Memphis Democrat
May 10, 2007

Tony here at Dancing Rabbit with the weather report. We have intermittent showers coming from the west, interspersed with scattered and isolated thunderstorms. Flood warnings are in effect, and the creek is already out of its banks. Cisterns are full but solar electricity is scarce as the cloud cover is thick and dark. But strong storms mean strong wind so those windmills are spinning fast. Needless to say the word for the week is mud!

Its true what they say about moving to a rural area -- all we seem to talk about is the weather. But the weather makes a big difference out here, both for us rabbits and our neighbors. Everyone is worried about the getting the crops in the ground before its too late or fearful that those in the ground will rot or wash away. Add to that the fact that at DR our electricity and water are dependent on the weather and it adds a whole new level of excitement to the weather report.

Some rabbits have been seen out in the rain with shovels attempting to redirect the deluge to more appropriate places. Unfortunately, roads and paths become places water is excited to travel and the lack of vegetation means quick erosion. But its amazing how a few shovel-fulls of dirt up stream can divert the water to a slower path through the grass where the soil is held in place. We've by now means mastered the art of storm water management but springs like this are great inspiration to get it figured out right.

One thing that loves this weather is the spring salad greens. Lettuce is flourishing in our gardens and the first salad harvests of spring are a welcome addition to our meals.

The rain did not stop Skyhouse from putting away a big load of firewood for the winter. Jennifer picked up a trailer load of scrap wood from the local furniture factory and after a long day of chainsawing and stacking its mostly put away in our woodshed - almost two cords worth. Now if it will just dry out so we can get the trailer out of our yard we'll be all set.

I visited Rachel in Macon over the weekend where she is doing field work on some National Guard land. She and her boss were hired to survey the flora and fauna on the land so the Guard can manage the reclaimed strip mine appropriately and in an ecological manner. She says its been hard work setting live-traps, some of which involve burying 5-gallon buckets in the ground. You know you've worked hard after digging dozens of 5-gallon holes in sometimes rocky soil (in the rain no less). I'm glad I got to stay home and cut firewood!

Progress continues on the building front. Tony and Alyssa worked on some of their finish plaster for the inside of their home. Ironweed got a lot of visitor help on their kitchen, applying cob and plaster. Kurt and Alline got a load of reused lumber from Carlisle Holbert but unfortunately their plans to dig their foundation have been delayed (due to rain of course).

There has also been time this week for fun. We had movies, both here and at the Memphis Theater. A raucus sewing circle gathered in Skyhouse on Thursday evening. Tony and Alyssa hosted an impromptu Cinco de Mayo celebration. And I heard tell of improvisational dancing, singing and percussion in the common house. The kids have been making due with board games and such during the rainstorms but are outside mucking about as soon as it clears up.

Does make me wonder though if we should be building an ark or something!

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