Memphis Democrat
October 17, 2002

Congratulations everyone who braved the rain and wind and came by for our Open House. Despite miserable weather, about 75 people showed up for a tour. The farthest traveled award goes to a couple who have been reading this column from California and made their travel plans coincide with the event. The nearest neighbor to show his face award goes to Joe Neese. The best present award goes to the Dillavous who brought us a truckload of tree saplings. Thanks everyone!

Lots of big obvious changes happened this week. Susan and Erik put the roof on their little cabin. Penn and Andra put up the walls of their cabin. It is only about 100 square feet, but has four doors, so additions can easily be built onto it. Skyhouse did the finish plaster on another bedroom, bring the total to three out of six nearly done. Gare plastered the upstairs of the grain bin house, and then left to visit his wife in Ohio for a few weeks.

Larry Ayers brought his portable sawmill and cut some boards from a barn we took down several years ago. They will be used to build the porch/deck on Skyhouse over the next few weeks.

Alline traveled to western Kansas as manager of Community Bookshelf, an online bookstore. There was a bioregional conference and besides selling books she was able to go listen to all the interesting speakers.

The first frost came in with a bang. It was beautiful to step out in the morning and see the sun sparkling on the frost everywhere. We were prepared by a false alarm a few days before, and had much of the delicate things harvested in time.

We are not however prepared to can all of the produce that has been harvested. We are canning more than ever before, to feed more mouths this winter. And we have run completely out of canning jars. If anyone has canning jars to donate or sell we would love to hear about it!

The population is continuing to shrink. Josh and Leah have left to continue their adventures and education. Leah was picked up by her mother, Mary, who lives in Saint Louis and is working on the Jean Carnahan campaign. She reminded us all to exercise our privilege as citizens and vote in November.

Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is a nonprofit and a residential community that demonstrates ecological sustainability in Rutledge, MO. Please call before coming by, 883-5511.

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