Memphis Democrat
May 17, 2007

Alline here. Another week at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage has come and gone, faster than the speed of light. Was it sunny? I think so. Did things happen? I feel quite sure that they did. I’ve been staying close to home this week, working hard on the business plan for Milkweed Mercantile, so my perspective is a bit narrow and mostly focused on what I can see out my window.

I know we had a potluck on Tuesday, because I remember the horde of children and dogs running around in circles and laughing (the children were laughing; if the dogs were laughing, I couldn’t tell), and the newly invented game that involved throwing a Frisbee through a rolling hula hoop. The Ironweed folks, Tamar, Ted, Sara, Tony B. and Alyssa, were worn out from a long day of gardening – it is hard work growing the most delicious salad greens on the farm. Aurelia, however, was fresh, blond and glamorous in a summer sundress.

Speaking of gardening, I have fallen in love with asparagus. (Do remember that it is not polite to roll one’s eyes). A few weeks ago I received the oddest-looking spider-like objects in the mail. The paperwork from the nursery confirmed that these were indeed asparagus starts. I was a bit skeptical, but went out and turned two beds, mixed in some lovely compost, and put them in according to directions. Two days later we received what felt like 38 feet of rain. The clay soil surrounding my carefully dug beds acted like a moat; the beds filled with water and looked like rice paddies. I despaired. But then Rory knocked on the door and mentioned that some of my asparagus had come up. What? I dashed outside and sure enough, teeny weeny skinny little stalks were reaching up, trying to escape the mud bath that had become their home. Ah, just three short years until my first harvest.

I know it was sunny on Wednesday. That morning I got up early to get a load of laundry in our shared (community) washer before anyone else was up. Just as I rounded the corner I spotted Tony B. slipping into the Community Building with a Santa Claus-like bag over his shoulder. I knew, however, that he was not carrying treats for good boys and girls – more likely the bag was filled with HIS laundry. So while I missed my opportunity for daybreak washing, I was able to sit on the porch swing and watch the community wake up. The birds were making a spectacular racket, and Juan and Amy’s cats were frolicking on the second-story Skyhouse porch. Dave Carleton, who has been visiting with his family, was grabbing a rare moment of serenity, eating breakfast at the table in the courtyard while happily reading a book. Tamar arrived to lead her morning yoga class, and Michelle and Suzanne popped in for a spot of tea. A little while later Alyssa, who has begun to look gloriously pregnant, led a group of us on a heart-thumping morning walk. The conversation is always fabulous and helps us forget that walking is, well, kind of boring.

Kurt drove down to Newark to pick up another load of lumber from Carlyle Holbert for the Mercantile (if the rain ever stops long enough for us to dig the foundation!). He came home with lots of wood and five dozen eggs from our generous friend. Whooee! It has been great fun for those of us who eat eggs. The yolks are the beautiful bright orange of happy free-range chickens and went into lots of omelets, brownies, pies and even a jelly roll. Yum!

Thursday evening was sewing night. Jan, Liat, Amy, Alyssa and I gathered in Skyhouse to sew, knit, crochet and chat. I left early and came home where Kurt was hosting “Exploding Movie Night” for the guys (this week’s feature was Walking Tall starring The Rock). I’ve always wondered what really goes on during these testosterone-filled evenings. I went upstairs and they promptly forgot that I was there, and guess what? When we leave them alone for an evening they talk about shopping! I giggled to myself as they compared Carhartt double-knee jeans to the Lee work jeans that Kurt purchased at Cook’s Men’s store. It seems that the Lee jeans feature leather-reinforced pocket stays. The men all thought this was very cool. Jeez.

Friday the Carletons, the Johnson kids and their mom Jennifer, B.J., Suzanne and some local friends went skating at the rink in Kahoka. They had a blast, as usual. Amy Carleton continues to be tremendously impressed with how nice everyone is around here. We can only smile and agree. Community dinner was small and quiet, and we reveled in having Tereza join us – her insight and humor always make dinner a celebration.

There was a trip to the Truman State auction and the arrival of a lot of purple upholstered furniture in the Community Building. Coincidence? You be the judge. There was the annual May Day Celebration at Sandhill, complete with May Pole, music and fabulous food. Two of the cutest puppies ever were wandering along highway 15 by themselves and followed Alyssa and Tony B. as they walked home from Sandhill. Small and black, friendly and very socialized, they appear to be some sort of terrier mix. A male and a female, they are so cute they will break your heart. Our friend Andrew is dropping them off at the Kirksville Humane Society on his way home to southern California – please call (660-665-8038) and see about adopting them!

Sunday evening after dinner Kurt and I sat in our lawn chairs in the shade of our oak trees and basked in the sheer perfection of the moment. There was a brilliant pink sunset, riotous birdsong, giggling children, a perfect temperature, and no mosquitoes. It only lasted 20 minutes, but was bliss.

That’s it for this edition of Life at Dancing Rabbit. Tune in next week when Alyssa will regale you with tales of life in the Ironweed garden!

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