Memphis Democrat
November 25, 2004

Last week I neglected to mention the exciting news that we have a new resident, named Andrew. He got interested in Dancing Rabbit in the course of meeting with others to discuss the book "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn. Having visited us, he became very enthusiastic about living here, and we accepted him as a resident. He's interested in income-sharing and is currently helping out Skyhouse with various projects in exchange for room and board.

Now Andrew's friends Adam and Jessica, from the same "Ishmael" discussion group, are also visiting DR and are considering applying to come in the spring to live here. Maybe we should invite Daniel Quinn to come for a visit!

We are also hosting James, who I hear has lots of cooking and community experience, and Dana with her two-year-old son Egon. I've really enjoyed having a child around here for the past several days, and I heard through the grapevine that all three of them are also considering applying to stay here or come in the spring.

On Sunday we had a very unusual community roof-raising party. Many hands were on deck to help Ironweed (Ted, Sara, and Tamar) hoist their homemade "batts" of insulation up onto the pole rafters of their kitchen structure. First fabric was stretched across the rafters, then the batts were lifted into place. Each batt took at least two people to lift it, so it took all afternoon for the volunteer crew to get the insulation into place along the whole south side of the roof. As dusk fell, Susan appeared out of the shadows passing around her delicious coffeecake, still warm from the oven.

Bob, Stefanie, Thomas, Nicole, Andrew, Jessica and I went in to Zimmermans cafe on Saturday morning for coffee and doughnuts. Thomas and I then crossed the street to the Rutledge Community Center and helped cook and serve breakfast and lunch to the hunters. We enjoy being a part of these benefit events for the Rutledge School Restoration Society. We also had fun talking with Bob Hunolt about the area's history and looking at some of his historic photos and drawings.

Have a great time with your loved ones in this season of giving thanks. We are grateful to be surrounded by so many friendly neighbors, to be living on such a beautiful and fertile earth, and to have each other for support and companionship.

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