Memphis Democrat
July 2, 2007

Hi all. This is Alline reporting in for Dancing Rabbit, where the majority of us are in sugar-induced comas. What a week!

Monday dawned bright and sunny, just perfect for BJ’s birthday. She began her day with a French Toast extravaganza and ended it with a party in the Community Building that featured Jason’s amazing chocolate chip banana cake. We were off to a roaring start!

Tuesday former intern and plaster master Aaron Ross arrived for a two-week visit with his charming partner Annie. Annie’s parents and sister dropped them off on their way home to Wisconsin. We enjoyed them immensely, and were glad that they had time to stay for dinner and then join us for breakfast on Wednesday morning. We look forward to their next visit!

Tuesday our friends from Sandhill and Red Earth Farms joined us for our weekly potluck dinner. I don’t know what was happening, but it was some of the most delicious food we’ve ever had. Best of all, as the sun set and the fireflies came out, we were serenaded by a talented group who were accompanied by others on guitars and fiddles. Ah, summertime, and the livin’ is easy…

Friday was the Annual Dancing Rabbit Float trip. This year, rather than driving hours to Iowa we found happiness in our own backyard and spent the afternoon paddling around the local reservoir. Because we were so close, about half of the group bicycled and the rest transported the canoes and kayaks in the biodiesel-fueled truck and trailer. The afternoon was topped off with a picnic lunch, and everyone came home pink-cheeked and smiling.

Friday evening a little bird told me that Cynder, who will be in Oklahoma for her 9th birthday (which falls on July 23rd), was secretly wishing for a surprise birthday party. As all three Johnson kids were scheduled to leave for Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon, time was of the essence. And as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for because at Dancing Rabbit birthday wishes are always granted! Early Saturday morning (at 8:00 a.m.) the entire population of Dancing Rabbit gathered here at our house. Each person reached into the “box of noise,” choosing a tambourine, castanets, kazoo, shakers or drums. Carrying a cake plate with a cupcake the size of Rhode Island for the birthday girl and a few dozen regular cupcakes for the rest of us mere mortals, and our “instruments” we lined up. Led by Thomas on his harmonica, we paraded joyously and noisily to the Johnson house. Up the steps and right to Cynder’s bed we went, where she lay sound asleep and oblivious. Surprise! A few minutes later we reconvened in the Community building, where we all ate cupcakes and declared them the breakfast of champions.

That afternoon Aaron and Annie joined me, Claire and Diane as we canned our first batch of pickled beets of the summer. Into each jar went several fresh cloves of Ironweed garlic, and every single jar sealed, making us feel like a bunch of prairie Martha Stewarts (minus the jail time, of course).

Saturday was Aurelia’s first birthday. Both sets of grandparents were here for the weekend, and all four were positively glowing – it was a delight to watch interact with their beloved grand daughter. Aurelia took it all in stride, happily trying on her new bicycle helmet and sharing her books and blocks with the rest of us. We especially like the scratch ‘n sniff food book – the pizza page is our favorite! Sara and Ted served birthday cake which Aurelia ate with her new tooth, Alyson sang a song she had written for Aurelia, and Mark sang a new version of Paul Simon’s “Cecilia” entitled, aptly, “Aurelia.” We laughed, we cried, and were grateful that we all get to be a small part of Aurelia’s life!

Saturday evening was the Rutledge Ice Cream Social. We feasted on Dorothy Hunolt’s spectacular ice cream and decadent treats baked by community members. Dan brought his guitar, Toby brought his trumpet, and Diane brought her violin. In between bites of ice cream and cake they led a group of Rabbits in song after song. Gary and Bonnie See’s granddaughter was there, dancing as Annie serenaded her. From the look of the donation jar, the Rutledge School Renovation Fund just got a budget increase!

Sunday (which by the way was Canada Day) was Cecil’s birthday. Fortunately for those of us who had over imbibed on cake throughout the week, Cecil is now living in New York. We called as a group and sang “happy birthday” but did no cake eating in his honor. Whew. That evening Brian and Dan continued their 80’s film series, this time screening the director’s cut of Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil.”

Which brings us around to Monday morning, which is when I am writing this. Today is Jennifer’s birthday. She chose to celebrate with a formal breakfast. Fourteen revelers donned their finery (including gloves and pearls) and joined Jennifer for a delicious breakfast of blueberry pancakes, waffles, peach cobbler, strawberries and fried potatoes. Everyone was very elegant and the silverware even matched. I imagine there is more cake in our future, as the day is still young.

In less fattening aspects of life here at Dancing Rabbit, work on The Milkweed Mercantile continues slowly by surely. With temperatures (and humidity) hovering in the 90’s all week, it was hot and sweaty laying block eight feet down in the cistern and basement. Led by the intrepid Chad, the crew, consisting of Bob, Tony a.k.a “Papa Bear,” Thomas, Michelle, Diane, Suzanne, Jacob and Aaron, has been doing a fantastic job, dealing with cave-ins and heat with typical good humor. Most folks worked half days, starting before 7:00 AM. Today the foundation is being dug and more brick will be laid this week. We’re looking forward to having the building appear above ground! Some construction photos from the first week are posted at www.milkweedmercantile.com.

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