The March Hare: Winter '99
Issue 19

Come see our past issues for lots of Dancing Rabbit information.

Digging in for winter

This is our second winter on Dancing Rabbit land, and the differences between last year and this one are striking. New members have bolstered our numbers, although of course we still miss those that have left us. A biodiesel production area awaits warmer weather and a good supply of oil. Our outdoor kitchen, complete with dinner bell, is currently protected from the elements but looks forward to our 1999 interns and visitors. And now, two cabins look out over the valley on the south side of where town square will one day be!

The cold, short days bring more time for introspection, reflection, and the ever desirable sleep. We've kept working, nonetheless, since we'd like to finish last year's building projects before we begin next year's! Still, many Rabbits had a chance to travel over Thanksgiving and winter holidays, spending time with friends and family and generally returning refreshed. Cecil had the rare experience of being the only person at Dancing Rabbit for several days over Christmas, and enjoyed using the Sawzall in the kitchen very much.

As an official, nonprofit organization, Dancing Rabbit continues to clarify its mission and develop its techniques. With the help of Jacob, our development coordinator, we've successfully sent off our first fundraising mailing, which some of our March Hare readers may have received. It pioneered the use of re-used envelopes as return envelopes, an admittedly labor-intensive technique that still places our principles out front. In a basically unrelated development, Dancing Rabbit has also received two other sizable donations. Some of this money will help us pursue the day-to-day operations of the organization, but we also hope to use some of it to fund an endowment program for future financial stability, and also to build a large and attractive Dancing Rabbit visitor center in 2000.

We had to cope with a succession of car problems, including getting stuck in the ditch, bending a rim, flat tires, and plain ol' refusal to start in the subzero weather. Some of these problems are unavoidable in a winter climate, but others need our attention if the Dancing Rabbit car co-op is going to be useful and attractive to new members.

On the other hand, the clear and cold weather was perfect for ice skating, cross country skiing, and for some winter-coated Rabbits, biking. The leafless trees give a wonderful long-distance view of the countryside that can't be had once spring returns. And, cold weather is a good opportunity to crank up the woodstove in the new cabin and revel in the indoor warmth.

We spent a week in December having a "retreat", a week of intense meetings on topics that affect both Dancing Rabbit and Skyhouse (see story on page 4). We also began welcoming visitors again, both an enjoyable prospect as well as a potential trial given the weather (see story, page 10). Slowing down in the cold has given us a chance to continue more leisurely pursuits, such as art (see story, page 3).

Enjoy the newsletter!