Memphis Democrat
March 18, 2004

Hi everyone. This is Alline writing for Dancing Rabbit.

I arrived home after a week in Hawaii (leading a Sierra Club trip) and a week in California with my parents, and promptly put on my down jacket, long johns, wool socks and fuzzy hat. Brrrrrrrrr! But my transition is nothing compared to that of Thomas, who arrived home just the other day after a winter in, get this, Buffalo, New York. Can he pick 'em, or what? His tales of piles of snow (from the snow plows) higher than houses put everything in perspective, and I'm glad to be back in the mild, balmy weather of NEMO.

The Rabbits have been busy as, well, bunnies this week. Cecil and Jacque got to visit her grandmother and great aunt in St. Louis for a day, which they enjoyed a lot. Penn has headed off to Washington D.C. to visit some friends. He brought along his banjo and mandolin (in the brand new case he fashioned for it) to play music while there. One of his friends even booked recording studio time, so who knows what he'll come home with? Perhaps we should all look for Penn on MTV soon. Ted is still in Virginia waiting (not so patiently) for the birth of his niece - she's taking her sweet time arriving, and making everyone nuts in the process. Hmmmm, just wait 'til she's 16! Rachel is still in Florida visiting with her parents and grandmother. Jeffrey is headed to Washington D.C. for a computer conference and networking opportunities. Arjen and Stefanie are on their way to the Pacific northwest - Arjen to do some work, and Stef to see friends. And last but not least our friend Jo seph came for a one-day visit and then whisked Trish away for a week in St. Louis. Whew!

Those of us who are holding down the fort (sometimes literally, with the winds we've had lately) have been keeping busy. Kurt has been installing plumbing and light switches like a man afire - it's terribly fun to walk from room to room and turn on and off the lights (as my mother always says as she looks at me and shakes her head, "simple pleasures for simple minds"). Sara and Tamar have had their heads together a lot lately, and have come up with a plan for the Ironweed kitchen. They've ordered the power system and are already sprouting seeds for their garden. It's exciting to watch a dream take shape. Skyhouse has finshed the installation of their wood kitchen floor - it's quite lovely, and really adds to the feeling of warmth and comfort that every kitchen should have. Can't wait 'til they invite me over for pancakes and a good cup o' joe.

We played the infamous game of "Celebrity" on Thursday when the Sandhill folks came over for dinner. Now I see what all the talk is about - it's SO FUN! My favorite part was when everyone secretly wrote down names of 'celebrities' on little pieces of paper. The spectrum of personalities spanned everyone from Chet Huntley (an unknown to the 20-somethings) and Marie Curie to Stevie Nicks and Memphis' own Betty Lodewegen. Trish submitted Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913), throwing us all for a loop. Which is a good thing, lest we get too big for our britches. Speaking of britches (cute, little ones) Skyler of Sandhill, who is almost two, delighted us all by learning our names and reciting them on demand. We're so easily amused. My favorite moment, however, was when he was playing hide and seek with his dad, Cedar. Skyler was hiding behind some towels that were hanging in the hall, and Cedar was doing the grown-up thing of "gosh, where's Skyler? Is he under th e bed? In the heating vent? In here...?" when a corner of the towel lifted up and a little voice chirped "look behind the towels!" We laughed and laughed.

We were saddened to learn that Dan's mom, who lives up in Michigan, has broken her hip. The interesting news is that she broke it doing yoga, so I susupect that she is a woman with spunk and fortitude. We send our prayers, thoughts and good wishes to her for speedy healing.

One last item - we're still looking for furniture for our new Community Building. Couches, arm chairs, kitchen chairs, office chairs, and a coffee table or end table would all be GREATLY appreciated. Call and leave a message for Dan if you are able to donate anything.

Dancing Rabbit in a non-profit community demonstrating sustainable living. Our tours have not yet started this year, but you can read about us online at www.dancingrabbit.org . Our number for those furniture donations is 660-883-5511. Thanks for reading!