Memphis Democrat
November 17, 2005

The cooler weather makes us think about hot and spicy foods we can eat over the winter. Thomas and Amy made koji this week--a fermented rice dish which is the basis for making miso. Ted made another huge batch of Kimchee (fermented cabbage and other vegetables) and Amy and Juan successfully attempted their first batch. They also made mochi, a Japanese rice cake that can be grilled, fried or simmered. I'm looking forward to trying some.

Penn's birthday was on Tuesday and we celebrated with a comedy and music extravaganza including a puppet show by Thomas, and a radio show with hosts Amy and Juan and a distinguished scientific expert who looked a lot like Rowan. After the laugh fest, we had a music jam/singalong. Thanks to Penn's birthday, it was the most highly attended sing-along I've seen here yet.

The grand reorganization of the DR office took place this week. Now that the office will be used by Thorntree shipping in addition to all of it's previous uses, it needed a serious make-over. Sara designed the layout, Tom built some gorgeous office furniture, and Tamar painted it in bright and cheery colors. They did the hard work of moving everything out and putting it all back. It looks incredible--it almost makes you want to work.

Tony got back on Thursday from a conference at LA Ecovillage. Tonight he is going to show us pictures from his trip and to share with us information he learned at a workshop on nonviolent communication.

Juan and Molly spent a day laying down what may have been the last load of mulch on our paths before winter. And Ted scythed some new paths branching off of our old walking trail. We heard a rumor of snow in the forecast this week and Tamar already has her skis dusted off ready to try out the new paths.

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