Memphis Democrat
May 6, 2004

Welcome back Stefanie! She was on a long vacation out West and we're glad to have her back. And it's fun to see her working in her garden when I'm out working in mine right next door. She's got lots of tiny lettuce plants coming up in all different colors and I'm so happy to see my peas popping out of the ground.

Trish's friend Joseph came up for the weekend from Saint Louis. Then he whisked her, Jeffrey and Tamar to Kirksville to go to Tom Thumb. It is a student-run art gallery that is open once a year. And they came back with a great big trampoline! A friend of Trish's was moving and couldn't take it with her. So now the soccer field has become the "recreation field" and the trampoline seems to be in almost constant use.

Joseph was also here long enough to help out when we practiced cheerleading stunts. He is an excellent base and a good sport. Jacque has been building us up to more and more complex stunts, so that now we are able to do some formations. Good thing the ceiling in the common house is so tall.

Alyson's friend Lauren visited for a few days on her way cross country. She is a yoga instructor and was kind enough to give long luxurious classes the two mornings she was here. With some Sandhillers in attendance, it was a full house.

Jacque organized a storytelling night in the common house. She and visitor Amy made tons of popcorn and we sat around telling funny stories from our lives. Strange how things that seemed like terribly embarrassing disasters at the time make for a really funny story later. We laughed and laughed.

Thomas took off for Kansas City for the weekend. As part of an Earth Day celebration, he went to teach about earthen plasters. Tony is gone for the week in Colorado. He is on the board of a nonprofit that promotes community and they are having one of their semiannual meetings. He told me they had snow there! I'm glad I'm here, where the weather has been mostly gorgeous.

The food co-op situation is in a time of transition. Just a few years ago, nearly everyone ate together in one food co-op called Cattail and took turns doing the cooking. Over time, individuals, families and small co-ops broke off. It seems like a natural part of our growing process, though I miss seeing everyone together at dinner! This week Ironweed starting eating with Bluestem, until their kitchen is finished. At the same time, Bob and Laura completed a little summer kitchen and started eating on their own. Cattail co-op is closing shop this week, and Skyhouse is starting a co-op to feed the small group remaining. Luckily we have the Common House now, and plan to bring in our plates to eat together and catch up with each other on Fridays.

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