Memphis Democrat
September 18, 2003

Hi everyone. This is Alline filling in for Rachel again.

It’s been another busy week at Dancing Rabbit. Rachel’s parents, Stan and Joanne, and her Uncle Phil came for a visit. They had planned their visit around a trip to the world-famous Dog and Gun Auction/Flea Market. Dedicated as mail carriers, even pouring rain couldn’t keep them away and they came home with many bargains.

Sara attended a doula (birthing assistant) workshop in Columbia. She learned a lot and had a really good time. Kurt and I attended the phone company’s big meeting and shindig. While I didn’t come away with the new KitchenAid Mixer that I had my heart set on, it was a really cool way to spend an evening – I love the idea that our phone service is provided by a cooperative. The Rotary Club provided a really good dinner, and it was fun to chat with folks we knew. We especially enjoyed the comedian and his interchange with the folks from Hopkins Lumber.

Cecil continues working on the wiring on Skyhouse. Last week he placed the lighting fixtures in the kitchen and dining room – next comes the drywall! Chad finished the floor upstairs, and it looks bee-yoo-tee-full.

Speaking of building projects, a big thanks to John Matlock of Memphis who donated some doors for use in one of our many building projects.

Tony and Ma’ikwe are attending the board meeting of the Fellowship for Intentional Community, held this time in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Tony was looking forward to seeing our former member Gare and his wife Erin, who live there. Bob Cook, a high school friend of Rachel’s who has been visiting DR for the last couple of years, has finally taken the plunge and moved to Dancing Rabbit this week. He arrived on his recumbent bicycle. Thomas is still off the farm visiting friends and family in the East.

We’re gearing up for the Rutledge Fall Festival (this Saturday, September 20th). Wednesday evening we had a sewing circle and made 60 beanbags. We want there to be plenty to go around when Tony and Penn teach juggling. The special prize ribbons have arrived, we’ve built a cage and secured a chicken for chicken “bingo”, and Susan Wright is baking pies. The kids’ games begin at 10:30 a.m. – hope to see you all there!

Our resident snapping turtle made its annual pilgrimage from the cattail pond across Dancing Rabbit proper to the swimming pond. Unfortunately, we built the common house right smack dab in its path. When the turtle realized that the house couldn’t be moved, he continued slowly on his way, traveling north along the building. We’re glad he figured it out. And speaking of the common house, a pair of white doves has taken up residence. We don’t know what they’ll do when the windows go in, but it’s nice having them around for now.

The Dancing Rabbit Annual Open House will be held Sunday, September 28th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Put it on your calendars – we’ll see you then!

Back to list of Memphis Democrat Columns