Memphis Democrat
September 11, 2003

Hi everyone. This is Alline filling in for Rachel, who was last seen tracking butterflies in the north pasture.

The big news this week is, are you ready? CHICKENS! Ted and Sara had been planning on having chickens someday, perhaps when their house was done (or even had walls). But when an opportunity presents itself, one really must greet it with gusto, and now they find themselves the proud owners of six hens and two oh-so-proud-and-strutting roosters (the birds came free from a friend of a friend). My favorite moment of last week was this: late in the afternoon of the birds' arrival, Sara came skipping up to a group in the Outdoor Kitchen, HUGE smile on her face, cradling one beautiful, perfect egg in her outstretched hands. A farmer is born! Now that all the chickens have been rounded up into their pen (there were a couple of initial escapees) everyone seems to have settled into a routine. Tamar is sharing chicken duties, and I imagine, egg eating responsibilities.

In other news, our valiant stream team - Tamar, Andra and Rachel - trekked to Kirksville for another day of training. They really like tromping through streams, and I think they feel secretly chic in the fabulous Stream Team t-shirts they get to wear.

The last of the six Skyhouse bedrooms was completed (glowing hardwood floor, incredible natural plaster, sleeping loft...) and Nicole moved from her temporary tent lodging to a luxurious west-facing room. The view is beautiful (it includes chickens) and she's having a great time unpacking her stuff for the first time since she arrived.

A number of Rabbits picked grapes (twice) and apples (once) this week. Lots of grape juice, grape jam and applesauce in our future. Jacque was very excited to find a conjoined apple (two molded into one) while picking apples at Blue Heron Orchard in Canton. Thanks again to everyone who let us pick their fruit - it's really appreciated!

Ma'ikwe and her son Jibran have returned for another extended visit. She has just come back from a stay in India, and has suitcases filled with stories, adventures and beautiful cotton clothing. Jibran spent the time she was away in Albuquerque with his dad, and also has good stories. No new clothes to report, though.

Bluestem Eating Co-op hosted its first dinner guests (me and Kurt - it was sublime!) and its first rotation in the care and feeding of visitors (our new friend Cody). Their kitchen/dining room is quiet, subdued and conducive to conversation - a definite change from the raucous meals served in the OK each evening. It's wonderful having the opportunity to dine with both groups.

Last but not least, get out a pen and put Sunday, September 28th on your calendars. It's our annual Open House, when we open Dancing Rabbit to the public and give (what we think are) really good tours. Tours will include Skyhouse, our new community building, organic gardens, information on biodiesel, prairie restoration and alternative energy and construction. The first tour will begin just after 1:00 p.m., the last at 3:30 p.m. We plan on closing up shop by 4:00, so arriving early is a good idea. We look forward to meeting you all in person!

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