, usually at least weekly, with his mom and the rest of the Card Slinging Gang. . Bob looks forward to the card playing, not only to socialize, and be with his ailing mom, but also to test and improve his memory, and document and measure improvements Bob has made to "shoot straighter" in his card-slinging with The Octogenarian Outlaw Trio of Card Slingers. :-) . ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Wednesday, 9-26-07 A morning of planning, getting information, phone calls, weighing options, and decision making. . Our outside work involved picking up stones, stacking brush, mowing several gardens, picking, washing, and hanging much basil to dry, and prepping 4 gardens for next year by cultivating each of them thoroughly. . So, now, we are down to only 6 gardens with produce, one of which still has watermelons, and three which still have winter squashes. . Bob also mowed the walking paths and our front yard (by the mailbox). . Temperatures were nice for working outside, but, as soon as the sun went down, it did get noticeably chilly. . Three varieties of winter squashes are baking in the oven as a sort of taste test, to see which ones we want to bake and freeze. . Kathy's stir fries tonight were scrumptilicious, with extra ingredients of rutabagas, green patio tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, and beets, making for a very tasty looking plate. . Kathy also made a colorful and filling tossed salad, to thank her green thumb, and hours of planting, weeding and picking lelluce, basil, tomatoes and peppers. . It was a deLight for Kathy to do this, and add the multi-colored veggies into the pan and dishes, to make a festive meal, for JOY'ning, to share in the harvest! Dishwasher on automatic, and squashes almost baked. . Life is good. Thank you for all of the rich blessings! . :::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Thursday: 9-27-07 We went to town (Portage), where Loretta and Kathy, did ear candling, to get the wax out of each others ears, and Bob joined sister Rose, brother Ron, and his mom, Helen, for yet another card-slinging shoot-out at Mom's O.K. Corral. . Lots of laughs had by everyone, with lots of gentle and humorous teasing done, by all. . Mom's Lemon Pie Pan, was an incredibly tasty lemon treat. . Bob brought in six watermelon for the families, and we took home a 50# bag of small yellow onions from a local grower ($5.50). . The little yellow onions, proved to be the strongest onions that Bob had ever peeled. . Bob's eyes watered so much, that tears were running down his cheeks, and his eyes, actually ached! . But once they got partially sauteed in the stir fries, they became very tasty indeed! . ::::::::::::::::::::::: Friday: 9-28-07 We visited several Amish stores, and then came home to have a long visit with Ruth W., cuzzin' Jerry's mom. . It was very interesting and informative to share with someone who could go back several generations, talking about the interesting history of family, friends, and their many activities. . Also lots of stories about animals, which is one of Ruth's passions. . As are babies, whom she cares for at our local hospital, some 40 years now! . Kathy worked inside making pesto to freeze, etc., and Bob hitched up the still loaded hay wagon to the little 20 horses of Allis Chalmers, and then went out to load up another 41 watermelons and 104 winter squash! (mostly acorn and butternut, mmmmm, mmmm!) . Cuzzin' Jerry stopped by after dark to help Bob make some tractor repairs, after which we had roasted and then crock-potted venison and gravy on bread, etc. . It was tied with the most tender venison we have ever eaten, really, very, very tasty. . Lots of interesting chatting with Jerry about his activities as a volunteer fireman, his work at a local rural township dumpsite, his experiences "bringin' 'em back alive" for the Humane Society, and his continuous cell phone calls to make many kinds of repairs for many people. . Jerry is, a mechanical genius, and very creative in many other areas as well. . ::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Saturday: 9-29-07 Loretta and Melissa stopped by to get some more watermelon and squash to eat at their homes, and take to family and friends. . They said yes to our invitation for pasta and stir fry, with whole wheat pasta, and a mixture of rhutabaga, onions, and lots of pretty peppers. . The stir fry was very tasty, and hit the spot, for everyone. . Of course, we had watermelon, which they loved and appreciated, so much! . Kathy made pesto, with lots of basil, which was very tasty. . We also baked squash, and put it in ice cream pails, and muy watermelon, to take up to the freezer in the barn. . Our harvest will be feeding us well, until next year, at this time. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: . Sunday, September 30, 2007 We woke up to a beautiful day, looking out at the trees, with birds all around. . Bob and KAThy JOY'ned for the meditation, and were blessed to do that, briefly. . Then, the Angel Loretta called, to ask about stopping by, to pick up more squash and melons. . When she got here, we saw her loading her car up, with blessings for friends. . She came in, and enJOYed an omelette, with onions, which Chef Roberto put his blessed touch on. It was very delicious! . We also ate watermelon, and had a fabulous experience, talking with Loretta about life, and the many ways in which miracles have come her way! . Loretta went on, to make the fruit deliveries. . The card wiz gang met and played at Helen, Bob's mother's house, and invited him to come together with them, once again. . Kathy stayed home, and made more pesto, and tasty treats. . Bob, Mom Helen, Aunt Eva, and Victor played cards for a while, and Bob returned to Bumpity. . We cleaned out more squash, and ate some roasted blessings too! . Thank you Holy Spirit! . |
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