Memphis Democrat
September 4, 2003

With the cooler weather and the rain it is starting to feel like fall. Several of our neighbors (Lorraine Kapfer, Nelda and Don Billups, and the Dillavous) called us up and let us pick their extra fall fruit crop. Thank you so much. We hardly grow enough for more than everyone to get a taste. We feel very lucky our neighbors are generous to supply enough fruit to eat, make desserts and can for winter.

Most of us have celebrated the rain. But Skyhouse is in a different situation. They decided to dig out that cistern they were building when those big storms came through earlier this summer. I don't think it rained more than once in the 6 weeks since they had to fill the hole back in. But once they dug it back out, it has been raining ever since. But they were better prepared and laid all the block in just two days. Which meant there were a couple of awfully sore folks walking around.

I returned to school this week at Truman State University, making me feel especially like fall has come. I'm now officially a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in biology. I go to Kirksville three days a week to work as a teaching assistant and attend classes. It's bit hectic trying to live two busy lives at once. But folks here support my decision and always ask when I come home, "What did you learn in school today?" I try to have a funny or interesting tidbit for them.

Sara and Ted are putting in the plumbing in their foundation. The common house has much of its external sheetrock up. It will be covered in stucco, but in the meantime Liberty bought some sidewalk chalk and we had a graffiti party. We livened up the dull gray of the sheetrock with lots of art. Hopefully the rain hasn't washed it all away.

Sara was busy entertaining guests this week. First her friend Kris, who has been here a few times before, stopped in for a visit. Then Sara's parents drove down from Chicago for the weekend. We heard a highlight of their visit was tea at the Milkweeds.

Andra and Nicole joined Laird from Sandhill for the weekend at Twin Oaks Community in Virginia for the Communities Conference. This event allows folks from communities all over the country to get together and also connect up with people seeking a community to live in.

Come to our Open House on Sunday September 28th, 1-4pm. We also have tours the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 1pm (though not September 27th). Please call before coming by, 883-5511.

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