Memphis Democrat
June 3, 2004

It's nice to get the rain but these storms are sort of scary! I was glad Tom stopped me on my way out to check nests for my research to tell me there was a tornado watch and huge thunderstorm heading our way. I was glad to see the hail from the comfort of my house instead of in the middle of a field.

There have been many reunions and sad goodbyes this week. Trish has been with us all spring and we had a going away party to honor her departure. It started with a big game of kickball, with endless innings. Luckily, no one was keeping score. Then we had a potluck dinner, followed by a tango lesson led Laura and Trish. When we had tangoed ourselves silly, we switched over to a Caribbean dance party, with Stefanie mixing the pina coladas. Long after I went to bed, the party moved out to a fire by the pond.

Alline also left us for a visit to see her parents in California. Her mother is not feeling well, so she went out to spend some quality time. We also said goodbye to Nicole. Thomas drove her back to Quincy to catch her bus and then brought his parent's truck back to Pekin, IL. He biked the entire 160 miles back home in one day!

Jacque returned from her visit to her family. The next day Cecil returned with Amy, driving all her stuff and two cats here. Amy and the cats moved into the top grainbin apartment. It took the cats a few days to adjust, but I hear the are happy. They all got back just in time for a visit from the Courard-Hauris. Dave and Freddi were part of the group who originally thought up the idea of Dancing Rabbit. In the meantime, they have moved to Des Moines and are raising two girls who are smart as whips. It was nice to have them visit, and we dream of the day them may come and live here with us.

But it hasn't been all play. Dan poured the foundation for his house, with the help of a big crew of workers and M & O concrete. Gardens have been getting prettier by the day. And Jeff (a Truman student who is helping me with my research), Dan, Thomas and I got wood chip mulch from Memphis and turned the courtyard in front of the Common House into a pleasant web of paths.

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