Memphis Democrat
March 7, 2002

This week reminded me of that saying about Missouri weather: If you don't like the weather, just wait a day. Its unbelievable that we went from wearing shorts to sledding in just a few days. It has been like a Currier and Ives print around here recently. Folks have been cross country skiing, tobogganing, eating sugar on snow and roasting chestnuts. Tamar even served dinner with a miniature snow-person on the table, complete with a carrot nose and peppercorn eyes.

Folks have been in Memphis a lot this week. Tom and Mark, who are responsible for land management, went to the conservation meeting. Tom won a doorprize and he came home very excited about it. Alyson got a ride to town with them to become an official resident of Scotland County. She said she enjoyed meeting everyone while she got her drivers licence and library card. And she finally picked up her prize at Java Jitters from their open house. She heard a rumor that they might serve vegetarian food there soon.

Tony, Tom and I went to the conservation fair at the high school. I hope none of you missed the live otter show. They were incredibly cute. We also enjoyed the exhibits. I want to especially thank forester Nate Goodrich for answering my hundred and one questions about trees.

Tom and Mark biked to the burn workshop in Edina. They learned a lot but were disappointed that they didn't have the opportunity to set anything on fire.

Our friend singer-songwriter Allette Brooks visited us for awhile. She inspired us to play a rollicking game of Trivial Pursuit. Alline always wins so every team had at least three players, except hers. She still almost beat us. Allette played a performance at the Aquadome in Kirksville, where she entertained us with her thoughtful songs and witty repartee.

We are at a turning point in the gardening season. Don harvested the last of the carrots that were in the ground. At least, he harvested those that hadn't been eaten by a family of voles. And at the same time, he's been busy preparing flats to start the plants for the next growing season.

We had an awesome tour group this week from the Kirksville campus of Moberly Area Community College. The students had a very good attitude, despite the freezing temperatures and asked very good questions. We'd welcome them back anytime.

Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is a nonprofit and a residential community that demonstrates ecological sustainability in Rutledge, MO. We have Saturday tours beginning April 6th. Please call first, at 883-5511.

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