Memphis Democrat
October 27, 2005

Day to Day Life
Memphis Democrat Column -- Jacob's Travel Logs

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A full frost looks to be finally on its way this week. Nearly three weeks ago we harvested all the tomatoes, peppers, and other warm season crops and transplants for the greenhouse we wanted to rescue, but then only got a spotty frost-- so in the recent warmer weather we've been harvesting both the ripening fruit that was picked green and a new round of fruit that was too young to take when we did the first frost harvest, but has now ripened on the vine. Tomorrow we'll do a second major, final harvest of the season, but meanwhile we're glad to have benefited from the reprieve, our plants taking the opportunity to mature a bit more fruit, root and seed for our winter use and appreciation.

Tim is orchestrating a series of events and celebrations surrounding his birthday this past Wednesday and Halloween upcoming, the latter being his favorite holiday of the year. The week began with a game of ultimate frisbee beginning at sundown and lasting until the rising full moon was fully on the playing field. Each player wore a glowing light stick collar in one of two colors denoting the two teams, and we played with some LED-lit frisbees. It was great fun, though we found we had to tone down our level of play a little to avoid running into each other with so many fewer visual cues to go on. A good time was had by all participants, and there was a fine cheering section on the trampoline. Some of Tim's ample collection of Halloween supplies have been installed to haunt the common house for the duration of the month, which will certainly add to the ambiance for the upcoming Halloween dance party.

Ironweed finally decided a few weeks ago that there was no conceivable way to get its kitchen finished for use this winter, and has been working on buttoning down its building-in-progress for the season. The last sections of roofing went on, completing its profile in the village skyline. They'll erect the frame for the greenhouse and then call it quits, looking forward to a triumphant homestretch of cobbing, plastering and artistic finishing work come spring.

The last of the rabbits who plan to hunker down here through winter have been securing their warmable spaces of late. Jenn will be giving the trailer a functional and aesthetic makeover, including improved insulation. Andrew will share space with our friends at Red Earth Farms, in the trailer that formerly acted as DR's common house. Both the upstairs and downstairs of the grain bin are to be occupied by new arrivals Ron and Molly, respectively. We're excited to have them joining us, helping our winter culture here grow ever richer.

Sadly we've also seen some departures this week. Long-time resident Nicole departed for southeastern climes. Along with her creative and prolific cooking repertoire, Nicole's unpredictable but wonderful and similarly prolific artistic contributions have enlivened our common spaces and brightened our lives in myriad ways. We are sad to bid her farewell but know she'll be enlivening other lives in other places, and we'll attempt to blunt the loss with hopes of her return. Her final exhibition of Dance Magic Dance will not soon be forgot. We also said goodbye to Ben, Elise, River and Lunea, who will spend the winter in a cabin further south. I loved watching the transition of the children to living closely with lots of people over the course of several weeks, and seeing them warm up and gain confidence. I continue to have a great appreciation for the numerous growing and learning opportunities kids have here and in intentional community generally, with so many adults available as friends and teachers. Ben and Elise both shared some of themselves with us and made good connections, and we hope to keep in touch with them through the winter about the possibility of their return in spring.

I've been quite happy with the successful re-erection of the Milkweed's wind turbine, which brings to three the number of turbines running on the land now, and makes me appreciate all the windy days we get, even if they turn cold this time of year. Can't wait to get another erected down near Ironweed! Closer to ground level, Juan and others helped spread another load of wood mulch on Main Street last week, assuring we'll be in good shape when mud season comes in spring. And finally, Tamar engaged in one of her many talents Sunday night, giving our internal economy a bit of a nudge by hosting a salon night, offering haircuts for pay, barter or trade. Many of us are now looking our best for upcoming family holidays.

The seasons swirl in my head this time of year, with all the leaves twirling as they fall in their splendor of colors. It is a time for reflection on the year ending, and also on the year to come. It is a time for bundled walks on the land to watch Autumn's finale turn quietly to Winter's subdued peace. I'm glad to see the frost come now, a visible reminder of the quieter and slightly more relaxed winter to come, and a chance to recover our strength for another spurt of growth and change to come next year. May all your preparations for winter go well!

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Memphis DemocratOctober 27, 2005

Memphis Democrat
October 27, 2005