Memphis Democrat
May 24, 2007

Alyssa here letting you know about another glorious and eventful week at Dancing Rabbit. Some of the biggest news, in my opinion, happened on Monday of this week when Aurelia, our resident 10-month old, started walking completely on her own! She has been captivating the attention of Rabbits ever since with her new abilities and confidence.

Monday morning was the grand re-opening breakfast for those choosing to cook in the outdoor kitchen this summer. I am told that the breakfast was a big hit, consisting of coffee and cigarettes. They have since diversified their diet and even include things like real food!

Also on Monday, Tony B., Tony and I headed to Macon for the day. We deposited another full truck of trash at the landfill, bought some old barn siding to be used for new tent platforms and visited Rachel for the afternoon. Rachel has been working in Macon for the past 3 weeks and we are excited that she will be returning home soon.

We have had a few visitors this week. Sara, who visited Dancing Rabbit last May, has returned for a few weeks. Julie and her baby, Luna, visited Ironweed for a few days. Dan's friend, Ananda, arrived from Madison, WI this week and plans to stay for a few weeks. Tim, a previous member, came out from Oklahoma for one day to watch Rowan's first baseball game. Liat, a visitor from the previous visitor session, has been here the entire week working some days in the Ironweed kitchen and other days in the Skyhouse garden. Liat also applied for residency and a forum was held Wednesday night to discuss the details of her pending move here.

The Ironweed kitchen is changing quickly these days and continues to grow more and more beautiful. Tamar, Ted, Tony B., Brian and Liat have all been working hard to complete the first coat of plaster on all the straw-bale walls. Work has also begun on the beginning stages of the earthen floor. Sara and I have been spending our time in the Ironweed garden, planting the last of our seeds and seedlings, harvesting salad and asparagus, and watering. Never a dull moment in Ironweed!

A number of Rabbits got up early Thursday morning to stake out the road in the new neighborhood. The available lots in our current neighborhood are almost gone, so work is happening to get the new neighborhood sited and ready for building. It is exciting to think of Dancing Rabbit growing into a new neighborhood soon.

A big event for Rowan happened on Thursday night as he played his first baseball game of the season. I am told that he even stole two bases! Toren's first tee-ball game was equally as exciting on Friday night.

Thursday evening was a lively and well-attended sewing night hosted by Alline. She enticed many of us with her chocolate cake and good company. Danette Clatt of Memphis was even able to stop by for a short while as her daughter, Abby, completed her fiddle lesson with Tamar.

A sizable group of rabbits biked and drove into Kirksville on Friday afternoon to attend the second Critical Mass bike ride. I hear that the turnout was great. The rest of us remained behind to share dinner together, as usual for Friday nights, and watch Aurelia locomote about.

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